Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8362, John Birge, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
Burge, John Lucy
NUMBER _____
Nr. 8362
B.L.Wt. 26631-160-55-
CONTENTS

17803-
Connecticut
John Birge
Worrington in the State of Conn who was a Pri — in the Conn commanded by Captain — of the Regt commanded by Col. Canfield in the Conn Troops for 8 mos 9 days
Y. A. Fitzgerald 31 May 53
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 27 Dollars 65 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sept 1833 and sent to H. Woodruff Litchfield Ct Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 $ 69.12 Semi-ann. allowances ending March 76 - 13.82 $82.94
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 6

Declaration of John Bringe in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832
State of Connecticut } ss Court of Probate within & for the County of Litchfield } District of Litchfield
On this 3 rd day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before Frederick Wolcott Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate for 3 rd District, now sitting John Bringe a resident of Torrington in said District aged 78 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 & served as here in stated viz,
I was born at Torrington in 3 rd County on the 18 th day of March 1754. The only record of my age is in my family bible which I copied copied from my Father's bible. In the summer of the year 1776 I belonged to the Militia Company in said Torrington & in June I think, Capt John Strong, commanded the Company, Ebenezer Miller was Lieut, & Elijah Gaylord Ensign of 3 rd Company, the 3 rd Company was then called on to go to New York to defend that city against the English who were expected to make an attack there, I went in 3 rd June as a soldier in the service of the United States in 3 rd Company & in Col Sheldon's Reg t of Torrington, we reached New York before the British had landed & while they lay off the Hook, our Company was stationed in the City & lay there till after the Battle at Flatbush in which we were not engaged, & remained there till the Americans evacuated the City, & we then retreated with the army to near Noran's Hook near Hell Gate, where our Company lay for a while. Here I was dismissed a few days before 3 rd Company in consequence of a lameness in my shoulder, a writing was given me by which I was allowed to go home. This I have long since lost, & do not know what it was, but I suppose it was a certificate from the Physician. I served at this time about three months or more, have no documentary evidence of it & to prove it amuse the testimony of Seth P. & Return Bissell who were with me through the three months.

Genl Washington, Lee, Scott, Putnam who were with our army at this time, which was before the regular organization of the continental army
2 d
About the 1 st of Dec r 1775 I enlisted into the Conn t State Troops into the Company of which Sherbald Griswold was Capt, Jonathan Mason, Lieut. Col. and one Buck Ensign. I enlisted for three months to go to Sarpills, Rye, Kings Street & the Country near the lines, & near New York. We assembled in Litchfield in S d Litchfield County & thence marched to Sarpills where we joined the army. Our duty was to defend that section of the Country, scout about, protect the property of the inhabitants. We marched from place to place in West Chester County through the winter of 1775-76 & had occasionally small skirmishes with the British near the lines, but no general battle. Col. Canfield of New Milford was with us, & I think he commanded our Regiment. We remained there three months when our term of enlistment having expired we were paraded & dismissed without a written discharge. I have no documentary evidence of this service & my proof of it may be found in the annexed testimony of Seth Cox & Return Bissell who served with me through S d three months.
3 d In April 1777 the militia was called out to go to Danbury Conn t when that place was burned by the British. I went in the militia Company in Torrington as a soldier in the Company in which John Strong was Capt. Elijah Gaylord Ensign or Lieut. We assembled in Torrington & marched to S d Danbury & when we arrived, the town & stores were on fire, & the British had retreated & were pursued by those who had arrived before us, we remained at Danbury a few days, & were then dismissed & returned. I was gone about ten days at this time, my only evidence of it is the annexed testimony of Seth Cox.

