Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,256, for Job Primus, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Comm
Prinus, Job or Lathrop
Yr 10256
B.L.W. 61201-160-55
Smith, Keturah
CONTENTS
(Former widow)

9656
Connecticut Job Primus
in the state of who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Dunham of the Connecticut line, for the term of 1 year
scribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 8 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 of March and sent to Judge Clark Windham Conn.
arrears to 4th of March 1818 87 11 emi-anl. all'ce ending 28 23 4 10 30 35  813 57 1/2
Handy { Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

9656
Connecticut Job Primus
in the state of
who was a Private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Dunham of the Connecticut
regt, for the term of 1 year
scribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 8 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 of March
and sent to Judge Clark
Windham Conn.
arrears to 4th of March 87 1/2
emi-ann. all'ce ending 28 1/2
23 3/4 10 30 35  8 13 5 1/2
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Application made July 1820 by David B. Bullock Windham Conn.

Job Primus's Private Col. Dunkee's next Gen. Line Petition 1776-1781
to Continuing
Rec: 8 th April 1815
admitted

To the Hon. Jabez Clark Esq., Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
The Petition of Job Prince alias Lathrop of Canterbury in the County of Windham aforesaid & in the district of Connecticut.
Humbly represents, that he was a Private soldier in the army of the United States for more than nine months during the revolutionary war. & prays that he may have his name entered, & have the benefit of an act of the Congress of the United States passed the present session 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." And he as in duty bound shall ever pray  Dated at Brooklyn the 8 th day of April 1818  Witness
Job primus
State of Connecticut ss. Brooklyn April
AD 1818 Then, Job Prince alias Job Lathrop personally appeared before me Jabez Clark Esq. Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Windham and in my presence subscribed the following affidavit and made oath to the truth of the in the district of Connecticut & made oath that he is a native American by birth, born in Norwich in sd State & now resides in Canterbury in sd County of Windham aforesaid, that on the first day of April 177 8  in the service of the United States I enlisted as a private soldier in Capt Jediah Watermans, Company, which Company was attached to Col. John (Dunham) Regiment raised in the state of Connecticut in which Regiment I served until the first day of  some time

Attest I certify
Seal of the
One thousand seven hundred & seventy when  with the Regim t which discharge is not in existence  was regularly discharged that he is now  that from my reduced circumstances I stand in need of assistance from his Country for support
Sworn April 7 th AD 1818
Job Primus
Before me Job Clarke Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Windham
I Ebenezer Adams of Brookline in the County of Windham in the District of Connecticut, Do swear, that I was a Sergeant in Colonel John Dake's Regiment, within mentioned and know that the above named Job Primus was a soldier in said Regiment, in the Campaign of AD 1776, but at what time he entered, or when discharged I cannot say, but know what remained of the Regiment, were discharged the 1 st day of January AD 1777 - and I further swear that said Job Primus, by reason of his reduced circumstances, stands in need of assistance from his Country for support and further saith not
Ebenezer Adams
Sworn this 7 th day of April AD 1818
Before me Job Clarke Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Windham
In testimony of the matter aforesaid I have caused the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for Windham County to be hereunto annexed
Attest Job Clarke Judge of said Court
I do further certify that Ebenezer Adams above named is a person of faith, and his testimony to be regarded and considered as that of Job Clarke

I Iabez Clarke Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Job Prindle did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the, preceding Declaration and affidavit by him made, and I now transmit the proceedings and taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of war, as Directed by an Act of Congress of the 18 th March 1818 Attest Iabez Clarke
I Samuel Gray Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut - do certify that Iabez Clarke Esq r is Judge of the Court - that the foregoing Signatures are his own hand writing, & the Seal Annexed is the Seal of said Court - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set My Name, in Windham this 8 th Day of May A D 1818 - Sam Gray

Job. Primus Application
2 p
No. 9656.
ipd. 22 Apl. 1819.
(Sept. 10/19.)
Continue

District of Connecticut, ss.
At a Special Court of Common Pleas, holden at Pomfret within and for the County of Windham, in said district—
ON this 20 th day of June A. D. 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record for the County aforesaid, [Having the power of fine and imprisonment,]
Job Primus of Canterbury in said County aged Sixtyeight years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz : That he enlisted for the term of  into the years Service on some on the  of the last days of  day of  in March — in the year 1776 in the State of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain Nedediah Waterman in the regiment commanded by Colonel John Durkee in the line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental establishment : that he continued to serve in the said corps until the 1 st day of January 1777 — when he was discharged from the said service in Horton
in the State of New Jersey — I am a Farmer by occupation, not able to labor which have a second wife by the name of Caterva — aged 44 years — no one else belongs to my family — I am a Pensioner made application to the war department on 8 th day of April 1818 . The date of said Pension certificate is April 22 nd 1819 — number 9,656
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen ; 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, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen ; and that I have not, nor has 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.
A Schedule of the Property I possess on the 20 th day of June 1820   1 Iron Pot — 34 — 1 Do dish Kettle, 34 So. 68  1 Do Pot Kettle, 17 — one Do Sea Kettle, 17 1 Griddle, 12 0, 46  1 flat Iron, 17 — one frying Pan, 25 — one Pine kettle — 75 — 1.17  6 Plates, 25 — 20 th Bowls — 10 — 1 brown earthen Platter — 10 — 0.45  1 Pewter Platter — 25 — 1 Tin Pan, 12 — 1 Pair Shovel & Tongs, 38. 0.75  1 hoe, 25 — 1 Shave, 17 — 2 Honing seg 57 — 1 Sickle 17 1.18  Job Primus $4. 69 

Gratuitous
Sept. 10/19
Sept. 22/1819
May 9 536
39
Application
Robt. Prindle
Sworn to and declared on the 20 th day of June A. D. 1820, before the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Windham, in the district of Connecticut.
Attest, David G. Bolles Clerk.
I, David G. Bolles Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration & oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is Seven Dollars, and 69 Cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, on this 24 th day of June A. D. 1820.
David G. Bolles Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Windham County.

