Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29915, for Shadrach Hurlburt, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn Continental
Heurlburt Shadrach or Shadrach
S. 29915
CONTENTS

32.309
Massachusetts
Shadrack Hurlbut
of Berkshire in the State of Mass a who was an Ensign in the Company commanded by Captain Wilcox of the commanded by Colo Hay in the Mass a line for 2 years (comm n + Continental) Issued from #1441
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of $24.00 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. + Paid 12 in Feby 1850.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Jan y 1852 and sent to Thos Campbell Present
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. Mackland Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 37

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Berkshire ss. }
Know all men by these presents that I Simeon Hurlbut of Hancock, do authorize, constitute and appoint Lyman Mason Esq. of Boston and county of Suffolk, my true and lawful attorney to prosecute any claim I may have upon the General Government of the United States by virtue of the services of my father Shadrach Hurlbut deceased as an artificer in the war of the revolution; and of an increase of pension due to him as such artificer, and the said Lyman Mason is hereby authorized to take all necessary proper and legal steps in the prosecution of said claim in my behalf, in the same manner as I would for myself.
Witness my hand and seal this thirtieth day of July, 1831.
Signed and delivered in my presence — Henry Hubbard.
Simeon Hurlbut

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Berkshire } }
I Francis D. Farley Register of Probate of said county. do certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me that Shadrach Hurlbut late of the town of Pittsfield in said county was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of one hundred and forty-four dollars per annum that he died on the twelfth day of Feb. 1850. That he left no widow now living. and that he left one child only whose name is Simeon Hurlbut. of full age and now living.
I further certify that Reuben Hawkins has been appointed Administrator on the estate of the said Shadrach Hurlbut deceased.
In testimony whereof. I have caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed this Twelfth day of July. 1857 Francis D. Farley. Register of Probate.

25.857. Shadrach Burleigh. Application for Pension of Pittsfield Mass ts alt 7. June '32
Rolls Paymaster Co
23 Sept 1777
3 years
adm d 2 yrs artificer 144
Hon: J Rockwell Pittsfield Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire — }
On this Second day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & Forty Four, personally appeared in open court before The Honorable William P. Walker Judge of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire Thaddeus West West resident of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Eighty Six years, Who being Conscientiously Scrupulous of taking an oath, and being duly and solemnly affirmed according to Law doth on his affirmation make the following declaration in order to ob- tain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That his first period of service was for the term of six months, for which time he enlisted as a volunteer, in a company commanded by Captain Edward Ellis who was the recording officer in the month of July 1776 - at Middletown then in Hartford County, State of Connecticut, at which place the said West then resided. That during the time of this enlist- ment he served under General Wadsworth, Colonel Comfort Sage of said Middletown, Major Solomon Root of Norwich, Lieut. Colonel Giles Russell, Adjutant Samuel Johnson of Middletown 1 st Lieut. Phelps, 2 d Lieut. Hubbard, Orderly Joseph Spaulding of Berlin. That he served for the whole six months as a Musician & fifer and that his pay was at the rate of Forty Five Shillings per month.

That the Troops, in which this service was performed were called & known as the "New Series". Immediately after his enlistment he marched to New Haven, and from thence proceeded by Water to the City of New York, and thence to Governors Island. He remained at the Island six weeks. While there, the British had possession of Long Island, and in the middle of August brought their force, to the shore opposite the Island and commenced a Cannonade upon the fort. That he and the American Troops, left the Island under the fire of the enemy, and went to New York. While in the City, his company was station- ed in the trenches near the City, to prevent the land- ing of the enemy from the "Asia" a British Man of War, which was afterwards joined by five other ships of War. That on several occasions they were exposed to the fire from these ships, and finally retreated from the City to Harlem Heights, at Harlem Heights an attack was made upon the Troops by the British forces, who were driven back by the Americans. From Harlem Heights he retreated with the army from one encampment to another, to White Plains. At White Plains a general engagement took place between the British and American forces, in which the British were driven back, this engagement was near the last of September. From White Plains he retreated with the American forces to a place called Krump Pond. At Krump Pond he remained until the term of his enlistment expired, and from thence returned to Middletown, the company having been all discharged on New Years Morning A.D. 1777 - He had no written discharge -
That his second period of service commenced

