Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2721, for Stephen Palmer, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
bone.
Palmer, Stephen Davis, Hannah
R. 2721
Solomon
Former widow
CONTENTS

State of Connecticut ) "Probate Court. March 27 th 1854 County of Middlesex } ss District of Killingworth". Be it known that before me John D. Leffingwell Judge of the court of Probate for the district of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid. Personally came Thorrill Davis aged 59 Years personally known to this court and a resident of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid. Who being duly cautioned and then sworn according to law. Declares and Says that he is Son of Hannah Davis of said Killingworth de- ceased who was the widow of Stephen Palmer who was a Revolutionary Soldier of the State of Connecticut in the "Whale Boat Service" (so called) under the command of Captain Joseph Hull of Derby in the State of Connecticut. That said Stephen Palmer was in the Whale Boat Service in said Revolutionary War for the period of about two Years under said Hull and a Captain Hreyes and was in service until the time of the death of said Palmer which was before the close of the Revolutionary War as declarant rightly beli- eves and has always understood. That said Stephen Palmer was an enlisted man and served regularly and faithfully in service That said Palmer left no papers relating to said Service. That said Stephen Palmer died on the twenty first day of March AD 1783. That said Hannah died on the twenty third day of November AD Eighteen hundred and fifty. and that said Stephen Palmer and said Hannah were married on the day of February in the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty three. That the name of the said Hannah before her said marriage to said Palmer was Hannah Wellman. That they were both residents of that part of the town of Killingworth which is now Clinton in the County and State aforesaid. That said Stephen Palmer belonged in said town at the time

of his death and which was at the time above stated. That after the death of said Palmer, said Hannah married Solomon Davis of said Tillingworth on or about the 30 th day of January in the year 1786. That said Solomon Davis died on the third day of May in the year A D Eighteen hundred and thirteen and left said Hannah a Widow. That said Hannah ever afterwards remained a Widow, and was a widow on the seventh day of July A D Eighteen hundred and thirty eight and that said Hannah never afterwards married but remained a widow to the time of her death which was at the time above stated. That application has never before been made by said Hannah or her heirs for a Pension. That said Hannah Davis was a Widow on the fourth day of July Eighteen hundred and thirty six and remained a widow and said Hannah never afterwards married. He further declares and says that he makes this declaration for in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed July 4 th A D 1836 and of the first section of the act of 3 rd of March 1837. That the said Hannah Davis left one child by said Palmer whose name is Sally Stevens, and eight children now living by said Solomon Davis whose names are Joel Davis, Julia, Benjamin, Thorrit, Elias, Harvey, Daniel, and Zine Davis. Thorrit Davis
I am also sworn to and subscribed before me John D. Lippincott Judge of Probate for the District of Wilmington and I also certify that Thorrit Davis is Administrator on the estate of Hannah Davis also named and is bound in good and sufficient bond to the amount of one thousand dollars with good and sufficient surety to the satisfaction of the Court
John D. Lippincott
Judge of Probate for the District of Wilmington

And I further certify that the cause and intimation of the record "died in heaven" are due before the signing and that I am wholly disappointed in the matter of Paul Stein
John D. Lippincott Judge of Probate for the District of Wilmington

State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex } ss.
I Alfred Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John D Leffingwell before whom the above declaration was made, and whose true signature is thereunto affixed was at the time of subscribing the same Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth and whose term of office expires on the 4th day of July 1837, and is duly authorized to administer Oaths -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court at Clinton this twenty seventh day of March A.D. 1854.
Alfred Hull. Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Killingworth
And I do further certify that Thorrit Davis above named is Administrator on the Estate of Hannah Davis above named late of Killingworth aforesaid, deceased and has executed bonds in the penal sum of one thousand Dollars, with sufficient surety to the satisfaction of this Court as appears of record -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court at Clinton this 27th day of March A.D. 1854
Alfred Hull. Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Killingworth -