4 th
I was after this & I think in the summer of 1777 I was drafted out of Capt John Stracey's Militia Company of St. Torrington to join the American forces on the North River, I went thither & joined the army at Cronland near Peekskill, We were called out because the British were expected up that River, There were no continental troops at Cronland when we were stationed, We remained there but a short time, when the danger which was apprehended had past & we were dismissed after a tour of about three weeks , My only evidence of this service is the annexed testimony of Return Bissell who was drafted at the same time for the same purpose & served with me at Cronland
5 th
In Aug. I think, 1777 I belonged to the Company of Horse in the County Militia commanded by Capt Moses Seymour in which one Fiske was another Company officer, our Company was called on to go to Fishkill on the North River, The British were expected up the River & we were called out to guard the country adjacent, We marched to Fishkill & were stationed there, While here Major Bull of our Reg t was there & commanded us, after a short time my horse was lame & I did not go out with my Company, but the Company was frequently out on scouts here, I remained there as long as six weeks when having a Brother in the army who was taken sick, I obtained permission to come home with him & left my company at Fishkill
I have always lived in St. Torrington where I now reside & am known to William Battle Esq., Rev d David, children Rev d Ephraim Goodman, Col Shaddens Grinold he who live in my present neighborhood & who can testify as to my character for veracity, & their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. John Bringe
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me. Frederick W. Wolcott, Judge of Probate Litchfield District, Conn.
We David Miller a clergyman residing in the town of New Hartford in the neighborhood of S d Bringe & W m Battell residing in S d Torrington in S d neighborhood hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Bringe of S d Torrington who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 78 years of age; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion, and that S d Bringe's character for veracity is good
David Miller William Battell
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me. Frederick W. Wolcott, Judge of Probate, Litchfield District, Conn.
And the S d Court does hereby declare its opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories pre- scribed by the War Department, that the above named appli- cant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states
And the Court further certifies, that it appears to it that the Rev d David Miller who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the town of New Hartford in the imme- diate neighborhood of S d Bringe, & that he has signed the preceding certificate & that William Battell who has signed the same is a resident in S d Torrington, & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit. Frederick W. Wolcott, Judge of Probate Litchfield District, Conn.

I Phinehas Miner Clerk of the Court of Probate for 1 st District do hereby certify that it is the foregoing con- tains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Burge for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said Office this 13 th day of August Sept 1832
Phinehas Miner Clerk

State of Connecticut } ss. Torrington June 14 th 1833 Litchfield County }
On this 14 th day of June 1833 Personally appeared before me William Battell a justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid John Binge of Torrington in said County who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that on the 3 rd day of August 1832 he made his Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 before the Hon Court of Probate in & for the District of Litchfield in said County & that, by reason of old age & 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, & in the following grades viz
During the first term of service mentioned in said Declaration I served as a private for the full period of Three months in & near New York
During the second term of service mentioned in said Declaration I served as a private through the full period of Three months in West Chester County N.Y.
During the 3 rd term of service mentioned in said Declaration I served as a private through a period of not less than Six days in & about Danbury, Conn.
During the 4 th term of service mentioned in said Declaration I served as a private at Crompond for the full period of three weeks
During the 5 th term of service stated in said Declaration I served as a private at & about Fishkill not less than six weeks And for the above services I claim a pension Data at Torrington June John Binge
Sworn

Sworn & subscribed the day & year first aforesaid William Brattle Justice of the Peace
And I do further certify that John Bringe to whom I have administered the oath as above, is a person to me well known & is entitled to credit
William Brattle Justice of the Peace
I, Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut certify that William Brattle Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit of John Bringe appears to have been taken was on the 14 th day June inst t long before, ever since has been & now is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County aforesaid & that the pre- ceding signatures which purport to be his are genuine & his proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 17 th day of June 1833 Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

4104 Connecticut Lucy Birge widow of John Birge who served in the Revolution-
ary war, as a Pirate
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars 65 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 2 d day of May/54 and sent to
Wyllys Stwater Terrysville Sitchechoe Conn.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 57 Vol. A

DECLARATION.
STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY OF Hartford Burlington Probate District On this Eighth day of October personally appeared before me
ss. Burlington Oct 8 th 1853 A. D. 1853.
Lucy Birge a resident of Burlington in the County of Hartford and State aforesaid, aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the law of Congress passed February 3d, A. D. 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of John Birge who was a Revolutionary Pensioner (as may appear of Record in the Pension Office, he having received a Pension for several years, the last payment of which was paid at the Pension Agency at Hartford, Con. in April previous to his decease.)
She further declares that she was married to the said John Birge on the 5 th day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty  twenty four , that her said husband died on or about the twenty seventh day of April A. D. 1853 ; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January, eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow.
Lucy A. Birge mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me,
Billy Gaylord Judge of Probate for the District of Burlington
State of Connecticut Hartford County. Burlington Probate (District)
ss. Burlington Oct 8. 1853.
This certifies that  Burlington is a Probate District, that Billy Gaylord above named is Judge of the Court of Probate in said District & that the Above is the genuine signature of said Judge - Attest David Brimble Clerk of said Court

