Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25770, Abram Hill, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Bill, Adam Leyda
W. 25-770 B.L. Wt. 9429-160-55
CONTENTS

18th Century
18th Century
18th Century
18th Century
18th Century
18th Century

65500 } at March 3/55 April 12/55
liv: Clement Oct. 11/55 let Crampton, " 25/55
Lydia Hill wife of Abram Hill
Cape Vice. D. D. Troops
End April 1782 Dis Lang 1782
Revolutionary War
Ad: 168 Acres. Nov 16 1855. 948 48 3/4
Buxton
By J. H. [signature]
Jesse Crampton Madison, Ct.
Clement Hartford Conn
Vol. Rec. 3. 5

State of Connecticut County of New Haven) S.S. Madison On this 9th day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid Lydia Will aged 89 years a resident of Guilford formerly of Madison in the State of Connecticut who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Abram  Abram Will (deceased) who was a private in the Army of the Revolutionary War with Great Britain. That her said husband enlisted at Guilford (now Madison) on the 10th day of April A.D. 1781 and for nine months and was honorably discharged the 1st day of January 1782. his service was performed in a Company commanded Capt Peter Vail. Timothy Field was Lieut and Jonathan Todd Ensign. My said husbands service is clearly proved by Capt Vails pay roll now in the pension office. She further states that she was married to the said Abram Will in Madison on the 18th day of September A.D. 1784 by one Jonathan Todd Minister of the Gospel. I have no record evidence of my marriage and that her name before her said marriage was Lydia Murray. That her said husband died at Madison on the 30th day of September A.D. 1844 and that she is now a widow and that she has never before applied for or received any bounty land. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of approved March 3rd 1855.
* I received a pension Certificate for $30 per annum
Lydia her X Will Mark

State of Connecticut } ss Guilford Apr 9th 1855 County of New Haven }
We Martin Seward and Stephen Conkling residents of Guilford in the State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Lydia Will in our presence and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be
Martin Seward
State of Connecticut }
Stephen Conkling
County of New Haven } ss Guilford April 9th 1855
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
Jesse Crampton Notary Public
We Martin Seward and Stephen Conkling residents of Guilford  Hadson in the State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that we reside in Guilford  Hadson aforesaid near to the late residence of Abram Will deceased and his wife Lydia Will now a widow and that we know them to cohabit as husband and wife for more than 30 years and that they were so reputed
Martin Seward
Sworn and subscribed on this 9th day of April 1855
Stephen Conkling
before me
Jesse Crampton Notary Public

State of Connecticut County of New Haven
S.S. Madison April 10th 1835
I Samuel Dudley hereby certify that I hold the office of Sexton in Madison aforesaid and that I find on a tomb stone the following inscription
Abraham Hill Died September 30th 1840 aged 77
Samuel Dudley
Personally appeared Samuel Dudley who subscribed the foregoing Certificate and made oath to the truth of the same the day and year above written before me Jesse Crampton Notary Public

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 Second day of August personally appeared, in open Court, before the Probate Court of Guilford District — now sitting, Abraham Hill a resident of Madison 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:—
That on the 1 st of April 1781—He enlisted Guilford as a private into the service of the State of Connecticut, into a company of Guards com- manded by Capt Peter Wick —The name of the Col l he does not recollect—That he served for the term of nine Months and was stationed upon the Shore of Long Island Sound , to watch and keep off the British, and to take boats and persons found trading with the enemy—That he was in several skirmishes with the traders and officers to take one Boat loaded with British goods—That he continued to serve in said company of Guards till the expiration of the nine Months for which he enlisted —That he had no written discharge but was verbally dismissed at Guilford, where he had served—on the last day of Decem- ber 1781—That his wages were Forty Shillings per Month—That S er John Willard & Abel Meigs of Madison are the only persons living whom he recollects to have served with him in said company of Guards—That he has no documentary evidence—and that he knows of no persons whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service, excepting the above named Abel Meigs and S er John Willard —That he was born at Guilford (in that part of Guilford now called Madison) in the County of New-Haven and State of Connecticut

and that he has resided there ever since he was born, which was on the 26 th day of May 1763. That this age is recorded in his Family Bible and as he believes also upon the Records of the Town of Guilford
I am acquainted with Doct Reynolds Webb (bapt) Hubbardston Rev Samuel N Shepard and Jesse Crampton who can testify as to my character for veracity & services

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.
Abraham Hill before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate
We, Samuel N. Shepard a Clergyman, residing in Madison and Jesse Crampton residing in Madison hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Hill who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 64 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.
Samuel N. Shepard Jesse Crampton
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 Samuel N. Shepard who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Madison and that Jesse Crampton who has also signed the same, is a resident in said Madison and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate
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 Abraham Hill for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Second - day of August - 1832.
George Griswold Clerk

The Application of Abram Hill of Madison for a Pension under the Law of 1832 1890 1/4
Taken before the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in New Haven County & State of Ct. Reuben Elliott Judge

18th Dec 1840 London John [?] to [?] 1840

sagaciously to set upon them, and to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.
18 For the care that they had for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and kinsfolks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal care was for the holy temple.
19 Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being assured of the conflict abroad.
20 And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,
21 Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy:
22 Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezeckias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand:
23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them;
24 And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.
25 Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs.
26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.
27 So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.
28 Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.
(181)
29 Then they saw the head of Nicanor, and his hand, which he had stretched out against the sanctuary, they cut off, and cut it short, and hung it up upon the tower, as an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
30 And they rejoiced greatly, and praised the Almighty in their own language. 31 And Judas, who was the chief defender of the citizens, both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward his countrymen all his life, commanded to cut off Nicanor's head, and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
32 So when he was there, and had called the nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,
32 And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.
33 And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.
34 So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.
35 He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
36 And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.
37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an end.
38 And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.
39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste: even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.

18904 Abram Hill Connecticut
MC Admitted Private 9 months
Geo Griswold New Haven Conn

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. 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, showing the Service of Abram Hill New Haven Connecticut
   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.     Jul 1781 — 9 — privt Capt Vial — Several Skirmishes Long Island 69 Guilford Conn. Traditionary Evidence & 2 Neighbors  
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 } County of } ss.
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 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 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 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 (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 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 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

8928
Lydia Hill born.
Act 7. July 38.

State of Connecticut } S.S. Madison County of New Haven }
On this 10 th day of April A.D. 1843 Personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court for the District of Madison Lydia Will a resident of Madison in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows, That she is the widow of Abram Will, who was a private during the Revolutionary War and a pensioner under the Act of 7 th of June 1832. She further declares that she was married to the said Abram Will, on the 29 th day of September 1784 that her husband, the afore said Abram Will died on the thirtieth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty; She further declares that she knows of no other record of her marriage except that is herewith annexed which she took from the family Bible, in her possession and that record, is in the hand writing of her late husband. That she was married by the Rev Jonathan Dood who was an ordained minister of the gospel in the parish of East Guilford now the town of Madison. She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four (viz: at the time above stated)
Sworn and subscribed, on the day and year above written before me John R. Wilcox her
In presence of } Judge of the } Lydia X Will Isaac Crampton } Court of Probate } mark Elizabeth C Wilcox } for the District of } Madison }
State of Connecticut } S.S. Madison April 10 th A.D. 1843 County of New Haven }
I Richard E Rice Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Madison of State and County aforesaid do hereby certify

- that John R. Nelson Esq. is Judge of said court, and that his commission is dated the 21st day of May A.D. 1842 and will expire on the 20th day of June 1843 - and the above (or within) is his genuine signature. And also his signature to the affidavits of Abram G. Bell and Rachel Grassek herewith annexed are his genuine signatures.
Given under my hand and the seal of said court of Probate for the District of Madison in the county and state aforesaid, this 18th day of April A.D. 1843.
Richard E. Rice Clerk.

I Rachel Goodsell now in and formerly of the Town of Madison, County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, aged Seventyfive years depose and say That I was present at the Marriage of Abram and Lydia Will they were married at the house of Selah Murray (father in East Guilford now the town of Madison I know they were married September 1784 cannot tell certainly the day of the month, I further say that they were married by the Revd Jonathan Dous - he was the Minister of the parish at that time further the deponent saith not only that she (Lydia Will) now is the widow of Abram Will In presence of Depe Loran Stone Charles W. Will her Rachel X Goodsell mark
State of Connecticut County of New Haven } S.S. Madison April 10th 1843
Then personally appeared Rachel Goodsell subscriber of the foregoing deposition by her given and made oath to the truth of the same before me -
John W. Wilcox Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison

I Abram G Will of the town of Madison County of New Haven State of Connecticut aged 48. years depose and say that I lived in the house with my Father at the time of his death he died on the thirtieth day September eighteen hundred and forty and I still reside with my Mother who remains the Widow of Abram Will not having since married and further the Deponent saith not
Abram G Will
State of Connecticut County of New Haven
S.S. Madison April 18 th A.D. 1843
Then personally appeared Abram G Will Subscriber of the foregoing Deposition by him given and made back to the truth of the same before me
John R. Witeop Judge of Probate for the District of Madison.
State of Connecticut } ss. Madison County of New Haven } April 18 th A.D. 1843.
I John R. Witeop, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison, do certify that I am personally & well acquainted with Mrs. Lydia Hill, who hath made and attested to the foregoing declaration, and that she is a person of truth and veracity, and that she hath not intermarried, since the death of Abram Hill, but still remains his widow, & further certify that I am acquainted with Rachel Goodsell, and Abram G. Hill, whose affidavits are herewith annexed, and that they are persons of truth and veracity & competent witnesses in any Court in this State.
John R. Witeop Judge.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Abram Hill a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. N. file 25,770
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Guilford Apl. 1, 1781 Dec 31, 1781 Pri. Peter Vail ✓ Conn.                                            
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford (now Madison) Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 2, 1832 - Hlond.
Residence at date of application, Madison, New Haven Co., Conn.
Age at date of application, born May 26, 1763 at Guilford, Conn.
Remarks: Sol. was East Guilford, Conn.
Sept 29, 1784 Lydia Murray ne 21 dau Selah Murray he died Sept. 30, 1840 at Madison Conn. she was all pens. on her appln. exec. Apl. 10, 1843 while she was a res. of Madison Conn.
Ch. Pardon b. Dec. 18, 1786. Roist. Aug 5 1789. Refanna b. Jan 15, 1792. Abraham G. b. Apl. 3, 1795. Aaron S. b. Aug. 13, 1797. Very respectfully,

8150.
Reported
Connecticut
Lydia Merrill
widow of Abram Merrill
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 30th Sept. 1840 at New Haven in the State of Conn who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Pease  Vail of the Regt commanded by  Conn line for 9 months
scribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 30 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of March 1844 and sent to Jesse Hampton, Madison, Conn.
Total amount, $ 150.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos Humphreys, Clerk, Book D Vol. 1. Page 83.

5539
Connecticut
Lydia Will
widow of Abram Will
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of May, 1844 and sent to
Jesse Crampton Madison Conn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. / Page 69.
6 P Stephens
Letter to Pensions Office 19 March 44 Same person as H. May 1844

9754
order to pay 5 April 1857
Connecticut
Abram Hill — of New Haven in the State of Connecticut who was a Pri — in the Com commanded by Captain Beal  Hall of the Reg commanded by ————— in the Connecticut line for State Troops 9 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of June 1883. and sent — Geo- Griswold. New Haven
Arrears to the 4th of March 338 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 11 15~ $75
✓
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E.D. Bullock Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 18

Madison Jun 6th 1843
Sir
Yours of 24th May was duly received, in which you say the proof of the date of the marriage of Lydia Hill is unsatisfactory; that the presentation of a family record recently made is calculated to throw around the other proof some distrust; I do not know but she declared that she took the record from their family bible, and you infer it to be a copy; but that is not the fact, she took out the leaf on which was the record, and it has every appearance of being as ancient as their marriage; I copy from their bible the births of their children (First Vice still living)
 Pardon was born Dec 18th 1786  Lois Aug 5th 1789  Lefanna Jan 15th 1792  Abraham Apr 3rd 1795  Aaron Aug 13th 1797   The above is all the children they have or have had
M c Tass Church records were destroyed by fire I have examined the town records of Guilford and find no record of their marriage
As to the character of service performed I think there can be no question, it is clear that Capt. Hills Corn, was an organized corps, his pay roll, and the time they enlisted, and time served I think must be conclusive; and it must have been so considered from the fact that so many have been pensioned from the same company and for the same service; I am aware that there cannot be the least blame attached to you for all diligent care that the government shall not be defrauded; but I sincerely believe this to be an honest case, and I most cheerfully submit it
I am very respectfully yours J. D. Dyer Coram Plom

A pay roll of Capt Peter Mills Comd g of Guards Stationed in Guilford for the defence of the sea coast made Jan y 19 th 1782
   mens names date of enlistment time served Names enlistment time served   months days months days     Peter Mills Capt Apr 10 th 8.20 Oliver Blatchley Apr 10 8.20   Timothy Field Lieut 10 " - 8.20 Hamilton Bishop " - 8.20   Jonathan Todd-Ens 10 " - 8.20 Jonathan Crompton " - 8.20   Wilmot Goldsmith serjt - 8.16 John Grave " - 8.20   Hezekiah Parmely 10 " - 8.20 Milton Grave " - 8.20   Daniel Meigs 10 " - 8.20 Ira Griswold " - 8.20   David Morse " - 8.20 Sam l Hill " - 8.20   Abraham Miner, corpl. " - 8.20 Edmund Hand " - 8.20   Timothy Grave " - 8.20 Ichabod Hand " - 8.20   Abiel Crompton " - 8 Abraham Hill " - 8.20   Phares Leet " - 8.20 Ezra Grave " - 8.20   Luman Grave drummer " - 8.20 Elias Meigs " - 8.20   Levi Lee fifer May 8 th " 7.23 Ashe Viger " - 8.20   Sam l Woodley private 1 st " - 8 Abraham Scranton " - 8.20   David Bishop 2 d " - 7.23 Elijah Stanard " - 8.20   now bishop substituted Andrew Stone " - 8.20   Wah Benton. gunr Apr 28 th 8.03 Seth Stone " - 8.20   Charles Paulkner 10 - 8.20 Nathan Wilson " - 8.20   James Davis " - 8.20 Joseph Wilson " - 8.20   Daniel Dibble " - 8.20 Elijah Wilson " - 8.20   Solomon Leet " - 8.20 Lizer Millard " - 8.20   Elijah Leet " - 8.20 Timothy Wilson " - 8.20   Sam l Goldsmith 20 " - 8.10 Sam l Wilson 15 th 8.20   James Bradley " - 8.10 Timothy Lee 15 - 15 -   Isel Norton 10 - 8.20 Jonathan Lee 15 - 15 -   Billy Chittenden 28 - 8.03 Nath l Crompton 15 - 15 -   William Norton 10 - 8.20 James Hart 15 - 15 -   Johnson Bishop Oct 11 - 2.20 Timothy Dudley 13 - 2.03   Shebball Shelley Apr 10 - 8.20 Levi Stone June 16 - 1.00   James Davis jun r " - 8.20 Daniel Fowler 20 - 1.00   substitute for John Leet  

   names enlisted names enlisted service   service month day     Elias Goodwell June 27th 1 00 Daniel Collins Nov 14th — 1   Demetry Baldwin July 27 - 1 John Evan — — — — 1   John Seacat June 15 - 1 Lyman Dallman " — — — 1   Samuel Bartlett May 18 - 1 Merci Bishop " — — — 1   Isaac Hemenway " " 1 Elihu Stevens July 23 — — 1   Nathaniel Bartlett " " 1 Joshua Dield " — — — 1   Samuel Russell " " 1 Isaac Norton Aug 3 — — 1   Isaac Benton Nov 15 - 1 Ebenezer Keene Nov 28 — — 1   Ebenezer Johnson May 18 2 Luther Collins " 21 — — 1   John Thompson July 24 - 1 Ebenezer Hall July 27 — — 1   Samuel Rosseter May 18 1 Stephen Dwyer " " — — 1   Luther Crampton " " 1 Samuel Rockwell " — — — 1   Simeon Munger " " 1 Simeon Easton 19 — — 1   Benj n Pierce " " 1 John Davis 31 — — 1   Moses Dowd Jun 28 — 1 Barnabas McLean Oct 14 — — 1   Ebenezer Bragg — 20 1 William Miller 1 — — 1   Zach a Field — " 1   Isaac Crampton " 1   Thomas Ditch " 1   James McLean " 1   Phinehas Dwyer " 2   Mehed Dudley " 1   Ezra Bishop — " 1   Daniel Handy Nov 14 - 1   Isaac Northrop " 1   Abelus Ward — " 1   John Dyer — — " 1   Dealey Stone — " 1  
Capt Peter Vail's pay roll for Guards at Guilford 1781
The foregoing is a copy of Capt Vail's pay roll the original was sent to the pension office I believe with the papers of Ichabod Handy; if not with others mentioned who have been pensioned It is the money I understand was drawn by C. Crampton at Hartford by Lieut Simeon Field; Capt Vail was see at the time and since soon after

