Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32118, Daniel Bidwell, New York

SERVICE
New York
Bidwell, Daniel
NUMBER
S. 32118
CONTENTS

Illinois 13278
Daniel Ridgwell of White in the State of Illinois who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Thompson of the Regt commanded by Col. M c Gea in the New York line for 2 months Private 20 — Serjt
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois at the rate of 100 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of June 1833 and sent to Jas. Hat- cliff Carmi White Co Illinois Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $213.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 53.33 due early Oct 1839 $266.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. G. B. Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 8 Page 55

Daniel Bidwell
18009
Ja. Paton Clerk of the West Glasgow Court

Resident Property in State of Ill.
(Page 1)
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Illinois White County
On this 3 rd day of September 1832, personally appeared in open court before the Hon. William Wilson Judge of the White Circuit Court being a court of record now sitting Daniel Bidwell a resident of said County of White and State aforesaid aged 71 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States in the militia under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. General Schuyler, Colonel McVea, A. B. Rensselaer Captain John Knapp, Colonel Ebenezer Patrick. That he resided in Stillwater no county then organized State of New York. That he was drafted in June 1777 that he marched to Fort Edward and remained there one week & then went on to Fort William Henry at the head of Lake George, & remained there about one month when the army retreated to Fort Edward & remained there three or four days, then retreated two miles to Col. McVea's at the mouth of Schuylkill creek on the West side of Hudson river remained there one week or about that time. That on the afternoon of the day which he left Col. McVea's, his sister was taken by the Indians and afterwards killed by them at the foot of St Edward Hill . That the army retreated from them to Fort Miller & in immediate to Saratoga where he was discharged after a term of two months. That Col. Pathean was at Fort Edward during the time he was there. That the regulars retreated on the East side of Hudson river & the militia on the West side. That he does not recollect any of the regular officers whom with him at that time.
That in August 1781 he enlisted in the State service under Captain Job Wright, Lieutenant Pliny Moore 2 nd Lieut. Hubbell. The regiment was commanded by Colonel Willett Andrew Fink Major. That he remained at Saratoga in camp four months and received a discharge from Captain Job Wright, which discharge bears date the 25 th of December 1781 and is now at Washington in the Pension office, sent there

(10782) in November as he thinks 1831. That this term extended to four months as will appear by reference to that discharge. That during this four months he served as a sergeant in Captain Wright's Company.
That under the same officers as above in April 1782 he enlisted for the term of two years and marched from Stillwater to Stone Row by on the river Mohawk. That at that place the regiment was divided in different divisions & stationed at different settlements where stockade forts had been built. That he was stationed with seven or eight men between Stone Row by and Fort Plain & near the river, that he remained there until the month of November of that year at which time the regulars were relieved at Fort Plain and at Fort Harkaman 20 miles above, that the regiment was divided and that he was stationed at Fort Harkaman. That Captain Job Wright was commander at that fort during the winter that Colonel Willet took command early in Spring, that he remained at that place until the following August or September 1783 when he hired a substitute and returned home. That during the winter he had a furlough for two weeks. Signed by Andrew Fink Major. That when discharged his discharge was signed by Job Wright Captain of this company. That during this period of about 16 months as he now thinks he was a sergeant in Captain Wright's company. That he has no documentary evidence except the discharge now in the department at Washington as he supposes. & that he knows of no testimony he can procure to testify to his service.
That he was born in Old Canaan Connecticut April 5 1761. Has a record of his age at his house in this county. That he resided in Stillwater State of New York when called into service. That he resided there about five years after his discharge from service.

(page 3)
That he then removed to Berkeley County Virginia and remained there 18 months. Then to Boazton same State County not recollected resided there 8 months. Then resided during young winter at Charles after same State County not recollected. That he then removed to Nelsons County Kentucky and resided there about ten years from then he removed to Mendenburgh County same State and resided there twelve years, and then removed to White County Illinois where he has since resided. That he was drafted the first time when in service, & that at the other times he enlisted. That he does not recollect any of the regular officers except Colonel Putnam or any of the Continental regiments with whom he served. That he recd a discharge when his four months term had expired, which was sent to Washington; That he has lost the one he received when he was discharged at Fort Harkness and also his furlough. He did not receive a warrant when he was a sergeant. That Aaron Williams & Josiah McKnight are persons in his present neighbourhood & who will testify to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid
Daniel Billwell
J. Ratcliff
We Aaron Williams residing in County of White and Josiah McKnight residing in the same County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Daniel Billwell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be 71 years of age: that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Aaron Williams his mark Josiah McKnight
J. Ratcliff

(Page 4) And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Aaron Williams who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident resident in the County of White, and that Josiah Whingate who has also signed the same, is also a resident of the County of White, and credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit, and the court of the opinion that applicant could not produce a clergyman in court without too much inconvenience.
W. H. H. H.
I James Patchiff clerk of the White circuit court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Daniel Pedwell for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this third day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
J. Patchiff Clerk of the White circuit court
Emile Bidwell
18009

