Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 17479, for Timothy Potter, Connecticut

SERVICE
Conn.
Potter, Timothy Martha
NUMBER _____
W 17479
CONTENTS

Connecticut 3770
Martha Potter — widow of Timothy Potter —
who was a pensioner under the Act of — and who died on the 15 th Nov r 1816. of New Haven in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the — commanded by Captain — of the Reg t commanded by Meigs in the Connecticut line for 3 Years — of Conn.
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford — at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Aug t 1839, and sent to W m Storer New Haven Conn t
Arrears to the 4th of March $240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00
$280.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Resin Orme Clerk book A Vol. 1 Page 304

1551 Wm Storer - agent
Cap Potter Co Cal. Maples enlist Jan 16. 1778 disch Dec 10 1780

State of Connecticut. New Haven County } ss. City of New Haven
On this 25 th day of February 1837. Personally appeared Before the Honorable Charles A. Ingersoll, Judge of Probate, for the District of New Haven, in said County, Mrs Martha Potter, a resident in said County, and Probate District, aforesaid, now aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provi- sion made by the Act of Congress, passed July 15 th 1836. That she is the widow, of Timothy Potter, late of Hamden, deceased, who was a soldier in war of the Revolution, for three years, by one enlistment, commencing in the spring of the year 1779. which term of three years, he faithfully served. — Her name before her marriage, was Martha Turner. — and she further declares, that she was married, to the said Timothy Potter, on the 16 th day of March, 1781. by the Revd Chauncy Whittelsey, while the said Timothy Potter, was home, on furlough, and that soon after they were married, he returned to the Army, and served his time out. — and she further declares, that her husband, the aforesaid Timothy Potter, died, at Hamden, in a fit of apoplexy, on the 15 th day of November 1816. and that she, has remained his widow, ever since that period, as will more fully appear, by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Martha her Potter mark
Sworn to before
Chas A. Ingersoll
Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after hearing the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the aforesaid Timothy Potter, was a Revolutionary soldier and served as stated by the aforesaid applicant, and that said applicant is his widow —
Chas A. Ingersoll
Judge of Probate
I further do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the substance of the petition of the applicant for Probate

the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Martha Dottle for a license to testify thereby I have been at my hand and seal this 25 th day of Febry 1837.
Arthur Tappan Clerk.

I hereby certify that in the record of marriages kept by the Rev Chauncey Whitelsey formerly pastor of the First Church of Christ in New Haven, I find under date 1781 March 14, the following entry, viz, "Timothy Dyer junr. and Naomi Moore."
Leonard Bacon Pastor of the First Church in New Haven. New Haven Conn. 24 Feb. 1837.
State of Connecticut.
New Haven County } ss.
City of New Haven,
Be it known. that before me, William Storer, a notary Public, within, and for the state of Connecticut. personally appeared, the Rev Leonard Bacon, signer of the foregoing certificate, a person well known to me, as a man of truth, and veracity, and made oath, to the truth of the same, on the day, and year, last above written. —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my official signature and seal. — William Storer Notary Public.

I Amos Warner, of New Haven, in the County of New Haven, and State of Connecticut, now Aged 75 years, Testify, and say, That in the year 1780. in the War of the Revolution, I enlisted into the Continental Army, in a Company, in Col. Megr's Regiment, commanded by Capt. Stephen Potter, for during the war, in the Summer of that year, when I joined the Army, I found, Timothy Potter, with whom, I had previously been acquainted, belonged to the same Company, Potter had enlisted, some time previous to myself, for three years, we were in the same Company until sometime in the Summer, of 1781. at which time we were at the High lands, and I was detached from the Company, and went to the south, and was at the taking of Lord Cornwallis, and Army, at Yorktown, in October 1781.
New Haven, Feb y 13 th 1837.
AMOS WARNER
State of Connecticut.
New Haven County.) City of New Haven.) ss.
Be it known, that before me, William Storer, a Notary Public, within, and for the State of Connecticut, Personally appeared, Amos Warner, Signer of the forgoing Deposition, a man of reputation, for Truth, and Veracity, in the Town, and neighbourhood where he resides, and made Oath, to the truth of the same, on the day, and year, last above written. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed, my Official Seal, and Signature.
William Storer.
Notary Public.

