Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S.15086, Abel De Forest, Conn.

SERVICE
Dr Forest Abel
NUMBER
S15086
born
banded
CONTENTS

Self, Sept. 16: '36 - in act
State Pension and Pension Agent Decr. 11. 1843
CB
Dec 24. 1855
8614
New York
Abel De Forest
Attest as in the State of New York he was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Sharp of the 1st Regt. Infantry Col. Butler in the 1st Div. for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Sept 1833 and sent to Isaac Jones, Columbus Company
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $160.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 40.00
$200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book E Vol. 4. Page 17

In Rules 1 July 80. died? 18/10/80 6 mo. imprisonment Broadly - Johnson
Com d
2 years pri
80/8

Sam l Campbell Esq
I do further certify that I have been acquainted with all of the within named witnesses for thirty years or upwards
P. Brunt Justice

State of New York Albany County
On this 7 th day of September 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before Robt. Merrill Vice Chancellor of the Fifth Circuit of the State of New York, at a Court of Chancery now sitting at the town of Pittsfield in the County of Albany State of New York, Abel D. Hovey a resident of Edmeston in the County of Albany State of New York aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declarati- in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
That he enlisted in the Army of the United States, on or about the first of May in the year A.D. 1778 for eight months, in Col. Return J. Meigs Regiment of the Connecticut Line; does not recollect his Captain's name, but thinks the Colonel, Lieut. Col. and Major had each a Company, and that he was in Major Leavensworth's Company, his orderly Sergeant's name was Galpin That he enlisted at Stratford in the State of Con- -necticut, was mustered he thinks in June and joined the Army at Quaker Hill Dutchess Co- -nty State of New York - went from there to Nelsons Point opposite West Point, after staying at this place a few days he was detached to go and join the Light Infantry at Bedford Westchester County N. York and there joined Col. Butler's Light Infantry Regiment - The Adjutant's name was Aaron Benjamin, Captain's name does not recollect - his orderly Sergeant's name was Worcester - That he was discharged at Reading in the State of Pennsylvania

on or about the first of January 1779 after having rejoined Col. Migh's Regiment, which had gone into winter quarters at that place —
2 d That he enlisted in the army of the United States on or about the first of May in the year 1780 for eight months, in Col. Herman Swift's Regiment in the Connecticut Line, his Lieut. Colonel's name was Johnson, his Adjutant's name was Rodgers, his Captain's name does not recollect. There was in the Regiment a Captain Converse, a Capt. Billings, a Lieut. De Forest and a Lieutenant Forehorn, that he enlisted at Stratford in the State of Connecticut at Stratford that he joined Colonel Swift's Regiment and General Huntington's Brigade early in June at or near Peekskill in the State of New York — From Peekskill the Brigade went down and crossed the Hudson River at Stoney Point — was on and about the River and in the State of New Jersey until time to go into winter quarters, at the time of was at Tappan the head quarters Arnold's treason and Andre's execution whose execution he witnessed — went into winter quarters at a place called the Connecticut Huts in the Highlands on the Hudson River — and was there discharged on or about the first of January 1781.
3 d That he enlisted in the Army of the United States on or about the first of May in the year 1781 for eight months in the above mentioned Colonel Swift's Regiment at Stratford in the State of Connecticut, that he joined Col. Swift's Regiment in June at Peekskill N. York State and continued at and about that place during the Campaign and was during a great part of the time detached
under a Corporal Bishop in the Laboratory making cartridges; at this post General Heath commanded, went into winter quarters at the Connecticut Huts and was there discharged about the first of January 1782 by Col. Commandant Butler, Col. Swift being absent — this was a written discharge but

under a Corporal Bishop in the Laboratory making bartridges; at this post General Heath commanded, went into winter quarters at the Connecticut Huts and was there discharged about the first of January 1782 by Col. Commandant Butler, Col. Swift being absent. This was a written discharge but has been lost for years.
The service in the three years above mentioned he has stated according to his recollection, but has recd a letter from his brother Mills DeForest living in the State of Vermont and who was in the same company with him in the year 1780 which mentions his being in Colonel Phillip Burr Bradley's Regiment in that year and that the enlistments were for six months instead of eight. he the applicant still is confident that he enlisted in each of the above years as an eight months man although not in service after having joined his Regiment but little over six months in each year - and that he was in Col. Swift's Regi- -ment, although from the fact of the two Regiments being together through the campaign a possibility exists that he misrecalls and was in Colonel Bradley's Regiment.
The Rolls in the War Office Department will probably satisfactorily explain. His orderly Sergeants name that year was Daniel Bispell.
4th That on or about the first day of January in the year 1778 he entered the service of the United States in the Militia or State troops of Connecticut, cannot tell which - Capt Bennett Company, Col. Canfield's Regiment was stationed

at Byram Bridge near Horse Neck in the State of New York Connecticut - served in the said Regiment three months and was discharged at Byram Bridge
5 th In the spring of 1779 he entered the service of the United States in Capt Burton's company. Lieut Odle and Ensign Odle father & son in Col. Meads Regiment of drafted Militia and was stationed at Horse Neck above mentioned and served two months and was discharged at Horse Neck
6 th In the year 1779 he thinks in the months of June and July he was in the service of the United States in the Militia Light Horse (Capt Leacock's company, Major Starr commanding), as a substitute for Ephraim Blackman who was stationed at Horse Neck and was frequently on duty with detachments of Continental Light Horse - Thinks that among the Continental Light Horse was a Col. Milden and Col. Sheldon - was discharged at Horse Neck after serving two months
7 th Again the same year 1779 was in the service of the United States in the Militia in Capt Thorp's company of drafted Militia at Stamford and Norwalk. He cannot recollect the month, while at Norwalk Lieut. Col. Gray was at that place with a detachment of Continental troops a short time, served two months on guard, discharged at Norwalk
8 th He was in the service of the United States in the Militia under Lieut. Curtis, two months on guard at Stratford. The year he cannot recollect

