Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,469, for Philo Lewis, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn Sea Service
Lewis, Philo Charity
N. 20469
CONTENTS

Connecticut 1937
Philo Lewis
of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut who was a Seaman in the U.S. Coast Guard commanded by Captain Parker of the ————— commanded by ————— in the Coast Guard line for State Service 1880
Naval
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 48 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of June 1833 and sent R. G.
Nichols Bridgport Ct
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $ 16.00
Pension allowance ending Sept 33 24.00
$ 130.00
{ Revolutionary Class, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by P. L. Burrack Clerk.
Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 110

Connecticut - 270 -
Chante Lewis widow of Philo Lewis
Conn. who was a pensioner under the Act of June '32 and who died on the 7 November 1836 - of Fairfield in the State of Conn: who was a seaman in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Connecticut line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn: at the rate of 48 — Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & terminating 7 Nov: 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th: — day of February 843 and sent to David Root Stratford Conn:
Arrears to the 4th of Ten annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
red by Clerk — Vol. 1 — Page 193

A new certificate was issued in this case under the dis- -mission of the Atty: Genl: of the 22. Sept: 1842, which was given in consequence of the resolution of Congress of the 16 Augt: 1842.
Recd 25 Sept 43

Philo Lewis Fairfield County Connecticut
Mr.
For the purpose of
Admitted
Seaman 12 months
A. S. Nichols 7th Fairfield County Connecticut

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Philo Lewis Fairfield County Connecticut
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Shiped May 1777 1 - - Seaman Public Armed Ship Oliver Cromwell Capt Harding 74 years New London Connecticut Traditionary evidence certified Credible - Two Witnesses, papers Compt -  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
There is no evidence in the ... with the declaration.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ; ) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service ; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
G. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 that 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Connecticut, } ss. Bridgeport County of Fairfield, }
On this Second day of Novemb. 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford.
now sitting, Philo Lewis a resident of Stratford in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, aged seventy four 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. viz.
In the month of May 1777, at New London in S. State I shipped & entered as a seaman on board the Oliver Cromwell, a public armed ship of War of twenty guns, built & fitted out by the State of Connecticut to cruise against the common enemy then at War against the United States. I think it was the first cruise a Navy said ship ever made & she was commanded by Capt. Seth Harding of Norwich in said State; - Timothy Parker if my memory serves me was this Lieutenant who was also of said Norwich. After her first cruise, I understood that Capt. Harding was promoted to the command of the United States Frigate "The Confederacy" of 36 guns and that said Parker then took the command of the Oliver Cromwell on her 2 nd cruise. My father Sherman Lewis of said Stratford, but long since deceased, shipped on board said Ship Oliver Cromwell at the same time I did, in the character of Prize Master I believe, and he & I started from our home in said Stratford in the forepart of May 1777, travelled about 70 miles to New London, shipped & entered into the public service on board the Oliver Cromwell, and in a few days afterwards, in the same month, set sail & departed in said ship from the Port of New London on a cruise to the British Channel & after we had arrived there & cruised about for several weeks, we fell in with a large British Merchant Ship bound to the City of New York, which was captured by the said Oliver Cromwell together with a valuable cargo on board said Merchant Ship - Capt. Harding then appointed my father Prize Master of said Prize ship & cargo, who took me with him as a seaman, and we both immediately parted with the Oliver Cromwell in said prize ship with orders to take her into the Port of Boston if we could; if not, then to the first port we could make in the United States. After proceeding to the Northern coast of the United States, we fell in with the British Frigate "Amluscade" of 36 guns, Capt. M c Early or Carter, commander, who re-captured, officered & manned our prize, made prisoners of her crew and sent us, in said prize ship, into Halifax where we were committed to a prison on shore & closely confined for several months in company with 4 or 5 hundred other American Prisoners before confined there as prisoners of War. There were about 12 or 15 of our crew on board said prize when we were captured & carried into Halifax, and while there imprisoned, 8 or 10 American prisoners died a day. In the month of Jan y . or Feb y . 1778 several hundred of said prisoners were put on board a large British ship at Halifax which was ordered to transport said prisoners to the City of New York then occupied by the enemy. We departed accordingly bound to New York, and 7 or 8 days after we left Halifax the American prisoners, among whom were my father & myself, rose upon the crew of said transport ship, captured her from the enemy & took her into Salem near Boston. When we arrived at Salem, the ship Oliver Cromwell had got to Boston, and Capt. Harding hearing of our being at Salem, sent a carriage for my father & myself and brought us to Boston where my father was overtaken by a severe fit of sickness which lasted six weeks or more. While he was sick and growing better, I went home on foot to Stratford, about 160 miles

