Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18757, for James Phillips, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. 2
Phillips James Elsie
N. 18757
CONTENTS
5

14478 New York
James Phillips
Chenango in the State of N York who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Johnson of the Reg t commanded by Col Harnum in the Br. Ar y time for 1 year and 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 63. Dollars 38. Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of May 1833 - and sent to Sarah Niles - Cincinnati. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $126.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep r 1833 31.66 $158.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, Book 6, Vol. 3, Page 10.

1802 New York Albany Eliza Phillips widow of James Phillips R 3 who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 3 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Sep. 1848 and sent to Chas. Medbury New Berlin Chenango N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 166 Vol. 4.

15920
James Phillips Chenango county N.Y.
Barak Viles, Cincinnati, New York

BRIEF in the case of James Phillips of Chenango Co in the State of New York (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a     Enlisted In 1775 1776 1 7 private Capt Johnson, Col. Varnum Capt Gorton, Col. Lippit   papers on file in War Office  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Dorchester Point, White Plains,  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Coventry, Rhode Island  7. Is his statement supported by witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? correct 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. Bradford Examining Clerk.

State of New York Chenango County ss:
Elsie Phillips of the town of Columbus, Chenango County and State aforesaid, an applicant for a pension under the law of July 7. 1838, being duly sworn, says that when she was married, she received a certificate of marriage from the Justice who married her, which many years ago was lost or destroyed. She has not got any family Register or record, and she does not remember that she has ever seen one in her father's possession; as he could not read. Her husband had a small family Bible which was given to a grand son of hers, on his removal to the Western County a few years ago. She does not remember that there was any record of ages or births or marriages contained in it, but she thinks there was none. She has no recollection of hearing any one of the family say any thing about any such record. It is the best of her recollection and belief that there is no record of her marriage in existence. She has not seen or known of any, except the Certificate of her marriage, which was destroyed or lost a great many years ago.
(The words "or marriage" interlined before election Sworn to and subscribed before me this fifth day of April 1845.
James M c Thomson, Justice of the Peace.
her Elsie X Phillips mark

State of New York
Chautauqua County ss:
I John Latham Clerk of said County do certify that James Wilkinson before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and sworn, and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and only believe the within signature to be his genuine handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of office this 7th day of April 1825. John Latham Clerk

W675
Elsea Phillips
re Feb 19. 45
Declaration under July 7. 1838 - re Feb 19. 1845
La 11 th July 56
Hud. M. Purdy 172

State of New York Chenango County N.Y.
On this 11 th day of September A. D. 1843 personally appeared before the subscribers a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, being a Court of record, Elsie Phillips, a resident of the town of Colesburg in said County and State, who being first duly sworn according to law deposes, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of July 7, 1838: that her maiden name was Elsie Wood , a daughter of Mr. Thomas Wood of Coventry, Rhode Island, and that she was married to Mr. James Phillips in said town of Coventry by John Rice Esq. a Justice of the peace of that town: she cannot recollect the month when she was married, but a deep snow fell when they were at the wedding: the year she cannot now remember, but it was several years before the close of the war - she knows that she was keeping house at the time of the dark day: that her husband was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and received a pension for his services under the law of 1832 of $63.33 per annum, and died on the 11 th day of July 1836, in the town of New Berlin in said Chenango County; that she has remained his widow ever since, and was never married to any other person whatever: She says that she has had nine children the oldest of which who is living is now 62 years or about that. In regard to her age, she says she does not know precisely what it is, but she is called over ninety years of age and believes that she is over the age of ninety years: that the reason why she has not sooner applied for a pension is that she did not know before that there was a law providing for her case, Elsie F Phillips mark

Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year aforesaid and I certify that the said applicant is unable to attend Court by reason of her bodily infirmity.
Philo Robinson Judge of Chenango County Courts
State of New York
Chenango County ss: Peter Harrington of Columbus in said county aged 58 years, being sworn, says that he is well acquainted with Eliza Phillips of said town now applying for a pension and has known her for more than thirty years past: that he knows she is the widow of Mr James Phillips who was a pensioner and who died in New Berlin in said county, a few miles from the present residence of the said widow, on the 11th day of July, 1838 and he knows that the said Eliza has not intermarried with any person since her death.
Peter Harrington
sworn & Subscribed before me this 11th day of September 1843, and I certify the said Peter Harrington to be a credible person
Philo Robinson Judge of Chenango County Courts
State of New York
Chenango County ss: I do certify that Philo Robinson whose name is signed to the preceding certificates was at the date thereof, a Judge of the Chenango County Courts duly qualified, and that his signatures above are genuine.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the said County this 11th January 1845. John Latham Clerk

State of Rhode Island Kent County N:
Caleb Wood of West Greenwich, Rhode Island, being sworn says, that he is upwards of 82 years of age: That he is the brother of Eliza Wood who was married to Mr James Phillips: That he well remembers the time of the marriage tho' he was not present at the same. He with all his father family resided in Coventry, Rhode Island, and Mr Phillips and his sister went off to be married by Esquire Rice in said town: He can't tell the year of the marriage but it was before he went out to Rhode Island and before the French fleet came there - and it was before the "dark day" so called. His sister removed to the State of New York a great many years since and has never returned to this State.
Subscribed and sworn to this 13th January 1845 before me and I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above Caleb Wood - my neighbor and he is a person of strict veracity and Entire credibility
his Caleb Wood mark
Joseph Sidscomb justice of the peace.

State of Rhode Island Kent County, ss :
Rachel Knight of Coventry in said County, being sworn vesp, that she is about Eighty nine years of age: That she is the daughter of Thomas Wood of Coventry and the sister of Elsie Wood: That her sister Elsie was married to Mr. James Phillips a soldier of the Revolutionary Army: That she was present at the wedding and saw them married. They were married in Coventry by John Rice, Esq. a Justice of the peace of said town. The wedding was in the winter at the time of a severe snow storm, and it was several years before the close of the war: she cannot recollect the year nor the month with precision. Her sister with her husband removed many years since to New York and her sister now lives in Chenango County, in that state.
Subscribed and sworn to this 17 th day of January 1845 before me and certify that I am acquainted with her and I know her to be a credible person of pure character entitled to the fullest credit Joseph Nichols justice of the peace
her Rachel X Knight mark

State of Rhode Island Kent County ss.
Susannah Matteson of Coventry in said County being sworn says, that she is over ninety years old: she was the daughter of Thomas Wood of said town and is the sister of Eliza Phillips, the widow of James Phillips of who was in the Revolutionary Army: she lived in said town when her sister Eliza went off with Mr Phillips to be married before Ebenezer Rice of said town: she was not present at the wedding herself; but knows when it took place. She knows they were married after she herself was married and that it took place many years before the war ended. This deponent is a pensioner under the law of 4th July 1836 at $70. per annum
Susannah her X Matteson mark
Subscribed and sworn to this 17. January 1845 before me - and I certify that she is a woman of pure character and Entire credibility -
Joseph Hichols justice of peace of the peace
I Anthony Tarbox Town Clerk of the town Coventry in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, certify that I have the Records of said town of Coventry in my keeping and that I have made diligent search upon my Records of Marriages and that I cannot find on said Records any Record of the Marriage of James Phillips and Eliza Wood, and that from the appearance of the said Records I have good reasons to believe many Marriages in the time of the Revolution took place which were not Recorded
Anthony Tarbox Town Clerk

Kent Co. January 17 th A.D. 1845
Personally appeared Anthony Farbox town clerk of the town of Coontry, to me personally known and made oath to the truth of the Certificate on the other side by him subscribed -
Nupell Briggs
Public Notary
Joseph Nichols Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Jan. 18. 1845.
I Henry Bowen, Secretary of said State and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof do certify, that at the date of his official certificates annexed, the said Joseph Nichols was a Justice of the Peace within the Town of West Greenwich in the County of Kent, duly elected and commissioned as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year above written
Henry Bowen

James Philips
P. Declaration for
Pension
15920

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 -
State of New York
County of Chenango ss. On this Ninth - day of
October in the year, 1832, personally appeared in open court before John Drey, Levi Bijelow, Nathan Dwyer, Charles Cook, and Hezekiah Read, -
Judges of the court of common pleas, now sitting, at the court-house in the town of Norwich in and for the county of Chenango aforesaid, being at the October Term of the said court, James Phillips , a resident of the town of New Berlin, in the said county of Chenango and State of New York, aged seventy-eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated -
That he was born at Middletown in the State of Rhode Island, in the year, 1754; that he has no record of his age, but there is one at Middletown aforesaid -
That he resided at Coventry in the State of Rhode Island, and enlisted at East Greenwich, in said State, about the first of May, 1775, in the company of Captain Edmund Johnson - Lieut. Schabed Orsutt - Ensign John Holden - in the Regiment of Col. Varnum - Lieut. Col. Babcock, he thinks - He believes the said regiment was organized at said East Greenwich, and marched from thence to Jamaica Plains, near Boston, in the State of Massachusetts - and were there stationed - That he continued there, and in the vicinity of that place for the term of seven months - That he went during said term to Cambridge, & stayed there a while with part of his company or regiment - That he was a part of the time at Prospect Hill - That he was once in a skirmish at Dorchester Point when part of the regiment was engaged with the enemy - It was but a small party - That there was no other regiment he believes stationed with his - That he saw Gen. Washington - Gen. Lee - Gen. Greene - and Gen. Putnam, during the campaign - though the

