Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16684, John Bidwell, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Continental.
Bidwell, John Potter, Sarah (Former widow.)
No. 16684.
CONTENTS
William

June 21 Let to B Allen Albany NY.
Nov 5 Richd. Winne 1861 Sept. 20th Copies of the Surrogates certificates sent to Richard Winne
1919
Pro York Albany Sarah Potter decd widow of Thomas David & John Bidwell who died in the Month of November 1825 of Albany in the State of New York who was a Captain in the 2nd Regt commanded by Col Penfield in the New York line for 2 Years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March 1837 & ending 18 March 1846
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of August 1857, and V. 1860 Hon Gideon Reynolds Awards to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Head of Family 1000 Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836 Section the 3rd J. B. Weightman Clerk Recorded by Oak Vol. 2 Page 360 360

The application of Sarah Patten for a pension under the act of the fourth day of July 1836 and the amended act of the third of March 1837. Made before Mr Muced Butts one of the Judges of the County Court of the County of Columbia State of New York Made this 22 nd day of April 1837. The said Sarah Patten being duly sworn deposes & says that she is now in the Eighty first year of her age that she was born in the Town of Chatham in the State of Connecticut on the 6 th day of November 1756 that she was married to John Bidwell of the aforesaid town on the 15 th of August 1775. That in the month of Aug st 1776 - the said John Bidwell - as a Sergeant in the Militia from said town of Cha- tham went to Long Island in the State of New York. That he was in the regiment of Colonel John Penfield - does not know the exact time that he was absent - it - was from one to two months - that he then returned to Chatham in Connecticut that the said John Bidwell was from time to time called out in short excursions but this deponent does not recollect the time nor length of time - that in the year 1778 or 1779 in the said John Bidwell was appointed Assistant Commissary under the then acting Commissary of that part of the State of Connecticut does not recollect the name of the Commissary - and that he continued in that service for more than two years - and was engaged in purchase of Beef Pork Flour etc &c

for Government and that it was delivered by - Said John Bidwell to at Middletown in Connecticut aforesaid - that after the expiration of his services as commis- ary - in the said John Bidwell went as orderly sergeant in the company of - Capt Blake's Sent Joseph Sage - that he went to Horn Neck and remained there three months that the said John Bidwell continued to live in the town of Chatham in Connecticut until the fall of 1799 when he removed to the town of Kinder Hook in the County of Columbia & State of New York & continued to live there until November 1825 - when he died - and that the said Sarah - Patten remained the widow of said - John Bidwell until June 1830 when she was married to William Patten of the town of Schoharie in Rensselaer County - That the said William Patten died in the 20 th January 1833 - and that in the said Sarah Patten is now a wid- ow and has been since that time - that she has no documentary Evidence & that the living witnesses of the services of the said John Bidwell are Abiel - Churney - & Prudence Churney - whose Affidavits are herunto annexed & who reside in the City of Hudson in in the County of Columbia & State of New York and the said Sarah further says that she well remembers that the said John Bidwell went frequently to Hartford to draw money to pay - for the aforesaid Provisions - Sworn & subscribed before me this 22 nd April 1837
Edward Butler
Sarah P. Patten

Sarah Potter formerly Widow of John Bidwell Certificate

State of New York Columbia County ss
On this 12 th day of September 1850 personally appeared before me the Surrogate of the said County Alexander Bidwell of said County and made oath in due form of law that his Mother Sarah Potter formerly the widow of John Bidwell deceased was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of $160. per annum under the act of 4 th July 1836. That she died on the 18 th day of March 1846 leaving surviving her six Children whose names are Alexander Bidwell Sally Starnard Holley Bidwell Ann Potter Abner Bidwell & Benjamin Bidwell and of whom now survive Alexander Bidwell Sally Starnard Ann Potter & Benjamin Bidwell & that they are the only surviving children of the said Sarah Potter deceased Subscribed & sworn
This 12 th day of September 1850 Alexander Bidwell
C. R. Dutcher Surrogate

State of New York Columbia County } ss
I Charles B Dutcher Surrogate of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that at a Surrogate's Court held in open Court in the said County on the 22 nd day of September 1850 Satisfactory evidence was adduced before me that Sarah Potter formerly widow of John Bedwell deceased was a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $160. per annum under the act of 4 th of July 1836. That she died on the 18 th day of March 1846 leaving surviving her six children whose names are Alexander Bedwell Sally Stannard Halsey Bedwell Ann Potter and Benjamin Bedwell & Horace Bedwell & of whom now survive Alexander Bedwell Sally Stannard Ann Potter & Benjamin Bedwell & they are the only surviving children of the said Sarah Potter deceased. That this certificate is made to obtain any means or increase of Pension to which they may be entitled & that Alexander Bedwell is administrator upon the Estate of the said Sarah Potter deceased & that full force & credit are due to his acts or such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 22 nd day September 1850 C. B. Dutcher Surrogate

I certify, that in the publication of the obituary notice of Mrs. Sarah Potter, as appears in the Kindershook Sentinel of March 26 th 1846, the name of her first husband was stated, erroneously, to be Capt. David Bidwell, whereas it should have been Capt. John Bidwell; the name of the son having been printed for that of the father . I was well acquainted with both, and know Capt. John Bidwell to have been the first husband of Mrs. Sarah Potter. Kindershook, N. Y., Dec. 12 th 1850.
Peter Vanschaack, Editor and Proprietor of the Kindershook Sentinel .

