Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25456, Agur Curtis, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Curtis, Agur
N. 25456
Hulda.
B. L. Mt. 26, 316-160-55
CONTENTS

23.009
Connecticut
Agur Curtis Junr of Stratford in the State of Conn who was a Private in the Conn commanded by Captain Godfrey of the Regt commanded by Col. in the Conn Hoop line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Jan'y 1834 and Senr. Hon. J. Tomlinson. Senate U.S.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1835 $ 200 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 4, 1834, 40
$240
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Billings Clerk Book E Vol. 3 Page 30

89262
Act March 3/55
April 28/55
Huldah Curtis, Widow of Agur Curtis Pri:
Pensioner
act Feb 2/48
Ms 26316 p 16
Conn Feb 48-2046
W:160 Ac Ms 20/86
Boyle Dr
Stephen L. Booth Stratford Fairfield Co Conn
Civ. S. S. Booth Nov 20/55 Set: " " " " Apr. 26/57
Vol. 62-153. —

2046 Connecticut.
Hulda Curtis widow of Agur Curtis who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Rept
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Sept. 1848. and sent to
David Brooks Stratford Conn
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 274 Vol. 1.
Ms B. 1. 6 v. 55 p. 89.2 b. 2

6 Hueda Curtis Maw of Agur let act 17 June 1844
ms 80 a 44
No 6. June 17. 1844

I Lewis H Russell. Clerk of the Town of Stratford in Fairfield County State of Connecticut. Certify that it appears by the records of s d Town of Stratford of which I have the custody that Agur Curtis Jr & Huldah Lewis were joined in marriage February twenty second One thousand seven hundred 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 Agur Curtis Jr & Huldah Lewis were joined in marriage Feb 22 d 1786
I Lewis H Russell above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the county Town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town of Stratford with the Exception above named as certified by me
Stratford August 31. 1844
Lewis H Russell Town Clerk
sworn before me
Josiah Forham Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County - ss
On this 31 st day of August 1844 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Hulda Curtis a resident of the town of Stratford in said Fairfield County and State aforesaid aged 77 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 June 17 th 1844 entitled "An Act to continue the Pensions of certain Widows". That she is the Widow of Asahel Curtis late of said Stratford deceased (late Asahel Curtis Jr.) who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed 7 th of June 1832, after the rate of Eighty Dollars pr. Annum during his natural life, That her husband the s d Asahel Curtis, formerly Asahel Curtis Jr., died in s d town of Stratford on the 22 nd day of April 1844. She further declares that her Maiden name was Hulda Lewis, and that she was married to the s d Asahel Curtis Jr. by the Rev d Stephen W m Stebbins on the 22 nd day of February 1786. That she was not married to him prior to his last term of service, but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz, at the time above stated, and that she has not since been married but still remains the Widow of the s d Asahel Curtis as above stated. For the proof of the service rendered the (by the s d Asahel Curtis formerly Asahel Curtis Jr.)  the United States during the Revolutionary War; she would refer to the documents in the Office at Washington. She also further declares that she now has in her possession (and which was exhibited to this Court) the Original Pension Certificate granted to her husband the s d Asahel Curtis Jr. dated, & which she intends surrendering up to the Agent of the United States for paying Pensions in Hartford, State of Connecticut on or after the 4 th of Sept r next, in order to obtain the balance of the pension now due her as the Widow of the s d Asahel Curtis deceased from the 4 th of March last to the 22 nd of April 1844 on which last mentioned day the s d Asahel Curtis died. And with the several papers herewith forwarded the documents referred to in this her Declaration Respectfully submits submits her Claim
Hulda Curtis
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me David Blanks,
Judge

And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after investigating the matter that the foregoing named Hulda Curtis is the Widow of Asa Curtis deceased, formerly Asa Curtis Jr who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States, and that he the said Asa Curtis, died on the 22 nd day of April A.D. 1844.
David Plant, Judge
I, David P. Judson Clerk aforesaid, certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Hulda Curtis, the Widow of Asa Curtis deceased, formerly Asa Curtis Jr for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 31 st day of August. A.D. 1844.
David P. Judson
Clerk
I certify that David P. Judson is clerk of said Court, and that his signature to the foregoing Declaration with the seal of said Court hereto annexed is genuine.
David Plant Judge.
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss. Stockford August 31 st 1844
I, David P. Judson Clerk of the Probate Court aforesaid, certify that Josiah Gorham Esq is a Justice of the Peace in and for said Fairfield County duly Commissioned and Qualified, and that his signature to the Depositions of Dr. John Gouding and Lewis H. Russell in the case of the Widow Hulda Curtis' application for a Pension are genuine.
David P. Judson Clerk

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF Fairfield
} ss. Stratford
On this 3
day of April
A. D., 1855
Personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace  Notary Public , duly authorized by law to administer oaths in and for the County aforesaid, Huldah Curtis
aged 88 years, a resident of Stratford in said in the State of Connecticut who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Syler Curtis of S d Stratford deceased, who was a private in the Revolutionary War and she is now the widow of said Syler Curtis deceased and that she is a pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per annum pensioned under act of February 2, 1848 that her pension certificate under said act is dated September 14, 1848 No 2044 and for proof of his service - her marriage to him and the time of his death. She refers to her applications for a pension at the Pension Office at Washington City - and that I believe
he had continued in actual service in said war for the term of least twelve months and was honorably discharged at  on time
day of
A. D.,
She further states that she was married to the said Syler Curtis in Stratford on the 21 st day of February A. D. 1786 by one Steven W. Hightine and that her name before her said marriage was Huldah Lewis that her said husband died at Stratford on the 22 nd day of April A. D. 1844 and that she is now a widow.
She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."
Huldah X Curtis Mark
WE Theodolia Lampson and Louisa Fairchild residents of Said Stratford in the State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Huldah Curtis in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Theodolia Lampson
Louisa Fairchild
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Stephen S. Booth  Justice of the Peace Notary Public

State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield
} ss.
Bridgeport
On this Second day of August A.D. 1833 personally appeared, in open Court, before The Court of Probate in and for Stratford District in said County
now sitting, Agur Curtis Jun r Stratford
a resident of
in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged
72
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.
That as he believes, it was in the year 1777 he enlisted in the Town of Stratford in said County into a Company of Guard Raised By Authority of the State of Connecticut & commanded by Lt. Saml Patterson for Six months service which guard was stationed at said Stratford on Long Island Sound That he entered said Guard in Spring of 1777 and was discharged at said Stratford at the end of said Six months which service was continuous & unbroken & That he drew his pay & Rations from the State of Connecticut. Col Saml Whiting commanded the Regiment - has no documentary evidence to prove this, Four of service nor any written Discharge which service was done as a private Soldier, But Matthew Peers of said Stratford whose Deposition is annexed was with me can testify that he was, was with me one season in said Pattersons Guard at said Stratford. General Gd. Stillman was Chf in command -
That in 1778 in the early part of that year I again enlisted into said Lt. Pattersons Guard for Nine months service in said Stratford which service was faithfully performed for the United States in said Town of Stratford. one night while on Guard, we discovered a Boat coming into Pequonnock River, when Lt. Patterson & my self & others procured a Boat and went out & succeeded in capturing the strange Boat which proved to be a Boat that had been trading with the British, & the men that was captured was sent to Fairfild Jail next morning - This nine months service was continuous, & under the same

general officers as the first campaign - was discharged at said Stratford at the end of said Nine months was a private soldier in said Company had no written discharge nor any documentary evidence Bgt Nathan Barrett of said Stratford was with me in this campaign & has personal knowledge that I served the United States in said Guard Nine months as I have stated -
That in July 1780 he belonged to Capt Samuel Uffords Militia Company of said Stratford when I was drafted out of said Company by Capt Ufford & ordered to join Capt.
Godfreys Company of Weston - which company I joined at Danbury in said County. Luke Summers was and  lieut Elisha Deforest lieut of said Godfreys company Col Saml Whiting commanded the Regiment. That he performed Three months service for the United States in said Company at the following places at Danbury a few Days & then at Greenfield to Guard the Court that was then in session in the Meeting House after the Court House was burnt at Hanford about 3 weeks. after that was stationed on the lines at Horse Neck with the Regiment. and at the end of said Three months was discharged at Horse Neck. was a private in said Company, had no written discharge nor any documentary evidence to prove this service, Stephen Barrett of said Stratford who is dead was with me in said campaign Nathan Barrett of said Stratford can testify in regard to this campaign -
That in the fall of 1779 he enlisted into a Company of Guard (as a private) under Capt James Burton of said Stratford at said Stratford for Three months Service by Authority of the State of Connecticut which service was faithfully performed for the United States & was continuous was discharged at said Stratford at the end of said Three months has no documentary evidence to prove this four of service

And had no written Discharge but Nathan Burritt & Mathew Burz of said Stratford can testify that he performed said Three months service under Capt. Burton -
That about the 1 st of March 1781 he Enlisted as a private into Capt Robert Walker's Company in said Stratford Connecticut State Troops, to keep Guard at said Stratford John Benjamin was Lieut. & Isaac Brown Ensign. all of said officers had previously been in the Continental Line - that he enlisted for Nine months & served his time out faithfully & was discharged at said Stratford (where said service was performed) in December 1781 while in service in this Guard, two English Briggs that had been plundering at West Haven Landed at Stratford Point and attempted to take off cattle but our Company drove them off - has no Documentary evidence nor written Discharge to prove this term of service but Lewis Burton Esq. of Immature & Mathew Burz of Stratford Nathan Burritt has personal knowledge that I performed this service for the United States -
That he was born in said Stratford 1760 - November 17 th has no record of his age but was told by his Father that was the time of his Birth - was living in said Stratford when called into service & have allways lived there to this day - was called into service by Draft & as a Volunteer. The names of some of the officers who were with the Troops where he served was Genl Gold & Silliman, Col Whiting. Lieut Patterson Capt Godfrey Capt Robert Walker - no officer now alive under whom he served never received any written Discharge was allways in constant & unbroken service for the United States during said campaigns -

The reason that he has not procured the of a clergyman certificate is that the clergymen in his vicinity has Rights settled & knows nothing of Revolutionary service.
  my claims for service in the   1 st Campaign is — 6 months   2 do 9 do   3 do 3   4 do 3   5 do 9     30 months as a private 
Ager Curtis Jr
Mathew Beers, of the Town of Stratford in Fairfield County 73 years of age Deposek & saith that he has, allways, lived together in the same Town of Stratford with Ager Curtis Junr. The within named applicant for a pension & was, with said Curtis one Campaign in Lieut Pattersons Gaud. & Also was with him in Capt James Burtons Gaud for 3 months & was with him in Capt Robert Walkers company of Gauds for 9 months & has personal knowledge that said Curtis performed said Terms of service for the United States in said Pattersons, Burtons & Walkers Gauds as aforesaid, faithfully —
Mathew Beers
Lewis Benton of Trumbull in the County of Fairfield 71 years of age Deposek & saith that he is well acquainted with Ager Curtis Junr. The within named applicant for a pension de That. They both belonged to Capt Robert Walkers company of Stratford in 1781. for Nine months

That he has personal knowledge that said Curtis performed said term of service under Capt Robert Walker for the United States in the Revolution as he has stated Lewis Burton
Nathan Burnett of Stratford in Fairfield County 70 years of age Deposed & Saith That he is well acquainted with Asa Curtis Jun. of Stratford both in the Revolution & since and that he served in the same company in 1778 with said Curtis in Lieut. Pattersons Gard in said Stratford in the Revolution, for Nine months - & That he has personal knowledge that said Curtis performed Nine months service for the United States in said Pattersons Gard faithfully & that he was with said Curtis in Capt James Burtons Gard for three months, & Also with him in Capt Robert Walkers Gard for Nine Months service all in said Stratford That he has personal knowledge that said Curtis performed 9 months service under Patterson, Three months under Burton and 9 months under Walker faithfully as he has stated & that he had often heard Stephen Burnett say that said Curtis was with him in Capt Godfrys Company in 1780
W. S. H. B. 1780
Ephraim J. Wilson of said Stratford 71 Years of age Deposed & Saith That he is well acquainted with Asa Curtis Jun. the foregoing named applicant for a pension, That he was with said Curtis in Capt James Burtons company of Gard in 1779 for 3 months service & that he served in said Curtis served the United States faithfully in said Gard as he has stated Ephraim J. Wilson

The foregoing Depositions of William Burns, Lewis Burton, Nathan Burnett & Ephraim J. Wilson Subscribed & sworn to in open court, are part of the proceedings in the case of the within named applicant herein certified under my hand & seal of office - And I further certify that the said Burns, Burton, Burnett & Wilson are Credible Witnesses & persons of fair character for truth & veracity
Attest, R. S. Nichols, Clerk

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
Ques Ans
October 15, 1926
Leon French 640 State Bldg San Francisco, Calif.
Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 25456, it appears that Agur Curtis, Jr. was born November 17, 1760, place not stated.
While residing at Stratford, Connecticut, he served as a private in the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
From the spring of 1777, six months under Lieutenant Samuel Patterson, Colonel Samuel Whiting's Regiment; and from early in 1778, nine months under Lieutenant Samuel Patterson, Colonel Samuel Whiting's Regiment.
From the fall of 1779, three months in Captain James Burton's Company.
From July 1780, three months in Captain Godfrey's Company, Colonel Samuel Whiting's Regiment.
From March 1, 1781, nine months in Captain Robert

Walker's Company, Colonel Samuel Whiting's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 2, 1833, while a resident of Stratford, Connecticut. Haddied there April 22, 1844.
Soldier married February 22, 1786 in Stratford, Connecticut, Huldah Lewis. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 31, 1844, while a resident of said Stratford, aged seventy-seven
There is no data on file relative to children.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

1926 Oct 15 H. A. H. to John French and Co.
Reg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25456
Kathleen Curtis wid. of Agnes Curtis Phila. Pa. mar.
Act: Feb 2 nd 1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 163
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ 26,316
J Sto Rms

✓ 26,316
J No. 1000
Hulda Curtis
Let. to David Brooks Nov 9 th 1844
act 17 June 1844

89262
J. P. Natick Esq. Board of Prisoners & County Court Washington City D. C.

22 Connecticut
Huldah Curtis, widow of Agur Curtis, who was a Private, in the Conn. Line,
Cert. Corrected and sent to D. Brooks. Stratford, Conn. Jany. 20. 45.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March , 1844.
22 nd April
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Jany 1845 and sent to
David Brooks Stratford Conn
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 51.

Ager Curtis Jr 1777. 6 mo. Lieut Saml Patterson Col Whiting 1778 9 " " " do 1780 3 " Capt. Lifford and Godfrey Col Whiting 1779 3 " " James Burton 1780 9 " Capt. Robert Walker

State of Connecticut Fairfield County Stratford April 21 st 1855
Dr. P. Waldo Esq. Comm r . of Pensions & Bounty Land
Sir I send you the application of Huldah Curtis for Bounty Land under act of Congress approved March 3 1855 Please send her Land Warrant to me
Yours Respectfully Stephen A. Booth

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss
On this 31 st day of August 1844 personally appeared before me Josiah Gosham a Justice of the Peace in and for S d Fairfield County and State - aforesaid John Goulding a resident of the town of Stratford in S d Fairfield County aged 47 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath depose and say, that he was personally acquainted with Agur Curtis the late of S d Stratford (formerly Agur Curtis Jr) a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, that he attended the S d Agur Curtis as his Physician during his last sickness and that the S d Agur Curtis died in said Stratford on the 22 nd day of April 1844 from a disease of the lungs - and that he left a Widow by the name of Huldah Curtis, personally known to this deponent, and that the S d Huldah Curtis, has not since the death of the said Agur Curtis intermarried but remains the Widow of the late S d Agur Curtis, formerly Agur Curtis Jr a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States to this day -
John Goulding
Sworn and Subscribed this 31 st day of August 1844 -
Before me Josiah Gosham Justice of Peace
I certify that John Goulding who signed the above deposition in my presence, is a person of credibility -
Josiah Gosham Justice of Peace

Jan 20 45
Can't it
Rev J. L. Blackwell Summit Street Washington D.C.

