Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,628, John Coan, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Coan, John
S. 31,628
CONTENTS

Connecticut 28,933
John Coan
of New Haven in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Vail of the Connecticut Light Artillery in the Connecticut for Troops one year
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of July 1834 and sent G. Griswold Esq Guilford Connecticut
Arrears to the 14th of March 1832 120. Sem.-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 20 $140
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. } Rolla Clerk,
Recorded by Book F. 2 Vol. 3 Page 7
See Supplement in Nathan Root's file 22,777
Pay. Master Genl Agent to to R.D. Smith 27 June 1835
to R.D. Elliott 5 Feb 1836 to " " " " to Reuben Elliott 13 Sep. '36, to Alfred S. Henson 20 Sep. '41.
Ichabod Hale William Russell Timothy Grafton
Paid at Treasury, under act of April, 1838, from 4 March 1844 to 4 Sept 1844. Agent notified 24 April 1845.
date of death not on A.B.

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut, } ss. Probate Court Guilford District County of New-Haven, }
On this third day of August 1832 , personally appeared, in open Court, before the Resident Judge of the Probate Court of Guilford District now sitting, John Coan a resident of Guilford in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 69 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832:—That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:—
I John Coan of Guilford in New Haven County & State of Connecticut—Was born in S d Guilford January 27 th 1763 as will appear by the Certificate thereof accompanying this declaration In June 1779 I was drafted & served under Col. Mathew Mead of Norwalk Station at Housatonic—Major Abraham Tyler & James Smith Capt. both of Haddam in Connecticut & was dismissed the last day of Feb. 1780 by Col. J. Mead in a gen l discharge rec d by adjutant Bull I next served three months under Col. Benjamin Richards of Watertown & Capt. Dan. Collins of Guilford & was dismissed at N. London in the fall of 1780—In 1781 In the month of November & December I served one month at Seabrook Island in Guilford at the block House (so called) under the command of Capt. Peter Vail, —————
I Also enlisted & served under Capt. John Strong of Durham in a commission boat, between New London & Eatons Neck—during the months of July—August & September of 1781—Of this last mentioned service I have no positive testimony Whole term of service Fifteen Months (more)

In proof of my character for truth and veracity I would refer to Rev. David Baldwin & Capt Samuel Elliott both of Genesee & also Rev. Aaron Dutton & Nathaniel Griffing Esq.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John Coan
We, David Baldwin a Clergyman, residing in Guilford and Samuel Elliott residing in S Guilford hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Coan who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 69 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.
D Baldwin Sam Elliott
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 David Baldwin who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Guilford and that Samuel Elliott who has also signed the same, is a resident in S Guilford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court of Guilford District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Coan for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this third day of August 1832
George Griswold Clerk
All erasures & interlineations were made before signing & sealing - except that between the two first lines (viz that Reuben Elliott Judge of)

John Coan 14093.
The Application of John Coan of Guilford Connecticut for a Pension under the Law of 1832 taken before Reuben Elliott judge of The Court of Probate for Guilford District

State of Connecticut New Haven County } Probate Court Guilford District
On this 27 th day of June 1833 Personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Probate for Guilford District New Sitting, John Coan who has made the foregoing Declaration, and in order to amend the same - Further States that He lived in Guilford when first called into the service, lived there through the revolutionary war and has lived in & Guilford ever since, That in his first tour of service at Horse-neck he was drafted & served Nine Months constantly as a Soldier & not engaged in any other pursuit as will appear by the Deposition of Eber Lee attached to the first Declaration, without discharge That he has no documentary evidence in any He also further declares & says that He was at various other times called out & did duty for short terms, at Seets Island & elsewhere & that when the enemy burnt Downey the Store at Danbury he was marched to Reading under Col. Augustus Collins. For these last mentioned services he makes no claim for compensation. But for three months which I served under Col. Richard as Drum Major, & for Nine Months seven at Horse-neck & entirely separate one Month at Seets Island which I did serve as a private soldier (Exclusive of the

Three months service on board the commissioned boat under Capt Strong I Claim a Pension
John Coan
Sworn and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge
George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the additional proceedings of the said court in the matter of the Application of John Coan for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this thirteenth 27 th day of June 1833
George Griswold Clerk
Mr. Coan - being advised of the result of the cases of Obed Lundy & Alex of Orange Gordon, has made an exception of the three months service on board the commissioned boat, as stated in his first declaration - George Griswold Clerk

John Coan son of John & Mahitibel Coan, was born January 27 th 1863.
A true copy from the Records of the town of Guilford
Attest Samuel Fowler Town Clerk —
I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford do hereby Certify that the above named Samuel Fowler is Town Clerk of the Town of Guilford in New Haven County & that the Signature to the foregoing Copy of Record is his genuine Signature —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of this Office this 6 th Day of October 1882
George Griswold Clerk

14,091 John Coan Ch.
In Vail's Rolls. 8 mo. 20-
e. m.
1200 pirated #400
Geo Griswold Hulford Ch.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
8 June 1833
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. Those 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 John Crain New Haven Co Ct
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Jan '79 not Specified pr. Col Mead 19. Brady's Certificate   '88 3 " " Richards   '81 1 " Capt Vail  
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 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) 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 days 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
The claimant in this case must specify each term of his service in detail & prove by best evidence his boat service will not be allowed unless there is the state service
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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.
[2] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. [e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes 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 time, 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. [j] 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. [k] Mode of authenticating papers. [l] 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. [m] The notes from [a] to [l] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in [l] applies to continental troops only. [n] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases. [o] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [p] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

March 19, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. E. C. Chapin The Whittier Detroit, Michigan
JOHN COAN S. 31628 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request of recent date for the Revolutionary War record of Joan Coan 1763-1845, who served as a soldier, drummer and sailor from 1779 to 1781.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States based upon military service of soldiers in that war.
A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary War service of any soldier named Joan Coan. The record of one John Coan was found, the data of which seems to correspond with the data given by you for Joan Coan, and it is given herein as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 31628, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
John Coan, son of John and Mahitibel Coan, was born January 27, 1763, in Guilford, New Haven County, Connecticut; his birth was recorded in the town clerk's office of that place.
While residing in Guilford, Connecticut, he enlisted June 1, 1779, served as private in Captain James Smith's company, Colonel Matthew Mead's Connecticut regiment, length of tour nine months. He enlisted in 1780, served three months as drummer in Captain Dan Collins' company, Colonel Benjamin Richards' Connecticut regiment, and was discharged in the fall of 1780. He enlisted and served three months from July, 1781, on board Captain John Strong's whaleboat. He enlisted in November, 1781, and served one month as private in Captain Peter Vail's Connecticut company, in the Coast Guard, stationed at Leete Island in Guilford.

John Coan was allowed pension on his application executed August 3, 1832, at which time he was residing in Guilford, Connecticut.
No reference was made in the claim to wife or children.
There is no charge for furnishing this information.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

2 d Amendment State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } ff Probate Court Guilford District
On this first day of November 1833 Personally in Open Court before Reuben Elliott Esq. Judge of S d Probate Court now sitting John Coon of Guilford in s d District and being duly sworn according to Law, Doth on his Oath make the following decla- ration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed Jan y 7 th 1832 and in order to give a more detailed statement of his services than was given in his first Declaration
1 st That in the Month of June 1779 and on the first day of s d Month He was drafted by Capt. William Rossetter to whose Company he belonged, in the Town of Guilford & in the Society of North Guilford and was put under command of Capt. James Smith of Haddam & was marched through New Haven Stratford, Fairfield & Norwalk & the other intermediate Towns to Housatonic where the Company was joined to Col. Matthew Meads Regt. Abraham Tyler was Major and — Bull adjutant of s d Regt. — We were were encamped at s d Housatonic and in the Barracks near the old Church on the brow of the Hill where Genl. Putnam Rode down when pursued by The British. That he was put on Guard frequently at Byram River & Sherman's Bridge and was also frequently sent out on patrol to Rye Mamaroneck & East Chester That he was one of the Party who was sent from Housatonic to New Rochelle to take Col. Delancee & his party who was said

