Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,869, John Cleland, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Cleland, John
No. 20,869
Thankful,
CONTENTS

Notation sent to J P Smith Esq. 22 Sep 1820 Fredonia, N.Y.
15.640  New York
John Cleveland
of Chautauqua Co in the state of New York who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Willis of the Connecticut line, for the term of three years
inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th of Oct r 1819 and sent to Philo Astor Esq. Fredonia New York
Arrears to 4th of Sep r 1819 — $129.33 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 Oct r 1820 — 48.
16 mo 5/30
$177.33
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued

New York - 360.
Thankful Blackman widow of John Blackman, decd? N.Y.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th Mar ch 18 th and who died on the 16 th Feby 1827 - of Chautauqua in the State of N.Y. who was a P ri in the Comp ny commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by W yl lis in the N.Y. Vols line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1832
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of Sept r 38 and said to Jacob Houghton, Fredonia, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept r $200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00
$240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Bardin Clerk, Vol. 2 - Page 72
Letter to Jacob Houghton 1 Dec. 1838
" to same 24 Dec. 1838
" to same 8 Jan. 1839

John Cleveland, Jr.
Col. Reserves Connecticut Regt.
See Ch. 10 - 1861
30 th April 1861.
There is an error in the date of the date of enlistment I am summed for care-
name of the Col. the oldest in the Fredonia, N.Y.
State of N.Y. etc.

State of New York Chautauqua County
Personally appeared before me John Cleland a revolutionary soldier and being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that some time in the winter or spring of the thousand seven hundred & eighty Eighty, he enlisted into the army of the United States, Capt. Abney, Company and he believes Regiment No. 8 Colonel Samuel Willys's Regiment Parsons Brigade Connecticut line and continued in service until Feb. 4 one thousand seven hundred & Eighty when he was honorably discharged then serving under Genl. Reuben Hunt and that his discharge is lost - and Further saith that from his reduced circumstances and old age stands in need of the aid of his country for support under the act of the United States, pass 18. th March 1878, for supporting indigent Rev- olutionary Soldiers
This John Cleland mark

State of New York Chautauqua County ss on the eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen before me Phila Orton one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the afore- said County personally came John Cleland who made the foregoing declaration and being duly sworn saith that the year in which he enlisted was twenty eight in- stead of eighty eight as therein written & that he served in Colonel Samuel Willys's Regiment as above intelli- gence further saith not.
Phila Orton
John Cleland, Jr. Col. Samuel Willys Connecticut Regt.
20 th April 1880.
There is an error in the date of enlistment of which name of the Col. Adm d
Fredonia, N. Y.

State of N.Y. Chautauqua County ss
Be it remembered that on the 30 th day of April 1878 that John Cleland Signor of the within & foregoing Statement personally appeared before me Philo Orton one of the judges of the Court of common pleas in & for the County aforesaid - and made solemn Oath that the same was true and from my knowledge of the Chara- -cter of the Applicant and inquiring into the circumstances of his service in the revolutionary Army believe the same to be true in all its parts _____ Philo Orton
I further certify that I have examined a respectable witness who is a neighbor to the above Applicant from whose testimony I am fully satisfied he is in very reduced circumstances and absolutely stands in need of assistance from his country's support - June 23. 1878.
Philo Orton one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Chautauqua County New York

State of New-York,
Chautauqua County ss.
I John Dexter, Clerk, of the Court of Common Pleas, in & for the County of Chautauqua, do hereby certify that, Philo Ostrow, appointed is a Judge of said Court, duly qualified & sworn residing in said County, and I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Philo Ostrow, & that his name subscribed to the foregoing affidavit & certificate are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have affixed the seal of said Court to these presents, & signed the same with my own hand at Mayville in said County the twenty third day of June 1818.
John Dexter, Clerk.
True in the minutes of Spring of the term held in the month of  January  February  1818  the  23rd  day of June  1818  the  23rd  day  of June  1818

John Chautauqua Cy Eiland Pension under the act of Congress of 18th March 1818 Schuylkill under the act of Congress, approved, 1 May 1820 Copy
Com Wyllis's reg t 15640 19 October 1819 Mar 20
7

State of New York Chautauqua County, p. 3
Be it remembered that on this twelfth twelfth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty, personally appeared before the Judges of the court of common pleas held at the Court house in the village of Mayville in & for the county of Chautauqua & State of New York, in open court (said court being a court of record in & for the said county, because it proceeds according to the course of the common law, has a jurisdiction in all limited in point of amount, keeps a record of its proceedings and has a seal) John O'Leary, aged about sixty two years resident in the said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows, to wit: That on the twenty eighth day of February in the year 1778, he enlisted into the company commanded by Capt. Thomas Abby in Col. Samuel Willis Regt. of the Connecticut line, for two years, that he served in the said company & regiment two years and was honorably discharged at Springfield New Jersey on the twenty eighth day of February in the year 1880. That he was in several skirmishes but no battle of consequence - That on the thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, he made a declaration before his Hon. Philo Orton Esquire, one of the Judges of the court of common pleas of Chautauqua County aforesaid, in order to obtain a pension under the act of congress, intitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war", passed on the 18th. day of March 1818, and that he has received a certificate of pension, marked, No. 15,640, by which it appears that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 18th. March 1818, he is inscribed on the pension list, Roll of the New York agency at the rate of eight dollars per month to commence on the thirteenth day of April 1818, which certificate was given at the war office of the United States the 29th day of October 1819 - And that the said John O'Leary did on this twelfth twelfth day of June 1820, exhibit to the court before the Judges thereof, in open court, the following acts taken and subscribed by him, before his Hon. Philo Orton Esq. and of the Judges of the said court, and did also at the same time, exhibit to the said court, the following schedule of his estate & income, also subscribed by himself
on of court court

