Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,590, for Gilbert Oakley, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
NC
Conn
Oakley, Gilbert Eleanor
N 26,590
CONTENTS

9363 New York at Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert who was a private in the Revolutionary war
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of April '57 and sent to
Thomas M. Ewen Warwick N.Y.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book  4 Vol.  2  Page  81

State of New York Orange County ss. On this twenty eighth day of June one thousand eight hundred & fifty two personally appeared before me John G. Melvin County Judge of Orange County Sallie Johnston of Wallkill in the County of Orange aged sixty three years who being first duly sworn accor- ding to law did depose & say that she is the second child of Gilbert & Eleanor Dabler. That my father Gilbert Dabler died in the year 1805. That she frequently heard him speak of his having been in the service in the war of the Revolution & that he entered such service at the age of sixteen years & continued in the service until the spring of the year one thousand eight hundred & eighty three. That while he was in & a short time before he left the the service he received a bruise or wound on the shin bone of the leg & that the wound or bruise never got well during his life. That his friends wanted him during his life to apply for a pension as an invalid

That he was too proud & spirited to do so. That she has frequent- ly heard him relate incidents that happened to him & when he was in the service.
That from what she has heard him state during his life time & what was generally believed by his friends & neighbors she has no hesitation in stating that family believes that he was in the service over three years in the war of the "Revolution".
Sworn to & subscribed before me this Sally Johnson day of year above written
John G. McKim County Judge of Dauphin County
I certify that at  the  time Sally Johnson above named & that she is a woman of good character & that her statement is entitled to full credit & belief
John G. McKim County Judge

The Application of Eleanor Oakley for a Pension
Application and evidence
No 14.352
Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert N. G.
Act 7 July 1838
M Married Dec 28, 1783 He died Sept. 13, 1805,
G. A. Hulke

State of New York } Orange County } ss
On this nineteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before me John G. Wilkinson  Local officer as County Judge of Orange County of the degree of Bachelor at a Justice of the Supreme Court at Poughkeepsie at law in the Supreme Court at Poughkeepsie  Eleanor Oakley a resident of the town of Wallkill in said County of Orange aged eighty six 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 half pay and pensions to certain widows " That she is the widow of Gilbert Oakley who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Thomas Nash a captain of the militia of the state of Connecticut along the coast (known by name as coast-guards) near Fairfield Norwalk and Southport in said state of Connecticut. That he the said Gilbert Oakley entered in the service (as near as she can state) in the month of January 1781 that he enlisted at that time and continued in the service during and until the close of the war. That the said Gilbert Oakley resided when he entered the service in Fairfield County in said state of Connecticut. That the country through which he was engaged in the service was along the coast of Long Island Sound in Fairfield County as coast guard. That she is not in possession of any documentary evidence relative to said service but that her husband's papers were destroyed some forty years since

She further declares that she was married to the said Gilbert Oakley on the Twenty Eighth day of December in the year 1783. that her husband the aforesaid Gilbert Oakley died on the thirteenth day of September in the year 1805. 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 one thousand Seven hundred and ninety, four viz at the time above stated
And she further states that she has ever since and still remains his widow. That she never made application for a pension before. that she spoke to her son (William B Oakley) concerning her right to a pension but that he put it off saying there was no papers by which to establish the claim that she informed him that they were destroyed some years since that he kept putting it off until she applied to her son-in-law Oliver Hulce who has used the means in making this application for her. This declarant being too poor and unable from bodily infirmity to attend to the same herself
Subscribed & sworn to the
day and year above written before
me John G. Wilkin
Eleanor her Oakley mark
Seal Officer as County Judge of Orange County of the degree of Councillor at Law in the Supreme Court & ex officio a Justice of the Supreme Court at Chambers
I certify that Eleanor Oakley the above named applicant cannot from bodily infirmity, attend the court for the purpose of making this declaration or for any other purpose
John G. Wilkin Seal Officer as County Judge of Orange of the degree of Councillor at Law in the Supreme Court & ex officio a Justice thereof at Chambers

