Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18775, for Sheldin Potter, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Potter, Sheldon Mary
A 18775 B.L. Wt. 45-100
CONTENTS

Sheldon Potter, Pres. Can.
June 10 th 1845

K NOW all men by these presents, that I Sheldon Potter of Paris in the County of Onida and State of Newyork for the consideration of ten Dollars received to my full satisfaction of Abijah Holbrook of Torrington Litchfield County and State of Connecticut
Do give, grant, bargain, sell, assign, and confirm, unto Abijah Holbrook or to his heirs, or assigns forever, all my right, title, interest and demand, which I have to the bounty land, which was granted to me, by the United States, for my services as a Soldier during the late war with Great-Britain: And I do hereby appoint the said Abijah Holbrook my true and lawful attorney for me, with power of substitution, and in my name to demand, ask and receive, from the war-office of the United States, for his use and benefit, whatever land I am entitled to for my services as a Soldier in the third Connecticut Regiment hereby irrevocably ratifying and confirming whatever my said attorney or his substitutes shall lawfully do, by virtue of these presents. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this first day of July one thousand eight hundred
In presence of
Sheldon Potter Wirtland Griffin Rosanne Griffin
PERSONALLY appeared before me, Wirtland Griffin a justice of the peace, for the County of Onida, State of Newyork  Sheldon Potter of the town of Paris in the County of Onida and State of Newyork and acknowledged the above instrument, to be his voluntary act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned. Given under my hand, this first day of July 1800 Wirtland Griffin Justice of the Peace
I HEREBY certify, that Sheldon Potter who signed the above deed and power of attorney, has been personally known to me, for the term of ten years and that I verily believe him to be the soldier he represents himself to be. and he is a farmer by occupation Dated this first Day July one thousand eight hundred Wirtland Griffin Justice of the Peace

Clerk's office of the County of Oneida State of New York
I certify that the within named Kirtland Griffin is and for a long time has been duly commissioned and sworn as a Justice of the Peace in and for said County; and that full faith and credit are due to him accordingly. Given under my Hand and the seal of said County the fifth day of July in the Year one Thousand eight hundred.
Jonas Platt Clerk of said County. In Witness Whereof
I Hereby Certify that Sheldon Potter served as a soldier in the Connecticut Line during the War. I hereby certify the same within Hand and seal and is my own hand writing ————— Stephen Potter Capt of Connecticut Regt
I Hereby certify that Sheldon Potter served as a soldier during the war in the Connecticut Line
I Do Hereby certify that Sheldon Potter the within signers did serve as a soldier during the war in the Connecticut Line the 3 rd Regt. testified to him Stephen Potter Capt. in the 2 nd Connecticut Regt.

757 New York Albany. Mary Potter widow of Sheldon Potter
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of July 1848 and sent to
J. Hathaway Rome N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 146 Vol. 4

5781 Mary Potter Onondaga Co widow under act of 1838
11.
Mar 2nd Nov 1886 Ansina and 20 Nov 1885
Benj. P. Johnson agent, Home,
Onondaga, N.Y.
3 d Reg t Connecticut Light Artillery Private 2 years - Hon. J. G. Floyd Home Reps N.Y.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New York, } County of Oneida.
On this 11 th day of February (1839) personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas, of said county, Mary Potter a resident of Lee in the county aforesaid, aged 74 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 Sheldon Potter who was a Revolutionary soldier of the United States of America, in the 3 rd Connecticut Regiment, from May 25 th 1777 to 8 June 1783, having served faithfully for the term of six years, as will appear by the discharge hereto annexed,
She further declares that she was married to the said Sheldon Potter at East Haddam Ct. on the 2 d day of November in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty six — ; that her husband, the aforesaid Sheldon Potter died on the about the 20 th day of November 1815 at Pain Manufacturing Co. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, 1794 viz; at the time above stated. & that the annexed is a Record certified true copy — Mary Potter sworn to and subscribed per Mary Potter the day and year above written
James Dean, Clk.

State of New York
Oneida County ss. Almon Potter to all his duty sworn says he is well acquainted with Mary Potter, that she is the widow of Sheldon Potter named in the annexed paper & discharge, and that he died on about the 20 th day of November 1815. and that the said Mary has remained a widow ever since his death —
Almon Potter
Sworn before me in open Court this 11 th day of January 1839 The undersigned witness is a man of Credibility, truth & veracity,
J. Dean, Clerk.
State of New York Oneida Common Pleas ss.
I James Dean Clerk of said Court do hereby Certify that the above proceedings were this day had in open Court. In Testimony Whereof. I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this day and year above named.
James Dean, Clerk.

