Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,620, Ephraim Chidsey, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Chidsey, Ephraim Hannah
W. 17,620
CONTENTS

17.761 Connecticut
Ephraim Chidsey (deceased) of East Haven in the State of Connecticut who was a priv: 5 th Reg: Inf: in the Company commanded by Captain Douglass of the Reg: commanded by Col Douglass in the Ct. Ma. line for 1 yr. 6 m. 19 ds. Sept. 21. 17. 5 m. 11 ds. for def:.
died 24. Sept. '32
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 111 Dollars 93 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Exp: 19 Sept. '33
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Sept 1833 and sent to M. Darling of New Haven.
Arrears to the 4th of . . . . . Semi-ant. allowance ending . . . . .
and Certificate from Halled $174.72 1831 to 20 Sept. 1832 — { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book E Vol. 3 Page 9
Certificate issued to Hannah Chidsey (widow)

Connecticut 695
Hannah Chiasey
widow of Ephraim Chiasey who was a Priv. & Sergeant in the Revolution Conn.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 111 Dollars 05 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of July 1843 and sent to B. Farnham East Haven, Conn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 64.
Reported
Date of death not on Q.B.

Ephraim
No 5527

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut County of New Haven } p. East Haven.
On this 19 th day of July 1832, personally appeared before me, Noyes Darling, Judge of the County Court for said County, Ephraim Chissey a resident of East Haven in the County of New Haven, & State of Connecticut, aged 80 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, & served as herein stated.
I enlisted in the service in the Connecticut State troops in May 1775 under Capt. W. Douglass for seven months, went to New York & from thence up the North River & to St. Johns on Lake Champlain - was attached to Col. Waterbury's Regiment under Genl. Montgomery - had an engagement with the Indians near the fort at St. Johns - remained about three weeks until the arrival of Genl. Woodhull - was at the taking of the fort - remained there until November & was dismissed at the expiration of the seven months & arrived home the last of November, being absent almost eight months. Doctors Jared Potter & Ives were our surgeons. Rev d . Benjamin Trumbull Chaplain. Bros. Hemingway & Levi Potter, of said East Haven, are the only persons, living here, that were in the company.
In May 1778 I enlisted for seven months under Capt. Bracket in Col. W. Douglass's Regiment - went to New York. I was on duty at the grand battery when the shipping came up. We retreated to Turtle Bay - remained a short time - we retreated onto the heights: we had an engagement & drove the enemy some distance until we arrived in sight of the shipping when we retreated & arrived at North Castle, where I remained until dismissed on the 25 th day of December. Dr. J. Potter surgeon - Rev d . Benjamin Trumbull Chaplain. Thomas Shepard now living in East Haven, belonged to our company & was with us; he was wounded and returned.

In May 1777 I enlisted for seven months under Capt. Israel Potter - marched on the lines near New York - remained until some time in November. Do not remember my field officers. Genl. Putnam was there. I served out the term.
In June 1778 I enlisted under Lieut. Phineas Brodley of New Haven, and performed the duty of a non-commissioned officer till the 1 st of January following. In Feb y 1779 I again enlisted under the same Phineas Brodley, then Capt. and served as a non-commissioned officer, one year. Our duty was part of the time in keeping guard at the gaol & at the wharf in New Haven, and at the fort, now fort Hale, east side of New Haven Harbour. My term of service under Brodley was about a year and nine months, or a little over.
I was born in East Haven in 1752. My age is on the records of East Haven, "March 19. 1752." Lived in East Haven when I entered the service, & have lived in the same place ever since.
I never received any written discharge, & have no documentary evidence, except the copy of a pay roll of Capt. Brodley, in the hands of William Storer of New Haven.
Rev d . Stephen Dodd & Eleazar Hemingway Esq y will certify as to my veracity & their belief of my services.
We 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.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Noyes Darling. Judge of his Ephraim Chidsey New Haven County Court. his mark

We Stephen Dodd a clergyman, residing in said town of East Haven, & Eleazer Hemingway residing in the same town, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Chidrey, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 80 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Noyes Darling Judge of New Haven County Court.
Stephen Dodd Eleazr Hemingway
I Levi Potter of said East Haven, aged 75, depose & say that Ephraim Chidrey, who has subscribed the above declaration enlisted, at the time I did, into Col. Douglass's company. I think it was in April 1775. That said Chidrey was in the company & served on Lake Champlain under Genl. Montgomery. We went together to the Northward; & spent the rest of our term there. I think he served out the whole term of enlistment, but cannot positively say so further with cert.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Noyes Darling Judge of New Haven County Court.
Levi Potter
I Thomas Shepard of said East Haven, aged 76, depose & say, that Ephraim Chidrey, who has subscribed the above declaration served as an enlisted soldier in 1776, in & about New York, from the time of enlistment till the discharge of the company, Christmas day, under Col. Brachel - Douglass Col. I belonged to the same company, & when wounded was taken care of by said Chidrey. We enlisted in the latter part of May: and farther with cert.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Thomas Shepard
Noyes Darling Judge of New Haven County Court.
And the said judge hereby declares his opinion after the investigation of the matter, & after perusing the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary.

soldier, & served as he states. And the said Judge further certifies, that it appears to him that Stephen Doda who has signed the foregoing certificate, is a clergyman resident in said town of East Haven, & that Ebenezer Hemingway, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same town, and is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit, and that said applicant, Ephraim Cheaney, cannot from bodily infirmity attend the court.
Noyes Darling, Judge of the County Court for New Haven County.

I William Stoner, of the City, and County of New Haven, & State of Connecticut. Depose and say, That I have now, in my possession, Copies of three, several Returns Pay Rolls, of a Company of Matross, or Artillery Guards, in the State of Connecticut's service, in the War of the Revolution, Annually raised, by Voluntary Enlistment, in the years 1778. 1779. & 1780. and stationed at New Haven, in said State. The first of those years 1778. under command, of Lieut. Rhineas Bradly, and the two succeeding years, under command, of Capt. Rhineas Bradly, of 2 d New Haven. Daniel Bishop, was 1 st Lieut. Elisha Dier- sent, 2 d & Azel Kimberly, 3 d Lieut. of 2 d Company, the two last of 2 d years the company was posted, at four stations, viz. one in town, where the Military stores were kept, one at the fort on the East side of the Harbour, one at five mile point, or Southend, so called, & one at West Haven, with a commissioned Officer, at each station. — On Lieut. Rhineas Bradly's Pay Roll for the service of 1778. I find the name of Ephraim Chidsey, returned a Serjeant, enlisted June 16 th 1778. served untill Feb y 1 st 1779. term of service, returned, six months & nineteen days. On Capt. Rhineas Bradly Pay Roll, for the service of 1779. I find the name of Ephraim Chidsey, again returned as Serjeant, enlisted Feb y 6 th 1779. served untill Feb y 1 st 1780. term of service returned, twelve months making the whole term of 2 d Chidsey's service under 2 d Lieut. & Capt. Rhineas Bradly, by two Enlistments; — One year, six months, & nineteen days. — The copies of the above mentioned return Pay Rolls, with three commissions of the 2 d Capt. Bradly, for those successive years, all signed by, Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of the State of Connecticut, together with several Original Enlistments, and other papers & documents, relating to the Military services, of Capt. Bradly, during those years, I received of a surviving Daughter, of 2 d Capt. Bradly, now living in this City, by whom, they have been preserved & kept, more than thirty years, since the death of her Father. — I was a member of Capt. Rhineas Bradly's family six years, commencing in the Spring of 1780, and was well acquainted with his hand writing at that period, and I have now in possession other papers of his writing, and signature, in the course of those years with which I have compared the copies of the Pay Rolls, before mentioned, and I readily believe them to have been written by Capt. Bradly, himself, and that they are authentic Copies, of his original Returns, which Annually made, to the proper Depart- ments, at the close of each term of his Military service.
Sworn & subscribed the 15 th day of August 1832. William Stoner Moses Darling, Judge of New Haven County Court.

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven Jr. New Haven August 21 st 1832
I Mr Beach Clerk of the County Court in & for said New Haven County, certify that Hon. "Noyes Darling" whose name is above foregoing written & subscribed is & was at the said date in pre- -sently "Judge of New Haven Court" I duly qual- -ified to administer Oaths.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court the day & date above written
Albert M c Beach Clerk

State of Connecticut } ss. New Haven County }
East Haven
On this 4 th day of August 1838 - Personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the Probate District of New Haven Hannah Chidsey a resident of the Town of East Haven in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged 80 years. who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows" - That she is the widow of Ephraim Chidsey who was a Soldier in the Connecticut line in the War of the Revolution and that in the year 1832 he the said Ephraim Chidsey made application under the provision of the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832 setting forth his services in the War of the Revolution. for which a Pension was granted in consequence of said Service. and was made payable to her the said Hannah Chidsey as the widow of said Ephraim Chidsey. (he having died on the 26 th day of September 1832 and before the granting of said pension) which pension was paid to the said Hannah Chidsey up to the decease of her husband and the said Pension certificate surrendered to the agent for paying pensions. for proof of the service of the said Ephraim Chidsey. she would refer to the application made by him in the year 1832 and which are supposed to be in the Pension Office -
She further declares that she was married to the said Ephraim Chidsey on the 16 th day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and that her husband the aforesaid Ephraim Chidsey died on the 26 th day of September 1832. 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 one thousand seven hundred and Ninety four, at the time above stated - For proof of the marriage and the decease of said husband and of her remaining the widow of the deceased she would refer to the deposition accompanying this declaration
Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Nathaniel R. Clark
Hannah her X Chidsey mark
Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven.
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss. I, Nathaniel Clark, clerk of the Court of Probate within & for the District of New Haven in s d County hereby certify that Nathaniel R. Clark is Judge of the Court of Probate within & for the District of New Haven, duly commissioned & sworn & that the above is his as  his official signature. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Probate Court this 4 th day of August A.D. 1838 Nathaniel Clark

This may certify that on the Thirty Seventh page of the First Book of Records of the Congregational Church of East Haven, in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, in the handwriting of the Rev. Nicholas Street, then Pastor of said Church, is the following entry, viz. January the Sixteenth, one thousand seven hundred and eighty six, married Ephraim Chidsey and Hannah Burns.
I certify that this 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 - January the 16 th 1786, married Ephraim Chidsey & Hannah Burns.
Stephen Dodd, Pastor of the above said Church
I Stephen Dodd, above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the Congregational Church and Keeper of the Records of said Church, in the Town of East Haven - County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Stephen Dodd, Pastor of the Congregational Church of East Haven and Keeper of the Records of said Church.
State of Connecticut } New Haven County } ss East Haven
On this 14 th day of August 1838 personally appeared before the subscribing authority a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid - Stephen Dodd who is well known to me as a credible witness and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed to before me -
Bela Farnham Jus t of peace

Helen Farnham East Haven Conn Agent
Hannah Chidsey widow of Ephraim
Con.
act 7 July '38
Tears
Married in '786
adm d
18 mo. 19. d. & 1/2 long: tottly 5. 11. private info
$111.05
No deduction
Helen Farnham E. Haven Con.

We Stephen Dodd aged 61 years and Joel Bradley aged 69 years - both of East Haven in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut - Depose and say that we were well acquainted with Ephraim Chidsey of said East Haven in his lifetime and are knowing that he died on the 26 th day of September 1832 and that Hannah Chidsey now residing in this town was in the lifetime of the said Ephraim Chidsey his lawful wife and that she remains his widow not having married since his decease -
Stephen Dodd Joel Bradley
State of Connecticut } New Haven County } East Haven
On this 4 th day of August 1838 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Stephen Dodd and Joel Bradley who are well known to me for credibility and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing deposition by them subscribed to before me -
Bela Tarnham Justice of peace

5527
Ephraim Ghidney
6.8
60 30 3 16
Hannah Ghidney
196 mi 1/2 das
day of Artiles
5 mi 1/2 day per diem
$ 111.93 per year
till 26 Sept 32
1..... 22
N Darling
 111.93  55.96  6.82   174.71 
9.32
 30  30   900  930 
 22  31   22  66   6.82 

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjjoined 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. These 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 Ephraim Chasey 60
   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.     State Troops 1795 into 7 Private Capt. Douglass Col. Halloway B.D. born in east Haver and entered there and now lives in same place   May 1796 " 7 " Capt. Brockel Col. Douglass one surviving witness proven 7 m in 1795   May 1797 " 7 " Capt. Dutton Col. Halloway one proven 7 m in 1796   Jan 1798 - 6 19 Non Com. Officer Lieut. Doadley one other witness proven   Feb. 1799 - " 1 20 Non Com. Officer Capt. Doadley The two last tours of 1-6-19 Certificate of Klingman and a Citizen  
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. (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 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 enquiry 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 three 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 affix 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 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Applicant should produce an authenticated copy of his services upon Rolls referred to in his declaration

April 25, 1938.
Charles R. Hale 30 Oak Street Hartford, Connecticut.
BA-J/ILL Ephraim Chidsey W. 17620
Dear Sir:
The record of Ephraim Chidsey is furnished herein as found in pension claim, W. 17620.
Ephraim Chidsey was born March 19, 1753, in East Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut, said birth recorded in that town; the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of East Haven, Connecticut, he enlisted about May 1775, and served seven months as a private in Captain W. Douglas' company, Colonel Waterbury's Connecticut regiment, during which he was marched to Canada and was in an engagement near Fort St. John. He enlisted in May 1776, served as private in Captain Bracket's company, Colonel W. Douglas' Connecticut regiment, marched to New York, was in an engagement near North Castle and was discharged December 25. He enlisted in May 1777, and served about seven months as private in Captain Israel Potter's company, Colonel W. Douglas' Connecticut regiment. He enlisted June 16, 1778, served as sergeant in Captain Phineas Bradley's company of Artillery until February 1780.
He applied July 19, 1832 for the pension which was due on account of his service in the Revolutionary War, at which time he resided in East Haven, Connecticut. Pension was allowed. Ephraim Chidsey died September 26, 1832, in East Haven, Connecticut.
Ephraim Chidsey married January 16, 1786, Hannah Barnes; they were married by the Congregational Minister of East Haven, Connecticut.
Hannah Chidsey, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed August 4, 1838, at which time she aged eighty years. The date and place of her birth, and the names of her parents are not

shown. In 1838, Hannah Chidsey resided in East Haven, Connecticut; in 1843, she resided in New Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut.
No reference was made to children of Ephraim and Hannah Chidsey.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of Hannah Chidsey, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:
Hannah Chidsey, widow of Ephraim Chidsey, Certificate #695 Issued July 8, 1843 Rate $111.05 per annum Commenced March 4, 1843 Act of March 3, 1843 Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. MILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

April 25, 1938.
Charles R. Hale 30 Oak Street Hartford, Connecticut.
RA-J/ILL Ephraim Chidsey W. 17620 Isaac Chidsey. his letter - W. 17601
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Isaac Chidsey, claim W. 17601, also, information in regard to Hannah Chidsey, a pensioner of Connecticut in 1840.
The records of Ephraim Chidsey, whose widow Hannah was the pensioner cited by you, and that of Isaac Chidsey are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

17620
will
Ephraim Childrey
East Haven Ch 80 80
June 18 33 July 19-1832 Term end 19.175-2
May 25 - East Haven Williams Capt W Douglas Cal Waterbury Pvt - 7 mos
St. John
May 26 -
Capt Bracket Col W Douglas Pvt 7 mos
May 27,
Capt Israel Pitman Cal - W Bony Pvt - 7 mos
June 28. Johnas Bradley Cal -
Sgt 6 m.
July 29 Capt Bradley Cal - Sgt - 1 1/2 yr
Married Hannah Barnes
Aug 16. 1786
Died Sept 26. 1832

3 Sherman St., Hartford, Conn. Jan'y. 24, 1901.
Dear Sirs;
One of my ancestors, Ephraim Chidsey, was a revolutionary soldier. He served as a private in the 6 th Co. 5 th Battalion, "Wadsworth Brigade" (Connecticut troops) between June and December 1776. He also served as a sergeant in Lieut Bradley's Company of Matrosses in the State of Connecticut Service having enlisted June 16 1778 and was discharged Jan 1 1779. Later he served in Capt Bradley's Co of Matrosses from Feby 5, 1779 to Feby 4, 1780.
In 1832 he was a revolutionary pensioner residing in New London

County, State of Connecticut.
From the town records of East Haven, Conn. I find that he was born there March 19, 1752, but could not find the date of his death.
Now can you inform me from your records, without too much inconvenience, as to the date and place of his death? Any information that you may be able to give will be highly appreciated by,
Yours very truly,
Fred C. Bosworth.
To the Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.

ch
Re WIDOW, &c.
Feb'y - 5 - 1901 - with Ans. E. B. Burrough - Hartford
1938. April 25. Hist. to Charles R. Hale - see letter in Rev. of Isaac Chidsey. W. 19601 - H.L.
File No. 17620
Hannah Chidsey widow of Ephraim Chidsey Sergt Rev'war
Act: March 3. 1843
Index: - Vol. 14 , Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Letter to B. Farnham, 7. June 1843.
Connecticut 167.
Johannah Chidsey, widow of Ephraim Chidsey, dec'd who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7: '32, and who died on the 26: Sept. 1832 of E. Haines in the State of Connecticut who was a Sgt. in the Comp. commanded by Captain Congdon, of the Regt. commanded by Col. Congdon in the Connecticut line for 18 m & 19 d, Sgt. duty 5. m 7. 11. " Pin Supt
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 111 Dollars 05 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of Sept. 1838, and signed Bala Farnham E. Haines, Exec.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. - $ 27 5: 62 Semi-annual allowance ending 4: m - 55. 52
$ 331.14
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Bustin - Clerk Book A - Vol. 1 - Page 172.

Admit, private & serg $111.05.
Connecticut Agency
Send to B. Hamblen
East Haven
Conn t

State of Connecticut, ss New Haven County
On this 8 th day of April 1843 before me Bela Farnham a Notary Public in and for said State - personally appeared Hannah Chidsey lately being of East Haven in said County but now residing in the Town of New Haven in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged 88 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 on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolution any war - That she is the widow of Ephraim Chidsey deceased who served in the war of the revolution for which a pension was granted in his favour under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832 and that after his decease, under the act of Congress of 7. July 1838 a pension was granted to her for five years for services of her husband the said Ephraim Chidsey deceased, — for proof of which she would refer to the documents now in the pension office made by her late husband the said Ephraim Chidsey under the act of 7. June 1832 and also by her under the act of 7 th . July 1838. for which a pension was granted her of the sum of one hundred and eleven dollars and five cents. which Pension Certificate was surrendered at the expiration of the term of five years. — She further declares that she is the widow

of the aforesaid Ephraim Chidsey decd. Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me and who is well known to me as the widow of said deceased. Hannah hen  X Chidsey mark
Bela Farnham Notary Public
State of Connecticut } New Haven County } ss
I Rob t H. Osborn Clerk of the County Court for New Haven County in the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the seal thereof, hereby certify that Bela Farnham was on the 11 th day of August 1842, duly commissioned and appointed a Notary Public under the laws of this State, and that his commission will expire on the 10 th day of August 1844, with power by the laws of this State, to administer oaths, that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature above purporting to be his is his genuine official signature
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this 12 th day of June A.D. 1843.
Rob t H. Osborn Clerk

East Haven April 8 th 1843
Sir
It is presumed that the aforesaid application of Hannah Childrey widow of Ephraim Childrey decd. may be found correct if not you will please inform me —
It appears that the first Pension certificate that was granted under the Act of Congress of 1832 was for the sum of one hundred and eleven dollars and ninety three cents - whereas the grant to the widows under the Act of 1838 was for the sum of one one hundred and eleven dollars and five cents being a difference of Eighty eight cents per annum
Respectfully Yours Bela Larnham
To J. L. Edscomb Esq. Washington D. C.

Warrant
Hannah Chidsey
Payment to be made
at Hartford, Con.
by Sam l L. Pitkin Esq.,
Agent for paying Pension-
ers, in the Agency of
Connecticut .
First payment to be made
on the 31st December,
1838, and on the 4th
March and 4th Septem-
ber in each year there-
after.
Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book A. Vol. 1-
Page 172. by
R Bendire Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the first section of the act of July 7, 1838, Hannah Chisolsey, widow of Ephraim Chisolsey, deceased, who was a Sgt. & Pri. during the Revly War, and died on the twenty sixth day of September 1832, is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of one hundred & eleven dollars and five cents per annum  month , commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this fourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
J. Cooper Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

East Warren Ct. } Tyler August 13 } Chidsey
Free
In at Ct.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

East Haven August 16 th 1838
Sir
152 151 The Printed directions from the Pension was received - and I request that there should be any misunderstanding relative to the papers in favour of Mabel Tyler - widow of John Tyler and Hannah Chidsey widow of Ephraim Chidsey in both instances the Papers were left with the Clerk of the Court requesting him to make the direction necessary - In both cases it is supposed that the necessary Documents with respect to the services of the deceased, were in the Pension Office -
With respect to the marriages I was careful to examine the records of the Church and knew that they are correct - with respect to the time of the death of the said John Tyler and also of Ephraim Chidsey I am knowing that the times specified in the Depositions are true and that the said widows are still remaining as such - Any communication necessary please direct - "East Haven Conn"
Yours respectfully Bela Harnham

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, NEW-HAVEN COUNTY: COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
} ss.
J. W. Beach I, Richard D. Lusk
Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that
Bela Hanchett
Esq. is a JUSTICE OF PEACE within and for the said County, duly appointed Commissioner and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds: that his Commission is dated the 28 th day of May A.D. 18 38 , and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 18 39 . That I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his,
is his genuine official signature. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 4 th day of August A.D. 18 38
J. W. Beach Clerk.

State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } ss East Haven
Personally appeared before me Bela Farnham a Justice of the peace for the County of New Haven
Hannah Chidsey of said East Haven aged 78 years and being duly sworn according to law - deposes and says that she is the widow of Ephraim Chidsey late of said East Haven deceased - that the said Ephraim Chidsey died on the 26 day of September 1832 - that in his lifetime he was reputed and believed to have been a Soldier in the State service in the war of the revolution - and was by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. entitled to the benefit of said act of Congress for services as a Soldier in said war and the said Ephraim Chidsey being dead. the benefit for such services which would have accrued to him to the time of his death she claims to her as his Widow - and in support of said claim and in explanation of the Declaration made by him in his life time. she would say that it appears. that said Ephraim Chidsey served in the State troops in said war the following terms in the year 1775 - Seven months in Capt. Douglass Company for proof see Levi Patten Deposition for his services in 1776 in Capt. Douglass Company. seven months See Thomas Shephard. Deposition -
for his services in 1777 - Seven months in Capt. Patten Company for which last service - knew evidence is known
for his service in the Artillery Company under Lieut. Phinehas Bradley - as a Sergeant from June 16 th 1778 to Jan y 1 st 1779 Six months and nineteen days -
for his services as a Sergeant in the Artillery Company under Capt. Phinehas Bradley from Feb y 5 th 1779 to Feb y 6 th 1780 a term of one year - for proof of the two last enlistments see the Deposition of William Storer and also the copy of the pay rolls of Capt. Bradley which are supposed to have been left in the Pension Office by Mr. Ingersoll a representative in Congress from this State. - for with services of the said Ephraim Chidsey she the said Hannah Chidsey claims that a Pension is justly due in his name to the time of his decease - and the