and returned to Boston soon afterwards with a horse & carriage in which latter I conveyed him home to said Stratford, where we arrived in the month of May 1778. Of all the officers of the Oliver Cromwell during said cruise, no one is alive to my knowledge, & I know of no person now living who was in said ship on said cruise, but this I do know, that for one year, as before stated, I served my country faithfully, and endured great hardship & suffering in her cause, without ever receiving any compensation whatever for my services that I can recollect. I have no documents to prove my said service, and no evidence except the depositions hereto annexed of Stephen Lewis & Ephraim Wilcoxson. I was born in said Stratford on the 7th day of July A.D. 1758 which appears by a record kept by my father in his Bible now in my possession, and containing also the dates of the births of his other children. I was brought up in said Stratford and have always made it my home. I have never before applied for or received any pension from the United States, nor from the State of Connecticut.
The said Philo Lewis 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.
Philo Lewis
We Ephraim Wilcoxson a clergyman residing in the town of Stratford and Stephen Lewis residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Philo Lewis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventyfour 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.
Stephen Lewis Ephraim P. Wilcoxson
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 Stephen Lewis who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Stratford and that Ephraim Wilcoxson who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Stratford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Richd. Williams Judge
R. S. Nichols Clerk of the Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Philo Lewis for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of _____ Office, this 2nd day of December 1932.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Richd. Williams Judge of the Court of Pensions in Genl. Stratford has had custody that R. S. Nichols is Clerk of said Court and the above is his deposition alive, further the seal of said Court is hereunto annexed.

State of Connecticut, Stratford in the County of Fairfield.
I Stephen Lewis of said Stratford aged 83 years, do testify that I have been well acquainted with Philo Lewis the within named applicant for a pension from the time of his birth, as his father Sherman Lewis lived a near neighbour to me till he died - That I well remember that in the Spring of 1777 according to my belief, I know it was in the War of the Revolution, the said Sherman Lewis & his son the said Philo went to New London & shipped on board the public armed ship Oliver Cromwell, the said Sherman as prize master & the said Philo as a seaman, as stated in the foregoing declaration of the said Philo which has been read to me, and that they were both gone from their home in said Stratford about one year in said public service and when they came home they told the story of their services as stated in said declaration and it was the general understanding in our neighbourhood that they had both been in the service of the State & United States as stated in said declaration. I also perfectly recollect that the said Sherman Lewis came home sick at the end of his years service. The said Philo was born in Stratford & should then this age is about 74 years as stated by him, and I have always considered him a man of good character for truth & that is his general character. A few years ago he was appointed a Colonel of the militia of this State, & served in that capacity a considerable time to the general approbation of the public. In short I have no reason to doubt any part of the statement made in his foregoing declaration, but believe the same to be true. - Witness my hand this 2 nd day of November A. 1832. -
Stephen Lewis
Sworn to and subscribed in Court
Attest R. S. Nichols, Clerk
I Ephraim J. Wilcoxson of Stratford aforesaid aged 71 years this month do testify that I have heard read the foregoing deposition & statement of facts made by Stephen Lewis, and also the declaration of Philo Lewis herein made to obtain a pension, and believe the facts stated therein to be true. I have been acquainted with the said Philo ever since he was a boy, & was well acquainted with his father Sherman Lewis until he died - recollect their going in the public armed ship called the Oliver Cromwell, in the Spring of the year 1777, their having been gone about a year, & coming home in the Spring of the following year, about their being captured by the enemy & carried into Halifax, confined there as prisoners of war &c as stated in the foregoing declaration of the said Philo and neither I nor my neighbours as I believe, ever doubted the truth of their statement. The said Philo commanded a Regiment of the militia of this State in the last War against Great Britain - I fully agree with Mr. Stephen Lewis in the statement he has made in his deposition above written. Witness my hand this 2 nd day of November 1832 -
Ephraim J. Wilcoxson
Sworn to & subscribed in Court
Attest R. S. Nichols, Clerk