I Gilead Bradley of the town of Madison County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged eightyfive years, depose and say That I was at the marriage (or wedding) of Abram Hill, he married Lydia Murray at her Father Selah Murray's house; they were married by the Rev. Jonathan Dood, he was then the Minister of the parish of East Guilford (now Madison) Abram Hill was my nearest neighbor he commenced house keeping with his wife before I was married. I have the record of my marriage it was on the 9th October 1785 - Abram & Lydia Hill were married before I was but I cannot tell the exact time of their marriage I should think they were married about one year previous to my own marriage
Gilead Bradley
State of Connecticut County of New Haven
SS. Madison, June 5 th A.D. 1843.
Be it remembered that on this 5 th day of June A.D. 1843 personally appeared Gilead Bradley subscriber to the foregoing Deposition and made oath in due form to the truth of the same before me
Jno. R. Witcop, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison.
State of Connecticut,
County of New Haven,
Probate District of Madison,
ss. Madison,
June 5 th A.D. 1843.
This certifies that I am personally and well acquainted with Gilead Bradley, the above subscribing deponent, and have been from my youth up to the present time, & know him to be a person of good moral character, & of irreproachable truth & veracity, and I have no doubt but the foregoing statement is entirely true, said deposition was signed by him and sworn to in open court this day at 12. O. Clock, M. —
Jno. R. Witcop, Judge.

State of Connecticut } New Haven County } Ys. Madison June 5 th 1843. Probate District of Madison }
This may certify that John M. Witcop is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison, that his commission is dated May 31 st 1842. and will expire (by law) on the 20 th of June 1843. and that the within is his genuine signature. —
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court, on the day and year above written. —
Richard E. Rice. Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison. —
[Handwritten signature of Richard E. Rice]

65801
Lydia Hall
wid
Abram
ad Conn - July 48 - 5815
6480
Deborah Hays
Boytown Alice
Conn July 48 - 204
Minot S. G.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

S 9429
J 160 Cams

No. 65-801
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Aft. 18 th 1876-
Abm Hill - Sec Pri-
Capt. Vail.
Ct. Brooks.
Rev. War.
9429 160-35-
Supu Crampdon
Madison.
Ct.

Madison Oct 31st 1843
Sir
I herewith forward certificates to show that there is no town, or church record, to prove the marriage of Abram Hill and Lydia Murray and I do say, that I have most diligently searched the family records of all branches of their family and their ancestors and I can find no record of their marriage save the one in the bible already in your office. We must therefore rely on the testimony of the Widow Eunice McGillen Bradley, and the Widow Lois Willard (whose affidavit is herewith inclosed) all of which testify that they saw them married and altho they cannot all of them identify the very day on which they were married, yet all agree that it was prior to 1786 and the subscribing authorities who have taken their deposition have certified that they are all persons of truth and veracity, and I think that you will consider it the best evidence the case can afford.
Very respectfully Your obedt Servant Depe Crampton

STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
County of New Haven, COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
} ss.
I, Robert H. Osborn Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of New Haven, and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby CERTIFY:—
THAT,
Martin L. Dood Esquire was on the 23 d day of October
1843 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS, and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, are is his genuine official signatures
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 29 th day of October 1843
R. H. Osborn Clerk.

