Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17611, Giles Chester, Navy (Conn.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Navy (Conn.)
Chester, Giles Mary
W. 17611
CONTENTS
1 19 18
[Faint scribbles]

1576.
Connecticut
Mary Chester widow of Giles Chester who was a Seaman in the U. S. Navy for nine months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Nov. 1843 and sent to Nathan Daboll Centre Groton Conn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book S Vol. 1 Page 64
Roll No 2.

See letter 24 July 1837 N. Babell.
Application sent to B. H. Hemenway Esq. New London, Conn. July 17. 1820
✓ 13,243 Connecticut
Giles Chester of Groton in the state of Connecticut who was a Guaman in the regiment commanded by  Colonel  Brig Col. of the line, for the term of 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 of July 1819 and sent to Elias Perkins Esq.  New London Conn.
  Arrears to 4th of  March 1819  $89.03    Semi-ann. all'ce ending  4 Sept 1819  48    11 mo 8 days   $137.03  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued

Giles Chester
Seaman
1775- served about nine months on board U.S. Brig Cabot 1776 three months U.S. Frigate Warren 3 out on board the U.S. frigate Holla. When he was taken & prisoner and remained five months on board the prison ship Jersey at New York
Further proof of Service granting

State of Connecticut / County of New London Town of Groton
On this first day of April in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & eighteen before me Elias Perkins Esq. of the County of Connecticut has sworn for the County of New London per- sonally appeared Giles Chester of said Town of Groton & being duly sworn made solemn Oath some time in the Year 1775 he shipped as a piper on board the United States Brig Labot commanded by Capt. John Hopkins & continued to do duty on board said Brig for about five months & went in said Brig to New Providence where her return had an engagement with the British Sloop of War Glasgow & came into New London Harbor after refitting went on board said Brig again under the command of Capt. Elisha Hemenway of New London & went a cruise of about four months & took a number of prizes & returned in said Brig to Boston the prizes some of them having got into Providence & the Depo- ment further maketh Oath that some time in the Year 1776 he shipped as a seaman on board the United States Frigate War- ren which was built in Rhode Island & commanded by Capt. Hopkins & went out from off to Bermuda & took a prize a British Ship that the

crise continued about three months said Frigate Warren returned to America & arrived in Boston was discharged & then shipped on board the United States Fri- gate (Raleigh) Rolla commanded by Capt John Barry & after going out of Boston on the 3 rd day out was driven ashore by two 50 gun ships belonging to the British that the Deponent was on board the Rolla about four months before she sailed from Boston was after said Rolla was driven ashore taken prisoner by the British & carried to New York & put on board the prison ship called the Jersey where he continued about five months making more than eighteen months that the Deponent served the United States in the revolutionary war against the former enemy in the several vessels belonging to the United States viz the Rolla, the Warren & the Cabot including the time he was a prisoner in New York however re- ceived any written discharge especially from the Rolla because he was taken prisoner & that from his reduced circum- stances he need the assistance of his country for support
Giles Chester
Sworn before me
Will Perkins Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Bristol County

In Testimony whereof the Deponent has subscribed the foregoing declaration and Have subscribed these presents, sealed the seal of the foundation which I promise to be hereunto affixed
Wm Jessup Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Cumberland County
I Elias Perkins Judge of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas for the County of New London, do Certify that it appears to my Satisfaction that the said Giles Chester did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the Common Enemy the said Giles is about sixty years of age & that he is in indiged circumstances & stands in need of assis- tance from this country for support and I now transmit the proceedings & testimony taken & heard before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, Pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. The foregoing declaration was made to me, as the applicant declared, in order to obtain the Provision made by the late act of Congress, intitled an act to provide for certain Persons engaged in the Land & Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War.
Wm Jessup Judge of the County Court or Court of Com Pleas for the County of Cumberland

Giles Chester
N o 13243
Continued
29 July 1819.
[Handwritten mark or signature]
[Handwritten mark or signature]

