Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2287, Abram Waterman, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Waterman, Abram
or Abraham
Hepsibah
or Hepzibah

NUMBER
W. 2287
B. L. Wt. 9,405-160-55.
----------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

2,355
Vermont       M.
------------------------------------------------
Hepsibah Waterman
widow of Abraham Waterman
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Ct Line
------------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
40 Dollars     ------
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
-------------------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 
8th day of October 1853
and sent to 
Jno. M. Bennett
Springfield, Vt
-------------------------------------------------
Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853,   Page 35,   Vol. A


[  ] 3d M 55 -- 31656
Ctfr
Page 3

31,654    Mar. 3, 1833
--------
Apr. 2,   "
----------------------------------------------------
Hepzibah Waterman, widow
Abraham Waterman, Private
----------------------------------------------------
Capt. Col.  Sage
Cot.
Ct State Troops.
--------------------------------------------------
Enld.
Dis.
Revolutionary War.
----------------------------------------------------
Pensioner.
Ad: 160 Acres   Nov. 7th 1855.
Boynton
----------------------------------------------------
Boynton
Cir:  Aug 15th
-----------------------------------------------------John M. Bennett,
Springfield,
Vt.

[      ]
Wt No. 9400 [   ] Nov 10th 185[ ]


Cir to Jno M Bennett Aug 15/5[ ]
Let  "    "    "       "        Sept 12th/55
Let to Hon. JM Ruok, Ho. of Reps  Present
March 1st 1875.
Feby 55  - No. 2355

Vol [  ]1,  page 6
Page 4

Vermont.   18.681
--------------------------------------------------
Abraham Waterman
of Windsor in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the Compy commanded
by Captain Gordon of the Regt commanded
by Col. Douglas in the Conn. ma
line for 1 year.
---------------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont. 
at the rate of 40 Dollars ------- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
----------------------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Sept
1833 and sent to Oel Billings, Royalton, Vt.
----------------------------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of Sept '33     $100.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 
4 Mar. '34                                        20.00
                                                     ---------
                                                     $120.00
                                                     ---------

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Ele Brown        Clerk
Book E       Vol. 3.       Page 98
Page 5

31,654
---------------------------------------------------
BOUNTY LAND.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Mrs. Hepzibah Waterman
Widow of Abraham Waterman
of the War of the Revolution

Reply to
John M. Bennett
Springfield
Vermont
Page 6

Revolutionary Service

March 3, 1855
Declaration for Bounty Land.
WIDOW.

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.

{Printed at the Patriot Office
{Montpelier, Vt.

Form of a Declaration to be made by the Widow of a deceased Officer or Soldier.

STATE OF VERMONT}
County of Windsor  ss.}

On this twenty sixth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hepsibah Waterman aged seventy eight years, a resident of Royalton in the State of Vermont who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Abraham Waterman who was a private in the company commanded by Captain ----------- in the regiment of -------------- commanded by   -----------------  in the war of the Revolution -------- declared by ------------- on the -------------- that her husband ------------ at ------------ on or about the  ------------- day of ------------ A. D.  ---------------- for the term of ------------and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days and more, and was honorably discharged at -------------- on the --------- day of ----------------- A.D. 
She states that her husband's service and evidence of her marriage to him is shown in her application for Revolutionary Pension under the act of Feb. 3 1853 under which act she receives a pension of Forty  Dollars per annum, payable at Montpelier Vermont to which application she respectfully refers for evidence of marriage & her said certificate given Oct 8, 1853.
She further states that she was married to said Abraham Waterman in Westfield Vt. on the 14th day of November A. D. 1822 by one Amariah Chandler a minister and that her name before said marriage Hepsibah Perry, that her husband died at Royalton Vermont on the thirtieth day of December A. D. 1842, and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."  She states that she has never received Bounty Land and this is the first and only application she has made for Bounty Land . And she hereby appoints John M. Bennett of Springfield Vermont her Attorney to prosecute her claim.
                    her
Hepsibah       X      Waterman
                   mark

WE, Ezra Waterman and Azro B. Waterman residents of Royalton in the State of Vermont upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mrs. Hepsibah Waterman 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.  And that she now at this date a Widow.
Ezra Waterman
Azro B. Waterman

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.
R. K. Dewey     Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF VERMONT,}
Windsor County, SS.}
I, Norman Williams  Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that Rodolphus K. Dewey Esq., is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified by the laws of this State to administer Oaths for general purposes; and I am acquainted with his hand-writing and believe his signature to the foregoing to be genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereby set my hand and affix the seal of said County Court , at Woodstock in said County, this 29 day of March A.D. 1855.
Norman Williams, Clerk
Page 7

Mrs. Waterman; Claim
under the 2nd sec. of 3rd Feb.
___________________________________
Widow of Revolutionary Pensioner
_______________________________
Reply to John M. Bennett
Springfield
Vt.
Page 8

I, Cyrus Kinner, a resident of Waitsfield in the county of Washington and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that I now hold the office of Town Clerk of the said town of Waitsfield, and that upon the books of Records of Marriage of said town is the following record.