This may certify that John Birge of Torrington and Lucy Goodwin of New Hartford were by me lawfully married.
Cyrus Gale.
The above is a true copy of Record with the exception of the date, which is expressed in fair legible words and figures, as follows:
Feb 5 th 1824-
Attest H. Beach
Town Clerk
I, J. C. Beach, above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of New Hartford, in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut; and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town, with the exceptions above named, as certified by me,
Attest
H. Beach
Town Clerk
Sworn before me,
I hereby certify that the above named Jason C. Beach is Town Clerk of New Hartford as stated in the above certificate
Henry Jones Justice of the peace.

Litchfield and State of Connecticut, and that
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } COUNTY OF LITCHFIELD, } ss. Litchfield.
I Frederick D. Beeman Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Henry Jones Esq whose genuine signature appears to the accompanying instrument,
is and was, at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and by law authorized to administer Oaths, and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds, and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit: and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Litchfield, this 14 th day of March A. D. 185 4 .
Frederick D. Beeman
CLERK.

49922 Act March 3/55
Asst H. Fowler. Dept 17/55
April 7/55
Lucy Burge May 20/55 Widow of John Burge May 20/55 private
May 20/55 Pensioner Act. Mar 3/53
Conn July 55-4104
Will Dagg May 16/56 Blythe
Large stylized letter M
Henry Fowler Hartford Conn
Vol. B1-140.

49922
Bounty land claim of Lucy Birge widow of John Birge Revolutionary service under Act March 3, 1855.
49922
Lucy

State of Connecticut, County of Hartford, ss Burlington
On this 30 day of March One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared Before me a Justice of the Peace in of the County aforesaid Lucy Birge aged 85 Years a resident of Burlington in the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut who being duly sworn according to law Declares that she is the Widow of John Birge who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States under the Act June 7. 1832 at $27 65 / 100 dollars per annum.
She further declares that she is a pensioner of the United States on the roll at Hartford Count under the 2 d Section of the Act of February 3 d 1833 at $27 65 / 100 dollars per annum as the Widow of the above named John Birge and her Pension Certificate is dated at the Department of the Interior 2 d May 1854. that her husband died on the 27 day of April 1834 and she refers to her application for a pension filed in the Pension Office at Washington for proof of her husband's service and death and her marriage. She further declares that she has ever since the death of her husband remained a Widow and now is a Widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved 3 d March 1855.
Lucy Birge her mark
We Mylles Thaxter and John L. Ferriss residents of Burlington in the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Lucy Birge in our presence; and that we

believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be Wyllys H. Water
John J. Green
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written: and I certify that I know the Affiants to be credible persons: that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim,
Dated at Burlington the 30 th day of March A.D. 1855 Miles H. Curtis Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut.
I, Oliver H. Perry — Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That Miles H. Curli — was, from the fourth day of July, A. D. 1854, to the fourth day of July, A. D. 1855, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Wartford in said State, duly appointed and commissioned — having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give Certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
And I further certify, That I believe the foregoing signature of the said Miles H. Curli — to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 5 th day of April — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
O. H. Perry — Secretary of State.

