Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17225, David Humiston, Conn.

SERVICE
Bonn.
Huniston, David
NUMBER
S. 17225
CONTENTS
carded

28120 Connecticut
David Humiston
of New Haven in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Comp y by Captain Bennett of the Reg t by Col. Lyon in the Connecticut here for 7 Mo & 21 Days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 25 Dollars 65 Cents per ann m to commence on the 1st day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Feb y 1834 and handed to O. F. H. Ellis Esq. Pres t
Arrears to the 1st of Sept. 1833 64.11 Pension allowance ending 4 Mar 34 12.
$77
Recorded by No. Book 6. 2 Vol.

State of Connecticut } City of New Haven County of New Haven }
On this 6th day of August 1882, personally appeared in open court, before the County Court of New Haven County now sitting in said city David Hemenston, as resident of said city in New Haven County, State of Connecticut aged 68 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 7th, 1882.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated; viz. That he was born the 18th day of April 1784, that he thinks there was a record of the bible or among the papers of his father Nathan Hemenston who also belonged to New Haven, & that his daughter Laura from said record entered the above date as his age, in his own (applicant's) bible, but where his own bible is he does not know, but thinks it is among some of his children, of whom being 8 in the whole, but one resides in New Haven. That he was born at said New Haven, and has always lived here, with the exception of about ten years ago when he lived in an adjoining town (Hamden) more than 20 years ago, that in the fall of 1779 in September or October he thinks  he entered New Haven  for three months as  he enlisted under Capt.

of the time, that he himself was a private; that he thinks William Lyon of New Haven was Colonel of the regiment to which said company was attached; that the company was divided into 3 or 4 divisions to guard the shore from East Haven through New Haven and Milford & Stratford inclusive; that the main guard was quartered at the head of the wharf near the present Custom house in New Haven; that the company was also engaged on the East Haven shore in building the fort on Beacon hill about 2 miles from New Haven; also in building a fort on the west side of New Haven harbor. That the applicant was in the whole as much as a fortnight engaged at East Haven on the fort, and as much as two or three weeks at Milford, and was stationed at Stratford on the Housatonic river, to guard the point, about one month; that divisions of said company used to be sent out from the main guard at stated times, generally commanded by a sergeant or a corporal; that he served out his three months, and was paid for it by John Torham of New Haven, for whom he was substitute; private wages; that about a week or two after the enemy entered New Haven, in July 1779. he became a substitute for Samuel Torham of New Haven, in a company of drafted State Militia, commanded by Capt. Abel Burritt of New Haven, and quartered in Broadway, New Haven and performed guard, the barracks being the house of old Dr. Eves of New Haven, patrolling the New Haven harbor, wharf and river, being called out about every 2d. night for guard; English ships then lying & sailing off in the sound; and continued in the service one month; & in some-

in May 1780, he went for one month , as substitute for Caleb Andrews of Woodbridge Conn. in a company of drafted militia commanded by Capt. John Warner or Joseph Mansfield, in which he thinks was sergeant, and said company was stationed part of the time at the guard house at the head of the wharf in New Haven, and part of time at East Haven, there working at the fort, and part of the time in an old house near the meeting house on the west side of New Haven, guarding the harbor as before; and soon after having reached the age of 18 in April, he was drafted in the month of June 1780 he thinks, for one month in a company of state militia, commanded he thinks by Capt. Moses Gilbert. Major Potter was either lieu- tenant or ensign; that said company was quartered in New Haven, patrolling & keeping guard as before about New Haven and its harbor; that he served his month out, & continued to live at New Haven, and went to learn the carpenter's or joiner's trade, with Jesse Ford, until sometime in June, he thinks, 1780, he enlisted in the continental army, as a substitute for a deserter, James Sturcliff of Woodbury, South Berrien, Conn. who had run away & hired the applicant to go for him, in the 3d. company of the Regiment commanded by Isaac Sherman of New Haven. Stationed at White Plains, where the company was stationed when he first entered. Hodge was captain, Whitney was lieutenant, and Taylor was orderly sergeant, Eli Denlow now liv- ing and a pensioner was waiter to the lieutenant, he resides in New Haven, who recollects the applicant's ser- vices; and the applicant rode on to his company on horseback to the company in June; and the company continued stationed there a month or two, and then went to Campion on the north river above; General Putnam he thinks was chief commander at White Plains; and made a halt and kept guard some time; &

