Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 870, John Bissell, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Bissell, John Bulda
R. 870
CONTENTS

Application of Huldah Bissell wid. of John Bissell for bounty fund also additional evidence in re. John Bissell application for Pension
Enfymour Leichfield Count.

I Huldah Bissell of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged Eighty four years being duly cautioned and sworn depose and say.
That I am the widow of John Bissell deceased. That he has often told me that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war That I have always believed that he was a soldier in said war. That I have seen his written discharge from service, and that I have often heard him talk over with his companions his experience in said war. particularly on the occasion of building the house in which I now live during which time several of them were present and they were recalling with each other their recollections of the war. And I have no doubt but that John Bissell served in said Revolutionary war. I have heretofore sent on to the Department at Washington a more explicit affidavit in which was contained circumstances which I do not now readily recall being in ill health.
Dated at Litchfield this 13 th day of April 1857
Huldah her X Bissell mark
Litchfield Litchfield County State of Connecticut April 13 th 1857 Personally appeared before me Huldah Bissell signers of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Edmund W Seymour Justice of the Peace

Litchfield Decr. 1857 Hon Wm D. Bishop.
Dear Sir
Enclosed please find a statement concerning the application of Huldah Bissell of our Town for a pension & for Bounty Land There is no doubt but that she is justly entitled to both we have sent on the affidavits of many of our most respected citizens to the effect that Mr Bissell served in the Revolutionary War. The only fault the Department find is that we are not precise enough as to dates &c. The affiants are mostly men of an advanced age

and it is impossible to be more precise. The proof is decisive to all who know the parties, and should be sufficient to convince the department.
Will you have the kindness to collect the papers which have been forwarded on the subject & are on file in the proper office, and lend your personal influence in making one more effort.
William Bissell by the is making his attempt in behalf of his aged & infirm mother, is one of our most respected townsmen, a strong political friend of yourself and any assistance you may be able to give him

will be returned a favor not only by him but by your friends in this place.
The facts are all in the hands of the Commissioners and I doubt not that with your assistance the matter may be satisfactorily settled.
Very respectfully Yours E.W. Seymour
I cheerfully add my indorsement of the facts above set forth in regard to the justice of Mrs. Ripell's claim for a pension. And also to the atrocious  deception of Mr. Ripell her son - in addition to the frauds in the case. Mr. Ripell the Mother is blind and has been for years dependent on her son for her support except the scanty pittance of fifty Cents per week which the town furnishes him. He has a large family. And

with moderate means - The old Lady has a very slender hold on life And what is done for her must therefore be done soon - If you can through your influence obtain for her this long Arrears act of justice to her claims. She will be released almost a public benefactor; - as the community feel strongly interested in her behalf. And that of Mr. Dipell who has a large number of personal friends -
Yours truly
J. Mackintosh
F. D. Beeman

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield ss On this 26th day of September 1853 personally appeared in open court before the Court Judge of Probate in and for the District of Litchfield Huldah
Bissell a resident of Bledfield in the county of Litchfield aged Forty nine years who being duly sworn according to law ack on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed February 3rd 1851-53. That she is the Widow of John Bissell late of said Litchfield deceased who was a Sergeant in the New Hampshire Nat. Guard and who was drafted or enlisted at Bledfield about the year 1861 and served in said Army during the existence of the War on a period of about five years and was honorably discharged. She believes and says that her said husband was under Major Bissell's Suite but in what Company or who was his Captain she cannot say
She further states that and she is the only surviving of her husband's estate
She further states that at the time her husband was discharged he was discharged in the City and on his return home he brought said Military Discharge with him and the same was shown by her and said John Bissell to the discharge. Said discharge was kept by her said husband receiving her full title papers in a box by him and she for the purpose that said paper was a discharge signed by some Officer from Department cannot tell what grade or his name. That on the decease of her said husband said box of papers went into the hands of John Welch who was the Administrator on her said husband's estate. That said John Welch is now deceased for some years. That diligent and careful search

