Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17607, Nathan Chichester, Conn

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
born
Chichester, Nathan Theodosia
U.S. 17607
CONTENTS

28182 Connecticut
Nathan Cluett of Fairfield Co in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Lichfield of the reg t commanded by Col Rubens in the Connecticut line for 80, seven months and 26 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 36 Dollars 21 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of March 1834 and 2 76 Mason (Stamford)
Arrears to the 14th of March 108.63 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept th 18.10
$126.73
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Blyth Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 7 Page 4

Connecticut
Rep Nov 25
Theodora Chichester widow of Nathan Chichester who was a Private
Conn in the Conn. line
For 10 mo & 26 days
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars & 21. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of Nov. 1843 and sent to
Brig. Isaac Nowalk, Conn
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 2 Vol. 1. Page 64.

State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield,
ss. Stamford Probate District
On this 8 th day of Aug t 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for said District,
now sitting,
Nathan Chickester — a resident of New Canaan in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy two — years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832:—
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated: viz. That in October 1776 he was drafted to New in a Company of Militia Commanded by Capt. Gregory at Norwalk went on the lines at Horse neck & served one Month & a half — Lieut. Hicks  Gates was of the same Company — In 1777 he enlisted into a Company of Coast Guards for the term of one month & served out his term which was from the 1 st March til the 1 st of April — In the month of April he volunteered & went to Ridgefield at the time the British burnt the Store at Danbury was placed under the Command of Lieut. H. Daven- port who was killed in the Battle at Ridgefield Declarant was stand- ing by the side of Lieut. Davenport when he was killed he was the next day in the Battle at Compa Point — he was out on this expedi- tion one week — In the fall of 1778 he was drafted into the Coast Guards under Capt. Fishkill for two Months & served out the term at Middlesex — in the summer of 1777 he believes about the Month of July he was drafted on the lines under Lieut. James Wild & served in Norwalk for one Month — in 1778 he was called out a number of times under Capt. Russell Fishkill — The muster rolls are lost & Capt. Fishkill although still living can not state the particulars of his services nor can the Declarant but he knows that it was as much as two Months — in 1779 & 1780 he was called out under Capt. Hemenway Fishkill four different times & served as he knows for more than one Month — once he went to Norwalk — once to Norwalk when the British were there — in the fall of 1780 he served as a Substitute for his Brother, David, who had enlisted into Capt. Hemenway's Company in Col. Beecher's Regt. for one Month & a half
17 days
2
17

in June 1781 he returned to Hartford with Prisoners of War under command of Brigadier Ebenezer Dyer & was gone one week - he volunteered to find Genl. John Moad at New Canaan about three weeks - in addition to this he was liable to do duty in the Militia & served in the same from Nov. 1775 & was frequently called out in alarms & performed such service which from want of memory he cannot specify - in the winter of 1780 he volunteered under Genl. Watrous on the lines for two weeks - that he was here in Stamford (now New Canaan) & has all along resided there without having received a written discharge - was born Nov. 28, 1759. He refers to Rev. David Smith of Stamford & Jonathan Brown of the same place who can testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution believe his age is recorded in the Stamford Town Records
The said Nathan Chichester 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, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Nathan Chichester
Ch. Hawley Judge We, David Smith a clergyman, residing in the town of Stamford and H Minor residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathan Chichester who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy Two 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 day and year aforesaid 27 th day of July 1833  Daniel Smith  H Minor Ch. Hawley Judge
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 the Rev. David Smith - who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Stamford in Connecticut and that Simon H. Minor Esq., who also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Stamford aforesaid and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Ch. Hawley Judge
I, Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Requests for the District of Stamford in Connecticut do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathan Chichester for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 17 th day of August 1833.
Seal over

I Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Requests for Stamford District in Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathan Chechester for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & seal of Office this 19 th day of August 1833-
Samuel Lockwood Clerk
Ms. A. 9. 2. 11
Nathan Chechester

State of Connecticut } b County of Fairfield }
On this thirty first day of August A D 1838, personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford in said County. The same being a Court of Record and Holden at Stamford in said District. Theodora Chichester, a resident of Stamford in said District, aged seventy one 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 A D 1838 entitled "An Act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Nathan Chichester late of New Canaan in said County, deceased, who was a private soldier in the War of the Revolution and received a pension for his services in said war under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th A D 1832. She further declares that the pension certificate received by her said husband, Nathan Chichester for his services as aforesaid has been returned to the Pension office in order that she might draw the arrears of pension due at the time of his, said Nathan's, death. To the evidence upon which said pension Certificate was granted to her said husband, Declarant respectfully refers in support of her claim. She further declares that she was married to the said Nathan Chichester by the Rev William Leland January 2 nd A D 1786 - that her Maiden name was Theodora Webb. That her husband the aforesaid Nathan died on the first day of December A D 1837. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place

previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four at the time hereinbefore stated as will fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first herein before written.
here Theodora X Chichester crop
Done in presence of N o H o Craig
Joshua B. Ferris Judge.

And the said Court of Probate doth hereby declare its opinion, after the investigation of the matter - That the Applicant heretofore mentioned - Theodosia Chechester - was married to Nathan Chechester January 4 th 1786 - That said Nathan was a pensioner under the law of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - That he died on the first day of December A D 1837 - and that said Theodosia still remains the widow of said Nathan as she, in her declaration, states -
Joshua B. Ferris Judge

I Sands Seely, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford, in Fairfield County, Con- nieticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Theodosia Chichester for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have here- unto set my hand and seal of office This 6 th day of September A D 1838.
Sands Seely Clerk
712
1297

Nathan Chichester and Theodosia Webb were married by Rev d William Seward on --- January fourth One Thousand seven hundred and eighty six.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows --- Jan y . 4 th 1786.
Seymour Jarvis, Town Clerk of the town of Stamford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut
I Seymour Jarvis, above named, depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk, in the County, Town, & State aforesaid, & that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Stamford, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Seymour Jarvis, Clerk of the Town of Stamford
Sworn and subscribed on the 4 th day of September A D 1838. I further certify that said Seymour Jarvis is Clerk of said town of Stamford and a credible person.
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal Joshua B. Ferris Notary Public

26.561
Watts Chickester
28 acres
for 1776 per 1000 126 days
$36, \frac{21}{100}
William Stanford

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
86th 1833
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. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Nathl Cluett
   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.     10 25 P~  
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,
An 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 where is signature? This is its proper place along side of the seal! on the last Page
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 given, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about 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 years, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable, as 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.

Connecticut 712
Theodosia Chichester widow of Nathan Chichester
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June 1832 and who died on the 1 st December 1837 of Fairfield Co., in the State of Conn t . who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Litchfield of the Reg t . commanded by Col. Buel in the Conn t . line for 10 men. V 26 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 36 Dollars 21 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. 7. December 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Oct. 1838 and sent to Joshua B. Ferris, Stamford, Conn.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 38 26.86 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st Mar. 39. 18.10
$ 44.96
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book A. Vol. 4 Page 172

Nathan Lefield
Nathan Cheekerton
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal letter or account.]

State of Connecticut } for Stamford Aug 8 th 1832 Fairfield County }
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County - Richard Sedgwick Esq. - a resident of said Stamford in the nineteenth year of his age & who being first duly sworn on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Deacon Nathan Chechster of New Canaan an applicant for a Pension & he knows that the said Chechster was drafted to go in a Company under the command of the Defendant on the 18 th of June 1779 & served for one month at Horse Neck - & this appears from original pay roll of the Militia which he made out at the time & which he now has before him
Richard Sedgwick Sworn Subscribed the day & date above written Before me J. H. Minor Justice of Peace
The reason of taking this Deposition is that the Defendant cannot go before the Probate Office of this District (a distance of four miles) without suffering great bodily Pain as he is much Afflicted with Rheumatism - J. H. Minor Justice of Peace
Aug. 10.
State of Connecticut } for Stamford Probate District Aug. 10. 1832 Fairfield County } Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District Richard Sedgwick Esq. & made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed & I certify that said Sedgwick is a Credible person. Chas. H. Judson Judge

A new certificate was issued in this case under the opinion of the attorney General of 2 nd Feb 1842 which was given in consequence of the Resolution of Congress 16 Aug st 42
For Report see letter to P Agent January 7 th 1843
let to Ben: Isaac, 24 th Oct 1843 —
Connecticut 712 Theodosia Chishester widow of Nathan Chishester dec d who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 1 st December 1837 of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Litchfield of the Reg t commanded by Col d Buckner in the Conn ts line for 10 mos. 24 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 36. Dollars 21 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836 (funding 1 Dec. 1837).
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Jany 1843, and sent to Benj Isaac Esqr. Norwalk Conn
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo. L. Wood Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 172.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17607
Theodosia Chichester
Wid of
Nathan Chichester
Priv. Rev. War
Act: March 3, 1843
Index:—Vol. 24 , Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870.]