State of Vermont}
County of Washington} ss.

Be it remembered that at Waitsfield in the county aforesaid on this fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty two Abraham Waterman of Royalton in Windsor County and Hepzibah Perry of Waitsfield in Washington County, both in the State of Vermont were duly joined in Marriage by me.
Amariah Chandler Minister in Waitsfield

I certify the above is a true copy of the record of said marriage  with the exception of dates which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows.

State of Vermont}
County of Washington} ss.

Be it remembered that at Waitsfield in the county aforesaid on this fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord 1822 Abraham Waterman of Royalton in Windsor County and Hepzibah Perry of Waitsfield in Washington County both in the state of Vermont were duly joined in marriage by me.
Amariah Chandler   Minister in Waitsfield

I, Cyrus Skinner, above named depose and say I now hold the office of Town Clerk for the said town of Waitsfield and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town.

State of Vermont}
County of Washington} ss.

At Waitsfield on this 30 day of Mar A D 1853, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within & for the county aforesaid, Cyrus Skinner, the foregoing deponent and subscribed and made oath in due form of law to the foregoing affidavit and I hereby certify he is a certible witness.
Roderick Richardson    Justice of the Peace
Page 9

State of Vermont}
County of Windsor} ss
On this twenty fifth day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty three, Harry Bingham and Bela Durkee, two credible and respectable persons residing in Royalton, aforesaid, of lawful age, personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid and severally made oath according to law that they are now and long have been  well acquainted with Mrs. Hepzibah Waterman of Royalton , who is now the widow of Abraham Waterman who died in the aforesaid town of Royalton in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont on the 30th day of December A.D. 1842 and who was at the said time of his death a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States.  That they were well acquainted with the said Abraham Waterman and his said wife Hepzibah for a period of six years before the death of the said Abraham during all which time they continued to live together as husband and wife sustaining such family relation until separated by death.
That the said Hepzibah Waterman still continues to remain the widow of the said Abraham Waterman and now resides a widow in the aforesaid town of Royalton and is the identical person who was the reputed lawful wife of the said Abraham Waterman in his lifetime.
Bela Durkee
Harry Bingham

Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year first above written.  And I hereby certify that Bela and Harry Bingham are two respectable citizens of Royalton, and are each of them credible witnesses.
Alsup Latham   Justice of the Peace
Page 10

State of Vermont
----------------

Office of Secretary of State
Montpelier  June 18, 1853

I hereby certify that Roerick Richardson Esquire whose name is subscribed in his proper handwriting to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Washington, duly appointed and qualified:
And that Alsup Latham Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his proper handwriting to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor in said State, duly appointed and qualified:
And that full credit is due to these official acts and attestations as such.

Given under my hand and the seal of this office this 18th day of June A. D. 1853.
Ferrand F. Merrill
Secretary of State
Page 11

9311
Abraham Waterman
Royalton Vt
To return to Oel Billings Royalton Vt
Page 12

STATE OF VERMONT,}
WINDSOR COUNTY, SS.  }

On this 24th day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Hartford District now sitting, Abraham Waterman a resident of the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged Seventy Six 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.

In the winter of 1775 and 1776 He Enlisted as private at Plainfield Connecticut for the term of two months in the Ct State Troops in the company commanded by Capt Gordon in Col. Douglas Regiment. Jointed company at Cambridge Massachusetts and while there the British evacuated Boston where he stayed the two months and was dismissed.  (See Spalding Depositions)

In the spring of the year 1776 He enlisted as private at Plainfield Connecticut for the term of Eight months in the Connecticut state trips in the company of Capt John Dixon in Col Sages Regiment in Gen. Wardsworth Brigade new levies and marched to Hartford Ct , then to New Haven, then to New Haven, then Fairfield to New York, then to White Plains where we stayed until discharged, having served my time out.  (See Ann Waterman's deposition)

In the year 1778, Early in the spring, I believe, enlisted or volunteered at Plainfield Ct. as private for the term  of two months in the company commanded by Capt Butts, Lt. Dunlap and I think in Col Lurnards Regiment.  We marched from Plainfield Ct. to Providence in Rhode Island, then to Warren, then to Bristol where he served out the time and were dismissed.     (See Ann Waterman [     ])
Page 13

I was born at Glocester in the state of Rhode Island the 9th day of May 1756 and at the time and through the Revolution I lived in Plainfield Connecticut and since that time I have resided in Royalton, Vermont forty four years, where I now live.

