Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10,621, Rufus Clark, Conn.

SERVICE
SERVICE Conn.
Clark, Rufus Lydia
NUMBER _____
W 10.621
CONTENTS

28003
Connecticut
Rufus Clark
of Daybrook in the State of Conn who was a private in the Conn commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col Ladd and in the Conn Troops time for 9 mo -
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 30 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Jan 7 1834 and serv No or N Barber He. of. R.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 33 - $ 75- Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 6 34 - 15-
$90
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E D Buelock Clerk Book E Vol. 3 Page 30

Settled with Hon. Chas. E. Clarke March 30, 1850
5348 Connecticut Lydia Clark widow of Rufus Clark Conn n who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1848.
6 Sept 1849
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of February 1850 and sent to
S. W. Stark, Esq. Essex, Connecticut
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 274 Vol. 1

State of Connecticut,
Middlesex County
Probate Court of Saybrook in said County
On this tenth - day of Sept r 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate holden at Saybrook in and for the Probate District of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut. The same being a Court of Record.
now sitting, Rufus Clark Esq - a resident of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex - and State of Connecticut, aged Sixty Seven - 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.
Rufus Clark Esq.
That he was born at Saybrook in the County of Middlesex, and State of Connecticut, on the 3 rd day of October A.D. 1765 - where he hath ever since, and now doth reside - and that there is a record of his age, in the family Bible of his late Parents, but nowhere else, that he is aware of -
That in March, or the first part of April 1781 - at said Saybrook - his brother - Dea Clark of said Saybrook, now living in that Town enlisted in to the Shore Guard to serve until January then next following - and that the applicant immediately took the place of his said Brother Dea, and served out the whole time, in said Guard, at the Saybrook Fort and was there discharged at the end of said time - That said Fort was at that time commanded by Capt. or Lieut. Martin Kirker - That he went with a few others, as a detachment from the Saybrook Fort, by order of Col. Lee, and, as he understood to strengthen the Garrison at the Groton Fort, and returned to the Saybrook Fort, about twelve days before the taking of the said Groton Fort. That John Jones of said Saybrook, hath since said Guard correctly in his present application for a pension, according to the understanding of the said Rufus Clark - That said Rufus Clark never applied for a pension until now - and never had a written discharge -
Rufus Clark

The said Rufus Clark — — — hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hingham Judge of Probate
Rufus Clark
We, Free Will Baptist — a clergyman, residing in the town of Say Brook and Hon. George Pratt — residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Rufus Clark — who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 67 — 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.
Before me Samuel Hingham Judge of Probate
Fred. Wm. H. H. H. Geo. Pratt
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that the Rev. Free Will Baptist who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Say Brook — and that Hon. George Pratt — who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Say Brook — — and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hingham Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Say Brook - Connecticut
1. Richard P. Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the County of Say Brook in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Clark Esq. — for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this Tenth — day of September 183 2
Office,
Richard P. Williams Clerk.

John Jones of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and state of Connecticut, deposeth and saith. That he is 70 years of age - that he is, since from his youth hitherto hath been well acquainted with Rufus Clark Esq. of said Town, who hath made and signed the annexed application for a pension. Which application and the statement therein contained he hath examined - and that in the deponent's knowledge to the said Guard at the time of serving all the time that said Clark says in his said application that he did - and the deponent saith that he was at New London in said Guard, at the same time that said Clark says that he was - and the deponent further saith that the said Clark said him in said Guard from the first part of April 1781 to January 1782 - and that he was at New London Fort, and was honorably discharged, all as he states in his said application - all which is within the knowledge and recollection of this deponent -
In presence subscribed and sworn to this deponent saith not before me in open court of Probate this tenth day of September 1832. and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Jones, and that he is a credible witness. Samuel H. Dyer. Judge of Probate.
James Ingraham of Saybrook - County of Middlesex and state of Connecticut, deposeth and saith. That he is 68 years of age - that he hath been acquainted with Rufus Clark Esq. of said Saybrook, who hath made the annexed application for a pension, from his youth up - and the deponent further saith he served in the Guard so called in Saybrook Fort from March or April 1781 - to January 1782 - as a soldier and that the said Rufus Clark Esq. belonged to said Guard, and served therein as a soldier in said Fort during all of said time, and was honorably discharged at said Fort with the deponent in January 1782 - and that the said company and Fort were at that time commanded by Martin Ladd - The deponent understood that said applicant served in the place of his Brother Ezra Clark -
And further the deponent saith not -
In presence subscribed before me in open court of Probate this tenth day of September 1832. and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said James Ingraham and that he is a credible witness.
Samuel H. Dyer. Judge of Probate.

