Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 18,947, Joshua Conkey, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Conkey, Joshua Melicent
V 18,947
CONTENTS

6740 /
New York
Joshua Conkey /
of Carlton in the state of New York who was a Quartermaster in the regiment commanded by Colonel Bailey of the Inf'ty line, for the term of 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 1st of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 of Feb 1819 and sent to Wmble W Ogden Name of Representative
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818  4 \text{ mo } \frac{21}{30} $ 37.60 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 March 1819  48.
$ 85.60
1777 - 34 yr
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
File March 19
Northeastern Dept January 15th 1821 Hon Mr D Ford. State of Del. Dear Sir Pay at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838. To draw it up to 23 Oct 1840. Agt. National Inst. May 1843.

4539. New York Albany Melisent Conkey widow of Joshua Conn. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Drummer
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Mch 1849 and sent to
J. L. Russell Canton N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 45 Vol. 4
Date of death not on AB

State of New York, St Lawrence County
Came before me Joshua Conkey of the Town of Canton in the County of St Lawrence and State aforesaid, being to me personally known And being duly sworn, saith - That he enlisted into a Company Commanded by Hugh Max- =well on the fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Seventy seven as a Drummer, for the term of three years or during the war - That he served in said Capacity during the term of three years in the second Regiment of the Massachusetts Line Command by John Bailey Colonel Coma- =dant - that he was discharged by Col. Ezra Bedloe on the fourteenth day of April in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty-
And that he served in the Militia of Mas- =sachusetts fourteen months during the Revolu- =tionary war over and above the aforesaid term of three years -
And that his pecuniary Circumstan- =ces are such that he needs the assistance of the Government as provided by the act for Relief of the Officers, and others who served in the Rev- =olutionary war. —
Joshua Conkey,
Sworn before me this — 7 fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen.
Myrill Atwater, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of St Lawrence State New York

I Russell Atwater one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Schenectady and State of New York do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Joshua Conkey did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and that I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
Russell Atwater
Coeymansville July 3 d 1818
Joshua Conkey - Affidavit
Maria Conkey
Correct

1 On the fourteenth day of April 1878 came before me Russell Atwater one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of St Lawrence, Israel Cook of the town of Canton in the said County of St Lawrence who being duly sworn deposeth and says that he has lived in the neighborhood of Joshua Conkey for the last five years and that he has always been represented to have been a Soldier in the revolutionary War and has been and is now so much reduced in his circumstances in life, and that he is in need of assistance from his Country for Support The foregoing declaration was sworn to and subscribed on the 14 th day of April 1878 before me Isaac Cook Russell Atwater, - Judge of the Court Common Pleas for the County of St Lawrence

Joshua Conkey
St Lawrence Cy
6740
March 1819
Hon W. D. Ford H. Reh Jany 15. 1824

State of New York } St Lawrence County } ss On the eleventh day of October one thousand eight hundred twenty came before the Court of Common Pleas held in and for the County of St Lawrence State of New York, which is a court of record and being then open, Joshua Conkey aged sixty years, who after being duly sworn ac- cording to law on his oath declare and says that he served in the Revolutionary War three years in a company commanded by Capt Hugh Maxwell, belonging to Col. John Bailey Regt. viz - from April 1777 to April 1780 - and was in the Battle of Saratoga & Monmouth as set forth in his declaration made before Russell Atwater Esq. April 14 1818 for which service I was placed on the pension list as per certificate dated Feb 9 1819 No 6740 - I Joshua Conkey do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th March 1818 and that I have not since that time, by gift sale or in any manner what- ever disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it so as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Con- gress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me