To the above, he was frequently out on the Militia from two to three days three weeks at a time - Went in the above mentioned Militia tours from Connecticut -
He was born at Stratford Connecticut in the year 1761, has a record of his age in his family Bible - Was living at Stratford during the revo- lutionary war, where he continued to reside intill about the year 1794 when he removed to Edmiston Otsego County New York where he has since resided and where he now resides - He thinks in all his Militia service that he was either a Volunteer or substitute, but cannot be positive except as stated above when in the Light Horse - When in the Militia he was on guard and not much acquainted with the officers or men of the Regular Army -
He has no documentary testimony testimony and knows of no person who can testify to his services whose testimony he can obtain except Gideon De Forest and Elijah Curtis -
He mentions the names of the following persons to whom he is known in his neighborhood who can testify as to his character for veracity and belief of his revolutionary services viz, Samuel Campbell Esq Late Member of Congress and Joshua Lusk Esq Post Master Columbus Conn, and David Dickey Edmiston -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an- nuity except the present and declares -

that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State - Abiel DeForest Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Robt. Morell Vice Chancellor
And the said Court does hereby declare his Opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named appli- cant was a revolutionary soldier and bur- as he states, - And the Court further certifies that it appears to him, that Samuel Campbell Joshua Lamb and David Dickey who have signed the annexed certificates are residents of the laws of the state in the certificates and an credible persons, and their statements will bear to credit - And the Court further certifies that the said Campbell, Lamb and Dickey are personally known to him and that it is inconvenient to procure their attendance in Open Court -
Robt. Morell
Vice Chancellor
Jonathan L. Wood, Clerk of the Court Chancery for the Fifth Circuit of the State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abiel De Forest for a pension -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 7. day of September 1832.
Jonathan L. Wood Clerk
Samuel Campbell late member of Congress for the County of Chenango and state of New York and Joshua Lamb Port Master - of the County of Chenango and state aforesaid and David Dickey of Edmeston in the County of Otsego and state aforesaid
Abiel De Forest
2131

Mathew Wood Clerk
Samuel Campbell late member of Congress in the County of Ohio and state of Ohio and Joshua Gannett Port Master in the County of Ohio and state aforesaid and David Dickay of Edmeston in the County of Otsego and state aforesaid your neighbors and having resided in said neighborhood with Abel D. Foster for about thirty years. Hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said Abel D. Foster who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is reported to be deceased in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sam Campbell
Sworn and Subscribed the 20 day of August in the Year 1832 before Me
Joshua Gannett David Dickay
and of the said Justice do hereby certify that the above named persons who have severally & signed all resided to the above affidavit. credible persons & their statement entitled to full credit & that there is no clergyman residing in the neighborhood.
Philo Bennet Justice of the Peace State of New York
Philo Bennet Justice
Otsego County ss. I Horace Lathrop Clerk of the said County do certify that Philo Bennet before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in said County that I am acquainted with his hand writing & hereby believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit is his own proper hand writing & signature Witness my hand & seal of office this 10th day of Sept. 1832 Horace Lathrop By Tho B. Cury Dep.

State of New York } Chenango County }
On this 6 th day of December 1832
Personally came before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County Gideon De Forest aged 87 years who being duly sworn with deprecate and say that he is a brother of Abel De Forest that previous to & during the Revolutionary war they lived together in their Mothers family at Stratford in the State of Connecticut (except when one or both were in the army, that in the years 1778, 1780 & 1781 the said Abel De Forest in each year in May or June enlisted at Stratford aforesaid untill the first of January following & that some time he thinks in the month of June in each year the said Abel De Forest left home to join the Army & returned home in each year on or about the first of the January following & that in the fall of the year 1780 that the said Abel De Forest came home under the following circumstances as he understood he was sent in a guard to Danbury after clothing that when he arrived at Danbury the clothing not being ready he applied to Col Burge for liberty to go home to Stratford this was granted on condition that he would convey a letter to a Lieutenant Barnum who was at home sick & who lived 5 or 6 Miles from his Mother said before to Mothers he came home with the letter the Lieutenant took the letter carried it to Lieutenant Barnum got his answer & returned took a horse & carried the said Abel De Forest to Danbury he cannot state any other particulars from his own knowledge but he has always understood that the said Abel De Forest was in the year 1778 in Col Mays & in 1780 & 1781 in Col Swifts Regiment in the Connecticut line. Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Gideon De Forest
John P. H. Justice of the Peace
And I hereby certify that I have for many years been well acquainted with the above mentioned Gideon De Forest that he is a reputable person & his statement entitled to full credit
Salmon P. H. Justice of the Peace

