Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21672, Thomas Bidwell, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Continental
Bidwell Thomas Elizabeth
W21672
CONTENTS

8204 - Connecticut
Thomas Bidwell
of Glastonbury in the state of Connecticut who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Wyllis of the Connecticut line, for the term of One year
scribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 of June 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 of Mch 1819 and sent to Jona. Brax Esq. Hartford Connecticut
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 65.29 emi. and all. ce ending 4 Sep 1819 48.
$113.29
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued
Application sent to the Pension Dept 19 Oct 1820 Hartford Conn

Tho: Bidwell ~
privat
Col. Wyllis. Regt.
Connecticut Line
Dec 1775 — 1 year

DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT—ss—HARTFORD
On this 30 th day of June — 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Hartford for the in said district, personally appeared Thomas Bidwell aged 59 years resident in Glastonbury — in the said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the
land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war." That he, the said Thomas Bidwell in the Month of June 1775 — enlisted in Glastonbury — in the state of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Wright — of the Reg t commanded by Col Samuel Hillyer of the Connecticut Line. That he served one year and moved out said town, and so far as he thinks in the Month of June 1777 he enlisted again to serve during the war in the Company commanded by Capt. that he continued to Edward Bulkeley in the Reg t commanded by Col. Samuel B. Webb that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the Month of July 1777. When he was discharged from service in Duke's Hill state of New York on account of sickness, that he was in the battles of Long Island, at Brandywine &c.
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services, except the Subjoined —
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for the County of Hartford aforesaid —
I, Jonathan Brace — Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Thomas Bidwell — did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of more than — nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
June the 30 th — 1818
Jonathan Brace Judge aforesaid
June 30. 1818 sealed with the seal of said Court by direction of the Hon. Jonathan Brace who is the Presiding Judge of said Court Thomas Chester Clerk

State of Connecticut ss County of Hartford June the 15 th 1818 Personally appeared Charles Miller of the City of Hartford and made solemn Oath, that he was an Ensign in the Within named Company commanded by Col d Samuel Wright and that the Within named Thomas Bidwell, enlisted into said Company in the year 1775 or 1776, for one year and that he served out said term and was discharged at Pike's Kill, State of New York. Before me Jonathan Brainerd Judge of the County Court for said County
on the 30 th of June 1818
Personally appeared George Goodrich who was a Sergeant in Col d Wright's Company, and Joseph Scott who was a private in the same Company, and made solemn Oath that the Within named Thomas Bidwell, in the Month of June - 1775 enlisted into the Company commanded by Col d Samuel Wright in Col d Mylly's Reg t to serve for one year and that he faithfully served out said term & was then discharged at Pike's Kill in the State of New York Before me, Jonathan Brainerd Judge of the County Court for the County of Hartford State above -
N.B.
On the return of the foregoing affidavit of the said Bidwell, it was discovered that he had not stated the whole of his service, & of course has made a new statement. Within - that before this date, the Ensign Charles Miller came before me - on the 15 th Instant & made Oath to the facts above stated in his affidavit, the said Bidwell, not then being present. I would remark further, that said Bidwell and the Witnesses above are all personally known to me and are men of credit.
Jonathan Brainerd

June 30 - 1812
I hereby certify that it appears to my full satisfaction, by the testimony of David E. Hubbard Esq. and Mr Ezra Dayton, that said one Tho s Biddwell is poor - in reduced circumstances & under the assistance of his Country for Support
Jo n Brown Judge and maid

Thomas Bridwell
1204
Sept 1819

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of HARTFORD,
ss. Special County Court, or Court of Common Pleas, holden by order of the Chief Judge of said Court, on the first Tuesday of August, 1820.
ON this 2 nd day of August, 1820, personally appeared in open Court, the same Court being a Court of record for said County, having the power of fine and imprisonment,
Thomas Bidwell aged sixty two years, resident in Glastenbury in the County of Hartford,
who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolu-
tionary War, as follows: In the month of Dec r 1775 I enlisted in Capt. Samuel Wright's company Col. Samuel Wyllys Regiment Connecticut line continental establishment for the term of one year & served in said Company & Regiment until January 1777 when I was honorably discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York - My original declaration was made on the 30 day of June 1818 which being transmitted to the war department I received a pension certificate numbered 8204
"And I do solemnly swear, _____ that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed."
  Two acres & one half of land with a small house thereon, Value $85   1 Table 1.25   2 Chests 1.50   4 Chairs ..77   1 Iron Pot ..75   1 Dish Kettle ..25   1 Iron Skillet ..77   1 Bake Pan ..25   2 Tin pails ..8   1 Great wheel 1   1 Dutch ditto ..25   1 Pair Steelyards 1   1 Quill Wheel ..25   1 Pair Shovel, tongs & andirons ..20   1 Pair Sudd Irons ..58   1 Axe ..34   1 Scythe & tack line & one old scythe ..50   1 Iron Kettle 1.67   2 hogsheads & one barrel 2.5   1 Set old knives & forks   carried over 92.06 

