Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25339, Israel Aiken, Mass.
Page 1

SERVICE
Mass.

Aiken, Israel
Susanna

NUMBER
W. 25339
Page 2

Vermont 28034
Israel Aiken Decd
of Windsor in State of Ver
who was a Privat in the Com commanded
by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded
by Col Putnam in the Mass
line for 15 mo
71
12 of August 1832
Inscribed on the Roll Ver
at the rate of 7 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of march, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Jany
183[2] and sent Hon
H Everet H of R.
Arrears to the day of his death
Certificate for widow $71.64
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D Bullock Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 51.
Page 3

8:3455
Israel Aiken
[illegible] 7 June 1778  [illegible]
[illegible] 7  [illegible] 1779

Israel Aiken
Page 4

Declaration of Israel Aiken
State of Vermont
County of Windsor ss. District of Windsor ss
On this Thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-two, personally appeared before the Probate Court for
the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont, Israel Aiken, a resident of
Windsor in the County (and District) of Windsor aforesaid, aged Seventy-two
years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath, make the
following declaration, in order the 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 1778 with Capt. Daniel Shays in the regiment,
of Massachusetts line, commanded by Col. Rufus Putnam, under the following
named officers:
At Hardwicke in the State of Massachusetts, on the month of
May 1778 he enlisted for Nine months, marched to Fishkill on North River
and there on the Seventh day of June, same year, entered the Company and Regt.
above mentioned. In his march to Fishkill, he marched through "old Springfield,
Danbury, Milford, and other towns not recollected. The Ensign's name was
Chelenor, or Chaloner, or a name resembling those in sound; the Lieutenant's
name was Baker, as it now seems to him, although he cannot positively say
the fact was so. Of the officers of the Regt he can remember only one name,
which was Allen; but whether Allen was Lt. Col. or Major, he is unable to
state. The name of the Adjutant was Trotter. He lived in said Hardwicke
when he enlisted for this service, and also there lived when he entered at other times
of entering the service hereinafter to be mentioned. He marched (back) from Fishkill
back to Hartford (Conn.) there remained some time. Went to White Plains and
to other places - wintered, partly, in huts, on the east side of North River, against, or
nearly against West Point, at a nick-named, by old Gen. Putnam, "Soldiers
Fortune"
Page 5

and partly at Croton River. He was discharged, at the latter place, on the 7th day
of March 1779, but received no written discharge.
The said Israel Aiken further declares, that at Hardwicke aforesaid, on or
near the 6th day of June 1776, he remembers the time because he was sixteen years
old that day (6th June) and was impatient and anxious to go into the army,
he enlisted, for a town about which he has no recollection whatever, into the company
of Capt .... Knowlton, in the Regt of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Col.
Dyke. He marched to Dorchester heights that "over looked" Castle William, and
was there employed in cutting turf and carrying it up to the Fort that was begun
before the British left Boston. Here he remained until into the fall, at a time not
long after fruit was generally ripe, and the weather had become cold, when being
unwell he hired a man to take his place. At this time, the dysentery greatly prevailed
in our army. He was, this tour, out, as he quite confidently thinks, not far from
4 months. During this period, he did not see or know any continental regiments
or officers; "they had all gone off to New York", and the militia about Boston was
"pretty much old men and boys";
The said Aiken further declares that "in that year Arnold sold West-Point",
(1780) at Hardwicke aforesaid, he enlisted into the Company of Capt. Timothy Paige,
(the same who afterwards signed and gave him the certificate hereto annexed) of
Massachusetts Militia; but who commanded the Regt. he has entirely forgotten.
He cannot state for what precise time he enlisted, but distinctly recollects that 
the first night after he marched from Hardwicke he stopped at "old Springfield" and
slept on the bare boards of a barn scaffold and knows that no hay had been cut
that year; he is quite certain this was in June. He marched to West Point, and
was there and at other places, as the regiment moved. He was about 2 or 3 miles
north of Poughkeepsie, getting wood for the garrison at West Point, at the time Arnolds
treason "broke out", when he was ordered down to the Point. When they came within
about 10 miles of the Point, they were ordered back again, and he continued there
until he was discharged. The exact time of his being discharged, he cannot state;
he only knows that he came directly home, and found in Hardwicke snow as much
as six inches deep on the ground. He thinks he must have been out this time not
far from 5 months, but has no other recollection than as above. He had "but little
chance" to know continental officers or troops, and recollects only that he frequently, or
a number of times, saw Gen. Arnold & other officers whose names he has forgotten.
Page 6