I James D Moore pastor of the Congregational Church in the Town of Clinton, and County of Middlesex, and State of Connecticut do hereby certify, that, "Stephen Palmer and Hannah Wellman" were married in the year A.D. Seventeen hundred and eighty three in the month of February, as appears of the records of this church James D Moore, Pastor.
I James D Moore aforesaid, depose and say, that I hold the office of Pastor of the Congregational Church in the Town of Clinton, and County of Middlesex, and State aforesaid - And that the above is a true copy from the Records of this church, in the hand writing of Revd Achilles Mansfield, at that time pastor of said Church, with the exception of the date, as certified by me, which is expressed in the records in fair legible present as follows, under the head of "Marriages" "1783". Feb. Stephen Palmer with Hannah Wellman" James D Moore. Pastor.
State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex ss } Sworn to and subscribed this 3 rd day of April A D Eighteen hundred and fifty four. Before me John R Farnham Justice of Peace and I certify that James D Moore above named is Pastor of the Congregational Church aforesaid and that I am wholly disinterested John R Farnham Justice of Peace

I, James D Moore, pastor of the Congregational Church in the Town of Clinton, in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Stephen Palmer was drowned on the Sunday first day of March, in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty three, as appears of the Records of this Church James D Moore, Pastor.
I, James D Moore, aforesaid, depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the Congregational Church, in the Town of Clinton, in the County and State aforesaid - and that the above is a true copy of the Records of said Church, in the handwriting of Revd Achilles Mansfield at that time, pastor of said Church, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the records in full legible figures as follows, under the head of deaths - "Bill of Mortality" "1783." "March 21. Stephen Palmer, drowned" — James D Moore. Pastor
State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex ss } Sworn to and subscribed this 3 day of April A Eighteen hundred and fifty four. Before me John R Farnham Justice of Peace. and I certify that James D Moore above named is Pastor of the Congregational Church aforesaid and that I am wholly disinterested John R Farnham Justice of Peace

I, James D Moore, pastor of the Congregational Church in the Town of Clinton, in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, hereby certify, that Solomon Davis and Hannah Palmer are married on the Thirteenth day of January A.D., Seventeen hundred and Eighty Six, as appears of the Records of this Church
James D Moore. pastor.
I, James D Moore, aforesaid, depose and say that I hold the office of pastor of the Congregational Church in the Town of Clinton, in the County and State aforesaid - and that the above is a true copy from the Records of this Church, as kept in the handwriting of Revd Abihail Mansfield at that time pastor of said Church - with the exception of the date as certified by me, which is expressed in the Records in fair legible figures as follows, under the head of "Marriages"
"1786 Jan'y 30 th Solomon Davis with Hannah Palmer"
And I am wholly uninterested
James D Moore. Pastor.
State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex ss } I sworn to and subscribed this 3 rd day of April A.D. Eighteen Hundred and fifty four Before me John R. Farnham Justice of Peace and I certify that James D Moore above named is Pastor of the Congregational Church aforesaid and that I am wholly disinterested
John R Farnham Justice of Peace

2721 REJECTED
P. O. Hannah Davis
Service: Widow of Stephen Palmer
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Heirs of Hannah Davis widow of Stephen Palmer "Revolutionary" act Sep 1828 Oxford

No: 8.049 Hannah Davis, decd. former widow of Stephen Palmer Conn.
Let to Wm N. Buell April 17/54 Barre - Feby 23. 1855.
2721
Act 4th July 1836

