Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17372, Nathan Bushnell, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
Busnell Nathan Esther
NUMBER _____
117372
CONTENTS

Conracccc. 2,4 4 6
- Esther Bushnell - widow of Nathan Bushnell, -
who died on the 12 th Dec r 1820 of Middlesex in the State of Conn. who was a Prisoner in the Camp commanded by Captain Richardson of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the State of line for 16 m th 14 d ys Conn. Mass.
Inscribed on the Roll of Cause " at the rate of $ 4 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of Nov. '38, and sent to and Mr. S. England P. 17.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. - $ 411. 60 Semi-annual allowance ending
$439.04
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burson Clerk, Book 1 Vol. 2 - Page 63
H. H. Hughes Dec. 30/59

State of Connecticut Midlesex County ss
On this fourteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for the Probate District of Saybrook in said County and State. Esther Brimhall a resident of the Town of Saybrook, within said Probate District of Saybrook County of Midlesex and State of Connecticut aged eighty one years on the twenty ninth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, 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 made by the act of Congress passed July 4. 1836. That she is the widow of Nathan Brimhall who was a private, as she believes, in the Army of the revolution. That she always understood from her said husband, and readily believes, that he served, she is unable to say how long, in 1776 at New London, which was the year before her marriage to him. She recollects to have seen him pass by her Father's house in said Saybrook on his return from said service. That after she was married to said Nathan Brimhall he again served in the Revolutionary Army at various times and places, and particularly at New Haven - Milford - New London and Saybrook Fort. From old age and loss of memory she is unable to be more particular in her statement, but she well recollects that he was in the service at Saybrook Fort when New London was taken and burned, which as appears from the history of those times was in September 1781. She has no other documentary evidence in support of her declaration and claim than that which is appended hereto.

She further declares that she was born and has during her whole life resided in said Saybrook. That she was married to said Nathan Bullock in said Town on the sixteenth day of November One thousand seven hundred and seventy seven by the Rev d William Hart now deceased who was at that time pastor of the first Congregational Church in said Saybrook. That her said husband the aforesaid Nathan Bullock died at said Town on the 12 th day of October 1890 at the age, she believes of sixty seven years, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She also says that her maiden name was Esther Lord -
I worn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate —
In presence of Samuel H. Hildreth Esther X Bushnell Merrill
Oladiak Shunor Judge of Probate

A true extract from the records of the first Congregational Church in the Town of Saybrook in the State of Connecticut - viz.
"Anno Domini Seventeen hundred Seventy Nine"
"Nathan Brainerd and his wife Esther Brainerd were received as members of this Church."
I Frederick W m Hotchkiss, pastor of the first Congregational Church in the Town of Saybrook Connecticut do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the records of said Church now in my possession with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in full legible figures as follows - "A. D. 1779" -
Fred. W m Hotchkiss
I Frederick William Hotchkiss above named do pose and say that I am pastor of the first Congregational Church in Saybrook Connecticut, and keeper of the records of said Church and that the above is a true extract from said records with the exception above named as certified by me -
Fred. W m Hotchkiss
Sworn before me this 27 th day of August 1838.
Obadiah Spencer Judge of Probate
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Rev. Fred. W m Hotchkiss, and that he is a credible witness - Saybrook Conn t 27 th August 1838
Obadiah Spencer Judge of Probate

Extract from the Record of "Marriages Births and Deaths" of the Town of Saybrook, in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut Vol. 1 p. 5
"Nathan Bushnell was married to Rhoda Bushnell October twentieth one thousand seven hundred and twenty four - and died on the May sixteenth one thousand seven hundred and twenty five - said Nathan was again married to Esther Lord November sixteenth one thousand seven hundred and twenty seven"
I Obadiah Spencer Clerk of the Town of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, and keeper of the records of said Town, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of said record now in my office with the exception of the dates, which are expressed on the said record in fair legible figures as follows "October 20 th 1774" "May 16 th 1775" "Novr 16 th 1777"
Obadiah Spencer Town Clerk
I Obadiah Spencer above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Saybrook aforesaid in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Saybrook, with the exception above named as certified by me
Obadiah Spencer Town Clerk
Sworn before me this 27 th day of August 1838
Leleu M Pratt Justice of Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Obadiah Spencer, and that he is a credible Witness - Saybrook August 27 th 1838 -
Leleu M Pratt Justice of Peace

October 13, 1939.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. George E. Bushnell, 2112 -19th Avenue, South, Nashville, Tennessee.
BA-J/CC cm Nathan Bushnell W.17372
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Nathan Bushnell of Saybrook, Connecticut.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W.17372, based upon service of Nathan Bushnell in the Revolutionary War.
Date and place of birth of Nathan Bushnell and names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut, Nathan Bushnell enlisted in March, 1776, served nine months as private in Captain Martin Kirtland's Connecticut company; enlisted in May or June, 1778, served six months as private in Captain Elisha Chapman's company, Colonel Samuel McLellan's Connecticut regiment; enlisted in August, 1779, served as private five months in Captain Aaron Kelsey's Connecticut company; enlisted in April, 1781, served nine months as private in Captain Martin Kirtland's Connecticut Company.
The soldier died October 12, 1820, at Saybrook, Connecticut. At the time of his death he was aged sixty-seven years.
Nathan Bushnell married October 20, 1774, in Saybrook, Connecticut, Rhoda Bushnell, who died May 16, 1775. His second marriage was November 16, 1777, in Saybrook, Connecticut to Esther (or Hester) Lord, who was born September 29, 1756 in Saybrook, Connecticut. The names of parents of Rhoda or Esther are not shown.

In 1779, Nathan and Esther Bushnell were received in the First Congregational Church at Saybrook, Connecticut.
The soldier's widow, Esther Bushnell, was allowed pension on her application executed August 14, 1838, at which time she was residing in Saybrook, Connecticut.
In 1838, reference was made to two children of Esther and Nathan Bushnell, their names not stated.
In 1859 reference was made to one Harvy Bushnell, relationship not stated. No further family data are shown.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of Esther Bushnell, widow of Nathan Bushnell, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Esther Bushnell, widow of Nathan Bushnell Certificate #2446 Issued November 26, 1838 Rate $54.88 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of July 4, 1836 Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
1939- Oct. 13 visit to Geo. E Bushnell cc
File No. 17372
Esther Bushnell widow of Nathan Bushnell Pri Rev War
Act: July 4 th 36
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 104
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nathan Burchnell
 76. Capt. Kirtland - Comp d from 1 July to 14 Sept 76 - 2 mo. 14  78. " Elisha Chapman with roll 3 mo. & 3 mo. 6  79. " Aaron Kelsey - No comp d evidence 5  81. " Kirtland - X in Saybrook 9 comp d 786 $ too little for 9 mo. 
  2:14  76    6 -  78    8 -  81    16:14   

Act 4 June  July 1836 Act 4 July 1836
Act 4 July '36-

Orion Saint Ingland
Oct 28 95 38
ab

War Dep
Pen: off Sept 38.
Sir
In the case of Mrs Esther Bushnell widow of Nathan Bushnell dec d whose papers have been filed under the act of 4 July 1836, I have the honor to inform you that the 3 rd term of 5 mos in 79 under Capt Aaron Kellogg is not supported by the certificate of the Comptroller and that this certificate shows that the alleged term of 9 months in 1781 under Lt. Kirkland is overrated alleged service
The first term of 2 mos 14 days in 76 & the 2 nd of 2 mos of 2 mos each under one enlistment in 78 will not be objected to —
Hon Sam L. Hingham Saybrook Conn:

Esther Bushnell - wid. of
J Nathan - con - w 1836
Far Beachport B. Land
Official Business
Hon. Mr. Whiting
Comm. of Pensions
Washington
Hon. Samuel Englam Comm. of Pensions

Inverness Hon. Samuel Ingham. Commissioner of Customs. Washington. D.C.

Hon. Saml. Caghan
March 3.

Brookfield Office, March 3, 1859.
Mr.
In answer to the inclosed letter of our correspondent, Harry Bushnell, Esq., I have the honor to state that there is not anything due to the children of Esther Bushnell, under the existing pension or county law laws, provided unless it be a small amount of arrear of pension which Mr. Bushnell may not have drawn at her decease.
The only person The Wm. Auditor of the Navy can inform you if arrear are due. Mr. Bushnell was pensioner under the act of July 1836.
Hon. Saml. Ingham,
Com d of Customs, Present.

New Bedford Conn. Sept 12. 1858
Sir
I send you two pension applications which I trust you will find fully sustained. I have been home tomorrow to be absent about six weeks, I would thank you therefore to address Obadiah Spencer Esq. of this town respecting them, and to send to him the certificates.
With great respect I have the honor to be Your ob. Servt
Samuel H. Groom
Respectable J. S. Edwards H. H. —

To Mr. Edwards.
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1- It is said that the scin in Rittenfuss Company from 19 July to 14 Sept - 2 Mo. 14 days will not be objected to -
1776
There is not allowing time enough - The certificate of the Comptroller shows a scin of 2 Mo & 14 days at New London , but does not say that the company was there all the time - On the contrary, Mr. Parker who is well known to me & who is venerated for his honesty and integrity, swears positively that the company was marched to White Plains and served until December, and that Mr. Bushnell served during the whole time -
This is strongly corroborated by Moses Allen Chalker - and also Chalker - It will be noted that Mr. Parker's dep n . was taken on the 17 th of Aug. & the Comptroller on the 21 st .
Now he swears nothing of there being any record evidence, and yet he says they left New London about the first, & the certificate says the 14 th Sept r . This it will be admitted is getting pretty correct as to dates - The part of scin until Dec r is proved beyond a doubt
2- It is said the certificate of the Comptroller does not supple the whole time of 2 Mo. in saybrook Fort under Lieut. Rittenfuss. Because the am t paid was $786-6-11.
This proves the scin, but how does it prove the time to be longer or shorter, without showing the number of men - not at all. Remember it was Lieut. Rittenfuss, & the company was a Coast Battery , as appears by the certificate.
Mr. Jones & Deacon. Church, both distinguished intelligent, and to my own knowledge highly respectable men, who have lived during their whole lives within 2 miles of the Fort & were present to the fact. It is therefore fully proved.
3- as to the term of 5 months under Reloy - no evidence is to be found in the Comptroller's office about it, but the part is directly asserted by one or two of the witnesses. & ——— Sam d H. Allen Washington Nov 22. 1838.

I certify that the above is the first and only original of the above certificate which was issued by the said Henry Spencer pursuant to the provisions of the Act for the probate of wills affixing it to the said certificate
Henry Spencer Clerk of the Court of Probate for the Dist. of Laybrook
3753
3753- Esther Bushnell widow of Nathan Cox
act 4 July '36
Marryed in 1779.
  ad   2 mo. 14 d. 76   6. 78   8. 81     10 mo. 14     $57 88 
No disputation
Wm. S. Ingham  Esther Cox

I certify that Elizabeth Spencer was before whom the foregoing declaration of Esther Bushnell was made, and before whom the foregoing depositions of John Goss - Fred l W m Hotchkiss - Moses Chadwick - Peter Chadwick and Rufus Clark were taken, and at all times during more than one year now last past have been Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Saybrook Conn ct and before whom the foregoing deposition of the said Elizabeth Spencer was taken - and Joshua D. Hunsdicker was before whom the foregoing deposition of John Parker and Joseph Clark were taken, severally one, and at all times during the year last past have been Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, and that the na- mes of the said Spencer Pratt and J. Hunsdicker as they are severally affixed to the foregoing certificates, are in their own proper hand writing.
Saybrook September 12 th . 1838 Samuel Hunsdicker M.C

I Henry W. Spencer Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Saybrook and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the within contains the proceedings of said Court in the case of the application of Mrs. Esther Spencer for an injunction with the said Clerk in said case - Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 12th day of September A.D. 1838 -
Henry W. Spencer Clerk
I certify that the above is the first and only seal affixed to the above certificate which was disfigured by striking a little from its first position while affixing it -
Henry W. Spencer Clerk of the court of Probate for the Dist. of Saybrook.
3753

Comptroller's Office,
Hartford Connecticut
21 August 1838.
On application for evidence of the service of Nathan Bushnell, I have examined the records remaining in this office relating to Revolutionary Soldiers, and find in Harkness' Receipts, under head of "Expense of Coast Guards", this entry:—
"1782 March 12 — Lt. Martin Kirtland — Coast Guard Saybrook £786.6.11 — Specie.", as the amount of his Bill, or pay Roll. The date is supposed to be that of the settlement, or of the rendering of the Account.
I certify the above to be truly extracted from the book there mentioned.
Henry Hubbard Compt.
I also certify that in addition to the above, I have since found, as follows, —
In a Pay-Table Book, this entry,
"Dec. 24. 1776 — Post of New London Dr. To State of Conn.
In the pay &c. of a Company stationed at New London under the command of Capt. Martin Kirtland Col. E. Wolcott's Regt. from July 1 to Sep. 14. 1776
Wages P. Roll — 434.12.1 Equipping Prem ns — 2.16.9 £437.8.1 Henry Hubbard Compt.

And also,
"1777 July 8 - Cap. Elisha Chapman, Soldiers Regt. Ch.
By acct rend? for his C o viz
Enlisting Bounties £198.
Equipping d o . — 71.10. 269.10.
Hospital Bills, Sums &c o and other items,
making in all, the sum of . . . . . £582.16.6
Nothing has been discovered to determine where this service was rendered, or the time when. Nor has the name of Nathan Bushnell been found.
Harrisburg Camp 2

John Jones of Saybrook in the state of Connecticut do hereby certify that he is 76 years of age, that he served in the war of the Revolution in a company commanded by Martin Kirtland from April 1781 to January, 1782 which company was during that time stationed at the Fort in said Saybrook - that he was well acquainted with Nathan Bushnell of said Town now deceased, and that said Bushnell joined said company and served therein during the whole of said period from April to January, being nine months, and was then discharged - I was well acquainted with the said Nathan Bushnell from my youth - He married Esther Lord, sometime written Hester Lord for his second wife, who is now living in this Town [Saybrook] and is his widow. He was married to her sometime before his service in the Fort as above specified, and had I think two children by her. She has never married since his death, and she is now making application for a pension. I have during all my life lived within three miles of said Nathan Bushnell until his death, & of said Esther his widow - He died some years ago - and further I say not -
John Jones
2nd proof 2nd Nov 1822

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County } Scituate } 27 Aug. 1835
Personally appeared John Jones and made solemn oath that the above and within deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Jones and that he is a credible witness.
Just of the facts Obadiah Spencer Judge of Probate

I John Parker of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut. Depose and say, that I am Eighty years of Age. That at Saybrook in said County in March 1776. I Enlisted into a Company of Infantry Commanded by Captain Martin Kirtland. (Regiment & Commander not recd d ) and served therein in the War of the Revolution Nine Months - was Stationed at New London from the time of my said Enlistment until about the first of September of the same year - from which place I was marched with said Company to the White Plains, and there served til December - when and where I was discharged - and I further depose and say, that I was well acquainted during the War of the Revolution, and until the time of his death, with Mr. Nathan Bushnell late of said Saybrook, now dece d . he enlisted at the same time and into the same Company that I did, as above stated, and served therein during the whole of said time of Nine Months, at New London and at White Plains, and was discharged at the same time that I was - The said Nathan Bushnell married Ester Lord, I think in about 1777 - and died in about 1820 - leaving his said Widow, with whom I have been well acquainted ever since her said Marriage with said Bushnell, and who has ever since his death remained sole and unmarried - she has always resided in said Town of Saybrook - and is now making application for a Pension - And further I say not -
John Parker
State of Connecticut } Middlesex County ss } Chester August 17 th A D 1838-
Personally appeared John Parker and made Solemn Oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth - And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Parker and that he is a credible witness - Sworn to before me and Certified by me -
John H. Konnedy Lester of the Reuse

I Moses Chamber of Saybrook in the State of Connecticut depose and say that I am seventy nine years of age - that I was well acquainted with Mr. Nathan Bushnell late of said Saybrook now deceased, and lived a neighbour to him during his whole life - I have always understood and firmly believe that he served a number of times in the War of the Revolution, but having been absent much of the time myself, and never, to my recollection, having served in the same company with him, I am unable from my own knowledge to state the particulars of his service. I recollect of his relating to me at some time subsequent to the War some circumstances connected with his service at the White Plains, and especially of his saying that he was posted as a Sentinel near the East River, and that the British ships of war came round so near, that they might have fired upon and killed him. He expected every moment, he said, that they would fire, but they did not. I also recollect of being at New London the early part of the war, probably in 1776 where I saw the said Nathan Bushnell, serving as a soldier among the Troops stationed at that place. I am unable to say how long he served, but presume he served through that season or campaign.
I further depose and say that I have always understood and firmly believe that said Nathan Bushnell was married during the war of the Revolution (but I am unable to give the precise time) to Esther Lord of said Town whom I have ever since well known, and who is now making application for a pension. The said Nathan Bushnell died about the year A. D. 1820. and the said Esther

Busnell has once remained as now. I do not know when the said Matthew Busnell was born, but think he was as much as 67 years of age at the time of his death.
And further I say not
Major Chalker
State of Connecticut
Middlesex County ss } Saybrook August 27. 1838
Personally appeared Moses Chalker and made solemn oath that the within deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Moses Chalker and that he is a credible witness.
Justice of the peace Nehemiah Spencer Judge of Probate

Joseph Clark of Chester in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, Depose and say that I am seventy six years of age - That at Saybrook in said County, my Father Reuben Clark was drafted in May or June 1778 - and that immediately after I took his place as a substitute, and was marched to New Haven - when I arrived there, I enlisted into Capt. Elisha Chapman Company of Infantry in Col. Samuel M c Clellans Regiment for nine Months, in the Revolutionary War - I served in said Company three Months at New Haven, was then dismissed or furlough for a short time - in about two weeks, after, was ordered to New London, and there served three months, - was then dismissed for further order, and was not called on again during the term of my said Enlistment - I further depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Nathan Bushnell late of said Saybrook now deceased - who served in the same Company that I did as above stated - and served therein during the whole time that I did, at New Haven and at New London - and further I say not -
Joseph Clark
State of Connecticut } Middlesex County ss } Chester August 17 th A D 1838 - Personally appeared Joseph Clark and made solemn oath, that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth, and nothing but the truth - and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Joseph Clark, and that he is a credible Witness - Sworn to before and Certified by me - John H. Hemenway Justice of the Peace

I Oliver Chalker of Saybrook in the state of Connecticut do hereby depose and say that I am seventy eight years of age - that I was during the war of the Revolution and until his death, a neighbour to, and well acquainted with, Mr. Nathan Bushnell late of said Saybrook now deceased - I served in the Army of the Revolution at New London a short time, say two or three weeks, in 1776 during which time the said Nathan Bushnell was then serving as a soldier in said Army. And I always understood and very likely believe that he served through the campaign. I further depose and say that in the month of August 1779 I went to New Haven in this state and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army until (according to the best of my recollection and belief) the month of January following when I was discharged. The Company was commanded by Deacon Kelcey. I think there were no other troops there (and of course) no other officers. Nathan Bushnell above named belonged to the same company at the same time, and according to my recollection and belief served therein during the whole period from August to January as aforesaid, being at least five months. I think the company was a select one.
I have always understood, and believed that the said Nathan Bushnell was married to Miss. Esther Lord during the war of the Revolution. He died in about 1820, and she, with whom I have been well acquainted since her marriage has ever since remained a widow, and is now making application for a pension and further I say not.
Oliver Chalker

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss } Saybrook August 27, 1838.
Personally appeared Oliver Chamber and made solemn oath that the within deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Oliver Chamber and that he is a credible witness.
Justice of Peace Obadiah Spencer Judge of Probate

I Rufus Clark of Saybrook in the state of Connecticut do pose and say that I am 72 years of age - that in April 1781 my brother Ezra Clark enlisted in to a company commanded by Martin Rittenand to serve nine months - and that I took his place and served as substitute for him until January 1782 when I was discharged - that said company was stationed at Saybrook Fort, and that I entered it and was discharged from it in that town. And I further do pose and say that I was well acquainted with Mr. Nathan Bushnell late of said town now deceased, that he entered the said company and served the whole time that I did, and was honorably discharged when I was, making the time of his service therein nine months - He was married some time before that, I presume in 1777 to Esther Lord. I was not at the wedding, but well recollect of hearing about it at the time. He died I think in about 1820. leaving his widow the said Esther Bushnell who I have always well known and who hath ever since remained sole and unmarried. She is now making application for a pension -
And further this deponent saith not -
Rufus Clark
State of Connecticut
Mid dale of County ss } Saybrook August 27. 1838
Personally appeared Deacon Rufus Clark and made solemn that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Rufus Clark and that he is a credible witness -
Obadiah Spencer Justice of the Peace Judge of Probate