6097
Connecticut Naturah Smith, for widow of Job Primus alias Lathrop, who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 17 th day of April 1857
and sent to Daniel P. Tyler Brooklyn
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 203 Vol. 76
265099

State of Connecticut, } County of Windham, } S.S.
On this ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-five personally appeared before the court of probate in and for the district of Windham Mrs. Katurah Prinus, now a resident of Windham in said state and county, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows, and the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 17, 1844. That she is the widow of Job Prinus late of Canterbury, in said state of Connecticut and county of Windham, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution that he served as such three years or more during said war as a private in the Continental Line. She has often heard him name the officers under whom he served but cannot recollect their names; she has also heard him say that he had fought the enemy, and that he fought and helped take the Hessians, and that in a fight with them he received a wound in the arm.
She further declares that her said

husband Job Prinus received a pension of ninety six dollars per annum from government before his decease, and that proof of his services are now on file in the Pension office, as she verily believes.
She further declares that after the decease of her said husband his pension certificate was surrendered upon the payment of the pension due at his decease.
She further declares that she was married to the said Job Prinus on the twenty fifth day of September seventeen hundred and ninety two - that her husband the aforesaid Job Prinus died on the eighth day of March A. D. 1822. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, in: at the time above stated.
Her Keturah X Prinus Mark
In presence of 3 Thomas Gray, 3 J. T. Balcom. 3
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written - and it is also hereby certified that the declarant is the widow of the said Job Prinus who was a Revolutionary soldier and pensioner, and that she is the identical person she refers

parently herself to be.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said probate court this 18 th day of June A. D. 1845
Seal
Thomas Gray, Clerk.
State of Connecticut, 3 County of Windham 3 ss.
Town Clerk's Office,
Windham, June 18 th Anno Domini eighteen hundred and forty-five.
"Job Prinus of Canterbury unmarried "to Natural Michael of Windham ye man "fifth day of September seventeen hundred "ninety two."
The above is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the Record in four legible figures, to wit, "25 th day of September 1792"
Attest.
John A. Perkins,
Town Clerk.
I, John A. Perkins, of Windham in Windham County and State of Connecticut, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Windham aforesaid, and as such have the custody of the books of of marriages, births, and deaths Records of said town of Windham, and that the above is a true copy from said records of said with exception above named,
John A. Perkins

as certified by me.
Attest, John A. Perkins, Esq. Town clerk.
Given before me this 18 th day of June A. D. 1845
It is hereby certified that John A. Perkins, Esq., above named is town clerk of the town of Windham aforesaid, and is legally qualified and authorized to give copies of Records. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand officially and affixed my notarial seal this day also year last aforesaid. Nathan Gray,
Seal
Notary Public for the State of Connecticut.
State of Connecticut, County of Windham ss.
I, Pomp McCuff of Windham in the county of Windham and State of Con- necticut aged eighty-two years, being sworn according to law depose and say that I was a soldier in the Revolutionary army and served in Capt. Patten's company in Col. Meigs' Regiment, and that I am a Revolutionary Pensioner of the Uni- ted States. That while in the army I knew Job Prins, sometimes called Job Lotthrop; he was in the army between three and four years. I knew him well while in the army, and have known him

afterwards, as long as he lived. I also knew him before he enlisted; he lived in Canterbury, Connecticut , in Windham County, and died about twenty years ago; he also drew a pension. I knew him at the time he married Deborah Michael and whilst they lived together they visited my house several times & I have known her ever since and she is now living and is his the said Job Prins' widow.
his Pomp M c Cluff mark.
In presence of Thomas Gray, Scribal Balcon.
Sworn and Subscribed this 3 rd day of June Anno Domini 1845. Before me, and I hereby certify that the deponent is to me well known and is a credible person. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal this 3 rd day of June 1845.
Notary Public for the state of Connecticut.
State of Connecticut, County of Windham ss.
I, Artemesia Park of Canterbury in the County of Windham and state aforesaid depon and say that I was acquainted with Job Prins, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States.

That he died on or about the 8 th of March A. D. 1822 and that he lived in a tenement belonging to my Grandfather's family for a number of years, and that Nathaniel Perkins then his wife, now his widow, lived and resided at that time and place with him; and that the said Nathaniel is now alive and remains his widow.
Artemesia P. Park.
I, Thomas Gray, Notary public in and for the state of Connecticut, duly commissioned and qualified, hereby certify that Mrs. Artemesia P. Park, personally appeared before me and made solemn oath, that the above affidavit by her subscribed contained the truth; and that she is known to me, and is a respectable and credible credible person.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal this 18 th day of June anno Domini 1845,
Seal
Thomas Gray, Notary Public
State of Connecticut, County of Windham } ss. I, Mary Briggs of Canterbury in said County, and state