I know of no further testimony to prove my service. I have no discharge and if I ever had one it is lost.  I have no documentary evidence.  I know of no record of my age, but in my memory.  Ashel C Washburn & Oel Billings can testify as to my character for truth & veracity and the general belief in the neighborhood of my service.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the}
day and year aforesaid.}      Abram Waterman
L A Marsh   Register

We, Asahel C Washburn, a Clergyman residing in Royalton and Oel Billings residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Abraham Waterman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration;  that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the}  A. C. Washburn
day and year aforesaid,}    Oel Billings
L A Marsh  Register

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 Asahel C. Washburn who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Royalton and that Oel Billings who has also signed the same, is a resident in Royalton and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
L A Marsh   Register

I, Lyndon A Marsh  Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Waterman for a Pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 24th day of August A. D. 1832.
L A Marsh   Register
Page 14

I, William Waterman of Royalton in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont of the age of seventy four years, certify and say that in the winter of 1775 - 6 while the British lay in Boston, I engaged in Capt. Gordon's  Company in Col. Douglas' Regiment in Connecticut  State Troops and served there two months and I think a little over.   While we were there the British evacuated Boston.  My brother Abraham Waterman there of Plainfield Connecticut, now of Royalton Vermont aged seventy six years, engaged with us and served in the same company the term of two months & I think over.  In the spring of 1776 I enlisted in Capt John Dixon's company in Col. Sage's Regiment in Gen. Wadsworth's Brigade of the Connecticut State troops, new levies for the term of eight months, & served that term with said troops at New York, White Plains & that vicinity and was wounded in the battle of White Plains.  I know that my said brother, Abraham Waterman, enlisted in the same company & served until about one month before his time expired when he was taken sick & remained sick until time expired.  After this I went from home into the army for three years & was absent from home not knowing to any further of his service during the war.
Wilm. Waterman

State of Vermont}
Windsor County ss}
Royalton   July 12, 1832
Personally appeared William Waterman of Royalton and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.
Before 
Oel Billins  Justice of the Peace
Page 15

I certify that William Waterman the signer of the foregoing
deposition is of Good Character and undoubted for truth
and veracity
Oel Billings Justice of the Peace
Page 16

State of Vermont} Woodstock County Clerks Office 27th Augt 1832
Windsor County ss} ss Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County 
Court, Do hereby Certify that Oel Billings is one of the
Justices of the Peace within aforesaid County, and
the within is his Signature
In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the Sea[l] of said
Court [&] Subscribe my name the day [&] year above-
Benj Swan
Page 17

[ 3--171. ]
-----------
BOUNTY LAND.    (No.  6.)
A. T. T.

Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE,
Washington, D. C.     Aug 27  f1883

Sir:
Herewith I transmit Duplicate of Land Warrant No. 9405  bearing the date of Nov 10, 1855 for 160 acres,  issued under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, to Hepzibah Waterman, widow of Abraham Waterman, Private.  Revolutionary War.  Duplicate this day issued.
---------------------------------------------------
Please sign the -  receipt hereto attached and return this letter without delay.

Very respectfully, 
Wm W. Dudley
Commissioner.

Hon. Commissioner
General Land Office.
-------------------------------
OLD WAR & NAVY
AUG 27 1883
DIVISION

Aug. 27th, 1883
Received the above - described warrants
N. C. McFarland
Com.
Page 18

Declaration
-------------
In order to obtain the pension due to Hepzibah Waterman as the widow of Abraham Waterman deceased, under the act of 3d February AD 1853.

State of Vermont}
Windsor County ss.}

On this ninth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared in open Court before the probate Court of the district of Hartford in said county of Windsor and state of Vermont (being a Court of Record) held by the Honorable John Porter, Judge of the Probate Court in and for the aforesaid district, Hepzibah Waterman a resident of the town of Royalton in the aforesaid County of Windsor and state of Vermont 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 on the 3d day of February A. D. 1853, granting pensions to widows of the soldiers of Revolutionary Army who were married since the year of our Lord 1800.  That this declarant is now the the widow of Abraham Waterman, who departed this life at his residence in the said town Royalton, county of Windsor and State of Vermont on the 30th day of December 1842.  Since which time Declarant has remained his widow single and unmarried.
That her husband the said Abraham Waterman was as she verily believes a soldier of the United States
Page 19

single and unmarried.
That her husband the said Abraham Waterman was as she verily believes a soldier of the United States
during the war of the Revolution and was at the said time of his death a Revolutionary personer of the United states at the rate of $40 per annum.  That the Declarant was duly married to her husband the said Abraham Waterman 14th day of November 1822 in the town of  Waitsfield in the state of Vermont by Rev. Amariah Chandler who was then a minister of the gospel in said town of Waitsfield.  That the following named persons were present at her marriage and saw her married to the said Abraham Waterman as aforesaid,  to wit:  Sarah Phelps, Matthias G Jones and others.
That previous to her marriage as aforesaid Declarant resided in Waitsfield State of Vermont and bore the Maiden name of Perry.
That Declarant makes this declaration in order to obtain the pension due to her under the said act of 3d February 3d 1853 and she hereby appoints John M. Bennett her attorney to act her in the premises and to receive for her the certificate of pension from the proper office of the Government of the United States.
                 her
Hepzibah    X  Waterman
                 mark
   
Subscribed and sworn to before me the said Probate Judge in open court of Royalton in said county of Windsor and State of Vermont on the day and year first aforesaid.
John Porter   Judge
Page 20

I hereby certify that the lower sheet was attached  to this before signing by the Declarant and before the execution of the same and that the declarant being unable to write her name subscribed by making her mark or cross.
John Porter   Judge
Page 21

State of Vermont
Office of Secretary of State
Montpelier   June 18, 1853

I hereby certify that the Honorable John Porter,  whose name is subscribed in his proper handwriting  to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof Judge of Probate in and for the District of Hartford in said State, duly appointed and qualified and that full faith & credit are due to his acts and attestations  as such.

Given under my hand and the seal of this office this 18th day of June A. D. 1853.
Ferrand F. Merrill
Secretary of State
Page 22

August 19, 1935.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA--J/ady
Abram Waterman
W. 2287

Miss Lillian C. Bachman
288 Lexington Avenue
New York City

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war.

A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of Jabez Newton, Ezekiel Newton, or Absalom Ward, all spellings of the names searched.

This office has no record of service rendered in the Colonies prior to the Revolutionary War.  It is suggested that you consult the archives in the capital of the state from which the service was rendered as a possible source of information.

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim, W. 2287, based upon the military service of Abram Waterman in that war.

Abram, the is also shown as Abraham, Waterman was born May 9, 1756 in Glocester, Rhode Island.  The names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Plainfield, Connecticut, Abam Waterman enlisted in the winter of 1775 and 1776 and served two months as private in Captain Gordon's Company, Colonel Douglas' Connecticut Regiment. He enlisted in the spring of 1776 and served about eight months as private in Captain John Dixon's Company, Colonel Comfort Sage's Connecticut Regiment. He enlisted
Page 23

early in the spring of 1778 and served two months as a private in Captain Butt's Company,  Colonel Leonard's Connecticut Regiment.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 24, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Royalton, Windsor County, Vermont, where he had lived forty-four years.

He died December 30, 1842 in Royalton, Vermont.

Soldier married November 14, 1822 in Waitsfield, Washington County, Vermont, Hepzibah, the name is also shown as Hepsibah, Perry, of said Waitsfield.

Soldier's widow, Hepzibah Waterman, was allowed pension on her application executed May 9, 1853, at which time she was aged seventy-six years and a resident of Royalton, Vermont.

In 1832 William Waterman, aged seventy-four years, a brother of soldier, was residing in Royalton, Vermont.

In 1855 Ezra Waterman and Azro B. Waterman were living in Royalton, Vermont, their ages or relationship to soldier not stated.  There are no further family data.

This is the record of the only Abram (Abraham) Waterman, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.   (Date of widow's death not on A. B.)

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 24

(Top left corner turned over, part not showing)

ned in his (or his widow's) application for a pension  
his Bureau.  Abram or Abraham Waterman  W. F.  2287
----------------------------------------------------
(Not Shown)
ter 1775 and 1776
Spring 1776
Spring 1778
---------------------------------------------------
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
2 mons.
8 mons.
2 mons.
----------------------------------------------------
RANK.
Pvt.
  "
  "
----------------------------------------------------
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Gordon
John Dixon
Bute
COLONEL.
Douglass
Comfort Sage
Lurnard?
---------------------------------------------------
STATE.
Conn.
---------------------------------------------------
Battles engaged in,   Check mark

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Plainfield Conn.

Date of application for pension,  Aug 24, 1832.  His cl. al.

Residence at  date of application,  Royalton, Windsor Co. Vt.

