Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,706, James Davis, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn
Davie, Janies Ruth
No. 10,706
B. L. Wt. 10239-160-55-
CONTENTS

Connecticut 30.507
James Mavis of St. Lawrence Co in the State of Connct. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Vail of the ... commanded by ... in the Connct. time for 10 mos + 20 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut, at the rate of 35 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 24th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of March 1836 and sent to ... Elliot ...
Arrears to the 24th of March 1836 $177.75 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 11 " 17.77 $195.52
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832, }
Recorded by Abel Addis Clerk, Book 62 Vol. 3 Page 9

— Declaration —
In Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, Passed June 7 th 1832. —
State of Connecticut } ss Probate Court Guilford District County of New Haven }
On this 20 th day of May A. D. 1833 personally ap- peared in Open Court before the Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford now sitting James Davis a resident of the Town of Guilford in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut Aged - Sixty Eight Years - Who, being first 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. —
I was born on Long Island, in the Town of Southhold in Suffolk County & State of New York on the 25 th day of March A. D. 1765 - the record of My birth was entered by My Father in his Account book, a certified Copy of which is enclos- herewith. —
At the age of 11 Years in month of Sept. 1776 - The British having taken possession of Long Island My Father with his family removed to Guilford in Connecticut, Where I resided with them until called into Service, where I have lived ever since the revolutionary War And Where I now live. —
At the age of 15 Years I volunteered to serve on Guard at Point Rocks in Guilford, and served under Capt. Sage of Middletown. —

Wright of Durham was Sgt of the Guard and the guard drew rations at Squire Brown's Store on Guilford Green about a Mile from Sippoint Rocks My Father was in the same service as a substitute for one of the Militia Company. his name I do not now Recollect, I served constantly two Months and was discharged, But have no written discharge & I believe it was not customary to give any on such occasions, Noah Benton & John Wick & Joel Norton were in the same service. Noah Benton then of Guilford now Madison, is living & will certify for me He also has made Application for a pension - Wick & Norton I understand both now reside in the State of N. York if living -
In the year 1781 - a draft was made from the Militia Company to which I then belonged viz. the 3 rd Company so called, (of which I was afterward Enlisted) Siv d , I then Entered the Service as a Substitute for John Sectt who was drafted and who hired me The Guard was stationed at the Guard House (a Log House built for that use) on Sectt's Island about Three Miles from Town - Our Officers were Capt Peter Vaill - Sgt David Moore & Capt Absalom Miner all now dead I understand that the Guard drew pay & Rations from the State - I was on Guard when the British landed at Sectt's Island & Burnt one dwelling House - two Barns & Killed two Men viz Ebenezer Heart & Simeon Sectt, and Wounded Charles Falkner

W m Norton and myself. It was in the month of June. My Father James Davis and Shoeball Shelley who both belonged to the same Guard, Went on that day to the shore a distance of a quarter of a Mile to draw draw an ambuscade, but discovered the enemies boats, landing Men from two Brigs, which lay off against the Point, They returned hastily & gave the alarm, there was at this time only six Men in the guard here among whom was, as I well recollect. Amos Sleet Samuel Hoadley & Timothy Munger. We approached The enemy, who were supposed to be about Sixty in Number, until within Gun shot & fired upon them, and then retreated. The deserter or prisoner who was taken and was of that party said we killed two of them that first shot, the remainder of the guard & the neighbors soon came to our assistance and a warm engagement ensued, we fired upon them until they retreated, but they met a reinforcement from their boats and again returned & we were obliged to retreat, they then set fire to the buildings — —
The alarm having reached the town we were soon joined by the Militia & Inhabitants and Com- pelled the enemy to retire, and we extinguished the flames, which had been kindled in two other buildings beside those already burnt —
We pursued them to the beach & continued firing upon them until their boats were out of reach —
It was afterwards reported that they buried Nine on the beach of Long Island near Huntington —

Before we retreated I received a ball in my left arm just above the elbow, passing through, which entirely disabled me - After the enemy had gone off I went up town and Doc r Chalker dressed my wound, But I did not return on duty for three weeks & my arm did not heal for three months and has never been as well & as strong since
I continued on duty Nine Months under this engagement & was verbally discharged
I have no documentary evidence of my service or any written discharge I was at several other times on guard for short tours on the sea shore but do not recollect the dates & circumstances so distinctly as to enable me to declare positively the am t of such service
But for the two foregoing terms viz eleven Months I did serve on guard as a Private Soldier & for such service I claim a Pension
I am personally known to Samuel Elliott & George Sanden Esq s - They can certify to my character I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
James Davis
Sworn to & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid
Before me
Reuben Elliott Judge

5.203 Connecticut
Ruth Davis
widow of James Davis Con n who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars 55
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
12 March 1852
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Aug t 52 and sent to
J. E. Hasser Prest.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 280 Vol. 1

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss
On this Thirteenth day of April A.D. One thousand Eight Hundred and fifty two. Personally appeared Before me George Landon Judge of the court of Probate for the district of Guilford. Ruth Davis a resident of Guilford in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged Eighty two 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 seventh A.D. 1838. entitled "An Act Granting half Pensions to certain Widows." That she is the Widow of James Davis. of said Guilford who was a Private in the Connecticut Militia and served in the company of Coast Guards commanded by Captain Peter Vail in Guilford in the state of Conn- ecticut in the war of the Revolution. And that he performed service at other times in said Militia for two years at said Guilford aforesaid and at New London in the state of Connecticut, as she verily believes and as she has often heard her husband the said James Davis who was at that time called and known by the name of James Davis Junior. Say. She further declares that. Her husband the aforesaid James Davis was a Pensioner of the United States by Pension certificate No 30807 for the yearly sum of thirty five dollars and fifty five cents. and recorded in the Pension office. Book 2 Vol 9 Page 9 She further declares that she was Married to the said James Davis on the Eleventh day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty nine. That her husband the aforesaid James Davis died on the Twelfth day of March A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty two That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but the marriage took place previous to the first

day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety ninety four viz at the time above stated. She further swears that she is now a Widow and that she has never before made any application for a Pension, and further declares her name before marriage was Ruth Judson
Witness
George Landon Wm. H. Brewer
Ruth his Davis mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written
Before me George Landon Judge of Probate
State of Connecticut } District of Guilford New Haven County } Probate Court
I George Landon Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford do hereby certify that the following facts have been satisfactory proved before said Probate Court, that Ruth Davis the declarant is the widow of James Davis late of the town of Guilford now deceased, and that the said James Davis by proof, my certain knowledge died at said Guilford on the Twelfth - 12 th day of January March 1852 and that he was a pensioner up to the day of his death of the United States on the Roll of the Connecticut agency, under the act of June 7 th 1832
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Court this 12 th day of May in the year eighteen hundred & fifty two George Landon Judge

84.230 } Act March 3/50 April 20 " "
Ruth Davis widow of James Davis dec. Port.
Claimant stated that she is a pensioner under the Act of July 20 th 1848 at the rate of $38.50 per annum - Refuses to her pension papers in support of her claim for land City Hoops. Rev. War. Apt. 11. July 48-5968
Nov 13 th 1855 Blyth
Rule.
Wm H. Baill Clinton Ch.
Vol. D. 5.

United States of America.
State of Connecticut)
County of New Haven } ss.
Guilford.
Be it remembered that on this ninth day of April in year Eighteen hundred and fifty five Before the subscriber a Notary Public Personally came Ruth Davis, aged 85 Years, a resident of Guilford in the County & State aforesaid Who being duly sworn according to law Declares & says that she is the identical Ruth Davis who is a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and widow of James Davis deceased. That she is a pensioner, by Pension Certificate of which (I certify) the following is a true Copy "Department of the Interior. Widows Pension ". I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2 nd 1848. Ruth Davis, widow of James Davis who was a private in the Revolutionary War, is in- scribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty five dollars & fifty five cents, per annum, commencing on the 12 th of March 1852, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry, in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. Given at the Department of the Interior this 10 th day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty two. Alex H H Stuart, Examiners & countersigned. Secretary of the Interior J. Z. C. Triplett.
Acting commission of Pensions.
That she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the aforesaid "James Davis" That she now resides in Guilford and has always resided there. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act Granting Bounty Land to the Soldiers & their Widows of the Revolutionary War, passed on the 3 rd day of March 1855 That she has never before made applic

cation for Bounty Land under the this or any former act of Congress. And that she has never received Bounty Land for any service or made application therefor.
Oath of
In presence of Content Loper
at the same time personally came James S Loper aged 53 Years & Content Loper aged 82 Years both residents of Guilford aforesaid who being duly first sworn according to law depose & say that they know Ruth Davis, widow of James Davis a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States who makes the accompanying declaration. That they were present & saw said Ruth Davis sign & acknowledge the above declaration and that we believe from long acquaintance that she is the person she represents herself to be, and we further swear that said Ruth Davis is now a widow, and that we have no interest in said claim.
James S Loper Content Loper
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written; and I certify that I know the Declarant & also the affiants to be credible persons and that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim, and that the interlining of the words "time" & "we" were done by me before administering the Oath.
Wm H Buell Notary Public.
The Commission of Pensioner is requested to send the Warrant to Wm H Buell of Clinton Conn.
Oath of
Pub. Off: Nov: 13 th 1855.
Thereby Certify that I know Wm H Buell, was a Notary Public at the time he verified this Oath, St. 30th Nov.

May 17 - 52 Revolutionary Pension - Ruth Davis widow
No 50
James Davis Connecticut Rolls act 1832
filed 17 May. 1852 P. E. Hassler attorney
Mr Cole

State of Connecticut, ) County of New Haven. ) ss: Town Clerk's Office, Guilford. Copy of Record.
James Davis and Ruth Griswold both of Guilford, were joined in marriage on the Eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, by Mr Amos Fowler, Minister.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the Record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures, as follows.
"James Davis and Ruth Griswold both of Guilford, were joined in marriage by Mr Amos Fowler, Minister, Dec. 11 th 1789."
Attest, Edward R. Sanden, Town Clerk.
I Edward R. Sanden, above named, depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the town of Guilford, and State of Connecticut, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me. Guilford, April 8 th 1852.
Edward R. Sanden, Town Clerk.
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written and I hereby certify that Edward R. Sanden holds the office of Town Clerk of the town of Guilford and that the above is his signature.
Wm H. Buell

POWER OF ATTORNEY — Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, William Davis of the town of Haverinton County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut
hereby constitute and appoint Eli Gavitoo my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of James Davis for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to .
the Children of said James Davis
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 23 rd day of May A. D. 185 3
Wm Davis Ls
Signed and Sealed in the presence of } Lucius W Davis } Abijah Galtun
STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY OF Litchfield ss.
On this 23 rd day of May A. D. 185 3 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared William Davis and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, } the day and year aforesaid.
Abijah Galtun Justice Peace. Nolay Public

CLAIM OF James Davis ACT OF 7 June 1832
STATE OF Connecticut COUNTY Litchfield } ss.
Be it known, That on this 23 rd day of May A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty three , before the undersigned, a Notary Public Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared William Davis a resident of Hanover in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the
Son of James Davis
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner according to his best recollection
at the rate of about twenty three Dollars per annum; that he has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me. } J. Peace.
Wm Davis
Abijah Cattin Notary Public
I, Abijah Cattin  Notary Public in & for said State Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, do hereby certify that William Davis who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of said County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Abijah Cattin } J. Peace Notary Public
Clerk of the Court in the County and State aforesaid, before whom the foregoing papers were acknowledged, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal this 23 rd day of May A. D. 185 three
Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.,
July 23
1920
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of James Davis a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his and (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 10726
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring 1780 2 mos. Pvt. Sage ✓ Conn.   June 1781 9 mos. Peter Vall ✓        
Battles engaged in, Skirmish on Litchfield Island when wounded by ball in left arm.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford New Haven Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, May 26 1833 His ch. al.
Residence at date of application, Guilford Conn.
Age at date of application, Mar 25 1765 in Southold Suffolk Co. N.Y.
Remarks: He married Dec. 11, 1789 Ruth Griswold of Guilford Conn. He died Mar. 12, 1852. She was alive on her ap. ex. Apr. 13, 1852 while a resident of Guilford Conn. aged 82 yrs. Sol. father James Davis Co. was in service with him in 1781. No further family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

+ B. 7.
Rey WIDOW, &c.
1906 Mar. 7 - Hist. to Mary M. Hall.
1910 Mch. 19. Hist. to W. W. Cone & 1916 Nov. 1 Mrs. Mary H. Kim that there is no information in regard to Solding other than that for Mch. 7. 1906.
File No. 10706
1920, July 23 Hist. to Mrs. Henry E. Fowler - Eu.
Ruth Davis Wid.
Letter in S. 16703, Abraham Chittenden
James Davis Pri. Rev.
Act: Feb. 2 nd 1848
Index: - Vol. A , Page 169
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 84230
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 20 th 1875-
James Davis Pur. Sec.
Ch. Troops
Rev. War
10289_160-5-5-
Wm. H. Buell
Clinton
Ch.

10.239
S Vlasny

John A. 2 d Feb. 48. A. B.M. D r

Connecticut. Rev. Act 7. June 1832 James Davis
Suspended adm d
Letter to George Griswold Nov. 14. 1833

Examination Revolutionary Papers James Davis
See James Davis
Connecticut Rolls act 1832
Cole
filed 12 March 1832

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.*
State of Connecticut
County of New Haven
} ss
Be it known that before me
Wm H Buell a Notary Public personally appeared James Davis aged 87 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that he is the [redacted] of [redacted] who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of Connecticut and that he died on the [redacted] day of [redacted] 18 [redacted] and that [redacted] mother named [redacted] died on the [redacted] day of [redacted] 18 [redacted] and that they were married on the [redacted] day of [redacted] in the year 17 [redacted] and that they were residents of [redacted] in the State of [redacted] and that they resided there [redacted] years, and that [redacted] He resides in Guilford Conn and that furthermore He BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints and fully empowers and authorises irrevocably and with powers of substitution—F. E. Hassler of Washington City, D. C., as his true and lawful Attorney for him and in his name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U. S. Government Officers his rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due him as [redacted] of [redacted] who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law, custom, or equity he is or may be entitled.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF he has on this ninth day of March 1852, hereunto signed his name and affixed his seal.
James Davis his mark
Witness: Wm H Buell
Witness: Betsey Davis
Signed, Sealed, acknowledged and Sworn to before me, on this ninth day of March 1852.
Wm H Buell J. P. [SEAL] Notary Public
At the same time personally appeared before me two credible and disinterested witnesses named [redacted] and [redacted] residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself, that [redacted] has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that [redacted] was a Revolutionary soldier and that [redacted] was by him always treated as and is by the witnesses believed to be the of the said Revolutionary Soldier.
[SEAL] [SEAL]
Sworn to before me the day and year first above written.
J. P. [SEAL]
of County of
} to wit:
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That [redacted] Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of [redacted] County Court, this [redacted] day of [redacted] one thousand eight hundred and [redacted]
Clerk.
* If a Widow applies state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband."

26,544
James Davis
on Capt Vail's roll 8 mo. 20
surgeon
Lared Bishop & John Coan both state they served at Leets Island in 1781 adm?
10 mo. 20. pre
Account Guilford  Co.
Guilford
to
Reuben Elliott Guilford Cont.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
23 Sep
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of James Dani
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (f) This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
erroneous at 15 but he sales/advises, explained thereon

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 each 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 here or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed , he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and time 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.
[l] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
It would seem from the fact that so few were on duty when the alarm was given that the men of this guard were not held to constant duty. An explanation must be given.

State of Connecticut
County of New Haven
ff Guilford May 20 th 1833 -
Be it Remembered that on the day & year aforesaid Personally Appeared before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate for the District of Guilford to me personally known to be the person described to me personally known & Who I certify to be a credible witness and being first duly sworn on his oath declares and says - That in the month of June A.D. 1781 There was a general alarm in consequence of the enemy having landed at Ledy's Island. That He with many others repaired as fast as possible to the place. That He met James Davis on the road as he was going there, and That Davis was on his way to (Doc t Chalker the then surgeon of the place), having been shot through the left arm, That He also saw Eben Hart & Simson Ledy - Charles Fulham & Wm Norton who were all wounded - Hart & Ledy both died, soon after - That a few days after this He enlisted to serve as one of the Guard under Capt Peter Vail stationed at Ledy's Island & that the said James Davis soon after returned on duty & remained there in the service until the first of January 1782 David Morse was seized of the Guard & Absalom Morse was corporal. Noah Benton
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge I hereby certify that the above named Noah Benton is truly mine year of age - Reuben Elliott Judge and a credible witness

State of Connecticut
County of New Haven ff Guilford May 20 th 1833
Be it remembered that on the day and year aforesaid personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford duly qualified Joel Parmelee of said Guilford to me per- sonally known to be a credible witness & being first duly sworn on his oath declares & says
That during the revolutionary war & at the time the enemy landed at Seabrook Island he was living in Guilford & that He with many others, (when the alarm reached town) repaired to Seabrook Island & that on his way there, he met James Davis coming up town. That said Davis was wounded in his arm, and that he saw another Seabrook who was wounded & who died the night following. Ebenezer Harts also was wounded & died That He was well acquainted with said Davis & knew him to be in the service as one of the Guard before & after the engagement That he has ever since lived in the same neighborhood & cannot be mistaken as to the foregoing facts. & further saith not
Joel Parmelee
Sworn and subscribed the day & date aforesaid
Reuben Elliott Judge I hereby certify that the above named deponent is a credible witness Reuben Elliott Judge

The Application of James Davis Guilford Conn. t. For a Pension
Taken before the Court of Probate for Guilford District
W. 544.

State of Connecticut New Haven County ss Guilford Personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford, John E Stone to me known to be a credible witness who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is now seventy two years of age that he has been personally acquainted with James Davis for about fifty years and in the Revolutionary war at the time the British Landed at Suck Island he immediately repaired to the place of action and that on his way there he met the said Davis near the enemy who had been in the skirmish with the enemy and had been wounded by a musket ball in his left arm - and recollects very perfectly that the clothes on his arm were covered with blood and has always understood that said Davis at the time belonged to the Regular Guard Station on Suck Island and further the deponent saith not John E Stone New Haven County ss Guilford May 28-1833 sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Reuben Elliott Judge I hereby certify that the above named deponent is a credible witness Reuben Elliott Judge

The Affirmation of James Davis Guilford Conn. T. For a Pension Taken before the Court of Probate for Guilford District
No. 544.
State of Connecticut New Haven County ff Guilford May 20 th A.D. 1833
I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for Guilford District — Do hereby certify That Reuben Elliott Esq r whose Signature is affixed to the foregoing Declaration & Deposition is and was at the dates thereof Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid & Justice of peace for New Haven County Duly Commissioned & acting under the authority of the State of Connecticut and that full faith and credit is & ought to be given to his acts & attestations done in either capacity and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said R. Elliott & know his signatures therein to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office. this 20 th Day of June 1833
George Griswold Clerk C. P. Guilford district.

State of Connecticut } Probate Court Guilford District County of New Haven }
On this 2 day of November A.D. 1883 Personally appeared in open Court before Reuben Elliott Esq. Judge of said Court James Davis who has made the foregoing declaration and in order to amend the same, further Declares & says that in reference to his first claim for service at the age of fifteen, that when he made his first declaration he had no doubt but that Noah Benton would recollect his being in that service but when he came to testify for him he did not recollect so clearly as to testify concerning that first term of service - That he the said Davis imputes his want of recollection to the circumstance that the guards were divided & stationed alternately at Point Rocks - Sachems head & Hogstop point - He again further declares & says that in the year 1780 (he thinks) in the Spring of the year he did enlist with his Father's consent under Capt Sage of Middletown Conn. & served constantly two months, as stated in his first declaration, and that during that term he was not engaged in any other business & that in addition to those named in his first declaration he will recollect Nehemiah Bradley and a man who was called Old Gouge who were in the same service but who are now all dead - That he has no documentary evidence of this service & knows of no person living who can testify for him

That in respect to his statement that there were but six men in the Guard House at Seets Island when the enemy landed there He did not mean to convey the idea that the Guard consisted of but six men That the Guard consisted of twelve or fourteen men the ordinary number that composed a Serjeant's guard That as he stated in his first declaration - His father James Davis & Shoeball Shelley had gone to the shore, That Serjeant Moore & Corporal Miner both lived near the Guard house & had gone to break- fast & some of the guard boarded at the House of Daniel Seets which was within a few rods of the Guard house & had also gone to breakfast But that the whole guard were together in ten minutes after the alarm was given & went to meet the enemy as stated in his former Declaration
That for proof of this term of service he has procured the deposition of M rs . Noah Benton - Joel Parrish & John E. Stow which are annexed to the foregoing declaration — James Davis
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge

I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for Guilford District. Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original and additional doings of said Court in the matter of the application of James Davis for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 2 nd day of November 1833
George Griswold Clerk

I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for Guilford District - Hereby certify That James Davis who has made this application - for a Pension, this day produced in Court an Old Acc d book of his Father from which Copy from the original entries of his Family record (James Davis was born March the 25 th 1765 -)
George Griswold Clerk C. S. - District of Guilford

We Aaron Dutton a Clergyman, residing in Guilford and Wyllys Elliott residing in Guilford hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Davis who has subscribed & sworn to the above Declaration, that we believe him to be 68 years old, that he is reputed & believed, in the Neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion - Sworn & Subscribed the day Aaron Dutton & Bear witness Wyllys Elliott Before the Court Geo. Griswold Clerk & Justice of Peace
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states, and was wounded as he states, the scar of which wound being shown before the Court - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them  who has signed the preceding certificate that Aaron Dutton - is a clergyman residing in Guilford & that Wyllys Elliott - who has also signed the same is a president in Guilford and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit Reuben Elliott Judge
I George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court for Guilford District hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Davis for a pension In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 20 th day of May 1833 - George Griswold Clerk

Pension Office Aug 4 1852
Connecticut Rolls As of June 7 1832
James Davis, pensioner at $35 \frac{53}{100} . to what time paid? T. Friplett
pd to 41 Sept. 1851.
J. S. Gullaker Esq 3 auditor
B. J. B.