7 afterward, before and say, that Job Prins lived in a house belonging to my father at the time of his decease, which I should think was in the year 1822 - he was a Revolutionary soldier Pensioner and left a widow Natural Prins, who is now living. I was a near neighbor and attend- ed the funeral.
Mary Bangs.
Then and submitted before me this 18 th day of June A. D. 1845. And I here- by certify that the said deponent Mary Bangs, is a respectable and respectable honest person and full faith and credit should be given to her testimony.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal 18 th day of June A. D. 1845.
Thomas Gray Seal Notary Public for the State of Connecticut.
Pension office, June 16, 1845.
We hereby certify that the foregoing pages, num- bered from one to seven, inclusive, are truly copied from the originals in this office.
W. Osden Nels, clerk

268. 099
Act Mar. 3. '53
Feb. 2. '57
End P
Returgh Smith, mid. for...
Job Salt  Premiers aliat Job Salt  Salt fri.
61.201 Spured April 22/57
11.600 @ 1/21/57
Revij. wak. 11/57
Comm 11/57 Feb 5 5 - no 6097
Special. by brief blurt.
11/57 Feb. 3. '57.
[Large stylized signature]
Daniel P. Tyler. Wendham County } Brooklyn.
Vol R. page 148 } & Vol L. page. 23 }

268.099
Daniel P Tylev Apts Brooklyn Windham Co Conn

State of Connecticut Windham County
On this 17 th day of January AD 1857, personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace, within and for the County aforesaid - Keturah Smith aged seventy five years a resident of the town of Brooklyn, in the County and State aforesaid, who being sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Job Sathrop, sometimes called Job Primus, a colored man who was a private soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and service of the United States. She further states that she was married to the said Job in Canterbury in the County and State aforesaid, on or about the 10 th day of November AD 1816, by the Rev. Asa Meach then a settled Minister in said Canterbury, and that her name before her said Marriage was Keturah Michael; and that her said husband died at said Canterbury, on or about the 8 th day of September AD 1823, and that she is now a widow - She further declares that she has never heretofore made application for Bounty Land under any act of Congress -
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may, under the aforesaid state of facts, be entitled under any act, or acts of Congress -
Witness J. B. P. Spalding Henry Hump
Keturah the X Smith mark

We Bela P Spalding and Henry Kemp residents of the town of Brooklyn, County of Windham, and State of Connecticut, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Smith the within named applicant in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statement of the Applicant, that he is, the identical person she represents herself to be -
B. P. Spalding Henry Kemp
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim -
Orion Fuller
Justice of the Peace
- The word Smith in the 6 th line on the first page and in the 5 th line on the second page was originally written Southrop, but altered in my presence by the agreement of the party when executed. Orion Fuller Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut County of Windham
I Uriel Fuller Clerk of the Superior Court in and for the County of Windham aforesaid the same being a Court of Re- cord, do hereby certify, that Uriel Fuller Esq., whose genuine signa- ture appears to the foregoing certificate, was at the time of signing the same, and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Superior Court at Brooklyn this 20 th day of January A.D. 1837 -
Uriel Fuller Clerk

U. S. District Court Room June 23 rd 1846, Canterbury
6 th
Sir
After my Note to you yesterday morning, the prosecution against Socrates Balame came on for hearing, when the prisoner by his counsel, submitted to an order of Commitment, for trial at the Circuit Court 3 rd Tuesday of Sept th next. After passing the order the prisoner's counsel desired a little time to procure bonds, which it was proper of course to allow. As yet it has not been accomplished, and his counsel doubts his ability to get bonds. I shall delay a few hours longer, and then if not procured, Commit him to Jail. He has not yet been found.
On the day I first wrote you she went to R.I. on some small matter of business - was expected back in ten days, but has not returned. The Deputy Marshal has gone for her, and as soon as she can be found she will be brought here to answer to the charge of perjury. We expect her return every hour.
Upon examination we find that the declaration and Perkins Affidavit were made up by Balame - and all that Mr. Gray had to do in the matter was to administer the oath.

supposing all to be right. The fraud consists in the declaration and the record of the marriage, about which Mr. Gray knew nothing. He also administered the oath to J. A. Perkins but every word of the affidavit of Perkins was written by Baleome , presented by him to Mr. Gray, with a request that he would administer the oath to Perkins.
Mr. Gray wrote the three other depositions, at the request of Baleome , (Pomp - Miss Burgess & Mrs. Park) but the contents of these three depositions developed nothing untrue - they relate only to the death of Job - his residence with Estena, as her husband and her being now his widow, but nothing as to the time of the marriage.
There seems to be no ground to believe that Mr. Gray had any privy with the fraud of Baleome . The latter managed to keep the fraud out of the sight of Mr. Gray. Under these circumstances Mr. Gray has not been arrested on any criminal matter. He was brought here as a witness, and very frankly told me all he knew in the matter. The District Atty concurs with me in my views of this part of the matter case.
A few words as to the investigation in relation to Mr. Perkins, the town clerk. He is a man of a pure character - young & inexperienced in business - has been a short time town clerk - I caused him to be brought here on a Capias - also had the record book brought on which he had entered the marriage in question. He stated to the District Atty, the manner in which he had been imposed upon. Mr. Baleome had for many years held the office of Deputy Sheriff - had kept the Probate Records - had been a justice of the

Peace, and in short, Mr. Perkins had full confidence in Balcom, not thinking that he would do him any wrong.
Mr. Perkins says, as I understand by the District Atty, that some time last summer, the time not recollected, Balcom came to the town Clerk's Office with an old piece of paper a parchment purporting to be the marriage of Job & Retena, and wished him to put it on his record book. He did so.
At a subsequent period, Balcom came again and wished a copy from the entry thus made, to get a pension. Balcom wrote the deposition, copying the record into it - and Perkins signed and made oaths to it. And as he says without the least suspicion of wrong, having no motive to do wrong. He suffered himself to be duped by Balcom and by means of the confidence reposed in Balcom was thus led into the error, which he very much regrets.
I have advised the District Atty that under such a state of the evidence, he could not expect to convict Perkins under the act of 1823. So there has been no criminal proceeding against him. He is a permanent and well settled inhabitant of Windham, with a good character, highly respectable family, of large property, and should it hereafter appear, that he knowingly participated in the fraud, the Atty will proceed against him.

