Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28674, Joel Winter Church, Continental (Conn)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (comm)
Church Joel Winter
S. 28674
CONTENTS

32. 996
Let to
Pay 28 Oct 1832
New York ct. Joel W Church do r . Sec
The Inten a .
of _____ in the State of _____ who was a C o l y . in the C o l y ificer commanded by Captain Osborn of the _____ commanded by C o l y Reg t in the _____ Line for _____ Revolution
W th 8/52 Let to 1. Jay 21 Feb 1833 " " N.P. Church 20 July 53
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 240 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. „ Ending 10. April 1834 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of March 1852 and sent to L m M c Drury Canandaigua N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
Recd. from 196 — under 3 Act of 1818.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by K m Kae Clerk, Book F 2 Vol. 4 Page 13

20955
Dutchie's Com Pleas
In the Matter of
Joel W Church
a
Revolutionary Soldier
copy Declaration &c
2

At a Court of Common Pleas held at the Court House in the Town of Poughkeepsie in and for the County of Dutchess Of the Term of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine.
Present. The Honourable
Edmond H. Pendleton Stephen Thorne Abro Akin Robert S. Livingston
Esquires Judges
Dutchess County ss: Be it known that on the thirtieth day of June in this same term personally appeared in open Court the said Court being a Court of Record for the County of Dutchess in the State of New York having a seal and Common Law Jurisdiction Joel Winter Church resident in the Town of Pawlings in the County of Dutchess aged about sixty eight years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Provision made by the Act of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 and the Acts amending the same that he the said Joel W Church enlisted for the term of three years in the early part of the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight at Danbury in the State of Connecticut in the Company commanded by Captain Stephen Osborn in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Sethuen Baldwin in the Line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental establishment That he continued to serve in the said Corps until the 21 st of March 1781 except that he was occasionally attached to an Artillery Corps at Morristown in New Jersey That he was discharged at Fishkill in the State of New York that he has no Evidence of his service other than the original papers hereto annexed that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present that his name is not on the pension roll of any State And this deponent further saith that on the 18 th March 1818 this deponent was possessed of about the same amount of property he now owns. That he has been from that time poor and has depended upon his labour and trade as a Blacksmith for the support of himself and family. The deponent has heretofore made an application for a pension but from a deficiency in his proofs and in the place of making the same his application was not allowed.
And in pursuance of the act of 1 st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent

thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed that is to say: — — — — —
Real Estate I have none — — — — —
Personal Estate. Wearing apparel and bedding excepted
One table
One pot
one frying pan
six chairs
one kettle
One spider
6 knives & forks
6 spoons
6 plates
6 Cups & saucers
6 Bowls
One pint cup
One pitcher
2 Jugs
4 Bottles
3 Glasses
1 pair And irons
Shovel & Tongs
1 Tea kettle
Brechest
1 Axe
One hoe
2 Spades
1 Anvil
1 Broken vice
4 hammers
4 for Blacksmiths tongs
2 cutting tools old and
1 pr Blacksmiths Bellows — All of which are old and
principally poor —
8 fowls 1 pig —
And the deponent further says that his family consists of himself and Betsy his wife aged sixty five years sickly and infirm and his son David H Church aged twenty three years who occasionally lives with him in feeble health and has no property And deponent has nothing but his trade and labour to maintain himself and family.
Sworn in open Court June 30. 1829
Joel W Church
Henry S Traver Clerk
Danbury October 8th 1779.
These may certify that Joel Winter Church of Danbury in the State of Connecticut belong to my Company of Artiller hath taken an oath to be true & faithful to these United States of America he was sworn before Jacob Gurn Laneing commissary of Masters —
To whom confirmed
Certified for me James Horton Capt Artificers
Danbury Octr. 28th 1782
This certifies that Joel Winter Church has served three years in the Connecticut Line of Artiller in Col d Baldwins Reg t & was discharged the 21 st day of March 1783 Certified Pr
Justus Barium } Select men James Clark } of Danbury.
Hartford May 16th 1828
M c Daniel D Bicknell
Sir.
Yours of the 8th instant I have rec d absence from

Danbury Octr. 28 th 1782
This certifies that Joel Winter Church has served three years in the Connecticut Line of Artificers in Col s Baldwins Regt & was discharged the 21 st day of March 1783.
Certified On
Iustus Barmum } Selectmen James Clark } of Danbury.
Hartford May 16 th 1828
M c Daniel D Aikin
Sir
Yours of the 8 th instant I have rec d Absence from home has prevented my giving you an earlier answer -
I have this day been examining the papers & accounts of the Revolutionary Army & find that Joel W Church served in Baldwins Regiment of Artificers was discharged from service March 21 st 1783 he produced a Certificate from the selectmen of Danbury to identify his person and gave an order on John Sloy for who due his disputation of Pay November 12 th 1782 -
I do not find his discharge, believe he did leave it in the Office & the Certificate of the selectmen answered the same purpose as the Discharge would have done. The Certificate I enclose.
your humble servant
A Kingsbury
State of New York }
Dutchess County } ss. Daniel D Aikin of the Town of Pawlings in the County of Dutchess being sworn sworn says that he knows Joel W Church now here present and has known him for a number of years, that he is a poor man dependent on his labour for his support and has been in about the same situation as to property that he now is in for the last fifteen or twenty years and further saith not.
Sworn in open Court June 30. 1829.
Henry J Fraser Clerk
Daniel D Aikin