in the month of April 1777. at the time of the burning of Puckskill village, in case of an alarm. At this time he was drafted as a musician and served under Captain Brown of Middletown, and Lieut. Giles Meigs. He marched from Middletown to Puckskill and remained there with his Company six weeks at which time the period of his service ended & he returned home. He had no written discharge from this service -
That his third period of service commenced in the month of October 1777, when he enlisted at Middletown for three years service, as a Shoemaker and Harness-maker under Captain Darius Wilson of Wallingford, in a Regiment composed entirely of Artificers and Mechanics, raised for the use of the Continental Army, & commanded by Colonel Sydney Bay. Major Ebenezer Peabody of Wallingford & Master Master Henry Rutgers. From Middletown he went to Danbury & from thence to Fishkill, where a part of said Regiment was stationed, the other part being stationed at West Point. He lived most of the time in the officers' quarters and waited upon the officers. He served for nearly the whole three years, and was discharged at Fishkill in the Summer of 1780 as an invalid and returned home. That he was discharged from this last service by a written discharge which was signed by Col. Bay, but which he has lost. That his pay during this service was at the rate of Five Pounds & Four Shillings per month lawful money -
The said Hulbert further declares that he was born in Farmington Wallingford County Connecticut on the tenth day of May A.D. 1758 -

That he has no record of his age, and knows of no record extant. That he has resided in the town of Pittsfield for the space of sixty two years, and that previous to his residence in Pittsfield he resided in Richm d Massachussetts, and previous to his residence in Richm d he resided in Reading Connecticut & previous to his residence in Reading he resided in Middletown aforesaid - That he received no written discharge except the one signed by Col. May abovementioned and which is now lost. That he refers to William Williams, James D. Colt, Samuel Pomeroy and Ezekiel R. Colt, of Pittsfield and Joseph Treadwell and Henry W. Bishop of Lenox as persons to whom he is known & who can testify as to his character for veracity and as to their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
That he has for many years been aware that he was entitled to a pension under the law of 1832 but that the United Society, commonly called Shakers, to which he belongs, have heretofore had conscientious scruples, upon the subject of applying for pensions as a remuneration for services rendered in war - but that circumstances have transpired which have induced a change of opinion among the members of that Society on the subject of pensions - and for this reason he now applies for the first time - That he knows of no person now living whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services - and that he has no documentary evidence of any kind now in his possession.
He 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 Shadrach Hurlbert affirmed according to law to be true and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me, William P. Walker Judge of Probate
We William Deming an Ephraim and Elder in the United Society commonly called Shakers residing in the town of Hancock in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Reuben Hawkins residing the town of Pittsfield and County aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Shadrach Hurlbert who has subscribed & affirmed to the truth of the above declarations. That we believe him to be eighty six years of age. That he is respected & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier in the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion & that we are both scrupulously conscientious of taking an oath.
Affirmed according to law to be true and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Wm Deming Reuben Hawkins
subscribed and affirmed according to law to be true, this fourth day of October A.D. 1844.
Before me, William P. Walker Judge of Probate
The erasure of the two lines above the signatures of William Deming and Reuben Hawkins was made before they signed - W. P. Walker J. Probate

And I the said William P. Walker Judge of Probate within & for the County of Berkshire, do hereby declare my opinion, after putting the interrogation prescribed by the War Department, and after the investigation of the matter, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and I do further certify that it appears to me that the William Dimmery who has signed the preceding certificate is an Ephraite & elder in the United Society of Shakers resident in the town of Hancock and that Reuben Hawkins is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
William P. Walker.
I Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate within & for the County of Berkshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court of Probate in the matter of the application of Shadrach Hubbard for a pension.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court of Probate this second day of October A.D. 1844 And I have also caused the ends of the piece of tape, which connects these several papers together to pass under the Seal of said Court. Henry W. Bishop

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss. October 2 d A.D. 1844
Then personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace within & for the County aforesaid. Shadrach Westcott who being conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath & being duly affirmed deposes & states that by reason of Old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot state positively as to the precise length of his services but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades. For seven months and two weeks, he served as a Unitarian. For two years and Eleven months. He served as a private in a Regiment of volunteers.
Shadrach Westcott
Subscribed & affirmed to be true according to Deed this 2 d Day of October A.D. 1844
Before me James D. Bolt 2 d Justice of the Peace
pay was at the rate of Forty Five Shillings per Month

