Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,368, John Woods, Continental Mass. Vt.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Continental
Mass.
VT
CONTENTS
Woods, John
Abigail
NUMBER
W. 18,368
Page 2

Vermont 43711
Abigail Woods, widow of John Woods
who died on the 21st October 1810
of Caledonia in the State of Vt who was a Pri & Sgt in the company commanded by Captain - of the Rgt commanded by Mass & Vt in the Revolution line for 9 mo. 15 dy pri
10 " 13 " Sergt
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 91 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day March, 1831.
=
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of
June 1846 and sent 
Hon Collamer
-
Arrears to the 4th of March 1846 
Semiannual allowance ending 4 Sept '46 45.75
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836 Section the
Recorded by the Rumphin
Book C Vol 1 Page 47
Requested
Augt 27 E Stears - hisrtory

Date of death no on A.B.
Page 3

6
Affidavit of Lucy Smith
date of marriage Oct 10
1781-
Page 4

I Lucy Smith of Windsor, County of Windsor and State of
Vermont aged 75 years depose & say that John Woods
late of Barnet deceased & husband of Abigail Woods, was
my brother, that he was married to Abigail Ely on the
10th day of October Seventeen hundred and Eighty one, and
I further say that I lent him money to pay the fees, I was at
school at time in Windsor Street, and I further say that I
recollect the fact from my own, age, it being on my own
birth day when I was fifteen years old. I boarded at the
time at Decon Thomson's, And I further say that I well
recollect that a few weeks after, the said John Woods went off on a scout over the mountains, in Capt Underhill's company. I have no written evidence, but recollect perfectly well all the circumstances above stated, and further say not.
Lucy Smith

State of Vermont}
Windsor County}
Jany 31st 1842 Lucy Smith who is a witness entitled to full credit personally appeared and subscribed & made oagth the foregoing.
Before me [illegible] Justice Peace
-
STATE OF VERMONT} 
Windsor County}
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the Court of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Ira Davis is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the fourth day of November in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one
and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that
his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this 3d day of February A.D. 1842 N. Williams. Clerk
Page 5

STATE OF VERMONT, Windsor County.....ss.
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Ira Davis
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty, and will
expire on the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature to the papers hereto attached are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this 6th day of
August A.D. 1841
N. Williams, Clerk.
Page 6

I Elias Stevens of Royalton in the County of Windsor State of Vermont aged Eighty six years depose & say that I have lived in this Town & vicinity seventy years and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. I also depose & say that I was acquainted with Capt Ebenezer Woods, father of John Woods of Windsor. I was also aquainted with Capt. Safford and that he lived in Woodstock. Also I knew Capt Green & that he lived in Barnard, I was also acquainted with Capt Smith who lived in Windsor. I also knew Capt Underhill but do not [illegible] where he belonged, but all of the above named officers lived in the vicinity of Windsor. I have no doubt the said John Woods served in all the above mentioned companies, It was generally the case that the same man served in several different companies & even Regiments in the same way. As an example of this I do further depose & say, that in the year 1776 I enlisted in Capt. Hatch's company of Norwich as orderly sargeant about 7 months after I was appointed 2d Lieut in Capt Steven's company of a [illegible] both, in Tho [illegible] Regt. in July 1777 I entered Capt Bush's company as a July my entered Capt the company as a private in Col. Marshal's Regt. A short time after I was appointed Sargeant Major in said Marshal's Regt & not long after was appointed to [illegible] & in September of the same year I was appointed to Quartermaster in Col Olcott's Regt and I further say that in the year 1778 I was appointed a Lieu in Capt Welshman's Company in Col. Beedles Regt. And I further say that I was commonly the case when we turned out it was some times [illegible] company and sometimes in another and sometimes the same company was in one Regt & sometimes in one other and frequently companies were formed of men from the different town thirty miles [illegible] & we did not shout so much about getting into a particular company or Regt as we did about finding the enemy. And I also further say that I knew John Woods the above named of Windsor and that he served in Capt. Safford's company in 1780 and I was at his station two or three times during the season & the said company quartered within a short distance from my house for several days & I very well recollect the said Woods who was a Sargeant in said company and further sayeth not. 
Elias Stevens

State of Vermont
Windsor County
Personally appeared Elias Stevens above named whom I hereby certify is a person of strict integrity & subscribed & made oath to the foregoing affidavit, this 17th day of July AD 1841. Before me
A A Justice Peace
Page 7

I Daniel Woods of Windsor in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont aged 77 years depose & say that I am. Brother to John Woods, the late husband of the Widow Abigail Woods of Barnet & that the said John Woods was born in Pepperell
Massachusetts, and about the year 1770 my Father with his family removed into the Town of Fitchburg in Massachusetts & while living in Fitchburg my Father & brother John
listed in the Revolutionary service, and were at the battle of Bunkers hill in 1775 and were gone I should think seven or eight months, the next year they both enlisted again for one year in Capt Sangers Company & were gone the whole year. My Father was a Lieut. but I cannot tell what officers they were under in 1775. In April 1777 my Father moved his family
into this Town, and in the summer of that year my Father raised a company in this Town and was appointed Capt & my brother John went in said Company (Capt Ebenezer Wards) to Ticonderoga at the time of Burgoynes surrender, and was gone I think about
three months, I also recollect the said John at different times was in the militia companies in this Town, there were two captains of Militia in this Town, to wit, Capt Savage & Capt Smith, and the said John Served in them both at different times, and I also recollect that the said John served in Capt Saffords company
in 1779 & 1780 several months & was a Seargeant, while he was in that company I went to Royalton & took his place a few days while he come home to make a visit, I also say that the said John Woods was married to Abigail Ely the fore part of October 1781 and a few weeks after he was married he was called to go on a scout over the Green Mountains, in Capt Underhill's company and I should think he was gone but a few days, perhaps a week, or more, but
I cannot tell the length of time he served at the different times and further say not,
Daniel Woods

State of Vermont}
Windsor County} Daniel Woods the above deponent who is a witness of undoubted veracity, personally appeared and subscribed and
made oath to the foregoing affadavit this 4th day of August A.D. 1841
Before me J A D A Justice Peace
Page 8

I Rufus Root of Windsor in the County of Windsor & State of
Vermont aged 79 years depose and say that I have lived in this
Town Sixty nine years, and that Capt Ebenezer Woods moved
into this Town from Fitchburg in the State of Massachusetts, some
time previous of Burgoyne. In the summer of 1777 Capt Woods raised 
 is company in this town in which in which I enlisted and his son John Woods belonged to the same company & marched with us to Paulett & from there to Saratoga
at the surrender of Burgoyne, and I also further say that the said John Woods served with one in Capt Saffords company in the years 1779 & 1780 in Col Allens Regt a part of the time at Pittsford & a part of the time at Bethel & Royalton, about nine months in which service we were both sergeants. I also well
recollect that the said John Woods service in Capt Savage's company & Capt Smith's company at different times, they both belonged in this town & commanded the two Militia Companies. I further say that the year after the burning of Royalton
a company was raised in the winter and sent to Bethel under Capt Green, John Woods & myself both enlisted in said company
& served nearly two months. I further say that the said John Woods married Abigail Ely in the fore part of October 1781, a few days previous to this time I was married, & I was married on the 14th day of October & about the last of said month of October, the said Woods went on a scout over the mountain in Capt, Underhills company and was gone a few days, but I cannot tell how long. I lived
but about half a mile from said Woods & know the family well. The said John Woods died in this town about thirty years ago, & I was at his funeral, & his widow I understand lived in Barnet in this State, and further say not.
Rufus Root

State of Vermont}
Windson County}
Rufus Root the above deponent who is a person of strict integrity personally appeared & subscribed and made oath to the above affidavit this 5th day of August A.D. 1841.
Before me [illegible] Justice Peace
Page 9