State and District of Connecticut, ss.
ON this 26th day of June 1820 personally appeared in open Court, before the County Court holden at New-London in said State, on the 26th day of June 1820, the same being a court of record, proceeding according to the course of common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having power of fine and imprisonment, Giles Chester aged Sixty years, resident in the town of Groton in said County in said State, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: That he the said witness on board the brig Cabot enlisted for the term of at the taking of Rhode Island Providence day of also on in the year board in the State of Capt Barry in the company commanded by Captain and also on board in the regiment commanded by Colonel the Frigate Warren in the line of the State of Making more than two years in the whole on the continental establishment: That he continued to serve in the said corps until and was dismissed on when he was discharged from the said service in at Boston in the state of That he made a declaration to obtain a pension under the law of the 18th of March 1818, as nearly as he can recollect, having no minutes, on the first day of April 1818; and had transmitted to him a certificate for a pension from the Secretary for the Department of War, No. 13243.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
My That I was by occupation as that of a fisherman, which business I am unable to follow at times, from severe turns of the cramp & rheumatism, my family consists of my wife Polly aged fifty seven years who is very sickly & infirm and my daughter Polly aged about twenty five years who is also weak and feeble Giles Chester
Schedule
1 desk $5. 1 box Chairs $3.00 2 tables $2.00 6 pots & kettles $3.00 1 grid iron & shovel & tongs 1.50 1 gr andirons 1.75 1 pr bellows 25 1 box pewter plates & platters $2.00 1/2 doz silver tea spoons etc - $2.25 1 pitcher & 1 looking glass $1.25 1/2 doz tumblers & wine glasses 50 1 pail 1 tub 6 old barrels $2.00 2 mortars 50 1/2 doz knives & forks & 1 chopping knife 50 3 old chests $0.75 1 hoe 1 spade & 1 rake 75 1 iron baron & pewter barons 37 1/2 doz cups & saucers & 1 salt cellar 17 1 new boat 8 feet long & 2 oars $2.00 1 pepper box & vinegar cruse 20 1 hog $3.00 3 geese & 10 geolins $3.00 Making in the whole the sum of Thirty three dollars & seventy four cents Giles Chester
Signed Sworn to and declared on the 26th day of June 1820 before said County Court Charles Lathrop Clerk
I, Charles Lathrop Clerk of the County Court for New-London County, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Thirty three dollars and Seventy four cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 26th day of June

2364
May 31st 1841
Declaration of Mary Chester.
The quality of the Justice is certified by the Clk of Probate - $36 per ann
Nathan Daboll Centre Groton Co.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 d of March 1843; granting pensions to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 th 1838.
State of Connecticut } County of New London } ss.
On this 24 th day of June - 1843. personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said New London County Mary Chester of Preston in said New London County and State of Connecticut aged 79 years who being first duly sworn according to law; doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. - That she is the widow of Giles Chester who was a Seaman in the U.S. Navy during the revolutionary war, and that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 7 th 1838, was thirty six dollars and that he served on board the Big Crabbot, the name of the officer she does not now recollect, but in that particular would refer to her former declaration Now in the Pension office at Washington. She further testifies that she is still the widow of the said Giles Chester. Sworn and subscribed by the said Mary Chester the day and year last above written
In Presence of Nathan Daboll Julia Clark
Mary X her mark Chester
Before me Nathan Daboll Justice of the Peace
And I hereby certify that the above named declarant Mary Chester is to me personally known and to the truth of her above statement I am fully satisfied Nathan Daboll Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut County of New London ss
Probate District of Groton I. David A. Daboll, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Groton in the State of Connecticut. do hereby certify that Nathan Daboll Esq. before whom the within affidavit was taken is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County duly commissioned and qualified - and that his signature is genuine and in his own proper hand writing - and full faith and credit are due, and may be had to all his acts and doings in said capacity
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of June Anno Domini One Thousand Eight hundred & forty three.
David A. Daboll Clerk
Direct certificate (if granted) to Nathan Daboll Centre Groton C.C.

