Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,886, Stephen Clark, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Clark, Stephen
S. 17,886
CONTENTS
Carded

17282 Connecticut
Stephen Clark
as Midshipman in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Connecticut Light Infantry commanded by Captain Miller of the Reg. by Col. [blank] in the Connecticut line for 6 Mos.
by No 17282
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 20 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Aug. 1832 and due to H. P. Baughman Bethlehem
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 31 $ 4 00 Semi-annual allowance ending 1st of Sep 31 1 00 $ 5 00
Revolutionary Claim, for June 7, 1832.
Recorded by P. C. Steele Clerk Book E. Vol. 3. Page 9

State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex } Ad.
On this 10 th day of August A.D. 1832, Personally appeared in open court, before the Court of probate for the District of Chatham now sitting, Stephen Clark a resident of the town of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, aged twenty eight years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
1. That in the year 1776 he enlisted into Capt Blague's company in Col Wadsworth's Regiment for two months and was stationed near Boston. he thinks at Roxbury the whole of said two months, that Isaac Johnson, then and now living in said Chatham, was a member of said company, whose affidavit is annexed. 2. That afterwards, the year he does not recollect. he was at Killingworth, Connecticut, about two weeks, but whether the whole company was called or drafted he does not remember, but he remembers that David Clark Esq, then and now living in Chatham was there where affidavit is hereto annexed. 3. That in September or October 1777 the Militia company of East Hampton in said Chatham was called into the service of the United States, that he was a member of said company, that said company under the command of Major James Bill marched from Chatham in Connecticut through Danbury, Connecticut to Fishkill in the state of New York and from there up the Hudson River to Red Bank and then back to said Fishkill, that he was in service in said company the term of two months , when the company was dismissed, but no written discharge was given, that David Clark Esq of present was with him in the said company whose affidavit is hereto annexed. That in the year 1781 he was drafted to perform a tour of duty at Guilford Connecticut, that he went to said Guilford and according to his best recollection

he remained there on duty about months, that he has no documentary evidence of this tour of duty, nor does he know any person living who can testify to it, nor has he any other evidence of his other tours of duty except the annexed affidavit of Daniel Clark. That at the time he was called into the service he resided in said Chatham, where he has since, and still does reside, that he was in no battles or skirmishes with the enemy worth relating. That Generals Putnam and Mc Dougall were with him and also Col Sage and Maj Brown.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
In answer to the interrogatories he says.
1. That he was born at Chatham Connecticut in the year 1754 2. That he has his fathers family bible in which his birth is recorded. 3. That he was living in Chatham Connecticut when called into the service; and that he has ever since, and still lives in the same town. 4. That he was called into the service in the manner he has stated in this declaration. 5. Generals Putnam & Mc Dougall were regular officers with him 6. That he never received a written discharge. 7. That he is known to Rev William Welch & Sparrow Smith Esq in his neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Shown to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Stephen Clark
We William Welch a Clergyman, residing in the town of Chatham and Sparrow Smith Esq residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Stephen Clark who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age; that he is reputable and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. William Welch Sparrow Smith

And the said court do hereby declare this opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Rev William Welch who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Chatham, and that Sparre Smith Esq, who has signed the same is a resident in the same town, and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.
I William G. Comstock Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Chatham, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Clark for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 10 th day of August A. 1832.
W. G. Comstock Clerk

State of Connecticut } ss. County of Middlesex }
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace within the County of Middlesex, Stephen Clark a person well known to me and in all respects a competent and credible witness, and made oath to the following amendment and explanation of his declaration made in order to obtain the benefit of the act of August passed June 7. 1832.
1 That in his first tour of duty near Boston in 1776 in Capt. Blague's company, was at the time the British evacuated the town of Boston, that his officers were Capt. Blague, Lieut. Churchill and Ensign Clark, that he served at this time two months as a private for which he claims a pension.
2. That in his second tour of duty at Hingham with the commissioned officers were not with the company, but it was commanded by Sergeant James Bell, that according to his best recollection he served not less than two weeks as a private for which he claims a pension.
3. That his tour in 1777 as detailed in his third tour of duty was at the time of the capture of Gen. Burgoyne and his army, that the commissioned officers were not with the company but it was commanded by Sergeant James Bell, that he served at this time two months as a private for which he claims a pension.
That in his tour at Guilford in 1781 was about the time Cornwallis was taken as he heard the news of that event, while at Guilford, his officers were Capt. Hubbard, and Ensign Belcher, the lieutenant he does not remember, Solomon Jackson was one of the sergeants. That he served at this time as a private not less than seven six weeks.
That by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to his best recollection, he served in the whole not less than six months as a private for which he claims a pension.
Sworn before me
Franklin G. Comstock.
Stephen Clark
Justice of the Peace