Record of Deaths.
A REVOLUTIONARY MATRON.
At the residence of her son-in-law, Col. Wm. K. Potter, in the town of Schodack, Rensselaer county, on the 18th inst., Mrs. SARAH POTTER, relict of the late Col. Wm. Potter, in the 90th year of her age.
Mrs. Potter was twice married, and both her husbands were patriots of the Revolution and received pensions from the Government at the time of their decease. Mrs. Potter's first husband was Capt. David  John Bidwell, who entered the regular army in the early part of the struggle for Independence, and served as Orderly Sergeant, in the Connecticut line, about one year, when he received the appointment of Deputy Commissary under Gen. WADSWORTH, in which capacity he continued to act until the close of the war. While serving out rations to the famishing troops, the patriotism of his wife (the subject of this notice) was aroused into action, and she devoted herself wholly to the cause her husband had espoused. Her labors were unremitting, and day and night did she occupy her place at the platform, assisting in putting up provisions for the soldiers. — The services rendered to the cause of freedom by this heroic woman were of no trifling value, and her example nerved the arms of those of the sterner sex who were exposed to the shock of battle and to whose wants she ministered. She was often found near the scene of danger and the point of attack, and did not leave her post until the war was over. Mrs. Potter was in the receipt of a pension at the time of her decease, under the act granting pensions to the widows of deceased officers and soldiers of the Revolution.
The death of this venerable lady was peaceful and happy, as her life had been pure and exemplary. The meek and quiet spirit which marked her character through a long and eventful life, and which in the sight of God is of great price, was exhibited in her death. She expressed a firm reliance on the merits of a Divine Savior, and has left a comfortable hope that she has entered into that rest which remaineth to the people of God.
In Austerlitz, on the 15th inst., CHARLES F., son of David G. Woodin, aged 6 months and 15 days.
In Hudson, on the 16th inst., Mrs. ELIZABETH TOBEY, relict of the late Silas Tobey, in the 57th year of her age.

where excelled.
J. C. BOOTH & CO New York, March 26, 1846. 5
NOTICE.
THE Subscriber, will sell at public Auction, for cash, to the highest bidder, on the 14th day of April next, at two o'clock in the afternoon of that day, at a Store in the Village of Kinderhook, late occupied by Joseph T. Buffington, the following Book Accounts, Promissory Notes, Judgments and other evidences of Debt against the following persons, which Elisha Dodge and William W. Curtiss, and said Elisha individually, assigned to me for the benefit of their Creditors, to wit:—
 E. S. Keep, Note and Account, $195 2  Samuel Funnold, do do 129 9  Chas. McAlister, do do 490 1  A. P. Barringer, do do 226 3  J. W. Vincent & Co. do do 39 7  D. W. Van Aernam, Notes, 400  Ami S. Osborn, do 164 1  Wm. H. Collier, do 30  John D. Trimmer, do 5  H. I. Roberts, do 5  James Brown, do 2  Andrew Durrup, do 2  Thos. Homby do 1  John E. Vosburgh, Judgment, 11  Henry V. V. Hinman, Account, 4  David Green, do 5  Wm. Bigsby, do 7  Stephen Bosworth, Judgment, 28  Edward Holmes, Account 21  Benjamin Reynolds, do 11  Robert B. Clark, do 22  Nicholas I. Van Valkenburgh, Ac.t. 3  John V. & Lyman Salmon, do 11  Theodore Clark, do 116  Lucy Hobert, 3 Notes, 600 
Also several articles of Household Furniture.
Dated Kinderhook, March 25th. 1846 P. I. HOES, Assignee
The Cash System.
R. A. BULLIS will continue his business as usual until the 1st of April next, after which day he will relinquish the credit system, and sell for
CASH AND FARMERS' PRODUCE ON CASH. Being about to discontinue his present business and enter upon other employment the opening of another spring, he finds it indispensable, in order to settle up his books to proceed on the cash principle. Grateful for past favors, R. A. B. hopes to continue to receive the patronage of all his old customers who approve of the cash system, their own concerns, and who like a "cash business."
Kinderhook, March 26.

March 14, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA--J/ady John Bidwell W.16684
Mr. H. H. West 214 South Hill Street Los Angeles, California
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one John Bidwell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.16684, based upon his military service in that war.
While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, John Bidwell enlisted in August 1776 and served one or two months as sergeant in Colonel John Penfield's Connecticut Regiment. In 1778 or 1779 he was appointed assistant commissary by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth and served under him more than two years. He then enlisted and served three months as orderly sergeant in Captain Blake's Connecticut Company. He did not state whether or not he was engaged in any battles.
In the fall of 1799 he moved from Chatham, Connecticut, to Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York, and died there in November 1825. The date and place of soldier's birth are not stated, and the names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, soldier married August 15, 1775 in Chatham, Connecticut, Sarah, her maiden name not given. She was born November 6, 1756, in Chatham, Connecticut. She married in June 1830 William Potter of Schodack. He died January 20, 1833, place not stated.
Sarah Potter was allowed pension, on account of the services of the soldier, John Bidwell, on her application executed April 22, 1837 in Columbia County, New York.
She died March 18, 1846, place not stated.