State of Connecticut } County of New London } ss.
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court for the County of New London in the State of Connecticut. Do hereby certify that Nathan Daboll Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit of Mary Chester was taken, is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature thereto is genuine, and in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Norwich this 25 th day of October Anno Domini, One Thousand Eight hun- dred and forty three
John D e Witt Clerk

State of Connecticut County of Town of Bristol
Personally appeared John Chester of Bristol in & County then 26 th day of April 1859 & being duly cautioned & sworn, made solemn oath that some time in the Month of October 1845 the the John Lester & Giles Chester of Bristol enlisted at & when into the Sea Service of the United States against their enemies in the Abolitionary war - & that they both soon after went on board the Delaware & that he John went on board the Alfred & that the Giles went on board the Calvert thus & that they went on a cruise together that they went to Bombay Providence & on their return they had a battle with the pirate Glasgow & afterwards came into Providence & that he the John afterwards went in the Alfred to Providence & that when he left Providence the Calvert remained there & the Giles remained in her & from the time of the enlistment of our leaving Providence was about six months & during the time of this the Giles served on board the Calvert & has been long since the Giles remained in the Calvert after the went in the Alfred to Providence he does not know
John Chester
Providence April 26 th 1859 Sworn before me Elihu Thomson Judge of the County Court for Bristol County -

London June 16 th 1819
This may certify that in my opinion the within document John Charter is a credible Witness
Thos Perkins Judge -
Thos Perkins
London June

State of Connecticut Town & County of Litchfield On this 25 th day of April 1819 Personally appeared Jeremiah of the Town of Grafton & Henry Dyer cautioned as sworn made solemn oath that when the Cabot commanded by Capt. Hopkins came into Litchfield after her battle with the Glasgow frigate he then lived with the mother of Giles Chester of said Grafton & that he knows that the said Giles was then on board of the Cabot & arrived in here then understood he had been on board of the Cabot during the battle of preceding cruise & verily believes that he served on board the Cabot during the whole of the preceding cruise & further that he knows that the Giles continued on board of the Cabot while she lay at Litchfield & that he Giles went to sea in her again when she sailed from Litchfield under the command of Capt. Abisha Wiman & that he did not leave the Cabot from the time of her arrival under Capt. John Hopkins till she went to sea under Capt. Wiman and that he the said Giles & Jeremiah afterwards made a cruise in the Warren Capt. Hopkins & that he heard at the time & always understood & verily believes that the Giles was taken in the Holla & a long time a prisoner in New York  Ezekiel Grafton sworn before me James Hopkins Judge of County Court for Litchfield County

Frankendorn June 11 th 1819
This may certify that Erbrice Gernington the within deponent is a credible Witness in my opinion. Elish Perkins Judge
Admitted

Giles Chester, Wid. File No. 17,611, enlisted in 1775, as a Fifer on board the brig "Cabot", five months under Captain John Hopkins, and four months under Captain Elisha Hinman, and was in an engagement with the "Glasgow" at New Providence, West Indies.
Enlisted in 1776, as Seaman, on the frigate "Warren" commanded by Captain Hopkins; three months.
Enlisted (date not given) on board the frigate "Raleigh" commanded by Captain John Barry, served four months, and then they were driven ashore, captured, and he was confined in the prison-ship "Jersey" for five months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 1, 1818, while fifty-eight years of age and a resident of Groton, Connecticut. In 1820, he referred to his daughter Polly who was twenty-five years of age.
Sailor married at Groton, Connecticut, February 14, 1782, Mary ---; he died February 10, 1830, and she was allowed pension on her application executed August 30, 1838, while seventy-four years of age and a resident of Groton aforesaid.

Navy On Brig "Cabot," Nassau. on board Raleigh
1911 Dec. 27. Hist. to Frank Dyer Chester Ph. D. 1912 Aug. 16 Hist. to Rear Adm. C. M. Chester, U.S.N.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17611 Brig Chester Widow of Giles Chester Seaman Rev War Act: March 3d 48 Index: Vol. 24 Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Frank Dyer Chester, Ph.D.,
The Bristol, Boston.
December 16, 1911.
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
N. 17,611 Please send me a copy of the Revolutionary record of Giles Ches- ter of Groton, Conn who is said to have died in 1829 aged 69.
Please send me also the same of his father Capt. Jason Chester who commanded the brig "Middletown" from New London to Jamaica in 1775 and cap- tured British boats and stores in the summer and autumn of 1777. Born 1742.
Kindly note down the dates of death and residences if known.
Very respectfully,
F. D. Chester of

