Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5895, for Samuel Penfield, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Penfield Samuel
S 5895.
CONTENTS
Carded.

See letter to A. Smith, 3 June 1843 " to Hon. B. Herron 16 Dec. 1831 (Real ltr. no form. data)
14354
119
New York
Samuel Penfield of Chautauqua in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Edwards of the Regt. commanded by Col. Ellery in the Col. line for 24 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of May 1833 and sent to Austin Smith Westfield
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $160.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Septs. 40.00
$200.00
{ Revolutionary Act
Recorded by W. L. W. Book Vol.

18119
Samuel Penfield Chautauqua county New-York
Admitted Deems for $84
Austin Smith, Westfield, New-York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjined 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, shewing the Service of Samuel Penfield  Chautauque 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.     Enlisted 1779 9 private Capt Furtis New Haven 69   do 1780 6 Captain Edwards Col. Swift Maj Smith Fairfield New Jersey Totowa Watertown Connecticut tradition   do 1781 substituted for Pvt B. July 6 mo. V. 3 mo. 9 Capt Royce Col. Mings Maj Wright Danbury Haverbrook  
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 [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.
J. G. Bradford

Declaration of Samuel Penfield
Prisoner —
18119
✓
passed

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7: 1832.
State of New York } County of Chautauqua } ss.
On the twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appears in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Samuel Penfield, a resident of the Town of Westfield in said County of Chautauqua and State of New York, aged sixty nine 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 act of Congress, passed June 7: 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer, and served as herein stated: To wit,
That about the first of March 1779 at Watertown, Litchfield County Connecticut he enlisted and went immediately into service, into a Company of Volunteer Militia Commanded by Capt. Nathan Curtis, for nine months. He does not know whether this Company was attached to any Regiment or not. It was called out to protect the sea board, and prevent incursions by the enemy after stores and provisions. He served the first three months of this enlistment with the said Company at New Haven, and the other six months in Fairfield and Stratford, at which latter place he was discharged about the first of November of the same year. Did not receive any written discharge, & does not know that any who went into that service did. But he served the full term of 9 months, for which he had enlisted.
The latter part of May or first of June 1780, in Watertown where he resided, he again enlisted into the U. States army, under Capt. Edwards, Major Aaron Smith, and Colonel Nemen Swift for 6 months. He marched first into New Jersey and was quartered in Morristown for a short time. From thence he marched with the Army to Tottaway. He was here detached on a Capt's guard for 2 days which was stationed 8 miles below Tottaway and a few miles above Fort Lee. On the first night a Corporal's patrol was sent out and did not return. He was again detached on a Sergeant's guard to search for them, and proceeded 7 or 8 miles further down the river. On their return they fell in with a small patrolling party of the enemy in the edge of the evening, and a brisk skirmish ensued in which he was severely wounded in the left side. His party was repulsed with the loss of 3 or 4 killed and several wounded. The Captain of this guard was a stranger, and being under his command but 2 days, he does not remember his name. From Tottaway he returned with the army to Westpoint, and from thence to the Highlands where the army went into winter quarters. There he was discharged from his six months tour. He received at this time a written discharge but thinking it would be
This Applicant was born in Wallingford Connecticut the 20th of February 1763 where he resided till he was eleven years of age when he removed to Watertown where he enlisted. has a record of his age in his family Bible.

of no use to him, neglected to keep it.
And this Applicant further says that about the first of March 1781 he again enlisted into the service for 6 months as a substitute for one Joel Blakely in the Militia, and at the same time he volunteered his services for three months longer, so that he was enrolled as a 9 months man. That during this tour he served in a Company Commanded by Capt. Royce. He does not recollect the number of the regiment, was the Colonel's name. The name of the Major was Benjamin Wright. That he re-enlisted this time also at Watertown his place of residence. That immediately after his enlistment and muster, the regiment was marched to Danbury, & thence soon after to Horse Neck, at which latter place & neighborhood he spent most of the 9 months. The business while there was principally to protect the inhabitants from incursions of the enemy. While there he was engaged in several skirmishes with small parties of the British and Cow boys, in which several on both sides were killed and wounded. He was discharged at Horse Neck but what has become of his discharge he does not know. He was at Horse Neck at the time that Arnold made an attack upon New London and burnt a large portion of the City. After his final discharge he continued to reside in Watertown till he was 23 years of age; from that he went to Charlotte Chittenden Co. Vermont, where he resided 42 years, and then moved to Westfield Chautauqua Co. N. Y. where he resided 4 years, and still resides. He further says that he has no documentary evidence of his services, and that he knows of no person by whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, & he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any Agency in any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day & year aforesaid. James Dorsey Clark
Samuel Penfield
We Daniel Barnes residing in the Town of Portland in said County residing in the town of Westfield aforesaid and David Royce residing in the of Rensselaer in the same county same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Penfield, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine 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 & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
James Dorsey Clark
Daniel Barnes David Royce