The said Aiken further declares that, at Hardwicke aforesaid, he enlisted, for a term
about the extent of which he has no precise recollection, into the company of Captn
Richardson, Massachusetts Militia. He cannot remember either the time of his enlisting
nor the time of his being discharged; nor can he remember whether there was or was
not any regiment from New England: his impression is that Col Schuyler of
Albany commanded "the men" after they were assembled. He remembers well that
on the march, they procured new potatoes of considerable "bigness" and the farmer
would not take pay for them. He marched to Albany N York, at which place
they feared an attack from the Indians at the north and west, and there remained
until he was discharged, but at what time he is unable to state. He was dismissed
sooner than he expected to be when he went. He believes he was there not far from
three months, "though unwilling to speak certain" about it.
He has no documentary evidence, except the certificate annexed, and knows of no
[per]son, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services.
About the 1st day of June 1781, he removed from said Hardwicke to Windsor Vt.
where he has ever since resided. In the winter of 1783, being at Hardwicke, and
not having then (nor at any time) received more than half his pay, he asked Capt.
Paige, under whom he served, for a certificate. Said Paige gave him the paper hereto
annexed, and the declarant preserved it thinking that "some day there might be
settlement of such things"
[attached document]
Hardwick January 30 1783
this may certify whomsoever it may
consarn that Mr Israel Aiken hath
served twenty one months as a good Soldier
in the Continental Army in the [unclear: preasent]
war
Timo Paige Capt
[end of attached document]
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.

To the Interrogatories propounded by the Court,
the declarant answer, that he was born in
Page 7

Hardwick in the State of Massachusetts on
the 6th day of June 1760, and, that he believes
there is a record of his age in said Town of
Hardwic;, give the names of Andrew
N. Woodruff and Elias Savage, as persons in
his neighbourhood, who can testify to his
character for veracity, and their belief of his
service; and as to the other matters to which he is
interrogated, he has related the same, 
according to his best recollection, in his declaration above.
Israel Aiken

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year
aforesaid.
Jabez Proctor Judge

We Andrew N. Woodruff and Elias Savage
residing in the town of Windsor in the County
of Windsor and State of Vermont, hereby
certify, that we are well acquainted with
Israel Aikens, who has subscribed and Sworn
to the above declaration, that we believe him
to be seventy two years of age; that he is
reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood
where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the
Revolution, and, that we concur in that opinion.
A. N. Woodruff
Elias Savage

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year
Jabez Proctor Judge
Page 8

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 
Andrew N. Woodruff and Elias Savage, who have
signed the preceding Certificate, are residents in
the town of Windsor aforesaid, and are credible
persons, and that their Statement is entitled to
credit.
Jabez Proctor Judge

I Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate
Court within and for the District of Windsor
in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify,
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application
of Israel Aiken for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand, and affixed 
the seal of said Court,
this thirtieth day of July in the
year of our Lord one thousand
eight Hundred and thirty two
Reuben Washburn
Page 9

Israel Aiken Decd
Vermont
died 12 Aug 1832
Susanna Aiken
widow
15 mo private
50 per year
[crossed out: See letter Dec 17 1833 to]
Hon H Everett
Present