Sarah Potter was survived by the following children: Sally Stannard, Halsey Bidwell, Ann Potter, Horace Bidwell, Benjamin Bidwell and Alexander Bidwell who was aged about sixty-five years and living in Columbia County, New York, in 1850.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

Box Dec. 1, 1904, No. 1 Katharine J. Snow Rochester N.Y.
1912 June 19 Hist. to Fredk D. Bidwell V.L.M.
1912 July 22 F.D. Bidwell that more than one statement is not furnished to the same person V.L.M.
1912 July 31 Hist. to Edmund F. Bidwell V.L.M.
1912 Aug. 26. To Isaac H. Vrooman Jr. V.L.M.
1913 Feb. 17 Hist. to Daniel D. Bidwell V.L.M.
1913 Jan. 2 Hist. to Ella E. Bidwell.
1914 Mar. 1 Hist. to Mrs. James H. Burwell
1921 May 28 Hist. to Miss Mary Callin
1933 June 20. Hist. to Josephine Potter
1934 Mar. 14. Hist. to H.H. West ass. 24 1907.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16684
Glendale Miller
Thomas Miller
John Bidwell
ass. com. 1907
Act: July 17 th 186
Index:—Vol. M , Page 134
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1919. Increase. Albany. New York.
Sarah Potter, dec d , formerly widow of John Bidwell who died on the November 1825, of Columbia in the State of New York who was an apt Com g the by Captain of the Reg t commanded by Col. Penfield in the New York line for one Year
Inserted on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 300 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 11 th day of March, 1831 & end 18 March 1846, when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of November 1850 and sent to Hon. Gideon Reynolds, Norwalk
N.Y. Increased from $160.00 Semi-annual allowance pending to Alex r Bidwell Adm. Payable for her only surviving child n , to wit. See back of this file
Benjamin Bidwell { Revolutionary Claim, & others } Act July 4, 1836, Section the ordered by Chase Clerk, Vol. 2 Page 360
Reported
Alex r Bidwell Adm Payable to her for her only surviving Children, to wit
Alex r Bidwell Sally Mannard Ann Porter & Ben a Bidwell

1919 Albany New York
Sarah Potter formerly widow of John Bidwell decd.
who died on the 11th day of Decr 1825 at Columbia in the State of New York she was an infant in the Cradle commanded by Captain [blank] of the N.Y. commanded by Col. Fairfield in the N.Y. line for
Sister Hon Thos Corwin 22 June 1850 1st February " Hon Gideon Reynolds Sept 17/50
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of April 1838 and sent Hon. W. F. Butler President
Arrears to the 14th of March 1838 $1120.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept. " 80.00
$1200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd act March 3, 1837 }
Recorded by W.H. Addison Clerk, Book, A Vol. 2a Page 115

Sarah Potter who was wid as of John Bidwell
Assistant Deputy Company
$160 per am -
Albany, Robt
Hon. B. F. Butler Present

The application of Sarah Patten for a pension under the acts of 4 th July 1836 & 3 rd March 1837

State of New York } Columbia County } ss
Abiel Chumey of the City of Hudson in the County of Columbia and State of New York being duly sworn - deposes and says that he is now eighty three years of age that he was born in the town of Chatham in the State of Connecticut that he lived at the aforesaid place during the Revolutionary war that he was well acquainted with John Bidwell of the aforesaid place that he well knows that the said John Bidwell was a deputy commissary and acted as such during the Revolutionary War that he acted as such deputy commissary for two years and upwards that the said Bidwell - was actively engaged in purchasing and putting up provisions for Government - as to the militia service of said John Bidwell can say nothing as he the said Chumey was absent most of the time engaged privatizing that he was on board of the first Schoop that went out of Connecticut River - being the Schoop Lyon - and that he was also on Board of the brig Samson that he was taken prisoner in the ship Haney - that he was also in the Brig Marshall and further this deponent says not
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 5th May 1837 -
Abiel Chumey
Attest: Butts Free of The forces of the County Court of the County of Columbia -

State of New York Columbia County } ss } p
Pruance Cheney of the City of Hudson Columbia County & State of New York being duly sworn deposes and says that she is now Eighty two years of age that she was born in the town of Chatham in the State of Connecticut she was well acquainted with John Bidwell of the aforesaid town of Chatham that she lived neigh- bor to said Bidwell that she well knows that said Bidwell was a deputy Commissary during the Revolutionary War that he acted as said deputy for more than two years as that he was engaged in purchasing and putting up fish and other provisions for government that she is well acquainted with Sarah Potter that and that she said Sarah  the was married to the said John Bidwell that this deponent was present at the marriage that is was in summer of 1775- by the Reverend S d Ezra Strong and further this deponent says not Sworn & subscribed before me this 5 th of } May 1837 - - }
Pruance Cheney
Head Dutton m d The Judges of the County Courts of the County of Columbia