State of New York } Dutchess County clerks Office } ss:
Henry Traver Clerk of said County and of the Court of Common Pleas of the same do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Joel W Church did serve in the Revolutionary Army as stated in the preceding Declaration against the Common Enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the Continental Establishment # # # # # I also certify that the foregoing oaths and schedule thereto annexed and a Letter from "A Hunsbury" cert- ificates of "James Horton Capt of Artillery" and "Justus Marmum James Clark Selectmen of Danbury" also annexed are truly copied from the Records of said Court # # I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is fifteen Dollars - # # # #
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court the thirtieth # day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine -
Henry Travers

In the matter of the application for letters of Administration on the Estate of Joel W. Church deceased.
State of New York County of Seneca } p. } l.
State of New York County of Seneca } ss. I, Abijah B. Church, of the Town of Romulus in said County, being duly sworn and examined, do depose and say, that I am the son of the said Joel W. Church deceased, that said deceased, departed this life at Pawlings in the County of Dutchess and State of New York on the tenth day of April, A. D. 1834, without leaving any last will and testament, to my knowledge information and belief, that said deceased died a natural death, and did profess of a certain claim against the Government of the United States for arrears of Pension, which said claim has now been established and allowed, the amount of which does not exceed the sum of Four Hundred and Forty Four Dollars, as I have been informed and believe, that said deceased left him surviving, this Deponent, Lucy Lane, Rhoda B. Schooley, residing in the aforesaid Town of Romulus, Oliver L. Church, and David R. Church, the only children and heirs at law, of said deceased, that said deceased left a widow, him surviving, who died on the day of A. D., that this Deponent is of full age, that said deceased, was at, and immediately previous to his death a resident of the County of Dutchess, in the State of New York. And I pray that letters of Administration, be granted to me, on the estate of the said Joel W. Church, deceased, by the Surrogate of said County of Dutchess.
Subscribed and sworn to this _____ day of March A.D. 1852. Before me

State of New York } County of Seneca } ss. I Abijah B. Church, of the Town of Romulus in said County, do solemnly swear and declare, that I will well, honestly and faithfully, discharge the duties of Administrator, of the Estate of Joel W. Church late of the County of Dutchess, and State of New York, deceased according to law. Subscribed and sworn to } this day of March } A. D. 1852. Before me. }
Know All Men by These Presents: That We Abijah B. Church, of Romulus in the County of Seneca and State of New York, and _____ in said County of Seneca, are held and firmly bound unto the People of the State of New York in the sum of _____ lawful money of the United States of America to be paid to the said People, to the which payment well and truly to be

Know All Men by These Presents : That We Abijah B. Church, of Romulus in the County of Seneca and State of New York, and
in said County of Seneca, are held and firmly bound unto the People of the State of New York in the sum of lawful money of the United States of America, to be paid to the said People, to the which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our, and each of our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, dated this day of March A.D. 1852. The Condition of this obligation is such, that if the above bounden Abijah B. Church, shall faithfully execute the trust reposed in him as Administrator of the Estate of Joel W. Church, late of the County of Dutchess and State of New York deceased, intestate, and also, obey all orders of the Surrogate of said County of Dutchess, touching the administration of the Estate committed to him, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Seal Seal Seal
State of New York } County of Seneca } ss:
above named being duly sworn, do depose and say that freeholder residing in in said County and State, and worth the sum of over and above all just debts, liabilities and responsibilities.
Subscribed and sworn to this day of March A.D. 1852 }
Before me

State of New York } County of Seneca } ss: } I
Clerk of
said County of Seneca, do hereby certify, that before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, is now, and was at the time of the date thereof, Judge of the County Court of said Seneca County, duly authorized by law, and qualified to act as such in and for said County. And I further certify that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my Official Seal this                      day of March A.D. 1852.
Officer 52

Treasury Department,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
June 9, 1854.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States;" and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which Pensioners may receive their pensions from the Pension Agents,
the Adm x . of Asa Church, dec., Child of Joel W. Church, dec.
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany Agency, at the rate of one hundred & forty four Dollars and  increase per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 11 th of March 1831, to the 10 th April 1834.
Respectfully, yours,
32996 act 32
J. M. Brooke Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
State of New York COUNTY OF Seneca
} ss.
Know all Men by these Presents,
That I, Rhoda B. Schooley of Romulus Seneca County New York do hereby authorize, constitute and appoint L. M. Denny — — — — of Canandaigua Ontario County & State of New York — — — — my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for me and on my behalf, all and singular, claim or claims, I may have against the General Government of the United States, on account of the service of my Father Joel H. Church . deceased, in the war of the Revolution; the said power of Attorney to be irrevocable for the space of three years from the within date; and the said L. M. Denny — — — — is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim or claims on my behalf.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 25 th day of February 1852
Chas. H. Hovey J. P.
John Rankin
Rhoda B. Schooley
State of New York COUNTY OF Seneca
} ss.
Be it Known, That on the twenty fifth
day of February A. D. 1852
before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County,
duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Rhoda B. Schooley — — — — above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
Chas. Hovey for said County
J. P.
State of COUNTY OF
} ss.
I,
of the County and State aforesaid do certify, that Chas. Hovey Esquire is now, and was at the time of the date of the foregoing, a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified to act as such in and for said County; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal, this
day of

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
State of New York COUNTY OF Seneca } ss.
Know all Men by these Presents,
That I, Abijah B. Church — & Romulus in said County do hereby authorize, constitute and appoint L. M. Drury — of Canandaigua Ontario County State of New York — my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for me and in my behalf, all and singular, claim or claims, I may have against the General Government of the United States, on ac- count of the service of my Father, Joel H. Church — deceased, in the war of the Rev- olution; the said power of Attorney to be irrevocable for the space of three years from the within date; and the said L. M. Drury — is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim or claims on my behalf.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24 th day of February 1852.
Thos. Finnegan J. P. John Rankine
Abijah B. Church L.S.
State of New York COUNTY OF Seneca } ss.
Be it Known, That on the 24 th
day of February 1852 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorised by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Abijah B. Church — above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
Thos. Finnegan J. P. for said County
State of New York COUNTY OF Seneca } ss.
I, Hugh Montgomery Thomas Finnegan Esquire is Clerk of the County and State aforesaid do certify, that Thomas Finnegan Esquire is now, and was at the time of the date of the foregoing, a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified to act as such in and for said County; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal, this Twenty fifth — day of February — 1852
Hugh Montgomery Clerk of Seneca County

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
State of New York COUNTY OF Seneca } ss.
Know all Men by these Presents,
That I, Lucy Lane of Romulus, Seneca County, New York do hereby authorize, constitute and appoint L. M. Denny of Canandaigua, Ontario County & State of New York my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for me and in my behalf, all and singular, claim or claims, I may have against the General Government of the United States, on account of the service of my Father - Joel H. Church deceased, in the war of the Revolution; the said power of Attorney to be irrevocable for the space of three years from the within date; and the said L. M. Denny is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim or claims on my behalf.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 25 th day of February 1852
Chas. H. Hineyman J. P. John Rankine ch Lucy Lane L.S.
State of New York COUNTY OF Seneca , } ss.
Be it Known, That on the twenty fifth day of February A.D. 1852 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorised by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Lucy Lane above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
Chas. H. Hineyman J. P. for said County
State of COUNTY OF } ss.
I, _____ Esquire is now, and was at the time of the date of the foregoing, a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified to act as such in and for said County; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal, this _____ day of 18

State of New-York, DUTCHESS COUNTY, ss.
J. Henry Brewer Clerk of the said county, do certify, that Daniel D. Dikeman Esquire whose signature appears to the annexed Affidavit and Certificate , was on the first ————— day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine ————— a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the signature Daniel D. Dikeman subscribed to the said Certificate to be the proper hand writing of the said Justice. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county, this third ————— day of October A. D. 1829
Henry Brewer

In the matter of the application of Joel W Church for a pension
State of New York
Dutchess County ss: Albro Atkin, Stephen Adams & John Poffey
of the town of Pawling in the County of Dutchess aforesaid being duly sworn do severally depose and each for himself saith that he is well acquainted with Joel W. Church of the said town of Pawling, the above applicant for a pension, and has known him for upwards of twenty years last, and his situation and circumstances as to property, that the said Joel during all the time aforesaid has not been the owner of any estate real to the deponents knowledge or belief, that he is a black- smith by trade, and has for the time aforesaid possessed a set of blacksmiths tools, and a few articles of house hold furniture, that very little or no variation in point of value has taken place in the property of the said Joel during said twenty years. And these deponents believe that the statement of his property made by the said Joel in the papers hereto annexed is substantially true and correct. And these depo- nents say that the said Joel is a poor man, and is in need of assistance for the support of himself and family.
Albro Atkin
Stephen Adams
John Poffey
I the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Dutchess do certify that the above named Albro Atkin, Stephen Adams & John Poffey were on the
first day of October 1829 severally sworn before me to the truth of the facts stated in the foregoing deposition. And I do further certify that they and each them are entitled to full credit as witnesses -
Daniel D. Atkin

Ovid N.Y. Oct 22 d 1852
Sir
I beg that I may be pardoned for complaining of the non attention and negligence of a case that I submitted or inclosed to the Com d of Pensions the 22 d March or as early as that date - Seven months have gone by, and not a word have I heard from the case, though I have written & written, & a member of Congress my friend Hon H. S. Walbridge has once & again & again called in person, but all that I have done & caused to be done has seemingly been unavailing, as not an answer to a letter in the case have I recd -
There is some history (at least in my mind) relating to this case, I refer to the papers on file, & I abide their information, & I respectfully ask them examined, I ask if two agents in the case have been treated with the same degree of promptness, I leave the papers on file as they are I leave the papers to tell the truth, then if I have not reason to complain, I will humbly beg pardon - The case is - Beulah Church, widow of Joel W Church late a publican of N.Y. the widow survived her husband & of course any increase fell to her estate, & not his; some person had the agency for his estate, but I had the agency of the widow's estate, the only estate in the case, & if a pension Certificate had have been issued to the children of his estate, still it could be re-called or cancelled, & one issued to the administrator of her estate, myself being the agent for the administrator

In all that I have said I make no charge of wrong, it may be an oversight, but I do most respectfully ask for an answer, or a report in the case. — I know well that the pension to her estate would be the same as to him, but I know am right, the pension falls to her estate and his, & the Certificate is to be issued to the children made payable to her administrator, whose agent I am
I am Most Respectfully
Your Obl Servt
Adad Joy
Hon Alex H H Stewart
Secretary of the Interior
Recd Oct 22. 1852.
Many of my cases filed 8 to 10 months remain unanswered possibly they were not recd. but if not, why am I not advised when I have begged for this information
N. B. I have many other cases, that have been as long neglected as the above, & all that I have done brings no answer, no report, not a word, there is a screw loose some where — I have correspon- dence with other Departments, Genl. P.O., Auditor, Adj. Genl. — War Department, Secy. of State, Clerk of the U. S. Senate & Clerk of the H. of R. all answer promptly, but a case submitted, or a question prop- osed, to the Comt. of Pensions, I have no confidence would be answered in one year — Query, are all agents thus treated, I leave papers on file to tell, as possibly the fault is in the mails & the screw loose in that Department, I don't know

Ovid Oct 3 rd 1852
Sir
Sorry indeed I am, to be obliged to dissent from the decision of the Com d . of Pensions in the case of Joel W Church, per his letter of Oct 28 th - I appeal
Joel W Church a pensioner, died leaving a widow Beulah Church, of course any balance or increase of pension, descended to her, & at her death to her children, under such construction of law I applied in her name through her administratrix, in behalf of all of her children that survived her; the Com d . of Pensions don't admit the claim as due to her, & her children, but has as he states issued a pension Certificate to his children, not naming the widow, & as I believe leaving out one child's name in that certificate, that survived father & mother, my claim embraced the child's name omitted in the Certificate - I hold that the Com d . of Pensions has the right to re-call & cancel the pension certificate, & issue a new one payable to her administratrix for the benefit of all of her children, as well the one deceased since the mother as the others, in confirmation of the correctness of my opinion I beg leave to refer to several letters of the Com d . of Pensions to the point - to wit - His letter of April 28 th 1843 - June 28 th 1845 November 28 th 1845 - I could refer to many more, & of new certif s having been issued

In the life time of the widow, the children had no claim, but at her death, they fell heirs to her claim. This is the claim that I seek to recover in the name of the widow for all of her children & a power of attorney and a certificate is on file of the fact that I am the lawful agent, & if one child's name is omitted in the pension certificate already issued, it can be recalled for correction, I refer to the papers filed by me to establish that fact, or to shew that I am in error of course I am fallible as others also are, I only ask my right, I believe what I state to be true, if I am not correct, I beg pardon —
Most Respectfully Your Ob dt Serv t
Abad Joy
Hon Alex r H. Stewart Secy. of the Interior
I beg leave to refer to other decisions of Com d . 1846. April 29.
Rec d Nov. 5. 1852.

March 23 rd 52
Certificate in case of Beulah Church wid: of Joel W.
Hon: J. Meacham Hof. R.
Widow of J. M. Church

Ovid March 19. 1852.
Dear Sir
I inclose one dollar to pay back hire for you to please jump on board & go to the Pension Office & present in person the inclosed & ask the papers in the case taken up at once - If any late action has taken place upon them, the certificate inclosed I judge will so explain the case, as to have the action, or even if a certificate had been issued quashed - My object is to protect the rights of all, & if I am correctly informed, one child has been left out, (if any late proceedings was taken please) & the claim for increase made for the soldier, & such his widow, (if any late proceedings has taken place) who survived him, all will be plain when once they examine the inclosed certificate & compare it with the case.
I ask a suspension of all action, till I forward a certificate of the appointment of one of the children as administrator, this is all I now ask done, I am the agent as will appear on the inclosed - I make no charge of any overright institutional wrong; I think there has been none. Truly Your friend & Ob st Servt
Hon J. Meacham
Hon H. S. Walbridge if he is in the city
Abad Joy

23.
And N.Y.
Oct 22/52
Friend Joy
Rel: to the case of Ben- lah Church.
Col
Ref to the Commission of Pensions for attention & answer
Sept 2nd 3 Oct 27/52

House of Rep s April 19. 1852
Hon J. E. Hutto Comm e of Pensions Sir
I have rec d the enclosed papers from Arad Joy Esq. of Orill M t . to be presented to your Department. To wit. in the case of
Sarah Delano &
Anna Horn & Anna Horn;
I also enclose a letter of Mr Joy to me relating to the case of Buelah Church The papers in which case have been submitted to the Department. I also enclose the Certificate of the Surrogate of Dutchess Co. N.Y. of the appointment of David R Church administrator of Buelah Church.
I am also desired by Mr Joy to enquire whether the following cases have been considered & reported on. To wit. Marshall Diston Cynthia Richards Robert Norton.
In the latter part of March last (I think the 30th) I

left with the Chief Clerk of your Pensions papers relating to the case of Burleigh Church in behalf of Mr Jay. and was informed that the Department was not doing any business for I at present that it was reported that I had stated that he had a partner a clerk in the Department so and saying that he would write to me on the subject the next day.
Not receiving any letter or hearing any thing from the department I called again on the Chief Clerk on the 9th inst and mentioned the subject of Jay suspension and that I had not recd a letter from him. The Chief Clerk then wrote & handed me a letter stating the reasons of Jay suspension from the list of agents allowed to transact business in the pension office.
That letter I sent to Mr Jay and have recd from him a letter denying that there is any truth in the charge preferred against him.
From a long acquaintance with Mr J I believe what he says.
If the charge be true it is susceptible of proof.
Will you permit me to inquire whether the charge has been substantiated? if not whether

