Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 40834, Reuben Church, Continental New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Church, Reuben
S. 40834
New York
{ B.L.W. 328-150- Ensign Issued Aug. 7, 1789 to Anspack + Rogers, assignees No papers.
CONTENTS

Vermont Roll.
1,411
Reuben Church, 11
I. Warner reg. Ensign
Connecticut Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
inserted on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 28th of March 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th of June 1818, and sent to Booz M. Atherton, Esq., Brattleboro Vt
arrears to 4th of Sept 1818.
5 months 4/31 8 105.24 4/30
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
7 Years
Not entitled to same as indicated - 100 and interest
1 Sept 1818

Vermont Roll.
1,411
Reuben Church,
S. Warner's regt.
Ensign
Cannoneer Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 28 th of March 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of June 1818, and sent to Booz M. Atherton, Esq. Brattleboro, Vt.
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818.
Semi-annual ending
5 Months 4/31 4/30. $ 105.24
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
7 Years
Not entitled and not entitled for much property -
4 Sep 1818

Stricken off under act 1 May 1820 - Notification sent 10 July 1820, to James Elliot, Esq: Brattleboro', Vt.
Co. must be re-instituted - too much property - motion sent to name of Hon: P. White, on April 1822 - Let to John C. Harris Sept 4. 1846 " Same Apr 17. 1847

Enf. Reuben Church Petr. for pensions
B. M. Atherton agent.
The seal of the Court waiting.
Adm
Booze M. Atherton, Esquire,
Brattleboro vt.
Commission enclosed
[Faint circular seal impression]

Windham Jp
State of Vermont
To the Hon. Gilbert Denison Esq associate Judge of the How County Court within and for said County of Windham Represents
Reuben Church of Brattleborough in said County of Windham, an Ensign in the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War. That your petitioner enlisted at said Brattleborough in May 1775 for the term of six months as a soldier under Captain Benedict of Ballstown N. York in the Regiment of Col: Van Schaick and the 2 d Battal- ion of the New York forces, that he served as a soldier in said company the whole of said term of six months. and at the expiration of said term he enlisted again into the same Corps at Montreal for the additional term of six months which said additional term he served out and was honor- ably discharged at P'kehambley in Lower Canada.
That in the winter of 1777 your petitioner enlisted again at Brattleborough aforesaid for the term of three years as a Sergeant in the company of Capt: William McCune of said Brattle- borough, and in the Regiment of Col: Seth Warner of Bennington Vt called the second Regiment of the Eastern additional Battalions, in which Regiment he served as a Sergeant until the twelfth day of Nov in the Year 1779 when he received an ensigns commission in the same Regiment, and that he served as an Ensign in said Regiment under Captain Thomas Sill of Connecticut from the date of his commission (which is herewith presented) until the army was disbanded at the close of the War.

And now the said Ensign Reuben Church (being, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, in need of assistance from his country for support) prays Your honor to make due inquest and examination touching the premises and to certify your satisfaction of the truth thereof to the Hon Secu- -lary of the War Department at Washington in order that the said Reuben Church may be placed on the pension list according to the Laws in such cases provided (And as in duty bound will ever pray.) Battelno. 28 March 1818
Reuben Church
State of Vermont
Wendham ss 3 Ap 18 18
Then Reuben Church signer of the foregoing petition personally appearing and being duly cautioned and carefully exam- -ined made solemn that the said petition and the matters and things therein contained and stated are just and true before me
G. Denison J. Asst. or Side Judge of the County Court
The undersigned Judge of the County Court of Wendham County aforesaid do further certify that I am fully satisfied that the said Reuben Church served in the Revolution- ary Army against the common enemy as in the foregoing pe- -tition is set forth and that the commission herewith transmitted is the true commission of the said Reuben Church. I further certify that the said Church is the owner of a small farm in said Battleborough from which he has heretofore been able to get a comfortable subsistence, but by reason of his advanced age and inability to labor has become considerably embar-

= raised, with a family of five persons depending upon him for support This I certify from my own knowledge of and from his representations of the same to me his concerns his living in my neighborhood Wherefore I certify that in my opinion the said Reuben Church is by reason of his reduced circumstances in life in need of assistance from his country for support.
Given under my hand at Brattleboro in the County of Windham & State of Vermont this third day of April in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Gilbert Denison, Assistant Judge of the County Court
State of Vermont.
Windham County Court, Clerk's Office Brattleborough, April 25 th 1818.
I certify that the Honourable Gilbert Denison, Esquire, is one of the Assistant Judges of the County Court of said Windham County, duly commissioned and acting as such, and that the signatures of the foregoing certificates are in the hand writing of the said Judge.
Witness my hand, and the Seal of the said Court, the day and year above written.
Attest.
James Elliot, Clerk.