V 5270 I.
Abigail Woods
Widow of John
VT
Aet 4 July 1836 10. 13
Lexy lengt. 10 13
11
[eligible due to mark through]
721
aomd
11 ma 1504 fri
10. 13 serg
91.50 
J Collamer
H,R,
Page 10

State of Vermont
County of Caledonia} On this 25th day of July AD 1840. Personally appeared before the probate court of this district of Caledonia. Abigail woods a resident of Barnet in this county of Caledonia state of Vermont aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, and on her oath made the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of this provision made by this [eligible] of [Abbreviated short hand] July 4th 1836 the [short hand] explanatory of so in [short hand] March 3 1837 That she was married to John Woods who was a Sargeant and Private in the army of this revolution and first enlisted and she thinks in the eight ,months service in 1775. also in this twelve months service in 1776, but can not tell who his officers were that he also enlisted in 1780 in capt Saffords company served about nine months. That he served at different times in the companies of capatains Safford, Savage, Tysicer and others 1780 and 1781 but the dates and length of the different periods she cannot tell. She also further declared that she was married to the said John Woods in the month of October 1781.
That her husband the afore said John Woods died at wimdson   in the state of Vermont at the house of Daniel Woods on the on the 21st day of October 1810.
over,
Page 11

and that she was a widow on the 4th day of July 1836 and still remains the widow of the aforesaid John Woods as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereunto
annexed,
Witness Riley Woods
Abigail X her mark Woods

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written
Before Saml B Mattock
Judge of said Court

I certify that the above named Abigail Woods
is a credible witness - Saml B Mattock Judge

State of Vermont}
Caledonia

I Theron Howard Register of the Court of Probate in & for said district do hereby certify, that the above & foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court aforesaid
in the matter of the application of Abigail Woods for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at Danville in sd district the 25th day of July AD 1840
Theron Howard
Register
Page 12

Record of children
ages
-----
John Woods &
his wife Abigail
Children ----

P Dillingham Jr
1782
Page 13

Records of Children Ages-
Abigial Woods Born 6 April 1782
John Woods - Born 5 May 1783
Solomon Woods Born 27 August 1784
Lucy Woods Born 12 August 1786
Ebenezer Woods Born 23 November 1787
Sampson Woods Born 18 Oct 1789
Betsy Woods Born 7 June 1791
And Died 11 September the same year
Frank Woods Born 10th August 1792
Eley Woods Born 27th May 1794
Leonard Woods Born 13th March 1795
Fanny Woods  Born 22 Feb 1798
Sophia Woods Born 2? September 1800
Riley Woods Born 11 November 1802

Abigail Woods died at Windsor in the State of Vermont June 24th 1808 -
Solomon Woods died at Shurburn in the State of New York August 30th 1808
Capt John Wood Died Oct 21st 1810
at Windsor
Page 14

7
Affidavit of Daniel Woods ┃
Date of Marriage in October 1781.

Free: Gilbert A. Grant, PM
Maj. Ira Davis
Norwich, Vermont
Page 15

I Daniel Woods of Windsor, County of Windsor and State of
Vermont aged Seventy Six years depose & say that John
Woods late of Barnet in Caledonia County deceased was my
brother & that the said John Woods was married to Abigail 
Ely of this Town by Thomas Cooper Esq in the year (1781) seven
teen hundred & Eighty one in the month of October, as near as
I can recollect, but I cannot tell the day of the month,
And I further say that the said John Woods died at
my house in Windsor on the 21st day of October 1810, and
the said Abigal still remains his widow, and further
say not.
Daniel Woods
State of Vermont
Windsor County at Windsor this 18th day of June 1840
personally appeared Daniel Woods whom I certify to be entitled
to full credit & subscribed & made oath to the foregoing affidavit 
Before me Ira Davis Justice of Peace

State of Vermont
Windsor County

I Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court the County of Windsor in the State of
Vermont, do hereby certify that Ira Davis
is an acting justice of the peace in and for said
County of Windsor, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the fifth day of November last and will expire on the
thirtieth day of November next and that his signature
above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County
Court this twenty fifth day of July AD 1840
W. Williams, Clerk
Page 16

I Lucy Smith of Windsor, County of Windsor & State of Vermont aged 73 years depose & say that I was well acquainted with
John Woods late of Barnet deceased, that he was married to Abigail Ely in this Town by Thomas Cooper Esqr on the 10th day of October Seventeen hundred & Eighty one,
& that the said John Woods died in this Town in October 1810 the said Abigal still remains his widow. The reason that I particulary recollect the time of the marriage is that I lent him some money at that time, for the purpose
of getting married, to pay the fees, and further say not.
Lucy Smith

State of Vermont 
Windsor County 
At Windsor in said County this 19th day of June
A.D. 1840 then personally appeared Lucy Smith who I certify to be
credible witness & subscribed & made oath to the foregoing affidavit 
Before me J A D A Justice of the Peace
Page 17

Mrs. George MacDonald
7931 St. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, Illinois.

March 15, 1937.
BA-J/ILL
Ebenezer Witter
S. 11802
John Woods
W. 18368

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request
information in regard to your Revolutionary War ancestors, listed as follows: -- John Adams who was born in 1754 and died in 1811, Asahel
Allen who was born in 1742 and died in 1825, Pratt Allen, William
Kendall of Springfield, Massachusetts, Captain Ezra Kinne of Preston,
Connecticut, John Milroy of New York State, Asa Witter who was born in
1744 and died in 1792, Ebenezer Witter of Preston, Connecticut, who
served on the Lexington Alaram, Caleb Williamson of Canterbury, Connecticut, , and John Woods, who was born in 1750, married Abigail Ely
and died in Windsor, Vermont, in 1810.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based
upon service in the Revolutionary War of the John Adams, Asahel Allen or William Kendall described by you, nor of any Pratt Allen, Ezra
Kinne, John Milroy, Caleb Williamson or Asa Witter. The records of
Ebenezer Witter and John Woods are furnished you herewith as found in
pension claims based upon service in the Revolutionary War.
EBENEZER WITTER-S. 11802.
Ebenezer Witter lived at the time of the Revolutionary War
at home with his father, Ebenezer Witter, in Preston, New London County,
Connecticut; the name of his mother, age of his father, and date and
place of his own birth were not given.
Ebenezer Witter enlisted in June 1776 and served six months
as waiter to his father, Captain Ebenezer Witter, in Colonel Seldon's
Connecticut regiment, during which he marched to New York, was in the
retreat to King's Bridge and near White Plains during the battle there;
he enlisted in March 1778, served one year as private in Captain William
Whitney's company, Colonel Oliver Smith's Connecticut regiment, during
Page 18

which service he was in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode
Island and engaged in the battle at Newport. He enlisted in the
spring of 1779, served as private in Captains Roseman's and Ebenezer Witter's (his father's) companies under Colonel William
Ledyard, a part of the time at Fort Griswold, length of service
nine months. He entered the service again in February 1780, as
gunner on board the Massachusetts ship of War," Discovery", Captain
Francis Brown, and in October following, near the coast of France,
was in a severe battle with two British vessels, length of this
service eight months; at the expiration of that service, at Bordeaux,
France, he entered the French naval service, no officers or ships
named, and continued until the close of the Revolution, when he returned
home.
Ebenezer Witter was allowed pension on his application executed
September 24, 1832, at which time he resided in Scipio, Cayuga County,
New York; the soldier was aged then seventy-one years. The date of
his birth was not given. He made no reference to wife or children.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of
person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you
should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
Records Division, this city, and cite the following: Ebenezer Witter,
certificate #14966, issued July 26, 1833, rate $80 per annum, commenced
March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, New York Agency.
JOHN WOODS - W. 18368
John Woods, son of Ebenezer Woods, was born in Pepperell, Massachusetts
; the day of his birth and name of his mother were not given. At
the beginning of the Revolutionary War, he lived with his father in
Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
John Woods and his father, Ebenezer Woods, entered service at
the beginning of the war, the former as private and the latter as Lieutenant
in Captain James Burt's company, Colonel Asa Whitcomb's Massachusetts
2.
Page 19