Hon d J. L. Edwards Sir
Stratford Ct. Jan y . 17. 1845
Enclos d I return the Pension Certificate of Hulda Curtis. for correction — Very. Respectfully —
Your s M c Servt David Brooks
Hulda Curtis. Cont. Act June 17 44 No 20.
I will return them immediately —

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 d February 1848 entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution"
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield ss.
On this 8 th day of August 1848. Before me a Magistrate in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Hulda Curtis a resident of the town of Stratford in Fairfield County in the State of Connecticut. Aged 81 Years who being first duly sworn as the Law directs, doth on her Oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed 2 d Feby. 1848 granting Pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Asahel Curtis who was a private Soldier in the War of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States at the Rate of $30 per Annum. was a resident of said town of Stratford at the time of his death, and for proof of his services rendered the United States during said War, in what Regiment or Corps he served, she would refer to his Application for a Pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832 at the Pension Office in Washington D.C. That she received a Pension under the Act of June 17 th 1844 at the rate of Eight Dollars per Annum.
She further declares that she is, still a Widow. Sworn to and Subscribed on the _____ day and Year above written
Before Me John Goulding Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above declarant, and know she is the same Individual who drove a team as stated in the foregoing Declaration and knows she is the Widow of Asahel Curtis as above stated.
John Goulding Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss. I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid & Keeper of the seal thereof and of the Commission of the Justices of the Peace for said County do hereby certify that John Goulding Esq. is, and on the 8 th of instant August was, a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned & qualified as such & duly authorized by the laws of this State to administer oaths - That his Commission is dated June 24 th 1848 and will expire

with the 19th day of June 1849. and I later certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of John Gurney, I believe the signatures on the other side being, purporting to be his, are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand to the seal of the County Court in Norwich this 12th day of August 1848 Thomas Robinson Clerk

26.573
Agne Cudes 2
returned.
Gloucester

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
5 Oct 33
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Agar Curtis 2
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[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.

89262

I Louisa Fairchild of the Town of Stratford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut of lawful age do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Hulda Curtis who has executed the annexed application for Bounty Land dated the 3 day of April 1855 that she is a person of the United States on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency at the rate of eighty dollars per annum and that she is now the widow of Myrtil Curtis of said Stratford deceased and that I believe the statement in her said application is true which application is hereto attached — Louisa Fairchild
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss. Stratford April 3 d 1855 personally appeared before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths in and for the County & State aforesaid Louisa Fairchild who has subscribed and made oath to the truth of the above deposition who I certify is a credible person well known to me and that I have no interest in the said claim of Hulda Curtis for Bounty Land
Stephen S. Booth Notary Public

Agnes Curtis Junr. Application for a Pension.
Lyons Private $80
Hon G. Tomlinson Senate US

State of Connecticut Stratford County } Bridgeport October 14 D 1833 Personally appeared Asa Curtis Jun r the within named applicant for a pension before The Court of Probate in & for Stratford District in said County & being first sworn makes this further Declaration to wit That in addition to what he has heretofore stated in his Declaration he now adds That he has procured one credible Witness to each term of service as Positive testimony except in the campaign under Capt Godfrey he cannot find any surviving Witness that can testify to that term of service. That he has procured all the best testimony for each campaign that he can. That all the terms of service he has stated except under Capt Godfrey was performed in Rufus Gaud in said Town of Stratford. That the company of Gaud where he belonged in said Gaud service was regular embodied Corps Raised by Authority of the State of Connecticut. The officers commissioned by the State & received pay from said State. and said company of Gaud was Attached to Col

Whitings, Regiment in Genl Gold & Sillamans Brigade. That the Company of Guard to which he belonged were stationed at said Stratford & said the Town which at that time contained the Towns that are called now called Huntington, Monroe, Sherman & Bridgeport & was exposed to the enemy on one side by the Cusatonuck River & 5 miles on Long Island Sound was constantly employed in said Company keeping Guard at the Guard Posts by turns Days & Nights & by Drill & exercise days, during said terms of Enlistment. ... was constantly employed in said Company during the time for which he enlisted on Guard House and place of Rendezvous was at the Guard House in said Stratford. was on drill twice every day & on Guard by turns Days & Nights & ready to March at a moments warning — all my service in the Revolution was as a private Soldier never recd. any written Discharge — as I have explained my service I considered it as being in Regular Service in said Garrison & not employed in any civil suit on my own account during said Campaigns —
Ayer Curtis Jr

