Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1,069, for Michael Pearce, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Privateer
R. I.

Pearce, Michael
Mary

NUMBER
W.. 1069
B.L.WT.26483-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

1628
New York Albany
Mary Pearce
widow of Michael Pearce who served in the Revolutionary War RI as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 dollars 64 cents the 3d. February 1833

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Aug/53 and sent to J. H. Wethey Locke N. Y.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Febry 3d/53
1832

(written middle lower half vertically) 
Reg 3 m 55-146088
Page 3

30415
Albany New York
Michael Pearce
of Ontario Co in the state of N.Y. who was a private in the compny commanded by Captain Pearce of the regt commanded by Col. --- in the R2 militia line for 10 months & 2 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 35 dollars 64 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Feby. 1836 and sent to Hon D J Pearce House of Reps

Arrears to the 4th of March 1835 $178.20
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept   17.82
$196.02

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Danl. Boyd Clerk
Book E2 Vol. 4 Page 54
Page 4

46.088
Act Mch 3/55
May 23
Mary Pearce Wid of Michael Pearce Priv Rev. War
Capt.
Col.
N.Y. Mil
Enl.
Dis.
War Rev.
Now a Pensioner of the U. States
NY Lehy 53-1628
[illegible] May 24/56
[illegible]
J.H. Wethey Atty
Cortland Village N.Y.
Cir: J.J. Wethey Mch 18/56
Vol P Page 55
Page 5

No 19890 -
Michael Pearce
New York

Suspended

i-j-

C Loomis
Rushville New York
Page 6

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
May 20, 183-
Sir: The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in 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 regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department; send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
[Table entitled: "A Statement, showing the service of Michael Pearce Yates Co NY"]
[table columns: "Period when the service was rendered" | "Duration of the claimant's service Years. Months. Days." | "Rank of the Claimant" | "Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served" | "Names and Rank of the General and Field officers" | "Battles in which the applicant was engaged" | "Country through which he marched" | "Place of Abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period" | "Evidence by which the declaration is supported" ]
[First entry in table: "October 1775 Vol} [illegible] 1777" |  | Priv | Capts Pearce | Col Waterman | Prudence Island | RI | Aged 74 Portsmouth RI | Traditionary Giving Witness"]
[Second entry in table: "1777 Drafted | 42  days. | " | Arnold | " | None | RI | |" ]
[Third entry in table: " Aug 1777 Drafted | 42 days. | | Knight | " | -- | " || | |"]
[Fourth entry in table: "1778 Enlisted | 1 month 15 days | marine on board [illegible] | Allen Grant | Chapman | -- | Conn | | "]
[end of table] 
I am respectfully, Your obedient servant, J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 7

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 classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops, 2. The State Troops, Militia and Volunteers, 3. Persons employed in the Naval service, 4. Indian spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory or District of County of } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged ( c ) [blank] 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 7, 2831. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers: [blank]
[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 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. [inserted image of a pointing hand] 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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &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 made and subscribed a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a clergyman, residing in the [ blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]
And the 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. [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C.D., who has signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 8

3
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.
Where and what year were you born?
Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you live now?
How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
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. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? {To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he 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 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, 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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that 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 following are footnotes]
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for this guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of 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. Ina 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, deposeth 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 [blank] year [blank] months and [blank days] I served as a [blank]. For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such services I claim a pension.
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [italics] about three or four months, [/italics] 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 officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal 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.
[This section is marked with a brace "}"]
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 deal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[end "}"]
Proof of Service.
[following section marked with a brace: "}"]
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant’s entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[ end "}"]
[inserted image of a hand pointing] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[following section marked with a brace: "}"]
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. [end "}"]
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Dyer Custor Exam Clerk
Page 9

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of 2d Sec of act Feb 3 1853
State of New York County of Ontario ss
On this 15th day of April A.D. 1853, personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Court Sessions &c. within and for the county and state aforesaid Mary Pearce aged eighty years, a resident of the town of Goram in the County of Ontario and state of New York who being 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 approved the 3d day of February 1853:
Who says that she is the widow of Michael Pearce deceased, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and was pensioned under the act of June 7th 1832 at the rate of $35.64 per annum, and was paid at the Albany, N.Y. agency. She further declares that she was married to the said Michael Pearce on the eighth day of December 1839 in the town of Goram in the county of Ontario in the state of New York by the Rev Wm Chase. That she has no public or private record of her said marriage or of her said husbands death.
She further declares that her husband, the aforesaid Michael Pearce died in the town of Middlesex in the county of Yates and state of New York. On the 3rd day of March A.D. 1843. That she was not married to him prior to the 2d of January A.D. 1800 but at the time above stated.
She further declares that she was a widow at the passage of the act, and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension. That proof of her widowhood and of the death of her husband was filed in the Pension Office at the time she drew his last pay up to his death.
[signed: Mary Pearce her mark "X"]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me, Lindley W Smith a Justice of the Court of Sessions and Oyer & Terminer in and for said County. I hereby certify that the above named deponent is unable to attend the sitting of the Court, is consequence of the infirmities of old age; and I further certify that I have no interest in the result of this case, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Lindley W Smith, a Justice of the Court of Sessions & Oyer & Terminer in & for said county.
Page 10

State of New York
Ontario County
On this 15th day of April A.D. 1853 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Court of Sessions & within and for the County and State aforesaid Richard Green aged sixty one years and Robert Green aged fifty three years. Residents of Potter Yates County State of New York Who being duly sworn doth depose and say that they were well acquainted with Michael Pearce and Mary Pierce his wife and that they attended the weding of said Michael & Mary Pierce on the 8th day of Dec. A.D. 1839 in Goram Ontario Co N.Y. That the said Michael and Mary Pierce lived and cohabited together as husband and wife from the time of their said marriage up to the time of the death of the said Michael Pierce who died in the town of Middlesex County of Yates State of New York on the third day of March A.D. 1843. And that they attended his funeral at the time of his death as aforesaid. And that the said Michael Pierce at his death as aforesaid left the said Mary Pierce his widow him surviving who still remains his widow that said Michael Pierce was a Rev. Pensioner and that the said Mary Pierce is now a widow and has not intermarried since the death of the said Michael Pierce and resides in Goram Ontario County N.Y. 
Richard Green
Robert Green
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.
Lindley W. Smith A Justice of the Court of Sessions and Oyer and Terminer in and for said county.
Page 11

State of New York Ontario County Clerks Office ss I hereby certify that Lindley W Smith Esq whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavits & certificates was at the date of taking the same a Justice of the Court of Sessions and Oyer & Terminer in & for said county and that he was one of the members of said courts and that said courts are each courts of record of said County and that he was duly qualified and authorized to act as such and further that I'm well acquainted with the hand writing of such justice and verily believe that the signatures to the said affidavits & certificates are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my name & the seal of the court of record of said County this 20th April 1853 John J Lyon Clerk of Ontario Co
Page 12

Mary Pearce
Page 13

146.088.
Page 14

State of New York County of Cayuga ss
On this 12th day of April A.D., 1855, personally appeared before me Aaron Murphy a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid Mary Pearce aged eighty two years, a Resident of Potter in the County of Yates and State of New York. Who being duly sworn, according to law, declares that she is the widow of Michael Pearce deceased, who was a Private in the War of the Revolution, and was Pensioned under the act of June 7th 1832 at the rate of $35.64 per annum, and that she has been pensioned under the act of Feb 3d 1853 at the rate of $35.64 per annum, as the widow of said Michael Pearce deceased.
That she had no public or private record of her marriage to said Michael Pearce or of his death. That for proof of the same and of her widowhood refferences may be had to the evidence on file in the Pension Office upon which her said pension was granted.
She further declares that she was married to the said Michael Pearce in Goram in the County of Ontario and State of New York on the 8th day of December A.D. 1839. She further declares that her husband, the aforesaid Michael Pearce died in Middlesex in the County of Yates and State of New York on the 3d day of March AD 1843 and that she is still a widow. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefor.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act of March 3d 1855.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written, before me. Aaron Murphy Notary Public
[signed: "Mary Pearce her mark x" attest Jervase Dwelle"]
We Jervais Dwelley and Robert Green, residents of Potter in the state of New York upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Pearce, 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 & that she still remains the widow of Michael Pearce deceased & is now drawing a pension under act of Feb 3 1853. [signed: "Jervase Dweele Robert Green"]
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. Aaron Murphy Notary Public
Page 15

STATE of New York Cayuga County Clerks Office 
I hereby certify that Aaron Murphy before whom the annexed Deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected and authorized to take the same, and that the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of said county, and of the Court of Record thereof, this 14th day of April 1855. And I further certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case.
EB Marvin County Clerk of Cayuga County
Page 16

Michael Pearce Esq
Declaration
C Loomis Agent Rushville NY
Page 17

State of New York Yates County ss
On this twenty eighth day of September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Yates aforesaid, now sitting Michael Pearce Esquire, a resident of the town of Middlesex in the said county, and state aged seventy four 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 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In the month of October of the year 1775 he volunteered to serve as a soldier in a company of militia or state troop of the State of Rhode Island, under the command of Captain Job Pearce, and Lieut. Malachi Hammett in Col. John Watermans Regiment. The company in which he so volunteered to serve as a soldier was forthwith stationed on Prudence Island in the County of Newport and state of Rhode Island, and he continued with the said company, in actual service as a soldier till sometime in the month of January of the year 1777 - at which time the said company was attacked by a detachment of British Troops, estimated as he thinks at 400 in number who landed on Prudence Island from a British Fleet commanded by Commodore Wallace. A short engagement took place. Several soldier were killed on each side. The said company was overpowered and narrowly escaped capture by retreating from the island to Warwick Neck. The said company was then broken up and dispensed. 
In the month of February 1777, the said deponent was drafted at Warwick in the state of Rhode Island, as a soldier, and was stationed at Warwick Neck under the command
Page 18

command of Captain Isreal Arnold, whose company was attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. John Waterman and Major Miller. Deponent served as a soldier in the said company at Warwick Neck aforesaid six weeks and was then dismissed.
In the month of August of the same year 1777 he was again drafted at Scituate in the state of Rhode Island aforesaid, and was enrolled in a company of militia commanded by Captain Knight, and marched from Scituate aforesaid to Warwick Neck aforesaid, where he was stationed and did duty as a soldier of the said company six weeks or more, when he was again dismissed. During the said term of service a British Frigate was driven on shore in a violent gale of wind and grounded on Warwick Neck Point where deponent was then standing on guard. Deponent instantly ran to Col Watermans Headquarters and gave notice of it. On learning that it was not the intention of Col. Waterman to make any attempt to take or destroy the said frigate, deponent on his own responsibility, proceeded to Providence distant 16 miles, and gave notice to Colonel Oney (as he thinks was the name of the officer in command at that place & of the situation of the said frigate). Col. Oney immediately repaired to Warwick Neck, and drew two field pieces to a position from which he fired on the said Frigate and soon cleared the decks of men. But night having set in, the firing ceased, and on the rising of the tide and before the next morning the British succeeded in getting her off.
In the following year (1778) he enlisted as a marine on board a Privateer called the Opdyke, Capt. George Allen, Master, and sailed from Norwich Connecticut and was engaged on a cruise against the enemy one and a half months.
Page 19

The said deponent subsequently marched from [Tolland?] in the state of Connecticut in a company of militia under Capt Grant, to repel an excursion of the enemy made under the command of Gen. Arnold against New London. He cannot recollect in what particular year the said event took place. He marched as aforesaid with the said company in Col. Chapmans Regiment as far as Norwich in the said state, on reaching which intelligence was received that the British Expedition had returned, and the company and regiment to which deponent belonged was there dismissed.
The said deponent further saith
1. That he born in the town of Portsmouth in the county of Newport and state of Rhode Island on the ninth day of October in the year 1757.
2. That there is a record of his age in the Office of the Clerk of the town of Portsmouth aforesaid.
3. That when he was first called into service aforesaid he resided at Portsmouth aforesaid. In the year 1777 he lived a short time at Warwick aforesaid and also at Scituate all in the state of Rhode Island and subsequently at Tolland in the State of Connecticut. Since the Revolutionary War he has resided on Prudence Island in the State of Rhode Island seven years, from whence he removed to the town of Middlesex in the county of Yates and state of New York where he has resided more than forty years last past and now resides.
4. That he volunteered when first called into service as a soldier and that he was subsequently drafted as above stated.
5. He recollects Gen. Sullivan Gen Cornwall Col Waterman Col Low Col Oney and Col. Benjamin Arnold
6. He never received any written discharge. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of the agency of any state. 
Michael Pearce
Subscribed and Sworn the day & ear aforesaid. FJ Nevis Dep Clerk
Page 20

State of New York Ontario County ss
Ira Fairbanks a clergyman residing in the town, late Middlesex, now Potter in the county of Yates, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Michael Pearce Esq, who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed declaration, that I believe him to be seventy four 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 I concur in that opnion.
Ira Fairbanks
Sworn and subscribed to the 31st day of May 1833 before me and I certify that the said deponent is a credible witness and that his statement is entitled to credit. Chester Loomis Judge of the County Courts of Ontario County aforesaid.
State of New York Ontario ss
I certify that Chester Loomis Esquire whose signature appears to the above certificate was at the date thereof and at the time of taking the affidavit thereby certified, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, duly authorized to take the same. and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & believe his signature as aforesaid is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand [illegible] this 4 June 1833
JJ Fenton Dep Clerk
Page 21

we Jabez French and William Bassett residing in the town of Middlesex in the County of Yates and State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Pearce, esquire who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed declaration. That we believe he is seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in that of the Revolution, and that we concur in the opinion and that during the whole period of our acquaintance with him he has sustained an unimpeachable character for truth and veracity. 
Jabez French
Wm Bassett
Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid 
Thomas J Nevins Deputy Clerk
State of New York Ontario County ss
Robert McNear of the town of Middlesex in the county of Yates, being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Michael Pearce esq whose affidavit is above made, from the commencement of the War of the Revolution and that he knows that he the said Michael Pearce did render similar military services in the said war to those by him above testified to have been performed on Prudence Island and at Warwick Neck, in the state of Rhode Island. And further this deponent saith not.
Robert McNear
Sworn and subscribed to the 25th day of August 1832 Before me Chester Loomis A Judge of the County Courts of Ontario County aforesaid
Page 22

State of New York Ontario County ss
I Charles Crane, Clerk of said county, do hereby certify that Chester Loomis, whose name is subscribed to the within certificate of the affidavit of Robert McNear, and before whom the said affidavit purports to have been sworn, was, at the date of said certificate, a Judge of the Courts in and for said county. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the said signature within to be his proper act and deed. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty seventh day of September A.D. 1832. Charles Crane

[crossed out text: "State of New York Yates County ss Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the County of Yates aforesaid, Michael Pearce who made the preceding declaration hereunto annexed who being duly sworn"]

Michael Pearce
Revolutionary Claim
Page 23

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 Michael Pierce was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Jabez Frnech and William Bassett who signed the above certificate are residents in the town of Middlesex in the County of Yates & are credible persons and that their statement are entitled to credit.
By order of the court TJ Nevins Dep Clerk
I Thomas J Nevins Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Yates do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Michael Pierce for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20th day of September 1832
Thomas J Nevins
Deputy Clerk
Page 24

In the matter of 
Michael Pearce Declaration 
19 890
C Loomis Agent 
Rushville NY
Page 25

State of New York Yates County ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the County of Yates, aforesaid, Michael Pearce whose declaration is hereunto annexed and the said Michael being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that by reason of old and consequent loss of memory he cannot state positively the precise length of his service, as a soldier, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than one year and six months as a private soldier, and not less than one month and a half as a marine on board a Privateer called the Opdyke, and for such service he claims a pension.
Michael Pearce
Sworn and subscribed to the 11th day of June 1833
Before me
William Bassett Justice of the Peace

State of New York County of Yates ss
I George Shearman clerk of the county of Yates do hereby certify that William Bassett Esquire before whom the above affidavit of Michael Pearce bearing date the 11th day of June 1833 purports to have been sworn was at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county sworn and duly authorized by law to take the same and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature to the said affidavit subscribed to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county at [illegible] this 12th day of June 1833
Geo Shearman Clerk
by Rell Smith Dep Clerk
Page 26

November 24, 1923
Mrs. Noble C Shumway,
4427 N. Hermitage Ave.
Chicago Ill.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1069, it appears that Michael Pearce was born October 9, 1757 in Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island, and while residing there enlisted in May 1775 and served as a Private in Captain Job Pearce's Company, Colonel John Waterman's Rhode Island Regiment, was in an engagement on Prudence Island and served until January 1777.
He enlisted in February 1777 and served six weeks in Captain Isreal Arnold's Company, Colonel John Waterman's Regiment, and later in the same year served one month in Captain Knight's Company.
He sailed from Norwich, Connecticut, in 1778 on the Privateer "Opdyke", Captain George Allen, and served

[handwritten at bottom of page: " used May instead of Oct giving soldier benefit of all the service I can"]
Page 27

one and one half months.
He also served one week in Captain Grant's Company, dates of service not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 28, 1832, while a resident of Middlesex, Yates County, New York. He died in Middlesex, New York, March 3, 1843.
Soldier married in Gorham, Ontario County, New York, December 8, 1839, Mary (maiden name not on record), she was allowed pension on her application executed April 15, 1853, while a resident of Gorham, New York, 80 years.
There is no further data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 28

[stamp: "--Sville NY JULY 14"]
NY July 21
Michael Pearce adl declr
Free
C Loomis PM
Hon JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 29

Rushville N.Y July 14 1834
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Sir
I enclose an additional Declaration made by Michael Pearce Esq. an applicant for a pension under the Act of 1832. Setting forth with as much particularity as is in his power, the periods of his service as a soldier. Esq Pearce has been a citizen of the town of Middlesex adjoining this for a period of more than forty years, during which he has sustained a reputation for truth and veracity which no man ever called in question. He is now infirm and in embarrassed circumstances.  Firmly convinced, as indeed every man acquainted with the applicant is, so far as my knowledge extends that his claim is a meritorious one. I hope that on a review of his papers on file, with such additional explanation as are now sent, they may be found satisfactory to the Department.
The applicant has stated to me within a few days that that the Hon. Dutee J Pearce - Member of Congress from Rhode Island - would be able to give some circumstantial details corroborative of some of the details set forth in his declaration & amendments or additions thereto. I regret that I had not been apprized of such fact previous to the close of the late session that I might have written to him on the subject. But I trust that the proof already adduced will be found to be satisfactory. 
With great respect
Yor obt
Chester Loomis
Page 30