Orange County ss
Eleanor Oakley the above named applicant being duly sworn says that the annexed paper herunto attached is the family record of the said Gilbert Oakley, and the only one he ever had that she has had the possession and control of the same since her husband's death and that the same is in the handwriting of her said husband except the registry of the death of her said husband and birth of Elizabeth Oakley which was written by her daughter Sally Johnson.
And she further states that the same is the true and genuine family record of the said Gilbert Oakley.
Sworn to before me } Eleanor Oakley this 19 th day of February 1851 } mark
John G. Wilkin Local Office as County Judge of Orange County of the Asse of Counselor at Law in the Supreme Court by Official action of the Supreme Court at Chambers Orange County, ss
Gilbert O. Hulce of the town of Wallkill in said County, being duly sworn says that he did on the 12 th day of February 1851 take and detach the annexed leaf purporting to be the family record from the bible belonging to Eleanor Oakley and attached the same hereto. that the same is the genuine leaf taken from such Bible and is unaltered correct and true as when taken therefrom.
Sworn this 19 th day of February 1851 before me } Gilbert O. Hulce John G. Wilkin Local Office as County Judge

of Orange County of the degree of Councillor at law in the Supreme Court by office a justice of the Supreme Court at Chambers

Gilbert Oakley was born May the 11 day in the year 1761 and Eleanor Wakeman was born July the 15 day 1764 and they was Married December the 28 day in the year 1783
Amilea Oakley was born November the 4 day 1785 Friday Night
Saley Oakley was born July the 28 day 1788 Monday Night
Abigail Oakley was born April the 12 1791 Monday Night
Ether Oakley was born August the 12 day Monday Night 1793
Wakeman Burr Oakley was born the 6 day of January 1797 a Friday night of January 1797
Eleanor Oakley was born March 21 1799
Marion Oakley was born May the 9 1802 and July 20 1802 was 2 months and 11 days
Elizabeth Oakley was was born August the 26 day 1804, Gilbert Oakley died the last day of Being in the 45 year of his age September 1805

Before CHRIST cir. 161.
34 So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.
35 He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
36 And they ordained all with a common decree, in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.
37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an end.
38 And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired; but, if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.
39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone, and as wine mingled with water is pleasant and delighteth the taste; even so, speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
The End of the APOCRYPHA.
Elizabeth Oakley
Elizabeth Buri Oakley was born August 26 th day in the year 1804

State of New York Orange County ) ss
Damaris Kirby of the town of Wallkill in said county of Orange being duly sworn deposes and says: That she was born in New Fairfield State of Connecticut, that she resided there during the revolutionary war is now in the Eightieth year of her age. That she knew Gilbert Oakley previous to his marriage. That his father resided near New Fairfield they were her people's neighbours. That Gilbert Oakley made his home at his father's when not in service. That she saw the said Gilbert Oakley a short time after he came home from the war that he came to deponent's father's where this deponent lived. That she recollects well of his coming home from the war, that it was in March 1783 and that he did not return. He had his leg hurt in the war some time previous which had not yet healed. That she knew when Danbury was burnt by the enemy that she heard the reports of guns that her father was there at the battle at Danbury and received two ball holes in his hat. That it was well understood and known that Gilbert Oakley was in the service when this deponent lived.
And deponent further says that she knew when he and Eleanor Oakley were married and that they lived together until his death in 1805, that after she came to the State of New York and had married her self and after the death of Gilbert Oakley the said Eleanor Oakley came to this deponent's house to live that she had her husband's chest containing papers. That in the absence of the said Eleanor Oakley her daughter Abigail wanted to use the chest and took the papers out and says to this deponent

these papers are of no use and I am going to burn them up to which this respondent replied they may be of some use and she had better not destroy them but she persisted and threw them on the fire and they were all consumed together in my presence That he left at his death surviving him the children whose names and ages correspond with the annexed family record except one who died before him viz Maria
Subscribed & sworn to this 19 th day of February 1851 before me Damaris X Kirby notary
John G. Wilkin Second Officer as acting Clerk of Orange County of the degree of Counselor at Law in the Supreme Court & Ex Officio a Justice of the Supreme Court at Chambers
State of New York
Orange County ss I Nathan Westcott Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that John G. Wilkin the person subscribing the foregoing application and affidavits and before whom the same was taken was on the Nineteenth day of February 1851 a Local officer acting Judge of Orange County of the degree of Counselor at Law in the Supreme Court and Ex officio a Justice thereof at Chambers that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Wilkin and believe that the name John G. Wilkin so subscribed to said application & affidavits is in his proper and genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the said County of Orange to be hereon impressed
N. Westcott Clerk