Age at date of application, 
{b. at Gloucester R. I. May 9, 1756
{d.  at Royalton Vt.  Dec 30, 1842

Remarks:  
Soldier mar. at Waitsfield Vt.  Nov 14, 1822  Hepzibah Perry.  She was al. pension on an application executed May 9, 1853, while a resident of Royalton Vt.  aged 78 years.
Very respectfully,
Brother  Wm Waterman
Commissioner.

1565b3b10-08            2
Page 25

[The following is an oval stamp image in upper left corner of page]
U.S. PENSION
AUG-6 1883
OFFICE.
Page 26

(O W & N.)          [     ]
1883/62959    [      ]      [   ]

Refer in reply to this initial:
B
Warrant

Department of the Interior,
General Land Office,
Washington, D. C.,   August 2, 1883

38.484

Hon. Commissioner
of Persons.     City.

Sir:

I am in receipt of your letter of 10th ultimo,  enclosing one from this office, dated June 20th 1874, addressed to Hon. J. M. Rusk  Ho' of Reps relative to xxx, and Warrant  9405.  160 acres,  Act 1855.

You enquire "whether this is not such a case that he (the Commr) would prefer to ask the issue of a duplicate Warrant, and thus save the owner expense,  trouble and delay,"  and in reply I have the honor to advise you that  said Warrant _ and 4$ in gold, location fees _  was received at this office Jany 22, 1856, and returned to the owner Jno M Bennet
Page 27

2
February 9, 1856  in order that he might insert his name in the blank space left for that purpose in the assignment of said Warrant.  This was done and the Warrant returned Feby 18, 1856,  but the letter and warrant afterwards mislaid, and not since found.

I am of the opinion, and would so recommend, that a duplicate of said Warrant 9405.  160 a  Act 55 should be issued, as was done in the case of Warrant No. 83 for 60 acres,  Act of 1855,  which warrant was mislaid in this office, during the fire in 1877.

Mr Rucks letter is herewith returned as requested.

Very respectfully
L. Warner
Acting Commissioner
Page 28

[The following is an oval stamp in the upper left corner of the page]
U.S. PENSION
AUG-6 1883
OFFICE.
BL [handwritten vertically from top to bottom at mid-lower edge of page]
Page 29

Official Letters must be, addressed to the "Commissioner of the General Land Office", and in replying to Letters from the office the initial Letter on the Left hand corner should be referred to.
J. A. D.
55
Department of the Interior
GENERAL LAND OFFICE

Washington, D. C.  June 20th 1874

Sir:
I had the honor to receive from you, on the 19th instant, the letter addressed to you, by John M. Bennett, Esqr., respecting certain Warrants sent by him to be located in his name by this office, and have to state as follows,
   On the 22d of January 1856, he enclosed Warrant No. 6003, for 80 acres, Act of 1855, with two dollars in gold to pay the fees, for locating the same at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, upon the W's of the SE'n of Sec. 13, in Town.  14 North of Range 1 East.  The assignment being in blank, the money was retained, and the Warrant sent to him, on the 5th of February 1856, that his name might be properly inserted; which being done, the Warrant was again returned to this office
Page 30

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MAR 1 1875
PENSION OFFICE

with his letter of February 18th, and it is now on file her;  never having been locate, no evidence being found to show that it was attempted to be.
     I would also state, that the land has been approved to the State of Wisconsin, under the Act of June 3, 1856 and July 27, 1868.
     The Warrant will be returned to Mr. Bennett upon his application, or to any one duly authorized by him to receive it.
   X  On the 22d of January 1856, Mr. Bennett also enclosed Warrant No 9405, for 160 acres, Act of 1855, with four dollars in gold, to pay the fees for locating the same at Council Bluffs, Iowa, upon the NW'4 of Sec. 26, in Town. 74 North, of Range 40 West, and the assignment being in blank, the Warrant as in the former case, was sent to him on the 9th of February 1856, the money being retained.  This Warrant, as shown by our records, was received in a letter from him, dated February 18, 1856, but the letter and Warrant have been
Page 31

mislaid.  No evidence is found to show that the Warrant was attempted to be located  on the tract desired, which tract, however, had been disposed of before his application.
     The Warrant has not been located, and if Mr. Bennett desires, he can make application to the Commissioner of Pensions for the issue of a Duplicate thereof, in compliance with his circular "O",  herewith enclosed.
     The letter of Mr. Bennett is herewith returned.

Very respectfully,
S S Burditt
Commissioner.

Hon. J. M. Rusk,}
Ho. of Reps.}

DW[ ]
Page 32

JM
[     ] Div.
        Ex'r

PENSION 
J.
JUL
U.   27   S.
1896
OFFICE

ADDRESS YOUR REPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSION WITH RETURN OF THIS LETTER.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSION,
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 14, 1896

Madam:
     In reply to your letter of the 23th [  ]to, relative to land-warrant No. 9405 for 160 acres, act of 1855, in name Hepzibah Waterman, you are requested to return the warrant in question, with all papers that may be in your possession relating to same, to this Bureau for examination.
Very respectfully
D. S. Murphy
Commissioner

Mr. K. W. Hart
Bon 612
Aurora
Indiana

PENSION 
J
JUL
U.  27  S.
1896
OFFICE

OLD WAR & NAVY 
JUL 28 1896
FILES
Page 43

9311
Abraham Waterman

Admit
12 mo's Priv.

Return the Certificate 
to Oel Billings 
Royalton, Vt.
Page 48

Certificate of Revolutionary service of
Abraham Waterman
for Hepzibah Waterman

No. 31.654  Act of 1855

John M Bennett
of Springfield
Vermont
Page 52

"Record Evidence"
in Bounty Land Claim
No.  31.654  Act of 1855
Page 53

Springfield Vt.  Nov. 3, 1855

Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I enclose you herewith the required "Record evidence" in the Revolutionary Bounty Land Claim of Hepzibah Waterman  No. 31654  under the Act of March 3, 1855.

Please reply the above to me as before at Springfield, Vermont.

Very respectfully
John M. Bennett
Springfield
Vermont
Page 56

STATE OF WISCONSIN, }
COUNTY OF VERNON. }ss.

I, P. J. Layne, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said County and State, do hereby certify that Thomas J. Shear Esq., before whom the annexed Affidavit was made, and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing a Notary Public in and for the County and State above named, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit, that I believe that his signature thereto is genuine, and that the annexed instrument is executed according to the laws of the State of Wisconsin; and I certify that the Court of which I am Clerk is a Court of Record.
In testimony whereof I hereunto sign my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Viroqua, this 19th day of February A. D. 1875.
P J Layne   Clerk.
Page 57

To  the Commissioner of Pensions 

Sir, 
This application is sent you by Hon. J. M. Rusk, of the House of Representatives who will vouch for me [   ].
He has no interest in my claim but through friendship does this for me.
If you would be more fully satisfied as to the justice of this you will find in your records & files of twenty years ago that I sent many applications for Bounty Land Warrants, Act of 1855 & before, in my own handwriting.
You will please reply to Mr. Rusk at Viroqua, Vernon Co., Wis. or to me at Hillsborough, Vernon Co. Wis. as may best suit you.
Very respectfully
John M. Bennett
of Hillsborough, Vernon Co., Wis.
Page 58

O. W. & N. 
AUG 15 189 RECEIVED

PENSION 
I 
AUG
U. 13  S.
1896
OFFICE

Aurora, Indiana,  Aug 10, 1896.

D. S. Murphy,
Commissioner Of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir,
Your letter of Aug 6th to hand.  In reply to your questions,  I would say, My father's name was William Gillespie Whittlesey.  Late in the '50's  (just what year I am not sure) while a young man, he went to Washington D. C. from Indiana.  Here he studied law in the office of Thos. A. Hendricks and was in the department service.  He remained in the land office ( I think it was) as one of the  chief clerks until about 1869 or 1870 and then came west again.
Page 59

O. W. & N 
AUG 15 1896
RECEIVED

[         ] 
I
AUG 
U.  13  S.
1896
OFFICE

what his business relations were with John M. Bennett.  I do not know, as I do not know the man or this occupation, nor whether he is living, in fact know nothing about him.
When father's papers were examined there were no letters or circulars relating to the warrant, that we know of.  It was found among some old accounts, which were outlawed & so destroyed.  This all I know of the warrant and all I have ever heard mother speak of.  The warrant was only kept as a sort of curiosity.
Father followed mercantile pursuits when he came west & so never practiced law.  Are these answers satisfactory, if not, will be glad to add any further  information necessary, if I can.
Respectfully 
Mrs. K W. Hart
Aurora, Ind.
Box 612
Page 60

PENSION
I
AUG
U.  13  S.
1896
OFFICE

OW and N Div.
V  Ex'r.
Wt. no. 9405 - 1[  ] 55.
Hepzibah Waterman.
Co. ___________  Reg't _______________
______________________________________________
ADDRESS YOUR REPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS WITH RETURN OF THIS LETTER.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,    AUG 6TH,  1896

O. W. & N. 
AUG 15 1896
RECEIVED

Madam:
In reply to your letter the 26th Aust, enclosing bounty land warrant No. 9405, for 160 acres, under act of mach. 3, 1855, issued in name of Hepzibah Waterman and assigned by the warrantee to John M. Bennett, Nov. 24.1855;  you are requested to state your father's name in full, his place of residence from 1856 to 1870, his profession and his business relations with John M. Bennett.  You should also examine your father's papers to ascertain whether any letter or circular relating to the warrant can be found.   You are also requested to state whether your father knew John M. Bennett; what his occupation or profession was and whether he is now living, and if living, where he resides?