State of New York Chautauque County ss. 3 x
I John Cleveland do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any other manner whatever, disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war", passed on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not now has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income whatever other than what is contained in the schedule herunto annexed and by me subscribed -
Subscribed & sworn to before me June 30 - 1820
John Cleveland Mark
Philo P. Norton One of the Judges of the court of common pleas of Chautauque County -
A true schedule of all the estate & income of John Cleveland of Garry in the county of Chautauque & state of New York, his necessary clothing & bedding excepted, exhibited made & subscribed by him self & exhibited to the court of common pleas of Chautauque County aforesaid, the thirtyth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty -
Real Property
I have no real real property, nor any interest in any lands, tenements, or hereditaments -
Personal Property
  Three cows, two of which I have purchased with pension money which I have received 45 1 old set of plow and swes join set 3 78   4, 2 yea old steers, purchased with pension money 44 1 axe, 1 hoe 2 "   6 sheep & 6 lambs 9 1 cow bell 2 78   4 hogs all purchased with pension money when young 16 3 hoes " 60   I have one note against one Hermon Haldredge for 6 dollars 6 Furniture   I have an account against David Carg for a pair of shoes but he has ran away 3 1 six quart Iron pot 1 "   9 cups & saucers which I have purchased with pension money 75   1 Tea Pot 38   1 Iron Tea kettle 1 25   1 Milk pail " 50   1 Water do " 50 

  6 iron table spoons  0.75    3 peels  0.37    2 Milk pors (tin)  1.00    3 tin basins  0.75    1 old pine chest  1.50  
I have no chairs, I use stools made of plank which I made myself. Knives & forks I borrow from one of my sons.
I have no provisions more than what I purchase of from my neighbors from day to day.
1 spail kettle, 1 pair horse chains, one spider.
In the winter & spring I travel about the adjoint towns amongst the farmers to sift their flax seed, & by that means have been able to procure myself & wife a bare subsistence  subsistence . But I have become so infirm that it is difficult for me to travel - and if I had not received my pension money last season, I must have suffered - But with that I procured two cows & some other necessary articles which have enabled me to live till this time. I live in a small log hut in the woods, and my cows & other cattle feed on the hedges that grass cuts in the woods & common lands. I take a piece of grass of some neighboring farmer to cut on shores & winter them.
I owe Messrs. Todd & Douglass Merchants for various necessaries which they have let me have, such as meat, flour & clothing, about $60.00
They have trusted me on my word that I would pay them as soon as I obtained my pension money.
I owe 2 other merchants about six dollars each - 12.00
I owe Doct. Snijants for medicine & attendance on my wife 92.11
My wife is very infirm & much of the time unable to help herself.
State of New York Chautauqua County ss
John F. Cleveland marks
I John Cleveland do solemnly and sincerely swear, that the above statement respecting my occupation, my family & my ability to support them, and respecting the situation of my property & the debts which I owe, are in all respects just & true.
John F. Cleveland marks
Subscribed & sworn to before me June 30, 1828
Richd. Orton one of the judges of the court of common pleas of Chautauqua county.

State of New York Chautauqua County
I Thomas B. Campbell Clerk of the court of common pleas held in and for the county of Chautauqua do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings, oaths & the schedule annexed are truly copied from the Record of the said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is one hundred and thirty five dollars twenty five cents In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said court, this 28 th day of July, 1820, —
Thos B Campbell Clk
John E. Lord Chautauqua Co NY a rescission under the act of Congress of 18th March 1818 John E. Lord in order to act of Congress, approved, 1 May 1820
Copied
John
Mygale's say 15640
19 October 1820
Mar 20
2

State of New York — } Chautauqua County ss.
On this 27. th day of June, A. D. 1837, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Chautauqua, at the June term of said Court, now holden at the Court house in the Village of Mayville in said County, personally appeared Thankful Cleland , a resident of the town of Stockton in the County of Chautauqua and State of New York, aged 79 — 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 4. 1836.
That she is the Widow of John Cleland , who was a Private in the Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution. That under the Act of Congress of 1818, the said John Cleland, her late husband, received a Pension of Ninety six dollars per Annum, from the time the same was granted until the day of his death. That the Certificate of his Pension and all the Documentary evidence, (except the annexed paper, signed " J. L. Edwards ") in relation to his services are on file in the War Office at Washington, as she is informed and believes true — and to which, for certainty in the premises, she refers for proof of his Services.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Cleland on the 27. th day of April, A. D. 1780; that her husband, the aforesaid John Cleland, died on the 16. th day of February 1827 and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Thankful her X Cleland mark
Sworn in open Court. The Declarant making her mark This 27. th June 1837
Before me G. W. Tew Clerk

Newton MS April 12
May 19 3 / 4
Jacob Haughton Esq. Fmaam New York
Stephen O'Keefe, Deposition

I Capes Mills of Tolland in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Eight years testify and say that I lived in East Windsor in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut in the year 1780 - I was well acquainted with John Giland who lived with me as a hired labourer - He had been in the United Service in the Revolution- ary war at that time a term of Three years and at the expira- tion thereof he came to my house and I hired him to work upon my farm - Early in the month of April in the year 1780 and while in my employ he was mar- ried to Thankful Easton who was Sister to my Wife - I was present at the Marriage - He & his wife resided in my family until the 10 th of September 1780 when he enlisted as a Private soldier in the service of the United States and went to Greenwich in Connecticut on Long Island Sound -

to guard the Coast - Justin Easton enlisted and went at the same time
The said John Olenda was gone until about the 1 st of December 1780 - when he returned, and took his wife and removed to Stafford in Connecticut - The Officers under whom the said Olenda served were Col. Levi Wells - Capt. Olin, Bissell Lt. Samuel Thrall - Ensl. Rufus Bissell. -
Cyrus Wells
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. 24 th March 1838 Then Personally appeared Cephas Mills well known to me and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed and I certify that the said Cephas Mills is a man of truth and veracity -
James Cooly Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss.
I John Ingersoll Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, being a Court of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that James Cooly Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was verified is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden and that his name there subscribed is his true and proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this twenty seventh day of March in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty eight
John Ingersoll Clerk
enc

2215 Thankful Cleveland widow of John Cleveland de? -
Declaration for a Pension, under the 3 d Section of the Act of July 4. 1836.
Jacob Houghton, of Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Agent,
2215
Thankful Cleveland widow of John N.Y.
act. 4 July 1838.
abnd 2 years pri 80 00
No deduction died in 1827.
Jacob Houghton Fredonia N.Y.