Then far, My Dear Sir, it is believed the author of the mischief has been detected - that he is now in the custody of the law, and the old lady who has sworn to her declaration, knowingly, must still keep company with Balemé.
Mr. Gray says, that before he administered the oath to her, in presence of the judge of the Probate Court, he carefully read over the declaration to her.
I am Sir Yours obedt. Servt Andrew T. Johnson
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
P.S.
Should the Hon. Secy of War advise that a civil suit be brought against Balemé for the money drawn from the treasury, he can so direct the atty. He has doubtless kept most of the money. Retarded has received but little.

The Subscriber on oath affirms & declares that she is, and for more than Twenty years last past has been, a resident of the Town of Brooklyn in the County of Windham, and State of Connecticut, and that on or about the 10 th day of November AD 1816 she was lawfully married to Job Lathrop, sometimes called Job Primes, then of Canterbury in the County and State aforesaid; and that the said Job was a Soldier of the Army of the Revolution, and that he received a Pension from the United States for services rendered as a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and that he continued to receive a Pension until his death; and that he died at said Canterbury, on or about the 8 th day of September AD 1823. She further declares that she is unmarried and is the Widow of her said husband, the said Job Lathrop.
She therefore prays that she may be allowed a Pension as such Widow, in conformity to the laws of the United States in such case made & provided. For evidence in support of her claim for a Pension, she respectfully refers the Department to the files and records in the Pension Office, showing a Pension to have been granted to her said husband the said Job Lathrop under the act
of AD 1818 M rs Job Lathrop Saml D. Richmond Evan Shunk
for Keturah X Lathrop M rs

State of Connecticut
County of Windham ss. Superior Court January Term A.D. 1857
Be it remembered that on this 17 th day of January 1857, the within named Deborah Smith personally appeared in open court, the same being a Court of Record, and after subscribing her name to the within declaration made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
In witness testimony whereof I have by direction of said court hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said court the day and year above mentioned.
Uriel Fuller Clerk
State of Connecticut, Windham County ss.
Superior Court January Term 1857.
I Simon P. Waldo Judge of said Court do certify that Uriel Fuller Esq. whose genuine signature is above written is the Clerk of the Court in this County, and that the above attestation by him is in due form. I further certify that when quite a young man I knew Job Primus alias Job Lathrop of Canterbury in this County; he was at that time living in a house that belonged to my maternal Grand Father; he was reported to be married and at that time did cohabit as husband & wife with the within named applicant, and I have no doubt they were legally married. The within named applicant used to work for my mother and I knew her well. Her first husband Job Lathrop died a good many years ago, and she afterwards married one Peter Smith who has since deceased. I have not seen Deborah the applicant for over thirty years, but when she appeared in Court to make

Apprentice for Painting

out to the within application I recognized her at once, although she has become somewhat affected by age. On speaking with her I found she also recognized me and recollects incident of our farming that she named particular, which occurred when she worked for my my mother. I believe her to be an honest, if uneducated woman, who is needy and in my judgment entitled to a pension under the act of Febry 3. 1853, and recommend her to the favorable consideration of the Pension Office.
Forest Waldo, Judge of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut.

Joseph Pellet Deposition for Job Princes

Joseph Pilet of Canterbury in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut being of lawful age testify and say that during a part of the Revolutionary War I was in the service against the common enemy and when so in service I knew Job Princes sometimes called Job Rathrop a soldier in the 20 th Reg t commanded by Col. Durkee, in which I was also. Said Job was in service as aforesaid from the 1 st day of April 1776 to the 1 st day of Jan y 1777 and that he now is poor and in need of assistance from his Country for support.
And further the Deponent saith not. June 9. 1818 J. Pilet
State of Connecticut Windham County J. Canterbury June 9 th 1818 I Andrew S. Judson, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Windham aforesaid certify and make known that on the day above mentioned the above named Joseph Pilet came before me, subscribed the above and going Disposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts therein stated.

And I do also further certify that the said Joseph Pittet is a person of credibility and a relectable and competent witness — Attest: Andrew S. Judson Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut, Windham County S. Windham June 9 th 1818. Samuel Gray Esq. Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas, within and for the County aforesaid certify and make known that by the Documents in this Office it doth appear that Andrew S. Judson is a Justice of the Peace for said County and that the above is his signature and the Seal Annexed is the Seal of said Court
In Testimony hereof. I have hereunto set my Name —
Sam Gray

State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex Norwich 15 th January 1857
I George Hatch of said Norwich hereby and herein make affidavit to the following facts, to wit - I was born in the town of Canterbury, Windham County and State of Connecticut, that I am forty five years of age, and have resided most of my life in said Canterbury; and that in the year 1816, I think in the month of November, I was present and saw Job Lathrop, sometimes called Job Primus, a colored man, married to Keturah Michael a colored woman, by the Rev. Asa Murch then a settled Minister in said Canterbury and authorized to join persons in marriage - That the said Job was a Revolutionary Pensioner and is now dead, and that the said Keturah is his widow and is still living - I was sent for Mr Murch, to perform the ceremony, and they were married at my father's house
Geo. W. Hatch