District of Shalford. April 2 - 1838
I allow William Judge of the court of Berkshire for the District of Shalford in 4 poor Law Union County of Berkshire to have the privilege that the without before named witnesses to wit Stephen Gaines & William J. Wilcox are both creditable witnesses & that their character for truth & honesty are good
William Judge

390
Charity Lewis widow of Philo.
Con.
abt 7 July, 38
years.
married in 1781.
about
12 mo seaman
48
widow died
Nov. 7 th 1836. Her
son: commenced on
8 Nov. 1836.
Isaac Sherman Bridgeport Con.

State of Connecticut, ss. Bridgewater County of Litchfield On this 10 th day of August A D 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Shatsfield in the county and State aforesaid Present at Shatsfield Charity Lewis, aged 75 years who being first duly sworn according to law Toth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows
That she is the Widow of Philo Lewis who was a private in the Revolutionary War in the Continental Army and was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 1832 and to his papers at Washington She refers for the correct proof of his service in the War of the Revolution
She further declares that she was married to the said Philo Lewis on the twenty fourth day of May One thousand Seven hundred and eighty one that her husband the aforesaid Philo Lewis died on the 7 th of November A D 1836 of fever that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January

Seventeen hundred and ninety four, in at the time above stated
Charity her Lewis
Sworn to, and subscribed on the mark day and year first above written.
Before me Hanson Hamlin Judge Attest Ira Sherman Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant, is the Widow of Philo Lewis a Revolutionary Soldier and who served as the States.
Hanson Hamlin Judge Attest Ira Sherman Clerk
I Ira Sherman Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the Widow Charity Lewis for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 10 th day of August 1858 Ira Sherman Clerk
Charity Lewis 21 East

I Alanson Hamlin Judge of the Court of probate aforesaid certify that Isaac Sherman is Clerk of said Court, that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine with the seal of said Court, thereunto annexed. Alanson Hamlin Judge
State of Connecticut } ss Bridgeport (County of Fairfield) I Isaac Sherman Clerk of the probate Court in and for the District of Stratford in said County and State aforesaid hereby certify that Isaac Sherman and one Justices of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified that their commissions will expire on the 20th of June 1839 and that their signatures to the depositions of Lewis H Russell & Everett Lewis are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court This 17 day of August 1838 Isaac Sherman Clerk

Everett Lewis of the Town of Bridgeport in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut is 38 years of age Deponent and Saith that he is a Son of Philo & Charity Lewis of Stratford in said County and that said Philo Lewis died of fever at said Stratford on the 7 day of November 1836 and that he left a Widow by the name of Charity who is now a resident of said Stratford and has not married since his death and that said Philo Lewis was a Cousin of the United States; under Act of June 7 1832 on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency
Everett Lewis
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield Ss. Bridgeport August 17 1838 Personally appeared Everett Lewis and Subscribed and made oath to the truth of the above assertion before me who I certify is a Competent Witness, Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace

I Alanson Hamblin Judge of the Court of probate aforesaid certify that Ira Sherman is Clerk of said Court, that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine with the seal of said Court, this etc. annexed. Alanson Hamblin Judge
State of Connecticut } ss Bridgewater (County of Hartford) } I Ira Sherman Clerk of the probate Court in and for the District of Hartford in said County and State aforesaid hereby certify that Dear Brooks Deane Sherman and one Justus of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified that their commissions will expire on the 20th of June 1839 and that their signatures to the depositions of Lewis H. Russell & Everett Lewis are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 17 day of August 1838 Ira Sherman Clerk