111
-25
11
[illegible]
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
28th Novemr 1833
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 compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, shewing the service of Israel Aiken Decd
Period when the service was rendered.
May 1778
1776.
1780

Duration of the
claimant's service.
Years.
Months.
 9.
 4.
5
3.
Days.
8
Rank of
the
claimant.
Jon

Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Cap. Shays
Col. R. Putnam

Age at present,
and place of abode 
when he entered
the service.
72 years
Hardwicke
Mass

Proof by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
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, mucicians 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 Troys
County of
On this
day of
A.
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
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)
and
served in the
(e) regiment of the
(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.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same)
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of that the foregoing
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
&c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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[printed text]
3
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.
To a Soldier
C
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
, and what has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
Toe 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 traditionary 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
inquiry 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.
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.
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.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
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 amndavit in the following words
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
the consequentines 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
and - days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."
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
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.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
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 pubseal
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.
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
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witness
, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from (a) to (l) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note applies to continental troops only.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 13

4103
Aiken
Vr
Act 7 July 38
M 84 or 32
Admd
15 mo pri
50$
No deduction
Carlos Coolidge
Windsor
Vt
Page 14

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July
1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain
widows"
State of Vermont
County of Windsor ss.
On this twenty first day of September in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally
appeared, before the Probate Court for the District of Windsor in the State
of Vermont, Susanna Aikens, a resident of Windsor in said district
of Windsor, aged nearly seventy three 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 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to
certain widows":
That she is the widow of Israel Aikens, late of
Windsor in said District of Windsor, who was a private in the army of the
Revolution. That she has often heard said Israel narrate the events of
the war as connected with his service, but by reason of decay of memory is
unable to specify them, or his services. She believes that he made mention
of his having been under the command of a Capt. Page, and of having been
on duty at West Point, and Fishkill, in New York, and of having served
in both the continental line and in the militia. The said Susanna, further,
Page 15

declares that said Israel, six years ago or thereabouts, prepared his claim
or declaration for a pension, and it was sent on to Washington, as she understood;
but he died on the twelfth day of August 1832 and, as she believes, before
his certificate of pension was issued, or before it was received at Windsor. She
recollects that it was but a very few days, some six or seven, before his death, that
said Israel made his "last writing about his pension". Sometime after his death,
during the autumn of same year, said Susanna made some sort of declaration
and, as said Israel's widow, drew the pension under his certificate, and she
supposes that the certificate was then sent back, as she has never since seen
it. For specification of said Israel's services, she refers to the declaration and
proofs in his case, supposed to be in the Pension Office.
Said Susanna further declares that she was married to the said
Israel Aiken, at Hardwick in the State of Massachusetts, in the mouth of
September. She cannot recollect, so as to declare from memory, the day of the
month, or the year, when she was married; but she knows that she was married
in the month of "September next before she was nineteen years old", and that
she will be, if living, seventy three years old on the thirteenth day of October
next. that her husband, the aforesaid Israel Aiken, died, at said
Windsor, on the 12th August 1832. that she was not married to him
prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place at the time
above stated. She was married to said Israel by Esquire
Mendall; and, since the death of said Israel, has remained to this time
a widow.
her
Susanna x Aiken
mark
Witness. Thomas F. Hammond

Israel Aiken
Page 16

Sworn and subscribed by the said Susanna Aiken, on this twenty first
day of September, eighteen hundred and thirty eight, (the word "it" interlined 
before signing) Before me, Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of said
Probate Court.

State of Vermont
District and County
of Windsor
I hereby certify that Susanna Aiken who
has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Declaration, 
is a person of truth and veracity,
and that her statements are entitled to full credit and belief.
Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of
said Probate Court.