State of Connecticut, New London County ss Norwich 15 th January 1857 Then personally appeared, before me the subscribing authority, George H. Hatch, and made oath to the truth of the within and foregoing statement of facts by him subscribed.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, New London County, } ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,
I, WILLIAM L. BREWER, Clerk of the Superior Court, within and for the County of New London, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of the Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify that E. B. Ingersoll Esquire, before whom the accompanying acknowledgment was taken, was on the 15 th day of January 1857 ever since has been, and now is, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer oaths, and take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand-writing, and that I verily believe the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Norwich, this 16 th day of January 1857
Wm L. Brewer Clerk.

State of Connecticut, New London County ss Norwich 15 th January 1857
Then personally appeared, before me the subscribing authority, George W Hatch, and made oath to the truth of the within and foregoing statement of facts by him subscribed in my presence -
C B Ingraham Justice of the Peace
IN TESTIMONY Norwich, this

Katherine Smith's Deposition —

Wingham County, State of Connecticut B Brooklyn April 1 st 1857
I Keturah Smith of said Brooklyn do declare on oath, that I was the wife, of Deo Princes, alias Deo Lathrop, at the time of his death, and that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner.
Sometime after his death, I think about the year 1845, Socrates Bulcam came to me and asked me when I was married to Deo Princes. I told him I was married in 1816. He then said I was entitled to a pension. I told him it was very good news, and that if I was entitled to it I hoped I should have it, for I was poor and needed it. Not long after Mr Bulcam came again and brought a paper and read it to me and said it was all right, and that I must sign it and make oath to it, and I did so. I did not know that there was anything wrong about it. I cannot read; and the petition, as Mr Bulcam read it to me, was all right as far as I know.
Afterwards Mr Bulcam came and told me he had got

the Pension, and he gave me Thirty Five Dollars, and that is all I ever received of the Pension Money -
I did not know that Mr Bulcean had done anything wrong about the Pension until I went to Court at Hartford. I did just as Mr Bulcean told me to do, for I have told him just as it was, and I supposed the paper he bought, and told me to sign was there, and just as I have told him -
I think I signed a paper for Mr Bulcean to draw the money, but I cannot say certainly whether I did or not.
After Mr Bulcean bought the Petition to me in Brooklyn and read it to me, he said I must come to Durdham and sign it, and I did go there and sign it; and went to Court and made oath to it, for I supposed it was all just as I have told about it -
I have told all about the matter that I can recollect
Witness
Prescott May
Joseph P Lester
Kitchah her + Smith mark

State of Connecticut Windham County ss Brooklyn April 12 th A.D. 1857.
Then personally appeared Retuah Smith who hath subscribed the foregoing application and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts stated therein before me.
Gilbert M. Phillips Commissioner of the Superior Court for Windham County
State of Connecticut County of Windham ss.
I Uriel Fuller Clerk of the Superior Court in and for the County of Windham, in the State aforesaid, the same being a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction, do hereby certify that Gilbert M. Phillips Esq. whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate was at the time of signing the same a Commissioner of the Superior Court within the said Windham County, duly commissioned & sworn that by the laws of said State he is duly authorized to take Depositions out of Court & to certify the same, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith & credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Superior Court, at Brooklyn, this first day of April A.D. 1857.
Uriel Fuller Clerk

Ap?
Connecticut 9594
Keturah Primus
widow of Job Primus who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the Sept. 1821. of Windham Co. in the State of Conn. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain of the regt. commanded by Col. Durkee in the Connecticut line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of August 1845 and sent to A. Ray Present
Total amount, $ 150 —
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown, Clerk, Book 2. Vol. 1. Page 91.

Rep?
Let to Hon. A. T. Judson June 10. 1846
do from Secy of War to Hon. A. T. Judson 16 June 46 J. Stone 10 July 46 " 24/ —
Connecticut 7268
Keturah Primus
widow of Job Primus who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of Sept. 1845 and sent to A. Ray, Present
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. 9 June 17. 1844. Vol. 2. Page 56.

✓✓
61. 201
Neo Aug

No 6681.
Keturah Prinus,
alias
Keturah Lathrop,
alias
Keturah Smith.
wid of Job Prinus, alias Lathrop.
Connecticut
Lot. Genl. P. Tyler,
March 24, 1857
Feb. Feb'y 3. 1853

Keturah Brimner - 30 th Oct 35 - last p.d 26 - June 46 paid t. 4 March 1846 JH
ymc

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10256
Katurah Smith formerly Wid Job. Primate alias. Lathrop Print Rev. War
Act: July 3 d  1853.
Index:—Vol. No , Page 220
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Brief in the case of Katurah Smith, formerly widow of J. P. Primes, of Conn. Act Feby 3, 1853
Her husband was pensioned under the Act of 1818 & 1820 at $96 a year and died 1835
Second marriage —
Charleston, general reputation of marriage. Her identity as the pensioner when her death, the death of her 2nd husband then present in Dublin, moved a reply to our Requisition.
Sister
Dear P. Tyler Esq
Thomson Dickson Esq
Brooklyn Oct