to be quartered there, Delancey it was supposed was apprised of their movement & made his escape personally. But his party consisting of about Twenty five refugees at that time were all taken prisoners & marched to the camp at Han- neck. He thinks Lieut Seely commanded this expedition & that a rear guard was left with orders to come on in twenty minutes , but not obeying orders delayed until a party of Delancey's men on horses came up & killed several & made some prisoners, few escaped. That he continued as a private Soldier this service constantly Nine Months, the term for which he was drafted, and was discharged in a General discharge read in front of the Company by Adjutant Bull of New York. He has no written discharge or any documentary evidence of this service But in Proof thereof he has obtained the deposition of Eber Lee who was his tent Mate Which deposition is attached to the former declaration.
2 nd That in the year 1780. He enlisted under the command of Capt David Collins, in S d Guilford for three Months, as a Drummajor & was marched through Killingsworth, Saybrook, & Separa to New London & Stationed on Winthrop's point where he remained a few weeks & was Marched to Poquatanuck near Norwich & was there employed in Making Fascines. That from thence he was Marched to Mohegan & remained there cutting & Making

Service, until his term of Enlistment expired Having served constantly Three Months — — as a Drummajor — When the Regiment was formed into a Battery squad by Col Benjamin Richards of Watertown & who commanded the Regt., & discharged by the adjutant who read the discharge in the squad — That he has no written Discharge or any documentary evidence of this term of duty But for proof of this service he has procured the Deposition of Isaac Dudley and Ichabod Hand The S d Dudley's deposition is annexed to the former declaration & the S d Hand's is annexed hereto —
3 rd That in the month of December November 1781 he was again drafted by Capt. Wm. Rosseter to whom Company he still belonged & was put under Command of Capt. Peter Vail & Stationed at the Block House on Seets Island in S d Guilford David Morse was Serjt. of the Guard — That he continued there constantly in the coast Guard service as a private Soldier One Month In proof of this service he has procured the deposition of Isaac Bishop who was also in the same service — That he has No written discharge or any documentary evidence of this service

4 th That in the same year of 1781 and before his service at Sackett's Island - viz in the months of July August & September he enlisted under Capt. John Strong of Durham & Eliakim Strong Mate and served as stated in his former declaration viz three months -
But from this service he has no written discharge - And knows of no person living who can testify to this service. And if nothing can be found in the records of the department to shew that Capt. Strong was commissioned the department does not think proper to admit this service without further proof - We would hereby relinquish his claim for the same -
But for three months service which he did serve in his 2 nd Term as Drummajor -
And for nine months service in 1 st Term & for one month in his 3 rd Term which he did serve as a private soldier - We claim a pension
And also for the three months service on board the Commuter boat if deemed admissible -
John Egan.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge

State of Connecticut } Probate Court Guilford District New Haven County } Feb. 15 th A.D. 1834
Personally appeared before me Court John Coarn Whose Declaration for a Pension was forwarded to the Pension Office Nov r 6 th 1833 - and in order to give the explanation required by the De- partment On Oath Further declares & says with regard to the officers under whom he served at Seets Island - That at the time stated in his former Declaration respecting that term of service, He was drafted by Capt. W m Rossett to whose Militia Company he belonged in the Parish or Society of North Guilford & put under command of Capt. Peter Vail that He & Luther Seets now dec d and one other person whose name he does not now recollect, and who were drafted at the same time went together to Capt. Vail, took supper with him & staid with him all night & was next day ordered to Seets Island to join the Guard at the block house under the immediate charge of Serj t David Morse who was Serj t of the Guard during his month's service - That He well recollects That James Davis belonged to the guard, but knows not what other officers he claims to have served under, it was common for the Guard to call Serj t Morse Capt e as he had constant charge of the guard at least during his W m Coarn term of service & as Capt e Vail only came occasionally to see & relieve the Guard -

