Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,616, Jonathan Copelin, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Copelin Jonathan Copeland or
S. 31,616
CONTENTS

17457 Connecticut
Jonathan Copelin Copeland of Thompson in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Smith of the Regt. commanded by Col Daigle in the Connecticut line for 13 1/2 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 45 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Aug 1833 and det. S Davis of Thompson Ct. Present
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 33 $90. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 33 22.50
$112.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by M c Cromwell Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 9

Jonathan Copeland
Oct 11 th 1833.
admd 13 3/4 mo. pri
45 $

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
State of Connecticut } S.S. County of Windham }
On this 19 th day of July A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the County Court of the County of Windham aforesaid now sitting the County Jonathan Chaplain a resident of the town of Thompson in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 75 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, & served as herein stated.
In 1776, was out on a call for the militia to West Chester. 3 months. under Capt W m Smith of Brooklyn Ct. in Col Deyler's Regt. marched in September joined the Regt. near Kings bridge where was about three till discharged, soon after my return I was drafted in the same Company two months, stationed at Point Judith till my time was out marched thro Providence. dont recollect field officers.
In the spring of 1777, enlisted for two months to go to Providence in Capt. Holbrook's Company. was discharged in about 6 weeks. Superior officer, do not remember.
In 1778. in the  Spencer's expedition I enlisted & went one month under Capt Seth Grosvenor of Pomfret was discharged at Providence Rd
In the fall of 1778 was drafted 2 months
in Capt. Cutler's Co., to West Haven Ct. staid there 1 month then ordered to Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition was under Genl. Tyler. was in the battle that ensued on the left wing. I was called out 2 months under Capt. Daniel Tyler of Brooklyn Ct a Company of Artillery at New London in the fall of the year 1779.
I was two months under Capt. Daniel Lyon of Woodstock & stationed at New London the same year. was a private soldier.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
The following interrogatories were by said Court propounded to said applicant, viz:-
1. Where and in what year were you born? Born in Pomfret. in 1757

2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it? yes. family Record.
3. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live? The first place I went from Brookfield. Then from Thompson where I 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? as I have above stated
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served; both continental and militia regiments, as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service. I have so far as I can remember
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
I did not
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief in your services as a soldier of the revolution. Rev. David Dorr & Jason Phipps.
Yours G. Capelin.

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
Attest Armin Bolles Clerk
The Daniel Dow. a clergyman, residing in the town of Thompson in said Windham County, and the Jason Phipps. residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Copeland, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 75 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Daniel Dow Jason Phipps
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
Attest Armin Bolles Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that the Rev. Daniel Dow who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the said town of Thompson and that Jason Phipps who signed the same is a resident in the said town of Thompson, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest Armin Bolles Clerk
I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Copeland for a Pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 19 th day of July A.D. 1832
Armin Bolles Clerk

State of Connecticut Windham County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the County of Windham aforesaid Jonathan Copeland of Thompson in S. County who being duly sworn, deposith and saith, that by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory he cannot swear more positively, than he has done in his former declaration of which this is an amendment, to the precise length of his service in the Revolutionary War, but according to his best recollection he served not less than the periods below and always as a private.
I served Three months in 1776. at New York & two months at Point Judith R Island In the spring of 1777. Two months I enlisted to go to Providence, & served one & a half months & was

dismissed. In 1777 I was in Spencer's Expedition , one month. In 1778 was two months. a soldier to West Haven & in Sullivan's Expedition & in the battle
In 1779. I was two months in the artillery to New London . and two months. at the same place & year a soldier in Capt Lyons Company making in all 13\frac{1}{2} months. for which I claim a pension. I cannot recollect my superior officer further, than I have stated, & I do not know of any other living witness or other evidence of my service there but those I have proceeded
gov n  Capelin
Sworn to and subscribed this 12 th Day of June 1833. Before me Simon Davis Justice of the peace

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
Ans
December 15, 1925
Mrs. Mary B. Bishop 142 Grove St Putnam, Conn
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31616, it appears that Jonathan Copelin or Copeland was born in 1757 at Pomfret.
While residing at Brooklyn, Windham County, Connecticut, he enlisted and served as a private in the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
In 1776, three months in Captain William Smith's Company, Colonel John Douglas' Regiment; and soon after served two months in same company.
In the spring of 1777, six weeks in Captain Holbrook's Company; and the same year  year one month in Captain Seth Grosvenor's Company, Colonel McClellan's Regiment, and was in General Spencer's Expedition.
In the fall of 1778, two months in Captain

