Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 262, Jonathan Colfax, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn
Colfax, Jonathan Elizabeth
H 26 2
CONTENTS

Reported Febry 3/119
3667 New York Albany Elizabeth Colfax widow of Jonathan who served in the Revolutionary Colo Starr Conn war, as a Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Febry 1849 and sent to Richard W. Colfax Wydenburg N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 40 Vol. 4

To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled:—
The Memorial and petition of Elizabeth Colfax now of Ogdensburg in the County of St. Lawrence and State of New York, and formerly of Pompton in the County of Morris State of New Jersey, aged Seventy Six years—respectfully Represents:—
That your petitioner was married on the 15 th day of December, 1753, to Jonathan Colfax of New London in the State of Connecticut; that her said husband was a Soldier in the Connecticut line of the Revolutionary army, having served nearly three years with the rank of Sergeant as will appear by the accompanying certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut. That the said Jonathan Colfax died in the Month of January, 1790, at Surinam in the island of Hispaniola, being at the time in the Com- mand of an American Brig in the Merchant Service.
And your Memorialist further represents that She remained a widow after the death of her said husband until the month of June, 1803, when She married a brother of her former husband, Robert Colfax, who was a private in the ninth Regiment of the Connecticut line of the Revolutionary army and who also served nearly three years, as will appear by the certificate of the said Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, also herewith annexed, and was honorably discharged.
And your petitioner further represents that soon after the said Jonathan and Robert Colfax left the Army aforesaid they entered the Sea Service of the United States in which they remained until the end of the war and were serving as Lieutenants on Board the letter of Marque Brig Minerva of eighteen guns when She captured the British Ship Hannah mounting twenty six guns, loaded with a valuable cargo of dry goods, and carried her into New London a short time before the attack on that place by the British forces under the command of Ben- edict Arnold. The Ship's cargo were taken with  and with the same float by the enemy and the said Jonathan & Robert were literally beggared , having lost all

that they proposed. That the said Robert was afterwards appointed to the command of an American Privateer Brig of 14 guns, in which he was captured by a British Frigate off Sandy Hook, carried into New York and imprisoned on board that ill-fated Ship "Old Jersey" until hostilities ceased.
And your petitioner further represents that her said Second husband Robert Wolfax died in the month of September, 1825; that for a few years previous to his death and while residing at Hampton, Morris County in the State of New Jersey, he was in the receipt of a pension from the General Government of thirty six dollars per annum, and that afterwards your petitioner, as his widow received about six months back pay due him at the time of his death. That so far as she knows, as she believes, the said pension was the only remuneration either in cash or otherwise received by her said husband for their long and faithful services to their country & the sacrifices consequent thereon, except a small tract of land in the Connecticut reserve in the State of Ohio, which was granted by the State of Connecticut to her first husband on account of his loss by the burning of New London, and which after paying expenses and taxes until 1819, was sold for a little over thirty dollars, being all that could be obtained for the same.
And your petitioner further represents that she is not entitled (as she is informed) under any of the existing pension laws, to a single dollar of the large sums appropriated for the benefit of Revolutionary officers and soldiers and their widows. And that since the death of her said Second husband Robert Wolfax she has not intermarried but remains his widow.
And your petitioner prays that your honorable body will grant to her such relief as the justice of her case requires, by placing her name on the pension list for one or the other of her said husbands, and with the right to draw such amount as she would be entitled to if now living. And your petitioner further states that she is not in the receipt of any income, and has no

property whatever except a little household furniture not exceeding in value one hundred and fifty dollars. And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c.
Elizabeth Colfax
State of New York } St. Lawrence County } ss.
Elizabeth Colfax above named being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that the foregoing petition or memorial is true in substance and matter of fact.
Subscribed & sworn this 23 rd day of October 1839 before me
D. C. Ineson Judge of Probate County Courts
Elizabeth Colfax

State of New York } St. Lawrence County } ss.
Richard W. Colfax of Ogdensburg in the county and State aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is aged fifty two years; that he is the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Colfax and the stepson of Robert Colfax, named in the annexed Memorial — that the facts therein set forth respecting the services of his said father and stepfather, both by land and sea during the Revolutionary struggle, are, to the best of his knowledge and belief, in all respects correct and true — having from his earliest recollections heard the story related by different members of the family, particularly his stepfather, the said Robert Colfax, as well as others then living and resident in the city of New London, the birthplace of deposition and residence of his family. That, in addition to the particular services mentioned in the memorial of his mother, the said Elizabeth Colfax, he is enabled to state from information communicated by his stepfather, and more recently by his uncle, the late General William Colfax of New Jersey, that his father, the said Jonathan Colfax was at the capture of Stony Point, and was one of those picked men , called the "forlorn hope", led on by Lieut. Villiers of the Pennsylvania line who attacked and captured that strong hold on the night of the 15th July, 1779, at the point of the bayonet — not a gun being fired, — for which exploit the detachment received the thanks of the Commander in Chief in general orders. And further deponent saith not.
Subscribed & sworn this 23 rd day of October 1839, before me D.C. Jackson Judge of Probate County Court.
Richard W. Colfax

State of New York St Lawrence Bys. I cer- tify that I am well acquainted with Daniel L. Hudson (whose name appears to the Seal of two of the above office acts) and also with his handwriting I know him to be a Judge of the coun- ty courts of St Lawrence Bys. and as such has authority by Law to take affe- davits and his signature to the above affidavit I believe to be genuine
John Fine
_____ _____ Mun of Coos Adams Bys St Lawrence Bys October 31. 1839.

Jonathan Colfax & Elizabeth Wilson Daughter of Thomas Wilson were Married December 15 th 1783 Jonathan their Son Born Jan'y 15 1785 Richard their Son Born Nov 18 1787 Elizabeth their Daughter Born March 3 rd 1789 Jonathan Colfax Died at their house Jan'y 1790
The above is a true copy from the New London Town Records New London December 17 1838 Attest Henry Douglass Town Clerk
New London County ss New London December 17 th 1838
I hereby certify that Henry Douglass is Town Clerk of the Town of New London that the foregoing certificate is in his hand writing & that the signature "Henry Douglass Town Clerk" is in his own hand writing & that full faith & credit is due to the same. And I further certify that the said Henry Douglass made oath that the above certificate by him signed is a true copy from the Town Records of said Town.
In witness whereof I set my hand & seal at the time & place by me above written
Wm L Mainard Notary Public and Justice of the Peace

262
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No.
262
Elizabeth Colfax
Widow
Jonathan Colfax Sgt. Rev. War
Act Feb. 2 nd 1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

2495
New York Albany
Elizabeth Wolfson formerly widow of Matthew Wolfson who was a Sergeant in the Conn. line for 2 yrs & 11 mos & 11 days
Rept Oct 27
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of Oct. 1843 and sent to Richard M. Wolfson Ogdenburgh New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 103

6769
Reported,
New York
Elizabeth Golsack, formerly, widow of
Jonathan Golsack dec who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the — Jan'y 1790 of St Lawrence, in the State of N. York who was a Sergeant in the commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col. Starr in the N. York line for 2 yrs. 11 mos. 21 days
Inscribed on the Roll of N.Y. Albany at the rate of 120 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Sep. 1842 and sent to David Gold V. Ch. H. Reps. her attorney,
Arrears to the 4th of March '41
Semi-annual allowance ending
(Act. 26 Augt 1842) $ 600.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo. Moody, Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 92

Priso
( Rep. No. 293. )
MARCH 8, 1842.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. MATHIOT, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:
A BILL
An Act
For the relief of Elizabeth Colfax.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, authorized and 4 required to place the name of Elizabeth Colfax on the pen- 5 sion roll, for the services of her late husband, Jonathan Col- 6 fax, as a sergeant for two years eleven months and eleven 7 days, during the revolutionary war, under the act of July 8 seventh, eighteen hundred and thirty-eight.
Approved, August 26th, 1842.
A true Copy from the Roll in this Office.
Dept. of State, 3 Sept. 9th 1842.
H. Fletcher Melick Ch. Clk.

Richard Colfax Oct 31. 1839
Rev. John Sturtevant Henry of Huntington

Glasgow 31 st Oct. 1839
Wm. John Fins
Dear Sir
With this you will receive the papers relative to my Mother's claim on the portion of Congress for services rendered by her former husband in the Revolutionary war - and which is not provided for by any existing act of Congress
You are aware that her claim under the last act for the relief of the widows of Revolutionary Officers holding was barred by a second marriage prior to Jan y 1784 - at least such is the construction at the proper Department - I do not much regret the circumstance - feeling confident that something better will be done for her by a special act in her behalf - The allowance of five years pay only, would seem to be a very inadequate return for the faithful services of her efficient man from Jan y 1777 to the close of the war - leaving out of the question the sacrifices and losses sustained - And I shall feel greatly disappointed if she be not allowed the full sum that one or the other of her husbands would be entitled to if now living - viz from the passage of the first Pension act in 1818 to the end of her natural life - deducting therefrom the amount paid to her last husband

Robert Colfax of the balance due and paid to her afterwards I think it would be no more than bare justice to allow her the pay of her first husband (my father), who served the full term of three years, at least as a Sergeant, at the rate of 20 dollars per month - If I do not greatly err, your stronger claims can be presented at this late day than hers, and I have no doubt that you will be able to accomplish for her all that she has any right to ask or expect - Genl. Halle & Mr. Southwick, of the Senate as well as several Members of the House from N.Y. are well acquainted with our family, and will render any service in their power - Mr. Clay has likewise been spoken to, by one of my friends, on the subject & has promised to render his aid, whenever the bill comes before the Senate -
Very Respectfully
Your Most Obedient & Very Humble Servt
Richd. M. Hays

Gadsburgh N.Y. Oct 2 d 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm r of Pensions of
I enclose the application of Elizabeth Coffey for a continuance of her pension
The Certificate, when issued, will be directed to my care
Respectfully
Yours Your obed Servt
Richard W. Coffey

ELIZABETH COLFAX.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 261.]
MARCH 8, 1842.
MR. MATHIOT, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, submitted the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Elizabeth Colfax, of St. Lawrence county, New York, report:
That the petitioner alleges, under oath, that she was married on the 15th day of December, 1783, to Jonathan Colfax, who had prior to that time served nearly three years as a sergeant in the Connecticut line of the revolutionary army, and that her said husband died in the month of January, 1790; that in June, 1803, she married Robert Colfax, (a brother of her former husband,) who also served nearly three years as a private soldier in the 9th regiment of the Connecticut line, in the revolutionary army. That, after leaving the army, both her said husbands entered the sea service of the United States, in which they remained until the end of the war; that they were serving as lieutenants on board the brig Minerva, when she captured the British ship Hannah. That her second husband was afterwards appointed to the command of an American privateer, in which he was captured by a British frigate off Sandy Hook, carried into New York, and imprisoned on board that ill-fated ship, " Old Jersey ," until hostilities ceased; that he died in September, 1825, being at the time a pensioner, and receiving at the rate of ninety-six dollars per annum. Petitioner has since the death of her last husband remained a widow, and now asks to be placed on the pension roll, on account of the services of one or the other of her husbands, and be paid such sum as he would be entitled to if now living.
The evidence in support of this claim is as follows:
1st. A certificate of the comptroller of the State of Connecticut, showing that Jonathan Colfax was a sergeant in the 1st Connecticut regiment, commanded by Colonel Josiah Starr; that he commenced his services on the 20th day of January, 1777, and continued in the service until the 1st day of January, 1780. Time of service, two years eleven months and eleven days .
2d. The same officer certifies that, from the records in his office, it appears that Robert Colfax entered as a private in the 9th Connecticut regiment, commanded by Colonel Samuel B. Webb, and commenced service on the 9th of April, 1777, and served until the 1st of January, 1780—making two years ten months and seventeen days .

3d. A transcript of the town records of New London, Connecticut, duly certified and sworn to by the town clerk, by which it appears that Jonathan Colfax and Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of Thomas Wilson, were married on the 15th day of December, 1783.
4th. Nancy Stacy testifies that she was present at the marriage of Jonathan Colfax and Elizabeth Wilson; that they were married in the winter of 1783, by the Rev. Mr. Tyler.
There is also some evidence that the said Jonathan Colfax was one of the "forlorn hope" at the storming of Stony Point, on the night of the 15th of July, 1779.
It is manifest to the committee, from the papers before them, that the petitioner is not entitled to a pension on account of the services of Robert Colfax. There is no pretence that the petitioner married her last husband within the time limited by the act of July 7th, 1838; indeed, she alleges in her petition that her second marriage took place in the month of June, 1803. But whilst the committee reject her claim founded upon the services of her last husband, they are satisfied that she is well entitled to the benefit of the act of July 7th, 1838, on account of the services of her first husband. His services are established by the highest species of evidence, and his marriage to the petitioner, prior to the 1st of January, 1794, is proved both by record and parol testimony; and, as she was a widow at the time said act was passed, her case comes within the equity if not the strict letter of it. And the committee therefore report a bill granting her a pension for five years, commencing on the 4th day of March, 1836, and at the highest rate per annum paid to a sergeant under the act of June 7th, 1832.

Agderburg N.Y. Septem 1. 1842
Richard W. Colfan
Incloses papers necessary to enable Elizabeth Colfan to draw the pension allowed her by the Act of August 26. 42.
b. 299. Rec: Septem 10. 1842
Pension Office.
10. Sep 1842,

No 150.
Ogdensburgh N. Y. Sep. 5. 1 st 1842
Hon. Walter Forward
Secy of the Treasury
Sir,
Enclosed are the papers of Elizabeth Coffey, identifying her as the person named in an act passed at the present Session of Congress entitled "An act for the relief of Elizabeth Coffey."
Mr. Daniel Gold. Secy. Clerk of the House of Representatives has been duly appointed her Attorney to receive & remit the amount which may be found due to her, and has been informed of his appointment.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Richard W. Coffey

Glasgow N. C. July 17th 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commr. &c
Sir
I enclose the "declaration" of my mother (Elizabeth Corfax) who became entitled to a pension for five years, under the act of July 7th 1838 - or rather by the "Resolution" approved Aug. 16th 1842 & also by a special act of the same session - the date of which I do not now re-collect
Yours obedt. Servt
Richard W. Corfax

State of New York St Lawrence County ss
On the 29 th day of September personally appeared before the undersigned Samuel C. Bartol a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Elizabeth Colfax a resident of Ogdensburg in said County of St Lawrence aged Eighty six years, who being first 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 2 nd February 1848 granting Pensions to Widows of certain persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the Widow of Jonathan Colfax who was a Sergeant in the War of the Revolution in the Connecticut Line, and that the Annual Amount of the Pension which she received under the act of 17 th June 1844 was One hundred and Twenty Dollars. She further declares that she is still a Widow.
Sworn & subscribed on the day — Elizabeth Colfax & year above written before me
J. H. BARTOL
Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a Pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit. Dated Ogdensburg N.Y. September 29 th 1848
J. H. BARTOL
Justice of the Peace

State of New York St Lawrence County ss
D Martin Matthews
County Clerk of the County of St Lawrence and also Clerk of the Courts of record directed by Law to be held in said County at Ithaca, certify that James C. Burter whose name is subscribed to the Deed of the within affidavit of Eliz. Beth Colfax and to the certificate to the same, was at the time of taking such affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of St Lawrence duly elected and qualified according to law to take the same.
And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice and truly believe the signature to the Deed of said Affidavit & to said Certificate are genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County this 30 th day of September 1875
Martin Matthews Clerk

State of New York Schenectady Co.
On this 6th day of July in the year one thousand Eight hundred forty three personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Schenectady. Elizabeth Colfax a resident of Ogdensburgh in said County, of Schenectady aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1823 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Johnathan Colfax who was a Sergeant in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Isaiah Starn and that the annual amount of the pension which he received under the act of July 7: 1838 was One Hundred & twenty Dollars & She further declares that she is a still a widow,
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me & I do certify that the said Elizabeth Colfax is personally known to me
Elizabeth Colfax
H. B. H. M. Judge H. A. G. H. Clerk
Sept 11

State of New York St. Lawrence County } p: I. Gustavus B.
Eastman acting Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that A. C. Brown Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration of Elizabeth Colfax purports to have been subscribed. I swear was at the time of taking a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly elected & qualified & after such declaration, a Judge of the County Courts in & for the said County com- missioned & sworn and duly author- ized to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge and verily believe that the signature to the certificate of the said declaration is genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the 13 th day of July 1843
G. B. Eastman A. Clerk