Oneida County ss. I John Stryker Surrogate of the County of Oneida do hereby certify that upon examining the records & proceedings in my office, I find recorded there, the last will and Testament of Sheldon Potter in Book N. D. of Wills pages 44. & 45. and that letters testamentary were issued, with the said will annexed to Ephraim Davis and James Parker, executors in the said will named on the Eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.
I Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my official seal this Eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine
John Stryker
Surrogate

Extract from the records of the First Church of Christ in East Haddam Connecticut made by Elijah Parsons Part of the church at the time the same was made
November Second. one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Six - Sheldon Potter of Colebrook and Mary Rowley of Chatham were joined together in the marriage covenant
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed in said record in full and legible words and figures as follows. "Nov. 2 d 1786. Seldon Potter of Colebrook and Mary Rowley of Chatham was joined together in the marriage Covenant"
Alvin Green Alfred Gates
attest.
Isaac Parsons Pastor & Clerk of the First Church of Christ in East Haddam
Isaac Parsons being duly sworn upon an oath, says he is Pastor and Clerk of the First Church of Christ in East Haddam, and that the above extract from the records are true as there stated.
Given before me this 8 day of March
Isaac Parsons
1839 - I hereby certify that Isaac Parsons is a credible person Alfred Gates J. Pease

Middlesex County
Probate District of East Haddam 3 p April 9 th 1889
I hereby certify that Alfred Gates is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex duly commissioned and sworn and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his own genuine and proper handwriting. In testimony whereof I have here to set my hand and the seal of sd Court the day and year aforesaid
Frederick W Green Clerk

MMH
December 1, 1926
Clarence D. Smith R.F.D.2 Rome, New York
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 18775 it appears that Sheldin Potter of Colebrook and Winchester, Connecticut enlisted May 25, 1777, served as a private in the Third Connecticut Regiment and was discharged June 8, 1783. He was  was living in Paris, Oneida County, New York in 1800 and died there November 20, 1815.
Soldier married November 2, 1786 in East Hampton, Connecticut, Mary Rowley. She was allowed pension on her application executed February 11, 1839 while a resident of Lee, Oneida County, New York. In 1848 she was living in Colborne, New Castle District, Canada with one of her children. Names of children not given.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
I think 2 of her children were Almon & Cyrus but not as stated -

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
1916 December - Hist. Soc. C.D. Smith - MMAT
File No. 15775
Mary Potter widow of Sheldon Potter His Rev was
Act: Feb 29, 48
Box:—Vol. M Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]

2 Heli
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. Pub. Washington

Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. Pub.
Sir
I have recd. from Mr. Evans, Rev. Guffey & all the Decla- rations sent you, save the first two , Mr. Manders & Mr. Doty Did these declarations fail to reach you?
I am respect ly Jay Northway Room N. 4. 24 Jan
not received nor to be found

Viork
Mary Potter
let. to B. R. Johnson 27. July 1837 to same 1. Nov. 1839
Act July 1838

Rome N.Y. Q 726
Oct 4 1926
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Please send me pension Record of Mary Potter a pensioner of a Rev soldier, residing with Almon Potter, in the town of Lee, Oneida Co. N.Y. in 1840
Yours truly
Clarence D. Smith

Albany 4741
B P Johnson. July 12. 1895.
Mary Potter widow of Sheldon Potter
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 20. Nov. 1815 of Oneida Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the 3 d Regt. Cont. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Dec, 1839 and sent to Hon. J. G. Floyd, H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '39 280.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Feb. 1840. 40.00
$320.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 97

7482
Albany, New York
Rep?
Mary Potter
widow of Sheldon Potter
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20. day of December 1845
and sent to B.P. Johnson
Rome, N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
# June 17. 1844.
Recorded in Book
A
Vol. 2,
Page 82.

Dec 18
My Dear Friend Mother
J. L. Cameron
Camp of Parsons
Washington
Hon. J. G. Floyd
H.R.

Home of Reps.
Dec 17 - 1839
Hon J. L. Cummins
Sir
The enclosed application for a pension has been sent to me by Benjamin D. Johnson Esq. of Rome N.Y. with a request to forward the same to you and receive the proper certificate in return -
I am Sir very respectfully.
Yr obedt Servt
Jos. G. Floyd.

Rome N.Y. August 16. 1845.
Hon J. S. Edwards
Esq.
Enclosed is the declaration of Mary Potter made before the Just Judges of Monroe Co - which I presume will be Satisfactory —
Returns are respectfully requested to the subscriber.
I am very respectfully Your obed Servt
Henry Johnson
P.S. Has the afft been recd in the case of Clarissa Frank - which was forwarded I will be ready to your office —

Sept 24 Mrs Asaph Potter, Mary Potter,
FREE Hon J. L. Edwards Com. Pigeons Washington

Rome N.Y. August 30 th 1839.
Am J. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is the acct of Mary Potter - complying with the requests in your letter of the 27 th July 1839. I presume the inclosed will be satisfactory.
Please find certificate when spared to the subscription -
I am Very Respectfully
Your most obedt Servt
Henry D. Johnson

Hon J. L. Edwards Court Perkins Washington.