State of New York Calumet County
I Mads Butten of the Town of Stuyvesant in the County & State aforesaid being duly sworn depose and says that he was well acquainted with John Bidwell that he was a man of High Standing in Society. that I am well acquainted with Sara Patten - alias Cheney & Prudence Cheney whose affidavits are herunto annexed that I have been acquainted with them for thirty seven years past and I do most cheerfully say that their Standing for truth & veracity and General Good Character is as high as any individual in this County
Mads Butten
Sworn & subscribed before me this 5 th May 1837
J. M. Clegg Jus Peace
I hereby certify that Mads Butten whose affidavit is above is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in this County that he has been in that Station about fifteen years that he is a man of unquestioned truth & veracity
J. M. Clegg Jus Peace

174 The application of Sarah Potter for a Pension under the acts of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836 & 3 rd of March 1837
Dr. Camp
In att
Hon. B. F. Butler

State of New York } Columbia County }
Clerk's Office } I James Storm Clerk of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that Medad Butler before whom the affidavits of Sarah Patten, Abiel Cheney and Prudence Cheney purport to have been sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County And also that Isaac M c Cagg, before whom the affidavit of credibility of said Butler purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Medad Butler and Isaac M c Cagg and verify before their signatures to the said several Affidavits to be genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 5 th day of May 1837.
James Storm Clerk.
I am acquainted with the character of (Foster (formerly Mrs. Bridwell) of Mr & Mrs Cheney. They are all highly respectable. Judge Butler, before whom the deposition was made, is my father, J. H. Butler. May 11 th 1837.

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
Timothy Russell of the Town of Chatham, in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, being duly sworn, deposes & says that he is now, eighty years old the 23. day of June 1837, that I was born in the town of Chatham, in the State of Connecticut. & that I was well acquainted with John Bridwell of the aforesaid town of Chatham that I lived near to said Bridwell, and well knew that the said Bridwell, was in the habit of putting "previews" for the use of the Continental Army, during the revolutionary war, for two or three years, or more & that the deponent, had at the time, an interest in a shad fishery, in said Chatham, and supplied said Bridwell with large quantities of shad, which was put up for the use of the army. And that the said Bridwell, had authority to purchase provision &c. from one of the acting commissaries, either Colo. Jeremiah Wadsworth, or Elijah Hubbard or Nehemiah Hubbard, who were all three acting commissaries for Government. And further the deponent saith not. Timothy Russell Middlesex County ss. Chatham August 31. 1837
Personally appeared Timothy Russell, signer of the above & acknowledged the above to be the truth before me,
Sam l Halse Justice of the peace.
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Timothy Russell who signed the above affidavit for the last forty years and that he is highly esteemed in Chatham & for truth & Veracity Chatham 28 August 1837 Sam l Halse J.P.

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County I John Trull Clerk of the County Court of the County of Middlesex do Certify that Samuel Hall Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within the County of Middlesex as per Com. on file in my Office & that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificate is his proper Hand writing & signa- ture - In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my Hand & affixed the seal of the Court this 31 st day of August A.D. 1837.
John Trull C.M.
Sarah Potter
can -

Comptroller's Certificate
State of Connecticut
Sarah Potter's
Can -

Comptroller Office Hartford Connecticut August 30th 1837
I certify that it appears by the Books in this Office that Jeremiah Wadsworth Esq was Commissary during the Revolu- tionary war, and that he acted in that capacity
Wm Field Comptroller

House of Representatives 5 th September, 1856.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions.
Sir,
I herewith enclose you the application of the administratrix of Sarah Potter, formerly widow of John Bidwell, (deceased) for an increase of pension. Mrs. Potter was pensioned for one year's service, as commissary , at the rate of $160. This application is made for an increase to $300. per annum for said service , according to the decision of the Secretary of the Interior.
I am very Respectfully Your Ob dt Serv t Gideon Reynolds

Meriden Sara Potter, wife of Mr. Bridwell do N.Y.
Acc t 4 th In th 1836 ad d 1 st Apr d 1836 Rec d to $300. per ann m from 1 st Oct r 1836 to 18 th Mch 1846, when she died -
Payable to Alexander Bridwell, Sally Scan- nard, Halcy Brid-  well , Sarah Potter, & Benjamin Bridwell her only surviving children -
Cert. to be sent to Hon. Gideon Reynolds Hoosick N.Y.
200.544 225 25 1 1681 1681 9781

Purvis Office 7 Nov. 1850
Sir:
I have the honor here with to transmit the papers, numbering 6, relating to the case of Phoebe Hennrich and, and a copy of the evidence.
The records of the several accounts concerning the Revd. in Naparaima, are sent up to 1780, are copied and per per in
40 20 2.77 62.77
15 2.00 6.00 3.00 2.25 5.25

Washington D.C. 1 st Nov. 1850
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm te of Pensions,
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will cause a Certificate to be issued for an increase in the Case of Sarah Potter widow of John Bidwell of New-York, under Act of 1835.
In your letter of the 17 th Sept last to the Hon Gideon Reynolds you say that the increase is allowed.
The Certificate can be sent either to Mr Reynolds or myself.
very respectfully Yours obed Servt R. R. Lawrence