I Medal Potter, of Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, now aged 80 years. Testify and say. That in the war of the Revolution, in the year 1776. in the summer of that of that year, I enlisted into the Army for six months, and served my full time out. - again in the year 1777. I enlisted for three months, my first service was on Long Island, and New York. the second, or three months term, was at Rye, and Hornsbrook. - in the year 1778. I enlist for during the War, in Capt Barkers Company, Col Douglas Regiment, afterwards commanded by Col Meger. after this enlistment, I served about a year, and when the Regiment was stationed near Continental Village, in the winter of 1778. a part of our Regiment, were sent to Fishkill, to have the small-pox, after which, I obtained a furlow for a few weeks, and went home to New Haven; in the Spring of 1779. in the month of May, or June, I returned to the Army, and Timothy Potter, who was an acquaintance of mine, and had enlisted for three years, while I was at home, went in company with me, and joined the Army. I was in the same company with him, until I was detached into the Infantry, and I confidently believe, he served the full term of three years. - Guilford Feb y 16 th 1837. He did his Potter mark
State of Connecticut.
County of New Haven, } ss Guilford. }
Be it known. that before me, William Storer a Notary Public within, and for the State of Connecticut, personally appeared Medal Potter, signer of the foregoing deposition, a man of reputation for truth, veracity, in the Town, and neighborhood where he resides, and made oath to the truth of the same. on the day and year last above written.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Official Seal and signature
William Storer. Notary Public

Dec 14 - 1852
Adrett Weaver & Leff Washington

AFFIDAVIT AND POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY OF New Haven } ss.
Be it remembered, That, on this 16 th day of November A. D. 1852, I, Jabez T. Potter do make known and declare that I am the son and heir-at-law to Martha Potter who was the only wife of Timothy Potter a Revolutionary soldier, who served 3 years, under the command of Col. Moeys in the forces raised by the State of Connecticut and that he and his said wife were married about the month of March A. D. 1781 that he died about the month of November A. D. 1800 and that his said wife also died about the month of October A. D. 1838 and that a pension of 96 dollars a year was drawn by said Martha Potter on account of said services, and so continued until the year A. D. 1838, since which time nothing has been received by either, or the heirs of either of said parties.
And that claimant is now 56 years of age; and it is understood and believed that there are arrearages of Pension, and other claims due for said services: Now, THEREFORE, the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevocably appoint and empower ALFRED J. WORKS, of New Haven City and County, State of Connecticut,
as my Attorney, with power of substitution, to investigate, substantiate, demand, and receive the avails of, said claim or claims, and to say and do all things relative thereto, as amply as I might do: hereby ratifying every thing said or done by my said Attorney, or his substitute, in virtue hereof; ALSO, revoking all Powers of Attorney, or other authority previously given for any such purposes.
Attest,
Henry Peck Esq. Wm. Goodwin
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, day and date first above named.
Jabez T. Potter
L. S.
Subscribed, sworn to, and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above indicated.
Wm Goodwin Notary Public

Acts of July 14, 1802, and March 3, 1873.
S 375
P. O.
Martha Potter
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 174 79
Martha Potter
Wid. of
Timothy Potter
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 7, 183
Index:—Vol. 134 , Page 134
[Arrangement of 1870.]

X/557
Martha Potter Widow of Timothy Potter de o Conn.
Rejected, to Col. Millican Storer, June 2 o 1837
Mamill 1781.
Seneca and 1780
Lt. Genl. Washington June 6 th 1838 - do. to Jane May 3 rd Nov. 8. 1838
8-375
act. 4 th July - 1836 -
Not 4 th July 1836

Maudie Potter of Timothy

Bridgeport Mch 17 th 18.62. Hon J H Barrett
Commissioner of Pension Dear Sir
Will you allow Messrs Fiske & Addison to examine the papers on file in your office relative to the claim of Martha Potter, widow of Timothy Potter. Pensioner for services as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War.
These gentlemen are employed as my attorneys to prosecute this claim and any information extended to them will be thankfully received by a
Grandchild of Timothy Potter