  Several pieces crockery — 92,, 06   Three spoons — 8 0,, 35   1 bow — ,, 9   2 Swine — 14 ,,   1 Hoe — 4 ,, 80   17   $ 111 ,, 37 3/4 
I am indebted to several persons to the amount of — fifteen dollars —
My occupation is that of a farmer but by reason of infirmity am unable to labor being subject to convulsion fits & gravel — My family consists of a wife of the age of sixty one — infirm — able to labor but little — one daughter Mary of the age of eighteen years able to labor — one grandson Thomas of the age of twelve years, out of health & dependent on me the said Thomas Bidwell for support —
Thomas X Bidwell's Mark
Sworn to and declared by said Thomas Bidwell on the 2 nd day of August, 1820, before said Court, and it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is
one hundred eleven dollars and forty seven cents.
I, Thomas Chester
Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Hartford aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of said Court. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 21 st day of August 1820
Th. Chester
Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Hartford.

Connecticut 970
Elizabeth Bidwell widow of Thomas Bidwell
who died on the 14th October 1826 of Hartford in the State of Conn't who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the P.A.C. commanded by Col. Mylles in the Conn't. line for 14 months 7 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of $7- Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of June 1837 and sent George Merrick 4th Glastonbury Ct.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $284 64 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 23 72
$308.36
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d }
Recorded by H. H. Addison Clerk, Book 4 Vol. Page 87
2
Ltr. to Geo. Merrick Sept. 24, 1838.

State of Connecticut } County of Hartford } Feb. Hartford Nov. 23. 1836
On this 23 rd day of November 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford the same being a Court of Record having a clerk and seal now sitting Elizabeth Bidwell of Glastenbury in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress of July 4. 1836. Her age is Eighty years and she is a credible witness.
She declares that she is the widow of Thomas Bidwell late of Glastenbury aforesaid now deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States of the Army of the revolution; That her late husband the said Thomas Bidwell was a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army, and for proof of his service she refers to his Pension Papers on file in the War Department. That said Thomas Bidwell died at said Glastenbury on the 11 th day of October 1826 — That she was married to said Thomas Bidwell on the 29 th day of April A.D. 1778. My maiden name was Elizabeth Brooks and for proof of the time of my marriage I refer to the accompanying certificate of the Rev d Samuel H. Rootes Pastor of the first Church in said Glastenbury. I was married by the Rev d John Edell then the Pastor long since deceased. That her marriage was before the period of the last term of service of said Thomas Bidwell expired. That she has remained the widow of said Thomas Bidwell ever since his death & has never married again. In corroboration of her statement she refers to the accompanying affidavits.
Elizabeth B. Bidwell Sworn & subscribed the day & year above mentioned Before said Probate Court.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the appropriate interrogatories, That the said Elizabeth Bidwell is the surviving widow of Thomas Bidwell late of Glastenbury in said County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, married to him before the last period of his services in the Army of the Revolution. That her said husband has deceased & that she still remains his widow & has never again married.
I Thomas H. Seymour Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford in said County of Hartford & State of Connecticut hereby certify that the above & foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of the widow Elizabeth Bidwell for a pension.
And I further certify that George Merrick Esq. before whom the certificates of Samuel H. Bidwell, Francis Taylor, & Alexander Hollister were taken is a lawful justice of the peace for the County of Hartford at this time & has been for four months last past, & that the signature of the said Justice to the said certificates purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Office this twenty third day of November A.D 1836
Thomas H. Seymour Judge.

1778 April 29 th
Thomas Bidwell and Elizabeth Brooks both of Glastenbury were married.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of Marriages kept by the late Rev. John Gells Pastor of the First Church in Glastenbury County of Hartford and state of Connecticut, and now in my possession. Glastenbury November 19. 1836
Attest Samuel H. Riddell Pastor of the First Church in Glastenbury
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford } Ss. Glastenbury
On this 19 th day of November A.D. 1836 personally appeared Samuel H. Riddell signer of the above certificate and made oath to the truth of the same before me.
George Merrick Justice of Peace for said County

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MS aw
September 23, 1924
Mrs. Grace B. Arnold 591 Broad St. Meriden, Conn.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.21672, it appears that Thomas Bidwell enlisted at Glastonbury, Connecticut, in December 1775, and served as private in Captain Samuel Wright's Company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut Regiment; he was in the battles of Long Island and Brunswick and was discharged in January 1777.
He enlisted in January 1777 and served in Captain Edward Bulkley's Company, Colonel Samuel B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment, and was discharged July 20, 1777.
He enlisted in March 1778 and served about six months in Captain Elijah Wright's Company, Colonel Enos' Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 30, 1818, while a resident of Glastonbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, aged 59 years. He died October 14, 1826, at Glastonbury, Connecticut.