She gave the State that she was married to the late John Bissell on the 20 th day of December A.D. 1807 that her husband the aforesaid John Bissell died at Bedford on the 27 th day of July 27 th A.D. 1819 that she was married to him at the time above stated. She gave the State that she was a widow at the passage of the Act Feb. 3 rd 1835 and is still a widow and that she has never before applied for a pension.
Muldah her  X Bissell mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, in open court  the court That the same said deposition did not appear before me in open court because of her age and infirmity, from bodily infirmity,
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court this 26 th day of September A.D. 1853
Geo. C. Woodruff Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield Conn.

I Hiram Bissell of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged Seventy four years being duly cautioned and sworn depose and say
That I was well acquainted with John Bissell that I was present at the marriage between the said John Bissell and Huldah Chappel they were married in the year 1807 by Rev. Truman Marsh. That I have often heard told by John Bissell that he served in the Revolutionary War, and he has often told me circumstances connected with such service. I have upon two occasions at least seen his written discharge, and have often heard him talk of his service in the war, with those who served with him especially with Joseph Adams now deceased I have never doubted nor have any of his acquaintances, but that the said John Bissell was actually in the war nor can I now doubt it having been told so by himself and especially having seen his discharge as aforesaid,
Dated at Litchfield this 13 th day of April 1857
Hiram Bissell
Litchfield Litchfield County Connecticut April 13, 1857 Personally appeared before me Hiram Bissell signer of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Edward W Seymour Justice of the peace

Litchfield Count, Apl. 13/57
Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Some
two years ago application was made by the widow of John Bissell of this place for a pension which she supposed she was entitled to and her application together with the affidavit of herself and several others was forwarded and are now on file in your office, in reply to her application an answer was recd. from Mr Waldo which led to the belief that though the Department were not quite satisfied with the proof yet it would be well to make another attempt if any thing more could be

adduced to throw light upon the case. I herewith send papers which will I think in connection with those already sent make a strong case. I also send the Application of Huldah Bissell widow of John Bissell for Bonds land. The affidavits are necessarily less positive than could be wished but of the credibility of the affiants there can be no doubt and in accord- ance with a suggestion of Mr Waldo I send a certificate from some of our most prominent citizens to that effect.
After John Bissell's death Judge Welch had the closing up of his estate took all his papers into his charge & since the Judge's death the Certificate

of discharge has never been found. That Mr Brissell had such discharge can not be doubted. In her application for bounty land the widow is not so distinct as she was when her affidavit was taken some two years since as will be seen on referring to that document now in your department, being at present confined to her bed by illness.
As this is a case where every one has fully believed that the husband of the applicant was in the Revolutionary war I shall be obliged if the Department would state what more proof was wanting if this is not deemed sufficient and I will send the same

if it can be procured for instance I can I presume get the affidavits of most persons who have seen the discharge above mentioned &c We can also get the affidavits of several other persons who were present at the marriage between John Bissell & Huldah Chapdel The letter from Mr. Waldo to which I have referred bears date October 31 st 1853 and the reason that steps were not sooner taken to follow the suggestion therein contained is that the letter was mislaid and was never seen by the family of Mr Bissell until one of them took a copy of it at Washington within two months. The letter was addressed I believe to Hon O S Seymour Very respectfully yours E. W. Seymour

10 1/2 1 8 10 1/2
R. 870 John Bissell Conn.

White Plains Sep r 15 th 1778
Whereas John Bispel of Capt Parkers Camp, 2 nd Connecticut Battallion, by reason of sundry Disorders, has done no considerable Duty for 12 Months past, nor likely to be for the future of any service in the Continental Army, he is therefore Recor- mended for a Discharge
Col. Coleman Sur. Capt. Manning Commandant.