regiment of Col. Varnum, he believes, did not join their immediate command, as its station was at Jamaica Plains - begin that he was discharged at Prospect Hill, in the month of December in said year, 1775, after doing seven months service in said campaign - While at Jamaica Plains he thinks there was no other regiment in company - but at Prospect Hill, there was a brigade that he again enlisted in January, 1776, it being soon after getting home from his first tour, at said country, where he lived in the State of Rhode Island, in the company of Capt. Thomas Gorton - Lieut. Arnold - Ensign Caleb Matthews, he thinks, were officers in said company - On enlisting, said company went to Warwick Neck in said State of Rhode Island, and after staying there a while, he cannot remember how long, guarding that place, the company went to Portsmouth, at the south end of Rhode Island, and there joined the Regiment of Col. Christopher Lippett, to which said company belonged - After staying there a time, they marched to Newport and stayed there a short time - and then marched from Rhode Island through Connecticut to White Plains, and were there at the time of the battle - that during said battle he was on picket guard - He believes the regiment of Col. Lippett was not engaged in the battle - He joined Gen. Washington's Army - After the battle, the regiment marched or went to Harlem, with other troops - being part of said army, keeping along with it as it changed its position in that neighborhood - At Harlem, such of the regiment as were sick, lame, and much in want of clothes, were directed to go to Fishkill - that he was sent with 5 or 6 others of his company to that place - and after staying there a short time he was there discharged in writing, which discharge he has lost - He forgets who signed his discharge - He believes he was thus discharged in the month of December, 1776, or in January, 1777, having been in the service said time for one year - It was always called a year's service - that he was very lame when he went to Fishkill - He thinks they left Rhode Island for White Plains the first week of September - He thinks Lieut. Arnold, had command in his company but a little time - believes he was promoted to the command of another company - He says in his first tour of service while his regiment was at Prospect Hill, there were several Regiments there in company - It was a Brigade - was there probably three months - Thinks Gen. Green, commanded while there - Saw him often - and Gen. Washington also - and Gen. Putnam, as above stated -

That he has no documentary proof of his services - and that he does not know of any person by whom he can prove the same, except Joseph Dolliver as to his second tour of service whose affidavit is herewith sent -
That he is known to Augustus C. Welch & Anthony Roberts, in his present neighborhood, who can testify in regard to his character for veracity, and as to their belief of his services in the revolution as a soldier thereof -
That after the revolutionary War he resided at Connecticut aforesaid for perhaps 15 years - then at West Greenwich of Rye - a few years then he removed to Sterling in Connecticut and lived two or three years or more - and he then removed to New Berlin aforesaid, his present residence, where he has ever since resided, being twenty one years -
That he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
That he did some years ago, make an application for a pension under the law of 1818, or 1820, or 1822, as he supposes - and that he again applied in the year, 1828, he believes - both of which applications were rejected on the ground of his not being on the continental line, or for want of sufficient proof, and he cannot now say which, as he cannot remember distinctly what he was told about it -
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid — James Phillips
J. H. Pikes Esq
We Augustus C. Welch — residing in the town of New Berlin, in the county of Chenango aforesaid and Anthony Roberts — residing in the same place — hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Phillips, who has subscribed and sworn to the

above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn and subscribed the day A. C. McWhorter and year aforesaid
J. H. Pike Clk
Anthony Roberts
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a soldier of the revolution, and served as he states - And the court further certify that it appears to them that Augustus C. Welch - who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the town of New Berlin in the county of Chenango aforesaid, and that Anthony Roberts - who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place - and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
H. Tracy } Judges Percy Dear Oliver Bigelow Nathan Taylor
State of New York
County of Chenango
ss. I, Jarvis H. Pike, clerk of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Chenango aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Philips for a pension -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and seal of the said clerk's office this tenth day of October in the year of our Lord, 1832 -
J. H. Pike Clk