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 17886, it appears that Stephen Clark was born in 1754 at Chatham, Connecticut. encl
While residing at said Chatham, he enlisted and served as a private with the Connecticut Troops, as follows-- From 1776, two months in Captain Blake's Company, Colonel Wadsworth's Regiment; afterwards (no date stated) two
3-
weeks under Sergeant James Bill; from in September or October 1777, two months under Sergeant James Bill; in 1781, seven weeks in Captain Hubbard's Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832, at which time he was living at Chatham, Connecticut.
Jonathan Dala & Chas R. Hale

Have Johnson affidavit in the case of Stephen Clark

I Isaac Johnson of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that in the year 1776 I enlisted into Capt Blake's Company in Col Wadsworth Regiment for two months and was stationed near Boston I further depose and say that Stephen Clark now living in the town of Chatham, County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut enlisted at the same time into the same company and performed the same duty Isaac Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed the 8 th day of August A. 1832
Before me
I certify that Isaac Johnson the above deponent, now deceased, was well known to me and in all respects a competent and credible witness. F. G. Comstock. Justice of the Peace

David Fork Affidavit in the case of Stephen Fork
admiral commodore
204

I David Clark of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say, that in Sept or Oct. 1777 the Militia Company of East Hampton in the town County and State aforesaid was called into the service of the United States, that said company was commanded by Sergt James Bill and marched from said town of Chatham through Danbury in Connecticut to Fishkill in the State of New York and from thence up the Hudson River, to Red Hook and back to said Fishkill, that said company was out in service for the term of two months. And further the deponent saith that Stephen Clark now living in said town of Chatham was a member of said company and performed two months service therein as aforesaid. I also depose and say, there was an alarm at Killingworth Connecticut and that said Stephen Clark was with me at said Killingworth for about two weeks, the year I not recollect. I am to an subscribed the 8 th day of Aug. A.D. 1832. David Clark
Before me
F. G. Comstock Clerk. Peace.
I certify that David Clark, Esq. the above deponent is well known to me and is in all respects a competent and credible witness.
F. G. Comstock. Justice of the Peace

I, THOMAS DAY, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, as Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known, whom it doth or may concern,
That Franklin G. Comstock , Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Stephen Clark, Isaac Johnson and David Clark  was taken, is, and at the time of such caption, was, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Middlesex in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that I verily believe the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine; and that full credence is due to his official acts and attestations.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the twenty eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three .
Thomas Day

5316 -
Stephen Clark
2 14 2 19
acord
L. 5. 6. 11. 16 -
Hon. F. W. G. Gouttock Chatham Can

5311
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Stephen Clark which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? — no V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? — no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

 XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service ?  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ?  XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ?  XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? — no — Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? — no —  XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ?  XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? — no —  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ? 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades : For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

122 La Salle St Room 27
Chicago Ills. March 6 th 1894
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC
Dear Sir
My Grand Father on my Mothers side Stephen Clark was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. He was in to the army from Windham Connecticut. I think he was in some three years I find by the records that he was first one of the "Lexington Alarms" that marched for the relief of Boston in April 1775. Subsequently he was in Deaf Paine's Company Col. Douglas regiment that formed part of Genl. Madscoorth Brigade 5 th Battalion. He I think drew a
Pension for a number of years before he died which was in 1840 at the age of 84 I think he became sergeant or possibly sergeant major before leaving the army.
Will you kindly give me whatever the Pension records concerning his services - I do not know where he resided at the time of obtaining the pension or the place of his death -
Yours Respectfully F. B. Cole

P
17886 INVALID.
File No. 17886
Stephen Clark
Bi Rev Mr
Act: June 7" 32
Index: — Vol. / , Page 431
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Ind. 24 Paul Heriot, Co F.B. Cole, 122 La Salle St, Chicago, Ill. C
Feb. 17 '96, Missy ref furn. above to F.B. Cole by Ref. Hon. C. D. Cook 1928 Oct 29. Tombstone data to Chas R. Hale - See letter in Amasa Archer D. 17242 3