Providence R. I. Nov. 4. 1898.
My dear Sir,
Elisha Dillingham, now of this place, but formerly Native of Massachusetts, appears to have received a pension certificate in August 1891 , as having been a Revolutionary Soldier in the 9 th Mass. ts Regiment, under Col. M. Jackson - (8 th Company -) He states that he made application in 1820 to Mr. Blagg of Boston, an agent for procuring pensions, & took depositions now on file in Washington, prior to his leaving, but that delay occurred & that he afterwards took two more depositions & forwarded another application, & did not obtain his certificate till the above time Aug. 1891 - whereby he loses the arrear of eleven years unless he now obtains a certificate therefor. By referring to his application on file you will be able to judge of his claim for these arrears, & to inform me, as I beg you will, whether he can obtain the arrear by application at your department, & if any thing, in addition to what you find is necessary for that purpose - or if other  another course is necessary, with the facts appearing there are of such a nature & are in such condition that they can be made serviceable upon a petition to Congress.
I have to acknowledge the

receipt your favor, in reply to the new application of Mrs. Rachel Smith & Mrs. Martha Potter .
In the latter case you have decided that there was no service of the husband after the marriage. Must not this fact, judicially decided, be taken to be the fact by the tribunal or authority which made the decision? The opinion, or belief, of the applicant having been expressly overruled as a mistake , can it, in the same forum, be afterwards allowed to countervail the very decision in that forum by which it was pronounced to be a nullity? The act of July 1838 looks to the fact , not to any particular declaration, testimony or evidence, of the fact. All laws deem the facts to be as they are, or shall be, decided to be, by the tribunal which they invest with the power of deciding & adjudging them. Has not the regulation of the department required more than the law , for the execution of which it is made, requires? viz. - not only the fact , but the belief or opinion of the applicant in addition? Does not this exclude some who are included in the act? - It seems to me, (I think it must have been the opinion of Congress, fairly interpreted by the object of the law -) that more service than was necessary to constitute a claim to the pension in question, is not a demerit , & does not injure the title. No doubt there are not to be two pensions for the same service. But when the first pension is not received - when it is an adjudicated fact that there was not the service after the marriage - not enough of service to entitle to the first pension - & when there is no dispute but that there was enough to entitle to the second - shall the belief of the applicant that there was not only that , but more also ,

destroy her merits & claim founded on enough ? Draft the regulation to require more on that point than that she should declare that she has received no pension for the service after marriage? - if that is necessary? —
Why should widows, who prove enough service, & believe there was more , be placed in a worse situation than those who merely believe & prove enough ?
Will you have the goodness to think upon this matter with some reference to the above suggestions. I shall see you on the subject when I arrive in Washington, which I hope to do shortly, and meantime am
with great respect
Your obliged & ob't Servt
Joseph L. Tillinghast
I suggest also whether it is best to require a positive oath to a negative — which it is often unsafe for any witness or person to make. — Also that a wife, deeply interested in the movements of her husband, especially if he goes on military or dangerous expedition, may have reasons for believing, & for not swearing to the negative of a service, which others, having no particular interest to know or to remember, may not have.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. Pensions

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, NEW HAVEN COUNTY, COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, G. Beach Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that
Samuel J. Hitchcock
Esq.
is a Justice of Peace,
Judge of New Haven County Court
within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned, and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds; that his Commission is dated the 31 st day of May A. D. 1838 and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 1839; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 19 th day of June A. D. 1839
G. Beach Clerk.

State of Connecticut
County of New Haven, ss. New Haven June Nineteenth one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. I Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of New Haven County Court in said State do hereby certify that Mrs. Martha Potter Widow who formerly made a declaration before me as judge as affiant to obtain a pension under the acts of Congress in such case pro- vided, and whose declaration is now on file in the proper office in Washing- ton, as I am informed; was at the time of making, and subscribing, and making oath to, said declaration in a weak and feeble state of health, and afflic- ted with Diphtheria which rendered her unable to travel from the place of her residence to the usual place of holding said County Court.
Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of New Haven County Court State of Connecticut