Very respectfully 
D. S. Murphy
Commissioner

Mrs. K. W. Hart
Box 612 
Aurora, Indiana
Page 61

[      ]

Hon J M Rush

hfr
Page 63

The Commissioner decides 
that the letter of the 
General Land Office
 dated August 2, 1883,
shall be regarded
as a request from the
Commissioner of 
the General Land
Office that the (duplicate) warrant
be issued, and that 
the warrant shall
issue pursuant then to.

N Robinson
Asst. Chf. O. W. & N . Div

Aug. 23/83
Page 64

Pension office
Oct 5/53

Sir,
Please report time of last payment to or death of within  named pensioner.
Respectfully be 
S. Cole

F. Burl Esq.
3 aud
Present  for commr.

Abraham Waterman
Act 1832, $40.00, per annum.
Died 30th Dec. 1842,  Paid
to his death.

F. Burl
Auditor.
Page 65

to whom it had been transferred by the widow.
Can it be located by me at this late period, or is it void?

Respectfully
Mrs. K. W. Hart.

Box 612 Aurora
Dearborn Co.  Indiana
Page 66

Aurora, Ind.  June 23, 1896

Commissioner of Pensions: -

Dear Sir,

Among my late father's papers is a certificate of Bounty Land (160 acres) given Nov. 10, 1855 to the widow of Abraham Waterman for services rendered during the Revolutionary War, according to Act of March 3rd, 1855.  It is numbered 9405 and bears the signature of Commissioner Guinot, but it has never been located.
It must have been given my father in payment of debt by one, John M Bennett.
Page 67

Aurora, Ind.   July 21, 96

D. S. Murphy
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

PENSION
J
JUL
U.  27  S.
1896
OFFICE.

Dear Sir,
In accordance with your letter of the 14th inst., I send the land warrant referred to and the following explanation:
Father died in 1890.  Mother in looking over his papers, came across the warrant among a lot of father's bills and accounts that were outlawed, that he never realized any money from.  Thinking
Page 68

the warrant of no value, she laid it away as a curiosity.   Recently I found it and decided to write to Washington about it.  
It must have been given to father in payment of some of these debts, and owing to his long paralyzed condition, the transaction with others, passed from his mind.  Will it be necessary to send any of these old accounts out to the department for verification?  I do not know if they still exist as many of his papers considered useless were destroyed when we moved after his death.
Among the papers saved were letters testifying to

PENSION
J
JUL
U.  27  S.
1896
OFFICE.
Page 69

father's character and ability to signed by such men as Thos. A Hendricks, Judge Niblack, Senator Varhees,  ex-speaker Kerr, Reed and others.  I mention this latter fact simply as proof of his standing.

Respectfully
Mrs. K. W. Hart
Aurora,
Box 612.  Indiana.

PENSION
J
JUL
U.  27   S.
1896
OFFICE.
Page 70

Bureau of Pensions.

Harry:
According to the division of the Secretary of the Interior [illegible] date of July 23 /81, affirming
decisions on several points, this warrant should
be referred with [illegible] of the General Land Office for cancellation, [illegible] a statement of facts
Page 71

BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

[          ] father's papers to ascertain whether any letter of circular relating to the warrant is amongst them.   Then I would also sent whether she knew John M Bennett and if so what was his occupation or profession and if he is living  [    ] present.
Page 72

BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Harry
I  would call on Mrs Hart for her father's full name and his places of residence from 1856 to 1870 and his profession.  Also what business relations existed between him and John M. Bennett.  Also request her to
Page 73

BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Wt has been placed in safe with other warrants.
Vincent.
Aug 6/96.
Page 74

BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
P. O. address

Mrs. K. W. Hart
Aurora 
Ind.
Aug 6/96.
Page 75

BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Original Warrant
This Bureau has no right to cancel any warrant which has been assigned
---------------------------------------------------
You had better make a full [    ]  notes in your 
[     ] book
Jun
Augt 20/96
Page 76

BUREAU OF PENSIONS

8 - Aug. 27th 1883   Duplicate issued at recommandation of Comm. Pensions and sent to G. L. O.

June 23/96.  Mrs K W Hart filed the original wt. assigned to Bennett, stating that it had been found with her father's papers, also stating that she believes it was from her father for a debt and she desires to know whether or not she can locate it or whether it is void.