any measures have been taken to ascertain its truth? and if nothing has been done how much longer Mr J is to be kept in suspension - at early an assembly as practicable is requested.
I have the honor to be with great respect & yr obl. servt.
A S Wallbridge
P.S. Since writing the above I have recd a letter from Mr Joy dated the 19th inst, which relates to the Bullah Church Case. From which it would appear that during his suspension that some other agent has obtained a certificate of pension payable to the children of Joel W Church. - which (as he contends) should have been payable to the administrators of Bullah Church the widow of Joel W Church & who survived him. I know nothing of the case except from the letter I enclose. If a certificate has been improperly granted I trust the department have it in their power, & will be disposed to so charge or modify it as to promote the substantial justice

Ovid April 7th 1852
My dear Sir
I have thought that it would have been better, that I had explained more fully the Church case, some of the papers in which I forwarded you.
Joel W Church was a pensioner of Glen York, he died leaving a widow, who survived him some 10 Months - In my absence to Washington some person, (as I have been informed) called here upon the children, representing that an increase of pension was due to the estate of Joel W Church & some of the children concluded to allow him to get it.
On my return, one son who resided where the parents died, & who had made some little effort, long before any was made here, called upon me for counsel, I informed him just as it was, he administered & made me his agent on his mother's estate, I informed him that all the children that survived his mother had an equal right, as I understood it, thus we gave a full & true history of the case of Beulah Church naming one child that had died since the mother, & the widow & children of that child I was for protecting, having been informed the deceased child's name had been left out in the case first above named.
No one I presume intended any real wrong in leaving out a child (now deceased) who survived the mother.
I referred to Capt. Peabody & easy that had been decided against me as soon as I presented them, he admitted my grounds of appeal, but I think

but still I was in favor of representing the case just as it was, & of pressing if possible an examination before the Department, that before any final action took place, or the pension was paid, I might secure the right of this one child now deceased — Knowing as I did, that even if a pension Certificate had have been issued, leaving out this child, it could be cancelled, and a new one issued embracing this child — Why I knew this, was that in one case of my own through the ignorance of the children one child of the widow (I think by a former husband) was left out, I stated that fact to the Department as of course I was bound to do, & they cancelled the first certificate & issued another covering the name of the child whose name by mistake was left out —
I was also in favor of the Certificate being issued to the widow Beulah Church, payable to her children, and not to Joel W Church & payable to his children, as the widow survived him — The sum of it is, that if the claim had been presented in the name of Joel W Church, leaving out one child, I was in favor of its being granted to Beulah Church the widow who survived him, & embracing the deceased child, (that survived its mother) that the same be made payable to her children that survived her, to be paid to her administrator — I have stated the case exactly as I think it is & the reasons for
I am very Truly your Old friend Abad Joy
Hon H. S. Walbridge

Concord, Mass. M ch .
March 27 th 1852.
Sir;
I desire to call your attention to the case of Joel W. Church dec d whose claim to an interest of Pensions was recently allowed -
I understand that some difficulty has arisen in the case, and that Bradbury of Obid has undertaken to act in the case & has sent on papers to get one of the children of Church appointed as administrator -
This has been done since the Certificate was issued to me, and since steps had been taken by myself to have an administrator appointed -
I am authorized to act for three of the heirs - & none of them - nor Mr Joy knew of the existence of their claim till appointed by me - I am still the attorney for the three persons viz: Abijah Church Lucy Lane, & Rhoda Schooley - as will be seen by the enclosed papers -
I have understood that it was a voluntary act on the part of Mr Joy to interfere in this matter - and he has

applied to one of the children residing in Dutchess County, & has undertaken to get him appointed administrator.
I have also been informed since the certificate issued that there was another child of Joel W. Church who survived him & who died since leaving children.
I was taking steps to get an administrator appointed, so that all parties could receive their appropriate share. (as you will perceive by the enclosed papers) and I sent these papers to Abijah B. Church for that purpose, when Mr Joy. (as I learned) volunteered to act in the matter for the purpose of appropriating the fruits of my efforts to himself. I understand that when he learned through the Surrogate of Seneca Co. who is a friend of his & resides in the same place, that an effort was making by me to get the interest of Joel W. Church. He, unscrupulously set himself to work to defeat my exertions and has sent out papers to secure the appointment of some one else as administrator.
I claim to act as the attorney of three of the heirs, and I have to request that letters of the cur-

-tificate of pension be not made payable to an Administrator appointed through Mr Jays application -
Very respectfully Your obt. Servt - L. M. Drury -
J. E. Heath Esq - Court of Pensions. Washington D.C.