Rev. War.
December 27, 1911.
Frank Dyer Chester, Ph.D.,
The Bristol,
Boston, Mass.
Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 16" and received the 18" instant, you are herewith furnished the history of Giles Chester, Wid. File No. 17,611, Rev. War, and advised that the Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford any information in regard to Jason Chester.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Albany N.Y. August 9, 1912.
Sir:
I respectfully request to be furnished with copies of the military history of the following persons, all soldiers or sailors of the Revolutionary War:-
Giles Chester
Caleb Chester
John Chester
John Chester
and any others bearing the name of Chester, if there be any upon the Pension Rolls.
Very respectfully yours
W. Chester (Colby M.)
Rear Admiral U.S.N. (Retired)
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Giles Chester 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.
Mil file 17,611
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 + 5 mos. Seaman John Hopkins Brig "Cabot" Navy.   ✓ 4 mos. Elisha Hinman " "Cabot"   1776 3 mos. Seaman Hopkins Brig "Warren"   ✓ 4 mos. John Barry " "Raleigh"   they were driven ashore, captured, & he was confined in prison ship "Jersey" 5 mos.  
Battles engaged in, New Providence N.J. with British ship "Belagerer"
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓
Date of application for pension, Apr. 1 1818 , Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Wooton Conn.
Age at date of application, 58 years.
Remarks: Sailor man. Wooton Conn. Feb. 14. 1782. Mary _____; he died
Feby 10, 1830 and,
she recd. all pens on her appln. executed Aug 30 1832 while a res. of Wooton Conn. and 74 years of age. In 1820 est. ref. to his dau. Polly 25 yrs. of age.
Very respectfully,

Mary, widow of Giles Chester.
$ 30 36 per ann
act 7 July 1838
Send cutt. cate to Nathan Daboll, Esq. Centre Groton, Conn.

See letter to N. Daboll 8 May 1839 let. Nathan Daboll 21. Oct. 1843—
Connecticut 693
Mary Chester of Groton widow of Giles Chester, deceased, who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 Mar. 1818, and who died on the 10 th February 1830, of New London in the State of Connecticut who was a Seaman in the Brig (also commanded by Captain Barry of the commanded by in the U.S. Navy line for
9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 36 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1835.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of October 1838, & sent to Nathan Daboll, Esq. Centre Groton, Conn.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r '38 $ 90.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar r '39 18.00
$108.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by J. M. Condy, Clerk Book A. Vol. 1. Page 172.

1083

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 - Entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" State of Connecticut County of New London ss Probate District of New London on this 30 day of August 1838
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of New London in now sitting in said District Mary Chester a resident of the Town of Groton in New London County and State of Connecticut, aged 74 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838. Entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" - That she is the widow of Giles Chester of Groton dec d a Revolutionary pensioner who served as a Seaman in the Connecticut line on board the brig Cabot that he was placed on the pension roll of the United States on the 29 th July 1819, and received a pension of $96. per year - She further declares and says that she was married to the said Giles Chester at Groton on the 14 th day of February 1782 by the Rev d Aaron Hinne, who is now dead, and that she does not know of any record evidence of her said marriage now in existence, or any written memorandum thereof, and that her husband the foresaid died on the 10 th day of February 1830. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but that the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four - (N o ) at the time above stated - Sworn to and subscribed by the said Mary Chester on the day and year above written, Subscribed sworn in Court
Before Me, Mary Chester in Court
Lyman Law Judge of the Court of Probate New London Station