Respecting his services as Drum major He says that He did not mean to be understood to claim that Grade for the whole term But that the facts respecting that His services at New London are as follows. Viz. That He en- listed under Capt. Dan Collins as a Drummer and did receive the bounty for enlisting was marched to New London as stated in his former Declaration & there did duty as drummer That William M c Conney of Chatham was Drum major, some time & about the time of marching to Pocatello he should think from five to six weeks after joining the troop, at N. London - M c Conney on account of Ill health obtained a furlough & went home & never returned during the three months term That on his leaving the field Co. was at the Head of the Music as his then M c Conney sub- stitute & as Drum major in which capacity he continued to serve until discharged He again declares & says that He did not intend to claim that Grade for that whole term of service and did not observe or understand that it was so expressed in the amendment to his declaration That in his first declaration he did not claim that grade because he did not know that by the act it would make any difference or he should have claimed it in his first as he intended to have done in his last declaration Viz for one month & a half — That he now claims pay as Drummer

for three the months, for proof of which We has procured the Deposition of Nathan Redfield who served with him as fifer
That Concerning his boat service under Capt Strong he has heretofore relinquished his claim, in consequence of not being able to find any person living who served with him & who could testify to his service.
That We has, since advised by the department, sent once to the Controller Office at Hartford to obtain proof of Capt Strong being Com- missioned but obtained nothing satisfactory and although he well knows, that Capt Strong had a Commission & was furnished with a Whale boat from New London We must again submit that part of his claim to the consideration of the department as it is
John Coar
Sworn and subscribed this 15 day of Feb y 1834 before the Review & Audit Judge
I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford hereby certify that the foregoing contains the additional doings of the Court in the matter of the application of John Coar for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal of office Feb. 15 th 1834
George Griswold Clerk

Application of John Coan Guelph Ct. for a Pension

I Nathan Redfield of Guilford in New Haven County & State of Connecticut aged 70 years
Do Depose & Say that During the revolutionary War and in the summer of 1780 I enlisted into the United States service under Capt Dan Collins of Guilford, as fifer - Was Marched to N. Sound & joined Col. Richards Regt. & served there at Pocumtuck & Mo- hegan three months - That John Coan of Guilford also enlisted under Capt Dan Collins as Drummer and that He the said Coan and myself were the Drummer & fifer to Capt. Collins company -
A Man by the name of M c Corney who was said to be from Chatham Co - was Drum major to the Col Richards Regt. when we joined the Regt. but some time after it as near as I can recollect about five weeks M c Corney obtained a furlough and went home I understood that he was sick, and well recollect that he did not return or do duty as drum major while I was in in that service -
And I well recollect that when M c Corney left the service, the said John Coan did the duty of drum major - Viz. He led the music & had charge of Whipping - I was present when there was two Whippers (one of whom was an Irishman) under his direction, I saw him the said Coan tie them & remember that the Irishman was whipped eleven & the other seven lashes -
The adjutant sit on his horse during the time of the flogging and said put it on well -
We the said Coan & myself & Jared Dudley also of Guilford were discharged at the same time & returned to Guilford in company with each other } Nathan Redfield after serving three months -

New Haven County ss Guilford Feby 15 1834
Personally appeared Nathan Redfield to me personally known and I certify is a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing
Deposition by him subscribed
Before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate for Guilford District
Joseph...

31628
Rev INVALID.
1914 Early 19 Hist. to Edward C. Chapin 1934 Mar 19 " " Mrs E.C. Chapin
File No. 31,628
John Coan Rev Rev Rev
Act: June 1884
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Conns John Coan - on the roll
General Sept 1
Ans
Sept 5
ct.
J. L. Edwards - Esq. Commission of Pensions - Washington D. C.