He married April 29, 1778, at Glastonbury, Connecticut, Elizabeth Brooks. She was allowed pension on her application executed November 23, 1836, while a resident of Glastonbury, Connecticut, aged 80 years.
In 1820 he referred to his daughter, Mary, aged 18 years, and a grandson, Thomas (surname not stated) aged 12 years.
There is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner

Rep WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21672
Elizabeth Bidwell Widow of Phineas Bidwell Pr. Rev War
Act July 4 th 36
Index: Vol. 4 , Page 64
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1924 Jan. 16 Hist. to Frederick W. Bidwell See letter filed in case of Daniel Bidwell S. 32118
1924 Mar. 26 Hist. to Timothy Hopkins mcs
1924 Sept 23 Hist. to Mrs Grace B Arnold See letter in case of Phineas Penfield S. 15558 mcs
49482
disallowed
Ans d George Merrick Dec 10 th 36. to same 3 Feb. '37.

BIDWELL, THOMAS

Camp on Peeks Hill Heights July 20 th 1861
Thomas Michwell a Soldier in my Regiment, being rendered totally unfit for the duties of a Soldier, by reason of Convulsion fits, is hereby discharged from further service in the American Army, so far as as his enlistment has been binding to my Regiment.
Samuel M. Webb. Colonel

18684. 3. Dec.
Elizabeth Bidwell widow of Thomas Connt.
married 29 ap l 78 discharged July 77.
76. 477- pri 12 mo 78- " 2. 70s 14. 7.
adm d 46.07 77 47.44 14 mo. 70s.
old case - died Oct 1826.
George Merrick J t Glastonbury Coni.

Jeremiah Taylor of Glastonbury County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged Seventy Eight years testify and say that I was born and have always lived in said Glastonbury - That I have from my early years acquainted with the late Thomas Bidwell & his widow Elizabeth Bidwell - That I have always lived near them. I knew them during the revolutionary War; said Thomas Bidwell served in the army with me, Brother and he was at that time married to his present widow Elizabeth Bidwell - That they lived together till said Thomas Bidwell's death which happened on the 14 th day of October 1826, and said Elizabeth has remained his widow ever since, and has not married again. And further the Deponent saith not.
Jeremiah Taylor
State of Connecticut  ss. Glastonbury County of Hartford  On this 21 st day of November A.D. 1836 personally appeared Jeremiah Taylor and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed and thereby certify that he is a credible witness.
George Merick Judge of the Peace Hartford County

I Alexander Hollister of Glastonbury county of Hartford & state of Connecticut age fifty years depose and say that I have been acquainted from my early years with the late Thomas Bridwell and his parent widow Elizabeth Bridwell - They have been married over seven I can remember, - that Thomas Bridwell was a person I never had but one wife the said Elizabeth - That said Thomas Bridwell died on the 14 th day of October A.D. 1826 I was Executor of his estate - The said Elizabeth has remained a widow since her late husband's death and is now the widow of said Thomas Bridwell, and is about eighty years of age - I have spoken the Deponent truth not.
Alexander Hollister
State of Connecticut County of Hartford ss Glastonbury
On this 22 nd day of November 1835 personally appeared Alexander Hollister and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, and I hereby certify that he is a credible witness -
George Mearick Justice of Peace Hartford county

Rolls
Bundle 20. No. 2.
Wright's roll from 29.
June to 5. Sept 78-
2ms. 7ds.

I Mathew Hale of Glastenbury in Hartford County and State of Connecticut age forty six years do hereby say that I served in Capt. Wright's Company, Col. Ennis Regiment in the year 1778 that Thomas Bicknell at the same time in the same Company. He was in the service in said Company five or six months from March 1778 when he enlisted. But this deponent from the great length of time that has passed since does not recollect distinctly the number of months he served, but he was some months there. David Goodrich served in the same Company with us. And further the Deponent saith not.
Mathew Hale
State of Connecticut County of Hartford ss Glastenbury
On this 11 th day of March A.D. 1837 personally appeared Mathew Hale signer of the foregoing deposition and after being duly cautioned made oath to the truth of the same before me and I hereby certify that he is a credible witness. George H. Dyer Clerk Hartford County

State of Connecticut } County of Hartford }
I, Philo A Goodwin Clerk of the County Court for said County of Hartford do hereby certify that George Merick Esq whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Hartford regularly commissioned and qualified that I am acquainted with his hand writing, & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine & that full faith and credit are due to his official acts
Given under my hand & the Seal of said County Court this 28th day of March A D 1837
Philo A. Goodwin Clerk

