Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8174, for Darius Phelps, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Phelps, Darius Mary
P. 8174
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

May 12 '45
Phelps 38 Simp- Ward
J L Edwards Esq
Pension Agent
Washington D.C.
FREE

Norfolk May 7 1845
Mr Edwards Sir
Mr Giteau of Baltimore forwarded me a letter written to him by yourself respecting the service of my Father the late Deacon Phelps in the revolution I extremely regret that it is out of my power at this late day to get the evidence necessary to prove satisfactorily to your mind a fact so well known to all his neighbors friends and especially his family who have often heard him tell his trials in the war. My Grandfather had four sons that were soldiers Three of whom were in the United States service & one the youngest in the Militia They are all dead Those living at the time of the first pension bill were possessed of too much property to be included unless it was Amos who lived in Vermont None were alive when all were pensioned Mrs Corban you say was vague in her testimony There was no occasion for that as her mind is perfectly clear and good and clear in her recollection She and my Mother both say that my Father enlisted for nine months in May 1775 and returned with the rest of the company which was in the winter You refer to the Comptrollers books in Hartford We have examined them and they are unsatisfactory as I have they say that

Norfolk May 7 1845
Mr Edwars Sir
Mr Littleton of Baltimore forwarded me a letter written to him by yourself respecting the service of my Father the late Darius Phelps in the revolution I extremely regret that it is out of my power at this late day to get the evidence necessary to prove satisfactorily to your mind a fact so well known to all his neighbors friends and especially his family who have often heard him tell his trials in the army. My Grandfather had four sons that were soldiers three of whom were in the United States service & one the youngest in the Militia. They are all dead. Those living at the time of the first pension bill were possessed of too much property to be included unless it was Amos who lived in Vermont. None were alive when all were pensioned. Mrs Corban you say was vague in her testimony. There was no occasion for that as her mind is perfectly clear and good and clear in her recollection. She and my Mother both say that my Father enlisted for nine months in May 1775 and returned with the rest of the company which was in the winter. You refer to the Comptrollers books in Hartford. We have examined them and they are unsatisfactory or changed  they say that

as the christian names are changed both being in the same company They say Darius returned when it was Amos who came home sick as Mrs Corban well remembers and did not go back and was discharged Mr Benjamin The clerk in the st department says that those who staid their time out are not entered discharged As for Mr Bingham's testimony - on hearing he was alive last winter it was sent for and forwarded to Mr Gottlieb I have a request to make to you sir can you help me to the names of some who may be living who ser- ved in the Northern campaign in 1775 in John Watson's Comp. and Haiman's regiment My Father assisted some of the Soldiers who got pensions I think one by the name of Edward Fuller who died five or six years ago having a pension I presume you may have the testimony in your office Would it be of any avail for you to direct some one to talk with Mrs Corban and again take her testimony She is the only living witness that I know - and she being brought up in my Grandfather's family it seems that she must know the facts Father was called out in the Militia at other times for short periods - one was at Danbury for his continental service I feel he should be allowed and I presume he would be if we knew of living

testimony My Mother or Mrs Corban would never in any case state anything but truth Would having heard Darius Phelps say he served in the army nine months be of any avail? It must be plain to see that direct testimony to a fact which transpired in 1775 must be difficult to obtain as most all are dead. It was perfectly understood when the first pensions were granted that my Father could have got a pension but for his prop- erty. Will you please to write to me Very respectfully Yours Darius Phelps
Mr J. L. Edwards
Was Elephatet Hatch a prisoner? Is he still living

I Joseph Eldridge do depose and say that I am the minister of the Congregational Church & Society in the town of Norfolk - and that I have in my hands the records of the church - and that in these records I find the following entry made in the hand writing of Rev Mr. Robbins the former minister of the same church and society.
Married. Seventeen hundred and seventy seven October twenty fourth Darius Phelps & Mary Atkins. which in record stands thus.
Married 1777 Oct 24 th . Darius Phelps & Mary Atkins.
Joseph Eldridge Jr
Pastor the church in Norfolk.
Sworn and subscribed this 29 day of January A 1845 before
M. Michael F. Mills Judge of Probate for Norfolk District
I certify that Joseph Eldridge Jr the above named deponent is to me well known that he Pastor of the church in Norfolk a gentleman of high and respectable character
Michael F. Mills Judge of Probate Norfolk District