U. S. District Court Room Canterbury 6. June 26 th .
(1846)
Sir.
On the 23 d instant, Socrates Balcom procured bail for his appearance before the next Circuit Court. to be held at Hartford. 3 d Tuesday of Sept. next! On the 24 th . instant Balcom was found by an agent sent for her, in the State of R.I. was brought to my Office and arrested by the Marshal. and on yesterday the hearing was had. The investigation proved, what I had conjectured from the beginning, that she was imposed upon by Balcom. She can neither read nor write, and on her examination stated voluntarily, that she always told Balcom that she was Maria in Nov. 1816, at Canterbury to Job. — that she shewed him the bible where her marriage was holy entered by Geo. Hatches, now deceased, but that he said she must keep still and not show the bible. In her absence, I sent a man to her house in Brook & found the bible, containing the same entry which I saw last year.
Last night the investigation terminated, and she is also ordered to appear at the same Court for trial, with Balcom.

I have no time now to detail all the particulars.
One fact appeared in evidence, that a son of Balesme went with him to see Returak, when they were preparing the machinery - he was present with his father & Returak, at Balesme's house when the declaration was drawn - and he swore before me that the declaration was all in his hand writing - that he copied it from what his father had written at his father's request, and read it to Returak, before it was sworn to before the Probate Court.
As the District Atty may think it advisable to include his name in the Bill before the Grand Jury, with that of his father, I forbear to go into all the testimony, so far as he is concerned or may be supposed to have been concerned.
He also paid the money over to Returak, or part of it at least.
Returak's disclosure shows that she received only $29. If the Powers of Atty given for the payment made Sept. 4. 1845 - and March 1846, have been returned to your Office, I wish you to send me the originals - if not returned, please write the Agent at Hartford to forward them to me.
You will now direct me, whether I shall send the original papers now in my hands, to yourself, the District Atty or keep them in my possession. These papers must be

had at the trial of Balaam in Sept. It will be necessary also to prepare and furnish the District Coll y with the properly authenticated Account of the Allowance of the pension, and a copy of the pension certificate, from your records.
Yours & D Andrew S. Pearson
P.S. I suggest to you the propriety of an examination of all the papers for pensions sent you by Balaam since the law of 1836, before before the Probate Court of Windham District .
I should like to see the names of such, as may have been so taken. See if Nancy Little, formerly Nancy Abbe, widow of Nathaniel Abbe was ever on the pension list — or Elizabeth Tracy widow of Gyles Tracy of Preston M c Dermott County.
Also the Widow of Nathaniel Manning, of Windham

June 25 '46
Conn.
10
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington,

U. S. District Court Room Yesterday June 22 nd 1846.
Sir,
As anticipated when I wrote you last the Marshal and Atty of the U. S. were sent for, and arrived here Saturday night.
The Marshal has arrested Socrates Balcume on an information founded on the Act of 1823, as directed by the Secy of War.
The Town Clerk & Mr. Gray were also arrested on a capias ad witness and are in custody of the Marshal. Release will probably be here in an hour or two.
The Dist. Atty concurs in the whole matter now.
Yours &c. A. S. Judson

U. S. District Court Room Canterbury Ct. June 17. 1846.
Sir:
Since writing last, a gentleman has seen and conversed with two of the witnesses, Mary Burgess and Artemius P. Park, who both say that they testified to nothing more than the identity of Raters. as the widow of Job Princes, and did not speak of her marriage. Of course this is right so far. There are two facts which I did not mention in my letter. Retainer lives and has for many years lived within the Probate District of Brooklyn, and was taken out of that District to the District of Windham to make her declaration.
She was actually married in Canterbury & not in Windham. The record evidence of her marriage therefore, if any, would have been made in Canterbury. She was married at the house of George Hale, within 80 rods of my house. I wish you to examine the declaration minutely and ascertain in whose hand writing it is. In your letter, you remark that the papers were drawn up by Thos. Gray. He probably wrote the two depositions of Mary Burgess & Mr. Park, because they say he came with the other gentleman to take them.

It is the other person on whom my suspicion rest, and not on Mr Gray. I expect he only administered the bath, but did not draw up the declaration.
Their writing may be somewhat similar. I think however, you can tell on examination.
Yours in haste Andrew S. Fraser

Dear Geo C Whiting Commissaire

Brooklyn, Wintham Co. Ct.
2 April 1857
Genl. C. O. Whiting
Can't. Genl. for
I have received the letter addressed to me from your Department dated 24th inst. in relation to the application of Deborah Smith for Pension, stating that "for the purpose of properly presenting the case for final decision, it is required that her affidavit be filed, setting forth the facts known to her, connected with her application in 1845, when she was allowed a pension under Act of July 7 th 1838" -
I have the honor to enclose her affidavit as requested, stating all the facts in relation to the matter as far as she knows and can recollect them -
I also enclose the affidavit of Samuel P. Robinson Esq. who is a highly respectable man, and who was a member of the Grand Jury before whom the matter was investigated,

I trust the affidavits now forwarded will be deemed sufficient, taken in connection with the Official Statement which his Honor Judge Waldo was so kind as to make, in behalf of a poor old woman whom the whole community where she is known believe to be honest.
If anything further should be required, may I ask the favor to be informed thereof, before it shall be too late to make it available -
If the Certificate shall warrant shall be granted, please let them be enclosed to me -
I am Sir, very respectfully, Yr obed Servt. Daniel P. Tyler

Katurah Smith, formerly Widow of Job Primus, alias Job Sathrop, Connecticut
adm? 3, February 1853- $96 ayear from the pension of the Adl.
cert to Dan. S. Tyler, Esq Brooklyn Conn.