State of Vermont,
District and County
of Windor
Probate office for said District
I Salmon F. Dutton Register
of the Probate Court for the District & County
of Windsor aforesaid hereby certify that Thomas F. Hammond, before
whom the foregoing Declaration of Susanna Aiken was sworn to and
subscribed and who has certified to the credibility of the said Declarant
is Judge of the said Probate Court which Court is a Court of Record &
and that the signature annexed to the certificate of the oath and of the
credibility of the said Susanna Aiken purporting to be the signature
of him the said Thomas F. Hammond, is his own proper & genuine
signature. In Testimony whereof, I hereunto affix the
Seal of said Probate Court, and subscribe my name
at Cavendish in said District, this twenty fifth day
of September A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty Eight.
Salmon F. Dutton, Register.
Page 17

Extract from the Records of the Town of
Hardwick taken from Book 1st page 451, said
page being headed "A list of Marriages Consummated 
by Paul Mandell Justice of Peace".
"Israel Aiken of Windsor & Susanna Smith
of Hardwick" September twenty third one thousand
Seven hundred and eighty four.

State of Massachusetts 
Worcester County ss.
Town Clerks Office Hardwick
in said County, Sept 20th 1838
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy
of the Record, from the Record of Marriages in said
Office now in my custody as Town Clerk of said
Hardwick, with the exception of the date, which is
expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as
follows, "Sepr 23d 1784".
Attest. Joseph Stone, Clerk of said Town of
Hardwick for the year 1838.

I, Joseph Stone, above named depose and say:
that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of
Hardwick in the County, Town and State aforesaid,
and that the above is a true extract from the Records
of Marriages in said Hardwick, with the exception
above named, as certified by me,
Hardwick
Sept. 20th 1838
Joseph Stone, Clerk of said Town of
Hardwick

Worcester ss
Subscribed and sworn to this twentieth day
of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Before me,
Gardner Ruggles Jus. Peace.

I also certify that the Deponent is a person whose
testimony is entitled to full credit.
Gardner Ruggles J. Peace.
Page 18

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. 
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the
Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do
certify, that Gradner Ruggles is a Justice of the
Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned
and qualified, and that the two foregoing
signatures of his name are true and genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto
set my hand and the Seal of 
said Court this twentieth day
of September one thousand, eight
hundred and thirty eight.
Chas G. Prentiss, Register
Page 19

I, Samuel Ruggles, of Windsor in the County of Windsor and
State of Vermont, aged sixty two years or thereabouts, depose and say
that in March A.D. 1783, being the year in which I was seven years
old, I came with my father, also named Samuel, from New Braintree in
Massachusetts, to said Windsor, and began to reside on the farm on which
I now live and which I now own, and from which I have never been
separated. When I came to Windsor as aforesaid, Israel Aiken, late of
said Windsor, deceased, was clearing up the farm on which he lived
until his decease, which took place some 6 or 7 years ago. Said Aikens,
from the year of my coming to Windsor as above mentioned constantly lived
on his farm; and his farm and mine are about one quarter of a mile
distant from each other, and ever, from 1783, to his decease we were
neighbors. I further say that within a year or two after I came to
Windsor as aforesaid, Susanna Smith of Hardwick in Massachusetts, and
who is my cousin, came to Windsor as the newly married wife of said
Israel Aiken, was recognized and treated by said Israel as his wife, was
so recognized and treated by all others, and ever after (until his death)
lived with said Israel as his lawful wife; during all which time she
maintained a respectable character and honorable reputation. I have
understood that said Israel Aiken obtained a pension certificate about
the time of his death. Said Susanna has ever since remained, and is
now, the widow of said Israel.
Samuel Ruggles

State of Vermont 
Windsor ss.
Windson November 22 1838. Then Samuel
Ruggles, above named, personally appeared and
Page 20

made oath that the foregoing affidavit, (which was subscribed by him in my
view,) contains the truth and nothing but the truth
Before me, Carlos Coolidge Justice of the Peace
And I certify that said Samuel Ruggles is a credible witness
Carlos Coolidge Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Windsor ss.
I, Benjamin Swan, Clerk of Windsrn County Court, 
certify that Carlos Coolidge is a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County of Windsor, duly commissioned
and authorized to act as such, that his commission
commenced 1st December 1837 and will expire the
1st December 1838, and that the two signatures
on this sheet purporting to be his, are his genuine hand
writing. Witness my official signature and seal of office,
this twenty sixth day of November one thousand eight
hundred and thirty eight.
Benj Swan Clerk
Page 21