1838
Home N.Y.
Dec. 10 1839.
Rev. J. L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is the aff. of Mrs Mary Potter widow of Sheldon Potter explanatory of the record of marriage as requested in your last letter to me in relation to Mrs Potters application - I hope this will be satisfactory.
I am most resp e Yours aff ly but Benj. Johnson

Hon J. L. Earman Lord Penkridge

Home - Oneida Co. N.Y. April 12 th (1839).
Genl. S. L. Edwards,
Sir: I enclose 15 or 16 papers of Mary Potter widow of Sheldon Potter an applicant for a pension under act of 1838. I believe the papers are prepared in accordance with the act.
I am very Resp t Your most obedt Servt Wm D. Johnson

7910 Q June 7, 1845.
My Father,
March 5, 1843
My son
Isaac L. Edwards Commencement Washington Dist. Col.
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the paper] Return to the declarations to be made the of

Sturminster Newton 3/4/85
Dear Sir
In England is the death of Mary Potter who was a pensioner under act 1838
Returns are respectfully requested to the subscriber.
I am very Sir Yours obedient Mary Johnson

Oct 24 48
Om
Adair the can
May Potter.
$80 per acre in 1844 act 1844
8106 88702 421
R.R. K. Edwards Tom Pinnins Washington. Dept to sent to B.P. Johnson, Rome N. York

Rome - N.Y.
Oct 20. 1848
Hon J. S. Edwards Sir.
Enclosed I send you a copy of Mary Patten being the same person who formerly resided in Sec. Oneida Co. N.Y. agreeable to your letter of 8th October last - Return as respectfully requested to the subscriber.
I am most respectfully Yr obt Servt. Benj. W. Johnson

My 7482
Wm H. L. Edward Compt. Pension Washington
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the envelope, likely bleed-through from the original letter.]

P.O. Room N.Y. July 11 th 1848
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
I send Mrs. Mary Patterson's Declaration to obtain pow r under the law, — when Gty. is issued please to send me, I have as yet no response from the Rev. Off. in the 2 cases first sent, Mr. Mansfield, & Doty
I am respectfully yours &c. J. Wathney
Please say the Declarations of Mrs. Mansfield & Doty have not been rep d at this office.
Cole
Mr. Mansfield

HEAD-QUARTERS, June Eighth 1783.
THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Sheldon Potter's Discharge Light Comp. 3rd Regiment
Sheldon Potter (Comm) 97.18775-

By His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
THESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof Sheldon Potter a soldier in the Third Connecticut Regiment, having faithful- ly served the United States from 25 th May 1777. to the date hereof and being enlisted for the War only, is hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army.
GIVEN at HEAD-QUARTERS the Eighth Day of June 1783 G. Washington
By His Excellency's Command,
Samuel H. Webb
REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
Joseph Hark Adjutant.
THE above Sheldon Potter has been honored with the BADGE of MERIT for Six Years faithful Service.
Sam d H. Webb

In the matter of Mary Pottw.
app 72
B. P. Johnson
Rome.
N.Y.
the J. the J. the J. the

State of New York Oneida County
Benjamin P Johnson atty for Rome being duly sworn depose and says that he is well acquainted with Mary Potter who has made an application for a pension under the act of March 1843, and that she is the same person who formerly resided in Lee Oneida County New York - and the application is made to continue her pension - She now resides in Canada with one of her children - She is the widow of Sheldon Potter
Mary P Johnson
Sworn to subscribed before me Oct 18 1845 and I Certify that I am acquainted with the above named applicant That he is a man of reputation and of credibility ——— George Bowdoin J P
State of New York Clerks Office Oneida County
I. Deles Dewolf Clerk of the said County certify, that George Barnard Esq., was on the 18 th day of October 1845 a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Oneida duly elected, and qualified to act as such, & that his signature above written is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my Official Seal & subscribed my name Oct 20. 1845 Deles Dewolf Clerk James Edgar Dep Clk

Mary Patten off
book  del 1838.
B. Johnson agent Rowd Ms.