The Preceding Additional Declaration of Agur Curtis Jun r , was Subscribed and Sworn in open Court on said 14 th day of October 1833 before me Mark Moore Judge
Attest.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
State of Connecticut
Hartford County } Bridgeport. November 16 th 1833.
Personally appeared Agur Curtis Jun r and makes this further Declaration to wit - That in relation to length of time of 9 months, in Lieut. Pattersons Guard in 1778 and Solons term of service in said Guards & other Guards Right in Stratford at that time, were not alike in the same company men were enlisted in said Guards for various terms, as they could get men, the guards were in service early in the Spring & continued until Winter & he feels confident that he served Two terms, in said Pattersons Guard as he has stated & is sure one term was Nine months as he has stated. That he has done all he can to explain & prove his service in the Revolution - Agur Curtis guard
Subscribed & Sworn to in Probate Court on said 16 th day of November 1833 before me
Attest
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Mark Moore Judge

26. 5/3.
Agur Cortez Jun o Application for a Pension

We the Subscribers Justices of The Peace in the Town of Stratford in Fairfield County State of Connecticut Do hereby certify That we are personally acquainted with Deacon Asa Curtis Jun r of said Stratford who has applied for a pension. That he sustains a good Character and is believed in the Neighborhood to have been a Soldier in the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion & have full confidence that he has stated the Truth in his Declaration to obtain a pension Stratford August 3. 1833
David Brooks
Daniel Tilton
Isiah Gorham

The said Agur Curtis Jun r 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.
Attest
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Agur Curtis Jun r
We, Lewis Burton  clergyman , residing in the town of Trumbull and Ephraim J. Wilcoxson of Stratford residing in the same, hereby Certify, that we are well acquainted with Agur Curtis Jun r who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 72 years of age; that he is reported and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Attest
Sworn and subscribed the day and date aforesaid.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Lewis Burton Ephraim J. Wilcoxson
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after 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 Lewis Burton who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman , resident in the town of Trumbull and that Ephraim J. Wilcoxson who has signed the same, is a resident of the town of Stratford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest,
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Mark Moore Judge
I, Roswell S. Nichols Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Agur Curtis Jun r for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this 2 day of August
Office,
183 3
R. S. Nichols, Clerk

I Mark Moore Judge of the Court of Probate within & for the District of Stratford certify that Roswell S Nichols is Clerk of said Court That the foregoing is his signature with the seal of said Court thereunto Annexed Mark Moore Judge

State of Connecticut.
By his Excellency HENRY DUTTON, Governor of said State.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know ye, That Stephen S. Smith was on the 14th day of August A.D. 1854 for the term of seven years from and after said date appointed a Notary Public —
in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his acts and attestations as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within attestation is in true form and by the proper officers, and that I believe the signature of said _____ to be genuine.
Henry Dutton
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 11th day of April A.D. 1855, and in the seventy eighth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
O. Perry Secretary of State.

No 6. Sept 12 '49
Rev. Samuel D. Root Sept 12 '49
ct. June 17 1844 Hulda Curtis to (Original)
now Stearns
1849
Rev. J. G. Edwards
Memphis Tenn.
Washington D.C.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Stratford 6. Sept. 10. 1844.
Sir,
I forward by this mail the application of the Widow Hulda Curtis for a Pension, Mrs. Curtis is well known to me, to be the Widow of Asa Curtis, late Asa Curtis Jr., a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. The Original Pension certificate, granted to her late husband, alluded to in her Declaration, has been returned to the Pension Agent at Hartford Ct. & the Amt. due on the same from the 4 th of March to the 22 nd day of Ap r . 1844, the day of her husband's death, has been received. The documents now forwarded it is presumed, will be found sufficient to establish her claim. Should that be the case, you will please forward to me, the Certificate necessary, to enable her regularly to receive her annual payments.
I am Sir Respectfully Your O b d Serv t David Brooks