J.W.P. O. W. and N. Division.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., August , 189 2
Sir
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of John Birge , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 1776 3 mo Pri John Strong Sheldon Con n   Dec 1776 3 " " Shubael Griswold Canfield "   April 1777 3 hours } " John Strong & Maj Thomas Bull "   Aug t to 1777 10 weeks } " Moses Beymour (Dahbury Abn t North river) "  
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Torrington, Litchfield Co. Con n
Date of application for pension, August 1832
Residence at date of application, Torrington Con n where always living
Age at date of application, born March 18. 1854 & died April 26. 1834
Remarks. Married Feb'y 5. 1824 to Lucy Goodwin in New Hartford, Con n .
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr Henry D. Sellers 77 4 th Ave n Pittsburgh Penn n

Aug 22 Nest Secars Pittsburgh Pa.
1893 to AD
Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8362
Lucy Birge Wid
John Birge Print New War
Act: Feby 3 d  1853
Index:—Vol. A , Page 62
[Arrangement of 1870.]
26.631
160 acres

No 3811 Lucy Burge Wid of John Let to W. Atherton Dec 9/53  Let to Sarah  Ann  Dec 18/53 " " March 21/54 Allow 27 65 / 100 per annum to Com Feb 3. 1853 Act Feb 3/53
P. Pension Office Dec 7/53.
Sir, Sir Please report term of last payment to or death of within named pensioner Respectfully &c W Burt Esqr J. C. C. B Aud for Comr Present.
John Burge, Act 1832 $27.65. per ann. — Paid to 4 th March 1834, no date of death on our Books.
F. Bush Auditor.

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all Men by these Presents, THAT I, Lucy Binge of the Town of Burlington, State of Connecticut do hereby constitute and appoint Wyllis C. Strater, of Torrington in said State
my true and lawful Attorney for me, and in my name to prosecute all claims to a pension, or arrears of pension due or payable to me solely, or with others, under the Act of February 3d, 1853, or under any existing law; also, all claims to land or other thing, to demand and receive of the United States, the usual certificates for either;
And in my name to give due receipts therefor; and generally to do all things pertaining thereto, as fully as I might personally do—giving full power of substitution, and revoking all former authority in the premises—hereby ratifying and confirming every act that my said Attorney or his substitute may do in relation to either of the above named matters.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and seal this
Eighth day of October
A. D. 1853
ATTEST,
her Lucy Binge mark
Billy Gaylord
STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY OF Hartford Burlington Probate District
{ ss. Burlington October 8 th 1853
Personally appeared before me, a Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said District who acknowledged that she had executed the above Power of Attorney for the purposes therein specified.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand,
this Eighth day of October A. D. 1853
Billy Gaylord Judge

I Sth Cor of the town of Torrington in Litchfield County, Conn. being duly sworn do depose & say that for the last 60 years I have been well acquainted with John Bridge of said town & that in the summer of the year 1775 said Bridge belonged to the Militia Company in s d Torrington commanded by Capt. John Strong, Lieut. Ebenezer Miller & Ensign Elijah Gaylord & was called out with said Company to March to the defense of the City of New York, that he went there for s d purpose & served as a soldier in the American Army in that city & its vicinity till after the city was evacuated by the American Army, when he went with s d Company to Norw's Hook near Hell Gate & was there dismissed. He went to New York in the month of June & remained in the American Army till some time in September, I served with s d Bridge in the same Company at the same time & know that he performed this service
About the 1 st of Dec r after said Bridge enlisted into a Company of the Connecticut State Troops commanded by Capt. Sherbuck Griswold of Torrington, Lieut d Jonathan Hazard & Capt. Calin & Ensign Buck, he enlisted for three months & joined the American Army at Danpits, & served in s d Army as a soldier in Col. (Canfield's) Reg t I think, at Danpits & distant places in West Chester County, for three months . The duty of said Company was to guard against the British near the lines. At the expiration of s d three months said Company was called together & dismissed. I personally know that s d Bridge rendered this service as I served with him the whole time
In the latter part of April 1777 said Bridge was again called out in the Militia Company at Torrington to go to the defense of Danbury & the Housatonic when that place was attacked by the British, he went with me in said Company under the command of Capt. Strong, we marched to Danbury but did not arrive till after the British had burned the town & retreated; we were detained at Danbury a few days, I should think about ten when we were dismissed & returned home, said Bridge served