No 115.
Reuben Church Application for Pension. Windham County, Vermont.
[Copy]

STATE OF VERMONT.
COUNTY OF WINDHAM ss. At the County Court, begun and held at New-Fane, within and for the County of Windham, on the second Monday of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty....
PRESENT—Hon. PHINEHAS WHITE, Esq. Chief Judge. Hon. JOHN ROBERTS, Hon. GILBERT DENISON, Esqrs. Assistant Judges.
ON this twentieth day of June, A. D. 1820, personally appeared in open court, being a court of record for the said county, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a civil jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having, in certain cases, the power of fine and imprisonment, Reuben Church, aged 63 years, resident in Brattleboro' in said county, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows—Firstly, I enlisted June 1775 into Capt. Benedict's Company, Colo. Van Schaick's Regt. New York Troops, and served about one full year under the Continental Establishment—Jan'y 1777 I enlisted again into Capt. Warner's Co. Colo. Warner's Regt. called the 2d United States Regt. as a Sergeant, and recd a Commission of Ensign, Augt 1779 & served as Ensign till the end of the War—
That he has received a pension under the act of the Congress of the United States of the 18th March, 1818, that the number of his pension certificate is 1,411 and the date of his original declaration is the 28th day of March 1818
AND I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR, That I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any 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 and Naval Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
SCHEDULE of real and personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted. Land, one hundred and twenty six acres, fifty acres of same improved, yearly income worth $50— One Chain of Oxen—Two Cows— one two year old colt—two yearlings—eleven sheep— one calf— one hog— one cart— one harp— wagon, brook— one plow— one desk— one case of drawers—pine two tables—ten kitchen chairs— one five panel bed— one iron bed— Old House and Barn— Three Hundred Acres of Land in Lower Canada, wild, and worth little or nothing— Furniture— 9 leather plates, 50c— 2 copper plates, 10c— 2 Pewter plates, 34c— 7 tea cups, and saucers, 25c— one pair fire dogs, 20c— 1 quart mug, 10c— 1 Shovel & Tongs, 25c— built pan, 50c— 1 Pail, 20c— 2 old tacks, 20c— one old brass kettle, $1.50— 1 tea pot, 50c— 2 glass Bottles, 50c— [?], 64c— 7— Vets due— John Williams $80— Shepherd, of Canada $200 doubtful— Samuel Church 20— Widow Stearns $5.50— Luther, Ames $3— 1308.50c— Jonas Dorr $214.22— Bonds & Vot good [?] nothing— Good in the whole $108— Debts due— David Wells $141.60— Genl. Hunt, 62.50c— Jonathan Hunt, $25.44— Robert Goodenough $20.60— Goodwin $6.60— George Hall $5— Jonas & Mairs $7.20— Thos. Miller $8— Samuel Root $4— Charles Chase $5— John Plummer $20— C. B. Hubbard $5— J. Bell $5— Jonathan Church $11.60— Ruth Lam $4— Dots Fitch $5— The above sum I was out, being just debts to many persons in the whole $346.54— The above a true list, except some trifling articles of little or no value— Reuben Church.
AND I do also swear that my occupation is that of a Farmer— have a wife aged 67 years, not able to labour much, and have one daughter living with me, Polly, aged 26 years— and my health for the most part not very good. Reuben Church.
SWORN to and DECLARED in open court on the 21st day of June, A. D. 1820, Before John Roberts, JUDGE.
James Elliot, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the files and records 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 $1588 dollars, and 70 cents. Real Estate $1300, Annual income from it $80— Personal property $288.70— IN testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 3rd day of June 1820. James Elliot, CLERK OF THE COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF WINDHAM.

Abt 17 '47
#
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Peter Darling Reub Church

I Also want to make a few enquiries in the case of Ensign Ruben Church of Brattleboro Vt deceased. I received a letter from you dated September 4 th 1836 that Mr Church drew under the Act of 1818 and was stricken from the roll of pensions by the act of May 1820 if he died before the 15 th of May 1828 there could be no claim whatever vested in him at his death which his children might establish and receive - I received a letter this morning from one of the heirs this morning stating that Ruben Church died September 18 th 1834 which is over six years from from the 15 th of May 1828 will you please send me directions how to proceed in order to obtain for the heirs what is their due from the time he was dropped up to his death
I am respectfully your Obt Servt
John C Harris
J L Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington DC

10
J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions Washington D.C.
9 Sep 1826

Wallingford August 28 th 1845
J L Edwards
Sir
I sent an affidavit to Edmund F Brown Esq of your city in relation to a pension of Ruth Asbina Davis of this town about three months ago; from which I have heard nothing & have written him twice in relation to it & receive no answer supposing him to have left your city Mrs Davis wished me to write and ascertain how her case stands
I also sent by way of Enquiry in relation Ensign Ruben Church of Brattleboro Vt the heirs think they are entitled to back pay which was due him up to his death if so please inform me how it stands
Respectfull your obt Servt John C Davis.
Church drew under the Act of 1818
J L Edwards
Com ee of pensions
Washington

Pension Department.
July 30 June 1818.
Notification sent 10th July 1820 to James Elliot
not entitled Providence, R.I.
Secretary of War
Washington City.

Act 1828
Settled of
Agency
Cores with dual file
# No. 534

Brattleboro, Vt. June 12. 1828
Hon. Richard Root Sir,
I enclose the within Declaration of Reuben Church for the purpose of obtaining his full pay under the late act of Congress.
He once received a pension for several years, but was stricken from the list of pensioners on account of his property.
His correspondence & other vouchers are in the Pension office as he states.
If any thing is wanting please give me notice very respectfully yours.
Jonathan Hunt M. H. Rep.

