Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,347, for Gershom Ray, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Ray, Gershom Sally
W. 26,347
B.L.Wt. 10240-160-55
CONTENTS

Connecticut 9504-
Gershon Ray of Windham in the State of Conn. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain West of the Reg t commanded by Col l Tipton in the R.S. Militia line for
1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn. at the rate of 40. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d day of May 1833, and sent to F.B. Johnson, by S. Davis, present.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833. 80. 00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept r " 20. 00
$ 100 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. Francis Clerk. Book E. Vol. 3 d Page 37-

86001, { Act March 3/27 April 20
Sally Ray. Widow of Gershon Ray. Rev.
Army of the Revolution and a Pensions Act June 1832 Claimant is a Pensioner Act July 3 rd 1833
R. D. Hoops.
AD:160 Ac, Nov:14 th 1855.
John D. Dyer - B. Dyer.
Walter
G. A. Maine Pendleton Hill cont
Vol. R. D. -

3532 Connecticut Sally Ray widow of Gershon who served in the Revolutiona- ry war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 31 st day of Jany/54 and sent to
M rs C. Stanton Pendleton Hill N. Stonington Conn t
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853. Page 15 Vol. A
35

I Prentice Chapman of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged Fifty Five years, being duly sworn according to law do on my oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with Sally Ray of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut & that I was also acquainted with Gershon Ray late of Voluntown deceased That Gershon Ray aforesaid in his life time was a pensioner of the United States That Sally Ray aforesaid was married to the said Gershon Ray some time in the year 1819 by Eld Jonathan Allen then Pastor of the Baptist Church in North part of North Stonington aforesaid, That Previous to her Marriage to the said Gershon Ray her name was Sally Breed that she was the daughter of Job Breed of North Stonington aforesaid and that her mother's Maiden name before marriage was Sally Chapman daughter of Andrew Chapman, Senior.
That I reside within about one & a half miles of the said Sally Ray & have so resided since her marriage and I do further testify and say that Sally Ray aforesaid has not since the death of her said husband intermarried but still continues his widow. That she had two Children by her said husband Gershon Ray the said Sally Ray & Job Breed Ray that her daughter Sally is dead & her son Job still resides with her the widow his mother now resides and that the said widow Sally Ray is now blind having lost her eyesight That she was never married previous to her marriage to the said Gershon Ray.
Prentice Chapman
State of Connecticut
Then in New London County } ~ North Stonington Nov 9 1853 Personally appeared before me Prentice Chapman who has

subscribed the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the Truth of the same before me
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day & year last after written
Wm C Stanton Notary Public
Windham County ss. Voluntary Nov 10 1853
I hereby certify that Prudence Chapman who has subscribed to the foregoing deposition is known to the Subscriber to be a credible witness.
Attest,
Wm C Stanton Justice of the Peace

I Daniel Stanton of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged Sixty Five years & upward, being duly cautioned and sworn on oath do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Sally Ray widow of Gershon Ray Deceased. That she now resides in the town of Voluntown and is a near neighbor to me. That her maiden name was Sally Breed the daughter of Sabin Breed of North Stonington. That her mother's maiden name was Sally Chapman.
That her said husband Gershon Ray was a pensioner of the United States in his life time, & for many years I resided the nearest neighbor to him, previous to his death & up to the present time his widow continues to reside in the same house with her son Sabin B Ray.
That the widow Sally Ray after her husband's death did not remarry but still continues the wid of Gershon Ray deceased.
Daniel Stanton
Windham County ss. Voluntown Nov. 9 th 1853
I hereby certify that before me Personally appeared Daniel Stanton Esq. subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and made oath to the truth of the same, & I certify that the deponent is personally known to the subscriber that he is a credible witness.
Attest
Daniel Stanton Justice of the Peace

I Luther Palmer of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 80 years, nearly on oath do depose and say That I am well acquainted with Sally May of Voluntown in Windham County wid of Gershon May Deceased and that I knew her previous to her marriage that her maiden name was Sally Breed the daughter of Jabez Breed of North Stonington. That the widd Sally May now resides in the Voluntown & that she has not since the death of the Gershon May intermarried but is now his widow  Luther Palmer
State of Connecticut } North Stonington Nov 23 d 1853 New London County }
Personally appeared Luther Palmer subscribed to the above Deposition and made solemn oath to truth of same before me
Thos C Stanton Notary Public
Windham County ss Voluntown Nov. 23 d 1853
I hereby certify that Luther Palmer here subscribed to the above Deposition is personally known to the subscriber as a credible witness
Attest Thos C Stanton Justice of Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, Windham County.
ss. Office of Clerk of County Court
I Uriel Fuller Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That William C. Stanton is and since the 29th day of June, 1833 hath been a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for the County of Windham, in said State, duly appointed and commissioned, having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take affidavits and depositions out of courts, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations. And I do also further certify, That William C. Stanton is, and since the 17th day of November A. D. 1852 hath been a NOTARY PUBLIC, within and for the STATE OF CONNECTICUT, duly appointed and commissioned, having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to administer Oaths and take depositions in any case in which a Justice of the Peace might administer or take the same, and also to take the acknowledgment of deeds.
And I further Certify that I believe the foregoing signatures of the said William C. Stanton to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Brooklyn this 11 th day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Three.
Uriel Fuller Clerk

TOAST
Declaration
of Sally Ray
[Large, illegible scribbles and ink marks across the bottom of the page]

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 2 d Section of the Act of 3 d February 1853
State of Connecticut, County of Windham
On this 20 th day of August A D 1853 Personally appeared before the Probate Court of the Probate District of Voluntown in Windham County & State of Connecticut, Sally Ray a resident of said Voluntown in said County of Windham and State aforesaid aged Seventy years who first being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 d Feb. 1853, Granting pensions to widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary War; That she is the widow of Gershon Ray who was a Private and served in the Revolutionary War as a private soldier as is stated in his declaration in the pension office & on which with the proof attached thereto he was pensioned under the Act of 7 th Jan 1832 at the rate of Forty Dollars per Annum & to which she refers for proof in support of her claim for a pension
She further Declares that she was married to the said Gershon Ray on the 12 th day of December A D 1819 That her said husband died January 25 th 1842, —
That she was not married to him prior to the second of Jany 1800 but at the time above stated
She further Declares that she is his widow in presence of
Isaac B Ray
Sally her X Ray mark
Benjamin Gathorp J d
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid written before me
Benjamin Gathorp J d
Judge of Probate

State of Connecticut } Windham County } in Probate District of Voluntown
I Nathaniel S. Gallup Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for the Probate District of Voluntown Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original Proceeding, in the matter of application of Sally Ray widow of Gershon Ray for a pension; - And I do also certify that Evidence sufficient and satisfactory has to this Court been adduced that Gershon Ray late of Voluntown in s d District deceased died January 25 th 1842, That Sally Ray who has subscribed the foregoing Declaration by her mark is the widow of the aforesaid Gershon Ray & that Gershon Ray aforesaid was in his life time a resident of Voluntown aforesaid a pensioner of the United States at the rate of forty Dollars per Annum & was pensioned under the act of 7 th June 1832
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court This 20 th day of August A. D. 1853.
Attest Nathaniel S. Gallup Probate Clerk

This May Certify Mr Gershom Peay of Voluntown & Miss Sally Buel of North Stonington were Lawfully joined in Marriage by me North Stonington Dec r 12 1819—
Jonathan Miner Eld.
Recorded by James Alexander Town Clerk

Gershon Bay
Admission
Parol. 12 months
Can't hold Troops
Certificate to be sent to Francis B. Johnson. Hving idea Ct. _____

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
State of Connecticut County of Windham } ss
On this 30 th day of January 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Probate Court for the Dis- trict of Voluntown in said County now sitting Gershon Day a resident of the Town of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 72 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain in the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named off- icers and served as herein stated. 1 st On the 16 th day of March 1778. I voluntarily enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. Sissetty West's Company in Col. John G. Gilman's

Regiment, of P. S. State Troops or Militia, for one year, and on the 20 th day of May same year, (which was my birth day) I marched with Lieut. Stanton, to Linton P. S. at Har- lands, in said Linton, and was then joined to said Capt. Smoot's West. Company, in said Col. John S. Jones Regiment, and there remained in said Company, & Regiment, in guard- ing the shores and building Sits. &c for a considerable time, and we were then ordered on to the Island in Gen. Sullivan's expedition against the British Troops, there in possession of Newport, and there remained un- til the 29 th of August 1778, and after the battle we retreated to said Har- lands-Ferry, where we remained until the 16 th day of March 1779, when we were discharged, making in this line of duty about Months or more, from the time of my enlistment.

until I was discharged and came home. I have no documentary evidence of my services, but refer to the affida- vit of James Menandee, whose affidavit it is herunto annexed, and who was with me during the whole of this my time of duty. I likewise refer to the affidavit of Thomas Reynolds, heren- to annexed, who was knowing person- ally to a part of this time of duty,— owing to the infirmities of old age, and the consequent loss of memory. I am unable to give the general cir- cumstances of my services more fully than I have, in this my declaration.

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.
The following interrogatories were by said Court propounded to said applicant bis
1 st . Have you any record of your age?
Ans. So where is it? Ans. It is in my private Little Book , in which I have a record of my childrens ages.
2 nd When and in what year were you born?
Ans. in Forest lot in the year 1760. the 20 th day of May. —
3 rd When were you living when called into service when have you since seen the revolutionary war and when do you now live? Ans. in Voluntown Windham Co. lot. —
4 th How were you called into service. Were you drafted and you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom? Ans. I was

a Sollicitude under voluntary enlistment.
5 th 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 service. I remember Gen. Sullivan, Col. Voge, Capt. Oliver Babcock, & Capt. Philip Safford. These are all the officers I can remember, aside from those in the Company & Regiment in which I served, and owing to my numerous infirmities, I cannot give the general circumstances of my service more fully, than I have in my declaration.
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the Service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it? Ans. I never received a written discharge, but was honorably discharged.

7 th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief as to your services as a soldier of the revolution. Nathaniel Sheffield and Samuel Perkins.
Geo. L. D. Ray

Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before the Probate Court for the Dis- trict of Volunstown in Windham County and State of Connecticut
Thomas G. Gulliver Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Volunstown in Windham County.
We Nathaniel Sheffield a clergyman resid- ing in the Town of Volunstown in Tolland County and State and Samuel Robbins residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Simeon May who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be 72 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. Nathaniel Sheffield Samuel Robbins

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before the Probate Court for the Dist- rict of Voluntown in the County and State aforesaid. Thomas Gales Judge of Probate
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 Nath- aniel Shafford who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the said Town of Voluntown and that Samuel At- kins who signed the same is a resident in the said Town of Voluntown and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit and that the persons who have subscri- bed.

The within affidavits are now known to the Court, to be witnesses whose testimony is entitled to credit.
Attest. Harvey Galleh, judge of Court
I Daniel Heigwin Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Vermont in the aforesaid County and State, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Gershon Bay for a license.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 30th day of January 1833.
Daniel Heigwin Clerk

I James Munnick of Schuylerville in the County of Schuylerville and State of Connecticut aged 71 years, a soldier in the war of the revolution, do testify and say, that I enlisted as a private soldier, in a Regiment of Rhode Island State troops, under the command of Col. Josephus, since for one year from the 16 th day of March 1778, since that I joined Capt. Phillips Safford's Company in said Regiment, in the Month of June 1778, at the town of Linton in said R.I. at Providence Ferry in said Town, and well recollect that Gershon Ray of said Providence with whom I was then and ever since have been well acquainted, who is the identical person that has signed the witness declaration, was a private at that time at said place in said Capt. Webb's Company in said Josephus Regiment and in actual service in said Reg't Company, we were stationed at said Providence Ferry until August in the same year, when Col. Josephus Regiment was ordered on to Rhode Island, in Gen. Sullivan's expedition against the British Troops then in possession of Newport, at which time Defendant further says,

That he was in the Providence with the said Bay once with him the said Bay in the battle of the 29 th of August on said Island, and came off with him in the retreat to said Newlands-Ferry where we were stationed from that time until the 16 th day of March 1879, when our ter- m of service was out, and we were there at said Newlands-Ferry discharged, And further this Deponent saith Not.
James Alexander
Winham County ss Voluntary Janu- ary 30 th 1883.
Personally appeared in op- en court James Alexander, sign- er of the above affidavit, whose testimony is intitled to the full cred- credit (he being well known to the court) and made known to me to be the truth of the same before Me. Thomas Galt, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Voluntary.

I Thomas Reynolds of North Stonington in the County of Windham since State of Conn- ecticut, aged 80 years, a Soldier in the war of the rebellion, do testify and say, that in the Month of May 1775 I volunteered as a substitute for Zach- arias Reynolds in Capt Oliver Babcock Company, in Col. Joseph Sperry's Regim- ent and once marched to New Haven. I A. S. once continued in service in said Regiment & Company for a term of three or four Months, and I do further testify and say, that during my service as aforesaid I frequently saw Gushorn Day of Voluntown in Windham County N. (the identical person who had signed the foregoing declaration) in Capt. Timothy Wells Company and Col. John Sperry's Regimen- t, he was in service when I first went in this war, and I left him there. I have no doubt

the Do Gushorn Reg serve, in this time at least one year, and further this Deponant Seeth Not.—
Thomas Reg. 200.
Windham County ss Voluntown Janu- ary 30th 1833.
Personally appeared in open board, Thomas Reynolds, sig- ner of the above affidavit, who is personally known to this board as a witness, whose testimony as a witness is entitled to credit, and receives solemn oaths to the truth of the same. before Me.—
Timothy Gulluh judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Voluntown.