said ten days as a soldier in said Company, At none of the above periods of service did the troops to which said Bridge & I belonged receive a written discharge, but were dismissed on parade. Said Bridge's character for veracity is good & his statement is entitled to credit & further faith not
Dated at Litchfield this 3 d day of August 1832
Seth Col
Litchfield County ss Litchfield Aug 3 d 1832
Personally appeared Seth Col, a witness to me, who is well known & en- titled to credit, & who subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Geo. C. Woodruff
Justice of the Peace
I Return Bissell of the town of Torrington County of Litchfield Conn. being duly sworn do depose & say that for the last 50 years I have been well acquainted with John Bridge of S d Torrington, & served with him as a soldier in the same Company, in New York in the summer of 1777 , & in Capt Crispold's Company in & near Sarpills in the winter of 1776-7 & therefore know that the facts stated in the prece- ding deposition in Setts Co relative to the service of said Bridge at se- veral times are very correct & true
I further depose & say that in the summer of the year 1777 said Bridge was drafted out of Capt Strong's Company of Militia in Torrington to go to the North River, to the assistance of our troops then stationed there, as it was feared that the British were about to attempt a passage up that River S d Bridge went & join- ed the army & was stationed at Cronenfeld near Peekskill where he remained as a soldier in the service of the United States for about three weeks when he was dismissed not receiv- ing a written discharge, but on parade with others of the company, I was drafted at the same time he was, & from the same company & served with him

at Camp and through 3 d three weeks. Said Birge's character for veracity is perfectly good And further saith not Dated at Litchfield this 3 d day of Aug. 1832
Return Bissell
Litchfield County ss Litchfield Aug 3 d 1832
Personally appeared Return Bissell, a witness to me well known who is entitled to credit & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him in my presence subscribed
Before me
Geo. C. Woodruff
Justice of the Peace
I John Phelps of the town & County of Litchfield, Conn. being duly sworn do depose & say that in the fall of the year 1777 John Birge now & then of Torrington in 1 st County with whom I was well acquainted was a member of a company of cavalry commanded by Capt Morris Seymour in Major Thomas Mott's Regiment, & was with said Company & served therein as a soldier at & near Fishkill on the North River, 1 st Company served at & near Fishkill & on the River North of 1 st Fishkill two months & 1 st Birge was with 1 st Company a part or all the time but precisely how long I cannot tell and further the deponent saith not
Dated at Litchfield this 3 d day of Sept 1832
John Phelps
Litchfield County ss Litchfield Sept 3 d 1832
Personally appeared John Phelps to me well known to be a witness entitled to credit & who subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me
Geo. C. Woodruff
Justice of the Peace

I Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut certify that George C. Woodruff Esq. before whom the preceding Affidavits of Seth Love, Nathan Rippe & John Phelps appear to have been taken was on the 3 rd day of August last & ever since hath been & that he now is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County & that the preceding signatures annexed to said affidavits which purport to be his are genuine his proper hand writing.
Witness my hand & the Seal of said Court this third day of September A. D. 1832.
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
2128

Torrington Apr 13 th 1884
This may certify that we the undersigned relations of John Birge of Torrington Litchfield County, Conn do subscribe our names under oath that the sd John Birge died the 26 th of April 1884
Chester Barber Marilla Barber
Torrington Litchfield County State of Connecticut Personally appeared Chester Barber and Marilla Barber, signers of the above certificate and made oath to the truth of the above before me this 13 th day of April 1884 Stanley Griswold Justice of the Peace
{ I do certify that that Chester Barber and Marilla Barber are reliable and competent witnesses }
Stanley Griswold
Willis Atwater Terryville Conn

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. LITCHFIELD. COUNTY OF LITCHFIELD, }
I, Frederick S. Beeman Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Stanley Griswold Esriswold Esq. whose genuine signature appears to the accompanying instrument,
is and was, at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and by law authorized to administer Oaths, and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds; and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit: and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Litchfield, this 19 th day of April A. D. 185 7 .
Frederick S. Beeman Clerk.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. Litchfield. COUNTY OF LITCHFIELD, }
I Frederick D. Beeman Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Henry Jones Esq. whose genuine signature appears to the accompanying instrument,
is and was, at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and by law authorized to administer Oaths, and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds, and that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit: and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Litchfield, this 14 th day of March A. D. 1854.
Frederick D. Beeman
CLERK.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT COUNTY OF LITCHFIELD ss. Litchfield
Clerk of the County Court
in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original
State of Connecticut ) Litchfield County ) ss New Britain Jan y 5 th 1854 Personally appeared Pitts Goodwin & Joseph G. Goodwin and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by them subscribed & I also certify that said Pitts & said Joseph G. are credible witnesses.
P. G. Goodwin Wyllys H. Austin Esqr.
Henry Jones Justice of the Peace

