Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26288, for Rufus Parks, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Parks, Rufus Lucy
W. 26288
CONTENTS

52443
New York Albany
Lucy Parks dec d widow of Rufus Parks who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Fifer & Fife-Major
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 68 dollars 67 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. Sending 2d. December 1854.
Certificate of Pension issued 24 th day of August 1853. and sent to
F. A. Dickens Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 25. Vol. [initials] (32)

New York 30. 605
Rufus Parks
of Grafton in the State of New York who was a Fifer & fife major in the Company commanded by Captain Mott of the Vols. commanded by Col. M'Leod in the State of New York time for 4 months discharged 44.67 12 " wife major 54.00 $98.67
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 68 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of May 1836 and Sent A. C. G. Hammond Esq. President
arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $343.35 commenc. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 34.33 $377.68
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by N. L. Addison Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 4 Page 54

Rufus Parks
In the Matter of } Rufus Parks }
Application for a Pension
14500
✓
Admitted
Fife 4 months
Fife Major 12 months
A. G. Hammond Esq Present Berlin N.Y.

Declaration, in order to obtain
of the act of Congress of June 7, 1832.
Form for State Troops, &c.
Printed & Sold by Kemble & Hooper, 8 State-st. Troy, N.Y.
State of New York, } ss. County of Rensselaer County - }
On this ninth — day of August 1832 — personally appeared in open Court, before the Judge of — the Court of  Troy Mayor's Court now sitting, Rufus Park — a resident of Grafton — county of Rensselaer and State of New York, aged twenty two 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
Declaration of Rufus Park A Revolutionary Soldier Vir. I Enlisted a fifer in the month of february in the year 1776 in Capt. Edward Mott's Company, Erastus Woolcot Colonel, John Ely Major. joined the Company at Groton fort Opposite New London on the first of march 1776 I was then sixteen years old the 15 th day of the same march I was born in Preston County of New London And State of Connecticut where I enlisted I went from fort Groton About the 15 th September 1776 to New London for Clothing then went Immediately back to Groton And then Immediately had Orders to March to New York we Marched as far as Westchester When Major Ely was made a Colonel And three companies of nine Months men (Vir) Capt. Mott's Company And 2 more of S. nine months men And Militia Sufficient for a Regiment was Placed under his Command where we Staid 3 or 4 weeks and built a fort And then had orders to March to White Plains where we were a small time before the battle when the battle commenced I was on Guard at the Court house from whence we were Ordered to the lines to Bronx's hill where we Staid

went immediately back to Groton and then immediately had orders to march to New-York and marched as far as Whitechester When Major Ely was made a Colonel and three companies of nine months men (viz) Capt. Mott's Company and 2 more of S. nine months men and militia sufficient for a Regiment was placed under his command where we staid 3 or 4 weeks and built a fort and then had orders to march to White Plains where we were a small time before the battle when the battle commenced I was on guard at the court house from whence we were ordered to the lines to Bronx's hill where we staid one day. I then had orders to march to North Castle where we were paraded and dismissed without any written Discharge after a service of nine months
On the 15 th day of March 1777 I went a substitute for John Mott in Capt. Jesse Starkweather's company of Preston in Connecticut Militia Lieutenant Andrew Frink to Groton Fort and returned home after being dismissed as before on the 15 th day of April 1777
After being at home a few days I was drafted to do duty two months at Groton fort which commenced immediately after the Draft which term I accomplished in Capt. Joseph Boardman's company of militia Lieutenant Green
In the month of May or June 1777 I enlisted as a fifer in Capt. Josiah Baldwin's company of State troops of the Connecticut line for six months Solomon Story 1 st Lieut. — Leffingwell 2 nd Lieut. — Viles Ensign. Field officers Colonel Ely Lieut. Colonel Arnold — Major — first marched to New-London where we staid till after the surrender of Burgoyne then went to Providence then to Little Compton after 3 fruitless attempts to get on Rhode Island at Howland's ferry the weather proving unfavorable we had orders to go home for Winter clothing