State of Connecticut } St. Guilford Aug. 24 th 1834 County of New Haven }
Sir - Mr. John Coan of this town, one of the United States Pensioners, whose payments were suspended, but have been restored, has requested me to address you on the subject of his claim - Mr. Coan states that when he first received his certificate for Forty Dollars He supposed that it was in consideration of his Nine Months service at Norwalk under Col. Matthew Mead in 1779 and his Three Months service at New London in 1780 under Col. Richards, - And that his claim for one month Guard service at Peck's Island under Capt. Peter Vail in 1781 - was rejected for want of further evidence as well as that of his boat service under Capt. Strong
In our communication to you dated Nov r 18 th 1835 - respecting the suspended pay s of John Coan, Schabed Hance & others an allusion to the case of Coan, with reference to his month of Guard service was made, in the hope that his claim therefor might be allowed and an increase of his pension obtained - - - - -
After the discovery of the Pay Roll of Capt. Vail's Company with the name of John Coan thereon, for one month service corresponding with his declaration, His hopes were raised to a confident expectation of an allowance for that service - The letter informing him of the re-establishment of his pay, was however silent on that part of the subject, and as a restoration of his pay s afforded him a temporary & timely relief he has delayed this application, but that in his depressed & unfortunate circumstances, being yet entirely blind, he feels constrained to request the department to take the subject into consideration, Believing that on examination

they cannot fail of finding him fairly entitled to an increase of his Pension —
With Sentiments of Respect Sir We are Your Ob d Servts —
Reuben Elliot Judge of Probate George Griswold — Clerk
J. L. Edwards Esq s Commissioner of Pensions —

FREE
Peter Hagner Esq Third auditor of the Treasury
June 18
Washington
Very respectfully yours & Mr. Hagner's son, J. P. Hagner and his mother as informants
New Haven 15 Sept April 5 Monday Dec 17 June 18
Con: John H. Hagner on see 32

New Haven Ct Sept 10 th 41 Peter Wagnung Dear Sir
John Coan a blind pensioner who draws a pension of 40 $ a year since 1832 says he sent on proofs of service for 9 months & 3 months & one month the last at Sable Island at the block house the testimony was all satisfactory but they pay for the one month never allowed but omitted by some error As he is a very sensible old fellow & needy I thought I should like to have him get it if practicable
If you can inform me you will much oblige Your most Obed Servt Alfred. S. Manson

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
March 21 st , 1846.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The adm: of John Coan, ad., a Pensioner on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency, at the rate of Forty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1844 to the 4 th Sept. 1844.
Respectfully, yours,
Wm. L. Gass
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss Guilford Aug 3 1882
Be it remembered that on the day and year aforesaid Personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Esquire a Justice of the Peace for New Haven County duly qualified Jared Bishop of Guilford to me personally known & who I certify to be a credible witness and being first duly sworn on his oath declares & says that I belonged to the Coast Guard in Guilford & stationed at Ledy Island in Guilford I think in Dec r 1781 and that I very well recollect that John Coan was there and belonged to the same Guard with me and did duty therein as a soldier and further the deponent saith not
Jared Bishop
Sworn and subscribed on the date above before me Reuben Elliott Justice of Peace
I certify that the above named & Judge of Probate deponent is a credible witness Reuben Elliott Judge State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss Guilford Aug 3 1882
Be it remembered that on the day and year aforesaid Personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Esq r a Justice of the Peace within and for New Haven County duly qualified Ebenezer Lee of Guilford to me well known and who I certify to be a credible witness and being sworn on his oath declares & says that he was detached with others of the militia and marched to Horse Neck and did duty there as a soldier nine months and I very well recollect that John Coan was there and did duty in the same company with me and John Coan was in service nine months This service was performed in the year 1779 & 1780 - and further the deponent saith not
Ebenezer Lee
Sworn and subscribed on the day and date above before me Reuben Elliott Justice of Peace and
I certify that the above named & Judge of Probate Ebenezer Lee is a credible witness Reuben Elliott Judge