Dear George C Whiting Champion of Pension - Sir:
I herewith forward the application of Deborah Smith for a Pension, and Sarah D. Smith; and refer the Department to the files and records in the Pension Office, in the case of her husband Col. Primes, a Revolutionary Pensioner, under the Act of 1818 -
Among the papers in that case will be found, I presume, an application for a pension by the present applicant, on which a pension was granted her -
The circumstances are simply these - The applicant is a colored woman, unable to read or write, but honest and confiding -
Taking advantage of her simplicity, and without any connivance or knowledge on her part a pension was obtained, in her name, by a man by the name of Bulcum -
Bulcum was prosecuted for his agency in the matter before the District Court, and a true Bill found against him - He forfeited his bonds, - and the Pension was of course stopped -

In the investigation of this matter before the U S District Court, there was no evidence of any dishonest intention, or any improper conduct on the part of the Applicant. On the contrary, it fully appeared that she was merely an artless, ignorant instrument in the hands of a man seeking, too successfully, to put money in his own pocket.
The Applicant never received upon that Pension Certificate, but Thirty one Dollars .
It may not be improper for me to add, that the writer was a member of the Grand Jury that found the Bill against Deleam; and also that I write this in the Court, before which the affidavit of the applicant was taken; and that I have submitted it to the inspection of his Honor Loren P. Waldo, Judge, holding Court.
I am very respectfully Yours obedt Servt Daniel V. Tyler
P.S. If this application is successful, please forward Certificate to the address of Daniel V. Tyler, Brooklyn, Windham County, Connecticut; and should any further evidence be required, may I ask the favor of being informed of it.

Confidential
U. S. District Ct. Room Canterbury Ct. June 4. 1846.
Sir,
I have recently been informed that within the last year or two, a pension has been allowed to Calura Primes, widow of Job Primes. Please inform me through the Hon. J. A. Rockwell Member of Congress, whether the fact is so. and answer the following questions.
1 st By whom was the marriage celebrated? 2 d When were the parties married? 3 d What Proof of the marriage? 4 th When did the death of Job take place? 5 th What witnesses and what their testimony? 6 th What amount per annum was allowed? 7 th How far back did the Applicant begin to draw money?
My informant is, that the whole proceeding is fraudulent.
Yours & Andrew S. Jackson
Hon. J. S. Edwards.

Sen J P Robins Affidavit

I Samuel P Robinson of Canterbury, County of Windham and State of Connecticut, do hereby declare that some ten or twelve years ago, I cannot tell the precise time I was summoned to attend the District Court of the United States at Hartford - as a grand Juror. I did attend and got as such grand Juror The Court was held by Hon Andrew Dudson Judge - And a true Bill was found by the Grand Jury before said District Court against Socrates Bulcam for fraud in obtaining a Pension for Keturah, who was the wife of Job Lathrop a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his death -
The investigation before the Grand Jury was minute and thorough; and full enquiry was made in relation to every circumstance connected with the obtaining the Pension Certificate, granting a Pension to the said Keturah -
And I can say that in the course of the investigation, by and before said Grand Jury, nothing whatever appeared to implicate the said Keturah in anything wrong - On the other hand, it did appear that she was ignorant and honest; that she intended nothing wrong or fraudulent; but that she had, unconsciously, been made the instrument of the said Bulcam to carry on his fraudulent

Design in relation to obtaining the said Pension Certificate. After the Indictment of Bealcom, he gave bond for his appearance before the said District Court for trial, and afterwards, as I understood, forfeited his bond, and paid Eight Hundred Dollars. I will add further that I believe it was the unanimous opinion of the Grand Jury that Katherine was entirely honest, & ignorant, & that she had intended nothing wrong. Samuel P. Robinson Canterbury 2 d April 1857
State of Connecticut Windham County ss
Canterbury April 2 d 1857
Then personally appeared Samuel P. Robinson, who has subscribed the foregoing Deposition, and made oath to the truth of the same before me. Mason H. Ganga Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } County of Windham }
I Uriel Fuller Clerk of the Superior Court in & for the County of Windham hereby certify that Marvin H. Denger Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in & for said Windham County duly appointed & qualified the signature thereof is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Superior Court this 3 rd day of April 1857.
Uriel Fuller Clerk

U. S. District Court Room Canterbury June 18. 1846.
Sir I have received your communication with the inclosures, and have sent for the District Atty. of Marshall. I find the matter too serious to be entrusted to other hands, except some preliminary inquiries, which were made in a safe way day before yesterday, and to day.
The arrests will take place as soon as the Marshal arrives.
By an examination of the original papers, my first impressions are confirmed, that the fraud was perpetrated by the individual on whom suspicion rested at first.
The declaration , I see by the hand writing, was drawn up by him, and not by the Clerk of Probate. The probability still is, that the Clerk simply administered the Oaths, without any examination of the declaration.
The three affidavits drawn up by Mr. Green and attached are all here. These only go to prove that Job

lived with Hesterah - that he is dead & she is his widow - They say nothing of the time of the marriage - nor the place. These papers appear genuine, but the Town Clerk's was drawn up by the same naughty hand, as was the declaration.
The Record must be a false one - How it was made is yet to be known, and will on the examination doubtless appear.
I wait with considerable anxiety for the Marshal - and will keep you advised of the progress he makes -
There is one more fact which may now be stated. In the declaration Hesterah avers that she is 80 years old; whereas I think 65 is the extent.
I have known her toward 30 years and verily believe she is not beyond 65 -
I may add, that Mr. Gray is a gentleman of irreproachable character - is Clerk of the Supreme Court - & of the Superior Court of our State, in this County. I expect that he has been imposed upon by the real Man of pains, but of course the whole matter will be thoroughly examined, and in a few days you will be advised of the result.
Yours &c / A. S. Johnson