we started on board the Sloop Schuyler and was driven on shore on the Island by the enemy and Colonel Dey and several others taken prisoners the other part of the regiment with their captain went by land to Harris's Creek near White Plains where he remained till a few days before his term of enlistment expired when they went to Stamford and were discharged and arrived home in January 1778.
About the first of March 1778 he again enlisted for one year in said town of Preston as a Fife Major in the Regiment commanded by Colonel McClellan in the Connecticut State Troops that he served this term of service out and was discharged at Groton Fort in the first part of March 1779. That during this term he was engaged in several skirmishes especially in Rhode Island. That he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except what is herunto annexed.
To the foregoing interrogatories put by the Court he answered
1 st He was born in the town of Preston as above stated in the year 1760. 2. He has no record of his age 3. He resided when he entered the service as above stated and remained there till the close of the War when he removed to the County of Rensselaer in the State of New York. He now lives in the town of Grafton in the County of Rensselaer aforesaid where he has continued to reside for the last thirty years. 4 & 5. To these interrogatories he refers to his above statement. 6. He never received a written discharge. He had a warrant from Colonel McClellan appointing him Fife Major as aforesaid but he has not preserved it to this day. 7. He is known in his present neighborhood to Aaron Worthington & Joshua Branscomb Esq. who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
In answer to the interrogatories returned from the department the applicant supposes that the fourth which is answered in the negative is sufficiently specified in the above declaration and that by mistake it was placed to the fourth when it was intended to have been an answer to the fifth interrogatory. In therefore makes the following affidavit.
Rensselaer County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the county of Rensselaer aforesaid who being duly sworn deposes 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 recollections he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For one year and six months I served as a fife major and for one year I served as a Fife Major and for such service I claim a pension.
Sworn & Subscribed before me This 25 th day of May 1833
Joseph Edmond Justice of the Peace
Isaac Perkins
Amendment to Declaration

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or (if any,) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Archibald Bull Clark
Rufus Parks
We, Zebulon Lewis a Clergyman, residing in the town of Petersburg and Liba Hewitt residing in Grafton hereby certify that we are acquainted with Rufus Parks who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two 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 and year aforesaid.
Archibald Bull Clark
Z. Lewis
Liba Hewitt
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 Revolutionary Soldier , and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Zebulon Lewis who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Petersburg and that Liba Hewitt who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Grafton and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Archibald Bull Clerk of the Court of Troy Mayors Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Parks for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ninth day of August 1832.
Archibald Bull Clk

He must decline a written discharge - he had a notary seal
State of New York Rensselaer County ss.
I hereby Certify that Joseph Grandal Esqr. before whom the foregoing Affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature thereto subscribed to be genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 29 th day of May 1833. Henry A. Bristol Clerk Jno. S. Howard Sum. Depy.

Deborah Prentice being duly Sworn Deposeth and Says that She is Well acquainted with Rufus Park of Grafton in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York and was well acquainted with him in Preston in New London County and State of Connecticut During the Revolutionary War except when he was Absent in the Army as he stated then when he came home to Preston and heard him relate the Incidents and Dangers he met with in the Army and believes according to the best of her knowledge and memory he was gone as he then stated three Summers in the service in the Army - the Year 1778 being one and two Summers or tours of Service Previous to 1778 and Still has every reason to believe his statements to be true and correct and further Saith not
Deborah Prentice
The above Affidavit taken and Subscribed before me in Grafton this 8 th day of August 1832
Daniel Mills Justice Peace
State of New York Rensselaer County ss
Richard Brandao being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is acquainted with Deborah Prentice the above deponent and that she is an aged and crippled woman and unable to attend Court or to be removed from home and further this deponent says not Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Archibald Bull Clerk Leon L. D. D.

State of New York
Rensselaer County 3 p.
I certify that Daniel Mills whose genuine signature is affixed to the within affidavit & annexed certificate was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in & for the County of Rensselaer.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of said County the ninth day of August 1832
Archibald Dull Clerk
Rufus Parks
In the Matter of Rufus Parks Application for a Pension 14600
Admitted
Fifteen 4 months Fifteen 12 months
A. J. Haimond Esq. Robert Berlin N.Y.