I Mary Phelps of the town of Norfolk in the county of Litchfield, State of Connecticut - being eighty years old last November do certify and say - That I was married to Darius Phelps October seventeen hundred and seventy seven, and he was six years older than I was, that he Darius Phelps went into the army of the Revolution, that he enlisted for nine months and served the full time and was regularly discharged; that it was the first campaign to the Northward, that he was at Crownpoint, when the army was so sickly with the small pox, & when his brother in law Lieut. Andrew Moore died. Though I well remember the time, I cannot positively affirm the year - but think it was Seventeen hundred and seventy five. He took care of his sister Mrs Moore after he returned until we were married. Norfolk Feb. 25, 1839
Mary Phelps
Litchfield County ss. Norfolk -
Personally appeared Mary Phelps and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the above certificate this 25 th day of February A.D. 1839 before me - and I further certify that she is a good and credible witness -
Benz W Welch Jr. Justice of Peace
This is to certify that I - Joseph Eldridge Jr. having in my hands the book of records kept by Rev Ammi Robbins (Formerly minister of this place) of the marriages solemnized by him - I find in it the following entry.
Married October twenty fourth - Seventeen hundred and seventy seven "Darius Phelps and Mary Atkins".
Norfolk Feb 25. 1839.
Joseph Eldridge Jr.
Litchfield County ss. Norfolk - Personally appeared Rev. Joseph Eldridge Jr. Pastor of the church in Norfolk and successor of Rev. Ammi R. Robbins and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the above certificate this 25 th day February 26 th 1839 - before me
Benz W Welch Jr. Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Litchfield County } ss. Norfolk
On this 12 th day of September 1839, personally appeared before me Michael F. Mills Judge of Probate for the District of Norfolk in said County, Mary Phelps resident in said Norfolk and said County, 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 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows". That she is the Widow of Darius Phelps who was a private in the Revolutionary war, that he enlisted for nine months and served the full time which service was in the first northern campaigns, that he was at Crown point during the prevalence of the small pox at that time, that he served in the company of Captain John Watson and Lieutenant Titus Watson and that he was not during the service engaged in any civil pursuit. She further declares that she was married to the said Darius Phelps who was a private in the Revolutionary war on the 24 th day of October 1777 and that her husband the aforesaid Darius died on the 10 th June eighteen hundred and eighteen; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four (i.e. at the time above stated).
Mary Phelps
Michael F. Mills Judge of Probate for Norfolk District

Norfolk Probate District Norfolk September 12 th 1839
I Michael G Mills Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Norfolk do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mary Phelps for a pen- -sion
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office this 12 th day of Sep- -tember A.D. 1839 Michael G Mills Clerk

Viola Corbin of Colebrook in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged Eighty two years depose and say that for a number of years she resided in the family of John Phelps late of Norfolk deceased That Anna Phelps and Darius Phelps were the sons of the said John Phelps one that in the year 1775 & 1776 the said Darius Phelps came near or his father in said Norfolk that in the year 1775 or 1776 that but it is so long since she cannot be certain which year the said Darius joined the Company of Capt John Watson Peter Babsan Litchfield and that he with Col. Babsan and others left Norfolk for the Northern Arm should think it was in the spring of the year or some part of the summer and were absent from home until cold weather but cannot say for certainly how long he was gone
Anna Phelps was also one of the Company that went in Capt John Watson's Company that Anna was sick while in the Army and her father John Phelps went after her and Anna came home before her time was out
In presence of Viola her X Corbin Michael F. Mills mark Reuben Battell
Sworn and subscribed this 27 day of January A 1845 before me Michael F. Mills Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss Colbrook January 27 1815 I Michael F. Mills Justice of the Peace Certify that I am well acquainted with the within named Deborah F. Dille Corbin that she is a person of respectable and fair character now and that she appears of Sound Mind and Memory
Michael F. Mills Justice of Peace.

State of Connecticut Office of Secretary of State & sp: I hereby certify that at a session of the General Assembly held at Hartford on the first Wednesday of May A.D. 1844 Michael H. Mills Esq o was duly appointed and commissioned a Justice of the peace in and for the county of Middle- field, that his commission will expire on the 20 th day of June A.D. 1845 and that I believe the signature of his name above is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said State at Hartford this twenty ninth day of January Eighteen hundred and forty five 1845—
Dea. L. H. Tyler Secretary of State

REJECTED
8174.
P. O. _____
Mary Phelps
Service: Danish
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

4621 - v 11, 1852
4621 cont
Mary Phelps, widow of Darius Phelps,
See let. to Mrs Sarah Battell, Oct. 9, 1839
See let. to Sarah Battell, Jan'y 11, 1840.
House & Darius, Sept 22, 1840.
Let. to Hon. John Smith, Mar. 7,
Act. July 38-
Let. to Hon. C. Baker Feb. 18 45
8174

Norfolk September 13 1839
M c Edwards
Dear Sir
The papers soliciting a pension for Mrs Mary Phelps widow of Lazarus Phelps I sent to M c Seymour of Litchfield who forwarded them to you in, were returned to me last spring. The enclosed, in a paper band, I return as you directed and have been so fortunate as to get additional testimony from Salathial Dunham who I believe is one of your pensioners. I hope in it will be satisfactory. I have also got M c D. P. Mills our judge of Probate to take anew Mrs Phelps Declaration which ought to be correct as he has been employed by pensioners and is in your correspondence.
If my exertions in behalf of Mrs Phelps will be rewarded by your and our country's notice I have abundant compensation and you in may have the satisfaction of seldom bestowing a pension more meritoriously.
Very respectfully
Sarah Battell

Norfolk November 20 th 1839
M c Edwards
Sir
After receiving your last letter I was determined to make a more thorough examination of the papers in the Comptroller's office tho' it had twice been done by a friend. There is a full return of the officers names that did service in 1775 but no entire rolls & the papers of the discharged are irregular - but by the assistance of Mr. Tilton I found Darius Phelps, name among the discharged. The time of which agrees well with what I had before ascertained - for as Mr. Corbin said to me he went "just after thanksgiving" which was in November
Very respectfully
Sarah Battell

Comptroller's Office
Hartford Nov 13 1839
Herewith is an application for evidence of the services of Darius Phelps who claims services in the Revolutionary War under Capt. John Watson in Col. Hinmans Regiment 1775 - that I have examined the Books of pay remaining in this Office and find the name of Darius Phelps among the Discharges of Col. Hinmans Regiment in Capt. Watsons Company 1775 by Gen Schuyler Discharged Sep 10 -
Henry Kelborn Compt.
11

Ho. of Rep s Washington Feb. 13. 1845.
Sir
I have rec d within a few days several papers respecting a pension for Mary Phelps of Norfolk Conn, widow of Darius Phelps deceased a Revolutionary Soldier. I am referred to certain papers already on file in the Pension office; and for the purpose of deciding upon the sufficiency of the evidence recently sent to me I desire to examine those on file. I have not time this week to call at your office for the purpose of perusing them, and if not inconsistent with your rules I will thank you to send me those papers and I will within four or five days return them to you - and also present the additional testimony with which I have been furnished, unless I shall think it better to present the case to congress.
With great respect
Yours &c
Orryn Barker

Hosford September 19, 1839.
Mr Edwards
Dear Sir
After the package was forwarded to Washington last week, I recollected a discrepancy in the testimony. Mrs Coolan and Mr Phelps speak of Capt. John of Nation  Canaan Hosford & Mr Dunham of the same man as living in Canaan. They both are correct. In 1775 he lived in Hosford after he enrolled his company & left his wife who was a Canaan woman, went to her friends - & after he left the army he purchased a farm in Canaan & never resided here afterwards. I recollect four brothers Nathan that were Captain. John, Titus, Neman, & James (the Hon!) who closed his life in New York City. They occasionally took each others places in the service. none of their widows are living except Titus's wife who I believe is in the state New York & is a pensioner. This quiet peaceable mountain town kindled high in the revolution. My father not only preached from the pulpit but exhorted from house to house untill every man woman & child stood in a pugilistic attitude. These recollections are amusing now but were serious matters then.

And after encouraging all he could to go - he took the remained that could bear arms and went on their captain
I hope sir you will be able to give a few minutes personal attention to Mrs Phelps, petition - that we may hear from you as soon as convenient. She is very old & has of late had an illness. Very respectfully, Sarah Dattell
I hope sir you will bear in mind - how extremely difficult it is to get testimony to events transpired sixty four years ago

Norfolk February 27 - 1840
Honorable Mr Edwards
Dear Sir
For weeks past I have been hoping and expecting to hear from you - and am now thinking my last may have failed. Enclosed was a certificate from our Comt Mr Pillsbury of the discharge of Darius Phelps. This I believe was all you last required of me. Perhaps sir you may think I am a meddler & have some uninter view. For my integrity of character I would refer to Ernan Smith & John Dockaray of the Connecticut delegation - or to my nephew Asmyn Baker of Massachusetts - the latter has returned home to bury his wife but will probably be at Washington soon.
The weather has been cold & the winter severe - and old Mrs Phelps walked some distance in the snow as soon as there was a track to see if there was not something for her. I could only comfort her by my own disappointment.
If the certificate has not reached you please to let me know it and I will obtain another. Respectfully
Sarah Dattell

House of Reps March 5 th 1840
Sir - I enclose a letter from Mrs Sarah Battell of Norfolk Cnt - also a letter appen- ded thereto from W m Lawrence Esqr of the same place both respecting an application in behalf of "Mrs Phelps widow of David Phelps" for a pension under the laws of the U. S. which I beg leave to refer to your office, Mrs Battell is a lady of the utmost respectability and I hope that her represen- tation will receive a respectfully considera- tion at your hands truly your obedient S. Smith
Hon. J. L. Edwards Chairman of Pensions — " —

Recd Apr 19 45.
no 11852.
Mary Phelps, widow of Darius Phelps born Oct 1838
see letter 19 Apr. 45 to
Rev S. Gritea do. to D. Phelps May 16. 1845 Baltimore

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows
State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss Norfolk Probate District
On this 21 day of January 1855 personally appeared before the Court of Probate held at Norfolk within and for the District of Norfolk Michael J. Mills Judge holding said Court Mary Phelps a resident of said Town of Norfolk in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut 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 provisions made by act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows That she is the widow of Darius Phelps late of said Norfolk deceased who was a soldier and served in the War of the revolution that she has frequently heard her late husband in his life time say that he served in Capt Dan Watson's Company at the North Nine Months that Silas Watson was the Lieutenant of said company but whether it was in the year 1775 or 1776 it is so long since she cannot say for certainly it was the same year that they overran Had the small Pox a number of his frequently speaking

about their honey the small Pox in the army while he was there that Andrew Moore who was the Ensign of the company died while in the army and I heard my late Husband say that he took some of him when sick
She further declares that she was married to the said Darius Phelps on the 3 rd day of October 1777 and that her husband the aforesaid Darius Phelps died on the 7 th day of June 1818 that she was not married to him prior to her leaving the same but that the Marriage took place between the first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four (viz), at the time above stated Her In presence of Mary B. Phelps Michael F. Mills Mark Mary B. Phelps
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above stated and written before Michael F. Mills Judge of Probate for Norfolk District

I Michael G Mills Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Norfolk do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mary Phelps for a pension
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Office this 21 st day of January A d 1845
Michael G Mills Clerk

4621 Mary Phelps widow of Darius. Con
7 July 38.
Rejected m 77-4-18-
These papers to be returned with the new declaration & proofs
Mrs Sarah Battell Norfolk Con