Butler's Company, and was in the battle of Rhode Island.
In 1779, two months in Captain Daniel Tyler's Company of Artillery; and in the same year, two months in Captain Daniel Lyon's Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 19, 1832, while a resident of Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Searched _____ Feb 25, 09. Briefed by W. T. Conboy
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Johnathan Copeland.
Service Conn. Mass. Rev. War.
Additional Service _____
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
No O.W. Intr. or Wid. or O.W. Rej. as above except O.W. Intr. File #31616.

BWA.1
Subject: _____
Railway Mail Service
OFFICE OF TRANSFER CLERK
Holdrege Nebr 3 / 30 , 1912
Respectfully _____ to
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I wish to inquire as to possibility of securing a copy of an old applica- tion for pension for army service probably in the Revolutionary War.
Jonathan Copeland was allowed a pension in 1833 to draw such allow- ance from March 1831 age 77 years. He was of Windham County Connecticut
Transfer Clerk.

Subject: _____
Railway Mail Service
OFFICE OF TRANSFER CLERK
_____, 191
Respectfully _____ to
but I cannot give P.O.
Will there be a fee needed in obtaining such copy? Could you tell name of wife or widow of such pensioner etc etc. and for what service, or, for service in what war etc.
Very respectfully yours
Charles F. Copeland
Holdrege
817 Arthur St. Nebraska
P.O. might be just across state line in Mass!
Transfer Clerk.

certifying officer, signed secondarily, the papers.
TO THE YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
 90 

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Jonathan Copeland which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No
Vide Gen 5 Act clause - a delinquent amount of service should be given in conformity therewith
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
43.33 45.00
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

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

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which 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 they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

31616
Pay INVALID.
File No. 31, 616 Copelin Jonathan Copeland Rev Mr
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index: —Vol. 2 , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1909 Mar. 15 Hist. to Genl D.R. Booth V.L.M. Letter in Sur. File 5027 1912 Apr. 9 Hist. to Chas. F. Copeland. V.L.M. 1916 Apr. 15: To Dr. Mr. Gen. U.S.A. For Tombstone. 1923 Oct. 10 Hist to Mrs. J.B. Boulton 1925 Dec. 15: " " " Mary B. Bishop see letter in Moore Bradley N 25240-awf.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. awf
October 10, 1923.
Mrs. T. R. Boulton, 414 W. Ft. Wayne St., Warsaw, Ind.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31616, it appears that Jonathan Copelin or Copeland was born at Pomfret in 1757, and while residing in Brooklyn, Windham County, Connecticut enlisted in 1776 and served three months as a private under Captain William Smith in Colonel John Douglas' Connecticut regiment; soon after, served two months in the same company.
In the spring of 1777, he enlisted and served six weeks in Captain Holbrook's company, and the same year, he served one month in Captain Seth Grosvenor's company, Colonel McClellan's Connecticut regiment and was in Spencer's Expedition.
The fall of 1778, he served two months in Captain Cutler's company and was in the battle of Rhode Island.

In 1779, he served two months in Captain Daniel Tyler's company of Artillery and in the same year, he served two months under Captain Daniel Lyon.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 19, 1832, while a resident of Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Warsaw Indiana
Aug-24-1923
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington
Dear Sir,
D.B,
Will you kindly send me a copy of the pension, granted to Jonathan Copeland he served as private, Con- necticut Continental Line and was placed on the pension roll, 1831. He was born in Windham Co. Conn., and died there,
Very truly
(Mrs. T.R.) Katharine Copeland Boulton 414 W. St. Wayne St; Warsaw Indiana

414 W. St. Wayne St Warsaw Indiana
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions Will you kindly send me a certified copy of Jonathan Copeland pension certificate, born in Windham Co. Conn. He served as private in Connecticut Con- tinental Line, and was placed on the pension roll 1831 Oct. 10 th
(Mrs. T.R.) Katharine Boulton Warsaw Indiana
414 W. St. Wayne St.