Ex'r.
INVALID.
NO. 270
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
RECEIVED
Hulda Bissell P. O. wid of John  Con
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____

W. Seymour
Sept. 8

State War Office, Sept. 8 th 1858.
Sir:
Yours letter of the 2 nd Instant, has been received.
The claim of Mrs. Bissell, has been suspended for the reason, that one were not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that her husband served six months in the war of the Revolution. The claim of Mrs. Bissell, may be a just one, but her misfortune is, in not being able to satisfactorily establish the same. It would afford me pleasure to indicate to you where evidence could be procured which would have a favorable bearing upon the claim if I knew of any.
E. W. Seymour Esq m . Sitchfield. Ct:

Smithville Office, July, 15 th 1858,
Sir:
I have received files with the papers in the case of Huldah Bissell, the Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut.
Given that all the Service Certified to by the Comptroller as having been performed in the Continental line, was claimed & allowed to John Bissell, of Watford, CT who was pensioned under the Act of 18 th March, 1818. It is impossible to allow the Claimant the benefit of this Service. If the Soldier who performed the three months & five days Service in 1775, Certified to by the Comptroller were the Applicant's husband it does not establish a Service of sufficient length to entitle her to a pension.
E. W. Seymour Esq., Litchfield, CT.

P
Head Quarters Office. March 15 th 1858.
Sir.
I have carefully examined the pension claim of Hulda Bissell as the widow of John, to which my attention has been called by your letter of the 25 th ultimo & enclose one from the Hon. O. S. Seymour, relating to the same subject.
It would appear from the evidence filed in the case, that John Bissell was in service, but the character or duration of such service cannot be ascertained from anything upon file in this Office.
I would suggest the propriety of instituting a search in the Comptroller's Office at Hartford, for evidence of his service.
It is possible he served with John West, in 1775, under Maj: David Welch, & Lt: Bezaleel Beebe. Col. Hinman had command of the Regiment & Genl. Schuyler Wooster
Mar. 15. Hon. W.

Commanded at Fincastle. In 1777 perhaps he served with Hall, under Capt. Alexander McLaugh & Col. Adams. or possibly his service may be found in 1781 to have been under Capt. Alexander Cathin & Col. Arnold.
I would advise a search for his service in 1775, under Lt. Luther Martin. In 1776 under Capt. Thomas Allen & Col. Cook. In 1777, under Capt. Samuel  Smith Worth & also in 77 & 78 under Col. Archibald Craw  Craw . Joseph Adams, served under the Officers above named & alleged that Bipei served with him but, does not state the term or Officers definitely.
I would also advise an examination of the rolls of Capt. Wiley & Col. Baldwin for Bipei's name.
It is probable the name of John Bipei, will be found upon the rolls of some of the above Officers.
Hon: Wm D. Bishop H: Rep.

Huldah Bissell Application Pension
Henry B. Evans Attorney Litchfield Ct

State of Connecticut
Litchfield County, Natchfield
Leitchfield County, Kentucky 26th day of September A.D. 1863
Sergeant John B. B. was at the battles of Coppeus W. and also at the battle of Bunker Hill. He for the state that it was always understood in the neigh- borhood that said John B. B. was a revolutionary soldier with rank of Sergeant and so likely to be a son of Sgt. B. He for the state that his father the said John B. B. was at one time prisoner of war and was exchanged for a prisoner and received a pension allowance for that service and was in his old age understood quite well of a pension on the laws then existed because he had properly executed a certificate He for the state that his father was a man of the highest integrity and the highest reputation for credence. He for the state that he for present at the marriage of his son John B. B. to Miss Mary B. B. that they were married by the Rev. Simon Marsh on the 20th day of December 1807.