State of Connecticut } ss Fairfield County }
Stratford July 31. 1888
I Lewis H Russell of the Town of Stratford in the County and State aforesaid. do certify that it appears from the records of said Town of Stratford of which I have the custody. that Philo Lewis and Charity Curtis were joined in marriage May 24 th 1781 and that their marriage is recorded therein in the words and figures following viz. Philo Lewis and Charity Curtis were joined in marriage May twenty fourth One thousand seven hundred and eightyone. I certify the above to be a true extract from the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in four Arabic figures as follows "Philo Lewis and Charity Curtis were joined in marriage May 24 th 1781 -
I Lewis H Russell above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me Lewis H Russell
Clerk of the Town of Stratford aforesaid.
Sworn before me David Brooks Justice of Peace

August 3 , 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr.T.H. Lewis Hotel Allen Allentown, Pennsylvania
BA-J/ady Philo Lewis W.20469
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request another record of Philo Lewis, W.20469, Revolutionary War soldier, whose record was furnished you January 23, 1928, because you forwarded that record to your daughter.
The record of that soldier is given as found in the pension claim based upon his services in the Revolutionary War.
Philo Lewis, son of Sherman Lewis, was born July 7, 1758 in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Early in May 1777 Philo Lewis and his father, both then residents of Stratford, Connecticut, travelled to New London, Connecticut, and entered service on board the "Oliver Cromwell", Captain Seth Harding, said Philo Lewis as a seaman and his father as a prizemaster, and while in the British Channel, they captured a large merchant ship, on which said Sherman Lewis was appointed Prizemaster by Captain Seth Harding, and on which ship said Philo Lewis went as a seaman with his father, with orders to take the prize to Boston, or the first home port they could make, but off the northern coast, the prize ship was captured by the British Frigate "Ambuscade" and the crew, including Philo Lewis and his father, made prisoners, taken to Halifax and confined for several months. In January or February 1778, Philo Lewis and his father, with several hundred other prisoners, were put on a British Transport to be sent to New York and when seven or eight days out, the prisoners, said Philo and his father with them, rose against the crew of the transport, captured it and took it to Salem, near Boston, and Philo Lewis and his father finally reached home in May 1778.
In 1832, it was stated that Philo Lewis commanded a Regiment of Connecticut Militia in the "last war" with Great Britain.

He was allowed pension on account of his services in the Revolutionary War, on his application executed November 2, 1832 while residing in Stratford, Connecticut.
He died November 7, 1836 in said Stratford.
He married May 24, 1781 in Stratford, Connecticut, Charity Curtiss. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 10, 1838 while living in Stratford, Connecticut, aged seventy-five years.
Their son Everitt Lewis was aged thirty-eight years in 1838 and living in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the services of Sherman Lewis, and the name Philo Lewis appears only once.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

604266000-270.
Charity Lewis widow of Philo Lewis deceased
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 32 and who died on the 7 Nov r 1836 of Yarmouth in the State of Connecticut who was a Seaman in the — commanded by Captain Parker of the — commanded by — in the Com d line for 12 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 48 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 8th day of November  1st day of March 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Sept r 38 and said to be Isaac Sherman, Bridgeport, Conn t
Arrears to the 14th of Sept r $120.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 24 00
$144.00
{ Act July 7, { 1838. }
Recorded by R Burdine Clerk Book A Vol. 1. - Page 193
See to Maria Brachas Jan'y 9. '43