State of New York, Chautauqua County ss.
Oliver Cleland, aged 42 years, and Nathan Cleland, aged 40 years, both of the town of Stockton in said County, being duly sworn, depose & say, and each for himself says, that he is the son of John Cleland & Thankful, his Wife, named in the annexed Declaration of said Thankful - That the person now in Court, & whose Declaration is hereto annexed, is his mother, Thankful Cleland, the Widow of the said John Cleland; that the said John Cleland received a pension from Government, from the time it was granted until the day of his death, at the rate of $96.00 per Annum; that the said John Cleland departed this life on the 16 th day of February, 1827- and that his mother, the said Thankful Cleland has remained a Widow ever since that period, & is still a Widow -
Oliver Cleland Nathan Cleland
Sworn in open Court June 27. 1837 before me G. W. Tew Clerk
In the Court of Common Pleas, of the County of Chautauqua in the State of New York - June 27. 1837
On the foregoing proofs, the Court are satisfied that Thankful Cleland, whose declaration is annexed, is the widow of John Cleland deceased, who was a Soldier of the Revolution, & who died on the 16 th day of February 1827 and that the facts set forth in her said declaration are true, and that she is entitled to the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed

July 27th 1836 - It is also hereby certified that Jacob Houghton is a justice of the Peace of said County duly elected & sworn & that his signature to the annexed affidavits of Rosel W. Fitch & the Certificate of said Fitch's good character are in the proper hand writing of said Houghton, & it is further certified that Oliver Celand & Nathan Celand whose affidavits are annexed, are men of truth & veracity -
In testimony whereof the Judges of said Court have caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed - & given under the hand of the Clerk of said Court the 27th day of June 1837 -
S. W. Tew Clerk

March 27, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Everett D. Nichols 705 Ashland Avenue Muncie Indiana
John Cleland W. 20869 BA-J/MCS
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of John Cleland.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 20869, based upon the military service of John Cleland.
He enlisted February 28, 1778, as private in Captain Thomas Abbe's company in Colonel Samuel Wyllie's Connecticut regiment and was discharged February 28, 1780. He enlisted September 10, 1780, and served until about the first of December, 1780, as private in Captain Ozias Bissell's company in Colonel Levi Wells' Connecticut regiment and was engaged in guarding the coast.
He married April 27, 1780, at Wapping (which was later East Windsor) Connecticut, Thankful Easton.
After his return from service in December, 1780, he moved with his wife to Stafford, Connecticut.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 30, 1818.
In 1820 he was living in Chautauqua County, New York, aged about sixty-two years.
He died February 16, 1827. The names of his parents were not given and the date and place of his birth were not given.

His widow, Thankful, was allowed pension on her application executed June 27, 1837, at which time she was living in Stockton, Chautauqua County, New York, aged seventy-nine years.
In 1837 the soldier's sons, Oliver aged forty-two years and Nathan aged forty years, were living in Stockton, New York.
The widow's sister, Hannah, married Cephas Mills and was living in 1838. Said Cephas Mills was the groom at the wedding of John and Thankful Cleland and in 1838 he was seventy-eight years of age and was living in Tolland, Massachusetts.
One Justice or Justin Easton was living in East Hartford, Connecticut, in 1838, and stated that he was then in the seventy-sixth year of his age. It was not stated that he was related to the widow.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Tolland Mass
June 15
Mr. Nathan Oland — Gasadagua — Shunla Post Office — Chautauqua County State of New York
JS
Shunful Oland widow of John Oland
Jacob Hougham of Fredonia Chautauqua Co. N.Y. Agent

I Cephias Mills of Holland in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawful Age To Testify and say that I was well ac- quainted with John Oleland for- merly of East Windsor in the State of Connecticut and was present when he was Married to Thankful Easton - They were Married in the month of April A. D. 1780 - at East Windsor by William Wolcott Esq.
I do not recollect the day of the month, but I well remember being present at the marriage and acted as Groomsmen. Said Oleland Served three or four months in the Revolutionary War after he was Married - Cephias Mills
I Hannah Mills Wife of Cephias Mills Testify and say that I was well ac- quainted with John Oleland and Thankful Easton, and believe they were married at East Windsor in Connecticut in the month of April 1780 - I was invited to the wedding but my health was such that I could not attend - My husband attended the wedding - I well re- member that he went into the Army in the war of the Revolution and served about three months after he was Mar- ried Hannah Mills

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden Co. Granville 10 th May 1807 Then personally appeared Ephraim Mills and Hannah Mills his Wife and made Oath to the truth of the foregoing Disposition by them sub- scribed - And I certify that I am acquainted with the Deponents and believe them to be persons of truth and veracity -
Samuel Cooley Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. — I John Ingersoll Clerk of the Common Pleas Court being a Court of record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that Henry Crosby Esq. before whom the foregoing Affidavit was verified is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden and that his name thereunto subscribed is his true and proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this Thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty seven
John Ingersoll Clerk

NY 2115 Aug 27 add post Thankful Island
Free
L. Edwards, Esq m Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City.

Fredonia, N.Y. 21. Augt. 1838
Sir,
I enclose the Certificate and letter, which I have recd. from the Comptroller of Connecticut, in the case of Mrs. Thankful Cleland, widow of John Cleland decd. — The Compt. says: "This proof will go to corroborate your Declaration to the War Department, and I trust will be satisfactory."
If this proof should be considered satisfactory (and I believe it will,) it will be a great relief to this poor widow, if she could draw her money in Sept. next —
In the case of Candace Sage, widow of Abm. Sage decd. she will accept the five years Pension, if entitled to it —
Your Oble. Servt.
Jacob Houghton.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.

Fredonia, N.Y. 1. Jan'y 1839-
Sir, I have rec d your letter of the 24 th Ult. and now enclose the Pension Certificate of Mrs Thankful Cleland , that the Error may be corrected, on so that she may have a Certificate under the Act of July, 1836 - I will thank you for the Certificate as soon as may be convenient -
Your Ob t . Serv t .
Jacob Houghton.
J. L. Edwards, Esq r .
Comm. of Pensions, Washington-City. -

Free
Mon 6 Dec 18
Thankful & O'Leary
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington-City.

Fredonia, N.Y. 10. Dec. 1838-
Sir, I have recd. a Pension Certificate for Mrs Thankful Cleland, under the Act of July 7. 1838- and so intended to have informed you, in my letter of the 20. Ult. But she claims under the Act of July 4. 1836 - I have forwarded to you the Aff ts of Cephas Mills & Wife & Justin Easton, together with the Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut - The Aff ts show that John Cleland her late husband was in service after the Marriage, & Easton testifies that he "missed with him at least one Month" - The Comptroller's Certificate shows the service of the Col. and Capt. All which, it appears to me, must be satisfactory, that Mrs Cleland is intitled to a Pension, under the law of July 4. 1836 - With these proofs, we felt confident of success - and therefore applied for a pension under the last mentioned Act, and no other -
Your Ob t Serv t
Jacob Houghton.
J. S. Edwards, Esq r Comm. of Pensions Washington City.

Payment to be made at Albany — by J. W. Scott Esq., Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Albany, N. York
First payment to be made
on the 31st December 1838, and on the 4th issue a Certificate March and 4th Septem- ber in each year there- after.
July 4. 1836
Send to Hon.
R. P. Marvin Recorded in the Pension H. R.
Office, in Book A. Vol. 2 —
Page 72 by write to the Agent to correct the R. Burns Clerk. error

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the first section of the act of July 7, 1838, Thankful Blalock, widow of John Blalock, deceased who was a Private during the Revolutionary War, and died on the sixteenth day of Febry 1827, is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Eighty dollars and 50 cents per month annum , commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this nineteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
S. Cooper. Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

J. L. Edwards, Esq m
Washington-City.

Fredonia, N.Y. Jan'y 22. 1839-
J. S. Edwards, Esq.
Sir, I have transmitted to Mr. Marvin, Member of Congress, from this District, copies of the papers, which are here enclosed - and have requested him to see you on the subject they contain -
Your Ob t Serv t
Jacob Houghton.

State of New York — } Chautauqua County ss. }
Roswell W. Fitch of the town of Pomfret in the County of Chautauqua & State of New York, a native of East Windsor (then called Wapping) in Connecticut & a Soldier of the Revolution, & now a Pensioner, in the 74 th years of his age, being duly sworn, testifies and says, that the annexed Declaration of Thankful Cleland, widow of John Cleland deceased, has been read to him — and thereupon he further deposes and says that he knew and was well acquainted with the said John Cleland & Thankful, his Wife, before and after their marriage; that her name, before marriage, was Thankful Easton; that she lived in the family of John Grant, this deponent's Great Uncle, at East Windsor (Wapping) aforesaid, and that the said John Cleland & Thankful Easton were married at the house of said Grant, in the month of April, 1780 — That after marriage, they lived as man & wife five or six years in the family of said Grant, except that said Cleland was in service as hereinafter mentioned — And this deponent further testifies & says, that soon after the said marriage, perhaps three or four weeks, said Cleland went into the service as a private in the War of the Revolution, and served, he thinks, at least nine months afterwards — But he cannot speak with certainty as to time — This deponent also testifies & says that he was himself a private in the service at the same time, & frequently saw said Cleland in the service performing the duties of a Soldier, after his said marriage, in the year, 1780 — This Deponent says, that he believes they had one or two Children before they left the house of said Grant —
Roswell W m Fitch.
Subscribed & sworn to before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Chautauqua in the State of New York, the 27 th day of June, 1837 —
Jacob Houghton, J. P.

State of New York — } Chautauqua County ss }
June 27. th 1837
I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Rosel W. Fitch whose deposition, taken before me, is hereto more than twenty years annexed — and that he is a man of truth and veracity as I believe —
Isaac Haughton, J. P.
The words " more than twenty years ", interlined in the above Certificate —
Isaac Haughton, J. P.

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
3

Fredonia, N. Y.
29. June, 1837
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Sir, I have this moment rec d . the proof herewith sent, in the case of Thankful Child, who claims a Pension — Her Declaration & other papers were sent to you yesterday — I renew my request that you will forward her C ct Certificate, to me as soon as may be convenient — Yours respectfully
Jacob Houghton.

J. L. Edwards Esq m
Washington - City. —

Fredonia, Chautauqua County, N.Y.
June 28. 1837
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Sir, I enclose the Declaration of Thankful  Cleland , widow of John Cleland, who was a soldier of the Revolution - His papers are on file in your office - Believing that you will be satisfied and that no further proof will be required, I have to request that you will forward a letter to me, a Certificate for Mrs. Cleland, as soon as may be practicable.
Your Obt. Servt.
Jacob Houghton,

Free Miss
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City.
Comm.
Thankful
declared

The Case of Thankful Cleland, Widow of John Cleland, dec d .
Fredonia, N. Y. Nov r 6. 1837.
Sir, In this case, the Widow claims a Pension, and as I infer from your letter of the 28. July last to me, that her claim is " disallowed ", on the ground " that she was married in April, 1780, and it is established, by the Rolls and by the papers of her late husband, under the Act of 18. March, 1818, that he served from Spring of 1775, to 1. January, 1780, when he was discharged. " The words quoted are from your letter.
You have on file, the testimony of three respectable witnesses, viz. Rosel W. Fitch & Cephas Mills & Hannah, his Wife, that John Cleland, (the husband,) did serve several months after the Marriage. These witnesses knew Cleland & his Wife, before & after marriage - one or two of them were present at the Marriage - and all of them knew the fact and saw him in service after marriage, as appears by their Depositions on file.
It is seldom at this late day that such full proof can be obtained, & I was much disappointed that the claim was rejected. And I respectfully request that you will ex examine the case & give me your Opinion. I must think that you will send the Certificate, placing the Widow on the Pension list.
Your Obt. Servt.
Jacob Houghton.
J. S. Edwards, Esqr.

Jacob Houghton Esq. Fredonia Chautauqua Co New York

I certify that on application for evidence of the service of John Chelands I do not find his name on the Books or papers in this Office neither do I find any Pay Roll of Col. Orias Dipple - But do find in Pay Rolls Book dated at Hartford Apr 1782 under the Head of War &c To Amount of Col. Orias Dipple as rendered for Pay Roll his Company. Wells Regiment 1780 State Money £1995. 5. 11 also a corresponding entry in Washburn's Receipts. show this service at Greenwich - a subsequent settlement with Col. Orias Dipple made in 1784 but gives no place where service was rendered. Comptroller's Office Hartford Conn. Augt 15 / 1838
Henry Washburn Compt.

Jacob Houghton Esq
Hartford Aug 15 1838
Sir Your favor of the 10 th inst. enclosing Two dollars is at hand. Enclosed you will find a Certificate of the Pension of Capt. Orieas Bishop - which is all we can make out for you - as we have few Pay Rolls after 1775 and none as late as 1780 - This proof will go to corroborate your declaration made to the War department and I trust will be satisfactory.
Yours Respectfully Henry Wisbourn Compt

NY Apr 26. add. pff Thankful Cleveland,
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.
True RE

Fredonia, N.Y. April 18 th 1838
J. L. Edwards, Esq r ,
Sir,
In the case of Thankful Cleland , widow of John Cleland, dec d I enclose a further Deposition of Cephas Mills, which with his former Deposition & that of his Wife, I should think would be satisfactory —
If however more proof should be required required, I am informed it can be obtained by sending again to Massachusetts & Connecticut. — I hope however it will not be required of this aged & poor widow
Yours respectfully,
Jacob Houghton,
Agent for Mrs. Cleland,

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
1933. Mar. 27 hist. to Mrs. Everett D. Nichols (Mrs.) 1933. Mar. 31 hist. to Mrs. Cleland A. Ward (Mrs.)
File No. 20869 Thankful Cleland Widow of John Cleland Prin. Rev. W
Act: July 7 th 1838
Index:—Vol. 28 , Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]

John blealand
Continued

15640. War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
September 21. st 1820.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined; and the Secretary of War has directed your name to be continued on the Pension Roll.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. S. Edwards.
To Mr.
John Cleland,
Chautauque County,
New York

V 2215 NYK!
Rejected
see let. to J. Houghton,
July 28, 1837.
do. to same Nov. 14. 1837
Do. to do - July 24, 1838.
John Cleland 80 Azias Bispell - Levi Wells - Granwich. In 78 - not on

July 6
On MS
4 July '36 3d Sec
Free
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington  City .

Free
FREE
Hon. Richard P. Marvin, Member of Congress, Washington - City.
Hon R. P. Marvin H.R.

New York. 2529
Thankful Clarke, widow of John Clarke,
who died on the 16: Feby. 1827 of Chautauqua in the State of N. York who was a Pri. in the Compy commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by W. G. Lewis in the N. York line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834
Certificate of Pension issued the 27: day of Feby '39, and said Hon. R. P. Morris, Ho of R. A.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept - $ 600.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00
$ 640.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 - Page 107.

War Department,
Pension Office,
July 28, 1837.
No. 1. Sir
The claim of Mrs Thankful Cleveland, widow of John Cleveland, deceased, has been examined and disallowed.
The Act of 4 July, 1836, provides for the widows of Revolutionary officers and soldiers whose marriage took place before the termination of the last service of their deceased husbands respectively.
The claimant alleges that she was married in April 1780, and it is established by the rolls and by the papers of her late husband under the Act of 18 March 1818, that he served from Spring of 1775 to 1 January, 1780, when he was discharged.
Her papers are placed in file.
I am respectfully,
Your obt servt
(copy) A. L. Edwards.
Jacob Houghton, Esq Greconia, N.Y.
War Department,
Pension Office.
July 24 th 1858.
No. 2. Sir
The additional statement of Cephas Mills in the case of Mrs Thankful Cleveland, in which he sets forth a term of two or three months in 1780, at Greenwich under Captain Ozias Burrill of Colonel Wells's regiment, has been examined. It is necessary that the Comptroller should state how far his accounts either confirm or discredit the alleged term.
I am very respectfully
Your obt Servt
(copy) A. L. Edwards.
Jacob Houghton Esq Greconia, N.Y.

3.
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of John Pelanet, I do not find his name on the books or papers in this office, neither do I find any Pay Roll of Capt Ozias Bissell - But do find on Pay Table Book, dated at Hartford April 1. 1782, under the head of War Dept to Capt Ozias Bissell's Acct, rendered for Pay Roll, his Company, Doolittle's Regiment, 1780, State money, $1995-5-11- also a corresponding entry in Haskill's receipts show this service at Greenwich - a subsequent settlement with Capt Ozias Bissell, made in 1783, but gives no place where service was rendered -
Camptrailer's Office.
(copy) Henry Kilbourne. Comp t Hartford Conn t Aug t 15. 1858
Hartford, Aug t 15. 1858.
Jacob Houghton, Esq.
Sir, Your favor covering  enclosing two dollars is at hand. Enclosed you will find the Certificate of the Services of Capt. Ozias Bissell, which is all we can make out for you, as we have few Pay Rolls, after 1775, and none as late as 1780 - This proof will go to corroborate your declaration, made to the War Department, and I trust will be satisfactory -
Yours respectfully
(copy) Henry Kilbourne, Comp t
War Department.
Pension Office.
Dec. 1. 1858.
4.
Sir
In reply to that part of your letter of the 20 th ult., which relates to the case of Thankful Pelanet, I have to state, that a pension certificate was enclosed by mail for Mrs Pelanet, addressed to you, on the 13 th of September last -
I am respectfully Your Oble Serv t
Jacob Houghton, Esq.
Enclosure
(copy)
F. L. Edwards.

War Department.
Pension Office.
5.
I certify that in conformity with the first section of the Act of July 7. 1838. Thankful Chelane, widow of John Chelane, deceased, who was a private during the Revolutionary war, and died on the sixteenth day of Feb. 1827, is entitled to receive five years pension, at the rate of Eighty dollars, and cents per annum commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836. And in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
(L.S.)
Given at the War Office of the United States, the nineteenth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
(copy) S. Cooper,
Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and counterigned
(copy)
F. L. Edwars Commissioner of Pensions.
360
6.
I Cephas Mills of Holland in the County of Hampden in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawful age, certify and say that I was well acquainted with John Chelane formerly of East Windsor in the state of Connecticut. I was present when he was married to Thankful Easton. They were married in the month of April A.D. 1780, at East Windsor by William Wolcott Esq. I do not recollect the day of the month, but I will remember being present at the marriage and acted as Groomsman. Said Chelane served there a four months in the Revolutionary War after he was married.
(copy) Cephas Mills
I Hannah Mills wife of Cephas Mills certify and say that I was well acquainted with John Chelane and Thankful Easton, and believe they were married at East Windsor in Connecticut in the month of April, 1780. I was invited

to the wedding but my health was such that I could not attend. My husband attended the wedding. I well remember that he went into the Army in the War of the Revolution and served about three months after he was married - (Copy) Hannah Mills - Sworn June 10. 1837
7. I Cephas Mills of Tolland in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy eight years, testify and say, that I lived in East Windsor in the County of Hartford and state of Connecticut in the year 1780. I was well acquainted with John Oland who lived with me as a hired labourer. He had been in the United service in the Revolutionary War, at that time, a term of three years, and at the expiration thereof he came to my house and I hired him to work upon my farm - Early in the month of April in the year 1780 and while in my employ he was married to Thankful Easton who was sister to my wife. I was present at the marriage. He and his wife resided in my family until the 10 th of September 1780 when he enlisted as a private soldier in the service of the United States and went to Greenwich in Connecticut on Long Island Sound, to guard the coast - Justin Easton enlisted and went at the same time. - The said John Oland was gone until about the 1 st of December 1780 when he returned and took his wife and removed to Stafford in Connecticut. The officers under whom the said Oland served were Col. Levi Wells, Capt. Ozias Burrell Lt. Samuel Thrall. Enr. Russell Bifnell - (Copy) Cephas Mills. Sworn March 24. 1838.
8. State of New York } Chautauqua County ss } I Justin Easton, of the town of East Hartford in the County of Hartford in the state of Connecticut, in the 76 th year of my age, do on my oath testify and say that I was well acquainted with John Oland, in his lifetime, and with Thankful, his wife who is now living - and I do further testify and say, that in the fall of the year 1780 I was in the service of the United States in the War of the Revolution - as a private in Col. Wells -