Daniel Hale
Henry B. Grace, Justice of the Peace
On the same day sent your first report on the first really old house of the Alban Guild resided in Oldfield in 1679. Sixty Nine The house itself is now a house of many rooms with many of the following apartments still in use, and a number of the old ones still standing.
Sergeant Sergeant
Sergeant [faded handwritten text]
Sergeant the 27th day of July 1899 Haldor... full in date and the amount evidence can be settled at full credit in every respect.
Alban Guild

Sworn to and subscribed on the 26th day of Septmbr, 1818 B. B. Graves Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss. On this 26th day of Septmbr, 1818 B personally appeared Joseph Adams a resident of Litchfield aged Eighty six years who being duly sworn, according to law, doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Sergeant John Bissell late of Litchfield deceased husband of Huldah Bissell about declarant Sixty years ago and from that time to his death which occurred in the year 1819. That after his death this deponent was one of the Appraisers on his estate and John Welch was his Administrator. That this deponent has frequently heard said Sergeant John Bissell say that he was in the Revolutionary War and served until the Declaration of peace for a period of a number of years as I always understood from him were other aged people I have also heard the said Sergeant John Bissell relate accounts of incidents of battle, and other things that occurred while he was in the Revolutionary Army & I remember very well of his saying that he was in the engagement at Red Bank. And this deponent further saith that it has always been understood by the neighbors and friends of said Sergeant John Bissell that he was in the Revolutionary War and served through the same. And this deponent further saith that said Sergeant John Bissell was a man who bore a good character for truth and integrity and his statements were entitled to full faith and credit in every particular Joseph Adams
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Wm B. Graves Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut (County of Litchfield) On this 26 th day of September AD 1853 personally appeared before the Subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Litchfield. Clarissa Welch a resident of Litchfield aged Fifty one years, sw and being duly sworn according to Law deposes and says that she is the Widow of Gerrit P. Welch late of Litchfield deceased who was a son of John Welch late of Litchfield deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner. That said John Welch died at Litchfield on the 26 th day of December AD 1844. That since the decease of said John Welch, this Deponent has seen a Book kept by said John Welch as Quarters Master in her own hand writing purporting to be an account of supplies furnished different Soldiers and while in the service of the Revolutionary War and among the rest was an account against Sergeant John Bissell. This Deponent says that said Book was in the hand writing of said John Welch who was a Quarters Master in the Revolutionary War and pensioned as such, that the last time she saw said Book with said Father was three or four years since in my possession at my house. That she has recently made diligent and careful search for said Book within said house but cannot find the same. She also says that in said Book was the record of the proceedings of a Court Martial and Sergeant John Bissell was one of the Witnesses on the trial as appears by said Book in the handwriting of said John Welch Quarters Master aforesaid.
Clarissa Welch
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Wm. J. Dyer Justice of the Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } COUNTY OF LITCHFIELD, } ss. Litchfield
I Frederick D. Beeman Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Henry B. Graves Esqr whose genuine signature appears to the accompanying instruments,
is and was, at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and by law authorized to administer Oaths, and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds, and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit: and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Litchfield, this 27 th day of September A. D. 1853.
Frederick D. Beeman
CLERK.

870

Litchfield Count. Oct. 1. 1893
W Hon
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I enclose
herewith the application of Huldah Bipell for a pension. The family reside near me and I am well acquainted with them and have no doubt of her right to a pension the proof of his service is somewhat indifinite but I presume Mr. Bipell's name will readily be found on the rolls at the department
Yours Very respectfully
A. S. Seymour
per E.H.J.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of Litchfield,
ss. LITCHFIELD.
I, FREDERICK D. BEEMAN, Clerk of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut within and for the county of Litchfield aforesaid, do hereby certify that
Edward W. Logan Esq.
whose genuine signature appears to the accompanying instrument
is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and by law authorized to administer Oaths, and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds; and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid Superior Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Litchfield, this 11 th day of May , A. D. 187 7 .
Frederick D. Beeman Clerk.

Additional evidence in the matter of John Brinsley's Pension Ditchfield Connecticut Foreign business done by Hon. E. W. Seymour Connect.
E. W. Seymour Ditchfield Ct.