regiment, were in the battle of Bunker Hill and continued in service
eight months, re-enlisted for one year, during which said John Woods
served as private in Captain Sanger's Massachusetts company, specific
service of Ebenezer Woods not given. In April 1777, Ebenezer Woods
moved with his family to Windsor, Vermont, and in the summer, was
appointed Captain of a company of militia, in which company John Woods
served from August until December as private, against Burgoyne's Army.
John Woods served on different tours in 1780 as sergeant in Captain
Jesse Safford's company, and as private in Captains Daniel Smith's and
S. Savage's Vermont companies: in 1781, he served as sergeant in
Captain Savage's company, also as sergeant in Lieutenant Beriah Green's
Vermont rangers, and in the fall of 1781, in Captain Underhill's Vermont
company. His entire service amounted to almost one year as private,
in ten and one half months as sergeant.
The soldier married about October 10, 1781, in Windsor, Windsor County, Vermont, Abigail Ely, also of Windsor. They live in Windsor,
Vermont, until his death, on October 21, 1810; he died at the home of
his brother, Daniel Woods, also of Windsor.
Abigail Woods, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her
application executed July 25, 1840, at which time she resided in Barnet,
Caledonia County, Vermont. She was then aged seventy-seven years; the
date of her birth and the names of her parents were not given.
The children of John Goods and his wife, Abigail, were recorded
as follow:
Abigail Woods born April, 6, 1782, died June 24, 1808.
John " " May 5, 1783.
Solomon " " August 27, 1784, died Aug. 30, 1808
Lucy " " August 12, 1786.
Ebenezer " " November 23, 1787.
Sampson " " October 18, 1789.
Betsey " " June 7, 1791, died Sept. 11, 1791.
Frank " " August 10, 1792.
Elyy " " May 27, 1794.
Leonard " " March 13, 1795.
Fanny " " February 22, 1798.
Sophia " " September 2?, 1800.
Riley " " November 11, 1802.

The son Solomon, listed above, died in Sherbirn, New York; Abigail,
listed above, died in Windsor, Vermont.

3.
Page 20

In 1846, Sampson Woods, the son, resided in Barnet, Caledonia
County, Vermont.
In 1842, Lucy Smith, sister of John Woods, the soldier, was a
resident of Windsor, Vermont, aged seventy-five years; the name of
her husband was not given. In 1841, Daniel Woods, the soldier's
brother, was aged seventy-seven years and resided in Windsor, Vermont.
In 1845, Abishai Ely was a resident of Windsor, Vermont, aged
seventy-four years; no relationship between him and Abigail Woods,
the widow, was stated.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of
person apdi, and, possibly, the date of death of soldier's widow,
Abigail Woods, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General
accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:
Abigail Woods, widow of John Woods,
Certificate #4370
Issued June 19, 1846
Rate 91.50 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831.
Act of July 4, 1836.
Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 21

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Burlington May 15, 1846

I made a certificate in Dec. last of the service of John Woods.  My deputy Mr. F.F. Merrill I am informed has made on in the service of John Woods perhaps this last may have been by C. L. Knapp either as secy or deputy.
Some confusion has arisen in
both cases, the certificates clashing.
Written this month I have made
another certificate in the case of John
Wood.  Upon a suggestion conveyed
in your letter of Apr. 3-1846. to A. J. Lyon
of Rushford N.Y. this last certificate is correct.  I have this day given a certificate in the case of John Woods (s) which is correct. The difficulty has arisen from the record of the rolls omitting or adding the 's'. The last mentioned certificate is sent herewith to the repository of the original rolls with directions to my deputy to compare & certify the results
Page 22

my respect.

Your ObtSt
M M Shafter
Secy of State Of
Vermont

To: Hon. J.L Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Page 23

7.
William Slack
Credibility of Rufus Root.


13.6
1.18
------
11.18
Page 24

I William Stack of Norwich County of Windsor
& State of Vermont aged Sixty Eight years depose and say
that I have been acquainted with Rufus Root Esqr
of Windsor ever since my earliest recollection, I lived for many years, within a few rods of his house. I last
saw him in the summer or fall of 1841, when I was
at Windsor, I then had considerable conversation with him
in relation to old occurrences & former neighborhood scenes. 
He related those scenes perfectly enough and his mind and
memory appeared as, sound & correct as ever they were and he
bright & active, for a person of his age, said Root is about
thirteen years older than myself. I have no doubt that at the
time I last saw said Root in 1841, he was as capable of
testifying as any other person of his age.

Something like a year afterwards, I understood that the
said Root had a severe fit of sickness which impaired his mind & from which he has never recovered
William Slack
State of Vermont
Winston County ss ⎬ 
Personally appeared William Slack, who is a person
of strict integrity, & subscribed & made oath to
the foregoing affidavit, at Norwich this 6th day of January
1846.
Before me George Lyman Jus of Peace
Geo Lyman is a Justice of the Peace in the
County of Windsor State of Vermont & the
above is his signature well known to in
J Collanan M.C.
Page 25

8.
Ira Davis.
Credibility of Rufus Root
Page 26

I Ira Davis of Norwich County of Windsor and
State of Vermont depose & say that I am a practicing Physician & have been such for nearly twenty five
of
years, that I was the Magistrate who took the affidavit
of Rufus Root of Windsor Vermont which is filed in
the Pension office, in the case of the application of Abigal
Woods for a Pension. That at the time of taking said
application the said Root related the facts contained
in said affadavit voluntarily & without prompting
and his mind appeared perfectly clear & comprehensive
and in my intercourse with persons of his age, (which
has been extensive) I have rarely found one more intelligent or correct. He related to me at that time
some incidents in relation to the claimants husband
while in the service, which had before been related to
me by Gen. Stevens & Deacon Spalding, but the said
Root relation them with much more minution & exactness than either, I recollect particularly the account
of a sham Court Martial held in a barn in which
both Woods & Root were action, the culprit he said
had stolen some sugar from his messmate & was sentenced to be hanged & in executing the sentence his rope
which was made of hay broke on account of the slipping off the Plank & thus ending the sport  the same occurrence has been related to my by two or three others who were present
I had a long conversation with said root in relation to old occurrences in which he was perfectly ready and
correct, & have no doubt he was as capable of testifying
as any person of his age.
Ira Davis
District of Columbia
Washington Co.
January 16. 1846
Affirmed before me
P. P. French Jus. Peace
Page 27

5
Abishai Ely
Credibility of Rufus Root
Page 28

I Abishai Ely of Windsor County of Windsor and
State of Vermont aged 74 years depose & say that
I have been a near neighbor of Rufus Root Esquire
of this town for more than fifty years - that he has been
a man of strong intellectual faculties - That for
many years we were Magistrates together & selectmen of this town. That I have often heard him relate incidents of the revolution and former times. That some time in the year
Eighteen hundred and forty one (1841) he experienced religion religion and united with the Society of which I was Clerk-- That at that time and for
more than a year after his mind remains
Clear & stand as persons in general of his
age. That about that time viz 1842 sometime
in the cause of the season he had a fit of sickness
by which his mind was much impaired
& has continued so most of the time since. That for more than thirty (30) years past I have been recording Steward of the Methodist Episcopal Society of which the sd Root was a member and by my reconds as well as by memory I am able to be particular as to circumstances and dates
Abishai Ely
The word 'one' interlined before signing
State of Vermont 
Windsor County⎬ 
February 6 1845 Then Abishai Ely who I certify is a person of strict veracity personally
appeared & subscribed & made oath to the foregoing affidant
Before me [illegible] A Justice of Peace
Page 29