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss Guilford Augt 3 1832 Be it remembered that on the day and year aforesaid Personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Esq a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New Haven duly qualified - Jared Dudley of S Guilford to me well known & who I certify to be a credible witness and being first duly sworn on his oath declar s & says that he enlisted in Capt Dan Collins Company of State troops for three months service and march to Wethersfield near New London in Cont and did duty there and in that vicinity all the three months expired and that John Coen was a Drummer in the Company and Coen continued in the service till the end of the three months this service was performed in the year 1780 and further the deponent saith not
Jared Dudley
Sworn & subscribed on the day and date above before me Reuben Elliott Justice of Peace I certify that the above named Reuben Elliott a Judge of Probate deponent is a credible witness Reuben Elliott Judge
George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford do hereby certify that Reuben Elliott the subscribing authority to the foregoing Deposition is a Justice of Peace & Judge of Probate for Guilford District duly appointed & legally qualified by Law authorized to administer oaths that the signatures are his genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of this Office this 6th Day of October 1832
George Griswold Clerk

I Ichabod Hazard of Guilford in New Haven County & State of Connecticut Now 84 years of age Being duly qualified Do Depose & Say That in the year 1780 I was in the United States Service under Command of Capt. Dan Collins & in Col. Benjamin Richards Regt at New London Station at Winthrop's Point from whence we were marched to Norwich, Pocumtuck & Mohegan, was in that service three months, the term for which I enlisted, and well remember that John Coan was in the same service and that He was a Drummajor in Capt. Collins Company, and served three months & was discharged with the Rest of the Company at Mohegan, I was acquainted with S r Coan before this service and have always known him ever since having lived in the same town —
Ichabod Hazard
Sworn & Subscribed this 1 st day of
November 1833 — Before me
George Landon Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Deponent Ichabod Hazard is to me personally known & a Credible Witness —
George Landon Justice Peace

State of Connecticut New Haven County ff Guilford Novm. 1 st 1833
I George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court for Guilford District, Do hereby certify that George Sanden Esq. whose signature is affixed to the within Deposition & Certificate is a Justice of Peace in New Haven County, resident in said Guilford, That he is duly Commissioned & acting under the Authority of the State, and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts & attestations done in that Capacity and that I am well acquainted with his the s d Geo. Sanden's hand writing and know his signature to the foregoing to be genuine being made in my presence
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal This 1 st day of November 1833
George Griswold Clerk
I George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court of Guilford district Do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original & additional proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Loon for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 1 st day of Nov 1833
George Griswold Clerk

Mrs E.C. Chapin The Whittier Detroit, Mich.
THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
War Department (% Pension Office) Rev. War File Washington, D.C.

War Dept.
Mar. 3, 1934
(c/o Pension Office of Revolutionary War File) Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Please sent me Pension Num- ber of Joan Coan 1763-1845 who served as a soldier, drummer and sailor from 1779 to 1781. Would like to know the cost of finding records and accounts of services of the same, Joan Coan for family reference.
Very respectfully Yours,
Mrs E. C. Chapin
address one ✓
ECC/BSB

EDWARD C. CHAPIN ATTORNEY LANSING, MICHIGAN
January 13" 1914.
Hon Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir.        Will you kindly send me data as to the services of John Coan, in the war of the Revolution. I am advised he was a member of Captain Vails Company, stationed at Guilford, Conn, for the defence of the sea coast, and afterwards received a pension.
I ask for this information, to aid me in preparing an application to join the Sons of the American Revolution. If there any charges, I will remit when I learn the amount.
Very Truly Yours
E. C. Chapin

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
N 7 31628
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Coan 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.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 1, 1779 9 mos. Pvt. James Smith Matthew Mead Conn.   1780 3 mos. Drummer Dan Collins Benjamin Richards   July 1781 3 mos. John Strong on whale boat.   Nov. 1781 1 mo. Pvt. Peter Tait in Coast Guards  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug 3 1832 His el. was al.
Residence at date of application, Guilford New Haven Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, b. in Guilford, Conn. Jan'y 27, 1763
Remarks:
He was the son of John & Mahitibel Coan. No other family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.