This may certify, that I Violet Corban being seventy-five years of age widow of Peter Corban of the town of Colebrook, County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut; before I was married I lived in the family of John Phelps of Norfolk in Litchfield County and state of Connecticut that I went to live with the said Phelps when I was about two months of being six years old, and I lived with him the said Phelps untill I was eighteen years old. And the sons of Mr Phelps were John Amos Darius Jedediah and Jeremiah Wilcox and that Amos, Darius, and Jeremiah Wilcox went into the Army of the Revolution that when I was thirteen years of age Darius enlisted into the army, under the command of Captain Watson. It being the first time troops were collected from the town of Colebrook to march to the northward and as a number had enlisted from various parts of the town they were ordered to meet in the centre at the house of Watson's where the friends collected to bid them farewell. I remember Darius was gone nearly a year when he returned from Crown Point. That he served the time he enlisted for and was regularly discharged I understood
In presence of Rufus North Mercy North
Violet her Corban mark
State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss Colebrook Personally appeared Violet Corban and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the facts contained in the above certificate before me and she is a credible witness - Done this 21 st day of February A. D. 1839
Derry Welch Jr. Justice of Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. Litchfield. LITCHFIELD COUNTY, }
I Origen S. Seymour Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Benjamin Welch Jun Esquire Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and by Law authorized to administer Oaths and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds . And that his commission was dated on the 29th day of May A. D. 1838 and will expire on the 20th day of June, A. D. 1839. And that the several signatures to the annexed documents which purport to be those of so Justice are genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 16th day of March A. D. 1839
Origen S. Seymour Clerk

State of New York Tompkins County ss.
ss of Caroline, Tompkins County, New York
Salathiel D r unham, being duly sworn deposes & says, that he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, that he enlisted about the commencement of the war, belonged to a Company commanded by John Watson of Canaan, remained in the service about nine months, was engaged in the Northern Campaign before his enlistment he resided at Canaan Litchfield County Connecticut.
Deponent further says that Darius Phelps of Norfolk, Litchfield County Connecticut was also a Soldier in the same Company with this Deponent, that said Phelps served about nine months also. Deponent thinks that the name of the Colonel of the Regiment to which he belonged was Whitney - they were commanded by Genl. Montgomery. Deponent further says that he was personally acquainted with said Phelps, both before, & during the War, & that to Deponent's best knowledge & belief, said Phelps remained in the service about nine months - during which time this Deponent & said Phelps were enlisted under Captain Watson.
Sworn & subscribed to the 2 d day of September 1839 Before me
Salathiel D r unham
James R. Wood
A Commissioner of Oaths in & for Tompkins County

State of New York Tompkins County ss. I, Walter D. Huntington Clerk of said County do hereby certify that James R. Spence Esquire before whom the within affidavit purports to have been subscribed and sworn, was at the date thereof, a Commis- sioner of Oaths &c. in and for said County, duly Commissioned and sworn, and authorized to take the same; And that I am well ac- quainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner, and truly believe his signature thereto, to be genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County at Ithaca, this Sixth day of September A.D. 1839.
W. D. Huntington Clerk

State of Pennsylvania Bradford County ss
Before the subscribin a Justice of the Peace in and for Bradford County personally appeared Ozias Bingham a Revolutionary pensioner, aged ninety four years last June, who upon his solemn oath says he was well acquainted with Darius Phelps of Norfolk, Litchfield County, Connecticut and Remembers well of his Enlisting in the Service of the United States in May 1775 - and served in Hennans Regiment under Capt John Watson - for the term of nine months when he was discharged - (I served myself in the same Company before subscribed before me this 27 th Dec r 1844 Harry Morgan Jus. Peace his Ozias Bingham m o a K
I do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Mr Ozias Bingham who signed the above deposition & that he is a man of integrity Honesty & uprightness & whose veracity may be relied upon - & his memory - good & bright - upon the recollection of things transpired during the revolution - Wyo te Dec r 27, 1844 Harry Morgan Jus. Peace
I certify that Harry Morgan was at the time of the taking of the foregoing deposition an acting justice of the Peace as above stated, and I believe the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
Geo. Fuller
Feb y . 10. 1845.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Phelps, David GRADE Musician LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 6325 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED — —
(Certified Apr. 18, 1806) to Samuel Seldon, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.