Regiment of Connecticut and was stationed at Greenwich in Connecticut. The officers under whom I served were Capt. Ozias Bissell, Lieut. Samuel Thrall, Ensign Russell Bissell and orderlies Sergeant Elijah Bissell. And I do further testify and say that the above named John Cleveland was a Private in the said Company of Capt. Bissell and served faithfully, that I met him with him at least one month and know he was in the said service at that time, at least two months & that when I left the service, said Cleveland remained as a Private of service in said Company.
(copy) Justice Easton
Sworn Oct. 17. 1838-
War Department
Pension Office.
Dec. 23 rd 1838
9.
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 10 th inst. I have to state that it would seem from a re-examination of the papers of Mrs. Thankful Cleveland, that they were erroneously endorsed July 1838, in stead of July 1836. Mrs. Cleveland will return her pension certificate in order that the error may be corrected.
I am respectfully Your ob t serv t (copy) J. L. Edwards
Jacob Houghton, Esq., Greeneville, N. York
War Department
Pension Office Jan. 8, 1839.
10.
Sir
The case of Mrs. Thankful Cleveland has again been examined. The Department admitted her claim under the Act of July 7 th 1838, because it was believed that there was no service performed by her husband after the marriage. The claim under the Act of July 4 th 1836, cannot be allowed, as there is no satisfactory proof that he served after the marriage. The pension certificate will remain on our files.

I am very respectfully, Your Obedt Servt (copy) J. L. Edwards
Jacob Houghton Esq Mechanic N.Y.
Jan 1838-

The case of Mrs. Thankful Cleland, widow of John Cleland, deceased, who claims a Pension, under the Act of Congress of July 4, 1836. —
Brief, &c —
The annexed Papers, marked 1. 2. 4. 9. 10 , are Copies of letters from J. L. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions to J. Houghton —
The Papers, marked 3. are Copies of the Certificate and letter of Henry Hilborne, Esq. Comptroller of Connecticut.
The Paper, marked 5. is a copy of the Pension Certificate, under the Act of July 4, 1838, which Mrs. Cleland received, and which has been returned, and now remains on file with the Com te of Pensions (see letters, 4, 9 & 10.)
The Papers, marked 6. 7. 8. are Copies of the Depositions of Cephas Mills and wife, and Justin Easton —
By the letter, 1. it will be seen that John Cleland served from the Spring of 1775 to 1, Jan'y 1780, and that the marriage took place in April, 1780 — The marriage having been satisfactorily proved, the only question that can possibly arise, is, Did Cleland serve after April, 1780? — To prove this, we have been required to search the Office of the Com- ptroller of Connecticut — We have done so, and obtained all the proof, which the nature of the case would admit — The Comptroller's Certificate and letter, ( 3. ) show that Col, Wells and Capt Bispell were in service at Greenwich in the fall of 1780, — and of course the name of John Cleland was not found But there were no Pay Rolls to be found — Capt. Bispell was paid for this service, for himself and Company, £ 1995. 5. 11 —
But we are not left in doubt — The Depositions of Cephas Mills and wife and Justin Easton, ( 6. 7. 8. ) certified to be persons of truth and veracity, prove all that a Court and Jury would require — They prove that Cleland was in the service at Greenwich, in the fall of 1780 — and Easton testifies that he "met with him at least one month." —
In regard to the letters, ( 9. 10 ) I think we have reason to complain of unfair treatment — The first of these directs Mrs. Cleland to return the Pension Certificate ( 5. ) "in order that

I am very respectfully,
the error may be corrected?" — The other says: — "The Pension Certificate will remain on our files!" —
I know not what construction to put upon these two last mentioned letters — nor shall I attempt it —
I desire Mr Marvin to examine the proofs (which are short) and have an interview with Mr Edw. Edwards on the subject. — I am satisfied that Mr Marvin will agree with me that the proof is sufficient, and that Mrs Cleveland is entitled to a Pension under the law of July 4 1836. — and I desire to be informed of the result as soon as may be convenient.
It seems to me that the disposition of Easton must have been omitted on the examination.
Tadoussac, N.Y.
Jan'y 22, 1835 } Jacob Houghton.
X.
The Case of Mrs. Thankful Cleveland

War Department, Pension Office, July 28, 1837.
No.
1.
Sir, The claim of Mrs. Thankful Cleveland, widow of John Cleveland, deceased, has been examined & disallowed.
The Act of 4. July 1836, provides for the widows of Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers whose marriage took place before the termination of the last service of their deceased husbands respectively. The claimant alleges that she was married in April, 1780, and it is established by the rolls & by the papers of her late husband under the Act of 18, March, 1818, that he served from Spring of 1775 to 1. January, 1780, when he was discharged.
Her papers are placed on file.
I am, respectfully,
Your obt. servt.
(copy) J. L. Edwards
Jacob Houghton, Esq. Fredonia. N. York.
War Department Pension Office July 24, 1838.
2.
Sir,
The additional statement of Cephas Mills in the case of Mrs. Thankful Cleveland, in which he sets forth a term of two or three months in 1780 at Greenwich under Captain Ozias Bissell of Colonel Wells' regiment, has been examined.
It is necessary that the Comptroller should state how far his records either confirm or discredit the alleged term.
I am, very respectfully
Your obt. servt.
(copy) J. L. Edwards.
Jacob Houghton Esq. Fredonia, New York.