Once Clerk of Saybrook County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut. deposes and saith that he is seventy years of age. that he hath always lived and remain in said Saybrook. that Rufus Clark who hath made the annexed application for a pension is Brother of the Depo- nent. and that the Deponent enlisted in to the Service for six months, in the Spring. probably before of 1781. to serve in Saybrook Fort. and that his Brother, the said Rufus Clark, took the place of the said Deponent and served out the time of six months therein, at said Fort, according to the best recollection and belief of the Deponent.
And further the Deponent saith not
Sworn and subscribed before me in open court of Probate this tenth day of September A.D. 1832. and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Ezra Clark and that he is a credible witness.
Ezra Clark
Samuel Hingham Judge of Probate

No. 30.
Rufus Glanville
1932
I Richard D Williams of Saybrook. Clerk of the Court of Probate in and for the District of Saybrook - County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut do hereby certify - that the within and foregoing contains the original office proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Glanville for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 22 d day of June A.D. 1833 -
Richard D Williams Clerk -

United States of America State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex } Probate District ss Saybrook
On this 5 th day of January A D 1850. Personally appeared, before the Probate Court within and for the District of Saybrook the Widow Lydia Clark a resident of the Town of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut and within Probate District aged 78 years the 16 th day of April A D 1849 who being first duly sworn according to law - doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed February 2 nd A D 1848, entitled "An Act making provisions for surviving widows of the soldiers of the Revolution" - that she is the widow of Rufus Clark late of Saybrook now deceased, who was a private during the Revolutionary war - and to whom a certificate of pension was issued of which the following is a true copy
War Department Revolutionary Claims
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Rufus Clark of the State of Connecticut who was a private during the Revolutionary war is entitled to receive, Thirty dollars & cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 payable semiannually on the 4 th of March & 4 th of September in every year - given at the War Office of the United States this 8 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
LEW CASS Secretary of War
Examined & Countersigned J. L. EDWARD Commissioner of Pensions
Number 28005 & recorded in the Pension office in Book E. Vol. 3.

- Page 30 by E. D. Bullock Clk - she further declares that she was married to the s d Rufus Clark on the 10 th day of January 1787 by the Rev d Frederick William Hotchkiss then a pastor of the first Congregational Church in the Town of Saybrook but now deceased - and that her name before marriage was Lydia Bushnell that she has now in her possession an old family Bible in which her husband the s d Rufus Clark now deceased, recorded in his own hand writing the marriage of him the s d Rufus Clark & her then s d Lydia - which is in the words & figures following "So w th it" Rufus Clark & Lydia Bushnell married January 10 th - 1787 -
She further declares that her late husband the before named Rufus Clark died on the 6 th day of September A D 1849 and that she has remained a widow ever since that time
Sworn to & subscribed on this 5 th day of January A D 1850 by the said Lydia Clark Clark before this Court
Lydia Clark
In presence of M c Clure Clark J. W. Starkey
Attest - Clark Nott Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Saybrook
I hereby certify that the blot & erasure after the word Lydia on this Page above was made before signing
Attest Clark Nott Clerk of Probate Court

State of Connecticut- County of Middlesex } Probate District of Gaybrook
I Clark Nott clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Gaybrook do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to this Court that Rufus Clark late of Gaybrook now deceased was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum during his natural life, and was a resident in the Town of Gaybrook, County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, and that he died in said Town of Gaybrook on the 6 th day of September A.D. 1849, and that he left a widow whose name is Lydia Clark who is still living and remains his widow at the present time
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court at said Gaybrook this 5 th day of January A.D. 1850
Attest
Clark Nott clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Gaybrook

State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex } ss Saybrook
On the 5 th day of January A.D. 1850, Personally appeared before me, J. W. Starkey a Notary Public in & for the State duly authorized by law to administer Oaths, the Rev d E. B. Crane of said Town of Saybrook; who being first duly sworn according to law - deposeth and saith, that he is Thirty nine years of age - that he now is, and has been a Pastor of the first Congregational Church, in the Town of Saybrook County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, eleven years last past - that next before he took charge of said Church, the Rev d Frederick William Hotchkiss now deceased, was Pastor of the same for more than Fifty five years, that he has in his possession, a marriage record Book belonging to said Church, in which are recorded the marriages performed by him the said Hotchkiss in his own hand writing; & that in said marriage record Book, there is an entry in the hand writing of the said Rev d Frederick William Hotchkiss, in the words and figures following "To Wit" = "Rufus Clark and Lydia Bushnell were married by me January 10 th 1787" = "that the said Lydia Bushnell is the identical person now named Widow Lydia Clark in the foregoing application for a pension - Widow of the said Rufus Clark, who died on the 6 th day of September 1849 & who was at the time of his death a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, that the said Lydia Clark has never intermarried since the death of her husband but now remains his widow"
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written Before Me J. W. Starkey Notary Public Ethan B Crane Pastor of 1 st Congl. Church in the Town of Saybrook

I hereby certify that the Rev E. B. Crane who signed the within & foregoing affidavits, is well known by me, and that he is a very respectable person and entitled to full credit in his testimony.
J. M. Starkey Notary Public

19323
Rufus Clark 6 t
Return this
9 in beam 30
Dr N Barker Hefy
L Ingham

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. 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, shewing the Service of Rufus Clark. . . 6 T
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     ap. 11/31-imb 9 Private Capt. Mirtland Col. Ledyard Guadalupe the shore 67 born - and entire. The service at Sag. Droo. at Middlesex 67. 6 T and still live in 8 place two surviving witnesses from the service certificate of Chryyman and a citizen  
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 he 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 enquiry 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 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 affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
Note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Rufus Clark  only one a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. M. File 10,621
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apl. 1781 to Jany 1782 Private Martin Kirtland Ledyard Conn.   stationed at Saybrook & Groton Fort.          Subst. for brother Ezra
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Saybrook, Middlesex Co., Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 10, 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Saybrook, Conn.
Age at date of application, born Oct. 3, 1765 at Saybrook, Conn.
Remarks: soldier married at Saybrook, Conn. Jany 10, 1787 Lydia Bushnell born Apl. 16, 1771. He died Sept. 6, 1849 at Saybrook, Conn. and she was allowed pension on her application executed Jany 5, 1850 while a resident of Saybrook aforesaid.
Sol. Brother Ezra was born June 10, 1762 + married in Dec. 1786, + alive in 1849.
No further family data Respectfully,
1849 78
Apl. 16, 1771
1849 87 June 10, 1762
Commissioner.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
1919 Aug. 23. History to Mary A. Kirtland p.
File No. 10621
Lysia Clark
Wid
Rufus Clark
Pr Rec War
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. A , Page 1396
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rev Sec 5
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Will you kindly send me a copy of the Pension papers of my great grandfather Rufus Clark. W. 10621 only one sent all paid
and oblige
Mary A. Kirtland
1050 13 th ave. S.E.
Minneapolis
Minn.
August the Fifteenth.

Nugent Clarke
Payments to be made at Hartford by Res. of Farmers & Mechanics Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 3 Page 30 by E. D. Bullock Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Rufus Clark of the State of Connecticut who was a Private during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 8 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty- four
L. D. Bishop Secretary of War
Eram. Counter. ad. }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Washington 26 March 1880
Colo J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions
Sir
Rufus Blake of Say Brook Middlesex Co. Ct. served eight months in the revolutionary war in Colo Ledyards regiment & received a pension for such service of thirty dollars a year till his death which occurred some three months since. his widow Lydia Blake receives his pension now. Is she entitled to any bounty land she was his only wife & there were not married till after the war had ended.
A Chap. (B. L. Lewis by name) of Detroit has out of his great love for old soldiers & their widows & children put forth an advertisement that has waked up all the world to the hope of a pension & out of that has grown a weeks work for me & no doubt months for you.
With great respect
I have the honor to be you obed
servt
Charles H. Clarke

Hon J. J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Hon J. L. Edwards,
Essex January 7 th AD 1850
Dear Sir,
Inclosed I send the application of the Widow Lydia Clark for a Pension - please advise me of the results - when examined
I am Very Respectfully Your Ob dt Servant
J. M. Starkey
Hon J. L. Edwards

X Connecticut Roll, Act of June 1832, Rufus Clark, Jr. $20 per annum, To what time last paid? Ans: Sep: 4 1848

Lydia Clark, widow of Rufus, Connecticut
Act 2 Feb 1848.
Maria 1787
Widow 6 Sept 1849
Adm o for 9 months $30 per annum for 6 Sept 1849,
J. W. Starkey, Essex Connecticut

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex } ss. Saybrook
On the 5 th day of January A D 1850 Personally appeared before me S. M. Starkey a Notary Public in & for S d State duly authorized by law to administer Oaths the Ezra Clarke of S d Town of Saybrook, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposeth & saith, that he was 87 years of age the 10 th day of June A D 1849, that he well recollects of being present at the Marriage of the before named Rufus Clark & Lydia Clark, whose name was Lydia Bushnell before marriage, that he said the s d Rufus Clark now deceas d & the s d Lydia Clark, joined in lawful wedlock by the Rev d Frederick William Hotchkiss, then a Pastor of the First Congregational Church in S d Town of Saybrook but now deceas d , that s d marriage ceremony took place in January A D 1787 - he well recollects that the s d Rufus & Lydia were married in January next after his own marriage took place - that he the s d Ezra Clarke was married December 1786 as appears by the record thereof in his family Bible made by himself at the time
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year last above written "To wit," January 5 th A D 1850 -
Before Me
S. M. Starkey Notary Public
Ezra Clarke

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Ezra Black who signs the within affida- -vito & that he is a very respectable & credible person & entitled to full credit in his Testimony
S. W. Starkey Notary Public

Rupus Church Bds
3
9 th private
J. B.
Return to
M. Parker
H. P. R.

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss & Probate Court of Saybrook ss.
On this 11 th day of December 1833 - personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate held at Saybrook in and for the District of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, now sitting at said Saybrook - the same being a Court of record, Rufus Clark a resident of said Saybrook - in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut - aged 68 years last October - 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 th 1832 -
That he was born in Saybrook - County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut in AD 1765 - and hath at all times lived, and still doth live in said Town - and that there is a record of his age in the family Bible of his late Parents now dead - but no where else, that he is aware of -
That in the month of April 1781 - but on what day in that month, he is unable, from old age and the consequent loss of memory to state - his Brother - Ezra Clark, now of said Saybrook, enlisted, at said Saybrook, to serve in the Guard, at said Saybrook in the month of January A.D. 1782 - And that the applicant, immediately, left said Saybrook - in said month of April, but on what day from the cause aforesaid he is unable to state, Took the place of his said Brother in said Guard, and served therein as a common Soldier, the same being in the War of the Revolution, until the 1 st day of January 1782 - When he was honorably dismissed at the Fort in said Saybrook - having served in said Guard all the time aforesaid. That said Guard was commanded by Capt. Martin Kirtland - Was stationed in said Saybrook Fort - was raised by the State - was paid by the State - drew rations from the State - and were State troops - and that the service performed by said Guard including the applicant was a constant, and uninterrupted service - and that during the time aforesaid he attended to no other business - He thinks said Guard consisted of about 35 or 40 Men - That there are other no survivors of said service, within his knowledge, except John Jones, whose deposition is hereto annexed -

That in Oct. 1832. he made an application for a pension, which was rejected, upon the ground, he understands, that there was no evidence, that his said service, was constant, & authorized by law -
He says, that no intimation was given him, that any additional evidence was required; that if there had been, it could, and would have been furnished -
That he hath now procured and herunto annexed a certificate from the Comptroller of public accounts - and also, such other evidence as he hopes and trusts will be sufficient to support his claim -
The said Rufus Clark hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State -
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Rufus Clark -
Before me
Samuel Ingham Judge of Probate
We Frederick Wm Hotchkiss a clergyman residing in the Town of Day Brook, and George Pratt residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Deacon Rufus Clark, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be 68 years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood 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
Before me
Samuel Ingham Judge of Probate
Fred. Wm Hotchkiss Geo. Pratt

I Ezra Clark of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, depose, testify and say - That I am 78 years of age, - that I was born, and have during my whole life, lived in said Saybrook - that in the Spring of the year, of 1781. I cannot, say precisely what time. But think in the month of April. I enlisted at said Saybrook to serve in the Guard through that season, I think the time was to expire the 1 st of January, but owing to old age and the consequent loss of memory, I cannot swear positively to the time - I am certain, however that I enlisted to serve through the whole term of time, for which said Guard was at that time raised -
I further depose and say - that Rufus Clark of said Saybrook, who has subscribed the within application for a pension, and who is my Brother immediately took my place, as a substitute, and served out the term, as a common soldier therein - The said Guard was stationed in Saybrook Fort - was commanded by Capt. Martin Hirtland - The troops were paid by the State - drawn from the State - and were state troops - and the service aforesaid was a constant service -
And further the deponent saith not.
Sworn to, and subscribed, this 12 th day of Jan. 1833. before me. in open Court of Probate held at Saybrook in and for the County of Saybrook - And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Ezra Clark, and that he is a credible witness -
Simeon Ingham Judge of Probate -
Elias Tully of Saybrook - Connecticut. depose & say - that I am 51 years of age, and have during my whole life lived within one mile of the Fort in said Town - that I have been acquainted with the within named Rufus Clark from his youth - and that I well recollect that he served one season - I think in 1781. in the Guard stationed in said Fort - and that said Guard was at that time commanded by Capt. Martin Hirtland - I served in said Guard myself in 1779 - The troops at the Fort were always state troops - called in to service by the State - & paid by the State - and the service was a constant service - Sworn & subscribed and further I say not. before me in open Court of Probate held at Saybrook in & for the County of Saybrook - Conn. This 12 th day of Jan. 1833. & I certify that I am well acquainted with said Elias Tully & that he is a credible witness -
Elias Tully

I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety, under date April 13 th 1781, that, upon recommendation of the Civil Authority & Selectmen of the town of Saybrook, Capt. Martin Hirtland was appointed Lieutenant a Commandant of the guards stationed at Saybrook.
No roll of this company has been found, or evidence of the duration of their service.
The pay roll of Lieut Martin Hirtland is charged to the United States, upon the books of the Pay Table, under date March 12 th 1782, at £786, 6, 11.
E. Phelps

I John Jones of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut. Depose - testify and say - That I am 71 years of age - that I was born and during my whole life lived in the said Town of Saybrook - That I enlisted in the month of April I think the 20 th - to serve in the General until the 1 st of January 1782 - and immediately joined said Guard and served out the whole time of my said enlistment therein, at the Fort in said Saybrook - (and was, with the rest of said Guard dismissed the 1 st day of January 1782 - That said Guard was commanded by Capt. Martin Kirtland - and were State troops - their rations from the State - were paid by the State - the service therein was constant - and not periodical.
I further depose and say that from my youth up - I have been well acquainted with Rufus Clark Esq. who hath subscribed and sworn to the annexed declaration for a pension - and that he joined said company - to wit - said Guard, in said month of April, and before I did, and I think previous to the 20 th of said month and served therein as a common soldier during all the time until, the 1 st day of January 1782 - when he was honorably dismissed, with the rest of said Guard, at said Fort -
And further I say not.
John Jones
Sworn and subscribed at Saybrook in open court of Probate held at Saybrook in and for the District of Saybrook on the 12 th day of Dec r 1833 - And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Jones and that he is a credible witness -
Samuel Ingalls Judge of Probate
U. B - In the former declaration of this applicant - James Ingraham testified to the same thing, in substance, that John Jones, has above sworn to - but the said Ingraham has since that died.
Sam. Ingraham

I Richard P Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate in and for the District of Saybrook in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the within and foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Clark Esq. for a pension —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 12 th day of December A D 1833 Rich d P Williams Clerk —

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Clark, Rufus GRADE Private LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 3915 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Apr. 1, 1790
to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.