I Benjamin Griswold of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut and twenty eight years being duly confirmed and sworn do hereby say.
That I was well acquainted with John Dyer of said Litchfield that I am well acquainted with him and am firmly convinced that he was a soldier in the army of the United States and that such was the universal belief in the neighborhood in which he lived that I have frequently heard him relate his experience in said Revolutionary war and that he was in service during one or more of the battles of said war. That in consequence of the universal belief that he was in said war he was at the time of his death Captain of the military Company in said town and that his experience in said war rendered him peculiarly qualified for such position and that from the above facts, the extent of his acquaintance, and his own conversing and the relations by him made of his own experience I have no doubt in my mind that he was in said war and that he was in said war at the time of the Revolutionary war as he represented. Dated at Litchfield this 13 th day of April 1857
Benjamin Griswold
Litchfield, Litchfield County State of Connecticut April 13 th 1857. Personally appeared before me Benjamin Griswold signor of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Edward W. Seymour Justice of the Peace

I being a resident of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged Seventy four years being duly cautioned and sworn depose and say
That I was well acquainted with John Russell of said Litchfield. That I do now and have always believed that the said John Russell was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. That I have frequently heard him converse on the subject, with men who were actually in said war and have received pensions for such services among others with Hon. John Welles, Gushaw Dibley, Mose Dibley and others that they talked over their experience in said war, and that there was no question in the minds of any of those who were acquainted with said John Russell but that he was in said war, nor has his service in said war been ever doubted in this community. From these and other circumstances which I do not now recall but which at the time made an impression on my mind I have no doubt but that John Russell served in the Revolutionary war.
Dated at Litchfield this 13 th day of April 1857
Litchfield Litchfield County State of Connecticut, April 13 th 1857 Personally appeared before me Julius Monrold signor of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Conrad W. Seymour Justice of the Peace

We the undersigned residents of Litchfield Connecticut being duly sworn depose & say That we are all well acquainted with Julius Griswold, Benjamin Griswold, William Brissel, Horace Brissel, Albin Duild, Clarissa M Welch, Daniel Hall and Elisha Mason. That they are among the most respectable residents of our town and that we place the most implicit confidence in them as persons of truth and veracity. We are also well acquainted with Joseph Hildreth and know that he was a man of the strictest integrity. Litchfield April 25 th 1857
J. G. Beckwith
Geo. Seymour Seth P. Beers
Litchfield. Litchfield County State of Connecticut. Personally appeared before me the above named J. G. Beckwith Geo. Seymour & Seth P. Beers all to me well known & made solemn oath to the above affidavit by them signed in my presence - May  April 11 th A.D. 1857 Edward W. Seymour Justice of the Peace

We the undersigned residents of the town of Litchfield Connecticut being duly sworn depose and say That we are well acquainted with Julius Griswold, Benjamin Griswold, William Bissell, Hiram Bissell, Albin Guild, Orson W. Welch, and Daniel Hall. That they are among the most respectable residents of our town and that we place the most implicit confidence in them as persons of truth and veracity. We were also well acquainted with Joseph Adams deceased and know that he was a man of the strictest integrity. Litchfield April 16 th 1857.
Origen S. Seymour,
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford }
On this 19 th day of April 1857 personally appeared Origen S. Seymour to me personally known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing affidavit by him in my presence. Subscribed — William L. Storrs, a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut.

I Elisha Mason of Litchfield in the county of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged ninety nine years being duly confirmed and sworn depose and say
That I was well acquainted with John Bissell of said Litchfield and had been for a great number of years before his death That he served in the Revolutionary War to my certain knowledge That we worked together on divers occasions and particularly at West point where I was employed as an artificer That he served in said war for three years or more, I remember all these facts distinctly
Dated at Litchfield this 23 day of April 1857
Elisha his X Mason mark
Litchfield Litchfield county State of Connecticut personally appeared Elisha Mason signer of the above affidavit deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. —
Litchfield Apl. 23 1857
Edward W Seymour Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I was at the time of my deposition in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged Twenty four years being duly Sworn and deposed and say That I was well acquainted with John Russell of said Litchfield. That I have never heard have always believed that the said John Russell was a soldier in the New England army. That I have frequently heard him converse on the subject with men who were actually in said army and some received pensions for such service, among others with Mr. Welch, Gusham Tibbs, Mose Tibbs and others. That they talked over their experience in said army and that there was no question in their minds as to the fact that John Russell was acquainted with said John Russell and that he was in said army, nor was his service in said army ever doubted in this community. From these and other circumstances which I do not now recall, but which at the time made an impression on my mind I have no doubt that what John Russell served in the New England army. Given at Litchfield this 13 th day of April 1857
James Smith
Litchfield Litchfield County Connecticut Personally appeared before me Julius Griswold signer of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same April 13, 1857
Edward W Seymour Justice of the Peace