The Department admitted her claim under the act of June 1828
3.
I certify that on application for evidence of the services of John Celand, I do not find his name on the books or papers in this office, neither do I find any Pay Roll of Capt. Oziel Bissell. But do find on Pay Table Book dated at Hartford Apr. 5 1782, under the Head of War D. to Capt. Oziel Bissell's Accts, rendered from for Pay Roll, his company, Wells Regiment, 1780, State money, £1998. 5. 11 - Also a corresponding entry in Marked receipts show the service at Greenwich - A subsequent settlement with Capt. Oziel Bissell, made in 1784, but gives no place where service was rendered - (Copy) Henry Billbourn, Compt. Comptrollers Office Hartford, Conn. Aug. 15. 1838.
Hartford, Aug. 15. 1838.
4.
Jacob Houghton, Esqr.
Sir, your favor covering two dollars is at hand - Enclosed you will find the Certificate of the services of Capt. Oziel Bissell, which is all we can make out for you, as we have few Pay Rolls after 1775, & none as late as 1780 - This proof will go to corroborate your declaration, made to the War Department, and I trust will be satisfactory - Yours respectfully (Copy) Henry Billbourn, Compt.
War Department Pension Office Decr 1. 1838.
4.
Sir,
In reply to that part of your letter of the 20 th ult. which relates to the case of Thankful Celand, I have to state that a pension Certificate was enclosed by mail for Mrs Celand, addressed to you, on the 19 th of September last.
I am respectfully Your ob t Serv t
(Copy) J. L. Edwards
Jacob Houghton, Esqr. Larchmont N. York.

5.
War Department Pension Office
I certify that in conformity with the first section of the Act of July 7. 1838, Thankful Cleland, widow of John Cleland deceased, who was a private during the Revolutionary War, and died on the sixteenth day of Feb y 1827, is entitled to receive five years' pension, at the rate of Eighty dollars, and — cents per annum commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; And in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death —
Given at the War Office of the United States, the nineteenth day of September, one thousand eight hundred & thirty eight —
(L. P.)
(Copy) J. Cooper, Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned }
(Copy) J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
360
6.
I, Cephas Mills, of Tolland in the County of Hampden in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawful age, Testify and say that I was well acquainted with John Cleland formerly of East Windsor, in the State of Connecticut & was present when he was married to Thankful Easton. They were married in the month of April A. D. 1780, at East Windsor by William Wolcott Esq. — I do not recollect the day of the Month, but I well remember being present at the marriage and acted as Groomsman. Said Cleland served three or four months in the Revolutionary war after he was married (Copy) Cephas Mills —
I, Hannah Mills, wife of Cephas Mills Testify & say that I was well acquainted with John Cleland & Thankful Easton, & believe they were married at East Windsor in Connecticut in the month of April 1780 — I was invited to the wedding but my health was such that I could not attend. My husband attended

the wedding - I well remember that he went into the army in the war of the Revolution & served about three months after he was married - (copy) Hannah Mills Sworn June 10. 1837 -
7.
I, Cephas Mills, of Tolland in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy eight years, testify and say, that I lived in East Windsor in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut in the Year 1780 - I was well acquainted with John Cleland who lived with me as a hired labourer, - He had been in the United Service in the Revolutionary War, at that time a term of three years, & at the expiration thereof he came to my house & I hired him to work upon my farm - Early in the month of April in the year 1780 and while in my employ he was married to Thankful Easton who was sister to my wife, - I was present at the marriage - He and his wife resided in my family until the 10 th of September 1780 when he enlisted as a private soldier in the service of the United States and went to Greenwich in Connecticut, on Long Island Sound, to guard the Coast - Justin Easton enlisted and went at the same time. - The said John Cleland was gone until about the 1 st of December 1780 - When he returned and took his wife & removed to Stafford in Connecticut.
The officers under whom the said Cleland served were Cols. Levi Wells, Capt. Ozias Bissell, Lt. Lemuel Thrall, Ens. Ralph Bispell - (copy) Cephas Mills.
Sworn March 24. 1838
Sworn before me this day personally appeared Hampden Co. ss.
March 24. 1838 - Certified by John Langswell. Clk.
8.
State of New York } Chautauqua County ss. } I, Justin Easton, of the town of East Hartford, in the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut, in the 86 th year of my age, do on my Oath, testify & say, that I was well acquainted with John Cleland, in his lifetime, & with Thankful his wife, who is now living - And I do further testify & say, that in the fall of the year 1780, I was in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution, as a Private in Col. Wells' Regiment of Connecticut and was stationed at Greenwich in Connecticut - The Officers under whom I served were, Capt. Ozias Bispell, Lieut.

Samuel Thrall, Ensign Rulip Bissel, & orderly Sergeant Elijah Bissel - And I do further testify & say that the above named John Cleland was a Private in the said Company of Capt. Elias Bissel, and served faithfully - that I messes with him at least one month & know he was in the said service at that time, at least two months & that when I left the service, said Cleland remained as a Private as aforesaid in said Company -
Sworn Oct. 17. 1838 -
(Copy) Justin Easton
War Department Pension Office Dec. 24. 1838.
9.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 10 th inst. I have to state that it would seem from a re-examination of the papers of Mrs. Thankful Cleland, that they were erroneously endorsed July 1838 instead of July 1836. Mrs. Cleland will return her pension Certificate in order that the error may be corrected.
I am, respectfully Your ob dt Serv t (Copy) J. L. Edwards.
Jacob Houghton, Esq. Pinedale N. York.
10.
War Department Pension Office Jan 8. 1839
Sir,
The case of Mrs. Thankful Cleland has again been examined

The Department admitted her claim under the act of July 4. 1838, because it was believed that there was no service performed by her husband after the marriage. The claim under the act of July 4. 1836, cannot be allowed, as there is no satisfactory proof that he served after the marriage. The pension Certificate will remain on our files.
I am, very respectfully
Your H ble Servt
(Copy) J. L. Edwards
Jacob Houghton, Esqr Fredonia, New York
2 Jan 1838