Application of wid Sally Ray of Blountown Windham County, Ct
for Bounty Land Warrants
86004

State of Connecticut } In Voluntown Windham County }
On this 30 th day of March Anno Domini One Thousand eight hundred and Fifty Five Personally appeared before me William C Stanton a Notary public in and for the County and State aforesaid Sally May aged 72 years a resident of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut and being first duly sworn according to law, Declares that she is the widow of Gershom May who was a private in the Army of the Revolution in the Connecticut Militia and a pensioner of the United States under the Act of 7 th June 1832 at Forty Dollars per annum.
She further declares that she is now a pensioner of the United States on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency under the Act of February 3 rd 1853 at the Rate of Forty Dollars per annum that the pension certificate under said Act is dated at the War  of the Interior Department on the 31 st day of January 1854 & is Numbered 3530. — and she refers to her original application for a pension under the 2 nd section of the Act of Feb. 3 rd 1853 And also to her said Husband's declaration under Act 7 th June 1832 now in the pension Office for proof of her said husband's death & his services & also for proof of their marriage.
She further Declares that her said husband died in the town of Voluntown on the 25 th day of January 1842 and that she has ever since remained his widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855. She also declares that she has not received

a warrant for Bounty Land under this act or any other act of Congress nor made any application therefor and prays that the Certificate thereof may be sent for her to S. A. Maine Esq. at Pendleton Hill New London County Connecticut
Her
In presence of Jabez B Ray Mary A Ray
Sally X Ray mark
We Jabez B Ray and Mary A Ray residents of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sally Ray (by her mark) in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Jabez B Ray Mary A Ray
The foregoing Declaration and Affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in the claim
Thos Stanton Notary Public

State of Connecticut } Windham County } ss.
I Thomas Gray Clerk of the County Court for said Windham County hereby certify, That William C. Stanton Esq. before whom the within & foregoing Dec- laration & affidavits were made, & who has subscribed the same, was at the time of so doing a Notary Public of the State of Connecticut duly commissioned and qualified, & his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court This 11 th day of April A.D. 1855
Thomas Gray Clerk

23212
Gershon Ray 61
J B Johnson

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 show what is necessary to be done. These 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, shewing the Service of Ephraim Ray. Windham Co. N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     17th March 78 12 for. Capt West. Col Stephen Newport. S. R. J. Windham Co. Brad. Hartshorn who swears to the service  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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 day 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 also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and 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. 
 6. { 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 [i] 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.
W. L. W. Clerk and C. Elk

January 4, 1940.
Mr. Charles R. Hale 30 Oak Street Hartford, Connecticut.
RA-J/ILL Gershom Ray W. 26347
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Gershom Ray, of Voluntown, Connecticut, whose widow, Sally, received a pension.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 26347, based upon service of Gershom Ray in the Revolutionary War.
Gershom Ray was born May 20, 1760 in Preston, Connecticut; the names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Voluntown, Windham County, Connecticut, he enlisted March 16, 1778, served as private in Captain Timothy West's company, Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island regiment, marched to Tiverton and Howland's Ferry, was on General Sullivan's Expedition and in the battle on August 29, 1778, afterwards remained at Howland's Ferry and was discharged March 16, 1779.
Gershom Ray was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on his application executed January 30, 1833, at which time he resided in Voluntown, Connecticut. He died there January 25, 1842.
The soldier married December 12, 1819, in North Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, Miss Sally Breed; she was the daughter of Jabez Breed and his wife, Sally Chapman Breed. This last named Sally was the daughter of Andrew Chapman, Senior, of North Stonington, at the time she married Jabez Breed. Gershom Ray and Sally Breed were married by the Baptist Minister in North Stonington, Connecticut, where their marriage was recorded; the soldier was then of Voluntown, Connecticut.

Sally Ray, this soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed August 20, 1853, at which time she resided in Voluntown, Connecticut; she was aged then seventy years. She was allowed one hundred sixty acres of bounty land under the Act of March 3, 1855 on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. Warrant #10240 for 160 acres was issued under that Act.
Gershom Ray and his wife, Sally, had two children, namely, Sally and Jabez B. Ray. In 1853, their daughter, Sally, was deceased and this widow lived with her son, Jabez B. Ray. In 1855, when Sally Ray made application for bounty land, Jabez B. Ray and Mary A. Ray, both of Voluntown, were present; their relationship to the family was not stated.
In 1853, Prentice Chapman was a resident of North Stonington, Connecticut, aged fifty-five years. He had resided a short distance from Sally(Breed) ever since her marriage to Gershom Ray, the Revolutionary War soldier. He did not state any relationship to the soldier's widow.
If you desire information in regard to the location of the land which was granted on account of service of Gershom Ray in the Revolutionary War, you should address the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and furnish the following data: warrant #10240-160 acres, Act of March 3, 1855.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
Sally Ray, widow of Gershom Ray, Certificate #3530 Issued January 31, 1854 Rate $40 per annum Commenced February 3, 1853 Act of February 3, 1853 Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