P.S. Since writing the foregoing, I have been in the burying ground and found the grave stone erected by Job Prins for his first wife Sylvia, the Mother of his children
The day of her death is there marked "March 3 d 1809."
By this evidence you see that Job's first wife lived 17 years after the time when Retsema's she was married to him.
\begin{array}{r} 1809 \\ 1792 \\ \hline 17 \end{array}
The stone bears the mark of its own age, and is legible. The day is now fixed, and it is not improbable the day of Retsema's marriage will be equally certain.

Keturah Primus, widow of Job Primus, private
9 months
$30 per an
married Sept. 1792
husband died
Sept. 1821
Acts '38 } 8100 '43 & 44 44
Conn. Roll
Cat: to A. Ray Present

Pension Office August 11. 1845
Sir,
In the Case of Returak Prunus, the purs's establish the date of the Marriage and 9 months service of her husband from 1 st April 1776 to 1 st January 1777; but this claim is asserted for 3 years service in the Continental Line
I am very respectfully, Your Obsevant J L Edwards
Alexander Ray, Esq., Present.

Office of United States Dist Atty Cr- v Hauen July 28-1846
Sir
Your favor of the 25 th inst is just received. You state that the letter of Balcom to Mr Ray is herewith
Enclosed
As I did not receive the letter in question, and find from the postage bill that it was not mailed I conclude that some mistake has occurred, and take this the earliest opportunity to advise you thereof.
I think that with this letter of Balcoms. Evidence enough to insure the finding of a true bill against him in Sept. by the grand jury is already found But if a true bill is found by the grand jury the Court will not enforce a trial of the case at the same term, but continue on motion
It will therefore be worthy of consideration whether tis best to send the Chief Clerk before the grand jury - in Sept next - unless indeed some assurance can be had that the case will then be finally disposed of.
I shall pass through Windham County next week. visit Engle more particularly
I have the honor to be very sincerely Yours obed servant Jonathan Stoddard
J L Edmonds Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Washington Sep. 3. 1845.
Sir
Your letter of the 11 th ult. in the case of Retinah Prunus of Connecticut for the year 1838. is herewith enclosed.
I am instructed to accept a pension for the 9 mo. Service you are willing to allow, as the 3 years Service expected for in the Continental line cannot now be proven.
I am very respectfully
Your obedt Servt H. S. Pray
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com ty of Pensions

Office of the Attorney of the United States District of Connecticut
New Haven July 23 d 1846
Sir
Your favor of July 15 th 1846 concerning the case of Returns Primes — and accompanying papers is received
I have also received from Judge Nelson the papers concerning the same matter — to which yours alludes
I presume that your office already advised of the facts of this case will not desire of me — at this stage of the proceedings — a detailed statement of the evidence already found
In the course of the investigation thus far serious attention has been given to Balcoms Son — he is yet young — and doubtless much under his fathers control
It is difficult for me to reconcile the conduct of Perkins the town clerk with the simple duties of his office or with strict integrity. Nor have his explanations fully satisfied me of his entire ignorance of the fraud to which he & his office were made measurably instrumental. Still he is a man of quite fair character and from all facts yet brought to light may have been imposed on — he is a very important witness against Balcom. Nor can I yet see facts — to warrant his arrest — or that of Balcoms Son
Balcom is a man in reduced circumstances. I believe • Entirely without property. he has a reputable family and respectable friends & relatives. Who — I am convinced would never consent — that he should plead guilty to the charge

As far as I believe, he would do so of his own accord even with the consent of his friends. However conclusive the evidence when arraigned before Judge Hudson than George S. Carlton and E. G. Cleveland appeared in his behalf, and seemed to take rather more than ordinary professional interest in his behalf. I the rather think that extraordinary efforts will be made - to screen him
From what I have seen - & know of the evidence and the witnesses - I cannot doubt but he Balcom was the contriver of the fraud. The money is clearly traced into his hands - and probably very little - went to any one else - probably Victoria obtained of him a few dollars
Victoria Primus is humble, poor, & ignorant - of no standing in society. Her story is probably true But her evidence would require strong corroboration in order to weigh much with a jury. She would undoubtedly testify against Balcom - and state facts as she remembers them. She was the instrument perhaps the not willing instrument of Balcom But how far she could be guilty - - -
She is probably incapable of calculating or comprehending the remote consequences of any  her any serious act of much magnitude or complication
Your valuable suggestions relating to the act under which Balcom should be indicted will not be lost sight of

Indeed the same subject occurred - not very prominently during the investigation before Judge Jackson
Balcoms original letter to Alexander Ray a copy of which I recd. Should go before the Grand Jury - in September next.
It received in season I think the Hand writing can be easily proved If there exists any other communication from Balcom to Ray it may be import to prove it
I am not aware that Ray knows any fact beyond what Balcoms letter to Ray contains -
I have a copy of Balcoms Letter to the pension Agent at Hartford - on the strength of which he drew the money - the original is at the office in Hartford
I have the Honor to be Sir very respectfully Yohes Ould Servt Jonathan Stoddard
Dear
J L Edwards Commissioner of pensions Washington City Dec