This may certify that I am personally acquainted with Deborah Prentice, the within statement of and believe her to be a person in whom Veracity the highest confidence is to be placed Daniel Mills Justice Peace

29 Eleanor Duskell Daughter of Lucy Park. decd. widow of Rufus Park. decd. pension . act 7 June '32. Claim for pension under act 3 Feb. 1853.
Boston
Francis A. Dickins. Atty.

State of New York Rensselaer County } ss
On this twenty first day of May A D eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before the justices court of the city of Troy. in the State of New York. Eleanor Deurke of the Town of Grafton. County and State aforesaid Eleanor Deurke. aged. Sixty Six years. a resident of Grafton aforesaid. who being duly sworn according to law upon her oath declares that make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the law of the United States. passed the 3 rd February 1853. that she is the only surviving child of Lucy Park deceased. who was the widow of Rufus Park deceased. who was a Pensioner of the United States under the act approved June 7 th 1832. that the said Lucy was married to the said Rufus Park. at Grafton on the ninth day of August A D 1840. that the said Rufus Park on died at Grafton on 24 day of December eighteen hundred and forty two and that the said Lucy Park died at Grafton on the second day of December 1854. and that the she remained his last widow to the time of her death. as will more fully appear by the for says hereunto annexed.
Eleanor Deurke
I hereby certify that the above affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written at the city of Troy in open court & that I believe the above named affidavit to be a credible testimony.
Chas. E. McIntire one of the Justices of the Court of the City of Troy

State of New York ss. I Herbert L. Jones, Brewster County Clerk of the Surrogate's Court for the County of New York the same being a court of Record having a seal and Seal Doherty certify that Charles O. Brinsmade Esq. the Justice before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit was made was at the time of taking the same a Justice of said Surrogate's Court duly qualified to take such declaration and that his signature thereto signed is in his proper and genuine hand printing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Surrogate's Court this 29 th of May 1835.
H. L. Jones Clerk of Court
Wm. Evans Dyer

State of New York Rensselaer County ss.
On this 24 th day of May A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the State of New York upon said Philip Wood and Magdalena Rydorneska being duly sworn according to law declares. That they were present at Grafton New York on the ninth day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty and saw Rufus Park and Lucy Wakles married by one Nathan Lewis a minister of the Gospel. That said Rufus Park died at Grafton on the 24 day of December Eighteen hundred and forty two. and that the said Lucy his widow died at Grafton on the twenty second day of December A.D. 1854. and that the said Lucy remained the widow of Rufus Park to the time of
STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Elphalet Seward before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this 29 day of May A. D., 185 5 A. H. Sheldon Clerk.
copy of the aff v rec

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss
On this 24 th day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the State of the County aforesaid Philena  Philena and Magdalena Hydocka being duly sworn according to law declares. That they were present at Grafton New York on the ninth day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and forty and saw Rufus Park and Lucy Wakes married by one Nathan Lewis a minister of the Gospel. That said Rufus Park died at Grafton on the 27 th day of December Eighteen hundred and forty two. and that the said Lucy his widow died at Grafton on the twenty second day of December A.D. 1854. and that the said Lucy remained the widow of Rufus Park to the time of his death
sworn and subscribed before
Philena Wood Magdalena Hydocka
on this 24 th day of May 1855 before me a Justice of the Peace to her credible knowledge Ephraim Steward Justice Peace

14660
Rufus Parks Rensselaer Co N.Y.
proof.
suspended
4-16-06 May 6 th 1833
P 376
A. G. Hammond Berlin N.Y.

BRIEF in the case of  Rufus Parks  of Rensselaer 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? 72  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 Gen.     Enlisted In 1776 9 fifer Capt Mott, Col. Malcott   substitute 1 Capt. Stark wither   Drafted 1777 2 Capt. Bordsman's   Enlisted 1/2 6 fifer Capt Baldwin   Side Supplement fifemajr  
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? New London, Connecticut  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Not corrected as required 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. E. Bradford Examining Clerk.