State of New York } Joseph Dolliver aged 78 years of the town County of Niagara } of Anson in the County of Niagara having ally appeared before me and being duly sworn deposeth and saith that in this department was in the 1776 an enlisted soldier in the Company of Capt. Gorton Col. Lippett's Regiment in the Rhode Island State Troops and that he was well acquainted with James Phillips (now of New Berlin in the County of Oneida -go & State of New York) who was then in the year 1776, a soldier in said Company and Regiment with him and did serve therein ( for nine months and ten ) ten months or more.
(Crossed)
Subscribed and sworn this 11 th day of September 1832 before me and further certify that the said Joseph Dolliver is to me personally known to be that he is a man of Credibility and truth
Samuel J. Cook Justice the peace

H. Tracy Thos. Read David Bigelow
} Judges
State of New York Otsego County ss:
I, Horace Lathrop, clerk of the said County do certify, that Samuel Cook Esquire, before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, duly elected & sworn as such; and that I am acquainted with his hand writing & believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing & signature - Given under my hand & Official Seal the 25 th day of September 1832. -
Horace Lathrop, Clerk.

Original Claim.
Declaration, in order to be placed on the pension list, under the Act of the 18th March 1818.
State of New York.
County of Chenango.
ss.
On this Fifteenth day of October 1828, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, because it is expressly made a Court of Record by the Statute laws of the State of New York: — it also proceeds according to the course of the Common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount: Keeps a record of its proceedings, and has power of fine and imprisonment — and being the Common Pleas for the said County of Chenango, James Philips, Resident in said County, aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818, and the 1st of May 1820, — That he, the said James Philips, enlisted for the term of One Year, in the forepart of the Month of January, in the year 1776, in the State of Rhode Island, in the Company commanded by Captain Thomas Hatten, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Christopher Lippet, in the line of the State of Rhode Island, on the Continental establishment, — that he continued to serve in the said Corps, until the latter part of December, 1776, a forepart of January 1777, being in said service, for and during the said term of enlistment, except about four days, when he was discharged from the service in Peekskill in the State of New York. — that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present: that his name is not on the roll of any State except Rhode Island, and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension, to wit: the said James Philips, did make a declaration with

a view to an application about seven years ago, And afterwards, learning that it required other evidence, to substantiate his claim he procured the affidavit of Joseph Dolliver, of the County of Otrege, to corroborate his own declaration, which affidavit was not correctly drawn as he the said James Philips has since been informed, nor properly certified by the officer taking the same, And as declarant was informed, it required other proofs, also, And he being very poor, And unable to raise money, for expenses in going in search of other proof, none being nearer than the State of Rhode Island, to the knowledge of said James Philips, And no friend offering to assist him until now, effectually to prepare his application, he has until this time, lain still on the subject, so many difficulties existing to discourage him. —
And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st of May 1820. I do Solemnly Swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March 1818, And that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby, so to diminish it, as to bring myself, within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18th day of March 1818, — and that I have not, nor had any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Schedule. — I have no real estate of any description whatever. Of personal estate. I have One Cow, worth — $15.00. Six old chairs $1.50, one table $1.00, one pot $0.75, one kettle $0.38, Four plates 25 cts, four knives & forks 50 cts one and 50 cts, five spoons 25 cts, two pails 50 cts, six tea cups & saucers 25 cts, two pigs $3.00 $23.88. — I have one bed & bedding & wearing apparel for myself & wife

James Philips. — I have no other estate whatsoever, either personal or real, in this world, to My knowledge, except a small quantity of potatoes and corn, for family use. — There have been no changes of My property, since the 18th of March 1818, worth mentioning: as I have never, either since that day or before, been the owner of but one cow at a time. Nor have I owned any other neat creature or horse, whatever. — No changes, except in My wearing apparel and that of My wife, and some trifling changes in My household furniture. — My property has ever been very small, being if no material difference in value, from what it is this day. — I have ever been a poor man. — My occupation has been and is now, that of a day labourer, at farmings for My neighbours. — I am now, nor have I been for many years, able to do, but very little labour. — I have one arm that is perished, which I cannot use at all, or but little, in the extreme. — My family strictly consists of Myself & wife, Alice Philips, who is seventy four years of age, and who is also, a feeble old woman. — She spins some and does the house work. — Barbara Freeman, My daughter, aged thirty years, makes it her home with Me, but generally works out abroad, only occasionally coming home. — She had a son, whose name is William Freeman, aged 11 years, who resides in My family, and who is supported by his Mother's labour, who brings into My family, provisions, earned by her labour. — I can therefore declare, that I am in such indigent circumstances, as to be unable to support Myself, without the assistance of My country, or private or public charity. —
James Philips.
Sworn to, & declared on the fifteenth day of October 1826, before Mr. Tracy, Levi Bigelow, Nathan Taylor, John Noyes, Judges of Chenango Common Pleas.