I William G Hubbard of the town and county of New-Haven in the state of Connecticut aged seventy two years being duly cautioned and sworn before and say That I have been well acquainted with Mrs Martha Potter the widow of Timothy Potter, late of the town of Hamden in said county of New-Haven now deceased, which said Martha was the applicant for a pension from the United States under the act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows, and made her declaration for that purpose before the Honorable Samuel J. Hitchcock, Judge of the County Court for said county of New-Haven on the 13 th day of October A D 1838. That I well knew the said Timothy Potter the husband of the said Martha for about twenty years before his death - That I lived for a great number of years in said town of Hamden within a short distance of the residence of said Potter. That I know said Timothy Potter was reputed generally to have served in the army of the revolution, as a soldier in the Revolutionary war - and in Colonel Meigs regiment That I have often heard said Timothy Potter speak of his service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and of his having served in Colonel Meigs Regiment in that war. That I know the said Martha Potter to be the widow of the same Timothy Potter who was reputed to have served as a soldier as above stated. Dated at said New-Haven this nineteenth day of June A D . 1839.
Wm G. Hubbard
State of Connecticut
County of New-Haven, ss. New-Haven June nineteenth one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, Then there personally appeared William G. Hubbard who is to me well known, and is a credible witness and a person of truth & veracity, and who has subscribed the foregoing deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of New-Haven County Court State of Connecticut

I Joel Ford of the town of Hamden in the county of New Haven in the State of Connecticut, aged sixty six years being duly cautioned and sworn before and say - That I have been well acquainted with Mrs Martha Potter the widow of Timothy Potter late of said Hamden deceased which said Martha was the applicant for a pension from the United States, under the act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows, and made her declaration for that purpose before Samuel J. Hitchcock Esq Judge of the County Court for the County of New Haven On the 13 th day of October 1838. That I have lived within about half a mile from the said Timothy Potter and Martha Potter from the time they were married - That I was well acquainted with the said Timothy Potter, and I know that he was in the service of the United States as a soldier in the Revolutionary war - That I saw said Timothy at my father's house after he came from the service with his military dress on - That I know the said Martha Potter to be the widow of the same Timothy Potter who was in the service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war as stated above.
Dated at New Haven in said county of New Haven this nineteenth day of June A D 1839.
Joel Ford
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss. New Haven June nineteenth one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine Then and there personally appeared Joel Ford to me well known, and a person of truth and veracity and a credible witness, who has signed the foregoing deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of New Haven County Court State of Connecticut.

Honble James L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D. C.
at present 1878
Washington D.C.
for the 1878-79 term for the amount of $1000 per annum for each of the following named persons who were entitled to such pensions viz: Mrs. Mary Edwards, widow of the late James L. Edwards, deceased, who was entitled to a pension of $1000 per annum for the term of her natural life; Mrs. Sarah Edwards, widow of the late John Edwards, deceased, who was entitled to a pension of $1000 per annum for the term of her natural life; Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, widow of the late William Edwards, deceased, who was entitled to a pension of $1000 per annum for the term of her natural life; Mrs. Mary Edwards, widow of the late James L. Edwards, deceased, who was entitled to a pension of $1000 per annum for the term of her natural life; Mrs. Sarah Edwards, widow of the late John Edwards, deceased, who was entitled to a pension of $1000 per annum for the term of her natural life; Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, widow of the late William Edwards, deceased, who was entitled to a pension of $1000 per annum for the term of her natural life.
Washington D.C.
March 1st 1878
James L. Edwards
Respectfully, I have the honor to submit the following report of the proceedings of the Board of Pension Examiners at the City of Washington, D.C., during the past season, viz: from January 1st to December 31st, 1877, in relation to the claims of the several applicants for pensions under the provisions of the act "to increase the pensions of the soldiers and sailors of the United States, and to provide for the payment of the same," passed March 3rd, 1873.
Washington D.C.
March 1st 1878

New Haven. - Ct
June 20 th 1839.
Honble James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir, in compliance with your instructions communicated to the Honble John M. Niles under date of 15 th April 1839. I herewith transmit to you, the further proof required to support the claim of Martha Hottel, to a Pension, which I hope and trust, will be satisfactory, and that a Certificate of Pension, for her, may be forwarded as soon as may be consistent, with your previous Engagements.
I have the Honour to remain Very Respectfully Yours.
William Storrs.
P.S. - Mrs Hannah Moulthrop, requests me to Enquire if the Evidence in her case, which I enclosed to you, under date of 15 th May, 1839. is sufficient to establish her claim. I know that Hannah Moulthrop, the Applicant for a pension, above named, is the widow of the Identical Reuben Moulthrop, whose name is inscribed on the Roll of Captain Phineas Bradys Company of Artillery, for the year 1780. I was acquainted with said Reuben Moulthrop, at that time, and was a private of Artillery in the same Company, under said Capt- Bradley in the year 1780. My late wife, now deceased, was a sister of the above named Mrs Hannah Moulthrop, and a daughter of the late Rev d Nicholas Street, of East Haven, now deceased, - As under the Solemnities of an Oath, I have hereunto set my hand this 20 th Day of June 1839. William Storrs.