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 Daniel Burns who has signed the preceding certificate is an inhabitant of the town of Portland in said county, and that David Royce who has signed the same is an inhabitant of Ripley in said county, that they are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, James B. Lowry, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Chautauqua, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Prufield for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
James B. Lowry Clerk

STATE OF New York
County of Chautauqua
} 88.
BE IT KNOWN, that before me William Sexton a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Anna Howard widow of Buel Howard deceased and Electa  Howard widow of John Howard deceased the only surviving heirs of Samuel Penfield deceased, and made oath in due form of law that Samuel Penfield deceased the identical person who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, at the rate of  Eighty dollars no cents per annum, and is now dead, to whom a certificate of pension was issued, which is herewith returned as mislaid and lost.  Returned  That she had not intermarried but continued the widow of That the said deceased pensioner resided in the County of Chautauqua in the State of New York for the space of 22 years before his death, and that previous thereto he resided in the County of Chittenden, Vermont that he died on the 24 th day of August in the year of our Lord 1857 that no widow now exists and only the following named Children viz:  M rs Anna Howard widow of Buel Howard dec d and M rs Electa Howard widow of John Howard dec d Sworn to and subscribed on this 6 th day of Electa Howard October in the year of our Lord 1856, before me Anna Howard  William Sexton Justice of the Peace.
Know all men by these presents, That we Anna Howard  & Electa Howard the only surviving heirs of Samuel Penfield deceased Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of 80 dollars  no cents per annum, do hereby constitute and appoint J. B. Stratton of Pau-  ma  Washington, D. C. our true and lawful attorney for us and in our name and stead to demand, receive, and receipt for, from the Treasury of the United States, paying balances of pension at Washington, D. C., the balance of this said pension from the 24 th day of 18 57 , to the 24 th day of August 1857, which was the day of  his death.
Witness our hands and seal this sixth day of October 1856.
Attest: W. Sexton
J. Re Hathaway
Electa Howard [L. S.]  Anna Howard [L. S.]
N. B.—In the power be careful to insert only date of death.

STATE OF New York County of Chautauqua } 88.
October
BE IT KNOWN, That on the sixth day of October 1856, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, personally appeared said
Anna Howard and Eliza Howard
above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be their act and deed for the purposes therein set forth and described.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
William Sinton Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF County of } 89.
I, Clerk of Court in and for the county of
State of do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Samuel Penfield deceased, was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, at the rate of dollars cents per annum, and was a resident of the county of in the State of and died in the county of
State of the day of in the year 18, that he has no widow now surviving but only the following
named Children , viz: Mrs Anna Howard, widow of Paul Howard dec'd and Mrs Eliza Howard, widow of John Howard dec'd
that is administrator or executor of said Samuel Penfield deceased. I also certify that is a magistrate duly appointed and commissioned to act as such, and that his signature above written is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
[L. S.] seal of office at this day of 185
Clerk of Court of
Anna Howard Eliza Howard Samuel Penfield Nov 14/56

March 29, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cornelia P. Lathrop 105 Beacon Street Bridgeport, Connecticut
ISAAC PENFIELD S. 14115
*****
SAMUEL PENFIELD S. 5895
*****
BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you designate Isaac Penfield and Samuel Penfield (S. 5895) as the two soldiers of the Revolutionary War named on your former list as the ones in whose records you are most interested at present.
Their records follow as found in the claims for pension based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.
ISAAC PENFIELD S. 14115
The data herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 14115, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Isaac Penfield.
Isaac Penfield was born December 10, 1755, in Guilford, New Haven County, Connecticut; the names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Granville, Springfield County, Massachusetts, Isaac Penfield enlisted January 1, 1777, and served three months as private in Captain Aaron Coe's company, Colonel Timothy Robinson's Massachusetts regiment. He volunteered in August, 1777, served two months as private in Captain Joshua Giddings' company in the Massachusetts troops and was discharged after the surrender of Burgoyne. He then moved to Hillsdale, Columbia County, New York, where he volunteered and served three months as orderly sergeant in Captain Christopher Miller's company, Colonel Graham's New York regiment, marched to Schoharie to defend that place against the Indians and while stationed there the Village of Schoharie was burned by the Indians.
After the Revolution, the soldier lived for a time in Hillsdale, New York, then moved to Catskill in Greene County, in the same state.