"James D. Colt 2 d Justice of the Peace" Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Berkshire ss.
I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County aforesaid do hereby Certify That James D. Colt 2 d is a Justice of the Peace in said County duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the Third day of February 1844 and will expire on the Third day of February 1851 and that his signature above written as well as his signature to deposition of John Lewis Stone hereto annexed is genuine.
Given under my hand & the seal of the said Court this Second day of October A.D. 1844.
Charles Sedgwick Clerk

Comptroller's Office
Hartford, Conn. 31 Aug. 1814.
On application for evidence of the service of Shadrack Murbul in the War of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office relating to that War, and Certify as follows, —
That no Payroll has been found of Cap. Edward Ellis his Company in which he is said to have served — But find that he is charge in the "Pay Table" Book, 25 June 1776, "To order on Treasurer in Acct. for his C o £580." And in "Marshalls Receipts", under head of "The United States L s To the State of Connecticut for Sundry Expenditures, &c. &c. to the Troops of the United States in Service in 1776 &c", — this entry,
  "Date.  Pay & Accounts.  Remarks.  Amnt. paid in Specie.    1787 Sep. 13  — Cap. Edward Ellis —  Sages Reg t '76 —  £385. 1. 9 d .  
No Pay Roll of a Cap. Brown is found, of a Company in 1777. But in the "Pay Table" Day Book, under date of 25 June 1777 are these entries;
  "Cap. Silv s Brown —  Chandlers Batt n .  L s .    To Cash paid you by Col s Chandler in Acct s this State's Bounty   £600."    and "Cap t Silv s Brown —  Chandlers Batt n .  L s .    To 11 Blankets & 2 Knapsacks furnished by the S. M. of Hebron  }  10.8.0 d    for use of his Company M c Entoch's regt.  
Aburrough, Comptroller

I Zebulon Stow, of Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age on oath depose and say that I am sixty nine years of age, that I was born in Middle- town in the State of Connecticut and am acquaint- ed with Shadrach Hullcutt of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire. That I married Hannah Spencer of said Middlestown a daughter of Samuel Spencer of said Middlestown who was a tanner Shoemaker by trade. My said wife Hannah died on the second day of May A.D. 1837. I do not remember Shadrach Hullcutt at Middlestown. I had no particular acquaintance with Samuel Spencer's family until some years after the revolution as to know who were the inmates of his family, I was married in the year 1800. I have heard my wife say previous to her death, that Shadrach Hullcutt was an apprentice to her father Samuel Spencer in the shoemaking trade, that he served as such apprentice for the term of six years and at the that when he left the service of the said Samuel Spencer he entered the American Army in the war of the revolution and enlisted as a musician at one time, and further his deponent saith not Zebulon Stow
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Berkshire County ss - September 4 th A.D. 1844
Then personally appeared Zebulon Stow who signed the above affidavit & who I certify is a credible witness, and made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated
Before me James D. Colt 2 d
Justice of the Peace

29915 INVALID.
Rev
Rev
File No. 29,915
Shadrack Hurlbut
Attified Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 198
[Arrangement of 1870.]

32.309
Massachusetts
Shadrack Smith
of in the State of Mass d who was an Artificer in the Com y commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Mass d line for 2 years. term of - Continental.
repd
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass d at the rate of 144 Dollars 0 0 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of April 1845 and sent to Hon Oliver Root Pittsfield Mass d Arrears to the 4th of 1845 Semi-annual allowance ending
8206.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, As June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Fleming Swan, Clerk, Book Vol. 2 Page 37

vid. let to Hon. J Rockwell Oct 7. 44 — D. Jany. 18. 45 let to A Carrington July 24. 44

Dear Sir
Pittsfield (Mass) October 3. 1844.
Enclosed is the application of Shadrach Harkness a Member of the "United Society of Shakers" for a Pension. His friends wish me to write, to request your Department to examine the evidence in your office, in order to establish his claim. His great age and the death of all his contemporaries almost, render it difficult for him to look up evidence or find it. You will find I believe stated in the papers, the reason why he has not heretofore applied.
Respectfully & Truly yours
J. L. Edmunds, Esq.
J. Rockwell.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.

Brief in the case of Headsrich Hurburt, de c Berkshire County and State of Massachusetts act 7 June 1832
Claim, ( "original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Artillery Artificer - Inc d to $240 per annum, & 8 th of former paymen t at $144 per annum
Name and residence of Agent
Thos Campbell Present
S. Cole Examining Clerk.

