Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22,639, Jesse Bell, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Bell, Jesse
S. 22,639
CONTENTS

BELL, JESSE

payable to David Bell , David Bell Jesse Bell, Elizabeth Bell, Frank Elizabeth Bell , Elizabeth Bell , and Mary Marshall, only surviving children. a small stock of books and papers in the basement.
en. was. 4/38 John Lee Col. F. J. D. Muehlbach Col. F. C. 1848 Sett. Dr. Miller, after " " " " " " " " " "

1269 CW. J. B.
use Bell deo?
Paratrooper in the State of New York was a Captain in the Comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the Conn y Revolution line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 480 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. and ending 20th Oct r , 1834, when he cited Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of May, 1848 and sent to Hon. J. Jenkins, West of the p y Arrears to the 4th of Pension allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. D. Munkin, Clerk, Vol. 4 Page 8.

Payment to be made at Albany by J. W. Cleghorn, Agent for paying Pension= as in the Agency of Albany New York.
J
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 8 by Th. Rankin, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Jesse Bell dec d late of New York, who was a Captain and who died 20th Oct r , 1834, is entitled to receive four hundred & eighty dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, com- mencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on  and ending 20th Oct r 1834.  the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year. when he died Payable to Jesse Bell, Elizabeth Bell, & Mary Marshall, only surviving children. Given at the War Office of the United States, this 6th day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

Information At 11/2
3 Divisions
March
2

State of New York County of Greene ss. On this 23 rd day of April 1847 before the Subscriber first Justice of the court of Common Pleas — in and for said County and State of  fore personally appeared Mary Marshall of the town of Coxsackie, County of Greene and State of New York, Aged sixty nine years and upwards, who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the pension which was due her father under under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, That she is one of the children of Jesse Bell who was a captain in the war of the Revolution, and served in the state of Connecticut, where he resided during said war, the regiment to which he belonged, or in which he served, or the names of the colonels under whom he served, Declarant saith she can not now recollect but that she hath a distinct recollection of having frequently seen her father dressed in the regimentals of an officer and has very frequently heard her father and others tell of his services as an officer in said war; Declarant further saith that her father Jesse Bell aforesaid died in the town of Milton County of Saratoga and State of New York

on the twentieth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, and she knows of no other reason why her said father did not make application for a pension in his life time than that his circumstances was such that he did not need it, and the reason declarant has not heretofore made application for it, is because she did not know until recently she was entitled to it, Declarant further saith that at the time of the death of her father the said Jesse Bell he left him surviving a widow and seven children viz, Sarah Bell widow, Darias Bell, David Bell, Jesse Bell, Elizabeth Bell Sarah Skidmore Comfort Stoughtonbury and Mary Marshall, children that since the death of Declarant's father, his widow the aforesaid Sarah Bell, and the follow- ing named children have died viz; Darias Bell, David Bell, Comfort Stoughtonbury, and Sarah Skidmore that at the time of the death of the said Jesse Bell all the children except Jesse and Elizabeth were over twenty one years of age, That the said Jesse and Elizabeth Bell and this Declarant Mary Marshall are now the only surviving children of Jesse Bell

and each are now over twenty one years of age Subscribed and sworn { Mary Marshall to this 23 rd day of April 1847. 22 nd day of April 1847 Perkins King Judge as of course
I certify that I am not personally ac- quainted with Mary Marshall above named but from observation and general infor- mation she is an intelligent and and credible person and I have certain entire con- fidence as to the truth of her statements as above set forth I further certify that
That I, John Van Buren, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original thereof, and that the same was taken at the time of reading the same, and that the said John Van Buren of Dutchess County, Sub Clerk, to the best of his knowledge, is a person not related to the said John Van Buren, Clerk, and that the signature to the foregoing is genuine, and according to the laws of the State of New York. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Poughkeepsie the 27 th day of May 1847. John Van Buren Clerk By J. Mottard Clerk Deputy

and each are now over twenty one years of age Subscribed and sworn { Mary Marshall to this 23 rd day of April 1847. 22 nd day of April 1847
Perkins King Judge as of course
I certify that I am not personally ac- quainted with Mary Marshall above named but from observation and general infor- mation she is an intelligent and and credible person and I have entire entire con- fidence as to the truth of her statements as above set forth I further certify that she is unable to attend court from ill health and general debilitation.
Perkins King Judge as of course
of Greene County, duly swor-
en to with the hand writing of the said Judge and
is genuine and according to the Law of the State of New York.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County
at Catskill the 27 th day of May 1847.
Francis Schaeffer Clerk By J. Millard Clerk of said Court.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America Your petitioner Jeseu Bell now of the County of Albany and State of New York humbly representeth that early in the Revolutionary war he embarked in the service of his Country as will be seen by Narrative supported by Commissions for the services as is stated in the Narrative and that he never has received any gratuity from his Country for his many services but his wages. And that in Continental money which fell much on his hands and never before this has applied for any pension for the wound he received in the Year 1780 which wound now affects him very much and it is said many less wounds has drawn pensions from many years and he now is far advanced in the 79 th year of his age and has been very unfortunate of late years and has been advised by many this some years to apply to the General Government but has been loth to make Application but it has been said that General Sinclair made application for some hard fare he met with to the Northward and obtained a Considerable grant and as the present petitioner is reduced to very needy circumstances therefore he makes after stating what his will was in the Revolutionary war to have embarked in the steady service, but as he then were situated on the frontiers the people were very unwilling that he should leave them therefore he continued on the frontiers which he is positive were much the hardest his services were mostly up and down the east and North Rivers and of the number of battles he has fought he has no account but supposes not much if any short of fifty and as he is now reduced by wounds and hard fatigues he now asks for the help of the General Government for those wounds and hard fatigues he has undergone this many years for the service of his Country and it is to be observed that this petition refers to the preceding Narrative which states particular all the services and it is to be hoped that the two honorable

branches of the General Government will pay due attention to the whole and as Righteousness is the exaltation of the Nation will make a Righteous decision. Jesse Bell
Daniel Buckler Levi Callindt John T Van Alstyne James Holmes Stephen Naramore John Guss Stephen Davis Andrew Haugh Junr Jeremiah Gurn Jr Thomas Smith Ezekiel Stuart Stephen Tompkins A Reed Cornelia Turner Shelden Chronatus Samuel Wilkins Schobod Peet Mathew Willey Arthur Heaburk Will Deyrd Levi Gannett David S Heoughtching Timothy Gullar Abraham Frazier Peter Barber Storm D Heoughtching William Drew John W Rop William Green. Abraham Hagaman Thomas Jenks Josiah Hagaman Edmund Robbins Joseph T Paul Reuben Stanton Junr David Stanton Joseph Ward John Lewis Joseph R Stanton Jackson Clement S. S. Tompkins Nicholas Smith Moss Smith Peter Ondudonk Abraham Tompkins William Clark Moses Hallock Jeremiah Cannuff Jr Sam c Baker Moses Spalding Janis Hagaman Anthony Dimond Capt d Iodiah Collins Amos Stanton Junr. Lewis Larles.

August 3, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
Jesse Bell-S.22639
Mrs. Laura Pierce Kendall #712 N.W.19" Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jesse Bell, who served in the Connecticut troops.
You are furnished herein the record of Jesse Bell, the only soldier of that name or similar spelling, who served in the Connecticut troops, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office, the data for which were obtained from pension claim, S.22639, based upon the military service of Jesse Bell in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Jesse Bell are not shown.
Jesse Bell was a resident of Stamford, Connecticut, during the Revolutionary War. He entered the service early in July, 1775, and served as sergeant, name of captain not given, in Colonel Charles Webb's Connecticut Regiment; the last of December, 1775, he was appointed lieutenant and transferred to Colonel David Waterbury's Connecticut Regiment, was engaged in fortifying New York, until April, 1776; May 1, 1776, he was appointed captain, joined Colonel John Mead's Connecticut Regiment about August 1, 1776, went to New York, was in the retreat from that city and served until December 3, 1776, when he was appointed captain in Colonel Samuel Whiting's Connecticut Regiment and served seven and one-half months; during the remainder of the year 1777, he served on tours of two months each on the frontiers; in 1778, he served seven months as captain in the Connecticut troops and was engaged in protecting the coast; in 1779, he served seven months in same service; April 22, 1780, he was appointed captain in Colonel Basselel Beebe's Connecticut Regiment and served as such officer for eight months and ten days and during this tour received a severe wound, nature of wound not shown nor engagement in which he received said wound; in 1781 and 1782, he served as captain on short tours in the
Found this office in Carm hook.

in the Connecticut troops. Jesse Bell stated that he participated in at least fifty engagements and "had the hair of my head and every part of my clothes have been shot through from the enemy in different actions." He did not give the names of the engagements in which he took part nor the nature of the wounds received. It was stated that one wound was in his hand which wound gave him great trouble in his later years.
After the war, Captain Jesse Bell moved to Dutchess County, New York and later to Greeneville, Greene County, New York. He lived at one time in Clinton, New York, where he was a magistrate for about seven years.
September 24, 1824, while residing in Albany, New York, Jesse Bell, then in the seventy-ninth year of his age, appealed to Congress for a pension on account of his services in the Revolutionary War, as there was no general law in existence at that time under which he was entitled to pension, his service during the Revolutionary War having been rendered in the militia but Congress failed to pass a bill for his relief.
Later, he moved to Saratoga County, New York, where he resided with his son, William Bell, until the death of the latter in 1829. Captain Jesse Bell died at Milton, Saratoga County, New York, October 30, 1834.
He left surviving him a widow, Sarah and seven children: It was stated that he had been married twice before his marriage to Sarah but the names of his former wives are not shown and there are no dates of marriage or data in regard to any of the three wives.
The names of the seven children follow:
  Darius Bell. . . . .  deceased in 1847.    David Bell . . . . .  in 1849, living in Mendon, New York, aged 78 years    Jesse Bell . . . . .  Living in 1847, place of residence not shown, was not aged 21 years at the time of his father's death.    Elizabeth Bell . . . . .  living in 1847, place of residence not shown, was not aged 21 years at the time of her father's death.    Sarah Bell. . . . .  married Walter Skidmore, deceased in 1847.    Comfort Bell. . . . .  " ----- Stoughtenburgh, deceased in 1847.    Mary Bell. . . . .  " Totten Marshall, in 1847, living in Coxsackie, Greene County, New York, aged 68 years  

It was stated that two of the children named above, were born of the last marriage of Jesse Bell, their names are not designated.
April 27, 1847, Mary Bell Marshall applied for the pension which was due on account of the service of her father, Captain Jesse Bell, in the Revolutionary War. The claim was allowed for the benefit of the officer's surviving children.
In 1847, Eliza Lacy, wife of Charles Lacy, and the daughter of Walter and Sarah Skidmore, the latter a daughter of Captain Jesse Bell, lived in Watervliet, New York. In same year, Betsey Wait, daughter of William Bell, son of Captain Jesse Bell, resided in Albany, New York, the name of Betsey's husband was not given. In 1847, one Isaac Stoughtenburgh lived in Dutchess County, New York, no relationship to Comfort Stoughtenburgh, the daughter of Captain Jesse Bell, was stated. In 1848, Israel B. Marshall, son of Mary Bell Marshall, daughter of Captain Jesse Bell, was residing at #79 Nassau Street, New York City. Two other grandchildren are named, David William Bell and his sister, Angeline, the names of their parents are not stated nor is their place of residence given. designated
Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Wadsworth MEL Eliz. My
Proclamation
22639 INVALID.
File No. 22,639
Jesse Bell Capt. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1828
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 32
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Nov. 10/95 Mrs. G. W. 206 Broadway, N.Y. Sept. 22/97 Jared M. New York N.Y. Oct. 14/97 Jared M.
Oct 19 '97 sent to J.W. Bee.
Feb. 18. 1903 Percival Galsin Catskill N.Y. Apr. 20. 1905 - his son Asa Bird Gardiner N.Y. City
May 31. 1905. David W. Bell - N.Y. City Name of comptroller of Conn. in 1847

37521
Super Bank due? New-York
Det. to Wm Valentine
June 21. '47
to same July 29th '47
to same Sept 13. '47
to ditto Oct 18. '47
to same Nov. 12, 1847
ad 7 June '32

No. 37521 Jesse Bell de c. N
Let to W. Valentine June 21 '47 " " do July 29 '47 " " do Sept 13 '47 " " do Oct 18 " " " do Nov 12 " " " do Nov 24 '47
act 7 June 1832

Taken up by order of the Commissioners
The point in this case decided by atty' General. See case of Eliza Figo, decd N.Y. Ad. 1838-

To my Bald Dad, after the morning rose, after the Dad
What have I to do with this case?