I Julia Chester — of Groton County of New London and State of Connecticut of Lawfull age do on my oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Giles Chester a Revolutionary Pensioner late of Groton dec. and know and testify that he died at S c Groton on the 10 th February 1830, and that his wife Mary Chester has remained a widow ever since that time, Julia Chester
State of Connecticut } S c Groton August 28 th 1838, (County of New London) Personally appeared the above named Julia Chester — who signed the foregoing deposition and made Oath to the truth of the same (and I certify that she — is a credible witness) Before me, Nathan Daboll justice of the Peace
I Abner Dearned Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of New London, C.C. do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Mary Chester, (for a pension) made before this court — contains the original proceedings of the said court thereon, And that Lyman Law Esq r , before whom the same was executed is Now the Judge of said Court, duly appointed and qualified, and that his aforesaid signature is genuine, I also certify that Nathan Daboll Esq r , before whom the depositions of John D. Miner and Julia Chester — were taken is Now a justice of the Peace in and for the County of New London duly appointed and qualified and his signatures to s d depositions are genuine in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of s d Court — this 30 th day of August 1838
Abner Dearned (clerk)

I John O Miner of the Town of Grafton County of New London State of Connecticut aged 77 Years do on my oath depose and say. That I was well acquainted with Giles Chester of S t Grafton a revolutionary Pensioner Now deceased, and am also well acquainted with Mary Chester, who is Now the widow of the S d Giles Chester dec d . in the year 1782 I was studying the profession of a Physician with Do c Amos Prentice who then lived at Grafton ferry opposite to the City of New London at which Place the S d Giles and Mary, then lived. I well remember that I was at their wedding and saw them Married by The Rev d Aaron Kinne then a clergyman of S t Town of Grafton and who afterwards moved into the western country and has Now been dead many years; I cannot Now testify positively as to the day and Month that they were married but know that it was in the winter of 1782. from the circumstance of my living at S t Do c Prentice, and also from its being the win r after the engagement at fort Griswold, which is situate in the immediate vicinity of S t Grafton ferry, and I well recollect that among other guests who attended S d wedding was Col l M c Clellan who then commanded at S t fort Griswold, he having taken command of S t fort after Col l Ledyard was slain on the 6 th of Sept r before. I also depose and say that I know that the S d Mary Chester Now is and has remained a widow ever since the decease of her S d husband Giles Chester aforesaid, John O r Miner
State of Connecticut } County of New London }
ss. Grafton August 25 th 1838,
Personally appeared John O r Miner legs signed of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same (and I certify that the S d John O r Miner is a credible witness.)
Before
me Nathan Daboll Justice of the Peace

Jones
Charleston Aug 22 d 45
26
J. L. Cannon Esq. Commrs of Pensions Washington D.C.

New York August 20. 1845.
Sir,
Agreeable to your suggestion in the Case of Elizabeth Jones, widow of Samuel L. Jones. I made application to the Comptroller at Hartford for proof of the services, who informed me that his records did not afford any proof of the services of any such soldier as was described; he also informed me that his records was known to be deficient.
Mr. Jones testified that her husband was a resident of Croton New London County Ct. and that one Christopher Chester , from that town was a Comrad with her husband in the services. I have made inquiry and find he has been dead a number of years. It is also said that Mr. Jones made an affidavit for him in about the year 1800, in the matter of his application for an invalid pension. I find that one Mary Chester of Croton N. London County, Ct. was a pensioner, in 1840. and you will confer a favor, by refusing to honor, upon which she was pensioned, and see if she is the widow of the said Christopher Chester , and if so, see what Regt. and Company he served in, and if it was a Continental establishment, please to refer to the Rolls, and see if the name of Samuel L. Jones, does not appear, together with the names of his other Comrades viz Dudley Baly, John Rogers, and John Mery. does not appear to have been in the same services, or in the same Company—as is stated. The description that Mr. Jones and her witnesses have given of the said Samuel L. Jones, will enable the Dept. to determine the identity if he is found on the rolls.
The difficulty in this Case is, he having served with the lines of the Army entirely removed from his then home, and

Such of his Comrades that was known to have been with him being dead or removed to facts unknown, we have no means to ascertain to what Reg't and Company he did belong to, and his widow of her own knowledge knows nothing about it as she did not know him at all in the war, but she knows the man I mean was with him, because they came to see him and said so, I do hope the Dept. will render her all the assistance that it can consistently in this matter.
I am very respectfully Your obed Servt C. A. Gay
J. L. Edwards Esq: Comt of Pensions.