State of New York } Chenango County }
On the 4 th day of December 1832 Personally came before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the said county of Chenango. Eleazer Durand who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was a soldier of the Revolution that he was for three years in Col Putnam's Regt. Regiment. That in the year 1778 he became acquainted with Abel De Goret at Duffer hill in the State of New York who was a soldier in the same Regiment & Company with him he thinks it was in June or the first of July that he first became acquainted with him. That the deponent and the said Abel De Goret were in Major Levingworth company and in the Connecticut line that the said Abel De Goret joined the Regiment with several others as recruits to fill up for the campaign that from Quaker Hill the Regiment went to Nelsons Point opposite West Point that at that point the said Abel De Goret was detached with others from the Regiment to go & join the Light Infantry on the Lines, that after going into winter quarters at Reading in the State of Connecticut. the said Abel De Goret & the others who had been detached with him came back & joined Col. Migh's Regiment and that about the first of January 1779 the said Abel De Goret was discharged & at the same time the deponent obtained a furlough & left the army in company with the said Abel De Goret & went with him to Stratford to his mothers house took dinner with him & then left and further saith not Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. before me
Eleazer Durand
John Pike justice of the peace
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Eleazer Durand that he is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full credit
John Pike justice of the peace

No. 8731
Abel De Forest
Columbus Corres Chenango Co New York
Retained letter
14 16 P. 44
Cont d service not sustained by the rolls. 2 mths pay re- quired
11 Sep 32 13 Nov 32 Mar 21 33 P. 321.
Claim
Columbus Corres
space destroyed
It is requested that the foregoing statement and the answers thereto with the evidence in the case
be the papers defective as to form or sufficiency; and if so, in what respect;
respecting evidence, on the page;
to the documents submitted, by first witness, by documentary proof, by testimonial evidence,
State the service, as directed in the form subjoined.
Names of Clerks and Field Officers
Examining Clerk

No 8131,
BRIEF in the case of  Abel De. Forest of Pittsfield  County of Berkshire — in the State of New York  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? Seventy one years, 7/10
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Enlisted on or about 10th May In 1778 — 8 — private Gen. Col. Return J. Meigs, Regt. of the Connecticut line, Major Leavenworth, Col. Butler.   Enlisted on or about 1. May 1780 — 8 — — Col. Heman Swift, Lieut. Col. Johnson.   ditto on or about 1 May 1781 — 8 — — Gen. Huntington's Brigade, Col. Swift's Regt., Genl. Heath's Col.   Entered the service on or about 1st January 1778. — 3 — — Commanded by Col. Butler.   Spring of 1779 Entered the service — 2 — — Col. Campfield's Regt. Capt. Bennett's Comp.   drafted in 1779 — 2 — — Col. Mendenhall's Capt. Burtons Comp.   — 2 — — Major Shaw, Capt. H. Cook's Comp.   — 2 — — Capt. Sharp's Comp. W.D. Mitchell's   — 2 — — on guard at Stratford under Lieut. Curtis  
5. In what battles was he engaged? Not any
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Northampton, Connecticut
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses as to five months of the above service; by three respectable citizens of same town as to his tradition, whose credibility is verified by the Judge of the Court.
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No, vibrant
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Chas. S. Wilcox Examining Clerk.

March 4, 1936
Amos DeForest-S.15086 BA-J/AWF Am
Mrs. Lewis Lockwood Sidney, Box 123 New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Abel DeForest, soldier of the War of the Revolution, from Connecticut and New York.
The record furnished herein is that of the only soldier named Abel DeForest (surname searched under similar spellings) found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 15086, based upon the service of Abel DeForest in the Revolutionary War.
Abel DeForest was born in the year 1761 in Stratford, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not stated, his mother was living in said Stratford during the Revolution.
While residing in Stratford, with his mother, Abel DeForest enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops as follows:
From January 1, 1778, three months as private in Captain Bennett's company, Colonel Canfield's regiment; from May 1, 1778, eight months in Major Leavenworth's company, Colonels Return J. Meigs' and Butler's regiments; in the spring of 1779, two months in Captain Burton's company, Colonel Moad's regiment; in the summer of 1779, two months in Captain Bloock's company under Major Starr; again in 1779, two months in Captain Tharp's company, as guard at Stamford and Norwalk; from May 1, 1780, eight months in Colonel

Sergeant Philip Burt Bradley's regiment, and witnessed the execution of Major Andre; from May 1, 1781, eight months in Colonel Heman Swift's regiment, a part of this time he was under Corporal Bishop in the Laboratory making cartridges. He served two months as sergeant under Lieutenant Curtiss on guard at Stratford; also other short tours in the militia, dates of service not given.
Abel DeForest was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, then living in Edmiston, Otsego County, New York, where he had lived since 1794.
His postoffice address in 1836 and in 1844 was Binghamton, Broome County, New York. He died December 24, 1855.
It is not stated that the soldier ever married.
Reference Reference was made in 1832 to the following brothers of the soldier, Abel DeForest- Gideon DeForest, sixty-seven years of age and a resident of Edmiston, New York; Mills DeForest, a resident of the state of Vermont; and Samuel DeForest of Saratoga.
Gideon and Mills DeForest served in the War of De Forest the Revolution, as did one Lieutenant DeForest It is not stated that Lieutenant DeForest was related to the family.
The papers in this claim contain no further reference to the family of Abel DeForest.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Chenango Otsego County ss:
Abel De Forest, the within mentioned applicant, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that during the two months he served in the Militia of the United States, under Lieut. Curtis, on guard at Stratford, as stated in his declaration, herewith transmitted he held the Post of Sergeant. —
And the said deponent further says that he knows of no one now living, who was with him, in his service, during the year 1787 as stated in his declaration. — And further the deponent saith not. — Abel DeForest
Sworn & subscribed this 17 th day of December 1852
Before me
John Pike { Justice of the peace of the County of Chenango
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Abel De Forest — that he is a credible person and his statement is entitled to full credit.
John Pike { Justice of the peace