State of New York Rensselaer County ss.
Rufus Parks being duly sworn deponeth & saith that he has made diligent inquiry for the last Eighteen Months to indevour to find some person who served with him or was knowing to his service in the revolutionary war but as yet without success nor with all his inquiry has he been able to learn nor does he know of any person now living who can testify to his services excepting his sister Deborah Preston who is a cripple now living in the town of Grafton in the County aforesaid and whose deposition was taken and accompanied his original application which this deponent is informed by his agent is now on file in the Pension office - That a few years since there were many who served with him & knew of his service who could have testified but as far as this deponent knows they have all died before he made his application - That this deponent has not only searched himself but previous to making his original application he sent his son to the most probable places to find testimony but without success - And further this deponent says not -
sworn & subscribed before me This 7 th day of November 1833.
Rufus Parks
A. G. Hammond Com. of Deeds for Rensselaer Co.
I hereby Certify that I am acquainted with Rufus Parks the above deponent and believe him a man of strict truth & veracity & that he is so considered universally when he is known. I also certify that he is the identical Rufus Parks whose original application for a pension I forwarded to the War department & which Mrs. Edwards informs me by letter is on file in the pension office -
November 7 th 1833 -
A. G. Hammond Com. of Deeds for Rensselaer County -

State of New York Rensselaer County ss. I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said county do hereby certify that Alonzo G. Hammond Esqr. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn and also by whom the within certificate purports to have been signed, was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said county, duly authorized to take said affidavit. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signatures within subscribed are genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 27th. day of November 1833.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk for N. Howard Junr. Deputy.
Stephen Parks Affidavit

Rufus Parks
Efficiency

State of New York Rensselaer County ss
Rufus Parks of the town of Grafton in the State of New York an applicant for a pension being duly sworn upon the oaths saith that formerly and up to & through the Revolutionary War his name was spelt "Rufus Park" that subsequent to the Revolution his family added an 's' which made the name Parks by which he has ever since been known - That whenever his name may appear upon the rolls of the Revolutionary Army it will appear Park by which name he was then known -
Sworn & subscribed before me this 29 th day of March 1834 - A. G. Hammond Comm. of Deeds
Rufus Parks
State of New York Rensselaer County ss. I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Alonzo G. Hammond Esqr. before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Com- missioner of Deeds in and for said County duly authorized to take the same And further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his signature "A. G. Hammond" subscribed to the above Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 30 th day of April 1834
Henry R. Bristol Clerk. pro. D. V. Howard Jur. Deputy

ask Th'pld: D. Wilson Arrea Wenja: L Knp On table until Mr Dickins Calls - Blyton,

✓ 14660
Rufus Pease N.Y.
proof -
suspended
4-16
A. G. Hammond Durbin N.Y.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Rufus Parks of Rensselaer Co N.York 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 No it is
suppose that this answer must have been fixed to this interrogatory by mistake & that it might be properly set to the next - 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, supposing as above this has been
answered agreeable to facts of the form prescribed 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? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
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?
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? yes
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? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
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? No. — * Amended
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, deposeh 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 shown 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.

25
A. G. Hammond Esquire Berlin Rensselaer County New York

See
I transmit the result of my examination. No roll of the companies in which Mr Parks claims to have served can be found. But the secondary evidence proves all his service except in Col. Boardmans company.
These extracts from the records of State, journal of the Council of Safety, & accounts of the Pay Table, I think will fully corroborate his application, & secure him his pension.
I am very respectfully
Mr Parks if able ought to send me $3, if poor $2 —
Yrs &c D. Phelps

Additional evidence in case of Lucy Parks de.
Pension act 1853.
Cole
Francis A. Dickinson Atty.
Lucy Parks and Rufus
F A Dickinson Esq
Present

State of New York Rensselaer County } ss
On this first day of August A D eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and County aforesaid. John B. Durkee, a resident of Grafton in the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declared that he is the identical John B Durkee who made an affidavit before the justices court of the city of Troy. in case of Eleanor Durkee for Pension.
He further declares that that he is the son of the said Eleanor Durkee, but has no interest whatever in said claim John B Durkee
Subscribed and sworn to before me
STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss. I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this 18 day of August A. D., 1855
A. H. Sheldon Clerk.
day with him see

State of New York Rensselaer County. ) ss
On this first day of August A D eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and County aforesaid. John B. Durkee, a resident of Grafton in the County aforesaid State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declared that he is the identical John B Durkee who made an affidavit before the justices court of the city of Troy. in case of Eleanor Durkee for Pension.
He further declares that that he is the son of the said Eleanor Durkee, but has no interest whatever in said claim John B Durkee
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written. and I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John B Durkee the affiant, and know him to be the affiant a credible person and to be fully believed
Eliphalet Stewart Justice Peace

Ag Hammond Esq Pres. C.