No 8.049
Hannah Davis dec formerly wid. of Stephen Palmer Cl
Oct 1836

In the matter of the Application of the heirs of Hannah Davis widow of Stephen Palmer for a Revolutionary Pension
State of Connecticut }
County of Middlesex }
ss. On this 27 th day of March in the year of Eighteen hundred and Fifty four. Before me John R. Farnham a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid. Personally came Gideon Helsey Aged 87 years, a resident of the town of Clinton in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut to me well known, who being duly sworn according to law. Deposes & says. That Stephen Palmer was a private in the Revolutionary War in the Whale Boat service and served under the command of Captain Hull of Derby, Connecticut, in the time of the Revolutionary War. That said Stephen Palmer was an enlisted man in said Service. Deponent understood and believes that said Palmer enlisted at the first for one year. Deponent well remembers that said Palmer was attached to the Whale Boats under Captain Hull before and at the time of the said Whale Boats coming to Hellingworth Harbor (now Clinton) aforesaid on their way Eastward on an expedition to dislodge certain Refugee Boats that were destroying the Commerce of the United States on the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Deponent well remembers that said Stephen Palmer continued in said Service after said Expedition. Said Stephen Palmer continued in service under said Hull and said Palmer was one of the Boats Crew under said Hull which took a British Ten Gun Privateer in Long Island Sound off Stratford Connecticut in said War and killed or made prisoners the said Privateers whole crew. Deponent has this knowledge from the fact that said Stephen Palmer boarded in the family of Deponents Father previous to the time of said Palmers entering the said Service. And from the Statements of said Palmer made to Deponent when said Palmer returned to

Deponents Fathers house after the taking of said Privateer. That during the spring of the year of Seventeen Hundred and Eighty Three Said Palmer was attached as a private to an Armed Commissioned Whale Boat under the command of one Captain Heyes. Deponent remeans bers that said Stephen Palmer was attached to said Hulls Whale Boats before the aforesaid Expedition Eastward. And that said Palmer was drowned while in Said last named service under Captain Heyes while on a passage from said Hillingworth Harbor to Long Island. Deponent remeans bers that it was cold and tempestuous weather at the time said Palmer was drowned. Deponent further says that said Stephen Palmer was employed in the manufacture of Salt at Hillingworth Harbor and boarded in Deponents Fathers family, before said Palmer entered said Whale Boat service. Deponent further says that said Palmer was very intimate in the family of deponents Father. Deponent further says that the said Stephen Palmer Married Hannah Wellman of said Hillingworth some time in the Winter before the death of said Palmer. Said Hannah Wellman was a neighbor and was well known to deponent. The said Stephen Palmer and the said Hannah Wellman lived together as husband & wife and said Hannah Wellman bore one child to said Palmer. Deponent verily believes them to have been married in the month of February in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty three as set forth in the accompanying Declaration. Deponent further says that said Hannah married Solomon Davis after the death of said Palmer and removed from the sea shore into the north part of the Town of Hillingworth. Deponent further says that he knows Harvey Davis of said Clinton as a Son of the said Hannah Davis. Deponent has understood and believes that said Hannah Davis Widow of said Stephen Palmer was alive about three years since and lived in the town of Hillingworth aforesaid. Deponent knew the said Solomon Davis during

said Davis fife time. Deponent repeats that the facts of said Stephen Palmers service. Said Palmers marriage to said Hannah Wellman. said Palmers Death and said Hannahs second marriage to Davis are all fresh in deponents memory but deponent is not now able to state the precise time when said Palmer entered said Whale Boat Service. Deponent believes said Palmer entered said Whale Boat service as early as the spring of the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty one and continued in said service untill the time of the death of said Palmer in the spring of the year Seventeen hundred Eighty three. Deponent further says that said Captain Hull several times stopped at the house of the Father of deponent during the time of said Whale Boat service. Deponent swears he is wholly disinterested Gideon Thelcy
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written. And I certify that I am wholly disinterested in the matter of said claim
Before me John R. Farnham, Justice of Peace
And I further certify that Gideon Thelcy above named is a credible witness
John R. Farnham Justice of Peace