Country of Columbia } State New York }
On the 14 Day December One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty came before me as one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Personally appeared Abraham Bidwell , and was duly sworn; Deposes that he is about Sixty Five years of age and he is the son of John Bidwell The First Husband of Sarah Patten Deceased and also a son of the said Sarah Patten; and that he had frequently heard his Father and Mother relate incidents of the War of the Revolution that they were married in the first part of the war - and that my Father was appointed Assistant Commissary and was in that capacity for more than two years; and often heard my Father say that he was in trouble to get provision for the army as cattle was scarce; and he had to purchase fish of the fishermen along the River that he had a large crew to carry provision in from one place to another; he often told me that he had to pay $5. per Bushel for Salt - we lived near the River about 14 miles below Hartford; that he had orders from Genl. Wadsworth to be in Hartford with a load of Provision at such a time for Genl. Lafayette's Army and he got all the provision he could and started and he got to Hartford only a few hours before Lafayette's Army arrived; and that was the first time that he ever saw a large bag of corn which pleased him much - and often heard him relate incidents of the war

Two Normans to Mission
As to My Mother Shee was often told me that Shee had to dress Fish for the Army till Her hands was Very Scar and Stiff But Shee had to Stand at the Platform Night After Night Dressing Shad To keep them from Spoiling - for the use of the Army for other provision was Very Scar and not to be had Sufficient For the Army - and Shee had to attend to taking care of the Farm - On account of My Father being from Home the most of his time and Shee had to endure Very grate hardship till the end of the war! Shee often told me if Shee could get a good cup of Tea it would Relive her but the Law was Against Drinking Tea and Shee says Shee had to do with out it
As to My Father Papers we moved from Chatham below Hartford to Shindeshook in the year 1799-Fifty One years ago and when we moved we sold most of the Furniture and the Desk that had My Fathers papers in of the war was left With Mr. Daniel Hale With a quantity of correspondence Money in Shuts; for him to purchase or send it to us in the Spring and the Desk and Papers I never have seen since - as he considered them of no Value at the Time -
Alexander Bidwell
Sworn Before Me This 14 Day Decr. 1850
Rufus D. Wilber Justice of the Peace

Alexander Brumel

We the undersigned, inhabitants of the towns of Kindalbeck and Stuyvesant, in the County of Columbia and State of New York, certify that we have been well acquainted with Alexander Bidwell, son of Capt. John Bidwell, deceased, and that we know him to be a man of high respectability, of unques- tioned veracity, and that his statements and declarations are entitled to implicit confidence.
January 25 th 1857.
Sir J. A.
Mr. Van Schaack John P. Vosburgh Garret Z. Sickles Alexander Warner
Sir I should have sent this before but I have had so much trouble with the money from the other that I had almost concluded not to do any more about it if you succeed in getting any more say and have it payable in New York you can write me and I will meet you there; The names of the above are all respectable. Many Mr. Van Schaack is Editor of the Windsor Post. Mr. Vosburgh is one of our Justices of the Peace. Mr. Sickles is our late Supervisor and Mr. Warner is a large merchant in our place. I have not heard from the parties since the surrogate informed them I had an hour to pay off the Legacies & write me soon I remain yours & A. Bidwell

Albany Pension Agency,
June 13 th 1859-
Geo. C. Whiting Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Mrs Sarah Potter was inscribed under Act. 4 th July, 1836, at the rate of $160. per annum, and paid at that rate to the time of her death, March 19 th 1846. Increased by letter of November 8 th 1850, to $300. per annum, and farther increased by letter of August 30 th 1851. to $600. per annum, former payments in each case to be deducted. These two last increases were ordered paid to Alexander Bidwell, Administrator. Will you please inform me of the name of the Surrogate, granting letters of Administration to said Bidwell, the county from which issued, as well as the date of such appointment; the reason for asking this information is, there appears to be a difficulty as regard, the proper distribution of the money.

Mrs Sarah Potter was pensioned as the former widow of John Bidwell, decd. Very Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t Cornelius Glen

To the Commission of Pensions Washington D. C.
Sir
A proceeding is now pending in the Surrogate's Court in Columbia County New York to compel the executors of the estate of Alanson Bidwell deceased to account for certain moneys received by him as administrator of the estate of Sarah Potter deceased. And to pay over the same to the next of kin of the said Sarah Potter. As the attorney of and representing the parties prosecuting this claim I desire to have a copy of the certificate of the Surrogate of Columbia County that Alanson Bidwell was the administrator of

of Sarah Patten and the accompa- nying affidavit. Authenticated according to the statute of the State of New York. for the purpose of being read in evidence in such proceedings in the Surrogate's Court. to establish the claim of the next of kin of Sarah Patten. to such money and to fix the liability of the estate of Abraham Beane to pay the same.
With Inadvised Yours obedient Servant
Richard Wirtz Bonne in ad Law 39 Nassau St
Hon W. H. Fleming New York, Acting Comr of Pensions
Sept 18 th 1861