said Hannah Chidsey further says that she is well known to Stephen Dadd a Chongyman in this Town and also to Levi Patten James Thompson and others who are near neighbors to her and who can certify to her character for veracity and of their knowledge of the decease of the said Ephraim Chidsey and of her being the Widow of the Deceased —
her Hannah X Chidsey mark
State of Connecticut } ss East Haven June 3 d 1833 New Haven County }
Personally appeared before me Bela Farnham a Justice of the peace for said County. Hannah Chidsey who hath subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and who is well known to me for truth and veracity and made oath to the truth of the same. — Bela Farnham Jur. peace
I Stephen Dadd a Chongyman of East Haven in New Haven County and State of Connecticut aged 56 years Depose and say that I have lived a neighbor for several years to Ephraim Chidsey late of said East Haven deceased and that I often attended him in his last sickness and attended his Funeral and I am well knowing that he died on the 26 day of September 1832 - And that Hannah Chidsey of this Town was in the lifetime and at the time of his death the Lawful wife of the said Ephraim Chidsey and that she is still living in this Town as his widow and that she is reputed and believed in her neighborhood to be a credible person —
Stephen Dadd
State of Connecticut } ss East Haven June 3 d 1833 County of New Haven }
Personally appeared before me Bela Farnham a Justice of the peace for said County - Stephen Dadd who hath subscribed to the foregoing deposition - And who is well known to me as a Chongyman and as a credible person and made oath to the truth of the same
Bela Farnham Jur. peace

I Levi Patten of East Haven in New Haven County and State of Connecticut aged 76 years - Depose and say that I have for many years lived in the neighborhood with Ephraim Chidsey late of East Haven deceased and I am well knowing that he died in the month of September 1832 the particular day I cannot be certain - and I am knowing that Hannah Chidsey was in the life time of the said Ephraim Chidsey his lawful wife and is now living in this Town as his widow and that she is reputed and believed in this neighborhood to be a person of truth and veracity
Levi Patten
State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } " East Haven June 3 d 1833
Personally appeared before me Bela Farnham a Justice of the peace for said County. Levi Patten who hath subscribed to the foregoing deposition and who is known to me as a credible person and made oath to the truth of the same. Bela Farnham Jus. peace
State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } New Haven June 11 th 1833. I Noyes Darling, Judge of the County Court for the County of New Haven, certify that Levi Patten, Thomas Shepard & William Storer, witnesses to Depositions attached to the declaration of Ephraim Chidsey, made the 19 th day of July 1832, and transmitted to the War Department; to which witnesses I administered the oath, as stated by me, are respectively persons of credibility, & that in my opinion their statements are entitled to credit.
Noyes Darling, Judge of the County Court for New Haven County.

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss. New Haven June 11 th 1833.
I Joseph Clark of the County Court in for said County of New Haven hereby certify that Stoyes Darling is & has been for more than one year last past Judge of the County Court for New Haven County duly qualified to administer oaths, & that his name by him written subscribed to the papers hereto annexed are respectively his genuine official signatures - I also certify that Bela Loomis is & has been for more than one year last past a Justice of the peace in for said New Haven County duly qualified to adminis- ter oaths - & that his name by him written subscribed to the papers hereto annexed are respectively his genuine official signatures In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County Court the day & date above written J. V. Clark Clerk