645 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Penna.
May 4, 1935.
Mr. A. D. Hiller, Asst. to Administrator Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I take this liberty to express to you my great appreciation of your letter of August 3, 1934. I should have acknowledged it promptly but, unfortunately, I met with a very serious accident which required my being in the hospital for many months.
To aid me in completing a family history, I am writing to ask if the records of Philo Lewis show any particular services in the Revolutionary Army, other than a general statement of services, and would it be possible, if I desired it, to obtain a photo static copy of his application for a Revolutionary pension, and, if so, what the cost of obtaining the latter would be.
In completing his family history, I am also incorporating some Revolutionary and War of 1812 data of the State of Connecticut, and would ask if your department, or some other department, has a record of extraordinary services in the American Revolution, or War of 1812, wherein there was presented a sword, medal, or special commendation, and also of the same for services in the Navy, or other sea service, with a brief history of the name and services rendered by the recipients.
I would appreciate very much any assistance you could give me on the various questions asked.
Yours very truly,
A handwritten signature in cursive, reading "T. H. Lewis".
T. H. Lewis
THL:D

645 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Penna., May 18, 1935.
Mr. A. D. Hiller, Asst. to Administrator, Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Referring to letter sent you on the 3rd inst., of which I am enclosing a copy, I would appreciate very much if you would be able to furnish me the information desired as early as convenient, as I wish to incorporate it in an historical record I am preparing.
Thanking you for your cooperation
Yours very truly,
T. H. Lewis
THL:D

(COPY)
645 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Penna., May 3, 1935.
Mr. A. D. Hiller, Asst. to Administrator, Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
BA-JWady Philo Lewis W.20469
Dear Sir:
I take this opportunity to express to you my great appreciation of your letter of August 3, 1934. I should have acknowledged it promptly but, unfortunately, I met with a very serious accident which required my being in the hospital for many months.
In completing some family history I am writing to ask if the records of Philo Lewis show any particular services in the Revolutionary Army other than a general statement of services and would it be possible, if I desired it, to obtain a photo static copy of his application for a Revolutionary Pension and, if so, what the cost of obtaining the latter would be?
In completing this family history I am also incorporating some Revolutionary and 1812 War data of the State of Connecticut, and would ask if your Dept., or some other dept., have a record of any extraordinary service in the American Revolution, or War of 1812, wherein there was presented a sword, medal, or special commendation, and also of the same for services in the Navy, or other sea service, with a brief history of the name and services rendered by the recipients.
I would appreciate very much any assistance you could give me on the various questions asked.
Yours very truly,
THL:D
(Signed) T. H. Lewis
12- OR 24

May 29, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. T. H. Lewis 645 Hamilton Street Allentown, Pennsylvania
PHILO LEWIS W. 20469 BA-J/MLHF:MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letters of May 4 and May 18, in which you request more detailed information in regard to Philo Lewis, also, a report on the cost of photostatic copies of papers in the pension claim, W. 20469, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War, and further, any Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data pertaining to extraordinary services rendered during those wars by soldiers of Connecticut in the army or navy, for which rewards may have been granted.
When the record of Philo Lewis was furnished you in 1928 and October 19, 1931, the papers in the above-named pension claim were examined carefully and the facts shown therein were incorporated in those reports, as pertained to his service, residences, family, etc. The declaration made by the soldier contained very few dates, but was interesting, however, as shown in the reports.
Photostatic copies of the papers on file in said claim will be furnished you at the rate of twenty-five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is thirteen. Remittance should be made by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States.
Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension which have been made to the United States based upon service in those wars, which claims are filed alphabetically according to the full names of the soldiers, regardless of any historical facts which might be recorded therein. You will see, therefore, that such historical data as might interest you are not available from those claims. Even though hundreds of them might be read, the search perhaps would be fruitless.

It is suggested that State Historical Societies might have information of interest to you in your research.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Copied from M.M.H. J. hist. Jan. 23-1928.
Washington October 19, 1931.
BA-J/ADY
Mrs. John Madsen, 765 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one Philo Lewis, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.20469, based upon his military service in that war.
Philo Lewis, son of Sherman Lewis, was born July 7, 1758 in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Early in May 1777 Philo Lewis and his father, both then residents of Stratford, Connecticut, travelled to New London, Connecticut and entered service on board the "Oliver Cromwell", Captain Seth Harding, said Philo Lewis as a seaman and his father as a prizemaster, and while in the British Channel, they captured a large merchant ship, on which said Sherman Lewis was appointed prizemaster by Captain Seth Harding, and on which ship said Philo Lewis went as a seaman with his father, with orders to take the prize to Boston, or the first home port they could make, but off the northern coast, the prize ship was captured by the British Frigate "Ambuscade" and the crew, including Philo Lewis and his father, made prisoners, taken to Halifax and confined for several months.
In January or February 1778, Philo Lewis and

his father, with several hundred other prisoners, were put on a British Transport to be sent to New York and when seven or eight days out, the prisoners, said Philo and his father with them, rose against the crew of the transport, captured it and took it to Salem, near Boston, and Philo Lewis and his father finally reached home in May 1778.
In 1832 it was stated that Philo Lewis commanded a Regiment of Connecticut Militia in the "last war" with Great Britain.
He was allowed pension on account of his services in the Revolutionary War, on his application executed November 2, 1832 while residing in Stratford, Connecticut.
He died November 7, 1836 in said Stratford.
He married May 24, 1781 in Stratford, Connecticut, Charity Curtiss. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 10, 1838 while living in Stratford, Connecticut, aged seventy-five years.
Their son Everitt Lewis was aged thirty-eight years in 1838 and living in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the services of Sherman Lewis, and the name Philo Lewis appears only once, (and his history furnished herewith.)
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

January 23, 1928
T. H. Lewis % Hotel Allen Allentown, Penna.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 80469 it appears that Philo Lewis, son of Sherman Lewis, was born July 7, 1758 in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Early in May 1777, said Philo Lewis and his father, both then residents of Stratford, Connecticut, travelled to New London, Connecticut and entered service on board the "Oliver Cromwell", Captain Seth Harding, said Philo Lewis as a seaman and his father as a prizemaster, and while in the British Channel, they captured a large merchant ship, on which said Sherman Lewis was appointed prizemaster by Captain Seth Harding, and on which ship said Philo Lewis went as a seaman with his father, with orders to take the prize to Boston, or the first home port they could make, but off the northern coast, the prize ship was captured by the British Frigate "Ambuscade" and the crew, including Philo Lewis and his father, made prisoners, taken to Halifax and confined for several months.
In January or February 1778, Philo Lewis and his father,

with several hundred other prisoners, were put on a British transport to be sent to New York and when seven or eight days out, the prisoners, said Philo and his father with them, rose against the crew of the transport, captured it and took it to Salem, near Boston, and Philo Lewis and his father finally reached home in May 1778.
In 1832 it was stated that Philo Lewis commanded a Regiment of Connecticut Militia in the "last war" with Great Britain.
He was allowed pension on account of his services in the Revolutionary War, on his application executed November 2, 1832 while residing in Stratford, Connecticut. He died November 7, 1836 in said Stratford.
He married May 24, 1781 in Stratford, Connecticut, Charity Curtiss. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 10, 1832 while living in Stratford, Connecticut aged seventy-five years.
Their son Everitt Lewis was aged thirty-eight years in 1832 and living in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the services of Sherman Lewis, and the name Philo Lewis appears only once, and his history furnished herewith.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

June 16th, 1934.
Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Pensions.
Attention-Commissioner.
My dear Sir-
During the month of January, 1928, your Department upon my request most kindly favored me with a detailed memorandum of the request made by a direct relation of mine Philo Lewis, my Great Grandfather for a pension as a Soldier of the Revolution. This information which was very complete I latter sent to a Daughter living abroad who was greatly interested as I was in having it.
I am writing to ask if at the convenience of the Department a duplicate copy could be made for me for which I would greatly appreciate. In addition to this information as sent me earlier would it be possible to have a photograph made of the original application for pension and if so what would the charge be for same.
With thanks and appreciation to the Department for the earlier courtesy extended to me as well as this one now applied for, I am,
Yours very truly.
T.H. Lewis T.H. Lewis

Tour Beautiful Historic and Scenic Pennsylvania Thousands of miles Paved Roads and Modern Hotels
ALLEN European Plan GER E. HEIMBACH, Mgr. ALLENTOWN, PA.
Letter of Jan. 23rd. 1928.
Referring-
Rev. 1812
United States
Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Pensions.
War pension claim.W". 20.469
Philo Lewis.
Letter signed Winfield Scott.
Commissioner.

MRS. JOHN MADSEN 765 HAMILTON AVENUE PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA
October 2, 1931.
Veterans Administration, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Revolutionary War Section.
Gentlemen:
Please be kind enough to furnish me with all information you have regarding
Philo Lewis of Connecticut, who is on record as having applied for pension in 1832, according to Connecticut Military Record.
Also, if you have any record of any other Philo Lewis, kindly give me information regarding him.
Thanking you for the service, I am
Yours very truly,
 Jessie Brownell Madsen (Mrs. John Madsen.)

HOTEL ALLEN European Plan ELMER E. HEIMBACH, Mgr. ALLENTOWN, PA.
Tour Beautiful Historic and Scenic Pennsylvania! Thousands of miles Paved Roads and Modern Hotels.
Referring-Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
February 9th. 1928.
Hon. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir.
I desire to express to you my great appreciation of your full letter giving me the record taken I presume from the pension application of Philo Lewis for a pension arising from service during the Revolutionary War. He was my Great, Great Grandfather and I am very pleased to have the record which your full letter so kindly gave and which I had never heard mentioned in the family.
Your letter in detail was most painstaking and the courtesy of your Department in digging into the records on file and furnishing the information so soon after request from me certainly is deserving of much credit and I am glad indeed to thank your Department and you personally. I beg to remain,
Yours very truly,
J. H. Lewis

HOTEL ALLEN European Plan ELMER E. HEIMBACH, Mgr. ALLENTOWN, PA.
Your Beautiful Historic Pennsylvania!
November 26th. 1927.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington. D. C.
Dear Sir-
I am enclosing a letter sent to the Adjutant General United States Army . His Department very kindly furnished me with what information its files showed and suggested that your Department might be able to supplement same.
It was anything in the way of general information as to the services of Philo Lewis that I desired and if your files give anything in that direction I should greatly appreciate a copy of same. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy,
Yours very truly,
My address is care of above Hotel my residence.

T. H. LEWIS 645 HAMILTON STREET ALLENTOWN, PA.
Nov. 18, 1927.
The Adjutant General, United States Army, Washington, D.C.
Sir:
In an application made by me for membership in the Sons of the Revolution, mention is made of the following:
"Philo Lewis was Lt. Connecticut Militia War 1812. Was pensioner see Adjutant General Report American Revolution Page 650.
Charity Lewis, wife of Philo Lewis Pensioner See Adjutant General's Report Page 662.
(Authority) Adjutant General's Report American Revolution, See Page 212."
Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the reports referred to in the different instances mentioned, and if there is any fee for the service, I should be very glad, indeed, to remit, on receipt of advices from your dept. There is also mention made of his services in the War of the Revolution, as follows: "Private in Company, Capt. Levenworth Enlisted Dec. 11, 1776 Discharged March, 1783."
If you have on file records of his service other than

Sheet 2
the above reference, I should be pleased to have an extract of same, for which I will be pleased to pay for any charges.
I beg to remain
Yours very truly,
Received A. G. O. NOV 28 1927
THL:D
RECEIVED NOV 21 1927 OLD RECO DS DIVN.
U.S. OFFICE NOV 28 1927

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
1928-Jan. 23-Recd. to J. H. Lewis
1931 Oct. 19- Hist. to Mrs. John Madison, N.Y.
1934 Aug. 3- Hist. again furn. J. H. Lewis, N.Y.
1935 May 29- J. H. Lewis rec. cost of photos etc. - mss.
File No. 20469
Charity Lewis
Wid. of
Philo Lewis
Seaman Rev. here
Act: July 7, 1838
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 30
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Thilo Lewis son: act. 7 June when last p d? G. M.
10. Sept. 38.
Died 7 th Nov 1836 point to that period J.H.