Chenango Co State of New York Chenango County ss: I Saml H. Pike, Clerk of the said County do certify that John Pike before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, and also before whom the with- in power of attorney purports to have been ac- knowledged, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and truly believe his same subscribed to the said affidavit and the ac- knowledgment of the execution of the said power to be his proper handwriting & signature. Witness my hand and seal of office at March December 7. 1832
P. B. Pindle Dep. Clerk
Given the foregoing affidavit
6 m.

Putnam Collins affidavit

State of New York Broome County Gp.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in & for said County Putnam Catlin of Susquehanna County Pennsylvania who being duly sworn deposeth & saith.
That he the Deponent was a musician in the Connecticut line of the Continental army of the Revolution & served from January 1777 to June 1783, in the first part of time he served in the same Regiment commanded by Philip B Bradley, in the latter part of the time in the Regiment commanded by Col. Herman Swift called the second Connecticut Regiment
That a person now present calling on me by the name of Abel DeForest for proof of his services in the same Regiment in part of the years 1780 and 1781. as a Recruit (so called at that time) The Deponent cannot be positive as to the identity of the person from recollection after so many years. But, from a conversation with him and the relation by him of many occurrences in the said Regiments in the years 1780 and 1781. his recollection and mention of the names of the officers and sergeants of the musicians in the corps to which I belonged I cannot doubt the truth of his statement and that he served a part of the years 1780 & 1781 in those Regiments - which two Regiments were blended (the deponent thinks) in the latter part of the year 1780, & called the second Connecticut Regiment and thereafter commanded by Col. Swift and the Deponent further saith that he verily believes the said Abel DeForest did verily serve as a Recruit in the continental army according to his relation, in the Regiments aforesaid in the years 1780 & 1781.
And further the Deponent saith not Putnam Catlin
Sworn & subscribed this 18 th day of March 1833 by the above named Putnam Catlin to me known to be a person of undoubted Credibility. before me
Geo. Park Surrogate

State of New York } J. B. Marvin Clerk of said Broom County Co. } county do certify that George
Park Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been taken was on the date thereof a Surrogate in & for the county of Broom also I am well acquainted with his handwriting & believe the signature is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 26 th day of March 1853.
J. B. Marvin Clerk

Owned by Rev John A. Glinn at no. 45 Smith Street n

441b $3 Al
Hon. John A. Collier at Gadsby's Washington Baltimore Md. D.C.
single Paid

Binghamton April 22,
Dear Brother
Some time in December last our venerable friend Capt. De Forest rec d from the Pension Office a communication signed by J. L. Edwards of which the following is a copy -
Upon a re- examination of your papers it appears that you claimed for three terms of service in the Connecticut Line and for several other terms in the militia of that State and a full pension allowed you without requiring, according to the regulations, the proof afforded by the books of the Comptroller of Connecticut - You are therefore required to send to this Department office a succinct statement of the period, length and grade of each term, names of officers &c with the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut showing how far the records of his office either confirm or discredit each"
On the receipt of the above Mr. De Forest wrote to the Comptroller of Connecticut for the necessary certificate and in due time rec d one containing all that he the records of his office enabled him to make, which was immediately forwarded to Washington - On the 4 th March Mr. De Forest drew his pension here from the Bank and the papers were forwarded by the Bank to Albany for the purpose of obtaining the money.

from the Pension agent at that place - the papers were returned with notice that the pension was suspended and of course Mr. DeForest has to refund the money drawn from the Bank here -
Mr. Edwards has been twice written to, Mr. DeF. informs me but returns no answer nor can any thing further be heard on the matter -
Mr. DeForest is to hear from him and I write, at his solicitation to ask you to look into the matter while at Washington if it is possible for you to do so, and interest yourself in his behalf of this letter reaches you at too late a period of your stay, that you will speak to the Member from Cheyenne - Mr. Pugh - or some one else that you may think more likely to attend with - and try to have his name reinstated if already stricken from the roll -
Mr. DeF. has been very ill but is again about though weak and very infirm - If he must die soon it would be gratifying to all of us who know him to have him close his eyes upon the world with the consolation of thinking that he died a Revolutionary Pensioner - Do try to attend with soon though it may detain you a little beyond the time you had expected to remain in Washington
Affectionately your brother Y. C. Collins
J. A. Collins Esq. in an all work - Do write a little oftener if possible

Abel De Forest
N 42° E
100
new line
De Forest number of Survey Washington City
FREE

Sept 16 36 BINGHAMTON SEP 21 NY.
FREE
James L. Edwards Champion of Indians Washington City
Mr. M Mr. M Mr. M
Atchison & Co. Forest

Binghamton September 10. 1836
J. L. Edwards, Comr. of pensions
Sir I enclose an affidavit of the loss of my pension Certificate in order to the obtaining from the Department another, without which I shall be unable to draw my pay - I am not informed what is the proper course to take a new Certificate in similar cases, other than make affidavit of the loss - I should this be insufficient please give me such instructions as will enable me speedily to receive the benefits of my Pension.
I am Respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt Abel DeForest
Binghamton Broome Co. N.Y.
Col. J. L. Edwards

Wm Lloyd M c Forrest Binghamton N.Y.