1905. Sept. 28 - Service and family History to L. P. Main, Cedar Rapids Ia M.B.H.
1940 - Jan. 4 - Hist. to Charles B. Hale - J.H.H.
Reg WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26.327
Mary Ray Widow of Gershon Ray Priv. Res. War
Act: Feb. 3 rd 1853
Index: - Vol. B , Page 151
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 86 W 4
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 20 th 1855.
Gresham Ray Pri. Sec. R. S. Brooks Rev. Wren
10290-150-58-
S. A. Maene Pendleton Hill 64.

2 10.240
S Sto. Amis

86004
Wm. L. P. Webb Washington
Free

George Ray Ohio suspended
for lot 7 Oct '41 to D. Stokes. Same Aug 25 1843 ✓ H. L. D. Cummins. Aug 20/46.
8610
June 1832

1 st 3073
Sally Ray wid. of
Gershamp
Co. Mt.
Set. to W m G. Hanton, 11 th Oct. /53.
Oct. 3 rd Feby. 1853

Gally Key
S
By Hon.
Providence
Isaac P. Waldo Commonwealth of Penna Washington D.C.
Free
Recd July 13 th 1834

23
Thurs
Soren P. Waldo. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Aug 25, 1853.
Appel of Sally Ray, widow of Jeremiah Ray, Windsor co., Conn. 9504
Age 30 Feb. 53. $40. 00 per An. Comm: Feb: 3. 1853. Rev.
Wm C. Stanton, Pendleton Hill, N. Stonington, Conn.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR; Pension Office, Official Business

City of Maids 20/10/42, 25/10/42, Boyd

Pr. 100 753. C.A.
W. H. ...

✓ Pension Office, 16 January 1851,
Sir: Please certify the time to which she will be entitled in the event of the date of her death.
Very respectfully,
I. Mearns
Commissioner
Gershaw May Act 1832 $40 per annum, saved 25 years 1802 Paid.
F. Burt Auditor
Francis Burt, Esq. This Auditor, Treasury

July Ray

Brief in the case of Sally Ray, Widow of Gershon, Union County and State of Tenn. act 31 July 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase," )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
My husband was a pensioner under the act of 7 th June 1832. I have his original Certificate of Marriage filed. Two persons testified to the probate of his original report to the Secy of War re marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Wm C. Stanton Esq. Pendleton Office, Name and residence of Agent A. Stanton.
J. H. B. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk

Voluntown Jan 4 th 1854
Dear Sir,
By request of Mrs Sally Ray I enclose the additional testimony in proof of her claim for a pension. She flatters herself that it will be satisfactory to the Department to establish her claim for a pension & that the doubts as to her maiden name & widowhood will be fully removed.
I am Sir most respectfully,
Hon L. P. Walker Commissioner Pensions &c.
Yours obed t Servt
Thos C. Stanton

Voluntown August 20 th 1853
Sir,
I enclose (by request,) the Declaration of Sally Ray widow of Gershom Ray Issr. for a pension. Please make returns to the subscriber address letter to "Pendleton Hill Post Office North Stonington Conn."
Very Respectfully your obed Servt,
Hon
J. P. Waldo
Comm. Pension
Washington D. C.
Wm C Stanton

Main & Griffiths Attorneys at Law, Corner 1st Avenue and 2d St. Over Cedar Rapids National Bank
AUG 28 1905
Lewis P. Main Edward W. Griffiths
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, August 23rd, 1905
Hon. Vespasian Warner-
Dear Sir-
In a list of pensioners of the revolution drawing pension in 1840 I find the name of Gershom Ray of Voluntown, Conn. He was then 80 years old. He was my great grandfather and if your records show his military service I should be obliged to you if you would give me the data.
Resp'y
L. P. Main

HEADQUARTERS COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR
CHARLES R. HALE, CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON MARKING GRAVES
30 OAK STREET HARTFORD, CONN.
December 14, 1939
Chief Clerk Pension Department Veterans' Administration Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Please send me Revolutionary War record of Gershom Ray who was on the Pension Roll of 1840 from Voluntown, Connecticut. His wife Sally received a pension. We would like to get him a Connecticut headstone.
Yours very truly,
Chas. R. Hale
CRH:ME