Brief in the case of Ruth Davis, wid of James County and State of Connecticut act July 7 1838
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a peninsular, - at $35.55 100 , ad June 7 1832 - due 12 March 1852
Evidence of Marriage, Record
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
F. E. Hapler Present
Thornton Fiplett
Examining Clerk.

Jas Davis died 12 March 1882 p. to 4 Sep 1857
Wid Ruth married 1789 Husband a pensioner $35 \frac{53}{100} . 1832
Proof marriage Record

Ruth Davis wid of James, Coals
Act 2 o Feby 1848
$35, \frac{55}{100} per annum
from 1 st March 1852
when he died
Cert to
F. E. Hapler Present

Feb. 6, 1906.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
I have been informed that my great-grandfather, James Davis, of Guilford, Connecticut, served in the American Army during the War of the Revolution; and that having been wounded, he later drew a pension from the United States Government. I should like to have positive proof of this, however, and write to ask you if you can confirm this statement from the records in the Pension Office.
Thanking you in advance, I am
Respectfully yours,
(Miss) Mary M. Hall.

O. M. H.
data C
70 FIFTH AVENUE.
New York City
Mr. V. Warner, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:—
I am just in receipt of the statement concerning the record of my great-grandfather, James Davis, Jr. in the Revolutionary War, for which I thank you.
I was not aware that his father was also in the same war and would ask that I might have this latter record also.
Can you also tell me whether any member of the Hall family of Guilford, Ct. served

in the army during the Revolution? My grandfather's name was John Hall (born 1799) and I think his fa- ther's name was also John.
Thanking you for your assistance in this matter, I am
Yours respectfully, (Miss) Mary M. Hall
March 9, 1906.

Cone
Mar. Brandeville, Mo. Feb. 3. 1910
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.,
My dear Sir: -
Enclosed find names of two Rev. Soldiers whose pension record I would like to get, viz:
James Davis. Served under Capt. B. Bristol 1779 Conn. Militia Also under Capt. Peter Vaill in Coast Guards at Guilford Conn. 1781. Wife Ruth, Res. Guilford 1840.
Abraham Hill served under Capt Vaill Coast Guards at Guilford Conn. 1781, wife Lydia, Res. Madison Conn 1840.
Kindly give me above information and oblige Yours truly
W. W. Cone,
MAR 5 - 1910

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
J. A. AGER, PRESIDENT MISS L. M. JULIEN, SECRETARY A. C. ABSHIRE ALEX ALBEE M. C. BEEM
SISKIYOU UNION HIGH SCHOOL AND JUNIOR COLLEGE
E. L. VAN DELLEN, PRINCIPAL J. C. STANLEY, VICE PRINCIPAL M. R. KERR, DEAN OF JUNIOR COLLEGE
Yreka, California Sept. 27, 1916.
Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior. Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: —
Can you give me any information concerning the military history of James Davis of Guilford, Penn. during the Revolutionary War? I have your report concerning his son, James Davis, Jr., but understand that his father was also in the same service, and would like to get a statement concerning it, if possible.
Yours respectfully, Mary Hall Kerr (Mrs. M. R.)
Box 553
Yreka, California.

COPY.
Wid. File 10706, James Davis, Rev. War.
L.M.H.
March 23, 1906.
Miss Mary M. Hall, No. 70 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated March 9, 1906 and received March 10, 1906, you are advised that a careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show that a claim was filed in the name of a James Davis, who served with James Davis Jr., in the Connecticut Troops during 1780 and 1781.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

V. L. M. Rev. War Section.
November 1, 1916.
Mrs. Mary Hall Kerr, Box 553, Yreka, California.
Madam:-
In response to your letter dated the 27 th ultimo, you are advised that a careful search of the Revolutionary War records fails to show a claim on file for James Davis Sr. and there is no information in regard to him other than that given in the claim of his son James Davis W. File No. 10,706 Revolutionary War, which was furnished you under date of March 7, 1906.
Very respectfully,
E. C. Sieman
Acting Commissioner.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Davis, James GRADE Private LINE Delaware
WARRANT NUMBER 10743 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED September 2, 1789 To — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.