$36:21 per ann
Hen 9 Co

Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs Theodora Chester for a pension.
Most respectfully
Stanford Sept. 6. 1838
Your obedt servant Joshua B. Ferris

Dec 5. 42
W. Chickering
Hon. James L. Edwards Chairman of Pensions Washington City D. C.
13 3/4

Hon: J. L. Edwards
Newark Dec. 2 o 1842
Dear Sir
Theodoric Chickering Widow of Nathan Chickering rec d a letter dated the 15 Nov. last from Alex r Ray Esq r informing her that she was justly entitled under the act of Congress of 1838 to a claim of $600 or more as Widow of said Nathan Chickering and a letter from her to you was all that was necessary to establish your claim. Mrs Chickering widow of said Nathan Chickering del d . was placed on the Pension list roll of the Connecticut Army under the act of Congress of July 7. 1838 and draw her pension as long as that act continued and her Certificate was returned into the office at Hartford. If she is further entitled to pay from the Department she would be happy to receive it as she is poor and very much in want. She feels under great obligation to Mr. Ray for the information he has communicated to her and will be thankful to receive any sum that may be due her. Please to inform me what will be necessary for her to do and if any other Widow in this vicinity are entitled to further compensation.
I am with great respect Yours &c Benj. Lucas

Stamford Dec. 21. 1833
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comt. of Purvis
Sir I forward again the papers of Deacon Nathan Chichester, with a supplemental declaration & further proof of his services - It will be seen by the pay rolls of Capt. Newbern's Inf'd to which he refers that he served in his company for three months & twelve days. He proves by James his service under Capt. Gregory for four months & a half & under Lieut. Weed for one month. He can find no witness living who has personal knowledge of his other services - There is no doubt the Deacon tells the truth - should it be deemed necessary he can prove the testimony of many of his respecta- ble neighbors & all the clergymen of his neighborhood stating that he is respected & believed in his neighborhood to have lived for as long a period as he claims & that they fully concur in his reputation & beliefs.
I am Sir with great respect
Your Obd. Servt.
J. H. Minor
Minor

Ephraim Jones Departure -
6
9
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a continuous letter or list.]

State of Connecticut } } Stamford Dec. 12 th 1833 Fairfield County - }
Personally appeared before me J. H. Minor a notary Public within & for said County Ephraim Jones of said Stamford who being first duly sworn on his oath says that he is seventy five years old - That he is well acquainted with Deacon Nathan Chechester of New Canaan an applicant for a Pension He knows that in the year 1776 in the month of October the Chechester & this deponent belonged to Capt. S. Field Company of Militia in Col. John Mowatt Regt. That when come to Capt. S. Field that the enemy were at Horsneck, his Company were ordered & marched to Horsneck in the night & found all quiet in the morning but were ordered a Capt. Company to be drafted to remain on the lines accordingly there was drafted from Capt. S. Field's Company this deponent, the said Chechester Nathan Brantock Robert Young & Jacob Richard & were all placed under the command of Capt. Ishay Gregory & served steadily at Horsneck under said Capt. for one month & a half when they were dismissed & returned home - He further states that the said Chechester & this deponent were drafted to serve on the lines under Lieut. James Weed & served for one month in Horsneck, this as deponent believes was in the month of July 1777
Sworn & subscribed
The day & date above
Ephraim Jones
J. H. Minor Notary Public
I certify that Ephraim Jones who has sworn to & subscribed the foregoing deposition is personally known to me & that he is a credible person In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my official seal The day & date above written
J. H. Minor Notary Public

Theodosia Chichester
$ 36: 21 per ann
Benj. Isaac Norwalk, Conn.

Declaration
In Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7. 1838
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss
On this 30 day of June 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Fairfield Theodore Chichester a resident of New Canaan in the County of Fairfield aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to Widows of Pensioners who served during the Revolutionary War that she is the Widow of Nathan Chichester who was a Private of Military of the Revolution in Col. Mose and St. John Regt. in which he received the annual amount of Pension which she receives under the Act of July 7. 1838 was thirty six dollars and twenty five Cents
She further declares that she is still a Widow down to the time of her subscription on this day and year above written
Theodora X Chichester Mark
and that the said Declarant Theodore Chichester is personally known to me to be the individual person placed on the Pension list roll of the Court during under the Act of July 7. 1838
Benj. Isaacs Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss
I Thos B Butler Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Norwalk in said County do hereby certify that the copy hereunto annexed was at the date thereof and still is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and the signature purporting to have been thereunto affixed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Probate Court this 5 th day of July 1843
Thos B Butler Clerk
9846

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of Fairfield COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
} ss. Brewster
I, M. G. Miller Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of Fairfield and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby CERTIFY:—
THAT,
Benjamin Brewster Esquire was on the 30 day June
1843 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS, and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 15 day of November 1843
M. G. Miller Clerk.

Theodoria Chester
✓ Con:
act 7 July 38
$36. 21. from 4 March 36 to 1 Dec. 1837 —
Benjamin Isaac Norwalk Con.