Martha Dotter, Hamden, County of New Haven, State of Connecticut. William Storer, Agent, New Haven, Conn.
2892
Conn
act 7 July '38
March 1781
due 1816
on rolls Miqs
3 years
Allow 5 80 per ann
Mr Storer
New Haven
Rev. M. Cam

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, NEW-HAVEN COUNTY: COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
} ss.
J. W. Beecher I, ROBINSON S. HINMAN , Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the
Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that
Roger S. Baldwin
Esq. is a JUSTICE OF PEACE within and for the said County, duly appointed Commissioner and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds: that his Commission is dated the 28 day of May A.D. 18 28, and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 18 39. That I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his,
is his genuine official signature. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 13 th day of October A.D. 18 38
J. W. Beecher Clerk.
I also certify that Samuel J. Hitchcock is Judge of New Haven County Court, duly appointed Commissioner & sworn, with power to administer oaths, & that his signature hereto annexed is his genuine official signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand before the seal of said Court as above the year last past.

State of Connecticut.
County of New Haven, ss. New Haven.
On this thirteenth day of October 1838. Personally appeared before the Honble, Samuel J. Hitchcock, Judge of the County Court, for the County of New Haven, and State of Connecticut, Mrs. Martha Potter, a resident of Hamden, in the County, and State aforesaid, aged eighty years, who, being first 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 July 7 th 1838, entitled: "An act granting halfpay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is widow of Timothy Potter, late of Hamden aforesaid, deceased, who, was a private in the Continental Army, in the war of the revolution, and served three years, eleven months and fifteen days, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Return J. Meigs, from the sixteenth day of January, Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven, until the first day of January, Seventeen hundred and eighty one, as appears by accompanying Certificate from Comptroller of public Accounts, at Hartford, State of Connecticut. She further declares that she was married to the said to the Timothy Potter, on the fourteenth day of March, Seventeen hundred and eighty one, that her husband the aforesaid Timothy Potter, died at Hamden, aforesaid, on the fifteenth day of November, Eighteen hundred and sixteen, and she has remained his widow, ever since that period: That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place, previous to the first day of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz: at the above stated time. — Subscribed and sworn to on the day, and year above written.
Before me
Martha Potter
Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of New Haven County Court State of Connecticut on this thirteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight Personally appeared Martha Potter widow and subscribed the above declaration by holding the pen while I guided the same she being unable to write her name, and also said Martha Potter then and there made solemn oath to the truth of said declaration.
Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of New Haven County Court.

Comptroller Office
Hartford Conn. Aug 30 1838
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Timothy Patten I have examined the records of settlement made with the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army and find his name in a settlement with the 6 th Conn t Regiment between J t M c Gregg Col o before 1780 where he is entered as a private Jan y 16 1777 Time of settlement Jan y 1 1780 Making 2. 11. 15 Again same Regiment commencing Jan y 1 1780 Time of settlement Jan y 1 1780 Making 12 Months
Henry Kilbourn Compt r

From the "Record of Marriages," kept by the Rev. Chauncy Whittelsey, formerly Pastor of the First Church in New Haven.
"One thousand seven hundred, and eighty one; March, fourteenth, Timothy Potter Junr. and Martha Turner"
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible fig- ures as follows:
1781
March
14
Leonard Bacon
I Leonard Bacon, above named, do hereby certify: that I held the office of Pastor of the First Church in the city of New Haven, County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said church, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Leonard Bacon, Pastor of The First Church in New Haven.
State of Connecticut
New Haven October 13 th 1838
The foregoing certificate was sworn to before me on the day & year above, & full faith & credit is due to
the same Roger S. Baldwin Justice of Peace