Sarah Potter, of N. York, is Pensioner at the rate of $300 per annum, in her declaration states that her husband (John Bidwell) was Sergeant & went to Long Island N.Y. in 1776, in Col. Linsfield's Reg't and was absent 1 or 2 months was several times called out on short excursions. In 1778, or 1779, he was appointed Assistant Commissary Genl., and that he continued in that service more than 2 years, and afterward was Sergeant in Capt. Blake's Company, went to Horse Neck and was out about 3 months.
Abel Chauncy, Eighty three years old, was well acquainted with John Bidwell, knows that he was Deputy Commissary for 2 years and upwards.
Frederick Cheeny, Was a neighbor of Bidwell and knows that he was Deputy Commissary, and acted as such for more than 2 years.
Timothy Russell, over 80 years old, was born in the same town and was well acquainted with John Bidwell lived near him and with. Knows that said Bidwell was in the habit of putting up provisions, fish &c for the use of the Army Continental Army, during the Revolutionary war, for 2 or 3 years or more. That deponent had an interest in a Shad fishery, in Chatham Ct. & supplied Bidwell with large quantities of Shad which was put up for the use of the Army, and that said Bidwell had authority to purchase provision &c from one of the Commissaries either J. Hadsouth, Elisha Hubbard or Nehemiah Hubbard.
Menard Butler, Before whom the Depositions were taken. Father of B. F. Butler late Atty. Genl. of the U.S. G. B. F. Butler both certify to the high standing of Mrs. Potter & to the entire credibility of the witnesses.

Alexander Bidwell, a son over 60 years old, says that his father John Bidwell was a assistant Commissary, more than 2 years. He relates many incidents of his father's service as Commissary also says his mother, would assist in packing away fish for the Continental and endure great hardships & exposure to the cold. & that the desk containing the papers of continental money of his father were left at Chatham Conn. When he removed in 1799 to Kinderhook & were all destroyed.
Chitray Notice, of the "Kinderhook Sentinel," in announcing the death of Mrs. Potter in 1846, contains traditions of the neighborhood & all corroborate the fact of the grade of service of both Mr. Bidwell & Mrs. Bidwell.
Res. Cont. Congress 18th June 1778, shows that Jeremiah Wadsworth was appointed Commissary on that day.
In this case three living witnesses who knew John Bidwell, & had personal knowledge of his service, testify to the correct refs of the statement of Mrs. Potter. Mrs. Potter's character as well as the character of the witnesses are vouched for by one of the highest officers of the Genl. H. B. T. Butler late of the Genl. of W. S. and documents & traditions all combine to give effect and to confirm the belief of at least 2 years service as Asst. Comy. in the Revolution. & so conclusive is the testimony, if it were a question of personal liberty, or even the penalty, Death the evidence would be deemed ample for conviction.
See case

State of New York -
Columbia ss:
The amended declaration of Sarah Potter, formerly widow of John Bidwell, described in the documents herunto annexed, made this seventh day of October 1837, before me Medad Butler one of the Judges of the County Courts of the county of Columbia. The said Sarah Potter having heard her former declaration herunto annexed, read to her, and being by me duly sworn, declares & says, that after the making of her said former declaration, and on conversing with one of her sons, she recollected, and now fully recollects, that the Commissary under whom her husband John Bidwell acted, & from whom, as she believes, he received his appointment as Assistant Commissary, as stated in her former declaration, was Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth who then resided at Hartford in the state of Connecticut; and the said Wadsworth was also the person from whom, as she understood and believes, her husband received the money laid out by him in the purchase of provisions while he acted as assistant

Commissionary, and to whom she in- -tended to refer in her former declar- -ation but was not then able to rec- -ollect his name.
Subscribed & sworn before Sarah Potter me, this 7 th of October 1837.
Edward Britton,
I was present when the above declara- -tion was made, & drew it up. The old lady, I found, exceedingly intelligent for one of her years, & apparently very candid in her statements.
S. P. Potter.

New York Nov. 1 st 1860
Commision of Pensions Washington
Dr. Sir Sir
In the years 1850 and 1857. Several sums of money were paid through your department to Alexander Brannell of Stuyvesant in the State of New York as Administrator for the Pension of Sarah Patten.
I have before me a letter from your department in which it is stated that Letters of Administration were granted to Alexander Brannell by C. B. Sutherland Surrogate of Columbia Co New York. Will you

please inform me on whose estate these letters of Administration were granted to Alphonse Bedwell By some accident the Record in the Surrogate's office seems to be mislaid and we are unable to obtain the information there. An answer at an early day will much oblige You. Respectfully
Richard Vissac
Box 2594
CB Dutcher Surrogate of Columbia Co. Certified on the 2 d Day of Sept r 1860 that Al s Bedwell is administrator upon the Estate of the said Sarah Bed- well that full force & credit is due to him

39 Stapen St New York June 8 th 1862 Hon W m H. Seward Sir
In September of last year I applied to your de- partment, for copies of some papers relating to the payment of certain moneys awarded for prizes to Sarah Dutton to Abigail Dewitt as adminis- tratrix &c. The papers were tendered in the Superior Court, in New York City in this State. You were here as much to free as to see the papers and they have

him of great service to us.
I have now to ask of you through my friend Mr Buckley. if you will send to me a certified copy of the papers on which the sum of $2,005. 87 was paid to the same Mr Alexander Beane as Administrator. on the 13 th day of November 1856. at the Pension Agency in Albany as a letter dated November 8 th 1856.
These papers are wanted for the same purpose as the others. to wit to compel the executors of Alexander Beane to account for the