Roswell Goodrich of Glastonbury in Hartford County and State of Connecticut aged twenty seven years before me say that I enlisted in the United States Service in the Revolutionary Army in March 1775 and went immediately into Service at White Plains and then to West Point. I enlisted for one year, and served the Campaign, from Eighth to Twelfth months in Capt. Asaph Wright's Company, Col. Ennis Regiment. Thomas Biddell lots of said Glastonbury enlisted in the same Company & Regiment, and served in the same Company & Regiment at West Point a number of months from four to six months, but this deponent does not know the exact time. Thomas Biddell was from the same town I was, and I was well acquainted with him & know he served as aforesaid in the summer of fall of 1775. and further this deponent saith not Roswell Goodrich
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford } ss. Glastonbury
On this 11 th day of March, A.D. 1837 personally appeared Roswell Goodrich signed of the foregoing deposition and after being duly confirmed made oath to the truth of the same before me.
And I hereby certify that he is a credible witness. George Merriam Not. Pub. of Power Hartford County

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
110 1/2 D Ass't Post Comt. July 12/36 Elizabeth Bidwell
Mar 31

South Easton May 6 th Mar. 28. 1839
Dear S r J. P. Edwards
I was recently informed by letter from your department, that Elizabeth Bidwell's application for a Pension was disallowed on the ground, that her husband was discharged prior to her marriage. The fact is he enlisted again into the service, as a minute man, and served 8 months. Though we cannot prove the whole of the time. I think under the Law of 1832 she would be entitled, at any rate there is no other evidence in her power. Will you inform me as soon as practicable, of the state of her case that she may be at rest on the subject.
Yours truly George Merrill

Nov 28
To Glastenbury Ct Nov 25
ct 4 July 1836 3 rd Sec
FREE
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington Dec 6.

Sturminster Newton 24. 1836
Hon James L. Edwards
I enclose the necessary papers for Elizabeth Bidwell to draw a pension. When a pension certificate issues, please to direct it to George Mansick , South Glastonbury C t . Should the papers in any respect be informal please to give me early notice that they may be corrected.
Very respectfully
Yours &c
George Mansick

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
msd
March 26, 1924
Mr. Timothy Hopkins Nevada Bank Bldg. San Francisco, Calif.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.21672, it appears that Thomas Bidwell enlisted at Glastonbury, Connecticut, in December 1775, and served as private in Captain Samuel Wright's Company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut Regiment; he was in the battles of Long Island and Brunswick and was discharged in January 1777.
He enlisted in January 1777 and served in Captain Edward Bulkley's Company, Colonel Samuel B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment, and was discharged July 20, 1777.
He enlisted in March 1778 and served about six months in Captain Elijah Wright's Company, Colonel Enos' Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 30, 1818, while a resident of Glastonbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, aged fifty-nine years. He died October 14, 1826, at Glastonbury, Connecticut.

He married April 29, 1778, at Glastonbury, Connecticut, Elizabeth Brooks. She was allowed pension on her application executed November 23, 1836, while a resident of Glastonbury, Connecticut, aged eighty years.
In 1820 he referred to his daughter, Mary, aged eighteen years, and a grandson, Thomas (surname not stated) aged twelve years.
There is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
ms.A.
January 16, 1924
Frederick D. Bidwell State Tax Department Albany, N.Y.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.21672, it appears that Thomas Bidwell enlisted at Glastonbury, Connecticut, in December 1775 and served as private in Captain Samuel Wright's Company, Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut Regiment; he was in battles of Long Island and Brunswick and was discharged in January 1777.
He enlisted in January 1777 and served in Captain Edward Bulkley's Company, Colonel Samuel B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment, and was discharged July 20, 1777.
He enlisted in March 1778 and served about six months in Captain Elijah Wright's Company, Colonel Enos' Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 30, 1818, while a resident of Glastonbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, aged 59 years. He died October 14, 1826, at Glastonbury, Connecticut.
He married April 29, 1778, at Glastonbury, Connecticut, Elizabeth Brooks. She was allowed pension on her application executed November

23, 1836, while a resident of Glastonbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, aged 80 years.
In 1820 he referred to his daughter, Mary, aged 18 years, and a grandson, Thomas (surname not stated) aged 12 years.
There is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner

TIMOTHY HOPKINS NEVADA BANK BUILDING
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
22 Feby 1924
To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
For genealogical purposes I seek information concerning Lt Thomas Bidwell, a Revolutionary Soldier from Connecticut, and a pensioner residing at Glastonbury in that State (no date).
Among his services he was a lieutenant of a company of the 18 th (Conn) Regt at New York August 19 to Sept. 25, 1776, and I am hoping that his application for a pension states the names of his Captain and Colonel during this period.
Assuring you of my appreciation of your courtesy I am
Yours truly Timothy Hopkins