June 21 - 1849
Letter transmitting copy of declr. of Mary Marshall & copy of act of the Court relating to the sursearing ch. of Jesse Bell
to David Bell Esq. -
Apr. 19. 1849
Letter to David Bell
informing him that "if Mary Marshall has sworn falsely you have no claim upon the govt. altho' she may be prosecuted for perjury -

No 37521
Jesse Bell ad
Ad
act 7 June 1832
adm d Dyers Draft $480 00 Span
from 4 March 1831 to 20 Oct 1834 the day of his death, Payable to Jesse Bell , Jesse Bell Jesse Bell, Elizabeth Bell Sarah Skidmore , Comfort Daughter  Daughter , and Mary Marshall, only surviving Children of Jesse Bell ad.
Hon T. Jenkins House of Reps.

Pension Office May 1848
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the Certificate of the Court of Adams, July Ohio was referred as to the identity of

State of New-York, CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY, CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss. I, G. Van Buren Albany aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Martin Van Buren was on the day of the date of the annexed Affidavit and Certificate, a  Justice of the Peace appointed and sworn, and that the signatures to the Jurat of said Affidavit and to the said Certificate, purporting to be his, are genuine. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of the said County, this  Third day of September 1847.  G. Van Buren Clerk.

State of New-York, CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY, CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, L. Van Deusen Clerk of the City and County of Albany aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Martin Winne was on the day of the date of the annexed Affidavit and Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly appointed and sworn, and that the signatures to the Jurat of said Affidavit and to the said Certificate, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of the said County, this Third day of September 1847.
L. Van Deusen Clerk.

22639
3-068. (Old No. 3-649.)
6-20
Bureau of Pensions.
Jesse Bell
Sept. 25, 1824
75 - July
Com
Col, Chas. Webb Col Waterbury Sgt, St. 9 mos
May 1, 76
Col Jno. Mead Col. Cpt. to Dec 2, 76
77 Col Saml Whiting Cpt -
78 Col - Cpt - 8 mos
79 Cpt - 8 7 mos Coast Guard
80 Col Beebe apl. 22 - Cpt to July 1, 81
81 & 82 Served by rotation much of the time on the frontier.
He died at Milton N.Y. Oct. 20, 1884.

Mary Marshall daughter made application - apl. 22, 1847 - age 69, Brooklyn NY
Widow Sarah Bell: Adams David, Jesse, Elizabeth, Sarah, Comfort, Mary.
appln made by Mary Marshall on behalf of herself, Jesse & Elizabeth Bell
maiden name of Sarah wid. not stated nor date of marriage

1907 July 13. Hist. to Mrs. Helen W. Somers / c 1910 Mch. 15. Date of death to F. Battles & 1938-Aug 3- Hist to Mrs Laura P. Kendall - Ex
INVALID. (3-780.) (Series 22,639 )
Cert. No. _____
Name, Jesse Bell Rank, Capt ; Service, Rev. War. Act June 7. 1832.
File 22,639
Agency. { Original Roll: _____ Transf'd _____, 1 _____, to _____ " _____, 1 _____, to _____
Class. Issue. Entered. Fee, $ _____  Issued _____, 1 Mailed _____, 1 Rate and Period, $ _____, from _____, 1  Deductions: _____ Disability: _____
Class. Issue. Entered. Fee, $ _____  Issued _____, 1 Mailed _____, 1 Rate and Period, $ _____, from _____, 1  Deductions: _____ Disability: _____

Expedition to Mt. 1875
Reached August 12th
Left Sept 27 -
Time of Service -
1 Mo 15 days
See bundle 20185
Capt. Lewis Bell

John Narmay John W Profer Benjamin Foster ✓ Jeremiah Canniff ✓ Daniel Miller Robert T Simpkins Joseph B Stanton ✓ M M Stephen William Brundidge William Buckbee Thomas Buckbee Sylvanus Brundage
George H Dyer ✓ C C W Dyer ✓ Richard Canniff ✓ Erastus Hamilton ✓ Charles Dyer ✓ Abraham Hagaman ✓ Lehm Tonsmy Nathan Celly Townsend Pagley Benjamin Wilbek Jonas Seaman
Office House of Reps U.S. December 30 1847
I hereby certify the foregoing to be true copies of the originals on file in this office Thos J Campbell Clerk

The Committee on Military Pensions to whom was referred the petition of Captain Jesse Beu report
That they have examined the case of the petitioner as exhibited by his papers and that although petitioner is probably a worthy man and may have been a brave and meritorious officer yet the Committee have not sufficient evidence laid before them to justify a report in his favor. They therefore offer the following resolution
Resolved that the Committee be discharged from further consideration of the subject.
Endorsed
Feby 8 1828 Read - to lie on table Dec 16 1828 Ref d to Committee Whole H o Tomorrow Jan y 13 1829 Ref d to Com. Whole H o on the State of the Union with bill N o 317 Jan y 20 1829 Ref d to Committee on Military Pensions Feby 20 1829 The Committee adopt the within report.
Clerks Office H o Reps U.S.
January 6 1848
I hereby certify the above report to be a true copy of the original on file in this office Thos. J. Campbell Clerk

Jonathan Trumbull Esquire, Capt General, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut, in New England. To Joseph Bell. Gent. Greeting
You being by the General Assembly of this Colony accepted to be Lieutenant of the first Company or Trainband in the 19th Regiment in said Colony reposing Special Trust and Confidence in Your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct, I Do, by virtue of the letters Patent from the crown of England to this Corporation, Me therein enabling, Appoint and empower You to take said Company into Your Care and Charge, as their Lieutenant Carefully and diligently to discharge that Trust; exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the use of their Arms according to the Discipline of War: Keeping them in Good Order and Government; And Commanding them to obey You as their Lieutenant, for his Majesty's Service. And You are to observe all such Orders and Directions as from Time to Time you shall receive either from Me, or from other Your Superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you. Given under My Hand and the seal of this Colony, in New Haven the 17th Day of October in the 15 th Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George, the Third, King of Great Britain, &c. Annoque Domini 1775.
Jon Trumbull. By his Honor's Command George Wyllys. Secretary.

Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire. Captain General, and Commander in Chief, of the English Colony of Connecticut in New England America.
To Jesse Bill
Gent. Greeting
You being by the General Assembly of this Colony accepted to be Captain of the first Company or Trainband in the Ninth Regiment in this Colony. Reposing Special Trust and Confidence, in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I do, by virtue of this Colony and thereunto enabling appoint and empower You to take the said Company into your Care and Charge, as their and Soldiers in the use of their Arms, according to the Discipline of War; Keeping them in good order and Government; and Commanding them to obey You as their Captain for the service of this Country  Colony . And you are to observe all such Orders and directions, as from Time to Time You shall receive, either from me, or from other Your Superior Officers, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in You.
Given under my hand, and the seal of this Colony in Hartford the 23 d day of May Anno Domini, 1775 Jon Trumbull.
By His Honor's Command George Wyllys. Secretary

Nathan Tumbull. Esquire.
General and Commander in Chief, of the State of Connecticut, in America.
To Jeseu Bell
Greeting
You being by the General Assembly of this State appointed to be Captain of a Company now ordered to be raised, and to join the Continental Army, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, I do, by virtue of the laws of this State, Me thereunto enabling, appoint and empower You the said Jeseu Bell to be a Captain of said Company; You are therefore Carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, in the service aforesaid, and to keep them in good order and discipline, hereby Commanding them to obey you as their Captain and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me or the Commander in Chief of said State, for the time being or other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and discipline of War, ordered and established by the laws of this State, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under My hand, and the seal public Seal of said State at Hartford the 2 d day of December Anno Domini 1776.
By his Honor's Command. Jon Tumbull. George Wyllys.

Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire, Governor, Captain General, and Commander in Chief of the State of Connecticut.
To Captain Jesse Bell Greeting
You being by the General Assembly of the said State in February AD 1778 appointed to be Captain of a company of a new ordered to be raised in the fourth Battalion of foot for the defence of this and the United States agreeable to the act of the General Assembly aforesaid Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I do, by virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and empower you the said Jesse Bell to be Captain of said company - You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain in Leading, Ordering, and Exercising said company in Arms, both inferior officers and soldiers, in the service aforesaid, and to keep them in good order and Discipline, hereby Commanding them to obey you as their Captain and yourself to observe and follow such orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or the Commander in Chief of said State for the time being, or other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, Pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in You.
Given under my hand and Seal at Arms, Lebanon the 2d Day of April Anno Domini 1778. Jon Trumbull.

Nathan Trumbull Esquire General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of Connecticut in America.
Jeke Bill Gent Greeting You being by the General Assembly of this State appointed to be a Captain in a regiment of foot ordered to be raised in said state for Defence against the the of the enemy and to prevent unlawful Intercourse with them Company reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your fidelity, Courage and good Conduct do by virtue of the laws of this state, me thereunto enabling appoint and empower You to take the said Company into your Charge Care and Charge as their Captain faithfully and dilligently to discharge that Office and Trust, exercising your Officers and soldiers in the use of their Arms according to the rules and Discipline as ordained and established by the Laws in this State, Keeping them in good Order and and Commanding them to obey you as their Captain for the service aforesaid and you are to observe all such orders and directions as from time to time you shall receive, either from Me, or from other Your Superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in You.
Given under My hand and Seal public Seal of this State at Hartford the 22 d day of April. Anno Domini, 1780.
Jno Trumbull.
By his Excellency's Command George Wylllys Secretary.

William Lloyd 1832 1847
Capt. Jesse Bell, Set June 7 th /32 37521 Jesse Bell dec.? NY. Act J. June 32

State of New York
County of Greene ss. Reuben Rundall of Greenville in the County and State aforesaid Aged eighty nine years and a pensioner of the United States who first being duly sworn according to law Deposeth that he was personally and intimately acquainted with Jesse Bell who was a Captain in the war of the Revolution and as deponent has been informed and believes died about twelve years ago in the County of Saratoga and State aforesaid, Deponent further saith that the said Captain Jesse Bell entered the service in the State of Connecticut in the year One Thousand seven hundred and seventy six and this deponent served under the said Bell several months. And further that this deponent was well acquainted with the said Bell, before, during, and after the Revolutionary war and knows that he served as Captain at least three years or more in the Continental Army and that this deponent and said Bell served together under Col Wells Col Blee Col Mead & Col Canfield much of which time the said Bell and deponent were stationed at Kings Bridge Stamford and White Plains on the frontiers near the lines of the Enemy And further the said Bell served about two years as Captain in the Militia before he entered the continental Army and the militia were in active duty at the time of the service
Sworn and Subscribed
the 24 th day of April 1847
his Reuben Rundall mark
before me
Joseph Wakely Justice of the peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Reuben Rundall above named that he is a respectable citizen and a credible and competent witness, though very feeble in body yet his faculties & memory relating to the Revolutionary war are apparently good and I have no doubt as to the truth of his statements as above set forth, he is now so feeble in body as to be unable to write his name I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the

Said Jesse Bell in his life time & believe and it was so understood & believed in the neighborhood that he was an officer in the Revolutionary war as above set forth by Mr. Runkle
Rufel Wakely Justice of the Peace
J. P. Runkle Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Greene County ss. William Stuart of Greenbille in the county and State aforesaid who first being duly sworn according to law Deposeth that he was acquainted with Capt Jesse Bell at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, when this deponent lived in Stamford, County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut and this deponent well recollects of hearing Capt Jesse Bell spoken of as in a capt in the army at that time. And this deponent recollects that said Capt Bell was a very prominent man in the Revolutionary War, and was looked up to as the first military man in the said town of Stamford. And further this deponent has not the least doubt of Jesse Bell's being a Capt in active service in the Revolutionary War as said Bell lived a near neighbour to deponent and they heard him often speak of being in skirmishes with the enemy. And this deponent further saith that he was familiar with said Capt Bell after he moved to Greenbille in the County of Greene and State of New York and the said Bell always had the reputation of being a capt in the Revolutionary War. And further this deponent was formerly acquainted with said Capt Bell's Family and he knows that said Capt Bell had a Daughter that married a Marshal but her first name this deponent does not recollect. And further this deponent has heard and believes that said Capt Jesse Bell died about twelve years ago in the County of Saratoga and State of New York.
Affirmed and Subscribed the
1 st day of May 1847 hereunto
his William J. Stuart mark
Rufus W. Miller Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named William Stuart that he is a Minister of the Baptist denomination in good and regular standing I further state that he is a credible witness as his memory and intellect do not appear to be at all impaired, he has been nearly blind for a number of years therefore he is unable to write his name. I have no doubt as to the truth of his statements
Russell Barker Justice of the peace
I certify that the within named William Stuart told me that he was seventy seven years of age and I have believe & have no doubt as to the truth of the statement
Rufus Wakeley Justice of the peace
Mr. Stuart Schuylkill

I certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named William Stuart that he is a Minister of the Baptist denomination in good and regular standing I further state that he is a credible witness as his memory and intellect do not appear to be at all impaired, he has been nearly blind for a number of years therefore he is unable to write his name. I have no doubt as to the truth of his statements
Rufus Warriley Justice of the peace
I certify that the within named William Stuart told me that he was seventy seven years of age and I have believe & have no doubt as to the truth of the statement
Rufus Warriley Justice of the peace
State of New York County of ...
I, Clerk of the Court of the County of ... do hereby certify that the within ... is a true and correct copy of the original ... and all is according to the laws of the State of New York. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court. Given under my hand this 27th day of ... 18... I have been Schenck Clerk By William Cook Deputy Clerk

State of New York } County of Greene ss } Reuben Rundle junior of Greenville County and State Aforesaid Aged sixty one years who first being duly sworn according to law Deposeth that he is son of Reuben Rundle that is a pensioner of the United States that he has always lived with his father & he became acquainted with Jesse Bell about the year One Thousand eight hundred and six And the said Bell was reputed & believed to have been a captain in the Revolutionary war And further this deponent is acquainted with Mary Marshall and knows that Capt Jesse Bell called her his daughter & she called him her father & this deponent recollects her living at said Jesse Bell's house The said Mary Marshall now lives in the town of Coxsackie about eight miles from this deponents and this deponent has no doubt but that said Mary Marshall is the daughter of Capt Jesse Bell who was an Officer in the Revolutionary war as stated in an affidavit made by his father this day Sworn & Subscribed the 24 th day of April 1847 before me Reuben Rundle Jr Russel Wakely justice of the peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Reuben Rundle jun that he is a citizen of the first respectability & whose statements may be relied upon as truth Russel Wakely justice of the peace

State of New York
Dutchess County
Isaac Stoughtonburgh of the town of Hyde Park in the said County being duly sworn says that he was personally acquainted with Jesse Bell who deponent has always understood and believes was an officer in the war of the revolution and at that time during the said war resided in the State of Connecticut and that shortly after the revolutionary war said Jesse Bell removed to the county of Dutchess in the State of New York from there he removed to Greene Coun- ty in said State of New York and as deponent has been informed and believes he afterwards removed to Saratoga County in said State and died there some twelve years ago. Deponent also says that he was acquainted with the children of some of them of said Bell one of whom his daughter married a Mr. Marshall and now resides in Greene County in the State of New York and de- ponent further says that he was acquainted with the said Bell's daughter Sarah who married a Mr. Skidmore and his daughter Comfort who married a Mr. Stoughtonburgh both of whom Sarah & Comfort are now dead. Deponent further says that during his acquaintance with said Bell it was generally understood and believed in the neighbourhood that he was an officer in the war as aforesaid and that he served until the close of the said war subscribed and sworn before me the 3d day of May 1847
Isaac Stoughtonburgh
John Flinchman
Justice of the Peace in & for said County
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Isaac Stoughtonburgh above named that he is a person of good moral character that he is a farmer and a man of the first respectability in the town of Hyde Park and county of Dutchess
John Flinchman

State of New York, County of Dutchess, ss.
I, Joseph T. Adriance , Clerk of the County of Dutchess, DO HEREBY CERTIFY , That John Hinichman whose name is subscribed to the certificate of acknowledgment to the within power of attorney was at the time of taking the same an acting justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County,
AND FURTHER, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said justice , and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 27th day of May A. D. 184 7
J. T. Adriance Clerk.
From Strongsville Sept 1847
5

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford 27 May 1811
I Certify that on application for evidence of the service of Captain Jesse Bell, in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this Office relating to that war, and find in the books of the late "Pay Table Office", an account with him commencing 22 Dec. 1776. On which day he is charged "To Order as Treasurer in Genl for his C. £172." he is stated at this time to be long to Col. Whiting's Regiment. On the 30 May 1777, this charge is balanced by this entry. "Capt. J Bell Whiting's Battalion C. By Premiums paid 60 Men £120. and Balance charged Col. Whiting £52." £172. The account is continued by several charges to him of Orders in the Treasr. from June 1777 to Feb. 7. 1780. on which day he is credited "By his Account und. £17.739:2.9" (Amounting to £18.679:2.9)
In "Markell's Receipts", under the head of "Militia Services from April to November 1777", Cap. Jesse Bell is mentioned, and the amount of his Pay Roll corresponds with the last above mentioned (£17.739:2.9) And also, in addition, £337.16.0 "for computed value of Service before April 1 st & after Nov. 1. 1777". There is also, another Credit to him, under the same head "Computed value of services from April 1 st to Nov. 1. 1777" of £52.18.6. Both of the latter sums are of Specie value.
Nathaniel Gailin Comptroller
Affidavit
is genuine.
For Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this Eighteenth day of May 1811
James H. Doolittle CLERK.
As to the truth of his statements as above set forth, he is now so feeble in body as to be unable to write his name I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the

State of New York } Saratoga County }
Jeremiah Hoyt of Milton in said County aged forty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law deponeth and saith that Jesse Bell who was reported to have been an officer in the war of the Revolution died in the town of Milton in said County of Saratoga and State of New York on the twentieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty four as appears by the records of the County Poor House of the said County of Saratoga at the town of Milton aforesaid which record is as follows, to wit:
   Name of Pauper Age When admitted By whom From whom When discharged By whom     Jesse Bell 84 14 June 1830 P. Shaw Corn Providence 20. By death 1834  
that in this discharge is now the Keeper of the said Poor House and that the above is a correct copy of the minutes from the said record - Subscribed & sworn to before me the 17th day of May.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, JAMES W. HORTON, Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that George H Scott before whom the annexed Affidavit was taken and whose name is thereunto
subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said George H Scott and verily believe that his signature to the said Affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this Eighteenth day of May 1847 James W. Horton, CLERK.
Fourth, he is now so feeble in body as to be unable to write his name I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the

State of New York Saratoga County
Increase Hoyt of Milton in said County aged forty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law deponeth and saith that J. B. Bell who was reported to have been an officer in the war of the Revolution died in the Town of Milton in said County of Saratoga and State of New York on the twentieth day of October in the one thousand eight hundred and thirty four as appears by the records of the County Poor House of the said County of Saratoga at the town of Milton aforesaid which record is as follows to wit:
   Name of Pauper Age When admitted By whom From whom When & in what manner     J. B. Bell 84 14 June 1830 P. Shaw Providence Oct. 20. By death 1834  
that he this deponent is now the Keeper of the said Poor House and that the above is a correct copy of the minutes from the said record -
Subscribed & sworn to before me the 17th day of May 1847
Increase Hoyt
W. H. Scott Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Increase Hoyt above named that he is a person of good character and I have the most implicit confi- dence in his statement as above set forth.
W. H. Scott Justice of the Peace

State of New York County of Saratoga Surrogate's Court
I John M. Thompson Surrogate of said County do hereby certify that on this Eighteenth day of May 1847 it was proved by the adduction of testimony satisfactory to said Court that Jesse Bell who was reputed to have been an officer in the War of the Revolution died in the town of Milton County and State aforesaid on the twentieth day of October One Thousand Eight Hundred and thirty four, that at the time of his death he left him surviving a widow viz. Sarah Bell and the following named children viz. David as Bell David Bell Jesse Bell Elizabeth Bell Sarah Skidmore Comfort Stoughtenburgh and Mary Marshall, that since the death of the said Jesse Bell his widow the said Sarah Bell, and the following named children have died viz. David Bell Jesse Bell Comfort Stoughtenburgh and Sarah Skidmore and that Jesse Bell Elizabeth Bell and Mary Marshall are now the only surviving children of the said Jesse Bell first above named and that each of them is over twenty one years of age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official Seal of said Court at Ballston Spa in said County the day and year first above written
John M. Thompson Surrogate
and I have no doubt as to the truth of his statements as above set forth, he is now so feeble in body as to be unable to write his name I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the

State of New York } County of Saratoga } Philip Peir of the town of Milton and County of Saratoga aged forty seven years who being first duly sworn according to Law Deposeth that Jesse Bell who was reputed to have been an officer in the War of the Revolution died in the town of Milton County of Saratoga and State of New York on the twentieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Subscribed and sworn to } his before me this 18 th day } Philip P Peir of May 1847. } mark David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Philip Peir above named that he is a person of good moral character and I have the most implicit confidence in his statement as above set forth
David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
memory commencing  commencing  with  with  his  his  statements  statements as above set and I have no doubt as to the truth of his statements as above set forth, he is now so feeble in body as to be unable to write his name I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the

State of New York } County of Saratoga } f
William Peir Of the town of Milton and County of Saratoga aged fifty one years who being first duly sworn according to Law Deposeth that Jesse Bell who was reputed to have been an officer in the War of the Revolution died in the town of Milton County of Saratoga and State of New York on the twentieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty four Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18 th day of May 1847. William Peir his mark David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with William Peir abovenamed that he is a person of good moral character and I have the most implicit confidence in his statement as above.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, JAMES W. HORTON, Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that David Maxwell before whom the annexed Affidavits were taken and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand- writing of the said David Maxwell and verily believe that his signature to the said Affidavit is genuine. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this Eighteenth day of May 1847 James W Horton CLERK.
competent witness, though very feeble in body yet his faculties & memory relating to the Revolutionary War are apparently good and I have no doubt as to the truth of his statements as above set forth, he is now so feeble in body as to be unable to write his name I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the

State of New York County of Saratoga
William Peir
of the town of Milton and County of Saratoga aged fifty one years who being first duly sworn according to Law I Depose that Jesse Bell who was reputed to have been an officer in the War of the Revolution died in the town of Milton County of Saratoga and State of New York on the twentieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18 th day of May 1847.
his mark William Peir
David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with William Peir abovenamed that he is a person of good moral character and I have the most implicit confidence in his statement as above set forth
David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
James M. Horton CLERK.
competent witness, though very feeble in body yet his faculties & memory relating to the Revolutionary War are apparently good and I have no doubt as to the truth of his statements as above set forth, he is now so feeble in body as to be unable to write his name I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the

City & County of New York ss.
Squire H. Rufs a resident of said city & County aged forty two years, being first duly sworn according to law deponeth. That he was formerly a resident of Saratoga County N.Y. and is a son of Epaphras Rufs of said County. That on or about the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty being then a resident of said County of Saratoga he was acquainted with an old gentleman by the name of Jesse Bell who was reputed to have been a Captain in the war of the Revolution. That said Bell was taken to the Saratoga County poor-house and died there as this deponent has been informed and believes. This deponent believes the said Bell to have been a captain as aforesaid and it was so understood and believed in the neighborhood at that time and deponent has no doubt of the fact at this time. Deponent also saith that he is personally acquainted with Betsey Wait now a resident of Albany N.Y. That she is a person of good moral character, and any statement she may make is entitled to entire confidence. Deponent further saith that Judge Starkweather formerly one of the Judges of Saratoga County Courts and also a member of Congress from said county is not now living as this Deponent has been informed and verily believes.
H. Rufs
STATE OF NEW-YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, } ss.
I, James Conner, CLERK of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Daniel J. Baker before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of said Court in and for the said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that I believe the Signature of said Commissioner thereunto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 6 th day of Nov 1847
James Conner Clerk.
ed an Inspector doubted Char- Baker issue of Secy

City & County of New York ss:
Squire H. Russ a resident of said City & County aged forty two years, being first duly sworn according to law deposeth. That he was formerly a resident of Saratoga County N.Y. and is a son of Ephraim Russ of said County. That on or about the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty being then a resident of said County of Saratoga he was acquainted with an old gentleman by the name of Jesse Bell who was reputed to have been a Captain in the war of the Revolution. That said Bell was taken to the Saratoga County poorhouse and died there as this deponent has been informed and believes. This deponent believes the said Bell to have been a captain as aforesaid and it was so understood and believed in the neighborhood at that time and deponent has no doubt of the fact at this time. Deponent also saith that he is personally acquainted with Betsey Wait now a resident of Albany N.Y. That she is a person of good moral character, and any statement she may make is entitled to entire confidence. Deponent further saith that Judge Starkweather formerly one of the Judges of Saratoga County Courts and also a member of Congress from said county is not now living as this Deponent has been informed and verily believes.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 5 th day of November 1847
S. H. Russ
Daniel S. Baker
Commissioner of Deeds
I certify that Squire H. Russ above named is an Inspector of the Customs of this City and is of undoubted character and Standing
Daniel S. Baker Commissioner of Deeds
CLERK of the City and Co... for said City and Co... at the time of tak... in and for th... to Signature of an... THEREOF, I have h...

1 A narrative of the services of the subscriber performed in the revolutionary war as followeth: In the year 1775 I enlisted a sergeant in Colonel Charles Webb's regiment of foot the fore part of July, and served in the Continental Army in the Boston Camp until the last of December of said year in which time I was appointed a lieutenant and the first of January 1776 were ordered by his Excellency General Washington with a detachment of men commanded by General Lee to New York after being transferred from the said Colonel Webb's regiment to Colonel David Walters' regiment and marched with the said General Lee to the said place and were in New York the winter until we were relieved about the middle of April making the term of nine months and a half while in New York we were fortifying said place and taking the cannon off the battery and all the ammunition and war implements, we could find in the Kings Stores, and conveying them up the east and north rivers until we were relieved. Here ended the first campaign. The first of May 1776 were appointed Captain of the militia at home and the first of August 1776 were ordered to New York to join the Continental Army with my company in Colonel John Meads regiment and continued there until we were drove out by the British Army and then continued on the frontier, until the second of December of said year.

Here ends the second campaign.
I was then appointed by the State of Connecticut a Captain in Colonel Samuel Whittings regiment and to join the Continental Army under General Wooster and General Scott for the winter Campaign ending the 17 th of March 1777 and was against Fort Independence the whole winter trying to draw the enemy out; which term being seven months, and a half. Here ended the third campaign. And the rest of 1777 was detached and served on the frontier two months at a time several times.
And in the year 1778 I was appointed Captain in the State levies, and served on the frontier, eight months. Here ended the fourth campaign.
And the year 1779 served on the coast guard and by rotation seven months. And the year 1780. I was appointed Captain in a regiment commanded by Colonel Parabel Peabody from the 22 d of April to the first of January 1781 being eight months, and ten days and got wounded in said term. Here ends the fifth Campaign.
And in the years of 1781 and 1782 served much by rotation and early in the war had offer of a Captain commission in the Steady Service but my situation being on the frontier and the circumstances of my family were such that I did not know how to leave them and all the time in hope it would be soon over but as I was then situated on the frontier. I do sup-

pose I went through much more danger and fatigue than I should have done had I embarked in the steady service being very frequently engaged with the enemy and have lost many of my men at different times and as to myself I had the hair of my head and every part of my clothes have been shot through from the enemy in different actions, and I have not here stated near all the services which I performed in the revolutionary war for I were almost the whole time in actual service although never but nine months and a half together and I have never received any gratuity from my country for my services but my wages and that in continental money which fell much on my hands and some yet remaining on hand and have never yet applied for any pension for the wound I received in the year 1780 and I have now entered the 79 th year of my age and am much disabled and reduced to very needy circumstances, therefore I ask for help either for my services or for my wounded debilitated state which I have endured so many years,
September 25 1824.                      Jesse Pitt

We the subscribers beg leave to state that we are personally acquainted with Capt Bell and believe him to be a man of strict integrity and are satisfied from his general character, and having examined his credentials, setting forth his services that the within narrative is true. Also knowing his reduced and needy situation we have no hesitation in representing him as eminently entitled to and standing in need of Assistance.
September 25 1824.
David Lister
James Lister
David Stanton
Storm D Houghtaling
Felix Van Antwerp
Benjamin Propper
Calvin L Ward
Salathiel Melhuber
Joseph Ward
John Gale
Abraham Giffin
Jacob Giffin
Isaac Giffin
Fredrick Rosekrans
Lena W Lay
Moses Smith
Nicholas Myers
James Giffin
Joshua P Lobdell
David Manning
Levi Callendar
Stearns Botsford
Nathan Botsford
Moseson Ayres
John Green Jr
Sylvester Knapp
Josiah Hinkley
Samuel Wilkins
Joseph T Powell
Joseph T Powell
Levi Gannell
Henry Gage
Stephen Weaver
Charles Pearsall
Thomas Seaman
Samuel Seaman
Wallis Hays
Andrew Hays Jr
Josiah Hinkley Jr
John Knapp

State of New York Albany County } ss Eliza Lacy of the Town of Waterloos in said County being duly sworn deposeth that she is forty one years of age, and was born in the Town of Hyde Park in the County of Dutches in said State, and resided there until she was about thirty five years of age she was married when she was about thirty years of age to her present husband Charles Lacy. This deponent was the daughter of Walter and Sarah Shidmore The said Sarah was a daughter of Jesse Bell. This deponent and her husband removed to Port Jackson about seven years ago; and removed about nine months ago from Port- =jackson (Montgomery) County to the town of Waterford, and from thence to Waterloos where she now resides This deponent further saith that about eighteen years ago, she was with her father and mother who then resided in Hyde Park Dutches County on a visit to her Uncle William Bell a son of the said Jesse Bell who then resided in the County of Saratoga a few miles from the Village of Saratoga Springs. That this deponent then saw her grandfather, the said Jesse Bell She does not recollect that she ever saw him before or since. This deponent saith that her Grandfather the said Jesse Bell was then an old man, rather infirm and feeble, and that he was then living in

the living in the house with this deponent was the said Merian Bell This deponent saith that it has always been understood by her and the family that the said Jesse Bell was a Captain in the revolutionary war, and that she has heard it said by members of her family that the said Jesse Bell moved from the state of Connecticut to Dutchess County. This deponent further saith that the said Jesse Bell had as many as six eight children viz William David, David, Sarah (this deponent's mother) Catherine and Mary, Children of his first and second wives. This deponent has often heard and believes that he had two other children by his third wife but she has never seen them This deponent further saith that the said Mary Bell married a person named Totten Marshall, who now lives in the town of Coxsackie Greene County This deponent further saith that she heard about ten years ago that the said Jesse Bell died in the Poor house in Saratoga County. That as this deponent has been informed by the children of the said William Bell and believes, that after the death of the said William Bell with whom the said Jesse Bell had been residing for some time, that he the said Jesse Bell was removed to the Saratoga Poor house; where he died about twelve years ago as
this deponent has been informed and believes. Sworn & subscribed this 1 st day of September 1847 before me Martin Mine Justice
Eliza Lacy
I certify that I am acquainted with the above deponent, that she is a respectable person and a credible witness Martin Mine Justice

State of New York City & County of Albany ss Betsy Wait of said city & county of Albany being first duly sworn according to law. Deposeth that she is a grand daughter of Jesse Bell, deceased. That she has a distinct recollection of having seen her grandfather the said Jesse Bell as long ago as she can remember, when he was visiting the residence of her father William Bell in the Town of Providence, County of Saratoga and State of New York. That deponent's grandfather the said Jesse Bell then resided in Greene County and State aforesaid. That on or about the Year one thousand eight hundred and twenty six or seven, (being about two years before the death of deponent's father) the said Jesse Bell came and remained some three or four years with deponent's father and family in the Town of Providence aforesaid, during which time (deponent being at her father's), she frequently heard her grandfather, the said Jesse Bell, relate many incidents that occurred while he was engaged in the War of the Revolution, has heard him frequently say that he was a Captain in said War, and served in the State of Connecticut, and further that she has frequently seen in commission as captain aforesaid, has always understood & believes, and it has always been so understood and believed by his family and relatives, as well as others that he was a Captain as aforesaid. That between the Years one thousand eight hundred and twenty six aforesaid, and the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty an effort was made, in which deponent's father, before his death, took an active part, to obtain a pension for the said Jesse Bell; papers were prepared & executed for that purpose, and deponent's father went to Connecticut on the same business; which papers in connection with the commission aforesaid, was taken to Washington by J. W. Taylor Esq., who was then a member of Congress from that vicinity, whether the papers were to be presented to Congress or the War Department, deponent doth not know, finding the effort unavail- -ing & her mother removed to another part of the country, the said Jesse Bell went to the residence of a person by the name of Ephraim Hurt a near neighbour to deponent's parents, where he remained a few  some  time , from whence he was taken to the Saratoga

county poor house and remained there until he died. — deponent further saith that Mary Marshall of Greene County is one of the children of said John Bile. & deponent also saith that she has resided in Albany only one year last past Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 4 th day of October 1847 } Betsy Wait R. L. G. Bancroft Census of Dads
State of New-York, CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY, CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, Lawrence Van Deusen Clerk of the City and County of Albany aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that R. L. G. Bancroft was on the day of the date of the annexed Affidavit and Certificate, a Com- missioned Clerk in and for said County, duly appointed and sworn, and that the signatures to the Jurat of said Affidavit and to the said Certificate, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of the said County, this fourth - day of October 1847
L. Van Deusen Clerk.
doubt of the truth of her statement as set forth in the foregoing deposition, (Dated Albany October 4 th 1847) R. L. G. Bancroft Census of Dads

county poor house and remained there until he died. — deponent further saith that Mary Marshall of Greene County is one of the children of said John Bile. & deponent also saith that she has resided in Albany only one year last past Subscribed & sworn to before me this 4 th day of October 1847 } Betsy Hall R. L. G. Bancroft Counsel of Deed
I hereby certify that I have no personal acquaintance with the above named Deponent, but by observation & on a satisfactory examination of her in relation to the foregoing deposition, & the facts therein stated, I come to the decided opinion that she is a credible & competent witness, is an intelligent person, and I have no doubt of the truth of her statement as set forth in the foregoing deposition, (Dated Albany October 4 th 1847) — R. L. G. Bancroft Counsel of Deed

Mendon N.Y. Feb 19
Paid 10
To the Secretary of War Pension office Washington City

File Mendon N.Y. Feb 19, 49
David Bell
For pension.
1888. Dec 23/49 Pension Office
Amer

Hon. W. L. Many Secretary of War Dear Sir although personally a stranger to you - yet from your well known reput- ation I feel confident that you will give to me the information which I need in regard to the Pension Laws &c. Now dear Sir my Father Jesse Bell was engaged during the whole time of the Revolu- tionary war in the State Service of Connecticut and for most part of the time held a Capt- ains Commission Issued to him by the Governor of Connecticut he made his application to the Department & sent in his Commission by Stephen Van Rensselaer while he was a member of Congress but I understand that his claim failed in consequence of there being no provision by Law at that time for those engaged in State Service - now Dear Sir for the last fifteen years my Mother has been Poor & I almost blind and I have not had the means of reading and understanding the various Pension Laws - but I learn that by some late acts that the Children of Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers are entitled to draw a Pension from a certain time up to the Death of the Pensioner and I am also informed that one Israel B. Marshall (Grand Son of Capt. Jesse Bell deceased who was my Father) has by the aid of one Jenkins a Lawyer at Albany

made application to the department & furnished the proper vouchers as to the time of the death of Capt. Bell my Father & that he has drawn from the department about $1200, I have written to Marshall in Nassau Street N. Y. where he resides but can obtain no answer. I authoritatively never gave Marshall Jenkins or any other person to act as my agent or attorney in the matter now kind Sir will you have the goodness to give me the proper information whether any money has been drawn and upon what authority and by whom if any and whether my Father's last Bills Petition & commissions are on file in the department and what proof I must make to the department in order to procure my rights (if any I have)
P.S. perhaps this adrs may not be made to the proper department if not will you please present it to the proper office and in so doing you will confer a great favor on an old man and on one who has for you the highest regard
My adrs - Mendon Monroe County N. Y. February 18 th 1848
David Bell
Dear W. L. May Sir of the

W. Valonhi
Oct 18. 47

Pension Office
October 18 1847
Sir,
The Affidavits of Eliza Lucy and Betsy wait two grand Children of Suse Bell and inscribed in support of her claim does not furnish such evidence of his identity with the Capt Suse Bell of the Connecticut Militia as was required by my letter to you of the 13 th ulto. The testimony of persons of known high standing such as Judges of the Courts, Members of Congress or of the Legislature who knew him as the identical officer of the Militia of that State will be required before this claim can be admitted. I repeat that an officer of so much merit would be known to many persons of high standing  of both states here in Connecticut as well as New York
Mr Valentine Esq Albany N.Y.

April 11/49 Mendon N.H.
April 11/49
David Bell.
Claiming pension as son of Capt Bell of the Revolutionary War
B75. See April 16/49
kept on the file.
Hon. George W. French Senator of New York Washington City
Member N.Y. Assembly after 1841 died in 1844 pension right to Comm. of Pensions for services during war
Full 10

Mendon April 11 th 1848
Dear Sir, I wrote a letter to W m L. May late Secretary of War I think in February last upon the subject of a Pension to my Father Capt Jesse Bell and that I had been informed that one Israel B. Marshall Son of Mary Marshall my Sister had by the aid of an Attorney pro- duced a proper evidence to the department of War in regard to the claims of Capt. Jesse Bell as a pension and had drawn the amount of his pension and his at his death. and I suppose the reason of his not answering me is that he received it about the time of the closing of the session and the commencement of the new- administration. I also wrote to H. M. Sherman on the 26 th of January (he being a member of the new Congress) upon the same subject and learn by him that Col. Allen an attorney of Albany draw from the pension office $1741 42 on the 16 th day of May last, and that my name was not presented with the names of Jesse Bell & Elizabeth Bell and Mary Marshall as the surviving Heirs of Capt Jesse Bell
Now dear Sir permit me to say that I never authorized any person to act in my behalf in this matter and I can produce good evidence that I was a Son of Capt Bell deceased and also that Israel B. Marshall well knew where I resided at the time the money was obtained

now will you have the goodness to inform me what I must do to obtain justice. I learn by good authority that Israel B. Marshall only paid Jesse Bell Jr & Elizabeth Bell fifty dollars each for their share and his allotment $300, and I am also informed that Marshall has gone to California I wrote to him early in the winter and have received no answer neither can I get an answer from Col's Allen. Please to inform me as soon as possible and let me know whether a fraud committed on the department will cut me off from my rights. I am an old man in the 79 th year of my age and I feel deeply injured. I am almost blind and have been since my Father's death at a distance from the family connections and I do not feel able to be of much service in this matter. I am unable to read and have not known any thing about my I can establish the fact that I was a son of Capt Bell although I do not know that my Father left a family Record Please inform me what manner of proof I must make and before what court, and you will confer a great favor on me as I am blea debilitated and much distressed about this matter and I do not think that the fraud of others ought to prejudge my rights and I am in need of this money

P.S. I can prove the testimony of three or four witnesses near by me who knew me from a boy when I lived with my Father and have known me ever since. I think I can prove by a witness within fifteen miles from me that J. B. Marshall enquired of him what town I resided in in Monroe County and said he must come or send to me to have me sign off my visit to the premises of my Father. I could prove by a hundred witnesses in Dutchess County that I was a son of Capt. Yzper Bell and I further state that J. B. Marshall is not responsible for the money in case he could be found and also that Marshall my situation is poor and is the life of a man who is not only poor but dishonest and dishonest.
Please write as soon as possible and relieve the anxiety of an old man who feels himself injured by the fraud and false representations of others.
Respectfully your obedient servant David Bell
my address Mendon Monroe County N.Y.

\begin{array}{r} 1830 \\ 84 \\ \hline 55 \end{array}
\begin{array}{r} 4 \\ 26 \\ \hline 30 \end{array}
\begin{array}{r} 1847 \\ 89 \\ \hline 78 \end{array}
[Faint, illegible handwriting at the bottom of the page]

State of New York } County of Saratoga }
George Gillespie Aged seventy six years last March, being first duly sworn according to law Deposith That on or about the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty he became acquainted with an aged man by the name of Jesse Bell, who at that time, as well as deponent, was an inmate of the Saratoga County poor house. That deponent was personally & intimately acquainted with said Bell until the time of his death, had frequent conversations with him & heard him relate incidents & circumstances which occurred during the Revolutionary War, & repeatedly state that he said Bell was a Captain and served in said War, which deponent then believed & now believes to be true, heard said Bell tell of having been attacked when at the head of his company by a party of the enemy in the mountains some where on or near the Hudson River, at which time in descending a mountain said Bell received a severe injury in one of his  his left hands and nearly deprived him of the use of it. deponent also saith that it was understood & believed by all with whom said Bell was associated that he was a Captain in the War of the Revolution & so called during all the time he was in the poor house & until his death. Deponent can not recollect having heard said Bell say where he resided during said War, or any further particulars relating to his service but distinctly recollects his repeated statement of having been a Captain as aforesaid, & deponent always had the impression from statements of said Bell that he was engaged in said War somewhere down in the vicinity of the Hudson River, and further that said Bell appeared to have been, at a former period a person of former good standing, was intelligent, and gained the confidence and respect of this deponent, as well as others with whom he was associated.
the words "with," one of his "at a former period" interlined before execution Subscribed & sworn to before me this 14 th day of August 1847 David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
his George X Gillespie mark

187 State of New York } County of Saratoga } Increase Hoyt Keeper of the poor house in said county being first duly sworn according to law Deposeth that George Gillaspie within named is an inmate of the poor house & was so at the time within stated by him, That he is a person of unimpeachable character, is strictly pious & exemplary in his habits, of sound mind and memory, is an intelligent and conscientious man, possessing all his faculties, except that of eye sight, which latter he is entirely deprived of, and deponent saith he has the most implicit confidence in any statement made by him either under oath or otherwise. And deponent also saith that he has made enquiry of other inmates of said poor house, whose statement he also believes to be strictly true, who also inform deponent that they have likewise heard said Belle repeatedly say he was a captain in the War of the Revolution & deponent has no doubt as to the accuracy of their statements, Subscribed & sworn before me this 14 th day of August 1847 J. Hoyt David Mawwell Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Saratoga } J. Sebbens Boothe of Balston Spa being duly sworn according to law. Deposeth that he is personally acquainted with George Gillaspie above named & fully concurs with Mr. Hoyt above named

as to the character of said Gillespie Subscribed & Sworn to before } L. Borth me this 14 th day of August 1847 } David Maxwell Justice of the Place
I certify that Inneas Hooyt is the Keeper of the Poor house of the County of Saratoga and that he is a man of undoubted veracity and that his statement as above set forth is entitled to Credit and W. S. Borth is one of the Superintendents of the Poor of the County of Saratoga and is one
STATE OF NEW-YORK, SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
David Maxwell were taken
I, JAMES W. HORTON, Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that before whom the annexed Affidavits and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to
take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand- writing of the said Justice
and verify believe that his signature to the said
Affidavits
is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 14 th day of August 1847
James W. Horton, CLERK.

as to the character of said Gillespie — Subscribed & Sworn to before } L. Borth me this 14 th day of August 1847 } David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
I certify that Lucas Hooyt is the keeper of the Poor house of the County of Saratoga and that he is a man of undoubted veracity and that his statement as above set forth is entitled to Credit and W. D. Borth is one of the Superintendents of the Poor of the County of Saratoga and is one of our best Citizens
Dated August. 14, AD 1847.
David Maxwell Justice of the Peace

Memorandum } June 10
Paul 10
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
Return of A. T. ...

Thendon June 14 th 1849
Dear Sir your kind letter of April 19 th 1849 was duly recd, I have been in poor health ever since & unable to travel - but have written a letter to Mary Marshall & her husband one to Celia Allen (the person who I understand obtained the Pension Certificate payable to the Heirs of Capt Zeph Bell Annona) and one to Israel B. Marshall Son of Mary Marshall also one to the Surrogate of Albany County & neither have given me an answer I wrote soon after the receipt of your letter. now what can I do you say if Mary Marshall has sworn falsely I have no claims upon Government although she may be prosecuted for Perjury. I have taken great pains to ascertain whether they have any property in & I commence a civil prosecution & from the best I can learn they have none - Therefore I solicit you to send me a certified copy of the papers upon which Celia Allen obtained the Certificate that I may know in what County & Before what Court or Judge the declaration was made on oath and whether they proceeded by Administration or not and whether it is my acts or the acts of the Ad- minister to prosecute for the fraud & Perjury and if a certified copy from your office will be evidence of the fraud in a Court of Justice. I am ignorant in regard to the rules & regulations of the Department & how a certificate of funds but I enclose one dollar for your services & will send more if you require please send me a copy of all that will be necessary for me as I live nearly 300 miles from those who have perpetrated the fraud in swearing that I was dead in order to defraud me of my rights.
P.S. I learn by Mr. Schefferhorn Member of Congress from this County that he ascertained at the Department

That my name was left out in the Surrogate's Certificate & the whole amount payable to Joseph Bell Elizabeth Bell & Mary Marshall which induces me to believe that they have proceeded by Administration & he also informed me that this Allen charged for expenses & services just \frac{1}{4} of the whole amount (that is my share. I know not what to do without further in- formation from the Pension Office - nor am I able to hire an Attorney to travel all over the State to learn what counts & in what court the papers were made and I cannot get an answer from any concerned in the fraud. Please write as soon as you receive this & confer a great favor upon an injured old Man.
I am very respectfully, your obedient servant
Daniel Bell
Elmer Esq
Commission of Pensions

Albany N.Y. August 23 d 1847
Sir
Permit me to submit the following statement in relation to the proofs in the case of Jesse Bell deceased under the Act of June 7 th 1832, viz, It is proved by the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut dated May 27 th 1847 that Jesse Bell served as a Captain in the Militia from Dec r 1776 to February 1780 under Col l Whitney. There is also evidence on the records at Hartford that Jesse Bell served as a Captain in the coast guards, in 1780 & 1781, which evidence it presumed from the letter of Mr Edwards to me of July 29 th 1847 is on file in the pension office and it is therefore deemed unnecessary to furnish it, but it can be done if required.
It seems from the letter of Mr Edwards above referred to, that the evidence now on file in his office, of the services of Capt Jesse Bell is sufficient to warrant this application if the person of that name who died in the Saratoga County poorhouse on the 20 th day of October 1834 can be satisfactorily identified as the person who rendered these services.
As evidence of the refer  that identity I refer
1 st To the Memoirs of David William Bell written by his sister Angelina D Bell and published at New York by J. W. Bell, printed 17 th Ann Street in 1833, as appears by the title page. That portion of said Memoirs which relates to Jesse Bell, the grand father of Miss Bell, has been forwarded to the pension office. It will be seen on reference to pages 8 & 9 that she gives a brief sketch of her grandfather, Jesse Bell, in which she mentions the fact of his having been twice married & gives some

anecdotes of his revolutionary services, but the important fact in reference to the question of identity, stated by her, is his removal from Connecticut to Dutchess County in this State, after the close of the Revolution, As her object was to give a Memoir of her brother & not of her Grand Father , she does not continue his history further than to state that he served as a Magistrate in the town of Clinton in that County, about seven Years. That the statements in this Memoir in relation to Captain Yse Bell are entitled to credit there can be no reasonable doubt, It was written and published in 1833 & could not possibly have had in view any application by Captain Bell, or his children for a pension. It thus clearly establishes the fact of his removal to Dutchess County after the termination of the Revolutionary War.
2, Isaac Stoughtenburgh of Hyde Park, Dutchess County, testifies that he knew Capt Bell, that shortly after the Revolutionary War he removed to Dutchess County and thence to Greene County N.Y. Mr Stoughtenburgh states that he knew some of Bell's children & among others, Mrs Marshall, the applicant & that she now resides in Greene County. He also states "That during his acquaintance with Yse Bell, it was it was generally understood & believed in the neighborhood that he was an officer in the war and served as aforesaid, and that he served until the close of said War.
3, Reuben Rundle of Greenville, Greene County, testifies that he was personally & intimately acquainted with Yse Bell, who was a Captain in the "War of the Revolution" and goes on to state some particulars of his service. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the testimony of this witness, as the Commissioner will doubtless refer again to the deposition itself. It may be

proper, however, to remark that Mr. Rundle testifies to the services of Captain Bell, in the Militia & in the Army, probably meaning by the army the "Coast guards," which being a regular organized & enlisted Corps, was considered as belonging to the Army, though, in fact they were State Troops. Mr. Rundle also testifies that, as he had been informed & believes, Capt. Jesse Bell died about twelve Years ago in the County of Saratoga, But Mr. Edwards, in his letter above referred to, states that "his testimony is discredited by the fact that he himself has been dropped from the Pension roll." This is an entire mistake on the part of Mr. Edwards, which a reference to the records of his own office will shew. I learn on enquiry at the Pension Agency here that Mr. Rundle was suspended some Years ago, but was restored in Nov r 1842 & has been regularly paid ever since.
As the supposed facts upon which Mr. Rundle's testimony was discredited, is shown to have no existence, it is presumed that it will now be received as entitled to the same weight as that of any other credible & respectable Witness, testifying to facts within his own personal knowledge, which are not in their nature incredible, or not contradicted by higher & better testimony.
4 th Russell Washburn Esq r the Justice certifies to the respectability & credibility of Reuben Rundle, and also certifies that he "was personally acquainted with the said Jesse Bell in his life time, & believes & it was so understood & believed in the neighbourhood that he was an officer in the Revolutionary War, as above set forth by Mr. Rundle."
5 th William Stuart of Greenville, Greene Co ty testifies that he was acquainted with Capt. Jesse Bell at the commencement of the

Revolutionary War, and was familiar with him after he moved to Greenville, in Greene Co and clearly identifies him as the Capt Bell who served in Connecticut as the father of Mrs. Marshalls, Mr Stuart also corroborates the testimony of the other witnesses, that Capt Bell died in Saratoga County about twelve years ago.
The commission is specially referred to the whole of Mr Stuarts testimony, which is believed to be important in regard to the identity of Capt Bell, as the person of that name who died at the Poor House in Saratoga County on the 20 th of October 1834 & who was the father of Mrs. Marshall. 6 th Reuben Rundle Jr r testifies to traditional facts in regard to the services of Capt Jesse Bell, & that he was the father of Mrs. Marshall.
7 th William Peer of Milton Saratoga County, testifies that Jesse Bell who died in the Poor House at Milton in said County, was reputed to have been an officer in the Revolution.
8 th The death of a person of that name on the 20 th of Oct 1834, at the Poor House, is proved by the official certificate of Isaac Hoyt, the Keeper, verified by his oath.
The foregoing facts appear from the proof already furnished, and are corroborated by the affidavit (herewith transmitted) of George Gillaspie, whose credibility and competency as a witness, is abundantly supported by the certificate, under oath, of Mr Hoyt, and also by that of Sibbens Booth Esq r , the latter is well known in the city of Albany as a

gentleman of high character & standing, and he is probably personally known to the Secretary of War, to whom reference is made in regard to him.
In reviewing the testimony above referred to, I am at a loss to conjecture upon what grounds the commissioner can object to it as satisfactory evidence of the identity of Captain Jesse Bell, who served as stated in the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut with the person of that name who died in the Poor House of Saratoga County on the 20 th of October 1834.
It may be true, as stated by Mrs. Marshall, that, as she supposes, he was at one period of his life, in comfortable circumstances & stood in no need of a pension.
Yet, probably, a better reason than that may be assigned for his not applying for one, and that will be found in the fact that he served in the Militia & the Coast Guard, & not in the regular Army, & therefore, was not entitled to a pension under the Act of 1818. And as he was admitted into the poor house in June 1830, & remained there until his death in October 1834, it is not probable that he knew any thing of the passage of the Act of 7 th June 1832, or if he did, that he was not in a situation to avail himself of the benefits of its provisions.
To those who are acquainted with the vicissitudes of life, it is unnecessary to explain why he should, towards the close of it, have been thrown upon the charity of the public & have died in a Poor House. Instances of this kind are not wanting in the history of more distinguished persons.
It is sufficient for the purposes of this application, on behalf of his children, to prove by credible & satisfactory evidence, as

I claim to have done, that the Ipson Bell who served as a captain in the Militia & Coast guards, in Connecticut in the Revolutionary War, was the identical Pauper who died in the poor house of Saratoga County, on the 20 th of October 1834.
It is hoped and expected that when this claim is again examined, with the additional evidence now furnished, it will be found that there can be no reasonable doubt in regard to the question of identity, and that the errors in which the Department has fallen, in relation to the age of Captain Bell & the suspension of Mr. Rundle, being corrected, the result will be favourable to the claimants in this case.
I am Yours very respectfully, W. Valentine
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington

Letter
To J. S. Edward Esq.

Albany N.Y. Jan y 18 th - 1848
Sir
I herewith transmit certified copies of the Petition & other documents presented by Jesse Bell, in the Year 1824, to the House of Representatives, and of the proceedings of that House thereon, -
As these documents fully corroborate the statements and proof heretofore transmitted to You in support of the claim of his children, and in connection therewith fully establish his identity, I deem it unnecessary to add any remarks -
I also herewith transmit another letter on the subject, from the Hon. John W. Taylor, formerly Speaker of the House of Representatives.
As this case has been so long pending, I trust You will have the goodness to dispose of it with as little delay as possible -
I am Yours very respectfully Wm Valentine
J. L. Edwards Esq. Committee of Pensions Washington

William Valentine Esq Albany N.Y.
W. M. Jayson Letts 22 Dec 11/47

William Valentine Esq. Cleveland Ohio December 6. 1847.
Sir In answer to your letter of the 29 th ult. I can only say that it was at the instance of Judge Starkweather of the Saratoga Common pleas Court who had served with me in the New York legislature that my attention was particularly drawn to the claim of Capt Jesse Bell for a pension. I think Bell had formerly lived in Albany & was known to Gen Van Rensselaer & that Gen Van Rensselaer spoke to me concerning him. Judge Starkweather represented Capt Bell when petitioning for a pension to be in great poverty then living in a remote part of Saratoga County & well known to the Judge. That a meritorious patriot of the revolution should have died in the Saratoga poor house is not surprising. I have known other such cases & since I have been here one has occurred which shocked me, that of a soldier of Sheldon's dragoons who served seven years had two certificates of badges of merit signed by Geo Washington, was long a respectable freeholder in Ballston near my homestead & one of my active political friends. If any other Capt Jesse Bell petitioned for a pension from 1813 to 1833 while I was in Congress I have forgotten it. The journals will shew. In much infirmity Your obedt servt John W Taylor

J. S. Edwards Esq

Albany N.Y. Nov r 5 th - 1847
Sir
You will perceive by the enclosed Letter from H. I. Sickells Esq Post Master of Albion N.Y. That Judge Starkweather alluded to by the Hon J. W. Taylor in the case of Jesse Bell is not living
I am Yours very respectfully Wm Valentine
J. S. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington

J. S. Edwards Esq.

Albany N.Y. Oct 20 th 1847
Sir
Enclosed is a letter just received from the Hon. John W Taylor in the case of Miss Bell Deceased. On the 20 th Ult and 4 th Inst I enclosed additional evidence in this case, in support of which, & particularly the evidence last forwarded I enclose the Letter above referred to.
I am Yours very respectfully Wm Valentine
J. S. Edwards Esq Counsel of Pleaders Washington

William Valentine Esq Albany N. Y.

Cleveland Ohio October 16, 1847
William Valentine Esq
Sir Six years prostration with palsy & removal from books & papers prevent a satisfactory answer to your letter of the 8 th which reached me this morning. The application of Capt Bell for a pension was commended to my earnest attention & support by Judge Starkweather who with me represented Saratoga in the N.Y. assembly. Judge Starkweather was well acquainted with Capt Bell & believed him entitled to the pension he claimed. My impression is that application was first made to the pension office & afterwards to the House of Representatives. I can not refer to the date, both were I presume between 1820 & 1830. In the pension office & in the office of the Clerk of the House entries of the application its issue & the evidence will probably be found. The character of Capt Bell for integrity, as made known to me by Judge Starkweather was so fair that I urged his claim for a pension with full confidence in its justice. So many applications for pension for officers & soldiers of the revolution came to me while in congress that I dare not trust my memory to state the particulars in that of Capt. Jesse Bell. Judge Starkweather had known him long & would not have advocated his claim had he not considered it meritorious.
Very respectfully Your afflicted hble servt John W Taylor
AT HIS POST OF DUTY.—Notwithstanding the severe storm yesterday, the Hon. JOHN W. TAYLOR was at the Ballot-box, and deposited his Whig vote, thus setting an example worthy of imitation. Mr. T. is in feeble health, but he values now as he did when he held high and responsible political places, the triumph of Whig principles and measures. God grant he may yet be spared many years to prize a Freeman's right, and to discharge a Freeman's duty.—[Cleveland Herald.
from the Albany Evening Journal of the 18 th Oct 1847

Letter
J. L. Edwards Esq
1830
84
56
—20—

Albany N.Y. June 9 th 1847
Sir
Enclosed is the Declaration and proofs in the application of the children for the pension which was due Captain Jesse Bell under the Act of June 7 th 1832,
I am informed that he was in prosperous circumstances until within a few years of his death, when he became very poor and destitute.
This is the case referred to by Samuel Jenkins Esq. in his Letter to You of the 24 th of April last and Your reply to him of the 7 th ult.
I am Yours very respectfully
M rs Valentine
J. S. Edwards Esq., Comm ee of Pensions Washington

(Sir)
Genl. Off. June 21 st 47
The claim of Jose Bell due under act of 7 June '32 has been examined & dis allowed.
The declarant who has asserted his claim, accounts for his failure to apply for a pension, upon the ground that he "did not need it," and the evidence of his death consists of a transcript from the books of the poor house of Milton Saratoga Co showing that he was admitted 14 June '30 & died 20 Oct '34.
The certificate of the Compt. relates to Capt. Jose Bell whose service was local & limited to the Coast guard from an early period of the war. The pauper of Milton was but 20 years old in '76. They could not have been the same personage as it is improbable there could have been a Capt. of these local troops as young as

The Biography of the grandson of Capt Jesse Bell of Stamford Conn. - was contrived to place the Capt's first & second marriage before his service in the revolutionary & thereby to shew that he was not the pauper of Milton who was but twenty years old in '76.
There is nothing in that biography in 1833 to connect Capt. Jesse Bell of whom a sketch is furnished, with the pauper then living in Saratoga Co. - It is apparent that there is no foundation for any claim of the Milton pauper to the services of Capt. Jesse Bell of the Conn. Coast guards.
Mr Valentine Esq. Albany N.Y.
June 11. 1844

231 Pension Office July 29 1847
Sir,
In answer to your Communication of the 29 th inst. I have to inform you that the statement in my letter to you of the 21 st of last March in the case of Jesse Bell did, as regards his age in 1776, was incorrect But upon a review of all the testimony now on file together with the circumstances under which his claim was presented, the Department is not at all satisfied that he was the Captain bearing his name whose with whom the several settlements, as exhibited in the Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut, were made.
Clear and direct proof showing that Jesse Bell for whom since this claim is set up was the individual Capt. Jesse Bell attached to the Connecticut Service of Connecticut will be required. He Reuben Runkle states in his affidavit that he served under Capt. Bell. His name is not found on Capt. Bell's rolls in this Office, and his testimony is discredited by the fact that he himself has

has been dropped from the pension Roll.
Wm Clarke July 29 '47
William Valentine Esq Albany NY

Albany N.Y. June 29 th - 1847
Sir
It appears by Your letter of the 21 st Inst in the case of Lepe Bell, deceased, that a fatal objection is founded upon the belief that he was but twenty , instead of  when he was  thirty Years of age in 1776. Will the Department please examine the following statement and reinvestigate the proof.
As to the reason given for his not making application in his life time, it was designed to allude to a period some Years previous to his death & probably a mere matter of opinion on the part of the declarant.
I am informed, by his grand son who resides in this city, that he was in prosperous circumstances until within a few Years of his death, when he became intemperate and suddenly wasted his property, which latter fact, & his dying in the poor house, was not known to me when the declaration was made. I suppose no other reason can be given why he did not apply after he became destitute, except such as are usual with those who become intemperate.
I am Yours very respectfully Wm. Valentine
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington
when admitted at poor house 1830 age at that time 84 born 1746 Years of age 30 In 1776

Settled to J. S. Edwards Esq.

Albany N.Y. Oct 4 th 1847
Sir
Enclosed is additional evidence in the case of Miss Bell deceased under the Act of June 7 th 1832.
I am Yours very respectfully Wm Valentine
J. S. Edwards Esq. County Treasurer Washington

Settled to J. S. Edwards Esq.

Sir
Albany N.Y. Sep 20, 1847
Enclosed is additional evidence in the case of Jesse Bell, deceased, under the Act of June 7 th 1832
I am Yours very respectfully W. Valentine
J. S. Edward Esq. Court of Common Pleas Washington

C.W.
Jan off Sept 12th 47
The add l testimony in- -closed in yours of 23 rd ult in the case of Jesse Bell dec d has been examined & filed with the other papers - Such testimony in the handwriting of the att es for the claim is not satisfactory to establish the very improbable fact that Capt. Jesse Bell of the Conn t militia & coast Guard was the pauper who died in Saratoga Co. N.Y. in 1834 - The testimony is plausibly arrayed in your letter to prove the identity but if an officer of that grade had lived to that date The proof of it by leading men ca- -pable of writing their own dis- -positions would abound as

well in that Region where he spent his last days in poverty as in that which theatre  the was the theatre of his military services It should not be overlooked that it is  his claim and therefore those who undertake to assist it should feel all the obligations which the rules imposed upon him no account of his various services is given no documentary evidence of grade &c but the declarant asserts that she is 69 years old (born in 1778) & has frequently seen her father in Regimentals &c & claims that he was the last J. P. Bell found upon the records of Conn. She was no 5 years old when said was pro- -claimed
2/11/13.9.
W m Valentine Esq Albany N.Y.

Mar. 9. 47 Miss C. C. of Sussex Rd
Wm Valentine Albany NY
W.G. Sibley S.W. 20 March 2/47

P.O. Albion Ny Nov 2 d 1847
Sir
I return you the letter endorsed to me, for "Hon Starkweather" as the person bearing that appellation died in this town about twelve or fourteen years ago. He has a son by the name of Avery M. still living in this town and a brother by the name of Seth residing in the town adjoining Gaines Their nearest Post Office Seth & A. M. is Eagle Harbor. They were all former- ly from Saratoga County.
Yours &c H. J. Phelps P.M.

W. Valentine Nov. 24. 47

106 Pension Office November 9th 1847
Sir,
The affidavit of Squire H. Rap does not at all strengthen the testimony heretofore presented by you in the case of Jesse Bell decd, Rap was not born until long after the revolutionary war and of course could have had no personal knowledge of Bell's services therein. And the fact of Bell having been reputed in his neighborhood to have been a Captain is not sufficient under the circumstance which attend this claim, to identify him with the Mentions, Orders of the Connecticut State Troops bearing his name. Clear and direct proof upon this point must be adduced to authorize the issuance of a certificate to his children.
William Valentine Esq. Albany NY

Human nature. Nov. 12, 1847.