377.
Vermont, Montpelier
Susanna Aiken
widow of Israel Aiken
who was a private
in the [crossed out: Vermont] Mass line
for 15 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
50 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
17th day of June 1843.
and sent to
Thomas F. Hammond
Brownsville
Vermont.
(Act of March 3, 1843.)
Recorded in Book A
Vol 1. Page 24

Rep
Page 22

A
Bradford Pa
May 28th 1894
Pension Agt.
Dear Sir,
I am anxious
to have proof that my
Great Grandfather Israel
Aiken of Vt. fought in 
the Revolutionary War.
I know he did for his
widow, my Great Grandmother Susannah Aiken
living at Windsor Vt
drew a pension for some
years before she died which
Page 23

was in the year (1843). I suppose
the papers are in the family
some where, but I do not
know where, and if there is
any proof that I can have
I shall be grateful and
am willing to pay for all
trouble and expense incured
in tracing the same. I
would like to become
a "Daughter of the Revolution"
Yours respectfully
Mrs. W. R. Weaver
72 Congress St.

Isreal Aiken died Aug 12th 1832
Susannah Aiken " Oct 30th 1843
Page 24

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25.339
Susanna Aiken
wid. of
Israel Aiken
Priv Rev. war
Act: July 3rd, 1843.
Index:- Vol. A, Page 6

June 23/94 [illegible] Hist to
Mrs. W. R. Weaver, 72 Congress St
Bradford, Pa. C
Page 25

Vermont- 3006
Susanna Aiken
widow of Israel Aiken
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June '32
and who died on the 12th August 1832
of Windsor in the State of Vermont
who was a Pr in the Compy commanded
by Captain Paige of the Regt commanded
by Putman in the [crossed out: Vt] Mass
line for 15 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Bellows Falls
at the rate of 50 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May
'39 and sent to Carlos Coolidge,
Windsor, Vt
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. $150.00
Semi-annual allowance ending  25.00
$175.00
Act July 7,
1838.
Recorded by R Burdine Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page 34
Page 26

285
Page 27

State of Vermont
District of Windsor, ss.
On this thirtieth day of March in
the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and forty three,
personally appeared before the Probate Court in and
for said District of Windsor, Susanna Aiken a resident
of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of
Vermont, aged seventy seven years in October, now
last past, who being first duly sworn, according to
law doth on her oath, make the following Declaration,
in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made
by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843,
granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the
Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Israel Aiken
who was a Private in the war of the Revolution, but
she cannot state the Regiment or Corps to which
he belonged and in which he served, and as evidence
of his services, reference may be had to the said Israel Aikins
Declaration and proofs accompanying the same now
on File in the Pension Department. That she received
a Pension of fifty dollars per annum under the
Act of July 7. 1838. She further declares that she has
not intermarried, and that she continues to be, and
is the widow of the above named Israel Aiken.
[margin] Witness.
Israel Aiken
A. H. Hammond

her
Susanna x Aiken
mark

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year first
above written, Before me Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of said
Probate Court.
I hereby certify, that Susanna Aiken, the above declarant,
is personally known to me. Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of said
Probate Court
Page 28

State of Vermont,
District of Windsor, ss.
I, Salmon F. Dutton Register of the Probate Court for the
District of Windsor aforesaid, hereby certify that Thomas F.
Hammond, before whom the within Declaration of Susanna
Aiken was sworn to and subscribed, and who has subscribed the within certificate of
identity, is Judge of the Probate Court for said District of Windsor, which Probate Court is a Court
of Record; and that the signature annexed to the within certificates, purporting to be the
signature of him the said Thomas F. Hammond, is his proper and genuine signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said
Probate Court and subscribed my name at Cavendish in said District,
this tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and forty three.
Salmon F. Dutton, Register
Page 29