Comptroller's Office
Wadsworth Conn't. 19 Novemr. 1844.
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Asgur Curtiss jr. in the War of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office relating to that War, and do not find any Pay Rolls of the companies in which he is said to have served, of the dates of his alleged service. But find the following evidence of the service of the officers under whom he is said to have been, —
In the books of the late "Pay Table" office, are these entries —
"War . . . . . D r
1777 Sep. 5 — To order on Treasr. in full Col o Samuel Whiting Pay Roll for his Reg t Militia stationed at Fairfield. } 1502. 2. 9 3
(And in "Markell's Receipts" is this entry — "Jan y 25. 1779 Col o
Samuel Whiting Guard at Stratford £10. 12. 0 Special duty.")
"War . . . . . D r
1778 Nov. 3 — To order on Treasr. P r John Smedley for Barracking State Troops at Fairfield. } 431. 10. 8 3
To d o Lieut t Sam l Patterson Pay roll Coast Guards. } 197. 13. 1 3
"War . . . . . D r
1779 July 5 — To order on Treasr. P r D r James Burden his Pay roll for his Company of Coast Guards at Stratford. } 133. 2. 3 3
1780 March 27 — "To order on Treasr. P r Cap. James Burden his Pay roll Coast Guards. } 2773. 3. 5 3

"United States . . . . . Dr.
1780 March 27 To order on Treasr. P. Cap. James Burten his Payroll Count de Etairg. } 1,266. 3. 7 3/4 (Ensign Saml. Uffoot is mentioned as serving with his Co. Guards at Stratford - date of entry 29 Jan y . 1778
1780 May 25 - "War . . . . . Dr. To order on Treasr. P. Col. Whiting for Am t his Pay of Services Sea Coast, (corresponding entry says Col. } 1,118. 3. 10 3/4 Samuel Whiting)
" "United States . . . . . Dr. To order on Treasr. P. Col. Whiting for his Pay Roll for Services in New York State. } 149. 11. 2 3/4
"War . . . . . Dr. 1782 Feb. 7 - To order on Treasr. P. Cap. Robert Walker Stratford Guard 2d Div. . . . (Specie) } 1,166. 15. 0 3/4
And in "Markell's Receipts" under head of "Expense of Coast Guards", Dr. Samuel Patterson is entered as rendering accounts for services at Fairfield and at Stratford, under dates of January & December 1781, supposed to be the times of settlements or of rendering the accounts. A. Carrington, Comptroller

Nov. 23 1844
Frank P. Nov 23 1844
Addres, case of Huldah Curtis
Free
Rev. J. S. Church Sumption of Services Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,
Stratford Ct. Nov. 21. 1844
I forward enclosed a Certificate from the Comptroller of this State, relative to the services of Agur Curtis Jr. during the Revolutionary War. In support of the claim of Huldah Curtis, Widow of the S. Agur Curtis, for a Pension, under the Act of June 17. 1844. You will please forward to me, the Pension Certificate she may be entitled to receive.
I am Sir Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt David Brooks
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

6
Houcah Curus Maw of Agur Low
act 17 June 1844
Adm o Iyeus private #80 per am. June 22 o april 1844-
David Brooks Stratford Low.

The California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
OFFICERS
Herbert M. Lee, President Care of Pelton Water Wheel Co. 2020 10th St., San Francisco Mission 6781 Carl G. Brown, Senior Vice-President Mills Building, San Francisco Alden Ames, Junior Vice-President Mills Building, San Francisco Major Leon French, Secretary-Treasurer-Registrar 640 State Building, San Francisco—Park 8700, Local 187 Harold D. Padgett, Historian 341 Montgomery St., San Francisco
BOARD OF MANAGERS
Stanley G. Harris E. De Los Magee Charles K. Melrose Fred M. Neely Dr. F. N. Rose Howard C. Rowley E. H. Steele Paul Stinchfield
NATIONAL TRUSTEE
Howard C. Rowley 341 Montgomery St. San Francisco
San Francisco, California
August 17, 1926
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
It appears that both Agur Curtis, Sr. and Agur Curtis, Jr., were while residing in Fairfield County, Conn. pensioned because of service rendered during the Revolutionary War.
I desire for an applicant for membership in this society to identify the particular Agur Curtis from which he descends and will therefore appreciate it if you will be good enough to have me furnished with digests of the applications for pension of the two men above named, with particular reference to the name of the wife of the applicant and names of any children of the applicant which may appear therein.
Very truly yours,
Leon French Leon French, Secretary.