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford 12 th Jan'y 1844
Abel De Forest has made application to this office for evidence of his service in the war of the revolution alleged to have been rendered as follows: viz -
About eight months in 1778 in Col Kings Regt. in, it is believed, Major Seweworth's Company: -
In 1780 about eight months in, he thinks, Swift's Regiment, though it may be Bradley's: -
In 1781 About eight months in Col Swift's Regt. Both of the two first named enlistments are stated to have been made at Stratford Ct.
I find no roll of the "Short Service" in Col King's Regt. in 1778. His Regiment was the 6 th . If the returns were ever made here, they are lost.
There is on file "a Pay Roll of the Short Service in Lt Col Johnson's Company in the 5 th Connecticut Regt. Commanded by Philip B Bradley Col d On which is this entry: viz - "Abel De Forest - Stratford - private - 1 st July to 12 th Dec r - 5 Months 12 Days - Discharged"
There is, in "Hartford receipts", under the head of "Pay of sundry Persons who joined the Second Regt as short Service in the year 1781" the following entry: viz - "Abel De Forest, entered the service Aug t 27 - Discharged Dec r 12 th - in service 3 Months 15 Days - Allowed to go to Camp & return 4 days." Col Swift in 1781 had Command of the 2 nd Regt. - having previously commanded the 7 th .
In addition to the foregoing service in the Short Service, Abel De Forest claims to have rendered several terms of service in the "Coast Guard" as follows viz. Three months from about the 1 st of January, 1778 in the State Troops, under Capt Bennett Col. Comfiedel, near Byram River. There are accounts with the Capt Bennett for Coast Guard service. Feby 10 th 1780 there is charged "Mr De F. to for Bennett's Act and £10.550. 18.9." Oct r 23 1781 "Mr De F. order on Treas ry for Capt Joseph Bennett Pay Roll, lawful Money £183. 10. 2 d "

- 1782 Jan 19 th there is charged "War Dr To Order on Prisoner for Capt. Majah Bennett, Pay Roll, Quarters, Fences etc. money £49. 7. 4." 1783 Aug 3 rd "War Dr To Order on Prisoner for Capt. Majah Bennett Pay Roll, Quarters at San Pedro, £48. 14. 10" These several amounts of pounds and shillings Bennett are recited by Harkness.
The applicant further states, that in the Spring of 1779 he entered the service in Capt. Burton's Company, Guards Regt of Artillery Militia, was stationed 2 months at Horn Neck, & then discharged. There is on the Pay Roll Journal the following charges, 1779 Aug. 30 "War Dr To Order on the Prisoner for Capt. James Burton Pay Roll, guards £329. 6. 4" also "261. 11. 3" 1779 Dec 7 "War Dr To Order Capt. James Burton, his over Coat guards £334. 19. 7" which amounts are both recited by Harkness.
The Applicant also states that he served in the early part of the summer of 1779 as a substitute for Ephraim Blackman in Capt. Harkness Co. May - Nov commanding, at Horn Neck, for two months. I find the following entries on the Pay Roll Journal - January 26 "War Dr To Order on Prisoner for Maj. Ezra Sturges Pay Roll, & Alarm to Fairfield. £47. 16. 4 - To ditto Capt. Benjamin Harkness ditto £281. 11. 7"
The Applicant also claims to have served two months in 1779 in Capt. Thorp's Company at Horn Neck & Stamford - months not recited. I find the following charges on the Pay Roll Journal 1779 January 25 th "War Dr To Order on Prisoner Capt. Elizabeth Thorp's Co. Harkness £729. 14. 0" - 1781 January 3 "War Dr To Order on Prisoner for Capt. Elizabeth Thorp's Pay Roll Coast Guard £202. 16. 4 Harkness recited for the first of these terms at Stamford. the 2 nd at Fairfield.
Of the Coast Guard service I have found no Pay Roll and consequently no recited service of that Dr. Forest except as above. Eldon Wells Comptroller

Yrs
I have spent the first part of these days in searching for evidence in your case and send herewith a certificate of the result. It will be sufficient I think to secure the continuance of your pension.
The fee for a general and investigation is $2. - In this instance it was much more than that, but please send one dollar in addition to the one originally sent and it will be sufficient.
Very Respectfully Ebenezer D. Wells
Mr. Abiel D. Storrs

Washington D.C. Jan 25 1844
FREE
Hon. J. Edward, Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
My Add. Pensions Abd. D. Thomas 7 June 1844

Binghamton, NY January 2 1844
Sir In compliance with your letter of the 16 th ult I inclose the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut shewing the period length and grade of each term of my service in the War of the Revolution excepting 2 months under Lieut Curtis in the Connecticut militia the year not recollected
In my original declaration I stated only what I believed true and the same was confirmed as far a practicable by testimony of living witnesses of respectable standing.
I have no doubt but many frauds have been attempted by persons claiming to have served in the Revolutionary War But as regards my own statement so far as my reputation may have a bearing in the matter I beg leave to Refer to the Honorable S M Dury a member of the House of Representatives from this State
I Am Respectfully
Your O bt Serv t Abel DeForest
Hon d J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

CHAMPTON N.Y. APR 8
my
Abel D. Hornbl
FREE
Hon. James L. Edwards Commisr of Pensions Washington City