We, Pitts Goodwin, and Joseph G. Goodwin, both of New Hartford, in the County of Litchfield, and State of Connecticut, -
Do depose, and say, that we were both present, and witnessed, the marriage of John Birge, of Farmington, (a Society, or Parish, in the Town of Farmington,) in said County, and Lucy Goodwin, of said New Hartford, that the marriage was solemnized by in said New Hartford, by Cyrus Yale, who then was, and now is, a regular Minister of the Gospel, and that said marriage took place in the winter of 1823, or 1824, to the best of our recollection.
And we further depose, and say, that the above named Lucy Goodwin, is the identical person who now resides in the Town of Burlington, in Hartford County, in said State, and is now known by the name, and designation, of Lucy Birge, widow of John Birge, - and that the said John Birge was, in his life time, a Revolutionary Pensioner, - and that he died on, or about, the twenty sixth day of April 1833 - and that the said Lucy Birge is now a Widow.
Pitts Goodwin J. G. Goodwin

New Haven May 24. 1853.
Hon. Sir,
Mrs. Lucy Birge, of Burlington, Hartford County Conn. (who is about eighty five years of age,) informs me that her late Husband, John Birge, late of in Litchfield Co. Conn. Hartford, deceased, in his life time, Received a Pension from the United States Government, for services rendered as a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army. (whose Name, &c, will be found upon the Pension Roll.)
That She was married to him in Spring of 1823, - that he died in the Spring of 1833, - and that She has not been married since, but is still his Widow. - The proof of identity of the Pensioner, their marriage, and his death, will be unquestionable; - and as She is poor, infirm, and old, and therefore dependent; -
Permit me to ask if She is not entitled to a Pension from the time of his-her Husband's death? (As he died after the passage of the Act of 1832, and before the Act of 1838, which last Act has been extended several times, and, as I think, to the present time, I have informed her that, in my opinion, She was entitled to the Pension.)
I have not been able to find such laws, &c, on the subject of Pensions, as have emanated from Congress, or from Your Bureau, since those which were compiled by the Commission of Pensions in 1849. - Therefore, if you have the later Laws , on this subject, in pamphlet form, for distribution, Your Hon.

will do me a great favor by sending me a copy, and also, by sending me a copy of your more recent circulars, as to the Rules and Regulations of the Business with your Bureau, as I am frequently inquired of respecting the matters relating to Pension, and I wish to be able to give an answer to every one who asks" for information.
Yours, most Respectfully, R Fitzgerald
Hon. Loren P. Waldo Comm ee of Pensions, Washington D.C.

Litchfield Conn June 17 th 1833
Sir
I herewith return to your Office John Brings application for a Pension. It is now amended so as to obviate the objections named in the Preamble as I believe
Respectfully
Your Ob st Serv t
Geo. Woodruff

Breit in the case of Lucy Burge widow of John Hartford County and State of Connecticut act of February 3-1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7. 1832 at $ 27 \frac{65}{100} per annum
Allowed $ 27 \frac{65}{100} per annum to com. Feb. 23. 1853
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by public record
Death of husband proved by credible witnesses
Identity & widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
Wyllys Atwater. Tenysville Leitchfield Co. Conn.
Examining Clerk.
J. H. Gray

8 w 9 days private
$ 27.65
G Woodruff Litchfield
John Brown Bridge

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Brance Binge which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? yes  no See quere 5 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

 XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes  No not all Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes  XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes  XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes  No See quere 16  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 _____ For _____ 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 is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years 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 shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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 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.
†QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
10/2

Pittsburgh Pa.
July 15. 1893
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please give statement of military record of John Birge, a soldier of the Revolutionary war who is said to have enlisted in a Conn Regt in 1776. He was a pensioner.
The information will be very much appreciated, and any expense attending the matter will be paid.
Respectfully Yours
Henry D. Sellers
77 - 4 th Ave.
Pittsburgh Pa.