(Page 5) State of Illinois } White County } ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the County of White aforesaid, Daniel Bidwell, who being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For two months in the year 1777 (of this I am positive) I served as a private. For four months in the year 1781 (I served as a sergeant of this I am also positive). For one year, four months in 1782 & 1783 I served as a sergeant and for such service I claim a pension.
Sworn and subscribed } before me this 21 st May 1833 } ss
Daniel Bidwell
Agree to the foregoing I. P.
State of Illinois } White County } ss
I James Ratcliff clerk of the County Commissioners Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that William T. Page whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was on the day the same was made an acting justice of the peace in and for said White Co. duly commissioned and sworn in office, and that due faith and credit is and of right ought to be given to all his acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Carmi this twenty first day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
J. Ratcliff Clk

State of Illinois } White county } ss }
I Francis Ratcliff clerk of the White circuit court do hereby certify that the foregoing pages 1. 2. 3. 4 & 5 contain the original and unrecorded proceedings in the matter of the application of Daniel Bidwell for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office as clerk aforesaid at Carlin this twenty first day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
F. Ratcliff CLK

April 29, 1931.
Mrs. C. T. Land Enfield, White County, Illinois.
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MCS:ILL Our
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 32118, that Daniel Bidwell was born April 5, 1761 in Old Canaan, Connecticut.
While a resident of Stillwater, New York, he enlisted and served in the New York troops as follows: from June, 1777, two months as a private in Captain John Thompson's Company, Colonel McCrea's Regiment; from August, 1781, until December 25, 1781, as sergeant in Captain Job Wright's Company, Colonel Willett's Regiment; from April, 1782, sixteen months as sergeant in Captain Job Wright's Company, Colonel Willett's Regiment.
After the war, soldier lived in Stillwater, New York, five years, moved then to Berkeley County, Virginia, where he remained eighteen months, and moved to Beasontown, Virginia, and lived eighteen months, after which he lived one winter in Cheatwater, Virginia; he moved to Nelson County, Kentucky, where he resided ten years, after which he lived twelve years in Muhlenburg, County, Kentucky.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1832, while a resident of White County, Illinois, where he had moved from Kentucky.
There are no data relative to his family in the papers in this claim.
Very truly yours,
E.W.MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

32118 Ray INVALID.
File No. 32, 118
Daniel Bidewell
deceased Rev. Jas
Act: June 1 st 1891
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1914 Apr 15. History to Mrs. Aldine Pennock. 4 1922 Jan 11 Hist. to Malinda J. Miller 1974 Jan 16 Hist. to Frederick D. Bidewell 1931 Apr 29 hist. to Mrs. C. J. Sand. See letter in Rev. pen. clu. Mathias Parr. P. 46402. U.C.S.

Cambridge May 31 st 1833.
Yrs
Herewith you have the papers of Daniel Bidwell, an applicant for a pension, amended. As to the 5 th objection, the 11 th objection I have not amended. If you will refer to the certificate of the Court & at the close of that certificate you will find, the court have expressed their opinion of the inconvenience, & etc. of the applicant, producing in court a clergyman. In relation to Mr. Bidwell's discharge, now at Washington I am informed that it is among the papers of the House or Senate - most probably among the papers of the Committee on Pensions. I also enclose a certificate of character - &c. - You will please continue to address me on the subject of this claim -
Yours &c.
Wm Lloyd

Cambridge
May 17 th 1833
Sir
Wm G Page of this place will as agent for pensioners have very considerable business with your Bureau Bureau - He is an atty of high standing in his profession and a gentleman of the strictest integrity & honor.
Your obedt servt
John M. Robinson
J L Edwards Esq
Pension Office

Route #1
Perryburg N.Y. Apr 9. 1914. Cattaraugus Co.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am in search of the war record of Daniel D. Bidwell who served in the Revolutionary War. Can you give me data regarding this subject? I will be very thankful for any information as to how to proceed to find more particulars regarding his service than can be given by your Department. Family tradition has it that he was a Colonel and that he recd a large tract of land in Saratoga Co. N.Y. for his services.
Asking your attention at your convenience I am
Yours very truly
Mrs. Aldine Penrock

1777. 2 Months priv 1781 4 " Serv 1782 3 16 " "
Daniel Bedwell Illinois
Adm for 22 Months
2 Months private 20 Months Serv. 22.
Ja s Radcliff Atk White City Illinois Carmi.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Daniel Bidwell, further proof or explanation. which require
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No # VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

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

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

see negative clip for info P.C. Harris Evansville Ind. 307 Goodsell St. Dec. 15 th 1921
Adjutant General Washington D.C.
Replying to letter of Nov. 29/21 desire to state that the Daniel Bidwell we refer to lived in Greenville, Muhlenburg Co. Kentucky, and that Cornelius Drake lived near Boonville Warrick Co Indiana. And we un- derstand they died at their respective homes. If you are unable to furnish us the desired information, ask for in letter sent you under date of Oct. 1-21 You would oblige us by for- warding the communications to the Commissioner of