Binghamton, N.Y. April 18. 1844
Sir,
Sometime during the winter, information was received from the Commissioner of Pensions that Abel De Forest a Revolutionary Pensioner had neglected to produce a Certificate from the Comptroller of Connecticut in proof of his services as a soldier of the Revolution, agreeably to the rules and regulations of the Pension Office.
Mr De Forest immediately there after addressed a line to the Comptroller for such proof as his office afforded in support of his claims on the Government for a Pension. A Certificate was duly received & transmitted to Washington, under a belief of Mr De Forest, (as well as of the Comptroller expressed in his letter attached to the Certificate,) that the same would be deemed satisfactory. No communication having been received from the Commissioner to the contrary; Mr De Forest on the 4 th March last made the usual voucher, and received his semi-annual pay at the Bank in this place. The voucher was forwarded to S. W. Olcott U. S. Pay Agent, Albany, and soon after returned, informing the Cashier of this Bank, that Mr. De Forest was suspended from the Pension List.
Mr De Forest thinks the Certificate might have miscarried, or if received at the Pension Office, might not have been taken up and acted upon in time for information to reach the Pay Agent in Albany before March 4 th .

If however the Certificate is unsatisfactory, Mr. DeForest would beg the favor of such information from the Commisioner in relation to the particular cause of his suspension as may enable him to procure if possible evidence to effect his restoration to the Rolls. I have to add that Mr. DeForest is one of our most exemplary & worthy citizens, One whose practical honesty, patriotism & love of justice is known and venerated; And who would far sooner return what he has already received for his Revolutionary services, than go down to his grave under the imputation of having attempted to defraud his Country — a Country too whose Independence he has been a humble instrument in creating by unrequited toil & privations. —
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Geo. Park
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

I do further certify that I have been acquainted with Gideon De Forest thirty six years
P. Bennett Austin
1778-1779 = 2 mo.

State of New York
Otsego County ss - Gideon De Forest of the Town of Edmiston in the said County and State being duly sworn saith that he was well acquainted with Abel De Forest in the years 1778 & 9 that in one of those years the said Abel on or about the first of of August volunteered at Stratford in the State of Connecticut in Capt Thops company of militia for two months went to Stamford and Norwalk & was stationed at those places as a guard and was at the expiration of the said period discharged at Norwalk that the deponent served the same time in the same company with him the said Abel who is his brother and further that the said Abel was from home at different times prospectively a soldier in the army of the revolution and although the deponent was not with him the said Abel he knew of his serving in the militia at Saw-pits
at Biram- Bridge at Horn mts. and at Briden
Gideon DeForest
Port
Subscribed and sworn this 20 th day of August 1832 before me
and of the said further of the person do hereby certify that the above named Gideon De Forest is a credible person & that his statements are entitled to full credit
Philo Bennet Justice of the Peace
Philo Bennet Justice
State of New York ss
Otsego County
I Horace Lockrop Clerk of the said County do certify that Philo Bennet before whom
the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County that I am acquainted with his hand writing & merely believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his own proper hand writing and signature Witness my hand & seal of office this 10 th day of Sept r 1832
Horace Lockrop By Chas. H. Cory Deputy

Elyah Gantus
April 1, 1978 - 3 mo.
FFD

State of New York
Saratoga County ss. Elijah Curtis of the Town of Galway in the County of Saratoga & State of New York aforesaid aged Seventy three years, being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he was was well acquainted with Abel Deforest of the Town of Edmeston in the County of Otsego & State of New York and that he was well acquainted with him the said Abel Deforest previous to, and during the time of the Revolutionary War. that he this deponent knows and well recollects that the said Abel Deforest did serve as a private soldier in the Company commanded by Capt. Bennett in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Can- field being State Troops of the State of Connecticut called the three months men, of the war of the Revolution that he served as a private soldier aforesaid from the first day of January to the first day of April 1778 that he joined his said Company at Nyram Bridge in the County of Fairfield aforesaid and continued there doing duty as aforesaid during the period of three months aforesaid in order to guard the lines against the common Enemy and was then dismissed by the said Captain Bennett that this deponent served as a private soldier in the aforesaid Company in Company with the said Abel Deforest during the three months aforesaid. Sworn this 7 th day of July 1832 before me {
his Elijah T. Curtis mark
A Goodrich Justice of the peace.
And I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Elijah Curtis and that he is a credible witness - A Goodrich Justice

Saratoga County Clerk's Office  Sp : I Thomas Palmer Clerk of the County of Saratoga do certify that Alphens Goodrich who has subscribed his name to the within jurat before whom the within affidavit purports to be sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing verily believe his name subscribed to the said Jurat to be his hand writing & signature
Witness my hand & seal at office the seventh day of July 1832
Thomas Palmer Clerk

J. A. Collier Capt De Forest Pension see
free
Hon. Smith M. Purdy M. C. Washington City
Hon. S. M. Purdy N. R.

New York 8 May 1844
My dear Sir,
The enclosed letter relating to the application of our mutual Excellent old friend Capt. De Forest - was forwarded to me after I left Washington, Allow me to commend it to your particular & favorable consideration & attention. Yours truly,
Hon. S. M. Purdy
John A. Collins