I Henry G. Woamende am instructed by Rufus Parks of Grafton in the State of New York an appli- cant for a pension under the Act of the 7 th of June 1832 to accept a pension for the said Parks for compensation for Sixteen Months service as a soldier of the Revolution that being in the opinion of the department as long a period as he is entitled to by the facts set forth in his declaration.
H. G. Woamende Agent
May 3. 1836

Rufus Parks - Rufus Parks

War Department Pension Office May 21. 1884
Sir,
The papers of Rufus Parks have again been examined. The twelve months tour in Col. McClelland's regiment in 1778 is not supported by Mr. Phelps's certificate, nor the alleged tour in Capt. Boardman's company. Col. McClelland's regiment was not in actual service in 1778 to exceed three months at any one term. As now presented, the papers would not seem to justify a greater allowance than 16 months service. The papers remain on file.
I am respectfully
Your Obet. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
A. G. Mannmond Esq. Berlin Rensselaer Co. N. York

Inez Parks decd widow of Rufus Rensselaer Co NY
adm d 3 rd Feby 1853
4 mos Fifer } $68 62 12 " " major }
per annum from 3 rd Feby 1833 to 2 Dec 1834 when she died , pay to Eleanor Durkee only child,
Cert te . F c A Drennan Esq Present

Brief in the case of Lucy Parks and widow of Rufus Pensellaer County and State of NY act 3 July 1833
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7 1832 at $68.62 a year
Marriage proved by 2 age witnesses, confirmed by reputation of marriage, Wholston, and the report (If for increase.) of the 3 d witness that the arrangements
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Once the pension was paid to Lucy Parks, Identity, his other deaths and the fact that the applicant is the only child proved apically to the Replaturs
Name and residence of Agent
FA Dickens Esq Present
Thomson L. Jeffrey Examining Clerk.

Eleanor Burke
Additional evidence in case of Lucy Parks. del. at 3 rd Feb. 1853.
Boynton
Filed by
Francis Atkinson

State of New York Russell County ss
On this second  one of the day of July A.D. 1835 personally appeared one of the  John B  the Justice's Court of the City of Troy John B Durkee of the Town of Grafton Russell County and State of New York, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is well acquainted with Eleanor Durkee of the Town of Grafton State and County aforesaid. And believes from information and personal knowledge that she is the only surviving child of Lucy Parkes deceased who was the widow of Rufus Parkes a pensioner of the United States
Given under my hand this 2 nd day of July 1835 John B Durkee Charles A. Mynhall One of the Justices of the City of Troy
Russell County, Troy Justice's Court ss. I Francis Lord, clerk of the Justice's Court of the City of Troy (the same being a court of record having a clerk there) do certify that Charles A Mynhall is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing certificate purporting to be his signature is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 2 nd day of July in the year 1835
F. Lord Clerk of said court city of Troy

Pension Office.
June 6 th 1855.
Sir. Please Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid on the date of his death. Also Please Certify to whom the arrear of pension was paid.
Very Respectfully,
20 Dec 42
J P Waldo
192 11 3
Commission
arrear paid to Mary Patten wid of George Patten
Per J. H. [unclear]
R. H. H. Wilson, Esq., Third Auditor's reading

Rufus Parks died 24 Sept 1842 arrears paid to Lucy Parks, his widow.
Lug 7 th 2 Dec 1852
Elmer Dyer
Robt J. Mann
Auditor