Many thanks received. If you can furnish my friend with a copy your doing so will be esteemed a great favor by yours Very Respectfully
Richard W. Wine

Sarah Patten, dec d formerly widow of John Bidwell, dec d
Annuity as Aft Bonds, for 2 years $600. per annum Act 4. July 1836. Comm g 4. March 1836. and ending 18 March 1846 when she died. deduct former payments. Payable to Alex r Bidwell Adm r for her only surviving children viz. Alex r Bidwell Lally Stannard Ann Porter Benj t Bidwell
Certificate to be sent to Hon d Gideon Reynolds Housick, New York.

SHIRLEY R. SNOW, M. D.,
267 ALEXANDER ST.
Old P. H.  ROCHESTER, N. Y., Nov. 19 1904
To the Honorable The Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:- That you please advise me what the the Records of your office show as to the military service of Captain John Bidwell, who served in a Connecticut Regiment during the war of Independence, was honorably discharged and pensioned.
Also of Josiah Bidwell who was from Major in a Connecticut Regiment and was likewise honorably discharged. I will remit fee for
SHIRLEY R. SNOW, M. D.,
267 ALEXANDER ST.
ROCHESTER, N. Y.,.....19.....
the service upon being advised of the amount thereof.
Very respectfully,
Walter S. Snow, 267 Alexander St., Rochester N.Y.

St Peter Minnesota 12 May 92
Dear Sir -
Please send me copies of the Pension papers of John Bridwell born at Chatham Conn. & died in Columbia Co N York. Rev war - also
Joseph Brown who lived in Kensington New Hampshire He served in Rev war - I think was a Captain.
Thanking you I am
Mrs Mary Eaton
St Peter
Minnesota

St Peter Minnesota 12 May 1921.
Dear Sir -
Please send me copies of the Pension papers of John Bidwell born at Chatham Conn. & died in Columbia Co N York. Rev. war - also
Joseph Brown who lived in Kensington New Hampshire He served in Rev. war & I think was a Captain - Thanking you I am
Miss Mary Callin St Peter Minnesota.

One 2¢ stamped envelope recd. Revs. at Sec'y
Stanley en retu M.W.B.
Conally, G. J. Feb. 19" 1917.
The Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
I would like to have a complete record of the military service of Capt. John Bidwell in the Revolutionary War, who enlisted from Chatham, Conn. and who

11 Hillsdale Me. July 1891 I served as a Sergeant in 23 d Regiment Connecticut Militia in campaign around New York in August, September & October 1776. He also served as Orderly Sergeant in Capt. Blake's Company of Col. Haddens Cook's Regiment at Saratoga in 1777 and until close of war acted as Assistant Commissary under Col. Jeremiah Hads worth of Hartford, Conn. I would like to know in what Regiment he served as Captain and when promoted, also whether he received a pension from the

government for his services. If so, the amount, date granted and for how long.
I would also like to know if he rendered any other services during the Revolutionary War, and if so what with date and place.
If there is a charge for obtaining information asked for, kindly let me know and I will remit.
An early reply will greatly oblige.
Very truly,
Mrs James Westcott Hillside Ave.
He served as a Sergeant in 23 d Regiment Connecticut Militia from Connecticut around New York in England, September & October 1776. He also served as Orderly Sergeant in Capt. Halsey's Company of Col. Haddam's Col. Haddam's Regiment at Saratoga in 1777 and until close of war acted as Assistant Commissary under Col. Jennings. He died north of Hartford, Conn. I would like to know in what Regiment he served as Captain and when promoted, also whether he received a pension from the

Albany N. Y. June 2, 1913
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions,
Will you please be kind enough to send me the military record in the Revolutionary War of John Bidwell of Chatham, Connecticut. He died at Kinderhook, New York in 1825; born at Chatham, Connecticut in 1750.
I understand a pension was granted to his widow after his death. Thanking you in advance I remain
Very truly yours
Mrs. Ella Edmunds Bidwell 55 Manning Boulevard South Albany, New York.

DANIEL D. BIDWELL
Real Estate and Insurance
160 PEARL STREET
MAR 10 1913
Buffalo, N. Y. .... 191.....
Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir:
I wrote you some time ago reference to John Bidwell of Kinderhook N.Y. I find a record John Bidwell Born Dec 28 th 1750. at Chatham Connecticut was capt in Rev War Died Nov 8 th 1825 Kinderhook N.Y. that is the Man I am after.
Kindly give me the information to its correctness And oblige Yours Truly D. D. Bidwell.