State of Connecticut Comptroller Office Hartford March 22 d 1851
I certify, that on application for evidence of the service of Gilbert Oakley, in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the books & documents remaining in this Office relating to that war, and do not find the name of Gilbert Oakley on any Pay Roll now in this Office, nor do I find any Pay Roll of service under Capt. Nash, under whom it is alleged that the said Oakley served.
I find in "Haskells Receipts," several entries for accounts rendered to the United States, for service under Capt. Thomas Nash as follows viz., under heading, "The United States Dr. To the State of Connecticut for sundry Expenditures for the service and expense of Guards on the Sea Coast for the defence of said State" "April 6 th 1781 | Capt. Thomas Nash | Coast Guard at Fairfield £ 144. 13. 2" "Jan. 28 th 1782 | Capt. Thomas Nash | Coast Guard at Fairfield £ 180. 13. 2" "Jan. 28 th 1782 | Capt. Thomas Nash | Coast Guard at Fairfield £ 1396. 2. 8" "May 15. 1783 | Capt. Thos. Nash | Coast Guard at Fairfield £ 45. 8. 10"
R. G. Pinney Comptroller by Geo. Robinson Chief Clerk

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26590
Eleanor Oakley Wid of Gilbert Oakley Prin Reh. Inst.
Act Sept 2nd 1868
Index: Vol Ms , Page 94
[Arrangement of 1870.]

11.480.
New York A.
Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert Oakley who died on the 1805 of in the State of who was a Private in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 60 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of April 1857 and sent to - Thos M c Own Arrears to the 4th of Warwick Semi-annual allowance ending NY.
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by R. M c Cart Clerk, Book Vol. Page 173.

6.072 City of New York Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert Oakley who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
To My City Clerk - Augt 31, 1857
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of April 1857 and sent to
Thos. M. Lewen Warwick N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1857 Vol. 4

New York (Albany) Dec. Eleazar Oakley; widow of Gilbert Oakley, who was a purse born trip
She died July 7, 1838, March 3 rd 1843. P. 12
18 mo per mth $60 pc since born March 4, 1836.
Thos. McEwen, Warwick New York.

July 8 th 1857
Rel: to Case of Eleanor Oakley
Helen P. Hulse G. D. Hulse Middlestown N.Y. Conscripted of Pension Washington D.C.

FREE
Hon. L. P. Waldo Com of Pensions Washington D. C.

No 14.352
Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert
N. 24
Act of 7 th July 1838
To G. O. Hulce. June 23 rd 1851
Same Act 27/51
J. C. McGinn Dec 10/51
Hon W. Myners Sept 13/52

Oct. 14 - 1857
Addl. evi. in case of Cannon Parker
W. H. [unclear] House of Delegates Washington D. C.
W. C. McEwen Cranwick N. H.
Wm. Jones
10-1 1857 M
10-1 1857 M

And. evict. in the case of Eleanor Warwick of Gilbert
Oct 24/52 JH
Hon. James E. Heath Com't of Pension's Washington D. C.

April 8. 1853
Rel: to claim of Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert
Thos. McEwen
Clearwater
Nebraska
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Commissioner.

Warwick New York Sept 30 th 1851
Sir
I herewith enclose the Affidavits of Mr Stephen Allen and Mrs Lydia Nash in support of the claim of Mrs Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert Oakley to a pension under the Act of July 7 1838
At the request of George & Hulda Eng. and Mrs Oakley I have taken charge of her case you will therefore have the goodness to report to me
Very Respectfully Yours obed Servt
Thos L McQueen
Hon James E Heath Comm r of Pensions Washington

Warwick N. York Oct 22 d 1852
Sir
I herewith enclose the affidavit of Gideon Wakeman a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States in support of the claim of Mrs Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert Oakley for the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838
Very Respectfully Yours
Thos. C. W. Ewen
Hon James E. Heath Comt of Pension's

Warwick N York April 5 1853
Dear Sir
I enclosed to your predecessor the Hon J E. Heath on the 22 day of October last (nearly six months ago) additional evi- dence in support of the claim of Mrs Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert Oakley for the benefit of the act of July 7 1838.
Will you have the goodness to inform me on the receipt of this if the additional evidence has been re- ceived in her case and what disposi- tion has been made with the same
Very Respectfully
Your Obed Servt
Thos C. McEwen
Hon J. P. Waldo Comr of Pension's Washington

Brief in the case of Eleanor Oakley, wd of Silas, Henry County and State of New York, act July 7, 1838, March 3 d 1843 re
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Satisfactory proof of same. See deposition of Edwin Wakeman, Commissioner P.W. No. 1832. No. 9581.
Record evidence of mortgage in 183.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
H. A. C. Luer, Nanuet, NY
Examining Clerk.
Orde Nels

House of Reps. Washington July 7 th 1852
Sir,
I hand you herewith additional inducements in relation to the claim of Mrs. Eleanor Oakley, widow of Gilbert Oakley for a pension. —
I also enclose a letter rec d . from T. C. McClure Esq. in relation thereto, and in relation to other matters; to which I beg to call your attention, and respond to me thereon, as soon as convenient. —
Hon: John G. Wilkins, before whom the enclosed Aff d was sworn to, is to my certain knowledge a Judge of the County of Orange - New York —
Very Respectfully Your obed t Servt W m Ellumay
Hon: J. C. Heath Comm r of Pensions