Plawings July 18 th 1853
Sir Sir, I David K Church one of the children of Joel W Church (deceased), to which was granted a Pension Certificate made payable to his surviving children bearing date the 3 rd day of March 1852. Wish to know of you when, how, and where, I can get my proportion of the money due me, I also have my fathers Pension certificate in my possession, as I know of no other one to make these enquiries of where I may get correct information if only you I have taken the liberty to write you hoping you will have the goodness to let me know as soon as convenient yours very respectfully ( David K Church Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D C
NB Please to direct to David K Church Quaker Hill (Butcher's County) New York

Same roll,

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Dec. 23. 1853.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled, "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States;" and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the Pension agents,
five of the six children of Isaac M. Church, dec.
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany Agency, at the rate of two hundred & forty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 11 th of March 1831 to the 10 th April 1834, x
Respectfully, yours,
J. M. Brodhead Comptroller.
X deducting payments at $96, under act 18 March 1818.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

25
John Rankin Jr. Canadagua N.Y.

Romulus ville March 12 th 1882
John Rankin Jr.
Dear Sir
Your letter of March 8 th Instant was duly Received last Evening and this morning I called upon the Surrogates at Ovid for information to be appointed administrators.
I find that I have to give Bond in penalty of double the amount of the personal property of Father. — I must know the amount of the stated pension before I can make oath to the petition for letters of administration.
I am also informed that I must send my petition papers to Dutchess County, to be appointed by the Surrogates of that County, as that was my father's residence. He died there and had no property in this County. — you did not state the amount of the pension which was allowed, in your letter — Please answer immediately.
Truly Yours
Ebenezer B. Clark

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
April 4, 1934.
Mrs. Lillie Shierson, 511 State St. Adrian, Mich.
Madam:
I have to advise you that if you desire photostat copies of the original papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 38674, of Joel Winter Church, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired. The number of pages to be copied is five.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau, by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
5 pages annexed

MUTUAL OIL COMPANY
ADRIAN, MICHIGAN
April 14, 1924.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:- Refer to Rev. & 1812 Wars Section:
Referring to your letter of April 4th., relative to copies of original papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 28674, of Joel Winter Church:
You will please find attached draft for $1.00, covering the expense of the five pages and certification.
Yours truly,
Mrs Spellie Shiersow. 511 State St = Adrian - Mich.
CAS:MCH

M 233 BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
Apr. 18 1924
Chief Rev. Sect. Division,
Sir:
I have this day received from Mrs. Lillie Shierson
draft No. 19387
for $1 00 , requesting
post office address as per
letter herewith.
Apr. 26. 24 2 copies made Finance Div. [Signature] Apr 26 24
Respectfully,
O. J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Div.
H.C.L.
Request for Photostating (To be prepared in duplicate)
M 6
Ex. out
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
800
Job No. _____
Date Apr. 19, 24
Subject Spch Mr. Church S 28674
_____ copies of 2 pieces consisting of 5 pages to be (No.) (No.) (No.)
forwarded when completed to the _____ Division
Remarks: _____
Approved: _____
[Signature]
Chief Div. _____
Chief clerk.

MUTUAL OIL COMPANY ADRIAN, MICHIGAN
March 29, 1924.
S28674 5 pages
War Department, Bureau of Pensions, Revolutionary Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
I am very desirous of securing a copy of the pension papers of Joel W. Church, Revolutionary claim dated in October, 1829. He received a pension of $8.00 per month from October 3, 1829.
The information that I have shows that his pension papers were countersigned by a man by the name of James Edwards, and signed by a man by the name of Eaton, Secretary of War at that time. He was classified as an artificer, recorded in Book "C", Volume Five Page 77.
Upon being notified of the expense in connection with getting a copy of the above named papers, I will be very glad to remit covering the same at once.
Yours truly,
Mrs Lillie Shierson. (511 State St., Adrian, Mich -)
CAS:MCH

28 674 Pay INVALID.
File No. 28, 674
Joel W Church
Artificer Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 70
[Arrangement of 1870.]
124 Apr. 4. Mrs. Lillie Sherson wife of cost of copies. And. 1924 Apr. 26. copies mailed to Mrs. Lillie Sherson And.

Please insert in this certificate the name of Asa Church

Canandaigua. N.Y.
May 29. 1852
Sir:
The certificate of in the case of Joel W. Church. is herewith returned in order that the name of Asa Church the deceased child, may be inserted.
Be pleased. when this is done to return the certificate to me again.
Very respectfully
Your obt. servt.
Lill Drury
J. E. Acad 55 { Court & Pensylvania Washington D.C.

Brief in the case of Joel W. Church, dec d , late of Dutchess County and State of New York act
Claim, ( "original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Willary artificer $240. per annu dedg former pays
Name and residence of Agent
L. M. Dury Amagansett N.Y.
J. C. C. Examining Clerk.

No 38. 304
Joel W. Church dec d 2 yrs Artillery Corps Bills $240. ded d $91 for annuity under act of 18 March 1818 comm g 4 March 1831 & ending 10 April 1834 payable to Abijah B. Church Oliver L. Church David K. Church Asa Church Lucy Lane Rhoda B. Schooley only surviving children Act 7 June 1832 Albany
L. M. Denny Canandaigua NY

Bentah Church
Joel W Church was a Revolutio- ary pensioner of New York, on the 24 th or 25 th of Feby. 1852 the children some of them executed a paper calling for an increase, On the 3 rd of March 1852, that is in 7 or 8 days the agent imp over the children he has a pension certificate dated as he states the 3 rd of March, I read his letter Some of the children were displeased at the proceedings, knowing that all was not rightly set forth, one of them took out letters of administration in the name of his mother the surviving widow of Joel W Church, as she was the true claimant, to wit Bentah Church three papers were filed the fore part of March  or in March but in place of receiving a report in 7 or 8 days I have not yet rec d one after a delay of 5 or 6 months though a Member of Congress has called in person for such report three to a dozen times over 

I contend, that I have hold of the right horn, the amount of pension I know would be the same to Doct W Church, or his widow, but as he left a widow Beulah Church, she has the claim & it falls to her estate, not to his & the administrator is on her estate (not his) as it should be, the Certificate to Doct W Church of course can be & as I judge should be granted & a new one at once issued to the administrator of Beulah Church for same amt.