I Benjamin Greenfield of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut as at the city of New York being duly sworn deposed and said:
That I was well acquainted with John Bliss of said Litchfield that I am and always was a Unitarian and that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War between the United States of America and Great Britain, that such was the universal belief in the neighborhood in which he lived, that it was generally known and well known that his experience in said Revolutionary War was such that he was in some degree as a man of the battle field during said war, that in consequence of the universal belief that he was in said war he was afterwards chosen captain of the artillery company in said town at least supposed that his experience in said war rendered him peculiarly qualified in such position, and that to us the above facts, the nature of his experience and his own commendations and the standing he then made at his own expense, I and no doubt in my own mind never knew I never had and that he actually was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war as he represented. Subscribed this 13 th day of April 1859 Benjamin S. Grant
Litchfield Litchfield County Connecticut April 13, 1859 Personally appeared before me Benjamin S. Grant sign of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Edward W. Seymour Justice of the Peace

I Hiram Bissell of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged seventy four years being duly Calioned, and sworn depose and say That I was well acquainted with John Bissell. That I was present at the marriage between the said John Bissell and Huldah Chappl. They were married in the year 1807 by Rev. Truman Meark. That I have often been told by John Bissell that he served in the Revolutionary war and he has often told me circumstances connected with such service. I have upon two occasions at least seen his written discharge and have often heard him talk of his service in the war with those who served with him Especially with Joseph Adams now deceased I have never doubted nor have any of his acquaintances but that the said John Bissell was actually in the war nor can I now doubt it having been told so by himself and especially having seen his discharge as aforesaid Dated at Litchfield this 13 th day of April 1857
Oliver M. Bissell
Litchfield Litchfield County State of Connecticut April 13 th 1857 Personally appeared before me Hiram Bissell signer of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Edward W. Seymour Justice of the Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT County of Litchfield,
(ss. LITCHFIELD.
I, FREDERICK D. BEEMAN, Clerk of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut within and for the county of Litchfield aforesaid, do hereby certify that
Edward W. Seymour Esq
whose genuine signature appears to the accompanying instrument
is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and by law authorized to administer Oaths, and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds; and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid Superior Court is a Court of record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Litchfield
this 11 th day of May A.D. 18 57
Frederick D. Beeman Clerk.
Huldah Bissell
John - last Will
1853
LITCHFIELD SEP 8 1858
Washington D.C.
Commissioner of
FREE

No 3485 Connecticut Huldah Bissell widow of Mr. Oct 3. Feb. 1853. 1853 Oct 31 Let O. S. Seymour  Let E. W. Seymour  May 16. 1857  Same June 13/57  " March 15/58  " Feb. 10/58  " Sept. 8/58 Oct 3. Feb. 1853
Note
Committee of Washington D.C.