State of Vermont 
Windsor ss

I Norman Williams Clerk of the County
Court of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont
do hereby certify that Ira Davis who has signed the
certificate on the preceding page is a Justice of the Peace
for the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont and that
his name attached to said certificate is his signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed the seal of said Court at
Woodstock in said County this eleventh day of
February AD 1845.
N. Williams, Clerk
-
Page 30

Jan 15. 1846
Adalter can
Abigail Wood
Doct. Ira Davis
Norwich
Vermont
Jan'46 15
Page 31

Secy States Office
Dec. 9. 1843 Montpelier

Doct Ira Davis, 
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the certificate you requested
Fee $3.00
I find Woods' name or other Rolls namely
'John Wood" & "Serg Woods" on Capt. Savage's Comp. 3 day Mar. 1781. 42 miles travel.
"Sergt John Woods" on Lieut Beriah Green's Ind. Compy of Rangers - 1 mo. 18 days service - for Feby 3 to Mar 20. 1781.
"John Woods" private, in Savage's Comp Col. Woods Regt. in mos. of "Aug. Sept. Oct. &c" 8 days service-- 80 miles travel pay roll paid June 1781 - no other date.
"John Woods Sergt" on Roll headed "An act. of money due to Capt Jesse Safford's Compy for travel from their respective towns
to camp; one part to Pittsford, the other to Royalton, in July 1780."
Wood is allowed for 60 miles travel.
"John Woods" private - Capt Danl Smith's Co. Col. Ira Allens Regt in alarm to Castleton in Octo. 1780 13 days Service - 54 miles travel.
But as I supposed you looked over the
whole and knew what you wanted, I have not included the above
Very respectfully
F. F. Merrill
Depty Sec of State
Page 32

5
Ira Davis
Norwich
Vermont
Page 33

Montpelier May 26, 1846
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will see the result
of my examination.
The records were not compared by me, but I do not attach any blame to the comparer because the "s" is very indistinct in both instances.
My practice is, or rather was, in every case
like yours to go from the record to the originals; 
because many names are very doubtful: and it would therefore
be but prudent to have both at hand by the certifying officer.
Yrs very respectfully
H. F. Merrill
Doct Ira Davis
Page 34

10
Hon. J. Collamer
Credibility of A. Ely and
Rufus Root.
Page 35

House of Representatives
Jan 16. 1846-
To the Commissioner of Pensions
I am informed that in the case of
Abigail Woods, an applicant for a pension
before you, the depositions of both Rufus Root
Abishai Ely of Windsor Vermont are prostated and I am requested to state my knowledge
of the character of these deponents.
I have known both these gentlemen many
years. They have long been Justices of the Peace
for the County in which I reside and are men of most unquestionable integrity. They are now
advanced in life and less active in public and
R. Root Esq. I do not recollect to have seen
for three or four years past.
I further say that Dr Ira Davis of
Norwich in the County of Windsor, Vermont is a practising physician and Surgeon of regular
and highly respectable standing in his profession.
Respectfully Yours
P. Collamer
Page 36

Certificate of Mr Wood in Vermont
Page 37

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
December 9. 1843 Montpelier
I certify that there is on file in this office a paper purporting to be "A Pay Roll of Capt Abraham Underhill's Company of Alarm List 
of Alarm List in Col. Ira Allen's Regiment for service done in the defence of the frontiers of the State of Vermont, by order of General
Safford, from Oct. 18, 1781 to Nov. 8. 1781, both days included, the above company commanded by Lt Isaac Fannell"; on which Roll is the name of "John Woods," with an allowance as a private for six days services and thirty miles travel.
Also, a paper purporting to be a "Pay Roll of Capt Jesse Safford's Company of Rangers, Maj. Aben Allen's Detachment raised for the defence of the State of Vermont, commencing [illegible] and ending the 1st of December A.D. 1780. both days included." on which roll is the name of "Sergt John Woods," with an
allowance for eight months and 25 days service as Sergeant commencing March 5th and ending Decr 1st 1780.
Said Pay Rolls are duly authenticated
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand
and affix the seal of this office this ninth
day of December Anno Domini 1843
Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State
Page 38

Vt.
add proof
Mrs Wood
Jany 19, 1844

Hon. JS. Edwards
Comm Pension
Page 39

Jany 17. 1844
Sir
The within certificate is intended to
support the claim of Mrs ________Wood, widow of Tho. Wood, Windsor Co Vermont
whose papers are now [illegible] and in your files.
I do not remember whether it was
under the act of July 4 or  July 7
Repectfully
H H [illegible]
Page 40

Norwich Vt  Feb. 26th 1842
Dr Sir, In answer to yours of the 19th I have
to refer you to the affadavit of Gen. Stevens
of Royalton who was acquainted with Woods in some part of his service and from which you
will learn the general course of the Vermont service, from which you will perceive, that those
in the service were not generally returned in in the Regt within whose limits they resided, but with
the limits of that in which the service was rendered.
so that the same individual was at one time in
one company or Regt & perhaps the next month in another
30 or 40 miles distant. You will find also from
the affidavit of Rufus Root Esq, who was a neighbor to Woods, that he had personal knowledge of Woods
serving in the different companies specified in the
Secretary's certificate, & if I rightly recollect, the
residence of the officers are stated, by one or both
of them. And if you have any doubt of the veracity
or intelligence of these men I would refer you to
the Hon H. Everett of the House of Representations
who I think is personally acquainted with both, one of
them at least is his townsman. I do not know what other testimony to obtain, & I think if that of Misses Stevens & Rook is re examined it will be found to contain all that is asked for by your note of the 19th inst. 
Hon. J. G. Edwards
Respectfully yours
Ira Davis
Page 41

Pension Office
March 14. 1842
Your letter of the 26th ult. has been received,
and in reply I have to state, that I am well aware that the men
called suddenly out during the war in Vermont, were not always
under the same officers, but I believe it was seldom the case that
those who resided within the limits of one regiment, were placed
under the command of officers belonging to other, and very distant
regiments. The affidavits of Genl Stevens and Rufus Root,
in support of the claim of
Mrs Abigail Woods have been duly
examined, but they do not furnish proof as satisfactory as could
be wished, to sustain all [all is underlined] the service credited to John Woods on
the Secretary's certificate, as having been performed by John Woods [name is underlined] the late husband of the present claimant. It has been suggested to
this office that Mr Rufus Root, from the infirmities of age, has
become in a manner incompetent to testify. If such is not the case, it should be so
certified by the magistrates residing in the town of Windsor, who are personally
acquainted with him. Affidavits in all cases should be written by persons other than
those acting as agents for claimants interested in the cases in which such affidavits
are to be used. Mrs Wood's papers remain on our files.
I am respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J L Edwards

Ira Davis Esq.
Norwich Vermont
Page 42

Norwich Vt Jany 16 1841
Dr Sir,

Enclosed I send the certificate of the Secty of State of Vermont in addition to the proof of the
service of John Woods, in the case of Abigail
Woods whose papers are now in the Pension office.
also, a certificate of additional service of Solomon Hazen who is now a Pensioner on
the Rolls of the Vermont Agency under the act
of 1832, Mr Hazen wishes for an increase of pension.
Respectfully yours
Ira Davis
Page 43

Norwich Vt. Aug 7th 1841
Dear Sir
Enclosed herewith I send further testimony
in the case of Abigail Woods, identifying the terms of service
claimed for as having been rendered by the same individual
In yours of 16th Feb last you seem to have overlooked one term
of service, entirely, in drawing your conclusion that the widow's claim must fail under the act July 4th 1836. you say, she "was
married as she stated in October 1781, while the last service claimed
for, was in March of that year." If you will examine the certificate
again you will find a service of six days in Capt Underhill's company & I think Col. Allen's Regt in Oct or Nov 1781.
You will find too by the affidavits of Daniel Woods and
Rufus Root, which I now send, that the husband of the claimant served in the companies of Capt's Wood. Savage, Smith.
Green, Safford & Underhill, the last of which was after his Marriage. And also by the affidavits of Gen Stevens
Deacon Spalding that John Woods of Windsor served in Capt Saffords company in 1780. also by the affidavit of
Daniel Woods that the said John Woods served 7 or 8 months
in 1775 and enlisted from Fitchburg Massachusetts from
which place he removed to Windsor VT.
I do not know how I can identify the claimants husband any
more conclusively than is done by the accompanying papers and presume they will in satisfactory.
Hon J L Edwards
yuour very Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 44

Norwich Vt Sept. 8 1841
Dr Sir
A month or two since I sent you some
additional evidence in the cases of Mrs Hepzibah Waterman [name underlined] to wit, the record of the birth of her children, and
several weeks since I sent you several affidavits in
the case of Abigail Woods, identifying the service of
her late husband John Woods, & also further proof of her marriage - but have heard nothing from the Department since, and an apprehensive the papers have not been received. Will you have the goodness to inform me how it is!
Yours very Respectfully
Ira Davis 
No
J. L. Edwards
Waterman. Sep 10 sent Davis
ab. Woods Re Sep 16 '41 [illegible]
Page 45

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier Jany 13. 1841
I hereby certify that there is on file in this
office a paper purporting to be "1777 A Pay
Roll of Capt Ebenezer Wood's Company in Lieut.
Col. Herrick's Regt of Rangers for the advanced
pay that was engaged by the State of Vermont a
I L pr man pr month:" on which Roll, in the
list of privates, is the name of "John Woods",
with an allowance for ninety nine days service,
commencing August 29th and ending December 5th
said Roll appears to have been duly approved.
Given under my hand and the
seal of this office this 13th day
of January A.D. 1841.

Ferrand F. Merrill

Deputy Secretary of State

Sir:
Page 46

2
Affidavits.
Elias Stevens
Danl. Woods
Rufus Root
Reuben Spalding
Page 47

I Reuben Spaulding of Sharon County of Windsor & State of Vermont aged Eighty two years, depose and
say that I have lived in this Town nearly seventy two year
that I served in the Revolutionary war at different times
and at various places, and I also say that in the year
1780 in the spring or fore part of summer I enlisted in Capt Saffords company as a Sargeant that said company 
at that time come from Pittsford, and I very
well recollect that John Woods then of Windsor but
now deceased, was a Sargeant in said Safford's Company
and that the said Woods & myself messed together,
said Woods was a Sergeant in said company when
I enlisted, but how long he had been in the company
when I joined it I do not know.
And I also further say that in this part of the country, at
that time, the companies were filled up by drafts from the different Militia companies, or by those who turned out
So that most of the companies were composed of men from
different towns. & very often when they had served a few
days or weeks in one company they joined another. And
it was also frequently the case that the same company
was in different Regiments, from the fact that they were
stationed within the limits of different commands and were
subject to different Regimental officers, whenever station
within their limits. Sometimes a company was formed
from several different Towns, & sometimes part in Vermont & part in New hampshire & this from the fact that
Vermont at that time was not a state but the Towns
in this region on both sides the River were called
the New Hampshire Grants, & the Government was only
a councill of Safety. In the year 1780, previous to joining
Capt Safford's Company I was a soldier in Capt Bush's
Company in Col Olcott's Regt. and this was the case with
many others, and further say not
Reuben Spaulding

State of Vermont
Windson County SS.
At Sharon July 17th 1841. Then the above
named Reuben Spalding whom I certify
to be a man of strict integrity & subscribed & made oath to
the foregoing affadavit Before me Ira Davis Just of Peace
Page 48

Norwich Dec 8th 1840
Dr Sir I enclose the declaration & papers in support of the claim of Abagail Woods for a pension under the act of
July 4th 1836. The papers sent on her declaration Certificate
from the Rolls of Massachusetts, certificate from the Rolls of Vermont Town Clerk's certificate of absence of Record of Marriage Affidavits in proof of Marriage & of the widowhood of the applicant,
Yours Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 49

4
Clerk of Windsor T.
No marriage record.
Page 50

Town Clerk's Office, Windsor, Vt. }
June 19, 1840
To whom it may Concern. This Certifies,
that upon careful inspection of the Records of Marriages in this office, it does not appear that the Marriage of John Woods to Abigail Ely, was ever recorded in this office
Attest, Thos M. Pomroy, Town Clerk.
Page 51

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 14th 1840.
hereby Certify, That Charles W. Lovell
is a Justice of the Peace for the
County of Suffolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned;
and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and
credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the
Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 52

I, Eleazer Homer of Boston, in the County
of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy-nine years, do, on my
oath, testify and declare, that I have in my
possession "A Return of Capt James Burt's
Company in Col Asa Whitcomb's Regiment," and the name of John Woods appears on said
return as a private from Fitchbng. The only
date of the year on the return is the death of
Jeremiah Laughton, who "Died August 11 1775. The return is signed "James Burt Capt."
I further declare that I have also in my
possession an order from a part of the above mentioned company to the Committee of Clothing for money due to them in lieu of Coats. The order
is dated "Camp at Prospect Hill December ye
27th 1775," and signed by John Woods and six
others, who are certified as belonging to said
Company by "James Burt Capt."
Witness
Benj K Stevens
Eleazer Homer
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Suffolk, ss
Boston August 16th 1840.
Then personally appeared the above named
Eleazer Homer, and made oath, according to law,
that the above statement, by him subscribed, is true.
Before me
Cha W Lovett, Jus Pea.
Page 53

State of Vermont.
Secretary's Office,
Montpelier, Oct. 11, 1839.
I, Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of said State,
do hereby certify that there is on file in this
office a paper, purporting to be a "Pay Roll of
Lieut. Beriah Green's Independent Company
of Rangers raised for the defence of the State of Vermont 1781." I further certify that the
name of John Woods a Sargeant, appears
upon said pay roll, with an allowance of
one month and eighteen days service and
nexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this
office another paper, purporting to be ""A Pay
Roll of Capt. Jesse Safford's Company of Rangers 
Maj Eben Allen's Detachment raised for the defence of the State of Vermont, commencing
January ye 18, and ending ye 1st of December
A.D. 1780, both days included. I further
certify that the name of John Woods, a
Sargeant, appears upon said pay roll, with
an allowance of eight months and twenty five
days' service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in
this office another paper, purporting to be "A
Pay Roll of Capt Saml S. Savage's company of Militia in the Third Regiment commanded by Col. Ebenezer Woods, and marched in
scouts and alarms, by Col Woods orders in
the months of August, September, October, &c." I further certify that the name of John Woods, a
private, appears upon said pay roll, with an
Page 54

allowance of eight days service annexed
I further certify that there is on
file in this office another paper purporting
to be "a Pay roll of Capt. Daniel Smiths
Company in Col. Ira Allen's Regiment of
Militia in alarm to Castleton in the
month of October, 1780. State of Vermont." I
further certify that the name of John Woods,
a private, appears upon said pay roll, with an
allowance of fifty-four days service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file
in this office another paper, purporting to
be "a Pay Roll of Capt. Abraham Underhills
Company of Larim List in Col. Ira Allen's
Regiment for service done in defence of the
frontiers of the State of Vermont by order of
Genl Safford from Oct. 18, 1781 to Nov. 8. 1781, both days included. The above company commanded by Lieut. Isaac Farwell." I further certify that the name of John Woods
a private, appears upon said pay roll, with
an allowance of six days' service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in
this office another paper, purporting to be "A Pay Roll of Capt Savage's Company of Militia that marched the 16th day of March
last by orders from Gen. Baley Esq.
Windsor, March 16, 1781." I further certify
that the name of John Woods, a private,
appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance of three days service annexed.
I further certify that the above pay rolls
appear to have been duly examined, approved
Page 55

and ordered to be paid, by a committee appointed by the Legislature, and that the same
were duly paid from the treasury of this
State
Given under my hand and
official Seal, at Montpelier, this 11th day of October, Anno Domini, 1839.
Chauncey L. Knapp
Secretary of State.


13 days service - 54 miles travel-- see see Sec State 9 De '43
Page 56

pri '75 Serv of Mass (Bust) pri 8 mo
Aug 77 in [ ] (Woods) " 3. 90
Oct 87 in in Underhill " - 6
March [ ] 80 in in (Safford) Serg 11.15
8.25
March & Feby 81 in in ( Greens) in 1.18
10.13
all other terms in the
See Certificates are compatable
Page 57

I Sampson woods of Barnet Caledonia County & State of Vermont, aged fifty six years depose & say, that the paper hereunto attached is a true record of the family of John & Abigal Woods. That it was made about forty years since, by one Curtis Elkins
from the original record, which I think is kept in the family
Bible, and which was many years since worn out, and gone.
Some of the entries on the paper hereto attached may be
original, I am not certain that they were all made in the
Bible, but the first part of it I think was. And I know this to be a
true record, and have known it as such for nearly, if not quite
forty years.
Sampson Moore
State of Vermont
Caledonia County Sampson Woods the above deponent who certify is a
witness of strict veracity personally appeared and subscribed and
made oath to the foregoing affidavit, this 16 day of April AD 1846
Before me
Miles Shoney Justice of Peac
Page 58

STATE OF VERMONT,
Caledonia County
I Saml P. Mattock, Clerk of the County Court of the Coun-ty of Caledonia in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Miles Shorey Esquire of Barnet
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 31th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and at
his signature to the annexed certificate to the
affidavit of Sampson Woods is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this Eighteenth day of
April A.D. 1846
Saml B Mattock
Clerk.
Page 59

81 at Green Rangers Leit 1.18
80 Capt Safford Sergt 8.25
10.13
Savage 
pri - 8
80 Smith Oct x [ ] " 1.24
81 oct & nov Underhill & Farewell pri - 6
81 March " 3
77 Aug Cap Wood " 3 9
8- Oct Smith X [ ] 13
5 16 25
75 Say Maes 8
13.24
10.13
13.25
23.38
Page 60

Mo Jo
75 - Aug 11 to Dec 27 o Priv: 8 - Burks Jo D W & Secy of Mass
77 Aug 29 " Dec 5 o Prov - 99 E. Woods' Co " DW R.R.
80 Mar 5 " Dec 1 o Serg 825 Jesse Safford's Jo E [ ] RR
80 Oct x Pri 13 Danl Smith's Incompatible
80 Aug Sept Oct x Pri 8 S S Savage's Incompatiable
80 July - (travel) Srgt Jesse Safford's agrees
81 March 11 x 3 Savage's incompatiable
81 Feby 3 to Mar 20 Sergt 1 18 B Green's Co R.R.
81 Oct 18 to Nov 8 Pri 6 Underhill's Co - j
Pepperell M.S.
1770 Fitchburg MS
Apl 1777 Windsor VT
8 -
3.09
8.25
1.18
.06
21.28
Page 61

Norwich May 28 1844

Dear SirI must bespeak you patience, while I ask your
assistance at the Pension office in the case herewith transmitted
This is the case of Abigail Woods, which has been pending
some half dozen years and upon which I last winter appealed
to the Secretary of War, upon the question of the Marriage. The
Secretary decided, the proof marriage was sufficient
But it appeared from the statement of the Commissioner that
Shafter our Secretary, had made a certificate, in the case
of Abigal Wood widow of John Wood of Allegany County
N.Y. in which certificate his embraced the service of
John Woods including the service in Underhills company
which was the only service rendered by woods after his
marriage. The certificates which I obtained of the service
of Woods were made by Mr. Knapp and Mr Merrill and were made from the original Rolls, while Mr Shafter has certified from the recorded Rolls.
I have made a journey to Burlington to ascertain the facts
in the case, and procured the enclosed certificate and letter
to the Commissioner. The certificate was sent to Mr Merritt
with directions to compare it with the original Rolls &
make the proper corrections. This you will percieve he has
done and certified the name on Underhill's Roll, is Woods
instead of Wood, as Shafter has it, in the copy. I send also
Mr Merrill Letter, and wish you to explain the matter
to the Commissioner. The trouble arises from the fact that
Mr. Shafter has removed the record of the Rolls to Burlington
while the original Rolls remain in the Secretary's office
Page 62

at Montpelier with Mr. Merrill and the record has
not been carefully compared
Shafter has made two certificates in the New York case
and now says in his letter to the commissioner the last one is
correct. but Mr Merrill on examination of the old Rolls certifies that it is not so
This N.Y. case I think is a humbug: for the agent in
his letter to Shafter, says that Wood served in Capt Stowell's
company of Mansfield, Windham Co. Now there is no such
office upon the Rolls as capt Stowell, and you are aware that
there is no such Town as Mansfield in Windham Co. Vt.
but there is such a Town in Windham Co. Conn. and
there was such an office as Stowell in that State.
I think Mr Merrills certificate can leave no doubt in
the mind of the Commissioned and must entirely supercede
any certificate given by Shafter merely from the Record of
the Rolls. Have the goodness to get, if possible an early
decision in the case
Yours very Respectfully
Iver Davis
Page 63

Washington 23d Feby 1846.
Hon. Wm L. Marcy Sec of War.
D. Sir
some three weeks since Dr Ira
Davis conferred with me about an appeal
he had taken from the Court of Pensions, in the application of Mrs Woods, widow of one John Woods a Sargeant in the revolution
the point in controversy is, did
the marriage take place before the last service is by the husband. The Marriage is clearly proved by parol. It is as clearly proved, that it was before the last tour of service shown by record-- But the Court has held that about an event so long ago,
the witnesses may be mistaken on the point
when the marriage in fact took place. I commend
his vigilence in general-- but he carried to far in
my opinion in this case. The recollection of both
witnesses who pretend to fix the time is fortified by circumstances of just the kind, to fix the time in their memory. There is nothing that contraction them. On that point, in a court of justice, these mem would or could be a verdict against the [ ] or claimant. I promised Dr Davis to look after the case & inform him of its fate. If you have not already decided it, may I ask your attention to it as early as convenient. The papers were with you when
Dr Davis left Washington. I am dear Sir your hurly
P. Dillingham Jr. House of Rep
Page 64

State of Vermont
Secretary of States Office
Burlington
May 18th 1846.

J M Shapter Sceretary of State of Vermont
hereby certify that there is upon record in
this office an original payroll of revolutionary
service of which  the following
is a true copy, 


" a Pay-Roll of Capt Abraham Underhill"
"company of alarm list in Col Ira Allen's Regm-"
" cut for service done in defence of the parties"
"of the State of Vermont, by order of Guard"
"Safford from October 18-1781. to Nov 8. 1781, both"
"days included. the above company commanded"
by Lt Isaac Farwell"
Names
Days
enlisted 
Total
Lt Isaac Farrell
Ensign Reuben Bloomer
Sergt. Abijah Dunning
" Noah Moss
Drum Ebenr Baker
Joseph Ingall
Richard Dunning
Ephraim Reynolds
13
12
8
11
10
11
11
11
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
3-5-3
3-1-8
1-2-8
1-7-5
1-4-7
1-5-1 1/2
1-5-1 1/2
1-5-1 1/2

Pay Table Office Bennington Dec 27-1781. The
within roll being approved
of the Treasurer is directed
to pay the same to Capt. Farwell a order, the sum of twenty seven pounds one shilling eight pence

Isaac Tichener
Amos Fassett } Comms
Page 65

John Nelson
Joseph Sheldon
Ebenr Hulburt
Joel Frost
David Brade
Benoni Bishop
Benj McIntyre
Amherst Court
John Wood
Elisha Rigdon
Jane Stewart
Benja Baldwin
Andrew Bostar a
Berton
19
11
11
10
12
10
7
9
6
7
2
2
4
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
1
2
30
1-15-4
1-5- 1½
1-5- 1½
1-3 -9
1 -6 -6
1-3-9
0-19-9
1-2-4 1/2
0-18-3
0-19-9
0-4-1
0-5-4
0-13-6
22-1-8
Treasury Office.
Sunderland Dec-29
1781. Rev of the Treasurer
the contents of the above adder
for and on behalf of Capt.
Farwell
[ ] Underhill

I also certify that upon a like recorded payroll
of Capt Saml Stow [ ] camp occurs the name of
"Sergt" Woods with an allowance to him for three days service & upon the same roll is on allowance to John Wood for 3 days service,
and also that upon a like recorded role of
Capt Jesse Saffords Company occurs the
name of Sergt John Woods with an allowance
to him for eight months and
twenty five days service and that the name of John Wood does not occur upon the last mentioned roll.
Page 66

I also certify that upper another the
recorded payroll of Lieut Beriah Green's
company in 1781. occurs the name of Sergt--
John Woods with an allowance to him
for one month & Eighteen days service
from Feb. 3. of that year.
and that the
name of John Wood does not occur
on the said roll.

In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of this office this 19th day of May 1846
J M Shafter

Secretary of State Office
Montpelier May 26, 1846
I hereby certify that I have examined the originals of the
Rolls referred to in the above certificate, and find that in the Roll of
Capt Underhill's Company the name is written "John Woods, and
not John Wood as above written: I also find that on Capt Savage's Pay Roll above referred to, both names are written Woods.
and not one word" as above stated. I further find that the
foregoing certificate is correct with these exceptions
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this 26th
day of May A.D. 1846.
Ferrand F. Merrill 
Deputy Secretary of State
[ ]
Page 67

House of Representatives
June 10. 1846
Sir Enclosed herewith are a letter from Dr.
Ira Davis and the certificates of the
Secretary & Deputy Secretary of Vermont &
also a letter from each in relation to the
service of John Woods they relate to
the application for a pension of Widow
Abigail Woods. The letters of Dr. Davis will
furnish all the explanation I can give
Will you have the goodness to give this
as early & favorable a consideration as
practicable and advise one of the result
should any further explanation be desired
please to inform me
 Respectfully Yours
J. Collamer
Col J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 68

Date of Marriage
Danl Woods
Lucy Smith
Rufus Root [ ]
Page 69

Feb. 3. 1846
Ira Davis.
Appeals in case of Mrs
Abigail Woods.
D 21. Rec Feb 3 '46.
refered to Comm of
Pensions to make a
report & send up the
papers & 2 Feby. 46.
W.L. Marcy
Page 70

Hon Wm L. Marcy Secty of War
In the case of the application of
Abigal Woods the widow of John Woods for a Pension, the
Commissioner of Pensions declines granting a certificate without
further, and a different kind of testimony in relation to
the marriage of the said Abigal & John, from which decision
I do hereby appeal & will that the Secretary will examine the declaration & evidence in the case, and decide thereon,
In this case the commissioner concludes in his letter of the 28th [ ] & of 17th Sept '41
that the service of woods is proved for the term of 22 weeks
& one day. But he says. "The supplemental certificate of the Secretary of Vermont, credits, one John Woods with 15 days service
under Capt Smith in the alarm to Castleton, in Oct '80, and another John Woods, with 1 mo 24 in the same company
on the same occasion. In this I think the commission is
mistaken, and that it will be found on inspection of the
Letter of the Secty of Vermont, that one John Wood served
13 days & Sergeant Woods, 1 mo 12 days, and that so far from
being two persons of the same name in the same service.
they are of entirely different names the one being wood
& the other woods. I therefore insist that as the other Rolls show
the claimants husband to have been a Sergeant, the 1 mo & 21 days
shall be credited to him
The Commissioner also objects that the proof of the marriage
is not sufficient; and says. Parole testimony even of the most
respectable witnesses in relation to a date of a distant neighbor
hood in occurrence, which the witness have no par
Page 71

ticular interest to remember, and which is not fortified by associated went in their own lives calculated to [ ] it, cannot be
relied upon, where such accuracy is required, that a slight error may determine the whole question"
It is true, no documentary evidence of the marriage has been produced
for the reason that none can be found, the magistrate who preform
the ceremony, it seems made no return to the town Clerk, and his own
records cannot be found. The old Bible likewise which contain
the family record, is in ruins, but a vestige of it remains. The best
proof which could be obtained has therefore been presented, which is
as follows, the affidavit of Mrs Smith. Sister of Claimants husband
fixing the day of the marriage, and doing so from the date of her
own birth day, and the fact that she lent her brother the money
to pay the necessary fee of the Marriage. Also the affadavit of Rufus
Root, stating that he was a near neighbor of the claimants husband
served with him in the same company for a considerable time, that he
well recollects, the occasion of the said Woods, marriage, although
he cannot fix the day that a few day subsequent to the marriage, the
said Woods was called, on an alarm, over the mountain, and
was absent about a week, and that this was the last service
which the said Woods performed to his knowledge. The Marriage is
fixed on the 10th of Oct 1781. Now if the object of the commissioner
be, to exclude, as many as possible from the benefit, provided
for them by the lows of Congress, then his rule in this case is well
established, but still I think it does not apply to the character of the
testimony presented in this case. The facts sworn to by Mrs Smith &
Rufus Root Esqr. were not transactions of a "distant neighborhood"
Page 72

on the other hand the witness, was a member of the same family, and the other
a very near, if not the nearest neighbor, they were intimate friends, and had
served much, together in the camp & in the field, and no occurrence
of life was calculated to make a deeper impression upon the minds
young men as they were at that day and under the circumstances
of the times, that the eventful period when that friend
and neighbor should become connected with a partner for life.
and the fact too, that that friend should at the moment, as it
were, of his marriage be called from his bridal bed, by the cry of
Indian invasion, must have made upon his mind a lasting impression
And therefore when My Root asserts positively the fact, that John Woods
the husband of the present claimant, was called out in an alarm
and did go over the mountain and was absent about a week, he
cannot be mistaken, now is it to be presumed, that these are facts and
occurrences which would not make a deep impression upon his mind and
more particularly as this was the closing up of his (Roots) service. The reputation
and capacity  of Root sustained by the highest authority. The certificate
also of the Secretary of Vermont coincides fully with the statement of Root, when it shows that John Woods did serve in Capt
Underhills company, between the day of October and day of November 1781, in Col Allen's Regiment & was credited for miles travel
which corresponds fully with the distance from West Windsor, the place [ ] of Rutland, the head quarters on the west side of the Mountain
Now then I contend that if it be proved by unimpeachable
testimony, that Woods did serve six days subsequent to his
marriage, his widow the present claimant is entitled to a pen
Page 73

sion under the act of 1836, according to the whole amount
of service performed by her husband, whether the particular
day of her marriage be established or not. But in this case one unimpeachable witness, testifies to the particular day of the marriage, and
another unimpeachable witness, in connexion with the certificates of the
Secretary of Vermont shows clearly that he did serve subsequent to his
marriage
I am very Respectfully
Yours
Ira Davis
Page 74

Jno Woods d 1810
("month")
Abigail B 1781 Oct
s. 752 8 1
s. 76 12
s 77 23 Cap Wood
s. 79 80 825 Cap Safford Savage
s 81 1.18 Green Segt
Act 80 8 Savage
Oct 80 1.24 Smith Col Ira Allen
" 81 .6 Underhill
Mar 81 3 Savage
1 Capt Jan Burch C prv
[ ] Map 1775
Ira Woods
Aug 77 3 mo 9 Ebzr Wood Henick
o Elias Stevens
Page 75

Sury Same says he [ ] 10h [ ]
She lest [ ] money & pay fee
75 8 =
77 3- 7
Safford 80 8 25 Sept
[ ] c Green 84 1.18 o
Isaac Farewell Nov 81 6
Abraham Underhill Cap 3
22.01
Savage 8
proof of pension [ ]
from Oct 18 to Nov 8
22.1
10.13
11.18
Page 76

Abigail Woods
Vt - act 1836 - No 5270
Let to Ira Davis 16 Feby '41
" " " same Sept 17 1841
" " " Same 19 [ ] 1841
" " " Same of March 1842
Act 1836
Page 77

Credibility of Rufus Root
Page 78

5270
Abigail Woods
Vt
Let to H H Sylvester
Augt 22 1844
Ira Davis 28 Jany 1846
Act of 1830
Page 79

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18368
Abigail Woods
Widow of John Woods
Sergt Rev War
Act: July 4th 1836
Index:-Vol. [ ], Page 327
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 80

Mch 10 98 O C Woods.
Davenport Iowa.
Feby 20 1899 Wm O C Woods
Davenport Iowa history [ ] 
1937 Marxh 15 Hist to Mrs George Mac Donald JLL
Page 81

GWB [ ] PETIT PLACIDAM SUB LIBERTATE [ ]
Arch.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Office of the Secretary
Boston, February 24, 1898.
Mr. O. C. Woods,
Davenport, Iowa.
Dear Sir: -
In reply to your favor of the 19th instant, I beg to
state that a great many references appear in the record index to
the revolutionary rolls to men bearing the name John Woods (Wood),
and to identify any one of these as belonging to your ancestor it
will be necessary to know the actual or probable place of residence,
the name of the captain or colonel under whom service was performed
and any other facts in your possession concerning him.
If you have reason to believe that your ancestor drew a pension,
I would suggest that you address the Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C., who may be able to furnish a copy of said
ancestor's record of service as filed with the original application
for pension.
Certificates of revolutionary service are furnished by this
office or fee of one dollar for each individual record.
yours respectfully,
Wm M Olin
Secretary.
Page 82

This Bureau can furnish the military
record of only such Revolutionary soldiers
as were pensioned or whose widows were
pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department
. Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolution
ary War may also be found on file in the
archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
L. W. B.
W. 18368.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
March 10, 1898.

Sir: --
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Abigail
woods, widow of John Woods, made an application for pension on July 25,
1840, at which time she was 77 years of age and residing at Barnet,
Vermont, and her pension was allowed for the actual service of her
husband as a private and sergeant in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war, for a period of twenty-two months; a part of the time he served under Capt. Safford. Place of his enlistment not stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. O. C. Woods,
Davenport, Iowa.
117 East 2nd St.
Page 83

The Martin Woods Co
Wholesale Fruits Commission.
117 East Second St.
Oranges,
Lemons,
Bananas,
Apples, Nuts & Cider

Davenport, Feb 26, 1898.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen, -- I enclose a letter from the Secretary of State Massachusetts, in reply to one addressed to him asking what the
records show as to the services of John Woods, in the Revolutionary War.
He died before my remembrance, but I think his widow Abigal or Abigail, (I am not certain how the name was spelled)
drew a pension, and I have always supposed he was in the Revolutionary War, but I am unable to tell where he lived at the time-
If you can give me any information in regard to it, it will be greatly appreciated
Yours truly,
O. C. Woods
MAR 2 1898 FILES
Dictated.
Page 84

L. W. B.
W. 18368,
February 20, 1899
Sir: -
In response to your recent communication you are advised that
Abigail Woods, widow of John Woods, made application for pension on
July 25, 1820, at which time she was 77 years of age and residing at
Barnet, Vermont, and her pension was allowed for the actual service
of her husband as a private and sergeant in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary
war, for a period of twenty-two months. Place of his enlistment
not stated. He served under Capt. Safford.
It appears that the above information was furnished you under
date of March 10, 1898.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. O. C. Woods,
117 East Second St.,
Davenport, Iowa.
Page 85

The Martin Woods Co.
Wholesale Fruits and Produce,
Cor. Front and Perry Sts.
Davenport Town Jany 12/99
Commissionerof Pensions
Washington DC
Dr. Sir
some time ago I wrote you making
inquiry about a Rev. soldier John Woods whose
Widow Abigail Woods lived in Barnet Vermont
you wrote that the husband of Abigail Woods
John Woods served as Sargent under Capt.
Safford in a Mass. Regament. I then wrote
to the Secy of State of Mass. and he wrote
that while John Woods appeared on their records in a good many places they could not
find any place where a John Woods served
under a Capt. Safford - since that time I
have seen a writing of the town of Barnet
VT and in that they give a list of the Rev.
soldiers, and in that list is John Woods
Then I wrote the Adjt Generals Office in Vermont and they reply that their records do not show where the privates lived - but say that a John Woods served under Capt Safford from Woodstock
I sent it foreside this is the Capt. Safford
Very truly
O D Woods
Page 86

2: 3279
Abigail Woods VT
Letters to Ira Davis [ ] d. 1846
Act 4th July 1836
Page 87

RECEIVED FEB 17 1937
MAIL -SUB-DIV
VETS ADM LEADER 29
7931 St. Larence Ave
[ ] Sec
Feb 18 1937
Mr. A. D. Hiller
Executive assistant
Veterans administration
Washington D.C.
Dear Mr. Hiller
you were so prompt and courtious
about my former request that I
writing again for information about
some more revolutionary was veterans.
They are my ancestors. I 'd like to
prove their service records. not all of
them may have lived long enough to
get any pension, but any information
would be appreciated.
From Connecticut-
1. John Adams b 1744 m. Mary Parker 1769
d 1811 served in conn lines, March Lieut
resident of Canterbury
OK 2. Ebenezer Witter - 1699-1790. Preston Conn & Canterbury, m. Elizabeth Brown, served
on Lexington Alarm Apr. 1775, when 15 years old
1699
76 years said
Page 88

3. Asa Witter, 1744-1792. M Joanna Kinne, 1765
member State Legislature & day service ?
4. Asabel Allen b. 1742 d 1825, m Desire
Eames 1765: Teamster in Army of Rev.
from Scotland and Conn
5. Pratt Allen July 6, 1766- 1857 M Rhoda
Witter, served 1783 at age of 16
OK 6. John Woods- 1750 - 1810. M Abigail Ely. 1781 Lexington Alarm or at Bunker Hill died in Windsor Vermont. His birth is given at 1740 in New Hampshire and 1750 in Pepperall mass by 2 branches of the family
7. William Kendall (UNKNOWN.)
one time a resident of Springfield Mass. Had a son Jerreb, sometimes called Jacob, born there
1782, married - Day, lived in Passumpsie Village Vt 1789. That it somewhere near Barnet & Newport Vt
8. Capt Ezra Kinne (1725-95) resident Preston Conn
the information I am giving
it so vague I wont be disappointed if there
is no record of them. The only one that
I have have for is John Woods. There are
few more-- called Williamson of Canterbury Conn and Barnet Vt, and John Milroy
of New York State-- We will just let them
go, I dont know when or where they were born on died
Thank you for your attention 
Yours truly
Dean Fraser Macdonald
Mrs. George Mac Donald
Page 89

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*
Name Woods John
Grade Private
Line Massachusetts
Warrant Number 5286  Acreage 100 issued May 19, 1797 to - not shown-
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.