40 834
INVALID.
Rev
File No. No. 834
Reuben Church Ensign Rev War
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: — Vol. 8 , Page 83
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Office
Dept. of War D. C.

House of Repts. - March 2 nd 1822
Sir,
The enclosed memorial has been sent to me with a request that I would lay it before the Secy. of War - I take the liberty to transmit the same thro' you - Wish that an answer may be returned thereto, as soon as convenient - That I may be enabled to satisfy the applicant - Who is considered a well disposed man - -
I have the honor to be
A. White
J. L. Edwards Esq. Dept. of War -

No of orig Pag 107
110
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
5 July 1828.
Reuben Church of Brattleboro' — in the County of Windham — in the State of Vermont — has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the war,
at which period he was an Ensign in the Col Warner's regiment of the Continental line; (but does not state whether and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783;) and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, Nothing dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
Beyond the Secretary, A. D.kins
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE, July 7. 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Reuben Church Ensign in Warner's Regt Cont. line, amounting to Twelve hundred dollars.
It further appears that Reuben Church is now on the pension list of any agency, and has been since the 3d March 1826 per month.
John Hagner Auditor
/correct/

Brattleboro February 25 th 1822
Sir The undersigned your petitioner begs leave to represent to you that he was an Officer in the revolutionary war between the United States & Great Britain that he served in it near six years that when the law of Congress was passed allowing pensions to revolutionary Officers & soldiers who had served nine months he made application & his name was placed upon the pension list and he drew two years pay that he complied with the law calling upon all who drew pensions to exhibit a schedule of their property which being done his name was struck from the pension list. And being fully persuaded that if his case could be fairly made known he would be justly and legally entitled still to receive his pension. States that at the time of receiving his first pension he was considerably involved in debt & that the money he thus received was appropriated so far as it would tend to discharge his then existing debts instead of disposing of the property he then had to discharge them. which would have essentially diminished the amount of his inventory & your petitioner further states that he lived at the time of his service on the Territory now called Vermont which was then claimed by New York & New Hampshire that the Officers who served in the same Regiment belonging to other States when discharged received five years pay in addition to their pay then due that your petitioner received no pay after his discharge there being no State Government then existing where he lived to which he could apply for the same. Your petitioner would further state that he is old infirm & unable to labor and that the income of all the property he now possesses will not support himself & family & that he is also considerably in debt. Therefore your petitioner feeling the need of some assistance to render him in some degree comfortable in his last days, and also feeling the justice of his claim upon the government, earnestly requests that his name may again be placed upon the pension list & he be allowed to receive the same pension as heretofore or such other sum as may be thought reasonable & as is duly lawful will ever pray
Reuben Church

State of Vermont } Brattleboro February 25th 1822 Windham County } Then Personally appeared Benjamin Church the signor of the within Petition & made solemn oath that the facts therein stated are true before me. Elijah Root Justice of the Peace

Declaration of Ensign Reuben Church
For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an act, entitled, "An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15 th of May 1828, I Reuben Church of Brattleboro' in the County of Windham in the State of Vermont, do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such, to the end of the War to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided by the Resolves of Congress of the 3 d and 21 st of October 1780 was carried into effect, and that I was reduced under that arrangement, at which period I was an ensign in Col o Seth Warner's Regiment of the Continental line, and continued to serve as such to the end of the War. And I do declare that tho' I was enrolled as a pensioner, under the act. of 1818, yet I have not received of the United States any thing since the 3 d day of March AD 1826.
Witness my hand this twelfth day of June in the Year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and twenty eight.
In presence of Stephen Greenleaf Henry Smith
Reuben Church
State of Vermont Brattleboro' June 12. 1828 Windham County
Then personally appeared before me, Samuel Elliot, a justice of the peace in and for the County of Windham aforesaid, in the State of Vermont, Stephen Greenleaf Esqr and Maj. Henry Smith of the said County, who did severally make oath, that Reuben Church by whom the foregoing declaration was sub-

day of June in the Year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and twenty eight In presence of Stephen Greenleaf  Reuben Church Henry Smith
State of Vermont Wittelsboro June 12. 1828 Windham County
Then personally appeared before me, Samuel Elliot, a justice of the peace in and for the County of Windham aforesaid, in the State of Vermont, Stephen Greenleaf Esq. and Maj. Henry Smith of the said County, who did severally make oath, that Reuben Church by whom the foregoing declaration was sub- scribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated
Witness my hand this twelfth day of June in the Year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred & twenty eight. Samuel Elliot Justice of the Peace
* The purport of this is not fully understood & see Church copy it. S. Elliot

State of Vermont. Windham County s.
I James Elliot, Clerk of the Court, for the County of Windham, do hereby certify, that Samuel Elliot, before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a Justice of the Peace for said county, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, at Brattleborough in said county, this twelfth day of June in the Year 1828.
James Elliot Clerk.
Stephen Church Declaration