Isaac Penfield was allowed pension on his application executed February 4, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Catskill, Greene County, New York. He died January 19, 1848.
No reference was made in the claim to wife or children of Isaac Penfield. In 1832, the soldier stated that his mother was still living at the age of one hundred years and a resident of Otis, Massachusetts. He referred then, also, to his brother who, before the death of his father, was living in "Britton, Connecticut". He did not give their names, nor the age of his brother.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension and name of person paid, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Isaac Penfield, Certificate #14738, issued June 12, 1833, rate, $26.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act June 7, 1832, New York Agency.
*****
SAMUEL PENFIELD
S. 5895
The data which follow were obtained from pension claim, S. 5895, based upon service of Samuel Penfield in the Revolutionary War.
Samuel Penfield was born February 20, 1763, in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he resided until eleven years of age, then moved to Watertown, Litchfield County, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Watertown, Connecticut, Samuel Penfield enlisted March 1, 1779, served as private in Captain Jotham Curtis' Connecticut company, engaged in protecting the seaboard, also, stores and provisions, and was discharged after having served a tour of nine months. He enlisted the latter part of May or first of June, 1780, served as private in Captain Edwards' company, Colonel Heman Swift's Connecticut regiment, was in a skirmish below Totowa near Fort Lee where he was severely wounded in his left side and was discharged after having served a tour of six months. He volunteered March 1, 1781, served as private in Captain Royce's company, Colonel Meigs' Connecticut regiment, stationed most of the time at Horseneck, Connecticut, engaged in protecting the inhabitants from incursions of the enemy, while there was in several skirmishes with the British and Cowboys and was discharged after having served on this tour nine months.
The soldier resided in Watertown, Connecticut, until twenty-three years of age, when he moved to to Charlotte, Chittenden County, Vermont,

where he resided forty-two years, then moved to Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York.
Samuel Penfield was allowed pension on his application executed October 12, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Westfield, New York, and died there August 24, 1851.
The soldier's wife, whose name was not stated, was not living in 1856, and only the following named children were then living: Anna, widow of Buel Howard, and Electa, widow of John Howard, the only surviving heirs, and who made joint affidavit in 1856 in Chautauqua County, New York, their ages and places of residence not stated, also, relationship between Buel and John Howard not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

New York, Albany Roll, Act 7 June 1832, Samuel Fairfield, £80 per annum. To what time last paid?
Treasury Office, Cole
Paid to 4 th March 1851.
W. B. W.
May Pogan

Ho. Representatives,
Washington, Dec. 11. 1857,
Hon. J. P. Heath, Commr. of Pensions, Sir -
I have been requested by an heir of Samuel Penfield, late a Revolutionary Pensioner, on the roll of the Pension Agency at Albany, N. Y., to enquire whether or not all the pension money due to Mr. P. has been paid - Also, to ascertain whether or not the heirs of Mr. P. are entitled to Bounty Land under any of the several Acts of Congress.
Mr. Penfield died sometime in Sep. Tmber last - and all his heirs are of age.
Can you furnish me with the desired information? - and if the heirs are entitled to Bounty Land - will you please furnish me with the necessary forms from which to prepare the requisite papers?
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient,
Benhart Henn

Austin Smith
June 3 1843

Pension Office
June 3 d 1843
Sir:
In answer to your letter of the 29 th ult o . I have to inform you that Samuel Penfield's pension of $80 per annum under the act of June 7. 1832, is all that the law will permit him to draw. No wound or other injury will entitle him to any additional allowance. The act granting pensions to invalids of the revolutionary war expired long since, and has not been renewed.
Austin Smith, Esq. Barcelona, N. York.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
F. S.
Bureau of Pensions,
M.E.C.
Washington, D. C., May 1, 1895.
Madam:-
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Samuel Penfield --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mch 1 1779 9 mos. Pvt. Jotham Curtis Not stated. Conn.   June 1780 6 mos. Pvt. Edwards Heman Swift Conn.   Mar. 1781 6 mos. Substitute. Royce Maj. Benj. Wright Conn.   Sept. 1781 3 mos. Pvt. Royce Maj. Benj. Wright Conn.  
Battles engaged in, None.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Watertown, Conn.
Date of application for pension, October 12, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Westfield, N. Y.
Age at date of application, Born at Wallingford, Conn., Feb. 20, 1763.
Remarks: He resided in Watertown until he was 23 years of age, removed to Charlotte, Vt., where he resided 42 years, and then removed to Westfield, N. Y.
Very respectfully, Mrs. Mary E. Hathaway,
Westfield,
Commissioner.
Chautauqua Co., N.Y.