Declaration
In order to obtain arrears of Pension due from March 4 th 1836 under the act of July 7. 1838
On this 21 st day of December 1842 personally appeared before the Subordinate Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut. Theodora Chickutee of the town of New Canaan in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut aged 75 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the 4 th of March 1836 to the first day of Dec r 1837 from which period she has been already paid under the act of the 7 th July 1838 and the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Nathan Chickutee who was a private during the revolutionary war that her pension was allowed at the rate of thirty six dollars and twenty one cents per annum and was paid to her at the Agency in Hartford in the State of Connecticut and further she saith not
Sworn to and subscribed on this day and Year above Written
before
Theodora her Chickutee mark
Benj. Isaac Justice of Peace
I. Reuben A Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwalk in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut certify that Benj. Isaac as above is a Magistrate and that the foregoing subscription purporting to him is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Probate Court and subscribed my name this 21 st day of December 1842.
RA Williams - Clerk of said Court

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield }
Be it known That on this 31 st day of August A D 1838 personally appeared before me Joshua B. Ferris a Notary Public within & for said State - Clarissa Chichester of Stamford in said County who being first duly sworn known according to law doth on her oath before me say That she was present at the funeral of Nathan Chichester late of New Canaan in said County - was with him during his illness and saw him after his death - He died on the first day of December A D 1837 - His Widow Theodora Chichester is an affiant, as Deponent has been informed since the Act of Congress passed July 7 th A D 1838 - and further Deponent saith Not.
Clarissa Chichester
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first written. I further certify that the above Deponent Clarissa Chichester is a credible person in a matter of this kind.
In testimony of which I have set my hand and affixed my official seal hereto.
Joshua B. Ferris Notary Public

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } b
Be it known That on This 4 th day September A D 1888 personally appeared before me Joshua B. Ferris a Notary Public within and for said State & County Samuel Dean a resident of Stamford in said County who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath de- pose and say - That he is well acquainted with Theodora Chichester. The widow of Nathan Chi- chester deceased.
Said Theodora is an applicant for a pen- sion for a pension under the law of Congress recently passed. Deponent knows her to be the widow of Nathan Chichester. and knows that he said Nathan, received a pension under the law of Congress passed June 7 th 1882. Deponent was a witness for said Nathan on his appli- cation for a pension. Said Nathan died, as Deponent thinks in the Winter of '87-'88 - Samuel Dean
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first written. I further certify That Deponent, said Samuel Dean, is a credible person.
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my offi- cial seal
Joshua B. Ferris Notary Public

Nathan Cheyston Supplemental Illustration

State of Connecticut } Stamford Probate District Fairfield County }
On this 16 th day of Dec. 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate for said District. now sitting Deacon Nathan Chickester who has made application for a Pension by Declaration dated the 6 th day of August 1832 who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath declare by way of explanation & supplemental to his original Declaration - That from old age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to his best recollection he served not up than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades, viz. I served as a private for one month & a half under Capt. Fabry.
17 Gregory in 1776 - In the month of March 1777 I served for one month as a private in Capt. Stewsons Company of Coast guards his Lieut. was Josiah Hoyt his Ensign was Daniel Buxton - In the month of April of the same year I served as a private for one week as stated in my original Declaration, when the British went to Danbury in July of the same year I served as a private under Lieut. James Weed at Housatonic for one month - In 1778 I served under Capt. Reuben Seaford & his pay rolls of that year as he tells me are lost, as a private for two months - In 1779 I served as a private in Capt. Seafords Company for 2 days in Feb y 8 days in June one month in June & July 2 days in Aug t & nine days in August. Which last mentioned services will appear from the original pay rolls of Capt. Reuben Seaford as returned to the Pension office annexed to his application for a Pension & marked Nos 2-3. 9-445 1779 - In 1780 I served as a Private under Capt. Olmsted for one month & a half - in the winter of 1780 I volunteered & served as a Private under Lieut. Waterbury on the lines - In the forepart of Jan y 1781 I volunteered & served as a Private under Sergeant Reed in company prisoners of Ward's Hospital for one week & from the 17 th .

1.12 of the same party I served as a private in Capt. R. Sheffield's Company for one month & five days which will appear from his original pay roll returned to the Pension Office marked No 7 & in 1782 I served in the same Company as 16 a private for sixteen days as may be seen from his original pay roll returned to the Pension Office marked No 8 & for such services I claim a Pension. I know of no person living now whom I can call to prove my claims for then there I have done Capt. Hanson under whom I served for one month is still living but his memory is so far impaired he can under no aid his duty or business are both dead now as I know of any person living but the Capt. who served in the Company with me
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Matthew Glouchester
John Hawley Judge
I Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hampshire in Massachusetts do hereby certify that the foregoing contains true and correct Court supplementary to the original of application of William Glouchester for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 17th day of Decr. A.D. 1833
Sam Lockwood Clerk