Sir I received the first of the present week the papers in the case of the application of Abel De Goret for a pension which were returned from the office of Commissioner of Pensions — After the receipt of yours of the 26th January (informing me that his papers had been retained on file to await the necessary steps on the part of the claimant to enable the department to make a final disposition of the case) I forwarded the affidavit of Mills De Goret: the postmaster at Lemington Vermont & another of the applicant who was with the rail applicant in two campaigns &c. — and accompanying it with such explanations as occurred to me at the time I hoped that this with the testimony already in the department would have been deemed satisfactory, but the return of the papers without Mills De Goret's affidavit or any allusions to it I am induced to believe that that affidavit had not reached the department at the time the papers were returned for this reason I now return the papers presuming that that affidavit is now in the office I also enclose the affidavit of Putnam Colbin Esq. & remark that Capt De Goret states that further than he has produced testimony

He knows of no person living who is knowing to his services except his brother Samuel Lee Boret living at Janatoge about 100 miles from this who in the year 78 (while the applicant was sick at Bedford while in the 1st Infantry) was sent for to visit him in the camp at that place & went to camp & saw him there no far as this applicant thinks his brother could testify. Of the papers in their present shape should be deemed insufficient & this testimony be considered as strengthening it please inform me & I will forward it if the said Saml. recollects the circumstances
Respectfully yours &c
Isaac Jones Jr
Columbus Corners Chenango County State New York
April 5 th 1833. - -

The Dr / June June 7 1882
June 3 1882 Col. M. L.
FREE
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
let me see the Pension

Being here on May 25-1844
 ۲۲ 

Mr. de Forest
June 8. 1844.
(Pier)
I have the honor to inform you that the last of the above mentioned notes has been paid by the Bank of America on the 10th inst. and that the amount of $1000 has been credited to your account. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, J. M. [unclear] Cashier.

December 8, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Angeline Lockwood Sidney New York
BA-J/AWT Abel DeForest-S.15086
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Abel DeForest, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
The record furnished herewith is that of the only soldier named Abel DeForest, found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 15086, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Abel DeForest.
He was born in 1761 at Stratford, Connecticut, the names of his parents are not stated, his mother was living in said Stratford during the Revolution.
While residing in Stratford, Abel DeForest enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops, as follows- from January, 1778, three months as private in Captain Bennett's company, Colonel Ganfield's regiment; from May 1, 1778, eight months in Major Leavenworth's company, Colonels Return J. Meig's and Butler's regiments; in the spring of 1779, two months in Captain Burton's company in Colonel Mead's regiment; in the summer of 1779, two months in Captain Hicock's company, under Major Starr; again in 1779, two months in Captain Tharp's company, as guard at Norwalk and Stamford; from May 1, 1780, six or eight months in Colonel Philip Burr Bradley's regiment, and was at the execution of Major Andre; from May 1, 1781, eight months in Colonel Heman Swift's regiment. He also served two months as sergeant under Lieutenant Cur-

tiss on guard at Stratford, no dates of this service given. He had other short tours in the militia, no details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, then a resident of Edmiston, Otsego County, New York, where he had lived since 1794.
He died December 24, 1855.
It is not stated whether soldier was ever married.
He referred to the following brothers- in 1832, Gideon DeForest was sixty-seven years of age and living in Edmiston, New York; Mills DeForest in 1832 was a resident of Vermont; and Samuel DeForest. Gideon and Mills DeForest served in the Revolutionary War.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

June 3, 1980
Mrs. V. D. Keeler
Sidney, New York
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15086, it appears that Abel De Forest was born in 1761, at Stratford, Connecticut.
While residing at Stratford, Connecticut, he enlisted and served as a private with the Connecticut Troops, as follows:
From January 1, 1778, three months, in Captain Bennett's Company in Colonel Canfield's Regiment; from May 1, 1778, six or eight months, in Major Leavenworth's Company in Colonel Return J. Meigs' Regiment; from April, 1779, two months, in Captain Barton's Company in Colonel Mead's Regiment; from June, 1779, two months, in Captain Hiseock's Company, under Major Starn; from August 1, 1779, two months, in Captain Tharp's Company; from July 1, 1780, five months and twelve days, in Colonel Philip Burr Bradley's Regiment; from August 27, 1781 to December 18, 1781, in Colonel Heman Swift's Regiment. He also served as a sergeant under Lieutenant Curtis, no dates given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Hamorton, Otsego County, New York.
He died December 24, 1835.
It is not stated whether soldier was ever married.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Rev. and Mrs. John Keeler AMP/ok
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
November 18, 1929
Mrs. Irving John Keeler No. 6 Liberty Street Sidney, New York
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.15086, it appears that Abel De Forest was born in 1761, at Stratford, Connecticut.
While residing at Stratford, Connecticut, he enlisted and served as a private with the Connecticut Troops as follows:
From January 1, 1778, three months in Captain Bennett's Company in Colonel Canfield's Regiment; from May 1, 1778, six or eight months in Major Leavenworth's Company in Colonel Return J. Meigs' Regiment; from April, 1779, two months in Captain Burton's Company in Colonel Hand's Regiment; from June, 1779, two months in Captain Hiccock's Company under Major Starr; from August 1, 1779, two months in Captain Tharp's Company; from July 1, 1780, five months and twelve days in Colonel Philip Burr Bradley's Regiment; from August 27, 1781, to December 12, 1781, in Colonel Heman Swift's Regiment. He also served as a sergeant under Lieutenant Curtis, no dates given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 7, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Edmiston, Otsego County, New York.
He died December 24, 1855.
It is not stated whether soldier was ever married.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Abel De Forest a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S.F. 15086
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Jan. 1. 1778 3 mos. Pvt. Bennett Canfield Conn.   May 1. 1778 6 mos 8 days " Major - Liasenworth's Co Return J. Meigs   Apr. 1779 2 mos " - Burton Mead   June 1779 2 mos " - Hickock Major - Starr   Aug. 1. 1779 2 mos " - Thorp Philip Burr Bradley "   July 1. 1780 5 mos 12 days " " Thoman Swift "   Aug 27. 1781 Dec 12. " " " "  
✓ Battles engaged in, ✓ Sgt. Ft. Curtis ✓  Residence of soldier at enlistment, at Stratford, Conn.  Date of application for pension, Sept. 7. 1832. His claim was allowed  Residence at date of application, Edmeston, Otsego Co N.Y.  Age at date of application, Born at Stratford, Conn. in 1761, died Dec 24 1855  Remarks: ✓ It is not stated whether sol- ever recd -
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