In the matter of the application of the heirs of Hannah Davis Widow of Stephen Palmer for a Revolutionary Pension State of Connecticut Middlesex County vs Killingworth On this 30 th day of March A.D. 1854 Before me Aaron G. Hurl a justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally came Jonathan Wellman a Soldier of the Revolution aged 91 years a resident of the Town of Killingworth in Middlesex County and State of Connecticut to me well known who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that I know Stephen Palmer of Killingworth in Middlesex County in the State of Connecticut then a resident in sd Killingworth first in the year 1776 when he the sd Palmer was engaged in the manufacture of Salt at Killingworth Harbor and that he the sd Palmer Married Hannah Wellman of sd Killingworth some time before the close of the War of the Revolution and that she the sd Hannah Wellman was the deponent's Sister and that he the sd Palmer was drowned in Long Island Sound from a Whale Boat in crossing from Killingworth to Long Island before the close of the Revolutionary War and that the deponent well knew the circumstances of the death of said Palmer. The Deponent was engaged in Military service in the State of Vermont in the years of 1740 - 1781 - & 1782 and does not now recollect the particulars of the Military services of the sd Palmer - and the sd Stephen Palmer and Hannah Wellman lived together as Husband and Wife and to Hannah bore one child to sd Palmer. Deponent verily believes them to have been Married in the Month of February in the year 1783 as set forth in the accompanying declaration. Deponent well recollects that after the death of sd Palmer the sd Hannah Married Solomon Davis of sd Killingworth on or about the 8 th day of January A.D. 1796 Deponent verily believes that the sd Solomon Davis has been dead for the period of forty years and the sd Hannah has for the above named forty years remained a Widow and sd Hannah was a Widow on the 2 nd day of July A.D. Eighteen Hundred and thirty six and remained a Widow at the time of her death which was on or about

the twenty third day of November D one thousand eight Hundred and fifty- Deponent has lived in the neighborhood with the sd Hannah Davis for the last forty years and more and that he the sd deponent is wholly disinterested in Deponent knows the children of the sd Hannah Davis that she left one child by sd Palmer whose name is Sally Stevens and eight children now living by sd Solomon Davis whose names are Joel Davis, Julia, Benjamin, Basset, Elias, Harvey, Daniel, and Linda Davis
Jonathan Wellman
Sworn and subscribed on this 30 th day of March A D 1854 and I hereby certify that I am wholly disinterested in the matter of sd claim and that the sd Jonathan Wellman is a credible witness Aaron G. Ward Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut.
I, John P. C. Mather , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That John R. Farnham & Aaron G. Hird was, from the fourth day of July, A. D. 1852, to the fourth day of July, A. D. 1854, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Middlesex 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 Court, and to give Certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to this official acts and attestations.
And I further certify, That I believe the foregoing signatures of the said John R. Farnham & Aaron G. Hird to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 5 th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
John P. C. Mather , Secretary of State.

Stephen Palmer - Boat service under Capt Jos Hull, of Derby, some 2 yrs before close of war - died in service
Died Mar 1. 1783.
Married Feby 1783 - was Hannah Wellman
Hannah died Nov 23. 1850
They lived in Killingworth
Hannah married Sol n Davis Jany 30. 1786
Davis died May 3. 1813 -
She from then remained a widow to her death
Children's names
Certif. of court that Hannah Davis Morrit Davis is Adm re of Hannah - bond $1,000.
Minister's certif that Palmer & Hannah were married , as above in Feby 1783
Also - That Stephen Palmer was drowned Mar 21 st 1783 - as shown by Church record -
Also - Davis & Hannah married Jany 30 th 1786
Afft of Gideon Kelsey - that Palmer served one year under Hull - took out privateer &c - and in Spring of 1783 - served under Capt Peys - & was drowned while in service. Marriage &c - Boarded with Dept's father.

Jonathan Wellman - brother of Hannah testifies to marriage - and generally to service.

Joseph Hull commander of Whale Boats 1780 81 82. See Vol for Fitch's Rolls or a/c Stephen Palmer private in the above.
Palmer served under Hull Hull was Father of Com Isaac Hull
64 Miscellaneous rolls - (a thin volume)
Pay abstract of Capt Jabez Fitch's company of Independent Volunteers from Mar 1. 1782 to Mar 1. 1783. bears the name of "Joseph Hull, Lieut," for 12 months
But not the name of Stephen Palmer

Ct Chitouch April 7 th 1854.
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comm te Pensions
Dear Sir: The undersigned Attorney for the heirs of Hannah Davis widow of Stephen Palmer begs leave to file the accompanying papers for a Revolutiona- ry Pension claim act of 1836.
Believing it an honest just and true claim
Yours truly
Wm. H. Buell " " "