Shadrach Warbert, dr.
Mass 32
Increased to p 240 deducting former pays at p 144 - coming 4 March 1831. V endg 12 Feb 1830 Payable to
Simeon Warbert only surviving child
Thos Campbell Present

Boston Oct. 10. 1831
Sir,
I have the honor to present, in behalf of Simeon Hurlbert, (only living child of Shadrach Hurlbert, deceased) his claim for the arrears of pension due his late father on account of his services as an artificer in the revolutionary war. Shadrach Hurlbert enlisted for 3 years and served in Capt. Gamaliel Painter's Co. Col. Baldwin's Regt. of artificers at a rate of wages considerably above $20. per month. I would therefore respectfully request that the increase of pension to which he was entitled under the provisions of the act of July 7. 1832. may be paid to his son Simeon Hurlbert.
Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant. Lyman Mason
James C. Heath Esq. Comm r . of Pensions.

Washington
Jan 17. 1848-
Dear Sir
In the case of Shadrach  Hulbert of Pittsfield, I have the honor to enclose his further affidavit, together with a letter from James D. Bolt 2 d Esq. to which I beg your attention -
with much respect your friend & servant Julius Rockwell.
Col J. L. Edwards, Comm ee of pension.

Pittsfield (Mass) March 10. 1845-
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir-
I must beg leave to call your attention to the case of Sherdreck Hurlbert , the case for which I intended to enquire the day I was last in Washington. Sherdreck Hurlbert of Pittsfield, Massachusetts , on the 18 th of January last in a letter which you sent me it is stated that this claimant's name is found upon Capt Painter's Rolls of the same Regiment of Artificers to which Capt Jerins Wilot belonged (under whom he said he served) belonged; and that if he would furnish some of the names of his comrades in that Company or Regiment distinguishing their grade and trade it might by comparison with the Rolls prove his identity.
Upon sending that letter of yours to him he has made a declaration, naming and distinguishing several of his comrades, which was sent to me and which I sent to you-
He has the strongest hopes that the evidence is now satisfactory, and I am so fully satisfied

that all that he says is true that I earnestly wish a special attention to this matter. As I have told you before it is a case where there is an effort making in his behalf to get this pension for him, that he may have some benefit of it before he dies, and not for purposes of speculation by those upholding him to procure it.
With much respect
Your obedient servant
Julius Rockwell

Hon J. Roe Russell

Pittsfield Feby 12 th 1845
Deer
As soon as weather and circumstances would permit I called on Shadrack Wallcut to get from him the names of some of his comrades - agreeably to the suggestion of Mr Edwonds; in the course of an hour he recalled the names, which I have written in the annexed statement of his - and said he could add to the list if more were required on further reflection. I hope the ones he has given will be found sufficient. And although my confidence in the strength of the old man's memory is somewhat shaken, still I think these names, some or all, will be found in the rolls. The old man still thinks he belonged to Capt. Wilens company, at least for some part of the time. He now recollects his name as Darius instead of Darius Wilens . He says it is very probable that his name was transferred to Capt. Paine's company. At least things were frequently done & particularly in this Company of Artificers, who, it seems, were not regular soldiers, but a sort of Amphibious race, subject to some sort of military regulations - of a character not very strict - They were mostly Connecticut men, but were stationed in New York State and Connecticut, & probably moved around to the different workshops. Sometimes under the

superintendence of one set of officers & sometimes another as circumstances, & the exigencies of the service required. This may account for the reason of his naming Wilcox as his Captain in the 1 st Delaware. It probably will not be necessary for you to suggest these considerations to Mr Edwards. Who is probably much better cognizant of these things than we are. I do not wish however that they should escape his attention if it should become necessary to press them -
I think on the whole that I shall succeed in obtaining this pension upon the evidence already found on the Rolls of the Department. These titles discrepancies in the Old man's Statement ought it seems to me to operate in his favor -
The traditional evidence of the applicant's services arising from the reputation he has borne in this vicinity of having been a Revolutionary soldier, (& which I observe is rely'd relied upon by the Department as of great weight in doubtful cases) is very strong in this case; all the old people who know Shadrach have always known him as a Revolutionary Hero - A few years ago it would have been perfectly easy to prove his service by living witnesses. But a few years have thinned the ranks of the Old pensioners, so that there is no one now living, who can testify as to his service that I can find, & I have been diligent in my enquiries -