Michael Pearce Esq
Additional Declaration & Affidavit of Geo Greene Esq

Chester Loomis
Rushville NY
Agent
Page 31

State of New York Ontario County ss
Michael Pearce of the town of Middlesex in the county of Yates being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say in addition to his declaration heretofore made for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of Congress of March 7th 1832.
That in the summer of the year 1775 the General Assembly of Rhode Island, as this deponent then understood and verily believes, met at Providence in the said state and adopted active measures for the protection of the ports and harbour within their jurisdiction. Under this order, volunteers were called for to serve in guarding the most important points against the incursions of the British forces. The said deponent volunteered, as stated in his said declaration, as one of the militia men of the said state (then colony) and was placed under the command of Capt. Job Pearce, on Prudence Island in the town of Portsmouth. No certain period was made known to this deponent for which his services as a soldier of the militia in such voluntary engagement would be required. Nor did he know at the time he so volunteered to serve how long he would be required to serve as a soldier as aforesaid. The corps to which deponent was attached belonged to the militia as he then understood and was stationed on Prudence Island by the express orders of the General Assembly aforesaid.
The objects contemplated in stationing a force on the said island deponent understood, was to protect the inhabitants of the said island and their property from the enemy, and particularly to prevent the enemy cruises and shipping from obtaining supplied of provisions. The geographical position of Prudence Island to
Page 32

Portsmouth is nearby as follows viz. The said Island is nearly in a northwestern direction from Portsmouth & distant three miles. Portsmouth town is mostly at the north end of Rhode Island, but in the same township embraced the Islands of Prudence, Patience, & a small islet called Hog Island.
The said deponent further saith that when he volunteered to serve as a soldier as stated in his said declaration heretofore forwarded to the War Department he the said deponent was young, ardent and ambitious in his feelings, anxious to oppose the enemy, and he so entered the service without stipulating any certain period or term of service and without even enquiring the probable term for which he would be required to serve as a soldier, and he is now entirely unable to state whether any definate period was fixed for which volunteers were called for. At the time he the said deponent entered the service as aforesaid deponent then had full confidence that his said officers would not require him to serve longer than his services were necessary as a soldier. And for such length of time, the said deponent was willing and desirous to serve. And further the said deponent saith not.
Michael Pearce
Sworn and subscribed to the 29th day of October 1833
Before me
Chester Loomis A judge of the County Courts of the County of Ontario aforesaid.
Page 33

State of New York Ontario County ss
George Greener of the town of Potter in the County of Yates in the state of New York, being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say that he is seventy two years of age. That during the war of the Revolution he resided in the town of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island. That he is well acquainted with Michael Pearce Esquire of the town of Middlesex in the County of Yates aforesaid, whose affidavit or addition to his first declaration is hereunto annexed. That his acquaintance with the said Michael Pearce commenced either in the year 1776 or 1777 at the time that a body of the militia or state troops of the State of Rhode Island were attacked and driven off [Prudence?] Island where they, the said militia or state troops had been stationed under the command of Capt. Pearce according to the recollection of deponent. The said deponent saith that he saw the said troops so commanded by Capt. Pearce as aforesaid immediately after they had landed at Warwick when driven from Prudence Island as aforesaid. And that the above named Michael Pearce was among them. And deponent then understood that he was a soldier of said company. Deponent further saith that at that time and at various other times he heard it repeatedly stated by many different persons, that the said Michael Pearce was an active soldier in the said company and that he distinguished himself by his zealous and active opposition to the British forces. The said deponent further saith that he well recollects that a British squadron for a considerable length of time were stationed near Newport at the period above stated. That deponent often saw the said squadron and that it consisted of three Frigates, a Brig and a Schooner & as deponent then understood was commanded by Commodore
Page 34

State of New York Ontario County ss
George Greene of the town of Potter in the County of Yates in the state of New York, being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say that he is seventy two years of age. That during the war of the Revolution he resided in the town of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island. That he is well acquainted with Michael Pearce Esquire of the town of Middlesex in the County of Yates aforesaid, whose affidavit or addition to his first declaration is hereunto annexed. That his acquaintance with the said Michael Pearce commenced either in the year 1776 or 1777 at the time that a body of the militia or state troops of the State of Rhode Island were attacked and driven off [Prudence?] Island where they, the said militia or state troops had been stationed under the command of Capt. Pearce according to the recollection of deponent. The said deponent saith that he saw the said troops so commanded by Capt. Pearce as aforesaid immediately after they had landed at Warwick when driven from Prudence Island as aforesaid. And that the above named Michael Pearce was among them. And deponent then understood that he was a soldier of said company. Deponent further saith that at that time and at various other times he heard it repeatedly stated by many different persons, that the said Michael Pearce was an active soldier in the said company and that he distinguished himself by his zealous and active opposition to the British forces. The said deponent further saith that he well recollects that a British squadron for a considerable length of time were stationed near Newport at the period above stated. That deponent often saw the said squadron and that it consisted of three Frigates, a Brig and a Schooner & as deponent then understood was commanded by Commodore
Page 35

Wallace. That one of the Frigates was commanded by Wallace, another by Capt. Howe & the other by Capt Askew. Deponent further saith that he then understood that the troops under Capt. Pearce were stationed on Prudence Island aforesaid for the purpose of preventing the said squadron from obtaining provisions or supplies. Deponent further saith that he well recollects the time when the said troops so stationed on Prudence Island were attacked by the British and were driven from the said Island, and that he then saw a man named David Chase, who was wounded in the skirmish or action which took place at the time of such attack.
The said deponent saith that he has been personally acquainted with the said Michael Pearce ever since the period of his first acquaintance in the war of the Revolution as aforesaid, and that he the said Michael Pearce has ever sustained a good reputation for truth and veracity. And further the said deponent saith not.
Geo Greene
Sworn and subscribed to the 3rd day of December 1833 before me. 
Chester Loomis
A Judge of the Courts of Ontario County New York
I certify that I am well acquainted with George Greene who has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing affadavit before me. And that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity. That he is a credible witness and that his statements are entitled to credit.
Chester Loomis
Judge of the Courts
Page 36

of Ontario County aforesaid
State of New York
Ontario County ss
I, Charles Crane, Clerk of said county hereby certify that Chester Loomis whose name is subscribed to the several foregoing certificates, was at the date thereof a Judge of the Courts in and for said county and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the said signatures to be his proper act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, this twenty second day of February A.D. 1834
Charles Crane
Page 37

claims
18 mo Capt Pearce
3 weeks Arnold
1 month Knight


Admd
10 mos 21
35.64 / ann
Hon D.J. Pearce
Page 38

State of New York
Ontario County ss
Michael Pearce of the town of Middlesex in the County of Yates and state aforesaid being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose and say in addition to his declaration heretofore made pursuant to the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832 relating to revolutionary pensions.
That in the month of May of the year 1775 the deponent volunteered to serve as a soldier under Captain Job Pearce and Lieut. Malachi Hammett and was forthwith stationed on Prudence Island under the command of the said officers to guard the said Island and its inhabitants against certain British ships of War then lying in the immediate vicinity of the said Island. The deponent remained constantly in service as a soldier till in the month of January of the year 1777. The deponent and the company to he belonged was then in January 1777 attacked by the British Troops driven from the Island and dispersed. The deponent went to Warwick and within three weeks was there drafted as a soldier. Deponent was mustered in a company commanded by Capt. Isreal Arnold and in a regiment commanded by Col. John Waterman. Deponent served in the said company at Warwick Neck between three and four weeks and was then discharged. Deponent subsequently served as a soldier under Capt. Knight at Warwick Neck one month. Deponent is entirely unable to ascertain or determine from his recollection the precise period of such service. He knows that it was during the winter season. And he thinks of the year 1778. Deponent was subsequently in service as a soldier for a few days at a time and was also for six weeks in service as a sailor and marine on a cruise against the enemy
Page 39

on board a privateer called the Opdike Capt. George Allen.
Deponent further saith that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot particularize with more certainty the precise period of his service as a soldier of the war of the revolution. He deposes and says with entire confidence of his accuracy that he so served as a soldier under Capt. Job Pearce as aforesaid not less than one year and six months and in company commanded by Capt Isreal Arnold not less than three weeks, and in a company commanded by Capt. Knight not less than one month. And that for such service he claims a pension. He further saith that he actually served more time than the above specified but that for such further service he doth not claim a pension. He further saith that he is confident in his recollection that he served constantly as a soldier during the period herein specified. And of such fact he thinks it is impossible that he can be mistaken. And further the said deponent saith not.
Michael Pearce
Sworn and subscribed to the 25th day of June of the year 1834 before me. 
Chester Loomis
Judge of the County Courts in and for the County of Ontario aforesaid.
State of New York, Ontario County ss. I certify that Chester Loomis whose name is subscribed to the above certificate was at the date thereof a judge of the courts in and for said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the said signature to be his proper hand and signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said County the 12th of July 1834.
F.J.B. Crane Dep Clerk
Page 40

Locke Cayuga County N.Y.
June 6 1853
Sir
Herewith enclosed find application of Mary, widow of Michael Pierce for Pension under 2d Section of Act Feb 3 1853 & when acted upon you will please forward the result to me. I am very respectfully Your Obt Servt
J.H. Wethey
Hom LP Waldo Esq
Commss of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 41

Michael Pearce in his representation of his service under Capt Pearce on Prudence Island estimated his service t 2/3 of the 18 mo. as it is very difficult to comply minutely with the regulations I consent that the service on Prudence Island may be estimated at 9mo which corresponds with the alternate service to which the militia of R. Island were subject.
I [refer?] to the above for [M P.?] [illegible signature]
Page 42

Pearce
Page 43

Brief in the case of Mary Pierce of Michael
Ontario County and State of N. York
act of Feb 3 1853
Claim, ("original," [crossed out] "for increase" [/crossed out])
Proof exhibited, (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under the act of 1832 at $35.64/100 per annum.
Pri

Marriage Proved -- cr. witts,
(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Death aud. rep.
Identity (circumstantial)

Name and Residence of Agent
J.H. Wethey
Locke N. York
Examining Clerk
JL Gray
Page 44

Cortland Village N.Y
May 21 1855
Sir
I send you herewith enclosed applications of Salmon Van Gilder & Mary Pearce widow of Michael Peace "deceased" for Land Bounty under the Act of March 3d 1855
When acted upon please report the result to me.
I am respectfully
Your Obt Servt 
J.H. Wethey
Hon LP Waldo
Commiss of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 45

26.483

[illegible]
Page 46

Hon. J Minot
Comiss of Pensions
Washingon DC

[stamps: "FREE" "CORTLAND VILLAGE MAR? 26"]

[left margin: "146088 Michael Pearce deceas. and MAry Boyntin 26483-160" 26.483/160]
Page 47

Pension Office Aug 24/53
Sir
Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner
Respectfully &C
S Cole
for Comm.

F. Burt Esqr
and Present
Michael Pearce, act 1832
$35.64 p. an - Died 3d March 1843, Paid to his death.
F. Burt
Auditor
Page 48

June 14 1853
No 2135
Appl of Mary Pearce widow of Michael
N.Y.
$35.64
30415
act 3 Feby 1853
Rev:
Allowed $35.64 per ann
Com. Feb 3 1853
JH Wethey 
Locke NY

[bottom right: "DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Pension Office, Official Business"]
Page 49

Cortland Village
N.Y. May 26 1856
Dear Sir
The application of Mary Pearce widow of Michael Pearce "decsd" for Land Bounty No 146088 under the act of March 3d 1855 has been suspended for record evidence of the service of her said husband in the war of the revolution.
I wish you would have her claim reexamined and give the applicant the benefit of the act of May 14 1856 as she is a pensioner of the U.S. under the 2d section of Act Feb 3 1853 at the rate of $35.64 per annum & is I presume entitled to land.
When acted upon please report to me.
Respectfully Yours
JH Wethey
Hon. J Minot 
Comiss of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 50

[left side]
Apr 18/95 Mil Hist J Johnny Pearce, [illegible] 

1923 Nov 24 Hist to Mrs Noble C Shumway AWF
1925 July 29 Hist to Mrs Franc L. Adams AWF
[/left side]

[right side]
Revy WIDOW, &C.
File No. 1069
Mary Pearce widow 
Michael Pearce Pri Rev. War
Act: Feb 3 1853
Index:-- Vol. M Page 135
[Arrangement of 1870]
[/right side]
Page 51

[letterhead with image of ships wheel with 13 12 stars visible along the outside]
Daughters of the American Revolution
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Vice President General for Illinois
Mrs. Williard T. Block
915 Woodlawn Ave, Chicago

Honorary State Regent
Mrs. George A Lawrence
[illegible] N. Prairie Street, Salesburg

State Historian
Mrs Thomas O Perry
234 Euclid Avenue, Oak Park

State Corresponding Sec'y
Mrs William J Sweeney
816 38th Street, Rock Island

State Vice Regent
Mrs. James S. King
1223 S. Grand Ave, West Springfield

State Recording Secretary
Mrs Frank J Bowman
227 Eighth Avenue, Sterling

State Consulting Registrar
Mrs Noble C Shumway
4627 N. Hermitage Ave, Chicago

State Librarian
Mrs. P.T. Chapman
Vienna

State Treasurer
Mrs Harry R. Dodge
1906 N. Main Street, Bloomington

State Chaplain
Mrs. Mary C.H. Lee
966 W. Clark Street, Champaign

State Regent
Mrs. Charles E. Herrick
[illegible] Ellis Avenue, Chicago

[/letterhead]

Chicago, Oct 15 1923
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Dear Sir,
Will you please send me a copy of the pension certificate of Michael Pearce born Oct 9 1757 at Prudence Island or Portsmouth R.I. died at Middlesex Yates Co N.Y. in 1843 or 1844. His first wife Sarah Allen died in 1839 and he married again shortly before his death. The time, place, and nature of his service is not known only that he [underline] did [/underline] serve and was given a pension. An early reply will be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance I am Very truly yours
(Mrs. Noble C.) Grace E Shumway
State Consulting Registrar Illinois D.A.R.

[stamp: "OCT 17 1923 OFFICE"]
Page 52

[letterhead with image of cabin in woods with man in lower right holding something over his shoulder]

1872
"It was to rear the walls of home the Settler blessed the way"
1924
Ingham County Pioneer and Historical Society
Col. L.H. Ives, Pres. Mrs Franc L. Adams, Sec'y, Wm. M Webb Treas.
Mason, Michigan
[/letterhead]

July 27, 1925
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Revolutionary War Section

Dear Sirs:-
Is the name of John Townsend, of Hagarstown, Maryland, found on the pension rolls?
Tradition says that he was one of the body-guard of King George III, but left and made his way to America and enlisted as a soldier in the Continental Army from Maryland.
He had nine children; his daughter Ann married David Martin, and they had seven children. A daughter, Agnes, born 1801, mar. John Graham of Hagarstown, Md.
I want to thank you for your prompt replies to the many queries I have sent you in the last few years.
Very truly yours,
(Mrs.) Franc L Adams
P.S. Also, can you tell me the service of Michael Pierce (or Pearce) who in 1840 was a Rev. pensioner in Yates Co. NY at Middlesex. F.L.A.
Page 53

[letterhead with pendant inscribed with "Society of Daughters of Colonial Wars"]

Daughters of Colonial Wars
Illinois

Vice President
Mrs Thomas J. Dixon
620 Linden Ave., Oak Park

Second Vice President
Mrs. Charles E Davidson
Greenville

Chaplain
Mrs. Elijah J. Boorde
812 E. Penn. St., Hoopeston

Recording Secretary
Mrs. C Glenn Whitlock
496 Anthony St., Glen Ellyn

Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. William J. Sweeney
816 Twentieth St., Rock Island

Treasurer
Mrs. George J. Etzenberger
1518 Davis St., Evanston

Registrar
Miss Emma Lee Walton
747 Junior Terrace, Chicago

Historian
Mirs. William J. Tollerton
10502 S. Seeley Ave., Chicago

Custodian
Mrs. H. Eugene Chubbuck
Grand View Drive, Peoria

Genealogist
Miss Katherine K. Adams
1837 Greenleaf Ave., Rogers Park Chicago

Councillors
Mrs. Noble C. Shumway
4427 Hermitage Ave., Chicago

Mrs Frank Bowman
207 Eighth Ave., Sterling

Mrs. George G Perrin
1712 Twenty-Second St., Rock Island

Mrs Loren B. Sackett
407 W. Jackson St., Morris

Mrs. James H. White
311 Henry St., Genesco

President
Mrs. Thomas J Newbill
234 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange
[/letterhead]

Chicago February 20 1938
United States Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions - Revolutionary War Records
Washington, D.C.
Please send me a copy of the pension certificate giving the record of the service in the Revolutionary War of [underline] Michael Pearce [/underline] who was [underline] born [/underline] at [underline] Prudence Island, Rhode Island [/underline] Oct 9 1757 and [underline] died at Middlesex Yates Co N.Y. [/underline] March 3, 1843. His first wife Srah Allen died and he married Mrs. Mary Green Dec 8, 1839 at Gorham Ontario Co N.Y. who was allowed a pension April 15, 1853. The record is desired for membership in the DAR and SAR.
[underline] Samuel Pearce [/underline] v Middlesex Yates Co NY July 27 1792 died Chicago Ill Dec 14, 1874, son of Michael Pearce and his wife Sarah Allen received a land warrant for his service in the War of 1812 so the family record states. If there is a record of it - I would like it - for membership in the U.S.D 1812.
If there is a charge for the copy of these certificates let me know and will remit at once.
Very truly yours
Grace E Shumway
Genealogist
(Mrs. Noble C Shumley)
4427 N. Hermitage Ave
Chicago, Illinois

[stampe: RECEIVED Feb 23 1938MAIL SUB-DIV 3"]
Page 54

Room 1841 Navy Building 2-24-38 McNally
Special Delivery mail for Mrs. Nash, Navy Bldg, from Veterans' Administration
1. Sp.Del. Grace E Shumway, Chicago, Ill. Pearce Michael


send one


Received _________ 2-24-38
Page 55

March 12, 1838

Mrs. Noble C. Shumway
#4427 N. Hermitage Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

BA-J/EEL
Michael Pearce - W. 1069

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Michael Pearce, born at Providence, Rhode Island, October 9, 1757, and died at Middlesex, Yates County, New York, March 3, 1843, whose widow, Mary, was allowed pension April 15, 1853. You request, also, the War of 1812 record of his son, Samuel Pearce, born at Middlesex, Yates County, New York, July 27, 1792, died in Chicago, Illinois, December 14, 1874, who received a land warrant on account of his services.

There are no further data on file in regard to Michael Pearce (W. 1069) than were furnished you November 24, 1923.

No record could be identified positively as that of the Samual Pearce, described above. However, the record has been found of a Samuel Pierce, who served in the War of 1812, and died in Yates County, New York, and who widow moved to Illinois and was granted pension while residing in Whiteside County, that state. The record of that soldier is furnished you herewith as it may be of interest to you.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Miller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.