State of New York Oneida County
Mary Potter after in said County being duly sworn, deposes and says - That her husband Sheldon Potter after he returned from service and before his marriage went to his fathers who resided in Winchester and there remained until a short time before his marriage to this deponent. When he came down to where this deponent lived and remained there for some days after the marriage - and the marriage was performed by the minister at East Haddam and who kept the record of the same, and entered it as if they were both residents where the marriage - he not knowing any thing to the contrary - and nothing in particular having been said to him on the subject to this deponents recollection - This is the reason why the record appears as it does -
Sworn before me Dec. 8 th 1839. the said Mary making her mark because unable to write her name -
Mary Potter Mark
Witness. Almon Potter
Patrick Mahon Justice of the Peace
Clerks Office Oneida County
I James Dean Clerk of the County of Oneida do hereby certify that Patrick Mahon before whom the above affidavit was taken is a Justice of the Peace of said County of Oneida, and that the signature is in his own hand writing. In witness whereof have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 9 th December 1839. James Dean Clerk.

8106. Mary Potter. appellant at 1822 a
P. P. Johnson agent Rome Ga

State of New York } Monroe County } ss.
Before me personally appeared Mary Potter a resident of Colburn in New Castle District, Canada aged seventy eight years who being by me first duly sworn, doth depose and say on her oath that she is the widow of Sheldon Potter who was a revolutionary soldier of the United States and that she was a pensioner under the act of Congress of the United States of July 7, 1838 and that she drew a pension of $80 per annum and that she now makes claim for a pension under the act of March 3 rd 1843
That she still continues the widow of the said Sheldon Potter
Sworn this 13 th day of Aug. 1845
her Mary Potter mark
P. G. Breckan First Judge of Monroe county courts
State of New York } Monroe County } ss
Richard J. Hill Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Monroe County do hereby certify that P. G. Breckan Before whom the above affidavit was taken is the First and presiding Judge of said Court and is duly authorized & qualified according to the Laws of this State to take the acknowledgment of Deeds - that I am well acquainted with the signature of the said Judge & believe the above purporting to be his signature to be genuine
Dated Rochester } August 13 th 1845 }
Charles J. Hill Clerk

ad
admitted
J. Heathway Rome N.Y.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of act of Congress 3 d February 1848, intitled "an act making further provision for surviving widows & soldiers of the Revolution".
Canada West New Castle Dist: } ss.
On this thirteenth day of June 1848 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the District aforesaid, Mary Potter a res- ident of Colborne in said District, aged eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress of the United States, passed on the 3 d of February 1848, granting pensions to persons who served during the Revolutionary war, That She is Widow of Sheldon Potter who was a Private in the army of the Revolution, & belonged to the Connecticut line of troops, agreeable to the proof now in the War department, & upon which her pension Certificate N o 7482, recorded Book A. Vol 2 - page 82, was granted to her this disbursement, at the rate of $80. per annum. under act of 17 th June 1844.
She further declares that she is still a Widow.
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year first above written, before me, & I certify that said disbursement is known to me as the said Mary Potter, & made her mark above not being able to write.
her Mary X Potter mark
Isaac E. Rootn Just. of Peace
Witness
Cyrus Potter

Canada West District of Newcastle to wit
I do hereby certify that Isaac C. Proctor of Cramlington in the said District Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said District and is duly commissioned and qualified to act as such and that the name signed Isaac C. Proctor at and subscribed thereto as a Justice of the Peace I believe to be the proper hand writing of the said Isaac C. Proctor.
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal of Office this thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and forty eight
J Ward
Clerk of the Peace

In the matter of Mary Potter under act 1838
Exh M att.
Levin 27 July 1839
W. Johnson agent Romney
Oliver Catherine Paul the son Mark the mother

State of New York Oneida County
Mary Potter of Kee in the said County, an applicant for a Pension under the act of 1838, being duly sworn, deposes and says, that she was married by the Rev Isaac Parker, Pastor of the Church in East Haddam, at the Town of East Hampton , where this deponents parents resided , being the parish adjoining East Haddam, That her husband at that time resided at the town of New Chester Conn. about fifty miles from East Hampton — That her husband was very often called Selden or Seldon Potter at that time, and letters were frequently received by him, with this mistake in his Christian name — and the mistake of the minister in making the record doubtless arose from the similarity of the names — he being a stranger to them — The marriage having been performed by him, in consequence of the absence from home of the minister of the parish where this deponents parents resided. This affidavit made agreeable to letter from War Department of July 29 th 1839
Sworn before me this 28 th day of August 1839 Julius C. Thorne J.P. Mary X Potter Mark. Witness Almon Potter

State of New York Onondaga County, ss:
I James Dean, Clerk of the said County, certify, that Julius C. Thorne Esq. was on the 28 th day of August 1839 a Justice of the Peace of the said County, duly elected & sworn; — that I am well acquainted with his hand-wri- ting, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. —
Witness my hand & seal of office, this 30 th day of August 1839.
James Dean, Clerk.