Warwick July 2 nd 1852
D. Sir
I wish you would have the goodness to lay the enclosed affidavit of Mrs Johnston before the Hon S. E. Heath in support of the claim of Mrs Eleanor Oakley widow of Gilbert Oakley for the benefit of the act of July 7 th 1838 and make the inquiry if the department can furnish any record evidence or information in this case.
Mrs Oakley states in her declaration that her Husband entered the service in the spring of 1781 and continued in service till the spring 1783. her statement is supported by the affidavits of Thomas Allen, Mrs Kirby and Lydia Wash.
Thomas Allen stated in his affidavit that he was a pensioner of the United States and served in the same company with Gilbert Oakley in 1781 and part of 1782. He also states that he was taken prisoner before the close of the war and did not know whether Oakley served to the close of the war or not.
Mrs Kirby stated in her affidavit

that she knew Gilbert Oakley that she recollected well of his coming home from the war and that it was in ma- rch 1783.
Lyddie Nash stated in her affidavit that she was acquainted with Gilbert Oakley during the War and saw him in service under the same Captain that Thomas Allen testified too
The Commissioner in his report in this case of December the 10 th 1851 says. In neither of the deposition enclosed by you relative to the case of Eleanor Oakley, is there any attempt to fix the length of that service of her Husband This must be done before the claim can be allowed,
Very
From the testimony adduced in this case it is but fair to infer that Gilbert Oakley served full two Years
If the commissioner cannot furnish any evidence or information in this case. I wi- sh you would insist upon the case being allowed for a full pension on the Testimony already filed in her case.
Thomas Allen and Mrs. Kirby have died since they made their affidavits and it is out of the power of Mrs. Oakley to furnish

any further proof. you will see by Judge Wilkins letter that this is an honest and Just claim.
Please get a report in this case at an early day
I Remain Very Respect Yours Thos. C. McEwen
Hon Wm. Murray House of Representatives Washington
A. B. I have not received any report in Mrs James Cypher's claim for a pension It will be necessary for you to certify that John G. Wilkin is a judge before Mrs Johnston's affidavit will be received at the Pension department

Middletown
Orange County March 31 st 1851
Hon.
J. C. Heath Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Enclosed are two applications one under the bounty Land Law and one under the Pension Law of 1838. I have prepared them the one under the bounty Land Law according to the instructions of the commissioner, as published in the papers. The one prepared for a Pension has been done under the forms and practice of the commissioner as near as could be though done by an unskillful practitioner in the Pension business. The Pensioner is a very old Lady and ought in justice to herself and children to draw a pension. And although many years have elapsed since the revolution and scarcely a person can be found on which to establish a claim like this yet still I hope I have embodied in the application sufficient evidence to satisfy you of the justice of the claim.
I wish to hear from you as soon as you have acted on either and any other information you may want will be attended to if possible by addressing a line to me, and whatever you may send back will be to me at Middletown Orange County New York
Yours &c
G. D. Hulse

Middletown July 1 st 1851
Wm H. Heath
I received from your department a Letter in relation to the declaration of Eleanor Oakley who has made application to your department for a Pension, stating that the services of her husband must be sustained By the records at Hartford I have this much to say to this part of your Letter That accompanying the declaration is a certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut stating that Capt Wash drew on the United States for moneys during the years of 1781. 1782 & 1783. the Comptroller informed me that Coast guards kept their own rolls and that they were filed in the office at Washington in 1812 and were consumed at the time the other records at Washington were.
As to proving her husbands services by any others than we have that is out of our power. I have been through Connecticut where he served and they told me that all the old people were dead. if this is still required we may as well give up the idea of obtaining a Pension; nor as to put ourselves to any further trouble & expense there is the evidence of the declarant also of Simon Kirby who stat. from what they know personally as to his service which at this late day when there are no others to testify to the same ought to satisfy the requirements of the Statute Equity will give her a pension when Law would take it from her. It is impossible

to follow out the Letter of the Law in this case gladly would I do it were it in my power for if ever any widow was entitled to draw a pension I know this one is. we have used no stratagem we have dealt honestly and fairly in the steps already taken in this matter I mention this for this reason. I have no doubt that you receive many Declarations from those who have no right no nor never had the right to a pension then is I have no doubt a great deal of fraud practised upon this department or would be if it had not vigilant officers to guard it therefrom.
We have given up any further steps in this matter it being out of our power to meet in any honest manner the requirements of your Letter therefore I hope you will look at this declaration again and if you can conscien- tiously grant this widow (who is poor and has lived the last 20 years upon the charity of a son in Law) a Pension she will return a thousand thanks But if otherwise please remit the papers back to me and any further remarks that you think will help this widow to obtain a pen- sion
Respectfully yours &c
J. O. Hulse Middletown Orange County, N. Y.