me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule herunto annexed and by me subscribed -
Joshua Conkey
Schedule
43 acres of land in Canton - with a poor log house and barn 14 acres of it cleared the timber off. 1 cow. 1 old man blind of one eye - 11 sheep. 2 hogs - 1 plough - 1 chain. 1 hoe 1 scythe, 2 sickles, 2 rakes - 1 pitchfork. 1 pot. 2 kettles. 1 spider. 1 tin pail, 2 tin pans. 1 tea kettle 1 tea pot 6 cups & saucers. 6 knives & forks, 1 shovel I owe the following debts which are chargeable on the above property -
To Jonathan Farnum note $100. due in 1818 " Samuel Metcalf note $ 8 " Seneca Raymond note - 7 " Doct. M c Cluskey - note 25. in judgment " Samuel Stacey - 13 - do " John Scott Esq - 13.50 - do " Town of Canton note 32 - due $198.50
Joshua Conkey
My family consists of myself aged 60 my wife aged 58 Son Jacob aged 20. able to labour but soon will be of age. I can expect no assistance from him as to support, Rosa aged 17. yr. subject to fits and always feeble as to require considerable expense to take care of her - Amanda aged 15 is healthy and able to take some care of her sister - I am

myself so worn out with fatigue. I endured in the Revolutionary war & the last war that I am unable to labour but very little most the time not at all, my occupa- tion being that of a carpenter, but had my tools burnt seventeen years since and have not since had any, having the rheu- matism, so as not be able to work much and not able to purchase tools again Sworn before me in Pasadena County open court this 11 th Octo- ber 1820 Joseph York Clerk
At Lawrence County ss. I hereby Certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the court of Common Pleas. and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is $ 281. 27 and the debts chargeable on the same 198 50- leaving the amount of property eighty two dollars eighty seven cents - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court. this 28 th November 1820 Wm Strachan D. N. H.

5875
Mellicent Conkey
widow of
Joshua Conkey
app d for widow's pension
Sularatlet 4 th July '36
2 proof of death of husband etc.
M 82.

State of New York
County of St Lawrence p; On this Eighteenth day of May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County at the Court house in the Town of Canton, in open Court now sitting, Mellicent Conkey a widow of the Town of Canton in the aforesaid County of St Lawrence State of New York aged Eighty one years, who, being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on her oaths, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3rd 1837: That she was married to Joshua Conkey, late of the said Town of Canton, deceased, who was a drummer in the Massachusetts Continental Line of the Revolutionary army upwards of three years, and was for many years a pensioner under the Law of 1818, the evidence of which service she supposes is among the records of the pension department. That he served three years in the continental line, the regiment & company she cannot remember, and at the close of the three years service he was discharged at West point in the spring of the year 1782 and returned home to Pelham in Massachusetts, and was married to the deponent on the 1st day of June 1782; that in the month of August or September 1782, after the marriage, aforesaid, the said Joshua Conkey, enlisted or volunteered as orderly sergeant for three months, and marched to Ticonderoga, and served the three months as such orderly sergeant, but she cannot state the officers under whom he served, or the particulars of the service last mentioned;
She further declares that she was married to the said Joshua Conkey on the first day of June in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two at the Town of Amherst in the state of Massachusetts; that the marriage ceremony was performed by Nathaniel Dickerson Esq, a justice of the peace of that Town; that she has no record record of the marriage; she formerly had a bible in which the marriage was recorded, which bible was burned in her house in the year 1801 at the Town of Shoreham in the state of Vermont where her husband then resided; that the house and all their furniture was burned at the

same time; that her husband the said John Conkey died on the twenty third day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty; that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband and still remains a widow.
That she asks that in case, she may not be found to be entitled to a pension under the Laws of Congress above mentioned, she may be entitled upon this declaration to a pension under the act of 7. July 1838 and the acts and resolutions of congress applicable thereto
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 18th day of May 1843 before me } Melicent Conkey
State of New York County of St Lawrence; I Alvin C. Love Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of St Lawrence do hereby certify, that the foregoing declaration of Melicent Conkey was made in open court upon oath as above stated, and that it satisfactorily appears to the said Court that the declarant is a person of veracity and good character, and that her statement is entitled to full credit.
Also that the foregoing disposition of Thomas D. Olin was only made as certified by me and that he is a person of veracity whose statement is fully entitled to credit
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 18th day of May 1843 A C Love Clerk

State of New York
Albany County p: On this 18th day of May 1843 personally appeared, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County, in open Court now sitting, Thomas Thomas D. Olin of the Town of Grafton in said County, aged sixty three years, and being first duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Joshua Conkey deceased, the person mentioned in the foregoing declaration of Millicent Conkey; that the said Joshua Conkey died at the house of the deponent on the twenty third day of October 1840, leaving the said Millicent Conkey his widow; that the said Millicent Conkey has remained his widow ever since and still is a widow; that the said Joshua Conkey was a revolutionary pensioner for many years previous to his death, as a soldier of the Continental line.
T. D. Olin
Sworn in open Court on this } 18th day of May 1843 before me }
[The words "and has, ever since her husband's death, resided in the deponent's family" interlined before the oath administered]
A C SMITH

July 26, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. E.M.Johnson 2609 Brentwood Road, N.E. Washington, D.C.
BA-J/MHF/eel Joshua Conkey-W.18947
Dear Sir:
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.18947, based upon the military service in that war of Joshua Conkey.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Joshua Conkey are not shown.
While a resident of Pelham, Massachusetts, Joshua Conkey enlisted April 14, 1777, served as fifer and drummer in Captain Hugh Maxwell's Company, Colonel John Bailey's 2 nd Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battles of Saratoga and Monmouth and was discharged April 14, 1780; he also served fourteen months in the Massachusetts Militia, three months of which were from August or September, 1782, as orderly sergeant; his officers not stated.
He served, also, in the War of 1812, as captain of a volunteer company of artillery on the frontiers of Saint Lawrence County, New York, until he was captured at the surrender of Ogdensburg, New York, and taken to Halifax and exchanged.
He was allowed pension on account of his services in the War of the Revolution, on his application executed April 14, 1818, while a resident of Canton, Saint Lawrence County, New York.
In 1820, soldier stated that he was aged sixty years and that his family consisted of his wife, his son, Jacob, aged twenty years; Rosa, aged seventeen years and Amanda, her sister, aged fifteen years.
He died October 23, 1840, in Canton, New York.

Joanna Conkey married June 1, 1782, in Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Melisent Bridges, of Shutesbury. In 1801, they were living in Shoreham, Vermont.
Soldier's widow, Melisent, was allowed pension on her application executed May 18, 1843, while a resident of Canton, New York, and aged eighty-one years.
No names of children are given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

rev
WIDOW, &c.
1926 - Jan 6 - Hilt, to Miss Ethel M. Johnson - MMNF 1935 - July 26 - West To Eln Johnson - Wm/est
File No. 18947 Melisent Conkey Widow of Joshua Conkey Deceased New Mar
Act: Feb 28, 48
Index: -Vol. 4 , Page 151
[Arrangement of 1870.]

The Evangeline 1330 L Street, N. W. Washington, D. C.
November 19, 1925.
Commissioner, Bureau of Pensions, Pension Building, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Would you please send me what information you have concerning the service records (including whatever family records may be available) of Joshua Conkey and Reuben Martin.
Joshua Conkey received a pension for services rendered during the Revolutionary War. I believe he was from Massachusetts at the time of the war, but in 1840 he was living in Canton, New York, where I understand he died.
Reuben Martin received a pension for services rendered during the War of 1812, from Vermont, I believe.
Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
(Miss) Ethel M. Johnson. Ethel M. Johnson.

mmnt
January 6, 1936
Ethel M. Johnson 1330 L Street, N.W. The Evangeline Washington, D. C.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 18947 it appears that Joshua Conkey while a resident of Pelham, Massachusetts enlisted April 14, 1777, served as fifer and drummer in Captain Hugh Maxwell's Company, Colonel John Bailey's Second Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battles of Saratoga and Monmouth and was discharged April 14, 1780. He also served fourteen months in the Massachusetts Militia, three months of which were from August or September 1782 as Orderly Sergeant, his officers not stated.
He also served in the War of 1812 as Captain of a volunteer company of artillery on the frontiers of Saint Lawrence County, New York, until he was captured at the surrender of Ogdensburg, New York and taken to Halifax and exchanged.
He was allowed pension, on account of his services in the War of the Revolution, on his application executed
also asked for very Miss Williams no this in file

April 14, 1818 while a resident of Canton, Saint Lawrence County, New York.
In 1820 he was aged sixty years and stated that his family consisted of his wife, his son Jacob aged twenty years, Roxa aged seventeen years and Amanda her sister aged fifteen years. He died October 23, 1840 in Canton, New York.
Soldier married June 1, 1782 in Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Melicent Bridges of Shutesbury. She was allowed pension on her application executed May 18, 1843 while a resident of Canton  Canton , New York aged eighty-one years.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
In 1801 they were his, in Sherburne, Vt.

July 26, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL Am
Mr. E.M. Johnson 2609 Brentwood Road, N.E. Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Mrs. Dorothy(Dolly) Brown Martin, widow of George Martin, of Rochester, Vermont, who enlisted at Windham, Connecticut, and Mrs. Melicent Bridges Conkey, widow of Joshua Conkey, of Canton, New York, who enlisted at Pelham, Massachusetts, and the War of 1812 record of Ebenezer Martin, of Rochester, Vermont.
The histories of George Martin(S. 41794) and Joshua Conkey (W.18947) are furnished you herewith.
With the data furnished by you, it has not been possible to identify the record of Ebenezer Martin, a soldier of the War of 1812: if you will furnish as much as possible of the following information, a further search of the records will be made in your behalf: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow. It will expedite the matter if you will return this letter with your reply.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

✓ No 5875
William Conkey.
No. York.
— Suspended —
At John Sice Russell Aug 18 1843 " " " " Nov 22 " "
Act July 4 th 1836.

5288.
rep. 12 ap l 44
Albany N.Y.
Melisent Conkey widow of Joshua Conkey who was a Drummer in the Mass s Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of April 1844 and sent to
J. L. Russell Canton N.Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. / Page 26.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Jan'y 4 th , 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Joshua Conkey, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N. York Agency, at the rate of — Eight and Cents per annum, under the law of the 18 th March, 1818 — has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. — to the 23 rd Oct. 1840.
Respectfully yours,
 Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

5673 April 9 1841
NY
Milecent County March 1843
$88 per an
J. L. Russell Canton N. York
Hon. J. L. Russell Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Canton Laurens Co NY, April 1. 1844
Hon. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
Enclosed I send you the declaration of Melicent Conkey, widow of Joshua Conkey for One year's Pension under act of March 3 d 1843.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedt Servant
Jno Leslie Ruppell

Washington 26. Feby. 1844
My Dear Sir, I am again requested to trouble you about two pension cases, in relation to both of which John L. Russell Esq. of Poughkeepsie, Ulster County, New York is the attorney, and I have formerly addressed you.
The first is that of Millicent Coakley, widow of Joshua Coakley. I called to look at these papers, early in the session, and they had been filed away in the War office. The proofs were perfect to entitle her to a pension under the act of 1834, but her declaration was made under the act of 1836, and you told me there must be a new declaration under the first named act. This Mr. Russell tells me has been forwarded, and he requests me to inquire what is now the state of the case.
The second is the case of Mrs. Collins (I have not the christian name) widow of Nathaniel Wood. Mr. Russell tells me the papers were perfected and sent several weeks ago, and since your last objections, and he wishes me also to inquire after this case. Will you do me the favor to give me the information requested in both these cases, and greatly oblige,
Yours Very Respectful And obedt. Servt. Silas Wright
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