Lowes hill, 1/2 mile from the mouth of the river. remained there at head of the numbering Cornwallis which then till cold weather, building chimneys to the tents; one Bates was Chaplain; and then moved to the highland for winter quarters, when the applicant remained until discharged about mid winter; and then came to New Haven on foot through Wood- bury & Southbury, Conn. having been absent in the whole near 7 months; that he got a written discharge at the Highlands, but it is since lost, which is the only discharge ever he had, that he is known to William H. Ellis, Rev. Henry Lines, Deac. Robert. Eli Mix, Deac. William Austin, Nathan Smith, William Bristol who live in New Haven, and can testify to the veracity of the applicant and their belief of his services in the revo- lution.
We hereby certify that every claim whatever on pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Fromed subscribed the day & year David Henson aforesaid Attest J. Deach Clerk
We, Henry Lines, a clergyman, residing in New Haven, & William H. Ellis residing in same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with David Henson, who has signed & sworn to the above declaration; and that we believe him to be 88 years of age; that he is respected believed in the neighborhood where he resided when he soldier in the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Fromed & subscribed the day & year Henry Lines aforesaid Attest J. Deach Clerk
Wm H Ellis
I, Moses Warner, of Naugatuck, Conn. now a publisher am now and long have been acquainted with David Henson, who has signed the foregoing declaration; that I was in the Continental army at White Plains in the

was with us that summer, in Col. Isaac Sherman's regiment, that we proceeded, up to the river to Canaan, Pillows hill & the highlands as he has stated. He was with us & served six months; & that said Heminston is a man of veracity & his statement entitled to credit.
sworn & and subscribed to day & year aforesaid } Isaac Warner Attest J. Beach Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opin- ion 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 certify, that it ap- pears to them, that it appears to them that Rev. Henry Lines, who has signed one of the preceding certificates is a clergyman resident in said city of New Haven, and that William H. D. Clisby Esq. who has signed one of the preceding certificates, is also a resident of said town of New Haven, and is a credible person, and that Moses Warner, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident of Hamden Conn. and that he is a credible person, and that their several state- ments are entitled to credit.
By order of Court Attest J. Beach Clerk I, John Beach, Clk. of the County Court of New Haven County, do hereby certify that the fore- going contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of David Heminston for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 6th. day of August. 1832.
Attest J. Beach Clerk

I, Eli Denslow of the town and County of Middlesex, now a pensioner of the U.S. for revolutionary services, hereby certify that I now am and long have been acquainted with Saml. Hemenway who has signed the foregoing declaration that I recollect positively that said Hemenway was in Capt. Hodge's Company, Col. Isaac Sherman's regiment, to which company I belonged, and that said Hemenway from months in said Company in 1781, at White Plains and the Highlands, and that I have known him since and was with him the whole of 8 months.  Given and subscribed the 25 th day of March 1853
Albert M c Beath Clerk
Eli Denslow
David Hemenway
the Clarendon St Boston
26
No 5382
United States

17.225 INVALID.
File No. 17.225
David Humiston
Pr. New Mass
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 436
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Supplemental Declaration of David Munroe too for a pension.
State of Connecticut } County of New Haven. } City of New Haven.
On this 25th. day of March A. D. 1833, person- ally appeared in open court, before the county court of New Haven county now sitting in said city, David Munroe, a resident of said city, and described in the original declaration to which this is an addition or supplemental, by him made the 6th. day of August A. D. 1832, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following additional or supplemental declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of said act of June 8th. 1832.
That his first service was that mentioned in his former deposition for one month, as substitute for said Samuel Dorman, that this began in July inasmuch as it was not many days after the enemy entered New Ha- ven, which was the 4th. July 1779, and that he was discharged after a service of one month, and a few days over he thinks, in August 1779; that he next went the same year for John Johnson, for three months as stated in his origi- nal declaration, but it is impossible for the declarant to be more specific as to this service than he was in his original declaration; that his next services were after the month April 1780, in which month he became a team and was liable to be drafted, both as a drafted private for one month, and substitute for Caleb An- drews for one month, both terms of service being the summer of 1780, but the applicant cannot be more particular than in his original declarations as to the two terms of service; that he is confident his term of Continental service spoken of in his original declaration, commenced in June, as it was after planting, and that his enlistment was for 6 months, and that he hired his horse and rode to White Plains with his company and paid 40 shillings for the horse; that he continued to serve and served out his six months term, until

the winter of 1782; that he served in this term of Continental Service 8 months, besides the time spent in going and returning, which was not less than one week; - that he got his discharge about Christmas as he thinks, 1781; that in every case he served as a private, enlisted as such, although he drove a team for foraging when required in the continental service.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and David Hombston year aforesaid. Attest M c Lean Clerk
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, Chief Judge of the County Court for New Haven County, David Hombston who, being duly sworn, deposes and admits, that, by reason of old age, and the constant 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 six months, at different times, I served as a private in the State troops, either drafted, enlisted or a substitute; For six months in continuation, I served as a private in the Continental army, - twelve months in the whole; and for such service I claim a pension. Noyes Darling. Chief Judge of David Hombston the County Court for New Haven County.
I John Beach Clerk of the County Court for New Haven County do hereby certify that the within and foregoing contain the original proceedings and the amended proceedings of the said County Court, in the matter of the application of David Hombston for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 25 th day of March A. D. 1833.
J m Beach Clerk

I, Amos Warner of Hamden, in H. County, Conn., hereby certify, that I do know  at now, and for more than fifty years, have known David Hemenston, the foregoing appli- cant, and that he is a man of credit; that I was in Col. Meigs Regiment, at White Plains, in June 1781, that I recollect of said Hemenston the applicant, coming on at that time, and that he belonged to Capt. Dodge's Company in Col. Isaac Sherman's Regiment, attached to the Connecticut line; that he proceeded up the river to the Highlands in that service, and that he continued with us in that ser- vice 6 months, and that he was discharged at Christmas, (as late as that) at the huts 1 1/2 or 2 miles from West Point, by a written discharge, his time being out, he having enlisted for 6 months; 5 regiments were encamp- ed and lay in huts, and that I will prove all the foregoing statements, and that he was a man of credit until his death and his statement deserves full credit.
Given & subscribed the 29th of June 1833, in open court.
Attest J. D. Beach Clerk
Amos Warner
I, David Hemenston, the aforesaid appli- cant, do declare, in addition to my former declarations, that when in the continental service, in 1781, at White Plains, along the river, and at the Highlands, in the Con- necticut line, that I well recollect, the orderly sergeant whose name was Taylor, and first name Nathan he thinks of my company in calling the roll, was accustomed to call my name Husted or Olmstead, instead of Hemen- ston, my true name, either from his defective pronunciation, or an erroneous entry of my name on the roll, and that

may be the reason why the Department does not find any name on the rolls of Col. Sherman's regiment; and that Eli Denslow one of the above named deponents, has since giving his former deposition, so that the applicant cannot obtain his certificate more particularly, than before, - and at the time of these papers being before returned did not know of the defect which was to be remedied by decree No. 14. and therefor Denslow's certificate was not requested to meet that decree; and that he cannot obtain any other certificate besides Warner's above, and knows of no other, which can be had, if said Denslow's and Warner's amended will not answer. But he is confident of his continental service as declared, and must be deprived of his pension if the above will not do.
Sworn and subscribed the 29th. day of June, 1833. New Haven. in Connecticut.
Attest J. D. Beach Clerk
David Harrington
No. 769 I said County Court, now in session, do find said Amos Warner to be a substantial credible and respectable man, and his statement entitled to full credit; and said Eli Denslow whose certificate or affidavit is contained in the foregoing papers, to have been in his life time a man of credibility, and to do declare it as their opinion and certify it.
David Harrington Declaration for a pension. Received.
I John Beebe, clerk of the county court for New Haven county do hereby certify that the proceedings contain the original and amended proceedings of said county court in the case of David Harrington for a pension; and that all the proceedings were in open court and all the oaths duly administered by the proper person qualified to administer the same. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th. day of June, 1833.
Attest J. D. Beach Clerk

St. Thomas L. C.

Collectors Office Dist of New Haven July 2 d 1833
Sir
I herewith return the application of David Hemenston for a pension.
The papers have been amended and further proof obtained, which I hope and trust will be satisfactory & sufficient.
Mr Hemenston though a very poor man, sustains a first rate character for integrity & truth & veracity; & there can be no doubt that he rendered the services in the way and manner by him stated
I beg leave to request that you will give an early decision in this case; and in case it should be favourable to the applicant, as I anticipate it must be, to transmit his certificate to me — I take this opportunity to say

say that the Certificate of Coe Hendrick which you gave to me in March last, has been presented to the Branch Bank at Hartford, and Mr Hendrick was there informed that he could not receive his money because the Bank had not received notice & instruction to pay him. I imagine there is some mistake in making the proper entry of this Certificate —
I am Sir very
Respectfully
yours &c
(Wm H. Ellis)

Rejected Feb. 1818
7 mo. 21 days.
Cdn D

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of David Hamstra which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned 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? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? No — Not on the rolls †
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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, deposeh 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.
- † The name of the Deacon Francis Stanley whose place is Col Sherman's Regiment, claimant's allegation. He took, does not appear on the rolls of that

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 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Legal Reg Second Reprint 1800 1800  regiment, in the Department, nor the name of the Declarant. He is therefore required to produce the proof in order to substantiate his claim, set forth in Claim 14 which See