There is one other piece of testimony which serves to identify the applicant as the one named in the Roll, and that is that Headrick has followed the trade of a Shoemaker since the war. I can produce abundant testimony to this fact if necessary. But it seems to me that the very uncommon name which the applicant bears , the traditional evidence of his services, the fact that a name so uncommon is found in the Rolls, that the applicant is a Shoemaker, and the reason why he has not before applied being satisfactorily given - above all the utter impossibility at this late hour of procuring any better evidence Ought to satisfy the Department, if any thing can that the applicant is entitled to a full pension - If however there should be anything still in the way be good enough to inform me and I will try to remove the difficulty - I have full confidence in the general truth of the Old man's statement. & If he & I live long enough he shall enjoy the pension - if it is in my power to get it -
I have written this fully to you S. Rockwell, on this matter. thinking that perhaps it might be well to shake these things to Mr. Edwards, or show him this letter. do as you see best about that - and accept my hearty thanks for all that you have done or may do for me in the premises -
Wm. D. Rockwell
Your friend
James D. Colt 2 nd
(over)

P.S. We are all very busy getting ready for Feb. 7. Washburne is to be here will sit 2 weeks & clear the docket. - Robinson is at the Exchange Hotel hearing Belden v Belden. Bishop & Gold for P.P. Kellogg & I.D.C for Dists. We shall use up 4 days nothing else that I have time to write about. I.D.C.
Yrs J. Beebe

Oct 4. 1844 Shadrach Aurlhert Oct. 1832 35.851. Map.
see letter to Hon. J. Rockwell 7 Oct. 1844
J. Rockwell U.S. Comr. Geneva Eng. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C. Hon. J. Rockwell

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss.
I Shadrach Burbeck of Pittsfield in the County aforesaid of the age of Eighty Six years - Depose & say in addition to the declaration heretofore made by me and now on file in the Pension Office, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of June 7 th 1832, as follows, viz: I served in a regiment of Artillery, commanded by Col. Sidney Hays for the most part of Three years commencing in the month of October 1777 - Captain James Wilcox & Captain Samuel Brinker were officers in said Regiment; According to my recollection I was most of the time during said service in Capt Wilcox quarters. but I remember that when I arrived at Danbury where the Regiment first rendezvoused I was in the same quarters with Captain Brinker. The whole Regiment was very much divided & scattered about, some stationed at West Point, some in Fishkill & some in Danbury, as the service of different artillery, was required in different places, -
The following names are the names of some of my comrades in said Regiment with their grade & trade as near as I can remember -
1 st Lieutenant Sizer Jones, 2 nd Lieutenant Stephen Osborne Blacksmith, Lieutenant Lamb, Sergeant Samuel Johnson Shoemaker, Sergeant John Price Saddler, Private Benjamin Gahn Saddler, Benjamin Rayford Blacksmith, Stephen & Simon Avery Carpenters & Joiners, Lefe Foot Blacksmith, Peter Hawkins Blacksmith, William Hall Tailor & waiter to Genl Sizer - Dool, Robinson, Leach, & Wino, Saddler, - Belknap Blacksmith - William Johnson Joiner, Dickinson Shoemaker, Charles Jones Shoemaker,
In addition to My declaration I file in addition

that during the two first years of my service under Col May I was located in Danbury & the vicinity most of the time, though during the time I was frequently called to West Point & Fishkill - and also pay & clothing at New Point. At the time of my discharge, which was, as near as I can remem- ber in the month of September 1780 I was at Fishkill. Witness my hand this twenty seventh day of January A.D. 1845 Shadrack Hurlbert
Berkshire Jan 27 th 1845
Then personally appeared Shadrack Hurlbert who subscribed the foregoing declaration and being scrupulously conscientious, of taking an oath solemnly affirmed that the foregoing declaration is true according to his best knowl- edge & belief
Before me James D. COTT Justice of the Peace -
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss: I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do certify that James D. COTT Esq. before whom the foregoing affirmation of Shadrack Hurlbert was made is a Justice of the Peace within for said County duly commissioned & qualified That his Commission is dated Feb. 3. 1844 will expire Feb. 3. 1851. That the signature above written purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 5 day of February 1845. Charles Sedgwick Clerk