9933
Decm 12. 1843
N.Y.
Melicus Coffey
Hon. J. S. Edwards Comr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Canton N.Y. December 5th 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions: Sir:
Enclosed I send the declaration of Melicent Conkey for a pension under act of July 7 th 1838. Her application & proofs for a pension under act of July 4 th 1843, are all at the Pension office on file & will I presume, having been examined, authorize the issuing of a certificate without delay.
Permit me to ask the favor, that her case may receive the early attention of the department.
Very Respectfully Your Ob t . Servant Jno. Leslie Russell

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 30, 1843
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joshua Farley is borne upon the books of the 3 d Regiment, Col. Bailey in the 1 st Co. from April 1 st . 1777 to, April 1 st . 1780 as S gt & Drummer, three years. — the rolls of the last year's service show him to be a native of Pitkin.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this

Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno. A. Boles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Pension Office
August 18 th 1843
Sir:
The papers in the case of Mellicent Coukey, claiming a pension under the act of July 4. 1836, have been examined and placed upon file. Satisfactory proofs of the identity of the claimant, and the date of her marriage, are adduced. When the claim of Joshua Coukey was admitted, parole testimony was received as the best that could be procured, there being no rolls at the time to which access could be had. There are at present in the possession of the secretary of State of Massachusetts, rolls, which will show whether the alleged services as drummer, as well as those as sergeant, were performed, and the certificate of that officer is required as the best evidence in the case. Joshua Coukey says, in his declaration, that he enlisted as drummer, for three years in 1777, and served as such for three years, in the Second Regiment of the Massachusetts Line, in Captain Hugh Maxwell's Company, under Colonel John Bailey. He also states that he served fourteen months in the militia besides the three years.
The widow's Declaration claims for three months as sergeant in 1782.
I am very Respectfully Your ob d . Servant J. L. Edwards
(Copy)

Canton St Lawrence Co. N.Y. June 20th 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions
Sir: Enclosed I send the application & proofs of Mellicent Conkey widow of Joshua Conkey for a widow's pension.
The applicant's husband served previous to the marriage 3 years, as drummer, in the Massachusetts continental line; for which services he received a pension till his death, and in the year 1782 served 3 months, as sergeant, in some corps of Mass. Troops, after the marriage. Of the first 3 years service we suppose the record evidence in possession of the Department is undoubtedly, as a pension has once been granted for it. Of the 3 months service, after the marriage, as sergeant, the applicant can furnish no proof - and unless rolls showing that service exist, it will probably not be possible to prove it. For the first mentioned service we understand that the applicant is entitled to 5 years pension.
The applicant & Joshua Conkey were married at Amherst in Mass. June 1st 1782, and Joshua Conkey died 23 d of October 1840. The proof of the marriage is the deposition of Walter Dickenson, son of Nathaniel Dickenson, the justice of the peace who married them, setting a copy of the entry of the marriage from his father's records in his possession; also the certificate of Hon. Ormyn Baker late M.C. and resident of the Town of Amherst corroborative of the deposition of W. Dickenson; also the deposition annexed of the Town clerk of Amherst, that no record of the marriage exists in his office & that about that time

the records of marriage in the town clerk's office are very defective.
For the proof of the death of the husband, and the widowhood, the deposition of Thomas D. Olise, at whose house he died, -; also reference is given to similar proof now on file at the pension office made before the Court of Common Pleas (or Circuit court) for Waukesha Co. upon which the applicant received the arrearages of her husband's pension from Sep 4 th 1840 to his death Oct 23 rd 1840.
Very Respectfully Your Ob t . Servant Mrs Leslie Russell