We the undersigned, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Chenango, do certify and declare, that it appears to our satisfaction, that the said Samuel Phelps did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of Nine Months, at least, under one engagement, in the Continental establishment. — And further it is our opinion that the total Amount in value of the property exhibited in the foregoing Schedule is Twenty three dollars and eighty eight cents.
Given under our hands this 15th day of October 1828.
M c Vray
Levi Pigeon
John Noyes
Nathan Taylor.
I Peter Randall, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Chenango, do hereby certify that the above named are Judges of the Court as above stated and that the foregoing is truly copied from the Records of the said Court
In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 15th day of October 1828 —
P. Randall, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Chenango
20.958
(06)

June 8, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
James Phillips W. 18757 cur BA-J/MCS
Mr. Albert Phillips 13 Pellett Street Norwich New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of James Phillips who was pensioned from Chenango County, New York.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 18757, based upon the military service of James Phillips.
He was born in 1754 in Middletown, Rhode Island. The names of his parents were not given.
While living in Coventry, Rhode Island, he enlisted about the first of May, 1775, and served until sometime in December, 1775, as private in Captain Edmund Johnson's company in Colonel Varnum's Rhode Island regiment. He enlisted in January, 1776, and served until December, 1776, or January, 1777, as private in Captain Thomas Gorton's company in Colonel Christopher Lippitt's Rhode Island regiment.
After the Revolution he lived at Coventry, Rhode Island, West Greenwich and Exeter, Rhode Island, Sterling, Connecticut, and about 1811 he moved to New Berlin, Chenango County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, in New Berlin, New York.
He died at that place July 11, 1836.

James Phillips married in Coventry, Rhode Island, several years before the close of the Revolution, during the winter season, exact date not given, Elsie Wood, the daughter of Thomas Wood of Coventry.
As the widow of James Phillips, Elsie Phillips was allowed pension on her application executed September 11, 1843, at which time she was living at Columbus, Chenango County, New York, and she stated that she was then over ninety years of age. In 1848 she was still a resident of Columbus, New York.
In 1843 the widow, Elsie, stated that she had had nine children and that the oldest one living at that time was sixty-two years of age. She did not give any names.
In 1828 James Phillips referred to his wife, Alice, aged seventy-four years, and his daughter, Barbara Freeman, aged thirty years, who had a son, William, aged eleven years.
No explanation was given of the discrepancy in given name of the widow.
In 1845 the widow's sisters, Susannah Matteson and Rachel Knight, were living at Coventry, Rhode Island, aged "over ninety years" and "about eighty-nine years" respectively, and her brother, Caleb Wood, was aged "upwards of eighty-two years".
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to the soldier's family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

1934 June 8. sent to Albert Phillips W.C.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18.757
Elsie Phillips wid. of James Phillips Rev Rev War
Act: Feb. 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 129
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
8196
P. O. _____
James Philips
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____

6969 Albany, New York
Elsie Phillips widow of James Phillips who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 63. Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of June 1845 and sent to P. B. Prindle, Esq. Yawitch, N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A 9 June 17. 1844
Vol. 2. Page 82.
Set to C. Medbury Augt 22/48

7874
Elsie Phillips
widow of James Phillips, private,
Rev. army
married in 1780
husband died in 11 July 1836
$63.33 per am. to
commence 4 March 1836
Acts '38 - '43 - & '44
635
Albany Roll
2 certificates.
Send to P.B. Prindle Norwich
N. York {

9388
Rep.
New York 1869
Elsie Phillips
widow of James Phillips
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 11 th July 1836 of Chenango Co in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Johnson of the reg t commanded by Col. Varnum in the R. Island line for 19 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 63 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of June 1845, and sent to P.B. Brundee Norwich, N. York
Total amount, — $ 316 : 65
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 175.