Chasty Lewis (Mr. act) July 38 - when commanded. 30 Nov. 42
G.M.C.
8 th Nov 1836
SA
(Quar)
" " 4 " "

Charity Lewis. Con:
amt 9. July 38.
484
from March 36 to 7 Nov. 36.
David Brooks Esq. Shalford Con.

State of Connecticut } ss. Stratford Dec. 12. A.D. 1842 Fairfield County }
On this Twelfth day of December A.D. 1842 personally appeared before me John Goulding justice of the Peace in & for said County at Fairfield. Charity Lewis widow of Philo Lewis who being sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain a record of pension; That she is the widow of the s d Philo Lewis who was a pensioner up to the day of his death which took place on the 8 th of Nov. 1836 & she now claims pension from the 4 th of March 1836 to the 8 th of Nov. 1836 at the rate of 48 dollars per annum.
Signed & sealed in presence of Chiel Curtis Sorinda Dorman
her Charity Lewis mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year first above written I certify that the declarant is the widow of Philo Lewis & was a pensioner as she has stated & is a respectable & credible person.
John Goulding Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } ss. Stratford Feb. 13 th 1843 Fairfield County }
I David Brooks Jr. Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford in said Fairfield County do hereby certify that John Goulding is a Justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned and qualified. That his commission will expire in June 1843. and that his signature to the above Document or Declaration of Charity Lewis for pension of Pension is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of said Court the 13 th day of February A.D. 1843. David Brooks Jr. Clerk.

Nov 30. 42
FREE
Mr. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

D.L.
Stafford Nov. 28 th 1842
I trust you will pardon me for taking the liberty of making some enquiry, relative to the claims of certain Widows, who were pensioned for 5 years for services rendered, by their deceased husbands - I should not have taken the liberty to trouble you on the subject at this time, had it not been for a communication recently rec d by Charity Lewis, Widow of Philo Lewis, del d , under date of Washington Nov. 15 th 1842, stating, that her name had been found on a printed List of pensioners, under the act of 1838 - & that although this list had expired by limitation, it was thought, that her claim for a continuance of her Pension, would be established - As there are several Widows, in this Town similar situated with Mrs. Charity Lewis. I have been solicited by them, to make enquiry, whether, any act of being up-posed in existence whereby they can in any manner or shape, be placed on the Pension List - The names of the Widows who were pensioned in this town for 5 years, and are still living, are Dorothy Benjamin. Widow of Aaron Benjamin - Helen Birdsey. Widow of Shaddai Birdsey - Abigail Thompson. Widow of John Thompson - Charity Lewis, Widow of Philo Lewis - Sally Carter. Widow of Joel Carter - & the Widow of Zachary Blackman - Any information you may communicate on the subject will be thankfully rec d by the Old Ladies. I will also remain, Sir
Yrs Servt -
David Brooks
Hon d J. L. Edwards Committee of Pensions Washington D.C.

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield Bridgeport
Isaac Edwards Esq Comm r . of Pensions
Sir I send you the Pension Application of the Widow Charity Lewis of Stratford you will please send her Certificate to me
Yours Respectfully Isaac Sherman

Dec 20. 42
Ct.
Chairity Lewis.
18 3/4
Hon. J. G. Edwards.
Commission of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir
Stratford Dec. 16 th 1842
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Yours of the 12 th inst. on the subject of Widow Charity Lewis, claim- ing arrears of a Pension due her - previous to the receipt of your letter - Mrs Lewis had proceeded to make out her claim for arrears of a Pension due her, which I now enclose, & whatever sum may be found due her - you please forward a certificate, under hand to me -
Respectfully Yours
Wm Lloyd
Eliza Brooks
Hon. J. L. Edwards - } Commission of Pensions } Washington D.C. }