The case of Mrs. Thankful Cleland, Widow of John Cleland, deceased, who claims a Pension, under the Act of Congress of July 4, 1836.
Brief, &c -
The annexed Papers, marked 1. 2. 4. 9. 10 , are Copies of letters from J. S. Edwards, Esq r . Commissioner of Pensions to J. Houghton -
The Papers, marked 3 , are Copies of the Certificate and letter of Henry Kelbourne, Esq r . Comptroller of Connecticut
The Paper, marked 5 , is a Copy of the Pension Certificate, under the Act of July 7, 1838, which Mr. Cleland received, and which has been returned, & now remains on file with the Com t . of Pensions (See letters, 4, 9 & 10.)
The Papers, marked 6. 7. 8 , are Copies of the Depositions of Cephas Mills and Wife, and Justin Easton -
By the letter, 1 , it will be seen that John Cleland served from the Spring of 1775, to 1. Jan y 1780, and that the marriage took place in April, 1780 - The marriage having been satisfactorily proved, the only question that can possibly arise, is, Did Cleland serve after April, 1780? - To prove this, we have been required to search the Office of the Comptroller of Connecticut - We have done so - and obtained all the proof, which the nature of the case would admit - The Comptroller's Certificate & letter, ( 3 ) show that Col. Wells & Capt. Bissell were in service at Greenwich in the fall of 1780 - But there were no Pay Rolls to be found - and of course the name of John Cleland was not found - Capt. Bissell was paid for this Service, for himself & Company, £1995. 5. 11 -
But was we are not left in doubt - The Depositions of Cephas Mills & Wife & Justin Easton, ( 6. 7. 8 ) certified to be persons of truth and veracity, prove all that a Court and Jury would require - They prove that Cleland was in the service at Greenwich, in the fall of 1780 - and Easton testifies that he "messed with him at least one month" -
Jacob Houghton Esq. Pound Ridge, New York.
Your obedt. Servt (Copy) J. S. Edwards.

The Department admitted her claim under the act of July 4. 1838, because it was believed that there was no service performed by her
In regard to the letters, (9. 10) I think we have reason to complain of unfair treatment - The first of these directs Mrs Cleland to return the Pension Certificate (5.) "in order that the Error may be corrected;" - The other says "The Pension Certificate will remain on our files!" -
I know not what construction to put upon these two last mentioned letters - nor shall attempt it -
I desire Mr Marvin to examine the proofs (which are short) - and have an interview with Mr. Edwards on the subject. - I am satisfied that Mr. Marvin will agree with me that the proof is sufficient, and that Mrs Cleland is intitled to a Pension under the law of July 4. 1836 - And I desire to be informed of the result as soon as may be convenient -
It seems to me that the Deposition of Easton must have been omitted in the examination -
Jacob Houghton,
Fredonia, N. Y. - } Jan. 9 22. 1839 }
Copies of the above are sent to Mr. Edwards,
The case of Mrs Thankful Cleland, Widow of John Cleland, who claims a Pension under the Act of Congress of July 4. 1836.
J. Houghton, Agent.
Rev. R. P. Marvin.
H.R.

March 31, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
John Cleland W. 20869 BA-J/MCS
Mrs. Cleland A. Ward 88 Waterman Street Lockport New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War records of John and Samuel Cleland.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon the military service of soldiers in that war.
A careful search of the records fails to show such claim on file on account of the service of a Samuel Cleland.
As possible means of securing information in regard to the military service of this soldier, it is suggested that you address The Adjutant General, War Department, this city.
This office has no record of service rendered prior to the Revolution.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 20869, based upon the military service of John Cleland.
He enlisted February 28, 1778, as private in Captain Thomas Abbe's company in Colonel Samuel Wylllys' Connecticut regiment and was discharged February 28, 1780. He enlisted September 10, 1780, and served until about the first of December, 1780, as private in Captain Ozias Bissell's company in Colonel Levi Wells' Connecticut regiment and was engaged in guarding the coast.
He married April 27, 1780, at Wapping (which was later East Windsor) Connecticut, Thankful Easton.

After his return from service in December, 1780, he moved with his wife to Stafford, Connecticut.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 30, 1818.
In 1820 he was living in Chautauqua County, New York, aged about sixty-two years.
He died February 16, 1827. The names of his parents were not given and the date and place of his birth were not given.
His widow, Thankful, was allowed pension on her application executed June 27, 1837, at which time she was living in Stockton, Chautauqua County, New York, aged seventy-nine years.
In 1837 the soldier's sons, Oliver aged forty-two years and Nathan, aged forty years, were living in Stockton, New York.
The widow's sister, Hannah, married Cephas Mills and was living in 1838. Said Cephas Mills was the groomsman at the wedding of John and Thankful Cleland and in 1838 he was seventy-eight years of age and was living in Tolland, Massachusetts.
One Justice or Justin Easton was living in East Hartford, Connecticut, in 1838, and stated that he was then in the seventy-sixth year of his age. It was not stated that he was related to the widow.
In the papers of this pension claim, no reference was made to a Samuel Cleland.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

705-
705 Ashland Avenue, Muncie, Indiana March 1 - 1933.
Attention Pension Office, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please give me the official data on a Revolutionary soldier, John Cleland , who enlisted in Col. Willis's Regiment in Feby 1778 and

served two (2) years. He was the son of James and Thankful Hilder Cleland, who were married at Lime, Connecticut, Jan'y 1 = 1755. John Cleland and his wife Thankful Easton were married June 10 th 1780, and in 1810 settled on lot 54 in Charlotte, New York.
Will you please inform me whether or not John Cleland received a pension and where his enlistment record can be found -
Gratefully, Mrs Everett D. Nichols

MRS. CLELAND A. WARD 88 WATERMAN STREET LOCKPORT, NEW YORK
February 27th, 1933.
one to be used only
Pension Dept.;-
✓ I would like to obtain a record of the rev/War services of John Cleland , presumably enlisting from Greenwich, Mass. Born. 1758 ; Died Feb. 16, 1827 in Chautauqua Co. N.Y.
A pension was issued to his widow, Thanful'aton Cleland who died Jan. 9, 1848.
The family know that he served two years in the Regt. of a Col. Wilkes; that he served in all about seven years and he said he was the boy who was holding Putnam's horse when he was surprised by the Tories and that he hid under the hay in the barn.
How much would a photostat be of the Pension application?
My object in hoping to get this record is to trace the war record of an older brother S.D. Samuel Cleland.
Although there is a decided tradition that he was a Quarter master in the army and a Cornell Professor, at the marking of his grave by the D.A.R. said he was secretary to Gen. Warren; and there is a gap in his life 1770- 1779 , to date can only find a three month's enlistment, from Greenwich, Mass.
Recently I have learned from a descendant of John's that the brothers served at least part of the time together as he has the kettle in which they cooked their food together.
Do not think he filed a claim for pension but by getting his brothers services may locate his.
Can you tell me where to apply for services with French and Indians and as to his War record as long as he did not apply for a pension?
He lived from his marriage in 1767 to migrating in 1792 to N.Y. in vicinity of Greenwich, Mass.
Thanking you for your reply, I am Yours truly
Henry F. Ward
Address above.