The People of the State of New-York,
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT:
To all to whom these Presents shall come or may concern,
SEND GREETING:
KNOW YE, That at Poughkeepsie, in the County of Dutchess, and State of New-York, on the 28 th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two before the Surrogate of said Dutchess county, Letters of Administration upon the Estate of the goods chattels and effects of Beulah Church late of Pawling deceased , were duly granted unto David R. Church a son of said deceased and that the same are in full force and virtue.
In Testimony Whereof, we have caused the seal of office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Prof. J. B. Halliwell , Esquire, Surrogate of our said county, this 27 th day of March — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two .
Jno P. H. Farnum , Surrogate.

25.
Chic N.Y.
Oct 3. 1852
Dear Sir,
Rel: to the claim of the Children Benlah Church &c.
Nov 5 th /52
Niles
✓ Ref to Comr Pensions for Report. Left Ind 23 Nov. 5/52

Department of the Interior Washington February 15 th 1853.
Sir,
I have examined the claim of the surviving children of Joel H. Church to a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832 and have affirmed your decision therein, of which you will please advise the attorney of the claimants — The papers in the case are herewith returned.
I am very respectfully Your obedient servant Alex. H. H. Stuart Secretary.
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner Of Pensions

Orion N.Y. March 15th 1852
Dear Sir
I have a word of advise, or a hint to give you, and that is, not to make another move in the pension case, till you call & see me, I do this for your especial good, I know I can help you & do you good
If you will call & see me, you will be fully satisfied of the truth of what I say -
I am Truly Yours Brad Say
Mr. Abijah Church

Ovid April 17. '52
My Dear Sir
That you may see how some agents are treated, and how they get pension certificates how they get business expedited in a day & - I will just say to day I saw a purported copy of the pension Certificate issued to Joel W Church of New York, made payable to his children dated 3 rd March 1852. when the papers bear date as executed at Ovid Febry. 25 - here it would seem in 6 or 7 days from the date of the first application, first start a pension Certf was issued, these dates, I saw on the purported copies -
But this is not quite all, this Joel W Church left a widow, Beulah Church to whom the pension decuded & to whom I contend the pension Certificate should have issued & it was for the correction of this error that I took hold of the case, & also to secure the rights of our child who died long after his mother, & whose name was left out of the Pension Certificate - I supposed, (as in another case) the Office would cancel the Certificate issued, since there was a mistake about it, & grant one to the widow to whom it was due, making it payable to her administrator
I have no doubt this truthful history, made to the Comd. would have just the effect above stated - I never have till to day, fully believed a certificate had been issued, but I read a purported copy of it, as above stated
Your friend
Abad Joy
Hon D. S. Walbridge

Pension Office 8th Oct. 1829
FREE
War Department Pension Office Washington
com. 3 rd Oct. 1829
POSTMARK WASHINGTON

Poughkeepsie Oct. 3. 1829.
To the Secretary of War.
I return the papers in the case of the application of Joel W. Church for a pension, with an additional affidavit as to his property.
In this case as in the one of Peter Smith the papers were made out by me and I had before me at the time, the form of application in like cases prescribed by the department, but considering the kind of property of the applicant, a more particular statement, as would seem to be required under note (g) could not be made.
The new affidavit is made by three respectable men of this county, one of them, Elbro Atkin, as will appear by the papers, a Judge of our County Court.
I think there can be little doubt, if the circumstances as to property of Church is the only objection, but that he is entitled to a pension, his service being admitted by the department.
A certificate, if one is granted, may sent to me.
I am Respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Albert Fish

Revolutionary Claim Pensioned under law of 1818 State of New York Joel W Church See 2 d Vol 139 page, law of 1818 N.Y.
Ordi March 25 th '52
Sir
The above claim is for increase as an Artificer in Baldwins Regiment of 6 th Artificers, three years as a blacksmith - I refer to his papers on file, that is Joel W Church - I attach the Surrogates Certificate as to the death of Joel W Church and his widow Pulah Church, and of the name of the children that survived her, and a Certificate of the appointment of David N Church as the administrator of his said mother Pulah Churchs estate - All the papers that you require - Hon James Meacham, or Hon H. S. Walbridge I have requested to act for me - Hon J. Meacham has already filed some papers in the case
Respectfully Your Ob st Servt Abad Jay
Hon J. E. Heath Com d of Pensions.

Joel W. Church Revolutionary claim for pension.
Mar 14/63
Mr. Col.
Rev H. S. Walbridge
H. Reps.