Hon J. L. Edwards Com t . of Pensions

Canton St Lawrence Co. N.Y.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comd. of Pensions; Sir,
In the case of Mrs. Conkey, widow of Joshua Conkey, I send enclosed the certificate of the Secretary of State of Mass. showing the service of the deceased husband in the 2 d Regiment of the Continental Line, as stated in her application. I have been wholly unable to discover proof of the State or militia services.
It is respectfully submitted to the Comd. of Pensions, whether the statement of Joshua Conkey, upon oath, in 1818 or 1819, now on file in the Department, corroborated as it is by other testimony and all the record evidence extant, be not satisfactory as to his services as sergeant in 1782 - all that it is probably material for his widow to prove. She must know the facts of her husband's service after the marriage, but can hardly be expected to know his affairs, if living, as he himself would have done. If Mr. Conkey's original declaration needs confirmation of Character, to be admitted as proof, that can abundantly be shown. The records of the War Department furnish it. In the late war he was commissioned by Gov. Tompkins, as captain of a Volunteer Artillery company on this Frontier & served in command of the Company, until at the taking of Ogdensburgh on the retreat of Col. Forsyth, when he was taken prisoner, carried to Hallifax, & there

exchanged as such prisoner. His pay according to his rank, for the whole time, was allowed him by the War Department, as the records will doubtless show.
There could have been no interested inducement for any misstatement, by Capt. Conkey, in his original declaration, for his military services could not then avail him.
To most minds, it would import more verity, than the present living recollection of any living witness in his extreme old age, at this distant period.
Very Respectfully
Your Obl. Servant,
Geo Leslie Rappell

8155
New York
Stephens
Melisent Conkey
widow of Joshua Conkey
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 23rd October 1840 at Laurence in the State of New York who was a Drummer in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by Col. Bailey in the Mass. line for Rye
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 88 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of March 1844 and sent to Hon. Vilas Alugth, U. S. Senate
Total amount, $440.00.
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos. Van Skiver, Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1. Page 157

XXXX Oct 05 18
Joshua Leavitt reed now Mrs. Conkey
Pension
5288
M c Lester Russell Linton NYOR

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 nd of February 1848, entitled "An act for making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution" —
State of New York
County of St Lawrence p: On this twenty fifth day of September A.D. 1848, personally appeared before undersigned Justice of the peace in and for said county, Melicent Conkey of the Town of Canton in the county aforesaid, aged Eighty six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth depose and say, and on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed 2 nd February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joshua Conkey, who was a musician in the Massachusetts line of the Continental Army, in Col. 2 Baily Regiment, and served as such for more than two years, and for such service received a pension under the act of 1818, at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, and after his decease the declarant received a pension as his widow at the rate of Eighty Eight dollars per annum, under the act of 17 th June 1844 —
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Joseph Barnes Justice of the Peace Mel. C. Conkey
State of New York
St Lawrence County p: I Joseph Barnes, the justice of the peace before whom the foregoing Declaration was made on the of the said Melicent Conkey, do hereby certify that I well know the said Melicent Conkey, and also know her deceased husband Joshua Conkey, and do believe her statement to be in all respects true. Canton Sept. 25 th 1848.
Joseph Barnes Justice of the peace

State of New York St Lawrence County ss: I Martin Matlack
County Clerk of the County of St Lawrence and also Clerk of the Courts of record situated by Law to be held in the County of St Lawrence do hereby certify that Joseph Barnes whose name is subscribed to the Deed of the within Affidavit of William Conkey and to the certificate within below it was at the time of taking the same (a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of St Lawrence) elected & qualified & duly authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and truly believe the signature to the Deed of said Affidavit & the said certificate are genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County & Court this 28 th day of September 1843
Martin Matlack Clerk,