I. Jonah Witter of Preston in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged. 74 years. I duly engaged & sworn according to law. do testify & say. That in the Revolutionary War. I was a Soldier in the American Army. in Capt William Smiths Company, Lieut Peter Davison & in a Regt. commanded by Col. John Douglass. of Connecticut Militia. in the Winter of 1776. & 1777. at and in the neighborhood of Point Judith in the State of Rhode Island. for three months. we marched thro Providence South Kingston & Tower Hill and was on duty at & about Point Judith. for three months. when dismissed, we came direct to

Plainfield. & was met on the road by a Gentleman. who said to us you have been a soldiering. come go home with me to breakfast & we did & he gave us a good one.
Jonathan Loperland now of Thompson.. in the County of Windham State of Connecticut was then living in Brooklyn in S. County when I then lived. I have always known him. He was a private in the above town of duty. with me & in the same company for three months. our company was called the 8 th Co. 21 st Regt. of Connecticut Militia. Joseph Witter

State of Connecticut New London County ss
Preston June 15 th 1833
Then personally appeared Jonas H. Witter signer of the foregoing deposition, & made solemn oath to the truth of the same, & I further certify that I am well acquainted with said deponent & full faith is due his attestation
Before me. Asa A. Gore justice of the peace
I Asahel Ballou, clerk of the County Court within and the County of Windham & State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Simon Davis before whom the annexed affidavits of Jonas H. Witter and William B. Pratt & Capt. Deane Pease, mentioned is duly enrolled as a Justice of the peace within & for S. County
and that Asa A. Gore, before whom the affidavits of Jonas H. Witter herein annexed was taken is duly enrolled as a Justice of the peace for the County of Windham in S. State of Connecticut and that full faith & credit is due to their acts as such & that the signatures to the same are in their handwriting
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Brooklyn the 15 th Day of August A.D. 1833.
Asahel Ballou clerk

I William Banett of Brooklyn in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut aged 83 years & duly engaged according to Law do testify and say that in the Revolutionary War. I was a soldier in the American Army. in 1777. in what was called Sullivan & Expedition, attempting to go onto Rhode Island and attack the British at Newport. in a Leo. commanded by Colt Seth Green of Pomfret Col McEllam Regt. I joined the company at Providence R.I. marched to Fall River & Tiverton & spent there. after the expedition was marked back to Providence & dispersed there I shall never forget the circumstance as we were marching to Providence out Lieut Col. Phelps met the Regt. & exclaimed out "Brooklyn " is taken." Glory be to God in the

light. I was out in this service one month. Jonathan Lepel and now living in Shunpan in this county then lived in this Town I have always known him. He was a private soldier in the same company with me. in the above mentioned tour of duty. William Barrett
I do hereby I. Delano Pierce of Brooklyn in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 84 years and duly engaged according to law do testify and say. That in the Revolutionary war. in the year 1776. I was. a soldier in the American Army. on a three months tour of duty. in Capt. H. Smiths Co. under Col. Douglass. Major Greville was our major. joined the army at Westchester in the State of New York. had a Powder Mill

at Windham in Connecticut & we got a quantity of it on our march, marked to Westchester Moorfields. I got part of Mings Bridge the while I was on my march, heard the news that the British had taken New York, went to Church one Sabbath at New Haven. I remembered it. Knowlton saw him often he was wounded, carried on a litter by our camp. saw Genl. Washington at Westchester. & Genl. Putnam. also. In the above scene I was the oldest Corporal. & I then knew Jonathan Copeland now of Thompson. he then resided in the town & I have always known him since. I moved a part of his family to Thompson. and he was a soldier in the above campaign with me for three months and did his duty as such, a private. in the same company & Regt. with me said campaign. I well remember of said Jonathan Copelands going a tour of duty to Point Judith & Towerhill. less how longer I cannot say - and also a tour to New London. John Pease

State of Connecticut
Winsted County ss. June 14 1838 then
personally appeared William Barnett & Delano
Reuben signers of the foregoing deposition &
being duly sworn made solemn oath to the same by them subscribed & I do certify that from my own knowledge they are both highly credible witnesses
Before me Linda Davis Justice of the peace
Delano Barnett