Pension Office November 12, 1847
Sir
The letter of the Hon John W. Taylor presented by you in support of the claim of Jesse Bell decd, does not meet the requisitions of my letter to you of the 18 th ultimo. Mr Taylor had no personal knowledge of Bell or of his services and therefore cannot identify him as the Capt Jesse Bell of the Connecticut Militia.
Capt Bell did not apply for a  pension to this office for a pension under the act of 18 March 1818. He may possibly have petitioned to Congress for a stipend. If so his papers should be on file in the office of the House of Representatives.
William Valentine Esq Albany NY

Letter

Albany N.Y. Nov r 8 th 1847
Sir
Enclosed is additional evidence in the case of Lepe Bell, dec d , under the Act of 1832
I am Yours v y respectfully Wm Valentine
J. S. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington

April 25 1848
J. B. Marshall
huro of Capt Jesse Bell
J.B.P.

New York April 22 d 1848
Mr. Edwards, Sir. Will you have the kindness to inform me, with the application, by the children of Capt. Jesse Bell deceased, for a pension, for the services of the said Capt. Jesse Bell in the Revolutionary war, has been finally disposed of, and if so when,
Yours &c J. B. Marshall 79 Nassau Street - New York To J. Edwards Esq r

Record Division.
March 15, 1910.
Mr. F. Battles, # 218 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 6" and received the 7" instant, you are advised that Jesse Bell, (Sur. File No. 22,639,) who was allowed pension on his application executed September 25, 1824, died October 20, 1834, at Milton, Saratoga County, New York.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

FERRIER & GOLDIN, BRICK MANUFACTURERS.
THOMAS E. FERRIER, PERCIVAL GOLDIN.
CATSKILL, N. Y., Feb 7, 1903
Pension Dept. Com. of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dr Sir:
Mrs Mary Mary Marshall daughter of Jessie Bell a captain in the Continental Army, from State of Conn. was granted a pension some time between 1845 to 1848. Israel Bell Marshall was her attorney. I would like any informa- -ation your department can furnish as to birth place and or date  time of birth of Mary Marshall and her husband Israel Marshall . Birth place and date of birth and birth place of Capt. Jessie Bell  and his wife Yours very truly, Percival Goldin

U. PENN JUN 28 1907
O. W. & N. DIV. JUN 28 1907 FILES

June 26-1907-
Pension Office - Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly send me any record you may have of Jesse Bell of Connecticut who was in the war of the Revolution from October 1775.
Yours truly -
Helen W. Somers - 301 Church St. Pokeepsie, N.Y.

218 So 20th St
Phila Pa 3/6/10
U.S. Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly give me the date of birth death of Jesse Bell

who applied for a pension Sept 25 th 1824 for services in the Revolutionary War.
Thanking you in ad- vance for the cour- tesy, believe me very truly Yours Frank Battles

Sir,
Washington
March 1. 1856
I ask your attention to the enclosed letter, and that you would be good enough to communicate to me the result of the examination. The order lacks a commission with me, but I have not the most doubt as to collection of it. Please to cause the letter to be returned to me.
I am Sir, cert.
yours affecly
Israel H. Griffin Esq. P.O. Box 11 Court of Claims.

MRS. CHARLES GORDON GIRVIN REGENT
Daughters of the American Revolution Oklahoma City Chapter
Laura Pierce Kendall Registrar
July 5-1938-
Pension Bureau Washington, D.C.
JUL 7 1938 PENSION BUREAU
Will you please send Pension record of Jesse Bell Revolutionary Soldier Connecticut Militia - Conn
I shall be most grateful for an early reply-
Very truly-
Laura Pierce Kendall
Address Mrs Laura Pierce Kendall 712 N 19th Oklahoma City - Oklahoma -

New York May 24/05
Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.
When in Washington recently, or rather at the time of the Triennial Meeting of the Sons of the Revolution I called at your office, to see again, the pension papers re. of Capt. Jesse Bell; I took a pencil copy of the letter of the Comptroller of Hartford Conn" May 27, 1847 but I find omitted the name signed to the report. The nature of the letter is the payments to Capt Jesse Bell at the different times. If you will furnish me the name signed to the letter

in question, I will be exceedingly obliged. I enclose the hurried copy I took at the time which you will see I neglected to get the name of the writer - Thanking you in advance. I am yours. Very truly
Jared W Bell 248 Lexington Ave New York

WILLIAM BELL WAIT, JR., ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 206 BROADWAY.
With Donnelly & Jennings.
New York, October 23 1895
Bureau of Pensions Washington. D. Sir,
Will you kindly inform me whether a pension was ever applied for or granted the claim for which was based on the services of "Jesse Bell" of Stamford Connecticut during the Revolutionary War . Jesse Bell reached the rank of Captain and application may have been made under his services as such.
If any application was filed kindly send me the data therein contained relating to his age birth place date of birth & death & of his family.
Yours truly Wm Bell Wait, Jr.

SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
NEW YORK
32 Broadway,
April 18, 1905.
000
19 1905
Hon. Vespasian Warner,
My dear Sir:-
For advice through desk
On April 3rd I had the honor to address you requesting a copy of the application for a pension made by Lieutenant Jesse Bell of the Connecticut Militia in the War of the Revolution for the reason that the claim of eligibility to hereditary membership in the Society of the Cincinnati of his proper descendant is based on that application and the records of the War Department and published records of the State of Connecticut of Jesse Bell's services in the War of the Revolution are at variance with the statements contained in his application.
It did not become necessary for the Pension office to go beyond the fact that that application, fortified by other records, showed that he had, under the act of 1828, performed thirty days service.
For membership in the Society of the Cincinnati at least three years service in Continental pay is required.
May I request the favor that you will expedite the matter of my request as the General Society of the Cincinnati will soon meet in Triennial General Meeting and the desired information is indispensable.
Let me congratulate you on the firm stand you are taking in the matter of your Board of Pension Examiners.
I think the whole country is with you irrespective of Party.
There has long been a feeling that through the machinations of Pension Agents the scrutiny into applications of service in our War of the Rebellion has not

been sufficiently thorough and exact.
I think there is a pretty general impression that the present condition of the Department is something of an Augean Stable into which the President has put you with a broom for the public good.
When I was acting as Assistant Secretary of War in the first Cleveland Administration, and even earlier when I was stationed in Washington, I had occasion to visit and examine records in your Department very often and I have a pretty good idea of it.
Wishing you every success, I am, my dear sir,
Very truly yours,
John Burdine
Secretary-General.

SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL NEW YORK
32 Broadway,
April 4th, 1905.
To the United States Commissioner of Pensions.
My dear Sir:-
I have the honor to request as a particular favor that I may be furnished with a copy of the application for a pension of Jesse Bell, a Lieutenant of Connecticut Militia in the War of the Revolution, which is on file in your office.
This is needed for the records of the Society of the Cincinnati.
I believe it is the first time I have had occasion to ask for anything of the sort.
I am dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
Asa Bird Gardiner Secretary-General.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190___
79-424-454 { 456 { 586 { 614. { 1st Co { Prov. { Capt. of Enrs. June 77. { 9th Regt { 8th Regt. {
In reply to your request of _____, received for a statement of the military history of Jesse Bell a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his-(or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. b. File 77639
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  RANK.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  STATE.    CAPTAIN.  COLONEL.      July 75 Dec 31. 75 Jan 1 76  9 1/2 mos.  Sergt Lieut  ✓ ✓  Chas. Webb David Waterbury     May 1, 76  6 Dec 2, 76  Capt.  1 st Co.  ✓  9 th Regt. Conn    Aug. 1. 76   "   John Moad     Dec 2. 76  7 1/2 mos.  "   Samuel White  1 st Battn.    Feb. 1, 1778  8 "  "  of State Enrs.  ✓  4 Battn of For. T.    1779  7 "  "       Apr. 22. 1780  8 mos 10 days  "   Brayton Beebe      Battles engaged in, wounded in 1780-  Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stamford, Conn.  Date of application for pension, Sept. 25, 1824.  Residence at date of application, Albany Co., N.Y.  Age at date of application, 78  Remarks: Sol. died  Sarah
Sol. died Oct 20, 1834 Milton, Saratoga Co., N.Y.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
27225b3m1-07
1847 Betsy Wait { dau of Bell d. 1824 { gr dau. of Sol.

July 13, 1907.
Mrs. Helen W. Somers, 301 Church St., Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 26th ultimo and received on the 28th, you are advised that in his petition to Congress dated September 25, 1884, Jesse Bell of Albany county, New York, stated that he was in the seventy-ninth year of his age and served in the Connecticut troops as follows: Enlisted in the forepart of July, 1775 and served as Sergeant (company not stated) in Colonel Charles Webb's regiment until the last of December, 1775, when he was appointed Lieutenant, transferred to Colonel David Waterbury's regiment and engaged in fortifying New York until April, nine and one-half months; May 1, 1776, appointed Captain of militia; August 1, 1776, joined Colonel John Head's regiment, served at New York and on frontier until December 2, 1776; that he was then appointed Captain in Colonel Samuel Whiting's regiment in the campaign of 1777 and served seven and one-half months; in 1778, as Captain in the State levies on the frontier, eight months; in 1779, served on the coast guard by rotation seven months; April 22, 1780, as Captain in Colonel

Mrs. Helen W. Somers.
Bazeleel Beebe's regiment eight months, ten days; and in 1781 and 1782 served much by rotation.
He also stated that he was wounded in 1780 and at other times, but gave no particulars.
It is further alleged that the soldier was from Stamford, Connecticut, and married three times; names of wives not given. Children mentioned, William, David, Darius, Sarah married Walter Skidmore, Comfort married one Stoughtenburgh, Mary married Totten Marshall, Jesse and Elizabeth.
Soldier died at Milton, Saratoga county, New York, October 10, 1834 leaving a widow, Sarah, whose maiden name, marriage and death are not mentioned.
Congress failed to pass a bill for the relief of the soldier, but in 1846 a claim for his services was allowed under the Act of June 7, 1832, for the benefit of his surviving children, Jesse Bell, Elizabeth Bell and Mary Marshall.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

J.R.W. Exp. Bo.22639, Rev. War.
June 1, 1905.
Sir:
In reply to your inquiry of May 24, 1905, received in this Bureau May 25, 1905, you are advised that the certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut in the case of Jesse Bell, issued May 27, 1847, was signed by Abijah Catlin, Comptroller.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Jared W. Bell,
#248 Lexington Ave.,
New York, N. Y.

JRW
W.22639:Rev.War.
April 20, 1905.
Sir:
In reply to your request for a copy of Jesse Bell's application for pension, you are advised that he never made an application for pension to this Bureau.
It appears, however, that under date of September 25, 1824, he applied to Congress for relief by Special Act, reciting in his petition the services rendered by him. The committee of the House on military pensions failed to find sufficient evidence to justify a favorable report. Filed with the papers in the case are copies of five commissions, the first appointing him a Lieutenant, dated October 15, 1775, and the other four appointing him Captain, dated, respectively, May 23, 1776, December 2, 1776, April 2, 1778, and April 22, 1780. All these are signed by Jonathan Trumbull, who was, at date of first commissioner Captain General and Commander-in-Chief of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New England, America.
Jesse Bell died October 20, 1834, at Milton, N. Y. Dates of birth, marriage and death of his widow (Sarah), and her maiden name, are not stated.
For statement of his service as detailed by himself, see supplemental report herewith.
Very respectfully,
Hon. Asa Bird Gardner, 32 Broadway, New York City.
Commissioner.