State of New York,
County of Seneca ss I John E Seeley County Judge and Surrogate of said Seneca County do hereby certify that at a Surrogate's court held before me in my office in said county in the village of Ovid, that satisfactory evidence was then & there exhibited of the fact, that Joel B Church was a pensioner of the United States, and a resident of Dutchess County New York, and died in said county on the 10th day of April 1834 leaving at his death, his widow Beulah Church of said county, and who remained a widow till her death, and that she died in said county on the 26th day of February 1835 leaving at her death the following named children her surviving, being her only children her surviving & that each of them is over the age of twenty one years, to wit, Oliver L Church, Asa Church, Lucy Lake Abijah B Church, Rhoda B Schouler & David H Church. I further certify that one of the above named children to wit Asa Church, has deceased since the death of his mother, leaving at his death his widow Catharine Church, and three only surviving children, & that each of them is over the age of twenty one years, to wit Emily B Church, Mary Miller & George Church, that they are his only children him surviving.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal at Ovid this 19th day of March 1852
John E Seeley County Judge Surrogate

The People of the State of New-York, BY THE GRACE OF GOD FREE AND INDEPENDENT, To David K. Church of Pawling, a son of Beulah Church. late of Pawling afore- said deceased-
SEND GREETING:
WHEREAS the said Beulah Church -
as is alleged, lately died intestate, being at, or immediately previous to her death, an inhabitant of, or having left assets, which then were, or have since come within the county of Dutchess, by means whereof the ordering and granting Administration of all and singular the goods, chattles and credits, of which the said intestate died possessed, and also the auditing, allowing, and final discharging the account thereof, doth belong unto our Surrogate of our said county of Dutchess, and we being desirous, that the goods, chattles and credits of the said intestate, may be well and faithfully administered, applied, and disposed of do grant unto you the said
David K. Church -
full power by these presents, to administer and faithfully dispose of all and singular the said goods, chattles, and credits; to ask, demand, recover, and receive the debts which unto the said intestate whilst living, and at the time of her death, did belong; and to pay the debts which the said intestate did owe, as far as such goods, chattles, and credits will thereto extend and law require; hereby requiring you to make, or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattles and credits of the said intestate within a reasonable time, and return a duplicate thereof, to our Surrogate of the county of Dutchess within three months from the date of these presents; and if further personal property or assets of any kind of the said intestate, not mentioned in any inventory that shall have been so made, shall come to your possession or knowledge, to make or cause to be made, in like manner; a true and perfect inventory thereof, and return the same within two months after discovery thereof; and also to render a just and true account of your administration when thereunto required; and we do by these presents depute, constitute, and appoint you the said
David K. Church -
administrator of all and singular the goods, chattles and credits, which were of the said Beulah Church - deceased.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, we have caused the seal of office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS, Prof. H. Fallman Esquire, Surrogate of our said County at Poughkeepsie, in said County of Dutchess, the 23 rd day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two - and of our Independence the seventy eighth
H. P. Fallman , Surrogate.
DUTCHESS COUNTY, } ss. Surrogate's Office, }
Recorded the preceeding letter of administration to David K. Church -
in Book No. 5 of Letters Testamentary and of Administration, this 23 rd day of March 1852 -
H. P. Fallman , Surrogate.

State of New York Seneca County
ss. I John C. Seely Surrogate of said County, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to a Surrogates Court, held in and for said County, that Joel H. Church was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum, that he was a resident of the town of Poulings — in the County of Dutchess — and State of New York, and died in said town of Poulings on the tenth — day of April — A. D. 1834, — that he left a widow surviving, who died on the twenty sixth day of February A. D. 1835, in said town of Poulings in said County and that at the time of his death, he left the following named children who are now surviving, to wit: Lucy Lane, Abijah B. Church, Rhoda B. Schooley Oliver L. Church, and David R. Church.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 25 th day of February A. D. 1852.
John C. Seely Surrogate of Seneca Co. N.Y.

20913
New-York
Joel W. Church
of Paulings in the State of New York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Osborn of the reg t commanded by Colonel Baldwin in the line , for the term of three years from March 1778 to March 1781.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 3 rd day of October and 1829
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th of October 1829 and sent to Alex n Forbes, Esq. Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
the Roll on _____ day of 182_____ and notification sent to at _____ Pension commencing on the of _____ 182_____
Amount due on 4th of _____ } $ 40:25 March 1830 }
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820. }
Book C. Vol. 5. p. 77.

State of New York
County of Seneca } ss I John E Seeley County Judge and Surrogate of Seneca County do hereby certify that at a Surrogate's court held before me in my office in said county, that satisfactory evidence was then and there exhibited of the fact, that Joel W Church was a pensioner of Dutchess County New York, and died in said county on the 10th day of April 1834 leaving at his death his widow Beulah Church of said County and who remained a widow till her death, and that she died on the 26th day of February in said county 1855, leaving at her death the following named children her surviving, being her only children her surviving and each of whom is over the age of twenty one, to wit: Oliver L Church, Asa Church Lucy Lane, Abijah B. Church, Rhoda B Schooley & David K Church. I further certify that one of the above named children, to wit Asa Church has deceased, since the death of his said mother Beulah Church, leaving his widow Cath- arine Church, and his only surviving children Emily B Church, George Church, & Mary Miller, each of whom is over the age of twenty one years, that they are his only surviving children -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal at my office in Ovid this 19th day of March 1852
John E Seeley County Judge & Surrogate
I further certify that Adad Joy of Ovid New York has been & is appointed the agent & attorney in the premises by David K Church one of the children above named - March 19. 1852
John E Seeley County Judge & Surrogate