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838
State of New York
County of St Lawrence ss: On this first day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty four personally appeared before me Luman Moody a justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County of St Lawrence, Melicent Conkey, a resident of the Town of Canton in the aforesaid aged eighty one 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 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joshua Conkey who was a Drummer in the second Regiment of the Massachusetts line of the Continental Army, she believes under Col. in Capt. Mansfield's company. That she is entitled to receive under the act of July 7, 1838 a five years pension for the annual amount of eighty eight dollars; that her name has recently been inscribed on the pension list under the said act of July 7, 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Luman Moody Justice of the Peace Melicent Conkey
State of New York
County of St Lawrence ss: I Luman Moody the before named justice of the Peace, before whom the foregoing declaration was signed and sworn to, do certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Melicent Conkey; that she is the person above described; and that her statement is entitled to full credit. dated this first day of April 1844.
Luman Moody Justice of the Peace
State of New York County of St Lawrence ss
I Martin Thatcher Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify,

That Suman Moody is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of St Lawrence duly Commissioned and qualified, that his Commission is dated on the 1 st day of January 1843 and will expire on the last day of December 1846 and that his signature above written is Genuine -
Given under my hand and the seal of said County the first day of April 1844
Martin Thatcher Clerk

9933
Melical conkey NY.
act 7. July 38
admnd
2 yrs drummer.
$88.
Hon Silas Wright Senate

State of New York
St Laurence County ss: On this Fourth day of December 1843, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the aforesaid county of St Laurence, Mellicent Conkey of a resident of the Town of Canton in the aforesaid County, the widow of Joshua Conkey deceased, who was a revolutionary pensioner, to me well known to be the widow of the said pensioner, aged Eighty one 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 [and the subsequent acts and resolutions of Congress amending and explaining the same], entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"; That she is the widow of Joshua Conkey, late of Canton aforesaid, who was a drummer and soldier in the Army of the revolution for upwards of three years; that the said Joshua Conkey served as Drummer Three years in the 2 d Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Line; That her said husband was a pensioner for such service under the act of 1818; that the deponent has before made her application for a widow's pension under the act of July 4 th 1836, her said husband having served as Sergeant after his marriage with the deponent, but she being unable to make the requisite proofs of the service subsequent to her marriage she now applies under the act of 1838, and herein declares that her statement made in her first declaration above mentioned is true, and begs to refer to the same and also to the proofs in her case now on file in the Pension office.
She further declares that she was married to the said Joshua Conkey on the first day of June in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty two; that her said husband the aforesaid Joshua Conkey died on the Twenty third day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty, at the Town of Canton in the aforesaid County; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving his said three years service in the Continental line, but the marriage took place previous

To the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four viz: at the time above stated, as will fully appear by the proofs now on file in the Pension Office, which were submitted with her said former applications, to which she begs to refer.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Minet Jenison Judge of St Lawrence Co. Courts
State of New York
St Lawrence County ss. I Minet Jenison the Judge above named before whom the foregoing deposition of Melisent Conkey was taken, do certify that I am well acquainted with the said Melisent Conkey, and know her to be the widow of the said Joshua Conkey deceased, and that she is a woman of excellent character, whose statement is entitled to full credit. I further certify that her age and bodily infirmities disable her from travelling with safety to herself, at this time, to the place for holding courts of records for the said County. I also certify that for thirty years previous to the death of the said Joshua Conkey I was personally acquaint- ed with him and his said widow, who lived together during all that period as man and wife; that it was al- ways believed and understood by their friends and neighbors that he was a Continental soldier & that he married his said widow during the revolutionary war; I also certify that the said Melisent Conkey still remains the widow of the said Joshua Conkey, and has not mar- ried since his decease.
Minet Jenison Judge

State of New York
St Lawrence County ss:
I John L. Russell clerk of the County of St Lawrence aforesaid, do certify that Minot Jenison, whose name is sub- scribed to the foregoing disposition and also to the preceding certificate, was at the date of the said disposition, and now is, and has been for ten years last past a Judge of the County of St Lawrence aforesaid, and of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, and of all the criminal courts of Record held therein; that he is duly commissioned and sworn; that I am well as- sured with his signature; and the foregoing signa- tures "Minot Jenison" are his genuine signatures, and his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, this 5th day of December 1843.
Protestant Russell Clerk,

In matter of Millicent Conkey wid. of Joshua Conkey app s for widow's pension
Proof of Marriage of app s ?

State of Massachusetts,
County of Hampshire ss: On this eighth day of June 1843 personally appeared before me Edward D. Dickinson a justice of the peace in and for the Town of Amherst in the county aforesaid, Walter Dickinson of the said Town of Amherst, who, being by me duly sworn, deposes and says that he, the deponent, is the only son of Nathaniel Dickinson, of the said Town, deceased, who was during the revolutionary war a justice of the peace of the said Town; that the deponent has in his possession most of the private papers and official records of his deceased father, which now exist; that he has examined his father's papers & records of his official acts during the revolutionary war, now in the possession of the deponent, and finds among his records of marriages, in the hand writing of his father, which must have been written by him at the date therein mentioned, the following record of a marriage by his said father, and the date deposes that it is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures, as follows:
"Hampshire ss: June — A. D. one thousand seven hundred "and eighty two: Joshua Coukey of Pelham and Millicent "Bridges of Shutesbury were joined in marriage by me.
(signed) Nath l Dickinson Jr Justice of the Peace
; and that the above is a true extract from the said record, with the exception above named; that his said father, the justice by whom the said record was made, was a justice of the peace at the date mentioned in the said record, and that he died about forty years since; that the said record does not state the day of the month on which the said marriage took place, but the deponent has no doubt it took place in the month of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty two.
Sworn before me this eighth day of June 1843.
Walter Dickinson
Edward Dickinson Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts
County of Hampshire ss: I the above named justice of the peace before whom the foregoing deposition of Walter Dickinson was taken do certify that I am well acquainted with the said deponent and that he is a man of veracity, whose statement is entitled to full credit. Given under my hand this eight day of June 1843. Edward H. Dickinson
Amherst Mass ts June 10 th 1843
This is to certify that I am well acquainted with Edward Dickinson Esq m whose name is affixed to the foregoing certificate and know that at the date thereof he was an acting Justice of the Peace for the county of Hampshire, and being familiar with his handwriting, I have no doubt that said signature is genuine.
I further certify that I am a native of the town of Amherst and have always resided therein - that I am familiar with the family connections and history of all the prominent inhabitants of said town from its first settlement - that Walter Dickinson the Subscriber of the foregoing deposition, owns and has always occupied a portion of the ancient homestead of Nathaniel Dickinson Esq m deceased and is reputed to be his only son - that said Nathaniel Dickinson Esq m died about forty years ago and before my recollection, but I have always heard from those who were his contemporaries that he was for a long period, during and after the Revolutionary War, a Justice of the Peace for this county, and from a vast number of official papers of an ancient date, purporting to be written and signed by him, which have come under my notice, I have no doubt of his having acted as such from about the year 1780 to the time of his death; nor have I any doubt at all of the entire truth and accuracy of the foregoing deposition of Walter Dickinson -
Olin Baker late M. C.

State of Massachusetts
County of Hampshire ss: I Samuel C. Garter of the Town of Amherst in the County of Hampshire aforesaid on this eighth day of June 1843 personally appeared before me Edward Licklin a justice of the peace of the Town of Amherst in and for the county aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is Town clerk of the Town of Amherst in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts, and has possession of the Town records of the said Town; that he has carefully searched the records of marriages in his office and cannot find any record of the marriage of Joshua Conkey to Millisent Bridges; that the town records are very defective as to marriages of an early date; that between the years 1759 and 1804, there are ten different years in which no certificates of marriage are recorded in the Books in the office of the Town clerk of the said Town of Amherst; and further that Nathaniel Dickerson appears , from the records in my office, to have been a justice of the peace of the said Town of Amherst in June 1782 or about that time.
Samuel C. Garter
Sworn before me this eighth day of June 1843
Edward Licklin, Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Edward Dickinson Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificates on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Edward Dickinson and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this Twelfth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Samuel Wells
Clerk.