BRIDGEPORT 3-2677
BA - 3 / MM HF : MLB
105 BEACON STREET BLACK ROCK BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT
My dear Mr. Hiller: -
As I understand your kind letter of December 8 th reports on two of the Revolutionary pensions named will be furnished without cost.
I have decided which two will best

advance my research and have noted them on the second page which may be torn off. I may request further (paid) information later.
Please note that this is not for a patriotic Society, but for a genealogy. I am therefore interested in children or beneficiaries and especially Bible records of families rather than in specification of service in the Revolution, Yours very truly - Cornelia P. Hathrop.
Censuses: -
✓ Isaac Penfield
✓ Samuel Penfield - 55895 ✓
Am not so much interested in service record as in children, residences, relatives, and especially Bible Records - with dates.
Respectfully - Cornelia P. Hathrop 105 Beacon Street Bridgeport, Connecticut.

BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER,
_____, 190___
No. Claim Order File 5895
Cert. No. _____
Claimant, _____
Soldier, Samuel Penfield
Co. _____ Reg't. _____
ACTION AND ORDER:
Revolutionary War.
To Chf. _____ Div. _____ Action _____ SEP 11 7 1906 COMMISSIONER.
W.
For advice through desk.
Miss Lavinia Stone Westfield New York.
Commissioner.

Rev War
5895
INVALID.
File No. 5895
Samuel Penfield
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index: Vol. 9 , Page 291
[Arrangement of 1870.]
May 1/33 Mil. Hist. Co Mrs. Mary E. Hathaway Westfield, N.Y. (M.E.) 1909 Sept. 14. Hist to Miss Lavinia Stone
1910, May 26. To Dr. Mr. Genl. U.S.A. For tombstone. F.W.
1924 June 27. Hist. to Mrs. L.S. Flagler Letter in ch. 8.45214 of Samuel Anderson 1937 Apr. 29. Hist to Cornelia Pethrop - MSB

Will the Clerk of the Pension Office kindly forward to Mrs. Mary E. Hathaway, West- field Chautauqua Co. New York, informa- tion regarding Sam- uel Panfield. Sam- uel Panfield was in receipt of a pension as a Revolutionary sol- dier, (probably in a Vermont regiment) Mrs. Hathaway will be very

grateful for such in- formation as the Pension Office can furnish. and so will
Yours truly Miss Mary Isabella Forsyth.
I think the amount of pension was sixty dollars per month.
Kingston N.Y. April 16. '95.

mmh
June 23, 1924
Mrs. G. S. Flagler 184 East Main St., Westfield, New York
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 5895 it appears that Samuel Penfield was born February 20, 1783 in Wallingford, Connecticut.
While living in Watertown, Litchfield County, Connecticut he enlisted March 1, 1779 and served nine months as a private in Captain Jotham Curtis' Connecticut Company.
He enlisted in May or June 1780 and served six months as a private in Captain Edwards' Company, Colonel Heman Swift's Connecticut Regiment, was in a skirmish below Totowa near Fort Lee where he was severely wounded in his left side.
He enlisted March 1, 1781 and served nine months as a private in Captain Royce's Company, Colonel Meigs' Connecticut Regiment and was in several skirmishes.
He was allowed pension on his application executed

October 12, 1832 while living in Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, where he had removed from Charlotte, Chittenden County, Vermont. He died August 24, 1851.
In 1856 his wife was not living and there were only two surviving children, Anna the widow of Buel Howard, and Electa the widow of John Howard. The name of soldier's wife is not stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

a reply to your request of _____, received a statement of the military history of Samuel Penfield soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. File 5895
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mch. 1. 79 9 mos. Jotham Curtis ✓ Conn.   Mch. June 80 6 mos. Edwards Heman Swift   Mch. 1 81 9 mos. Royce Meigs  
nd in left side in st. below Storrs near Fort Lee.
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Watertown, Litchfield Co., Conn.
Date of application for pension, Oct 12, 1832  Holland.
Residence at date of application, Westfield, Chautauqua Co., NW
Age at date of application, born Feb 20, 1763 at Wallingford, Conn.
Remarks: He died in Aug 24 1851 leaving no wid. & only  one ch. Anna widow of Buel Howard and Electa wid of  John Howard.