Note:  The G. L. O. was mistaken or so having mislaid our warrant  that is evident , but how it was taken from the land office after Bennett retuned it Feb 18, 1856, is unknown to this Bureau. the fact that it was is shown by presence of [  ] Wt.
Page 77

Bureau of Pensions.

1. The original warrant was assigned by [       ] to John M. Bennett Nov 24 1855.

2. Bennett sent warrant with fees to Commt Gen,. Land Office for location, Jany 22th 1856.

3. Gent. Land Off. returned warrant to Bennett Feb 9, 56, in order that he might insert his name in blank assignment.

4. Bennett made correction and returned wt to G. L. O . Feb 18/56.

5.  June 20/74  Comm G. L. O. informed Bennett that warrant had been mislaid and a [   ] a [   ] to
apply for a duplicate.

6. Feb 17/75 Bennett made application for duplicate wt.

7.  Aug 2/82:  Comm G. L. O. informs Bureau that wt had been mislaid and  [         ] issue of duplicate to Bennett
Page 78

Ask Gen. Land Office if they will [   ] the issue of a duplicate warrant in this case
Page 79

No. 31.654
ACT OF March 3d, 1855
Received  Apr. 2d, 1855
------------------------------------------------------
Hepzibah Waterman
Widow of 
Abraham Waterman priv.
Col. Sage
Ct. State Troops
Rev. War.

Warrant No. 9.405
For 160 acres.

Duplicate Warrant issued August
27, 1883

John M. Bennett
Springfield  Vt
Page 80

1883
------
7 -10
G. L. O. Referring letter of G. L. O.  to Mr. Bunnett, suggesting that G. L. O. apply for a dup.  N.E.R.

1883
------
8 - 27
Commi  G. L. O. Wrt #9405 - 160- 55, dup. issued.
John M. Bennett
Wrt issued & ret. to G. L. O.
A. T. T.

July 14/96     To Mrs Hart requesting return of 
[            ]  [    ] all papers relating to same.  M G

Aug 6/96  Letter to Mrs K. W. Hart  Aurora, Ind.  see [     ] copy  inside
Sept 1 of 96. Original wt 9405-166-55 referred to returned land office for cancellation and Mrs. K. W. Hart of Aurora Indiana advised of said action and given grounds for same.  [   ]
Page 81

Rev War
--------
WIDOW, &c.
______________
File No.  2287
Hepsibah Waterman
Widow
Abraham Waterman
Priv. Rev. War.
--------------------
Act:  Feb. 8, 1853.
Index :--- Vol.  M,   Page 304

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1912 Mch. 16 Hist to
Mrs. Louis H. Gould.   V. L. M.
---------------------------------
1935 Aug 19  Hist. to Lillian
C. Bachman.  A.D.Y.
----------------------------------
Page 82

Mrs. Louis H. Gould   220 S Wash -  St.

Chillicothe, Missouri
March 10th , 1912

Pension Dept.
Washington, D. C.

Will you kindly send me any information concerning Captain Abraham Waterman, who was born in Glocester, R. I. and died in South Royalton, Vt. March 16th , 1818.  Also, any information you may have in your possession concerning one Edward Bealley Church Esq., of Northampton, Mass, also lived in Boston Mass., and died in Lexington, Ky. They are of Revolutionary times and the data I need is
Page 83

The other part of this letter cannot be found.

V. L. M
Mch 16, 1912

PENSION
D
MAR
U.  12  S.
1912
OFFICE.
Page 84

288 Lexington Ave.,
New York City.

General Pension Office
Washington, D. C. 

Gentlemen:

I would like to know if you have any information of birthplace, parents, place of death, date etc of Abraham Waterman who died in Royalton Vt.  He was supposed to have been in Revolution .  May have been a Capt. in Col. Johnson's 21st Conn, enlisted in Plainfield Ct.  Pensioned Set 25, 18-----.

RECEIVED
AUG 6 1935
MAIL SUB-DIV
[        ] 7
[        ]

Also
Jabez Newton, NEWTON, born Jan 19, 1739 or 40, was in Revolution in Capt. Johnathan Shaws Com., Col George Williams reg.  service 1 mo, 1 day.  Pensioned ______________, where did he die, who were
Page 85

his parents.  According to my record they were Ezekial Newton and  Hepsibiah ___________.  Do you have records of dependents etc?

Was his father Ezekial also in Revolution?  Several brothers were, I know.   I know this Ezekial was born May 13, 1719.
&
Absalom Ward of Marlboro or Southboro.

Is it possible to obtain records of the earlier soldiers who fought in Indian Wars?

To whom do I write for record of such.  I shall appreciate any information you may have.

Sincerely
Lillian C. Bachman
288 Lexington Ave.
N Y City