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County } ss Danbury
On this 19 th day of October 1852 personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the said state and county aforesaid and duly authorized and empowered by law to administer oaths and to take the acknowledgements of deeds and other instruments within and for said state Eideon Wakeman aged ninety two years a resident of said Danbury who being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he was a member and served under Captain Thomas Nash in the war of the Revolution in the years 1781 and 1782 - That he enlisted for the term of nine months as did all those who enlisted under said Captain Thomas Nash - That he served nine months in each of said years 1781 and 1782 in said war - That he was acquainted with Gilbert Oakley late hus- -band of Eleanor Oakley and that the said Gilbert Oakley served under the said Captain Nash in the said years 1781 and 1782 - That the enlistment of the said Oakley was as this deponent believes for the term of nine months in each year and that the said Gilbert Oakley served as long as this deponent served in the said years 1781 and 1782
signed in presence of {  Eideon his Wakeman mark
Clark Debe
sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written Wm F Taylor

I the said Notary Public do hereby certify That I am acquainted with Eideon Wakeman who has subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit - That he is a credible person and his said affidavit is entitled to full credit and belief.
William F. Taylor Notary Public within and for the said state of Connecticut

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County ss Fairfield.
I Lydia Nash of the town & County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut of lawful age being duly cautioned & sworn do depose & say.
I am about 85 years of age. I was acquainted with Gilbert Oakley during the war of the Revolution and since the said war, and I saw him in Capt Thomas Nash's Company of Coast Guards during the latter part of said war, but am not able to state the length of service of the said Gilbert Oakley. That the said Gilbert Oakley was a resident of said Fairfield County
Lydia F Nash her mark.
Sworn to and subscribed with her mark by the said Lydia Nash this 18 th day of September A.D. 1851. before me.
Arthur D. Osborne Justice of Peace
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, Thomas Robinson CLERK
of the County Court, within and for Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify—THAT
Arthur D Osborne Esquire, was on the 18 th day of September 1851, and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and know that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at Norwalk in said County and State, on this 19 th day of September A.D. 1851.
Thomas Robinson Clerk.
in Nash sent Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County ss Fairfield.
I Lydia Nash of the town & County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut of lawful age being duly cautioned & sworn do depose & say.
I am about 85 years of age. I was acquainted with Gilbert Oakley during the war of the Revolution and since the said war, and I saw him in Capt Thomas Nash's Company of Coast Guards during the latter part of said war, but am not able to state the length of service of the said Gilbert Oakley. That the said Gilbert Oakley was a resident of said Fairfield County
Lydia J Nash her mark.
Sworn to and subscribed to with her mark by the said Lydia Nash this 18 th day of September A. D. 1851. before me.
Arthur D. Osborne Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that the above mentioned Lydia Nash is a credible witness & that her affidavit is entitled to full credit & belief.
Arthur D. Osborne Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss.
on this 20 th day of September 1851 personally appeared before me George L. Cable a Justice of the peace within and for the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Stephen Allen aged 86 years residing in the town of Danbury in said State of Connecticut, who being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he is a pensioner of the United States and served in the coast guards commanded by Capt. Thomas that he was acquainted with Gilbert Oakley who was a private in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war, and served in the coast guards commanded by Capt. Thomas Nash, and that he saw the said Gilbert Oakley in the said service, under the said Capt. Nash in the year 1781 and 1782. and the said Stephen Allen further says that he was taken prisoner by the British before the close of the war, and does not know whether the said Gilbert Oakley served to the end of the war
Stephen Allen
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20 th day of September 1851 George L. Cable Justice of the Peace
I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Stephen Allen who hath subscribed and made oath to the above affidavit and that he is a respectable and credible witness — George L. Cable Justice of the Peace
Note — The above interlineation containing the words "that he is a pensioner of the United States and served in the coast guards commanded by Capt. Thomas Nash" was made by the undersigned by consent of the above named Stephen Allen — George L. Cable Justice of the Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I,  Thomas Robinson CLERK
of the County Court, within and for Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify—THAT
George S. Cable ESQUIRE, was on the 20 th day of September 1851 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and know that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at Norwalk in said County and State, on this 24 th day of September A.D. 1851
Thomas Robinson Clerk.