20958.
James Phelps Chenango County New York sent 18 March 1818
Rejected 22 April 1821 See letter to John Noyes, Esq.
8196

Pens. Office 20.958
17. March, 1829. James Philips Act 18 March 1818
Next Washington
Honble Secretary of War
Norwich March 10 th
vernon

The Secretary of War will be so good as to send the Returns to John Noyes Norwich Chenango County New York and Oblige the applicant

Narrag
Feby 13. 45
Dear Sir
Enclose you a declaration of a good widow, for a pension under July 7. 1838. I have just been into the State of Rhode Island for proof of the marriage which I have made as perfect as can be and I hope it will be satisfactory. As my mother, married a long time prior to 1794 & before the War closed.
Let me ask your attention to this case. She is very poor and badly needs the little coming to her.
Yours truly
J. B. Mante
Hon. M. Pugh House of Reps

N. Y. Norwich, April 7. 1845.
Sir,
I send you herewith, the affidavit of the widow Eliza Phillips, in aid of her application for a pension under the Act of July 7. 1845. Her declaration was submitted to the Department in February last, by the Hon. Smith M. Purdy of the House of Representatives, in my behalf.
The affidavit enclosed is sent to meet the objections to the insufficiency of proof of marriage, as stated in your letter to Mr. Purdy of February 27th. Every effort has been made to obtain record proof of the marriage, but without success. The applicant is very old and very poor, and so indeed are her relatives; and, if a case has ever occurred in which the stringent regulations of the Department as to proof of marriage, may with propriety and justice, be relaxed, there is one.
With great respect
Your Obedt. Servt.
J. B. Prindle
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Phillips of Chenango county N.Y. which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? two citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? all answered.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
‡QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

do they now possess a preserve record.
I am tormented daily by the anxious message she sends by her neighbors, for her fate, and I beg leave most earnestly to pray for speedy decision in the premises. I know, and the whole community here, knows that her claim is most honest, and her case most deserving, and if in any supposable contingency, a slight relaxation of your stringent rules is ever permitted, for the love of mercy, let this be the one.
With respect
Yrs Obed Servt.
J. B. Prindle
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm. of Pensions.

Norwich, N.Y. May 29. 1845.
Sir,
Permit me to call your attention to the case of Eliza Phillips of this County, applicant for widows pension, under July 7. 1838 &c.
I know how little an appeal to sympathy effects in such a matter; but if you could know how old and poor is this woman; how dependent upon her very poor and wretched relatives; how much real good her pension would procure her, you would excuse me for imploring you to early action in her case. Your letter admits the service of her husband: we have proved her marriage in the only way it can be proved, by the oath of a sister present at the ceremony and of another sister and brother who knew when it occurred. Records there are none, and we have so proved. Her family was of Rhode Island, illiterate as well as poor, and such people did not, then, nor

do they now possess a presence record.
I am tormented daily by the anxious messages she sends by her neighbors, for her fate, and I beg leave most earnestly to pray for speedy decision in the premises. I know, and the whole community here, knows that her claim is most honest, and her case most deserving, and if in any supposable contingency, a slight relaxation of your stringent rules is ever permitted, for the love of mercy, let this be the one.
With respect
Yr Obt Serv t
J. B. Prindle
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm ee of Pensions.

State of New York Chenango County } ss. On this 8 th day of August 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County duly authorized to administer oaths Mrs Elsa Phillips a resident of Columbus in the County of Chenango & State of New York aged Ninety Eight years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the ben- efits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed the 2 d February 1848 granting pensions to the Widows of persons who served during the Rev- olutionary war - That she is the widow of Isaac Phillips who was a private in the war of the Revolution and that she has drawn a pension at the rate of Sixty Six dollars & thirty three cents ($66.33) per an- num under the Act of 17 th June 1844 - She further declares that she is still a widow - Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
My Warrant Justice Peter S. Havemeyer Elsa Mrs X Phillips mark
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing Affidavit. Francis S. Mellord Justice of the Peace

State of New York Chautauqua County ss.
I do hereby certify that Marcus L. Willaire is a justice of the peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified to act as such. And that his term of Office commenced on the first day of January 1845. And will expire on the 31st day of December 1848. And that his signature as such Justice of the Peace is hereunto set my hand. And affix the seal of said Court this 29 day of August 1848. Porter C. Clark D. Cln Clerk Absent
Charles Westbury New Bedford Massachusetts
6969

Veterans Administration Washington D.C.
Dear Sir -
May I receive the Revolutionary service of James Phillips whose name appears on the Chenango Co. N.Y. Pension Roll? He was a Private in R.G. Cont'l and received pension May 11, 1833 and was then 99 years of age.
Albert Phillips 13 Pellett St Norwich NY