State of Vermont.
County of Windsor, ss.
District of Windsor, ss.
Be it remembered, that at a Probate Court
holden at Reading within the said County
and District of Windsor, on the Eleventh day of
November in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight Hundred and thirty three, present the Hon.
Jabez Proctor Judge, satisfactory testimony
hath been given to said Court, that Israel
Aiken of Windsor in said District, died at
said Windsor, on the twelfth day of August
A.D. 1832, and that Susanna Aiken, now
resident in said Windsor, is the Widow of the
said Israel Aiken
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto 
set my hand, and affixed
the Seal of said Court, this Eleventh
day of November in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight Hundred
and thirty three.
Reuben Washburn, Register.
Page 30

I, Timothy Hathaway of Hardwick in the
County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts
aged Seventy seven years, depose & say, that in the
latter part of June, in the year in which the Treason of
Arnold took place, I enlisted into a company of Infantry
commanded by Capt. Timothy Paige, which company was
attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. -- Rand,
that I was marched to West Point in the State of
New York and remained stationed there, in the service of
the United States, for the full term of three months. I also
depose and say that Israel Aikin, then of said Hardwick,
enlisted with me into the Company aforesaid, marched
with me to West Point, remained there in said service
with me during the aforesaid period of three months,
and returned with me to Hardwick the last of September
or first of October of the year aforesaid.
And further this deponent saith not.
Timothy Hathaway
[marginal note]
Hardwick
Sept. 5th 1833

Worcester ss. Sept 5th 1838. Personally appeared the
above named Timothy Hathaway and made solemn oath to
the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed,
before me, Joseph Stone, Justice of
the Peace.
And I certify that said Timothy Hathaway is a
credible Witness.
Joseph Stone, Justice of the Peace.
Page 31

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss.
I, Joseph G. Kendall, Clerk of the Judicial
Courts within and for the County of Worcester, do
certify, that Joseph Stone, Esquire. is a Justice of
the peace in and for said County of Worcester and
that his signature to the certificate of the oath, &c of
Timothy Hathaway to the within Deposition, appears
to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand,
and affix the County Seal, at Worcester,
this seventh day of September, in the
year eighteen hundred and thirty three
Jos. G. Randall Clk
Page 32

I Ephraim Ruggles of Hardwick in the County of
Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy six
years; depose & say that in the autumn of the year 1779 or
in the year 1781, I cannot certainly recollect which, I enlisted
into a Company of Infantry commanded by Capt. Richardson
of Brookfield, which was called out & ordered to "Claverick"
and afterwards to Albany in the State of New York, under the
expectation, as it was said, of an attack from the Indians
of the Northwestern Frontier; I also depose & say that 
the Company to which I belonged was stationed at a place 
called "Albany flats", in the service of the United States, untill
near winter, where, a few days before the term of three
months for which we were called out, had
expired, the winter being near at hand, we were discharged,
although wages were allowed us for the aforesaid term of
three months. I also depose & say that Israel Aikin, then
of said Hardwick joined said Company before it
marched from Hardwick & remained in it doing duty
through the term aforesaid.
And further this deponent saith not.
Ephraim Ruggles
[margin]
Hardwick
Sept. 7th 1833

Worcester Sept. 7th 1833, Personally appeared the above
named Ephraim Ruggles and made solemn oath to the truth
of the above affidavit by him subscribed,
before me Joseph Stone, Justice of
the Peace.
And I certify that said Ephraim Ruggles is a credible
Witness.
Joseph Stone, Justice of the
Peace.