DANIEL D. BIDWELL
Real Estate and Insurance
23 W. Eagle St. 160 PEARL STREET
Buffalo, N. Y. March 4th. 191 3.
Com. of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I understand that John Bidwell of Kinderhook, N. Y. was on the pension rolls in the Revolutionary War. Will you kindly give me some information of his service. What company, regiment, etc., he belonged to. I wrote to the War Department and they referred me to your department.
Yours very truly,
DDB/IT
D. D. Bidwell

Box 292 - Cohoes N.Y. Aug 19, 1912
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
As Registrar of Philip Livingston Chapter, Sons of the Revolution, Albany, N.Y. I have had referred to me an application for membership of F.D. Bidwell who claims descent from John Bidwell, a soldier of the Revolution. For Authority as to John Bidwell's military enrollment, + service he refers to "Pension Office Rev. War V.L.M. W.F. 16684". Will you kindly advise me what this notation means and what is to be found under it? Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the record and would there be a charge?
Very truly yours.
Isaac H. Vrooman Jr.

Albany N. Y. July 25, 1912
Hon. J. S. Ravenport,
My dear Sir,
Would you kindly send me the military record of my great grandfather, John Bidwell, who moved from Chatham, Connecticut to Kinderhook, New York in 1799.
I understand a pension was granted to his widow after his death. Thanking you in advance I remain
Yours very truly,
Edmund H. Bidwell,
55 Manning Boulevard South,
Albany,
New York

STATE OF
NEW YORK
STATE BOARD OF TAX COMMISSIONERS
JOSEPH B. CUNNINGHAM, Secretary
ALBANY N.Y. July 18, 1912.
Hon. J. L. Davenport, My dear Sir,
Would you kindly send me two more copies similar to the one you mailed me June 19 th relative to the military history of John Bidwell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, whose residence at date of enlistment was Chatham, Connecticut.
Thanking you in advance I remain
Yours very truly,
Frederick David Bidwell, State Tax Commission, Albany,
New York.

STATE OF
NEW YORK
STATE BOARD OF TAX COMMISSIONERS
JOSEPH B. CUNNINGHAM, Secretary
ALBANY N.Y. June 15, 1912.
My dear Sir,
On page 13 of Volume 9 of American Ancestry, entitled "Bidwell and Allied Families" it states concerning my great grandfather in part as follows:
"John Bidwell of Kinderhook, New York, born in Chatham, Connecticut, December 28, 1750, was captain in Revolutionary War, pensioned, moved to Kinderhook in August 1799."
Can you inform me from the records on file in the Pension Office if the above mentioned John Bidwell was pensioned by the government for services in the Revolutionary War. It will be of aid to me in joining the Sons of the Revolution.
Thanking you in advance I remain Yours truly,
Frederick David Bidwell, State Tax Commission, Albany, New York

H. H. WEST CO.
Manufacturers Representative
214 South Hill Street
VAndike 1818
Los Angeles, Calif.
March 3, 1934.
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please furnish me with the Revolutionary War Record, and advise if any pension record of John Bidwell, born Chatham, Conn., Dec. 28, 1750, who served as Sergeant in the 23d Regiment of Connecticut Militia. Does the record give the battles in which he participated? Thanking you, I am,
Yours truly,
HHW - M

1254 - 6th St., Santa Monica, California. June 9, 1933.
United States Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please furnish the undersigned with the military record in the Revolutionary War, of John Bidwell of Chatham, Connecticut.
A pension was granted to his widow after his death - I was advised that I could therefore obtain this record from your files, I being desirous of obtaining this information in order to fill out papers for becoming a member of the D. A. R., above mentioned John Bidwell having been my great-grandfather.
Thanking you for your attention, I am,
Respectfully yours,
Josephine Potter 1254 - 6th St., Santa Monica, California.

12-M Rev. War Section.
July 22, 1912.
Mr. Frederick D. Bidwell, State Tax Commission, Albany, N. Y.
Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 18" and received the 19" instant, you are advised that the record of John Bidwell, Wid. File No. 16,684, Rev. War, was forwarded you June 19, 1912.
It is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish more than one such statement to the same person.
Any persons desiring Certificates of the services of their ancestors in the Revolutionary War, should apply for the same over their own signatures.
Very respectfully,
J. H. Davenport Commissioner.

June 20, 1933.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Miss Josephine Potter, 1254 Sixth Street, Santa Monica, California.
BA-J/ADY John Bidwell, W.16684
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one John Bidwell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.16684, based upon his military service in that war.
While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, John Bidwell enlisted in August 1776 and served one or two months as sergeant in Colonel John Penfield's Connecticut Regiment. In 1778 or 1779 he was appointed assistant commissary by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth and served under him more than two years. He then enlisted and served three months as orderly sergeant in Captain Blake's Connecticut Company.
In the fall of 1799 he moved from Chatham, Connecticut, to Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York, and died there in November 1825. The date and place of soldier's birth are not stated.
While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, soldier married August 15, 1775 in Chatham, Connecticut, Sarah, her maiden name not given. She was born November 6, 1756, in Chatham, Connecticut. She married in June 1830 William Potter of Schodack. He died January 20, 1833, place not stated.
Sarah Potter was allowed pension, on account of the services of the soldier, John Bidwell, on her application executed April 22, 1837 in Columbia County, New York.
She died March 18, 1846, place not stated.

Sarah Potter was survived by the following children:
The following children survived her: Sally Stannard, Halsey Bidwell, Ann Potter, Horace Bidwell, Benjamin Bidwell and Alexander Bidwell who was aged about sixty-five years and living in Columbia County, New York, in 1850.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.