I Lois Willard of Madison age eighty three years, I do hereby certify and say, that I was present at the marriage of Abram and Lydia Hill, and saw them married, they were married by the Rev. Jonathan Dows, at the house of Selah Murry in said Madison, (then East Guilford) The day, month and year, I cannot positively say; but I distinctly recollect, that I took with me to the wedding, my eldest daughter, Adah, who was born October 29th 1783. and I also do recollect that my second daughter Lydia was not born at the time they were married; but was born on the tenth day of March 1786 - and further the Deposition is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Lois Willard
State of Connecticut } New Haven County } ss. Madison Oct. 23 d 1843 -
Then personally appeared Lois Willard subscriber to the foregoing deposition by her given and made oath to the truth of the same, before me Martin L Dows Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Lois Willard subscriber to the above Deposition and do consider her to be a person of truth and veracity and a credible witness Martin L Dows Justice of Peace

Town Clerks Office
Guilford New Haven County for State of Connecticut
I Henry W Chittenden Town Clerk of the town of Guilford in the New Haven County hereby certify that I have diligently & carefully searched & examined the records of the said town including the marriages births & deaths of the inhabitants in the town of Guilford which included within its limits the present town of Madison until May 1826 and I am fully satisfied that the records do not contain the certificate of the marriage of Abram Hill & Lydia Murray - & furthermore that there are many omissions on said records of marriages prior to 1820 - H. W. Chittenden Town Clerk
I Henry W Chittenden of the town of Guilford hereby depose & say that I am Keeper the Records & Town Clerk of the town of Guilford duly chosen & sworn & I do hereby further say that the foregoing certificate contains a true statement of facts concerning said Records - and further the deponent saith not - Guilford Oct 25 th 1843. H. W. Chittenden
State of Connecticut New Haven County } for Guilford Be it Remembered that on the 25 th day of October A.D. 1843 Personally appeared Henry W Chittenden well known to me the subscribing authority as the town clerk of the town of Guilford & made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit made & signed by him - George Landon Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford

State of Connecticut New Haven County } for Guilford Oct 25 1843. —
I Alvah B Holsmith clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford duly chosen & sworn do hereby & say that George Landon Ely is judge of the said Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in the New Haven County duly qualified as such and that his commission is dated on the 6 th day of June AD 1843 and terminates on the 20 th of June AD 1844 and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set to my name & seal of office of the Court this 25 th day of October AD 1843.
Alvah B Holsmith clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford

State of Connecticut New Haven County } S.S. Madison
I Samuel N. Shepard pastor of the first Church and Society in Madison certify that I have diligently & carefully searched & examined the records of Church including the marriages and births & deaths of the inhabitants in said Society, which was originally included within the limits of the Town of Guilford, and I am fully satisfied that said records do not contain the certificate of the marriage of Abram Hill, and Lydia Murray, - and furthermore that all on said records of marriages are omitted prior to 1791 - and it is supposed the records of the Rev. Jonathan Dodd were destroyed by fire, all of which were previous to the last mentioned date.
Samuel N. Shepard
Pastor
I Samuel N. Shepard of Sd Madison hereby depose and say that I am keeper of the Church records of in the first Society of Madison, and I do truly say that the foregoing certificate contains a true statement of facts concerning said records and further the deponent saith not
Madison Oct 31st 1843
Samuel N. Shepard
State of Connecticut New Haven County } S.S. Madison
Be it remembered that on the 31st day of Oct 1843 personally appeared Samuel N. Shepard well known to me the subscribing authority to be the pastor of the first Church in Madison; and made solemn Oath to the truth of the above affidavit made and signed by him.
Martin L. Dowd Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut County of New Haven
S.S. Guilford
On this 15 th day of August 1848 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and said county personally appeared Lydia Will a resident of said Guilford (formerly of Madison) in said county and state aged 81- years who being first duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 2 d Feb y 1848 granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war That she is the widow of Abram Will who was a resident of Madison in the aforesaid state and county and who was a soldier in the war of the revolution
That she is the identical person who drew a pension under the act of 17 th of June 1844 — on account of the revolutionary services of her late husband at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum — She further declares she is still a widow
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
her Lydia X Will Mark
In presence of Jesse Crampton Martin Seward Lois S. Hill
Jesse Crampton, Justice of the peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me as a widow and a pensioner
Jesse Crampton Justice of the peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } County of New Haven } ss. COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, Henry G. Lewis Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of New Haven and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby CERTIFY:—
Jesse Crampton Esquire
was on the 30th day of June 184 8 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS, and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument, hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
That said Commission bears date the 30th day of June 1848 and will expire on the 30th day of June 1853. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 18th day
of September 184 8
Henry G. Lewis Clerk.

5824
Lydia Will act '43
$30 per an
Jesse Crampton Madison Conn.

State of Connecticut
S.S. Madison
County of New Haven
On this 11 th day of March 1844
Personally appeared before me George Landon Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford Lydia Hill a resident of Madison in the county of New Haven aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 30 th of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Abram Hill who was a revolutionary soldier, and that the annual amount of the pension she received under the Act of July 7 th 1838 was Thirty Dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow
Lydia H. Hill
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written; before me
In presence of George Landon Joseph Crampton
George Landon Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Lydia Hill who hath made the foregoing Declaration, and consider her a person of truth and veracity George Landon Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford

State of Connecticut New Haven County } ss
Sulford March 12 th 1844
Abiah B. Goldsmith, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Sulford and Keeper of the Seal thereof do hereby Certify that George Sandon is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Sulford that his Commission bears date the 6 th day of June 1843 and expires on the 20 th day of June 1844 That he signed the within Declaration and certificate in my Presence and his signature is genuine in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of this Court the Day and year above written
Abiah B. Goldsmith Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Sulford
109

Court of Probate Guilford District Aug t 2 1832
Personally appeared in Open Court, Abel Mays and Suzan Willard well known to the Court to be credible witnesses and being first sworn on their oaths declared & said that in the year 1781 they belonged to Capt Peter Vail's Company stationed in Guilford (now Madison) as a Guard on Long Island Sound and that they well recollect that Abram Hill was a Soldier in said Company and that he continued in service nine months & was then discharged and further the deponents say not. Sworn in Court, the day & date aforesaid before me Stephen Elliott Judge of Probate

I George Griswold clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in New Haven County (Do hereby certify that Reuben Elliott the Subscribing Authority to the foregoing Deposition is Judge of the Court of Probate for Guilford District & that the signature affixed thereto is his genuine Signature —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this Second day of August 1832
George Griswold clerk

Nov 12, 1861, A. S.
B. Updegraff

1908 Lydia Hill born
1843 Skaneateles May 29 th " " " " Sept 26 th " " " " Apr 22 nd
Act 7 July 1838

Pension Agency Hartford March 16. 1847
Sir
Herewith I transmit for special directions relative to their payment the papers of Hannah Grave - Zeruah Phelps - Lois Wilcox - and Lydia Hill - pensioners under the Act of 17 June 1844 each claiming twelve months pension due - The required certificates of the official character & signatures of the Justices have been filed in this Office
Very Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t H. Goodwin 2 d Int d Fawler Pension Clerk
J. B. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Dear Sir
Madison April 18th 1843-
I herewith forward to you all that I consider necessary for the benefit of the widow Lydia Hill. I find in the hands of the executor on the estate of the late Meram Hill, his certificate it appears not to have been surrendered, it may facilitate in the investigation of her claim; I saw her take that record leaf (annex a) from an ancient bible, on the subsequent leaf were records of death, but no record of marriage except the one herewith annexed.
Respectfully yours
D L Edwards, Esqr.
Jesse Crampton

Pension Office March 29. 1844
Sir,
The declarations of Lois Wilcox, Hannah Grave, and Lydia Hill, under the act of 3 March 1843, are herewith returned, that the Certificate and Seal of the Court of Probate, that George Langdon before whom they were taken, was at that time a Judge of that Court, may be attached to each declaration. The rules re- quire that each claim shall be separately authenticated. Mr. Todd's case will be acted on and re- ported to you.
I am my respectfully Your obedient servant - J. L. Edwards
Herewith inclosed you will find the above requirement-complied with respectfully yours Jesse Crampton
Jesse Crampton Esq., Madison, Connecticut.

Abraham Hill
Payments to be made at Hartford by Pres. W. I. Pr Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 3
Page 18 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, Abram Hill 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 14 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
Acting John B. B. Secretary of War.
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

8928
Lydia Hill Conn.
Act 7 th July '38
Act
9 mo
priv
$ 30 per an.
Jesse Crampton Madison Conn.

Madison Oct 17 th 1855
Sir I received communications from your Department directed to Lydia Hill and Deborah Meigs, requiring record evidence of the service of their late husbands (viz) Abram Hill and Abel Meigs They both enlisted on the 10 th day of April 1781 and was discharged Jan'y 1 st 1782 as will fully appear on Capt Peter Bails pay roll; and was sent to the pension office for the benifit of the above named and other widows, at the time the pay roll was forwarded to the pension office I took an exact copy thereof, the copy is now before me, and I hereby certify (and am ready to verify under oath) that it reads Thus; A pay roll of Capt Peter Bails Company made out January 1782 Mens names When enlisted time served roll of Capt Peter Bails Company made out January 1782 Abram Hill April 10 th 8 months 20 days Elias Meigs Apr 10 th 8 month 20 days Abel was substitute for Elias Meigs and performed the service The above named widows are inscribed on the pension list at the rate of 30 dollars per annum The pay roll and copy is all the record evidence (I presume) that can be obtained; pleas direct to me in your communications with Chloe Bradley Sally Sodd Lydia Hill and Deborah Meigs
J Minot Esq commissioner
Respectfully yours Jesse Crampton Notary Public

Rev. S. March
up free
Mar 25 th
Mar 29. 1843
Dear Sir,
CT Commissioner of Pensions
Lady Sarah Hill
Washington City
and by sending form

Dear Sir
Madison March 25 th 1843
It appears that the Widow of Gilbert Grace (late of Madison deceased) has received a certificate from the Pension department for $80 per annum commencing 4 th of March 1836 - to the 4 th of March 1841 - ie during the five years act Gilbert Grace received his pension until his death I believe it was in July 1840 I am sure that he died in 1840 I have been solicited to assist in procuring a pension for the Widow Hill who stands on the precise ground with Widow Sarah Grace (I believe her name to be Sarah) Abram Hill lived during the existence or life of the five years act, and so did Gilbert Grace I understand that the agent who procured the above named certificate received one fourth for his services and that was his terms in all cases; and where he failed he had nothing I think I know the whole process and the agent that procured the certificate for the Widow Grace; and for the benefit of the Widow Lydia Hill; I wish you to drop me a line for information Very respectfully Your old servant Gerspe Crampton
Madison last March
61.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Madison July 31st 1843
Sir Yours of the 26 inst was duly received, in which you say that the proof of service in the case of Lydia Hill is satisfactory but the marriage record, on the blank bible leaf needs to be sustained on the grounds that it may be recently made, I herewith forward the bible from which the leaf was taken. The claimant says that her late husband had been in possession of this bible, and she knew the record to be his own hand writing, and that it has been there (as it now is,) for many years, how many years she cannot say; in the rules prescribed by the President of the United States and adopted by the Secretary of War, (rule) 2 d "record proof as to the marriage is always required when ever it can be obtained In case where the town, county, parish, church, or family records, afford no proof as to the period when the marriage took place, the fact must be established by the testimony of one or more respectable persons whose credibility must be certified for" Now all this has been complied with if there had been no record at all we should consider the parole testimony sufficient, according to the rule prescribed; but the widow would not declare that there was no record, while this was in existence. In this case the record does not confute the parole testimony, nor does the parole testimony conflict with the record, but they sustain each other, There appears to be three family bibles the one from which I gave you a copy of the children's births; there son Paul has; the one they called Mothers bible Aaron S. has; And this they called Fathers bible the widow retained; you have before you all the records there is, you can have more depositions to prove the marriage if be deemed necessary.
Respectfully yours - J. D. Crampton

Very  WIDOW, &c.
1910 mch. 19. History to W.W. Cone letter in W. file 10,706 Jas. Davis & 1922 mch. 4 H. Col. 15-6-20. H. Chace (m.)
No. 25,770
Lydia Hill Wid of Abraham Hill Pr. New Mar
Act: Feb 2d 48
Box:--Vol. A , Page 337
[Arrangement of 1870.]

2 nd Postage Stamped & add d Envelope #112,
Rev W
17 Downing St., New Haven, Conn. February 6, 1922.
Bureau of War Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen;
Will you please send me the complete war record of Abraham Hill of Madison, New Haven County, Connecticut who served during the Revolutionary War , and later received a pension.
Also, have you any record of Abram Hill, son of the above? I am not sure of his enlistment.
Thanking you for your courtesy, I am,
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Chas. W. Shaver.