MRS. LEWIS LOCKWOOD RIVERSIDE SIDNEY, N. Y.
Director of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir: —
I wish very much to obtain information & war record of my great great Granddame — Abel De Forest who was a revolutionary soldier. He came from Connecticut to Unadilla Ulster Co. I don't know whether he came before
the war or after. He married Betsy Rodgers whose family came to Ulster Co. with the De Forests. Abel De Forest was Supervisor of Town of Unadilla Ulster Co. in 1836 Younger N.Y. State Assembly 1810. I give you this information in case it will help you in your search. He died in Town of Unadilla Ulster Co. N.Y. And on his tombstone is written "A Patriot's Soldier is buried here."

I am very anxious to obtain his war record also to know definitely whether he resided from the state of Connecticut or New York. It is known that he had one brother George who is buried here also some of the older people say he had a brother Thomas. Hope this will help you in your search
I hope to hear from you soon and oblige
Mrs. Louis Lockwood,
Sidney
Box 123

Sidney New York Sept 30 1932 Nov 11
Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen: —
Can you give me any information regarding two soldiers of the war of 1776 — only Abel DeForest and George DeForest of Unadilla Otsego Co New York. Were they pensioned?
Also one John Fisk of the war of 1812, from Unadilla Otsego Co. New York State. Was he pensioned?
Perhaps their address was different at that time, if so, will you give it?
Any information would be greatly appreciated
Mrs. Angeline Lockwood, Sidney, New York.

THE SIDNEY ENTERPRISE
V. D. Keeler, Proprietor
BOOK and JOB PRINTING
Sidney, New York
March 26 1930
Bureau of Pensions War Department Washington D C
Gentlemen; I am endeavoring to get a Daughter of the American Revolution line through my ancestor Abel DeForest . The difficulty is that there were two Abel DeForests -cousins- from Connecticut who settled as pioneers in Otsego before 1800 within twenty miles of one another. Captain Abel DeForest-who witnessed Major Andres death abd was otherwise the more prominent of the two-settled in Pittsfield(near Edmeston) Otsego County. His cousin-also Abel DeForest settled and is buried in Rogers Hollow, town of Unadilla , Otsego County.
Family tradition has always said this Letter Abel was a Revolutionary soldier and an officer. But more important than that his tombstone in the Rogers Hollow cemetery-a slab so old the writing is getting difficult to decipher-says
"Abel DeForest died Aug 23 1828-68 years A husband kind, a parent dear A patriot soldier is buried here"
And the grave has long held the Revolutionary insignia of the local Historical society and has been decorated annually along with the other Rev. Soldiers buried in that cemetery.
But due to the greater comparative prominence of the Capt Abel DeForest of Edmeston I have had difficulty in getting the actual war record of this Abel DeForest.
Any help you may be able to give me will be greatly appreciated and I will gladly remit for any cost incurred
Very truly yours,
Mrs. V. D. Keeler.
Sidney New York Delaware Co.

Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-- I am trying to establish a line in the Daughters of the American Revolution through Abel DeForest my who served from July 1, 1780 to December 12, 1780 in the 5 th Connecticut Regiment commanded by Colonel Philip B Bradley. Will

you please tell me whether he was on your pension lists and also whether after his death his wife received a pension and if so what her name was.
Thanking you.
Very truly yours
Mrs. Irving John Kuler Sidney New York Delaware

Oneonta N.Y. Feb. 28 th 1914 Pension Dept. Washington D.C.
Could you please give me any information in regard to one James Richards who enlisted from Conn. in the Rev. War - also of one Pattengill from Conn. who was in War of Revolution also Abel De Forest . I would greatly appreciate any information in this line -
I am very respectfully (Mrs) Lulu Hasford Pattengill Shore 31 Valleyview St. Oneonta Otsego Co. New York.

1914. Mch 8. Birt to Mrs. H. Shor. M 13.11
15086 INVALID.
1929- Nov. 13- Hist. to Mrs. H. Irving John Keeler
1930- June 3- Hist. to Mrs. H. Keeler
1932- Dec 8- Hist. to Mrs. H. Josephine Keeler
1936- Mch 4- Hist. to Mrs. H. Keeler
File No. 15.086
Abel D. L...
Div. R.W. ...
Act: June 1 th 1832
Index:—Vol: 1 , Page 94
[Arrangement of 1870.]