Worcester ss. Sept. 7th 1833. I certify that the above
affidavit was taken and subscribed before me
the subscriber after the Deposition of Timothy Hathaway
accompanying this, had been sent to the office of the
Clerk of the County for his seal & Certificate, which is
the reason why the affidavit of said Ruggles is not
referred to in the certificate of said County Clerk.
Joseph Stone, Justice of the Peace
Page 33

293
Vt. Apl 15 43.
Mar 3 1843
Claim
Pension
Pension off

War Department.
Pension Office.
Washington City.
D.C.
Page 34

Browns Ville, Windsor Co. Vermont, April 10th 1843.
Should Pension Certificates be granted on the inclosed applications 
of Sibbell Houghton, Susanna Aiken, Elizabeth Newman,
Priscilla Marcy, Molly Chubb, Polly Chase, Lucy Bradford,
Dorcas Jennings & Lucretia Stone, they may be forwarded to
me at this place, and I will distribute them to whom
they may belong
Thomas F. Hammond.
Page 35

Israel Aiken

Free
H Everett

Carlos Coolidge Esq
Windsor
Vermont
Page 36

War Dept
Pension Office
Feb. 6. 1832
Sir,
In reply to the enquiry contained
in the enclosed letter from the
Honble H. Everett, I have to inform
you that it appears from the Rolls
of Capt. Daniel Shays's Company of
Col. Rufus Putnam's regt Massachusetts
line, that Israel Aikins
enlisted on the 7th of June 1778 for nine
months, and that he was discharged
on the 7th of March 1779. The only variation
in the case between Mr Everett's statement 
and the record is in the spelling of
the name. On the roll the name is written
as above, and not Aikens, as in Mr
E's letter.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obt Servt
J. L. Edwards

Hon. L. Cass
Secretary of War
Page 37

Hon. Horace Everett
Member of Congress
Washington
D.C.
Page 38

Windsor Vt. Dec. 24. 1833
Hon. H. Everett
Dr Sir - Your communications respecting the pension
cases of Craige, Frack & others came to hand this day. Your
remark in relation to Israel Aiken -- that he can draw for 6 mos.
only -- leads me to think that the Commissioner, in reviewing the
case, has omitted to recur to the rolls of service in his office. I enclose
to you a document which shows him entitled to 9 mos.] in addition
to the two terms of 3 mos. each, of which proof has been given.
It will confer an additional favor if you will acquaint the
Commr with this circumstance.
I am, with high respect,
Yr. Obt. Sv.
C. Coolidge
Page 39

From
Hon H Everett
case of
Israel Aiken

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Present
Page 40

Washington 30 Dec 1833
Sir
I enclose two letters for your
consideration in the case of
Israel Aikins
Yours &c
H. Everett

J L Edwards Esq
Page 41

Windsor Vt. Sept. 23d. 1833
To
The Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Sir - I again transmit the papers, in the case of Israel
Aiken, returned for proof of service. Two weeks after the making the 
declaration, the applicant (who had long lingered) died. His family have
taken on themselves much trouble, and incurred heavy expense, in the procuring
evidence; and having succeeded as to two of the terms, they hope that the
solemn declaration of a dying man to the fact of other services, supported
by traditionary evidence, will entitle him to allowance for his whole
claim.
I am very respectfully
Yr. Obt Sv.
Carlos Coolidge
Page 42

War Department
Pension Office
October 10, 1833
Sir
The papers in support of the claim of
Israel Aikin, deceased, have been again examined,
and are herewith enclosed to you. His widow, or
in case there be no widow, his children, or, in default
of issue, his next legal representatives, must prove 
relationship, and the time of his death, when a certificate
will be issued for the amount due up to that time.
They must procure further evidence to support his claim
before the whole of it can be admitted. The brief will
shew the necessity of telling the names of officers, and
many other circumstances, affecting the decision.
I am respectfully
Your Obt. Srvt.
Geo. Wm Crump

Carlos Coolidge Esqr.
Windsor
Vermont