Huldah Bissell John - born - dec - 1853
add. coi
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
FREE
Washington D.C.
Oct. 3, 1853.
Appl. of Huldah Bissell, widow of John,
Litchfield Conn.
W.B. Agt.
Genl.
O. G. Lyman,
Litchfield Conn.
Washington D.C.
Commissioner of Pensions
The Attorney

Home of Reps Washington Feby 25 th 1858
To the Commission of Pensions
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you letters recd from our political friends in Litchfield Conn. in regard to pension & Bounty Land for Mrs Huldah Pinell of said town. I suppose the records of the Depart- ments must show the fact that her husband served in the Revolutionary war. Believing as I do that Mrs Pinell is justly entitled to bounty land and pension, I hope you will cause the papers affidavits &c now on file to be thoroughly examined at as early a day as possible, and inform me whether anything can be done to secure to Mrs Pinell her just claims. An early answer will much oblige
Yours very respectfully M c D. Pritch

M o : Hall's Statement, in his Dec r , for Pension
In 1775, enlisted  under into Comp y : Company of Maj t : David Welch, for 7 mos. St d : Bezaleel Beebe Commanded. Welch acting as Major. Col l Heman of Woodbury, Commanded the Reg t . Gen l . David Wood had Command at Ticonderoga & Gen l . Schuyler in Chief Command. State Troops.
In 1777 served under Capt a : Alexander Waugh. Col l . Adams Ch y : Mil t : 2 mos.
In 1781, drafted to go to New Haven & served 3 mos, under Capt a : Alexander Cathin & his Comp y : was attached to Col l . Arnold's Reg t . John Hall's Statement.
Demaris Hall his pro: 25 Feb: Ch: No. 2175.
Joseph Adams says he served 1 mo. in 1775 under St d : Luther Martin in 1776 served 2 mos. under Capt a : St d : Allen in 1776 served 3 mos. under Th t : Allen & Col l . Cook. in 1777 served 3 mos. under Capt a : David Bosworth & in June 1777 re-enlisted for 9 mos. under Col l . Archibald Crary & served his time. Order Hannah Adams, his pro: Act 43. No. 2324, Ch
Witnesses: J. Hall with

Elisha Magallan Babel in West Point Wilcox & Co. No. 210. Second floor. Cor. 1st. Wilcox & Co. No. 210. Second floor. Cor. 1st. Wilcox & Co. No. 210. Second floor. Cor. 1st.
John Welch, served 3 years from 81 under Capt. Edgar H. Cal. Sheldon, A. Dragoon
ack. 32,  32,661, Ch.

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford June 24 th 1858
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of John Bissell, in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this Office, and find the name of John Bissell on a Pay Roll, under the following heading, vis. "A. Pay Roll of the 5 th Co. 8 th Regt. raised by order "General Assembly Conn e 1775," of which Company Charles Ellsworth was Captain, where the said John Bissell is credited with service from July 11 th 1775 to Oct. 16 th 1775 3 months 5 days.
Isaac Huntington was the Colonel of said 8 th Regiment. I also find the name of John Bissell on the Roll of the Connecticut Line of the Continental army under the following heading vis. "Settlement with the 2 d "Connecticut Regt. Libulon Butts Esq. Colonel, before "January 1 st 1780," where the said Bissell is credited with service as a private from May 30 th 1777 to Jan'y. 1 st 1780 = 2 years 7 months.
In another Settlement with Col. Butts Regiment

"For the year 1780," I also find the name of John Bissell, when he is credited with service as a private from Jan'y. 1 st 1780 to May 20 th 1780 4 months, 20 days.
Wm. H. Buell, Comptroller by Geo Robinson Clerk

Litchfield Court
June 29. 1858
Hon Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
In accordance with the suggestions in your letter of March 15. 1858 to Hon W m D Bishop I sent to the Comptroller's office at Hartford —
have recd the enclosed
Respectfully Yours
E. W. Seymour
In the matter of the application of the widow of John Brasille for Pension —

Litchfield Sept 2. 1858
The Hon
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Yours Commun- cation regarding the applica- tion of Huldah Bissell for Pension is rec d .
The testimony we have sent on is as strong as we are now able to get, though we can send on much more of the same kind if it will be of any avail feeling as I do no doubt of the justice of the Claim I should be glad if you could suggest any thing which can assist us
Respectfully Yours
C. W. Seymour
Litchfield Count.

What, what, what, what you make about this case? Well, Mr. Adair, what do you have a second look for his name in the list to be of? I don't know. Some of the things I have to do, they will be done I think, I have no time to be done perhaps the work is the part of the B.
 Tolson  Jos. A. ... 

Washington D.C.
27 th December. 1856.
Dear Friend Forney,
I have just returned from

Leitchfield April 17 th 1837 I hereby certify that there is no certificate of the marriage of John Bissell & Hannah Chaput recorded in the marriage records of the Town of Leitchfield.
George A. Hickox Town Clerk & Registrar of the Town of Leitchfield, Vt.

Litchfield
Dec. 21. 1857
Hon W m D r Bishop
Dear Sir.
I am requested to say a word to you respecting the pension for Huldah Bissell under the act of 1853. I am fully satisfied that she is entitled to it & think the Commissioner will reexamine the case, if you will call on him personally & examine the papers with him.
Yours truly
O. S. Seymour

Litchfield Count. June 10 1857
Hon Geo. C Whiting Commission of Pensions Sir.
Yours of May 16 th & others - are duly recd. In relation to the John Bissell whose name appears on your records. I do not suppose he is the man whose widow now applies for a pension & bounty land. It is somewhat singular that the names should entirely agree & more singular that the John Bissell on your rolls lived in the town from which the husband of the present applicant

originated though I do not remember whether he was born there himself Nevertheless he can not I think be the same person In the absence of record proof, as to the service of John Burrell the husband of your petitioner I suppose under a late act other proof is admissible If so it becomes our duty of course to convince you if we are able that the husband of the present petitioner was really in service during the whole or part of the Revolutionary war. If you were here and knew the parties who say distinctly that the Knott he served in such war

I apprehend you would find no difficulty in allowing the Clarin I have attempted to convince you of the probity of our witnesses by the only means in my power, to wit: by the affidavits of some of our most prominent citizens with whose character & standing you are perhaps acquainted
I can get a plenty of proof similar to that which I have sent if it would avoid be necessary Also the deposition of Capt. Beebe who says he has seen the name of this identical Russell on rolls which were once in his possession &c I wish to do all I properly

can for the applicant and if it is thought best will send on more depositions to the like effect of those already forwarded
very respectfully yours
Edward W. Seymour

Pension Office, June 13. 1857
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 10 th instant, I can only say, that parol evidence is admissible to prove service in a pension case, and such evidence you may transmit in support of the claim of Mrs. Huldah Bissell, will be carefully considered. It is necessary, however, that such evidence be specific, and given by persons known to have been of an age and in a situation to know personally of the service. Evidence that a person was reputed to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war is not sufficient to prove service, much less its duration, which is also essential in the adjustment of the allowance.
Very resp.
E. W. Seymour Esq. Litchfield, Conn.

Pension Office, May 16. 1857.
Sir,
In relation to the claim of Huldah Bissell, who applies for pension under act of February 3. 1853, You are informed that upon a more careful examination of our records named John Bissell that it appears that the soldier who served in the continental line, was pensioned as indicated by the rolls on file in this office, was pensioned under act of March 18. 1818, but his allowance was stopped in virtue of the provision of the act of May 1. 1820. By This pensioner, however, did not reside in Litchfield County in June, 1818. of the  there We have no evidence of the service of any other man of his name. If he was the husband of the present applicant she is entitled to pension; if not, the service of her husband is yet to be proved. as It is not probable, however, there were two of the same name.
By showing the place of residence
John Bissell was not pensioned until 1818.

husband of Claesmans, in June 1818, it might  afford afford some evidence identifying him as the person who was, the pensioner. Judge Brace appears to have been the agent to whom the certifi- cate of pension was addressed, and he  who was also the Judge before whom the papers upon which the allowance was made, were pre- ferred.
very truly Yc.
E. W. Seymour May 16/57.
E. W. Seymour Esq Litchfield, Connecticut