In the Matter of Mrs Elizabeth Colfax
I know all men by these Presents that I Elizabeth Colfax of Ogdenburgh, in the County of St. Lawrence & State of New York, named in an act of Congress passed at its present session entitled "An act for the relief of Elizabeth Colfax", Do hereby constitute and appoint Daniel Golos of the city of Washington my true and lawful Attorney for me & in my name to receive from the Treasurer of the United States the sum allowed to me by the said act.
Witness my Hand & Seal this 31 st day of August in the year 1842.
Sealed & Delivered in presence of A.C. Brown R.W. Colfax State of New York } ss: St. Lawrence County }
Elizabeth Colfax
Be it known that before me Anthony C. Brown at Judge of County Courts, in & for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Elizabeth Colfax of the Village of Ogdenburgh in the town of Osgoodatchie in said County, and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical person named in an act of Congress of the United States passed at the present session entitled "An act for the relief of Elizabeth Colfax".
And she the said Elizabeth Colfax acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act & Deed.
I do further certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence viz: my own personal knowledge, & the oath of Richard W. Colfax, & the oath of the Honorable John Fine, that the said Elizabeth Colfax who subscribed the foregoing power of Attorney, is the identical person named in the act of Congress above mentioned.
Given under my hand at Ogdenburgh on this 31 day of August 1842,
A.C. BROWN Judge of Law Cay Co. N.Y. State Ct

STATE OF NEW-YORK:
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, ss.
I, ALVIN C. LOW, Clerk of the County of ST. LAWRENCE, do hereby certify, that Anthony C Brown Esq whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Judge of the County Court in and for the said County Commissioned & sworn to, duly authorized to take the same: and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the first day of September A D 1847

Comptroller's Office
Hartford July 17 1839
I certify that on application for evidence of the services of Jonathan Colfax. I have examined the records of settlements made with the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army and find his name in a settlement with the 3 d Connecticut Regiment Josiah Staring Col. before January 1780 where he is entered as a Sergeant and commenced services Jan y 20 1777 Time of settlement Jan y 1 1780 having served Two Years Eleven Months Eleven days - 2. 11. 11
Henry Wilson Comptroller

Comptroller's Office Hartford July 17 1839
I certify that on application for evidence of the services of Robert Colfane I have examined the records of settlements made with the Connecticut line of the Continental Army and find his name in a settlement with the 9th Connecticut Regiment Samuel B Webb Esq. Col. before January 1780 where he is returned as a private and a Commutation service Apr 9 1777 Time of settlement Jan 1 1780 Again from Regiment Commutation service January 1780 Time of settlement July 26 1780 having served Two Years Ten Months 17 days
Henry Kirbrough Comptroller

I Nancy Stacy of the town of Kent in the County of Kent and State in Connecticut aged Seventy years on oath testify & say that I was formerly well & intimately acquainted with Jonathan Colfey & Elizabeth Wilson (afterwards Mrs. Colfey & daughter of Thomas Wilson of Kent and State) both before & after their marriage I was then intimately acquainted with them for many years. They were married at Kent and as nearly as I can remember in the winter of 1783
I was at their wedding. They were married by the Revd Mr Tyler then the Episcopal Clergyman of Norwich. There was no Episcopal Minister at Kent and at that time
Nancy her Stacy mark
State of Connecticut New London County ss Kent and December 17th AD 1838
Personally appeared Nancy Stacy the above deponent & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed in my presence by her mark annexed
I further certify that said deponent is known to me to be a person of truth & entitled to full belief
Wm D. G. Linnard Justice of the Peace

Elizabeth Colfax Petition for pension Elizabeth Colfax
Affidavit. Certificate relating to the application of Elizabeth Colfax for a Pension
born on Nov 1840.
Feb y 5 1840 Ref d to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
Dec. 16. 1840 Ref d to Com te Rev d Pensions
suspended Feb. 14. 1842 Ref d to Com te Rev d Pensions
Mar. 8 1842. B. 261
Van Ruyven June 200 P.