Hudson Office. June. 6 th 1855.
Sir:
The widow of James

Re. 35 - June 1855.
10.038
Pension Office, June 21, 1855.
Sir,
The claim of Mrs Eleanor Parks, for the pension due her mother Lucy Parks, under the act of July 3 d 1832, has been examined & suspended.
Proof should be filed that, the maiden name of the mother of the applicant was Lucy Wakas, & that her husband was the identical Rufus Parks, who was a revolutionary pensioner of Grafton, Rensselaer Co. N. Y.
A Certificate of a Court should be filed that, the applicant is the only surviving child of Mrs. Lucy Parks.
I am, respectfully, Genl. At. Genl.
L. M. Wallace Commissioner.
Francis A. Dickinson Esq.
Present.
Certif. that Appl t is only surviving child of Lucy Parks & that maiden name of her father was Wakas.

It appears by the records of the State that the Gen l Assembly of Connecticut in May 1776 ordered a regiment to be raised for the defence of New London &c. & to serve untill the 1 st of January 1777, & appointed David Waterbury Col. Comfort Day Lt. Col. & Oliver Smith Majr; & in June 1776 appointed Elias Nisbett Col. of this regiment instead of Col. Waterbury, who was then appointed Brig. Gen l to serve in the Northern Department.
Comptrollers Office April 30 th 1834.
I Dehon Phelps Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify, that appears by the journal of the Council of Safety under date February 13 th 1776, that three companies were ordered to be raised for defence of New London, Groton & places adjacent, & to serve untill the first of December 1776 unless sooner discharged; that on the 17 th of February 1776 Edward Hall & John Bly were appointed Captains of

two of these companies, & on the 23 rd of the same February Col. G. Saltonstall was appointed Captain of the other.
And on the 2 nd day of July 1776 it also appears that Edward Mott was appointed Major of Col. Gays 2 nd regiment vice Major Galt, & on the 3 rd day of said July Oliver Boit was appointed Capt. of the company at New London vice Edward Mott promoted.
The pay roll of Capt. Oliver Boits company "Col. Wolcotts Reg t at New London" is charged on the books of the Pay Table to the "United States", but no roll of his, or Capt. Mott, his predecessor company's has been found.
That the pay roll of Capt. Jesse Starkweather company mislaid at New London is also charged to the "United States" under date December 1776, but no roll of his company has been found.
No roll or account of Capt. Boardmans company has been found. The pay roll of this company may have been included in that of some regiment which served at New London.

(It appears by the State records that two battalions were ordered by the General Assembly of Connecticut in May 1777 to be raised, & to serve until the first of January 1778; that Roger Enos & John Ely were appointed Colonels of them; and Josiah Baldwin one of the Captains.)
I further certify that the pay roll of Capt. Josiah Baldwins company "Col. Elys battalion '77," is charged to the United States under date January 17 th 1778. No roll of this company can be found.
(It appears by the records of State & the journal of the Council of Safety that two regiments commanded by Col. Roger Enos & Samuel McClellan, were ordered to be raised by the Gen. Assembly of Connecticut in February 1778, & to serve at intervals until the first of March 1779.)
The abstract of Col. McClellans field & staff is charged to the United States on the books of the Pay Table; as are also the pay rolls.

of the companies belonging to his regiment. But no roll of his regiment, or of any of the companies belonging to it, has been found.
C. Phelps

Letter 11 July 1855.
The proof required in my letter of the 4. th of June in the case of Lucy Parks &c. must be made by witnesses who are certified to be credible and who must swear that they are disinterested. —

Eleanor Dukee (widow of) Chief of Snag Park.
wid: of Rufus.
Respellam for Mrs.
Oct 15/23
Resp:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Pension Office, Official Business,
Commissioner,
Francis A. Dickins,
Atty.

5788 Eleanor Dwyer, Val, Child
Suey Parks, Wife
Rufus
Let to H.A. Dickins, probate 5/1/51 Same Feb 4 1853- Same Aug 13 1855-
Act 183

New York Revo:
Rufus Parks
Suspended
let A G Hammond 21 Sept 33
January 1 st 34
let. to same 21. May '34
adm P
Act. 7 June '32

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26.288
Lucy Parks wid of Rufus Parks after New War
Act Feb 3 d 53
Index: Vol 1 , Page 116
[Arrangement of 1870.]