Record AWS
WAR DEPARTMENT, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, December 19, 1921.
Respectfully transmitted to the Commissioner of Pensions,
inviting attention to the writer's request of the 15th instant.
This office has furnished Mrs. Willie with all the information af- forded by the records of this Depart- ment relative to the Daniel Bidwell and Cornelius Drake mentioned.
P. B. Harris The Adjutant General.
1 Incl. 2

see negative clip for Cornelius Drake Evansville Ind. 307 Goodsell St. Dec. 15 th 1921 P.C. Harris
Adjutant General Washington D.C.
Replying to letter of Nov. 29/21 desire to state that the Daniel Bidwell we refer to lived in Greenville, Muhlenburg Co. Kentucky, and that Cornelius Drake lived near Boonville Warrick Co Indiana. And we un- derstand they died at their respective homes. If you are unable to furnish us the desired information, ask for in letter sent you under date of Oct. 1-21 You would oblige us by for- warding the communications to The Commissioner of

Pensions
Thanking you for your favors
I am
Respectfully Yours
Malinda J Willie
307 Goodsell St.
Evansville
Indiana

Mr. R. R. Div., W. D.
Records of officers & soldiers for historical & other purposes # 36
SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
OCT 3 - 1921
Evansville Ind.
Oct. 1. 1921.
Secretary of The War.
Washington
D. C.
Sir.
Would like to have information concerning Daniel Bidwell, and Cornelius Drake who served in the Revolutionary of 1772 1776 who made a soldiers claim of 160 acres each in New York City and let it to some party on a lease of 99 years. And this lease expired in the year
REC 20 OCT 20 1921

of 1876 or 1877 and would like to have information as to where and what part of the city said Soldiers Home was
Greenville Mrs. Malinda J. Willie 123. Clark St. Evansville Ind.
Received OCT 3 1921

Address: "The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D. C."
E. S. B.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, November 29, 1921.
Respectfully returned to
Mrs. Malinda J. Willie, #123 Clark Street, Evansville, Indiana.
The records of this office show that one Daniel Bidwell served in the Revolutionary War as a sergeant in Capt. Job Wright's Company, Willett's New York Regiment. His name appears on an undated pay abstract "of a Regiment of New York State Troops in the service of the United States Commanded by Col. Merinus Willett, for the year 1783, which shows Time of service 8 months, and which bears remark Exchanged for McCoy, 1st September. No further record of his service has been found.
The records show that several men named Cornelius Drake served in the Revolutionary War in different organizations from various States, but from the data given this office is unable to ascertain which, if any one of them is the man whose record is desired.
If it be known when the within named Cornelius Drake finally resided, or where he died, it is possible that his service can be
identified upon application to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
This office can furnish no information relative to the other matter referred to in the letter herewith returned.
The collection of Revolutionary War records in this office is far from complete, and it is suggested as a possibility that additional information in the case of Daniel Bidwell can be obtained from the Director, New York State Library, Albany, or from the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
P. C. Harris The Adjutant General.

STATE OF NEW YORK
STATE TAX COMMISSION John F. Gilchrist, President John J. Merrill Mark Graves
TAX DEPARTMENT
ALBANY N.Y. January 8, 1924
In reply refer to
My dear Mr. Haymaker,
I desire to thank you most heartily for the Revolutionary War record of Robert Bedwell which you have just sent me. It is very kind of you to help me in this way.
I have sent a copy of your letter to Charles H. Bedwell of Sullivan, Indiana, a former Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives. It will make him very happy to learn that his great grandfather participated in the Revolutionary War.
I am preparing for publication a History of the Bidwells and Bedwells in America and on account of family pride I want to show as many of the family as possible as participating in the Revolutionary War.
From the Report of the Secretary of War in 1835 I find the following Bidwells were given pensions for their services in the Revolutionary War:
Daniel Bidwell, private and sergeant, New York

Continental. Placed on pension roll 11 June 1833. Age 73 years. Annual allowance $106.66. Living in White County, Illinois.
Phineas Bidwell, private, Connecticut Militia, Placed on pension roll 27 May 1833. Age 75 years. Annual allowance $26.66. Living in Chautauqua County, New York.
Thomas Bidwell, private Connecticut Line. Placed on pension roll 27 March 1819. Age 68 years. Annual allowance $96.00. Died 16 October 1826 in Hartford County, Connecticut.
Will you please furnish me with the Revolutionary War record of these three Bidwells?
With kindest regards,
Sincerely, Frederick D. Bidwell, State Tax Department, Albany, New York

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
January 16, 1924
Frederick D. Bidwell State Tax Department Albany, New York
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.32118, it appears that Daniel Bidwell was born April 5, 1761, at Old Canaan, Connecticut.
While residing at Stillwater, New York, he enlisted in June 1777 and served two months as private in Captain John Thompson's Company, Colonel McCrea's New York Regiment.
He enlisted in August 1781 and served until December 25, 1781 as Sergeant in Captain Job Wright's Company, Colonel Willett's Regiment.
He enlisted in April 1782 and served sixteen months as Sergeant in Captain Job Wright's Company, Colonel Willett's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1832, while a resident of White County, Illinois.
There is no data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner