Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18329, Samuel Bliss, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
Bliss, Samuel
NUMBER
S. 18329
CONTENTS
carded

17.159 Connecticut
Samuel Bliss
of Columbia in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. _____ commanded by Col. Ward in the Connecticut line for 1 yr. pri. 7 mo. 27 d.
Died Oct. 3, 1834. Agency book.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of $3 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Aug. 1833 and unto A. Henderson Hection
Arrears to the 5th of May '33 $150 Sem-ant. allowance ending Sep '33 37.50 $187.50
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G. C. Stiles Clerk Book 6 Vol. 3. Page 5

State of Connecticut Tolland County ss Hebron Probate District
On this 12 th Day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before Abner Hemen Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate for 8 th District now sitting Samuel Bliss a resident of Columbia in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut aged 74 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 under the following named officers and served as herein stated That in May 1776 he enlisted into a company of Continental Troops commanded by Capt James Stedman in Col. Andrew Ward's Regt. for one year & served as stated in his application for a Pension now in the War Department He further states the whole term of one year was discharged in May 1777 at a place called Blauvelt near Morristown in New Jersey which was then Genl Washington's head quarters For this service he made application for a Pension under the act of 1818 which was granted him but that afterwards his name was stricken from the Pension Roll on account of his property - He further states that he was appointed a Sergeant in said company in Feb y & served as such until his discharge but has no proof of it as the Witnesses who testified in the former application in his favour are long since deceased & he knows of no one living who can testify for him - He therefore refers the Hon Secretary of War to the papers now in the Pension Office for the proof & evidence of his services in said Ward's Regt did not state as Sergeant as it would not have added to his pension then it would have been added to his pension if it had been stated in original pension

That on or about the first day of June 1777 he enlisted for seven months as a Sergeant in a Company of state troops commanded by James Dama. Deborah Rowe with was an sister of James Abbott. was Ensign Col John Ely's Regt. We marched from Lebanon in a few days & joined the Regt at New London & was employed in keeping Garrison & watching the Coast untill about the 1st of October when we were ordered to Rhode Island & marched to Little Compton in sd state & placed under the Command of Gen Spencer & made several unsuccessful attempts to drive the the enemy out of Newport but was unsuccessful our attempts That some time in November we returned to New London & then marched to Norwalk & joined a Regt of Troops Commanded by Col Webb & both Regts were ordered to cross over to Long Island which we attempted to do in a dark night our Cols & many of the Officers were in a Sloop together which was taken by the British Frigate then in the Sound our Vessel crossed over in safety but as most of the Officers were taken we returned to the main Land in a few days & landed at Saybrook from there marched to New London where we remained untill the fore part of January 1778 when we were honorably but Verbally discharged. That during the whole time of seven months he served as orderly Sergeant of his Company has no written document to show nor did he state this service in the application now in the war department for a pension as the service was state service and not Continental & would not have availed him if he had. That he was born in Lebanon in Windham County & lived there

when he entered the service of his country there were since in that part lately incorpo- -rated into a Town by the name of Columbia & annexed to Tolland County is known to Clergyman Bill of Lebanon in New London County who can testify to his services as sergeant in Col John Bly's Regt also to the Rev David Dickenson a Clergyman in said Columbia & to Asahel Clarke Esq also of said Columbia who can give evidence of his character & reputed Revolutionary services -
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension to a pension or annuity except the present 3 dollars his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Sam l Bliss
We David Dickenson a Clergyman residing in the town of Columbia and Asahel Clarke Esq also of S t Columbia hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Bliss Esq who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 74 years of age. That he is reputed and believed 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. - David Dickenson Asahel Clarke
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the inter- rogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above- named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.

And the court further certify that it appears to them that David Dickinson who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Columbia and that Asahel Clark Esq who has also signed the same is a resident in said Columbia and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Abner Hovey Judge of said Court
I Cyrus Mann clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hebron do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Samuel Bliss Esq for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 12 th Day of October 1832
Cyrus Mann Clerk

State of Connecticut, TOLLAND COUNTY, SS. HEBRON PROBATE DISTRICT.
On this Twenty eighth day of June A. D. 1833, personally appeared in open court before Abner Hendee, Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate, for the District of Hebron, now sitting, Samuel Bliss a resident of Columbia in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut, aged  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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That in the year 1776 in May he enlisted for one year as a private and served as such for Eight  Three Months at which time he was appointed Sergeant by Col Andrew Ward and served as such until the 14th day of May that he was then discharged having served Eight  Three Months as a private & Three  Three Months as a sergeant he has no discharge or Warrant nor does he know of any person living who served with him. He also says that Lapham Swift of Windham to whom his papers were returned has long since deceased & although he has made diligent enquiry they cannot be found by him Lapham Swift's Administration or by any one else. He furnishes the certificate granted him for this service under the act 1818 to show as he believes that his old declaration is now in the penitentiary at Washington.

He further states that in his service in the Revolutionary war he has served Seven Months as a sergeant & Nine Months as a private & for this service he claims a pension. He has no documentary evidence & knows of no other testimony he can procure

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
He answers to the interrogatories propounded by order of the War Department, as follows:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
He was born in Lebanon in the county of Windham in the year 1750
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
He has no record of his age
3. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
He lived in that part of Lebanon since called Columbia he lived there when he entered the service, has lived there ever since
4. How were you called into service? Were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
He enlisted in both his terms of service
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiment as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
He has stated all the circumstances of his service he can recollect he is aged & forgetful & does not remember more

6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Has no written discharge if he had he has lost them
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution?
He is known to the Rev David Dickerson of Central Colborne Eng who have signed his first declaration
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Samuel Phelps Esq
We, _____ a clergyman residing in the town of _____ in the County of Tolland, and _____ residing in hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be _____ years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood 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.
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 the Rev. _____ who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the town of _____ and that _____ who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of _____ and is a creditable person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Cyrus Mann, clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hebron, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original Revolutionary proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Samuel Phelps Esq for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 22 nd day of July A. D. 1837.
Cyrus Mann Clerk.

16 100
Samuel Bliss -
Service as Sergeant in Ward No. 1, Company D
2 1/2
adm 2 12 mo. fri 7 mo. Serf.
55 40
Abner Menden Hebron Can

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 4 1837
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Sam Bliss Hebron Co Ct.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted May '36 12 1st Sergt Capt. Stearns in Col. M c Int. 74 Adj. Hith op   " Jan '37 not shep d Sergt.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Samuel Bliss

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 _____; 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, 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
State the grade & length of service in each grade
The papers of claimant under act March 18. 1818 were returned from this office on the 17 th of May

1819 to Sept r Swift of Windham born — Applicant has produced no proof to establish the term of service in 1776 —

Rev. War Section.
October 19, 1914.
Mr. F. C. Bissell, Deputy Comptroller of Connecticut, Hartford, Conn.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the 16" instant, you are furnished the history of Samuel Bliss, Joseph Burnham and Christopher Crouch, Revolutionary War pensioners of Tolland County, Connecticut, from the papers on file in their respective pension claims.
Sur. File No. 18,329. Samuel Bliss the son of Captain Elias Bliss, was born in 1758, at Lebanon, Windham County, Connecticut. where he resided when he enlisted in May 1776, and served nine months as Private and three months as Sergeant in Captain James Stedman's company, Colonel Andrew Ward's regiment and was discharged May 14, 1777, at Chatham near Morristown, New Jersey.
Enlisted the first of June 1777, as Orderly Sergeant in Captain James Dana's company, Colonel John Ely's regiment, was in the expedition to Rhode Island, under General Spencer, and was discharged the first of January 1778, at New London.
In 1832 he was a resident of Columbia, Tolland County, Connecticut, where he was pensioned on account of his aforesaid services. He died Oct. 3, 1834.
G. M. Saltzgaber Conn.

Samuel Bliss. Private Col. Ward's Regt Connec. Trenton line 1776-1 year
Dec. 26 th September 1810
Admitted
Hon. S. Gilbert, Hebron, Conn.

I Samuel Bliss of Columbia in the County of Windham and District of Connecticut now a resident citizen of the United States do on oath depose, declare and say that in the first part of June 1776 I enlisted as a Soldier into a company commanded by Capt m James Sedman, in the Regiment commanded by Col o Andrew Ward in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army for the term of one year. That I soon after joined the Continental Army in New York, and served till the 14 th day of May 1777 when I was regularly discharged with the Regiment and had no particular discharge - That before the enemy took possession of New York I was stationed at Fort Lee - From there I went to West Chester - and to White Plains where I was taken sick - I again joined the Regiment at Morris Town in New Jersey soon after the battle of Trenton, and then continued with the Army under General Washington in New Jersey till discharged - I am now sixty one years of age, unable to perform bodily labour by reason of lameness - possessed of little property and from my reduced circumstances have need of the assistance of my Country for my support. Dated at Windham the 26 th day of September 1818 -
Sworn to before -
Samuel Bliss
Leaphaniah Swift Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut.
I Zenas Flower of Windham in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut - do testify and say that I am well acquainted with the above named Samuel Bliss - that I was personally knowing to his enlisting into the Continental Army, and serving in the manner above mentioned, as I enlisted into the same Company and Regiment he did, and served with him during the same Campaign - and further saith not. Dated at Windham the 26 th day of September 1818 -
Sworn to before -
Zenas Flower
Leaphaniah Swift Chief Judge of the Superior Court
I Proswell Bill of Hampton in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut do testify and say that I am well acquainted with the above named Samuel Bliss, that I am knowing to his enlisting into the Continental Army in June 1776 and serving in the Army and being discharged in May 1777 in the manner he has testified as I enlisted into the same company and Regiment he did and served with him during the same campaign - and further saith not. Dated at Windham the first day of October 1818. Proswell Bill
Sworn to before
Leaphaniah Swift Chief Judge of the Sup o Court

We Asahel Clark Jr. and Sylvester Manly of Columbia in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut do testify and say That we are well acquainted with the within named Samuel Bliss, and his circumstances - that he is capable of little labour by reason of lameness, that he is in reduced circumstances and constantly growing poorer by reason of bodily infirmity - and needs the assistance of his Country for his support and further say not -
Dated at Windham the 1 st day of October AD 1818
Asahel Clark Jr. Sylvester Manly
Sworn to before
Lephaniah Swift Chief Judge of the Superior Court
State of Connecticut ss Windham October 1 st AD 1818
Whereas it appears to my satisfaction from the foregoing declaration of the within named Samuel Bliss and from the depositions of the within named Lemas Howes & Roxrel Bell that the said Samuel Bliss served as a Soldier in the revolutionary war against the common enemy in the Connecticut line of the Continental army for the term of one year in the manner he has testified, and whereas it appears to my satisfaction on due enquiry and from the foregoing deposition of Asahel Clark Jr. Esq. and Sylvester Manly that the said Samuel Bliss is in reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his Country for his support
I do therefore certify and transmit the aforesaid testimony to the Secretary of the Department of War pursuant to the act of Congress in such case made and provided -
Lephaniah Swift Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut

18329 INVALID.
File No. 18329
Samuel Bliss
Bi 1900 Wm
Act: June 7" 89.
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 422
[Arrangement of 1870.]
June 15-1901 Mrs Holden - Sabanon College Hill, Ohio
Oct. 9. 1905 History to Robert T. Hotchkiss New Haven, Conn. 1914 Oct. 19. Hist. to F.C. Bissell 1919 Jan. 14. " " Mrs. H. E. Ritz. 1931 Jan. 24. Smulstee dala Chas. R. Hale - See letter re Cachel Allen W 25346 aug

12. 932 R
Connecticut
Samuel Bliss
of Columbia in the state of Connecticut who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel J. Ward of the Connecticut line, for the term of one year -
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 26 th of September 1810
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th of July 1819 and sent to the Hon. D. Gilbert, Hebron, Conn.
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 - 5 \frac{5}{31} 42.36 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 1819 - 40.00
$90.36
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Windham Col.
In letter to G. Dorrance Sept 18. 1829. to S. Bliss Oct 29. 1829. under to Gushorn Dorrance Dec. 16. 1829. to Hon. C. Willey 10 March 1830 - to Hon. H. W. Stewart 9 April 1830 - to do. 1 May 1830 - to Dr. S. Fuller 12 July 1830 - & 6 Oct. 1831 - to Hon. U. G. Doubleday H.R. Dec. 21. 1831 (also to Hon. C. Willey 9 March 1829 & G. Dorrance 27 June 1829).
In letter to Abner Henslee 3 October 1832

Pammel Bliss son of Capt. Elias Bliss see aff. in W. 25,196 Pammel Barstow

Sand Blip.
1400.

I Naomi Kingsley of Columbia in Tolland County & State of Connecticut aged 69 years do testify & say that in 1777 early in the Spring I lived at at the house of Capt Elias Bliss the Father of Samuel Bliss Esq of s d Columbia & that at the time I went at s d Bliss's it was reported & generally understood that Samuel Bliss Esq was of s d Columbia & son of s d Elias Bliss & that he was a Serjeant in the Army and that while I remained at s d Bliss's house in the Spring of 1777 s d Samuel Bliss returned home and that he wore his military uniform with a white knot on one shoulder and that he said he was a serjeant & that he had returned home on a furlough previous to starting for another town & that his father's family were all engaged in fitting his clothes &c to start as soon as possible for another town & I understood & believe that he enlisted as a serjeant for seven  months and I further say that the s d Samuel Bliss did leave his father's house about the first of June 1777 with his said uniform on & that he did not return home while I remained at s d Bliss's house & further saith not  Naomi Kingsley
State of Connecticut Tolland County ss Hebron Probate District
Personally appeared in open Court before Abner Henden Esq Judge of the Court of Probate for s d District Naomi Kingsley signer of the foregoing affidavit & made oath that the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And this Court certifies that the s d Naomi Kingsley is a person of truth & good moral character & that her statement is entitled to credit —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of s d Court this 16 th day of July A D 1833
Cyrus Mann Clerk

I Bleeker Hill of Lebanon of lawful age do testify and say that I am now seventy three years of age That in the year 1777 on or about the first day of June I enlisted into a company of State Troops commanded by James Danna for seven Months. Schobell Raworth was our Lieut, of James Abbott ensign - we marched from Lebanon to New London & joined our Regt at Fort Trumbull commanded by Col. John Ely we remained there until the 1st of October when our Regt was marched to Rhode Island & placed under the command of Genl. Spencer - The British were in Newport & we were ordered to attack the Island & attempted for three nights in succession to make a landing but failed each time we were marched back in New to New London & from thence to New York & joined a Regt of Continental Troops then commanded by Col. Webb & were ordered across the Sound to Long Island in boats The most of the Officers were in one of were taken by a British Frigate our vessel capsized over & we remained there ten days when we got back to New London or Saybrook which I do not well remember - of them remained in New London until the 1st of

of January 1778 when our Regt was verbally discharged as I now think & I well remember that Samuel Bliss now of Columbia intited about the same time that I did in the same Company & served the whole time with me as the Orderly Sergeant of the Company & was discharged when I was — & further the deponent saith not dated at Hebron the 10th day of Oct 1832 Deacon Bill
State of Connecticut Tolland County ss Hebron Probate District
Personally appeared in open Court before Abner Hemen Day Judge Elazar Bill signer of the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth & nothing but the truth ) This Court certifies the s d Elazar Bill is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 10 th Day of October A 1832
Cyrus Mann Clerk

Sam e Bliss
Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of September next, in Middletown, at the Br: Bk: N. States,
Connecticut.
Blank

War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, — " " —
Samuel Bliss — late a private " " in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Connecticut Agency, at the rate of Eight dollars per month, to commence on the twenty sixth day of September one thousand eight hundred and eighteen .
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this twenty fourth day of July one thousand eight hundred and nineteen .
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.

Samuel Bliss of Connecticut
Appl n for Continuance
Brief
Rec d 5 January 1830 From Hon R. Willey Senate No. 8.

Application to be Continued
Samuel Bliss of Connecticut, a Private, served 1 Year. Pensioned 24 July 1819: to commence 26 Sept 1818. His name was dropped from the roll for want of a schedule of property, as required by the Act of the 1 st May 1820.
January 23. 1829 he filed a declaration (see file A. page 1) which was returned for amendment.
In his amendment he states that in 1820 his property might possibly have amounted to $400. or $500. over and above paying his debts: since then all has been expended in payment of debts previously contracted and for necessities and expenses of a sick family. He does not state what property he has disposed of since the 18 th March 1818; but says, that it is impossible to give a more particular account of the transactions of 10 or 11 Years than he has done. He is now without any property.
See file A pages 12. 13.
It further appears from the testimony of Charles Bliss, that on the 13 th November 1828 he purchased all the real estate of the claimant for $2000 and agreed to pay the following debts for him, viz—
see next page

  To Elias Bliss  926. 10    To Chester Bliss  425. 76    To Benjamin Strong  118. 29    To David Dickinson  42. 16    To Samuel Bliss  300. 00    To Charles Bliss (the Defendant) for money advanced claimant to pay Doctor bills, and Jewish necessaries for family  200. 00  
See file A. Page 6.
$ 2,012. 31.
For a copy of the deed, see file A Page 4.
The testimony of the creditors was required to prove the existence and origin of the foregoing debts.
The only regular affidavit exhibited is that of Charles Bliss for $425.76, - His claim was for $200 sent claimant 20 years ago, and the residue of the claim was for a waggon-yoke of Oxen and harness and paying some small debts for the claimant due 11 years ago. file A Page 7.  $425.76
To supply the deficiency of testimony, Gershom Dorrance and Silas Fuller, Justices of Peace. Certify: that they are fully satisfied that the debts which Charles Bliss has bound himself to pay for the claimant are legal debts: and

a large portion of them have been due prior to 1818.
See file A. page 11.
G. Durance, S. Little and others depose that they have made a careful enquiry into the facts relative to the sale and disposition of the claimants property, and are fully satisfied that the sale was bona fide - the property sold for its full value and the avails absorbed in paying the claimants just debts. see paper B.
The above joint affidavit of G. Durance and others is supported by the statement of the Hon: Calvin Willey, who states that he is acquainted with these Deponents - that they are very respectable gentlemen and entitled to full credit. That the claimant is very poor and stands in need of support from his Country. His letter is marked C
D is some evidence of the claimants infirmity in the last five years.

Eldon Iowa Jan 2-1918
W. C. Newman
Act. Com. of Pensions
Dear Sir - About all the information I can give you about Samuel Bliss - is his wife's name was Sarah Packer - and they were both from Come - Hope this will be enough help to establish his Pension of Rev. War.

Thanking You
I remain
Mrs H. E. Ritz.
Sister Samuel Bliss S. 18329.
The other had a wife Elizabeth - of course he may have been married twice but not probable.
This is the best we can do.
AW

HARTFORD
October 16, 1914.
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly send me the military records of Samuel Bliss, Joseph S. 12381 S. 17,904 Burnham and Christopher Crouch, all Revolutionary pensioners residing in Tolland County, Conn., in 1832?
Respectfully,
F. C. Bissell.
Deputy Comptroller.

111 THE CONNECTICUT SOCIETY
PRESIDENT JONATHAN TRUMBULL NORWICH
VICE-PRESIDENT MORRIS B. BEARDSLEY BRIDGEPORT
SECRETARY CHARLES G. STONE HARTFORD
TREASURER WILLIAM E. CHANDLER NEW HAVEN
REGISTRAR HOBART L. HOTCHKISS NEW HAVEN
HISTORIAN JOSEPH G. WOODWARD HARTFORD
Dictated.
New Haven, Conn., October 2, 1905.
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you please send me the record of the service of Samuel N. 25/196 Barstow, who in 1840 was a revolutionary pensioner residing in Columbia, Conn? Also the record of Samuel Bliss, who in 1838 was a pensioner residing in Tolland County.
Yours very truly,
Hobart L. Hotchkiss

College Hill. O. June 9, 1901 Commr. of Pensions. Washington, D. C. Dear Sir,
Please send me the pension record for revolution. service of Samuel Bliss of Conn . He is given on the printed roll of 1832 as of Tolland Co. Conn. I wish to use it for membership in Sons of the Revolution . Yours truly Wm Holden

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Samuel Bliss a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
L. 18329
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1776 9 mos. Private James Stedman Andrew Ward Conn.   3 mos. Sergeant   June 1, 1777 7 mos. Orderly Sgt. James Dana John Ely  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lebanon, Conn.  (that part which was afterwards called Columbia)
Date of application for pension, Sept 26 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Columbia, Windham Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, born in 1758 at Lebanon, Conn.
Remarks: soldier was the son of Capt. Elias Bliss. The name of soldier's wife is not stated. In 1828, Elias, Chester, Samuel and Charles Bliss were referred to, but no relationship to soldier was stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

January 24, 1931
Mr. Charles R. Hale 131 Washington Street Hartford, Connecticut
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB AW
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 18329, that Samuel Bliss , the son of Captain Elias Bliss, was born in 1758 at Lebanon, Windham County, Connecticut.
While residing in said Lebanon, Connecticut, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops, as follows:
From May, 1776, nine months as private, and three months as sergeant, in Captain James Stedman's company, Colonel Andrew Ward's regiment; from the first of June, 1777, as orderly sergeant in Captain James Dana's company, Colonel John Ely's regiment, was in the expedition to Rhode Island under General Spencer, and was discharged the first of January, 1778.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 26, 1818, at which time he was living in Columbia, Connecticut.
He died October 3, 1834.
Very truly yours
Stone data only
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner