Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 23,091, Ezekiel Adams, Vt.
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Vt.


Adams, Ezekiel

NUMBER 
S. 23.091

CONTENTS
b. 1750 in Suffield, Hartford Co Conn
res at enl.  Marlborough, Windham Co Vt.
res in 1832 Cambridge, Washington Co. N.Y.
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Order refunding payment
[Justin?] to pensioner a8 Ap' 1835
see cases of T. Akeley & P
Mather Vermont
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24. 1861
New York
Ezekiel Adams
of Washington in the State of N. Y [OW?]
who was a private in the Comp. commanded
 by Captain Warner of the Regt. commanded
 by Col. Barrett in the Vermont
line for 6 months

Subscribed on the Roll of New York
 at the rate of 20 Dollars 0 Cents per annum,
 to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Nov.
1833 and sent to J.P. Putnam, Cambridge

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $50
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 M 34 10
$60

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Go. C Stiles Clerk,
Book E Vol. 4 Page 42.
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In the Matter of
Ezekiel
Adams
x
21880

[illegible - ink faded]

Rose ?
art of binding together & Sealing
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State of New York Washington County ss
On this twenty eighth day of August 1832 
personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of
the Court of Common Pleas at the court house in the town of
Salem in said County now sitting,  Ezekiel Adams a resident
 of the Town of Cambridge in the County of Washington
and State of New York, aged seventy three 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 Seventh 1832.
That he was born in the town of Suffield County
of Hartford he thinks and State of of Connecticut in the
year 1750 in November.
That he has no record of his age but believes
his age is recorded in the office of the town Clerk in the
said town of Suffield according to a Statute of that State of
Connecticut-
That he resided when called into military service
in the war of the revolution in the town of Marlborough
County of Windham and State of Vermont.
That he has lived almost the whole time since the
revolution in the said town of Cambridge and lives
there now.
That he was first called into service as a volunteer
for six months some time in May 1776, according to
his best recollection, in a company of State troops as
levies from the militia commanded by Captain Warriner.
His Christian name he does not recollect. Abel Dimmick
 was the first Lieutenant and a Mr Boyd was
the second Lieutenant - The company with two
other companies, he believes, were under the command
Col Barritt and John Sheperson was Major.
That the said company was immediately marched
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to Clarendon County of Rutland and State of
Vermont and were employed in cutting roads and
making bridges from thence through the towns
of Rutland, Castleton, Hubberton &c for the army
to pass on to Ticonderoga - That during said
six months the said Battalion was sent for on an
alarm from Ticonderoga and forthwith marched
for that place and were halted at Mount independence
opposite Ticonderoga for three days. When the alarm
having subsided they were ordered back to their
[fatigue] on the road-- That they returned and he
with his fellows of the said company served out
the full time of their six months and were then
verbally discharged-- That only the said three
companies were on that station and had no office
higher than Colonel. That he recollects nor were there
any Continental officer or troops with them-
That in 1777 and the same week in
which Ticonderoga was taken by Burgoyne's army,
there was an alarm spread through the county.
And all troops were required to march that could
to Lake Champlain of the neighbourhood to check
the progress of the enemy - That he marched
at that time under Captain Warren of Marlborough
and joined Col Seargeant’s regiment, he believes, from
Brattleborough - That he marched with said com
pany to Rutland and Clarendon and there received
orders to return home - That they returned a part way
and within about fifteen miles of home when they
again received orders to return towards the lake and
the enemy - That he with five others of his company
did return and the rest went home--
That when he got to Rutland he met the main
American army on the retreat. That the next
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morning there was a firing heard in the direction of
Hubberton and he with his five companions and
a number of others started from Rutland to go to the
sum of action. That they had not gone more than
three miles when they met the remnant of Colonel
Warner’s regiment of Continentals, he believes.  And
 a number of wounded men scattered and in full
Retreat. And learned from them that Warner’s regiment
had been cut to pieces by the army. That he &
his five comrades immediately [shaped] their course for the
fort at Rutland - That on their way through the woods
they surprised and took fourteen Hessions of the enemy
and brought them into the fort - That 
after they had been there a short time they were dismissed 
to go home-- That he was in service at this time there
weeks according to the best recollection and belief of
him, the said Ezekiel Adams
That he never received any written discharge
and has no documentary evidence of his service and
the clergyman residing nearest him has lived in the place and the next nearest about sixteen months and know nothing to enable them to certify as required by the said act.
That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present and declares
that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency
of any State.
Ezekiel Adams

Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J. S. Leigh Clk

We Gerrit Wendell and Daniel Wells both residing in the
town of Cambridge County of Washington & State of New York
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ezekiel Adams
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration.  That
we believe him to be seventy three years of age.  That he
is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution & that we concur in the opinion.
G. Wendell
Dan’l Wells

Sworn in open Court the 28th day of August 1832
J. S. Leigh Clk
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[‘to Clarendon County at Rutland’-top line of separate page, captured on this scan] 

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the
above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier
and served as he states. And the Court further certifies
that it appears to them that Gerrit Wendell and Daniel
Wells who have severally signed the preceding certificate are
both residents of the said town of Cambridge and are credible
persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Jesse S Leigh Clerk of the Court Common
Pleas for the said County of Washington do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of
the said Court in the matter of the application of Ezekiel
Adams for a pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of my office this [28]
day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty two
J. S. Leigh Clk
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I Jonas Whitney of lawful age do testify and say that I
was acquainted with Ezekiel Adams about fifty six or seven years ago,
who then lived in Marlborough in the State of Vermont but now in
Cambridge in the State of New York. And I well remember that in
the year 1777, when the Brittish army were on their way from
Canada to the western part of the State of Vermont, there was a
call for men from the their town and other towns about in this part of the State.  And amongst other I believe that the said Ezekiel Adams
was one that went from this town but how long he was gone I cannot
day. And furthermore I believe that said Adams has ever had the
character of a man of truth and veracity. And further more sayeth not
Marlborough August twenty 3d 1832
Jonas Whitney

Windham County ss Marlboro August 23d 1842
Then personally appeared Jonas Whitney the Signer and [crossed out-’subscriber’] of the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of it
Before me Jesse Cone Justice of the Peace

See other side of this

[upside down text]
And I the said Justice do also certify that I am well acquainted with Phineas Mather who subscribed and swore to the within affidavit. That the said Phineas Mather is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit.
 State of Vermont Windham July 25 1833
Benj’n  Ormsbee Justice of the Peace
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And I the said Justice before whom the within affidavit was taken do further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Jonas Whitney who subscribed & swore to the said affidavit, that he is a credible
person & his statement is entitled to credit.
State of Vermont Windham ss July 23rd 1833
Jesse Cone Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Windham County Clerk’s office
New Fane July 25th 1833 I certify that Jesse Cone, Esquire,
 is one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Windham aforesaid and that the above is his signature-
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at the knot of the ribbon binding these two papers
together. This 25th day of July 1833 - And I also certify that Benjamin Ormsbee, Esquire, who is still in office as a Justice of the Peace for said County, has, on this 25th day of July 1833 added the annexed certificate that Phinehas Mather is a credible witness, by his signature to the same.
James Elliot, Clerk
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And I the said Justice do also certify that I am well acquainted with Phineas Mather who subscribed and swore to the within affidavit. That the said Phineas Mather is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit.
 State of Vermont Windham July 25 1833
Benj’n [Armbien] Justice of the Peace 

[upside down text]


I Jonas Whitney of lawful age do testify and say that I
was acquainted with Ezekiel Adams about fifty six or seven years ago,
who then lived in Marlborough in the State of Vermont but now in
Cambridge in the State of New York. And I well remember that in
the year 1777, when the Brittish army were on their way from
Canada to the western part of the State of Vermont, there was a
call for men from the their town and other towns about in this part of the State.  And amongst other I believe that the said Ezekiel Adams
was one that went from this town but how long he was gone I cannot
day. And furthermore I believe that said Adams has ever had the
character of a man of truth and veracity. And further more sayeth not
Marlborough August twenty 3d 1832
Jonas Whitney

Windham County ss Marlboro August 23d 1842
Then personally appeared Jonas Whitney the Signer and [crossed out-’subscriber’] of the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of it
Before me Jesse Cone Justice of the Peace

See other side of this
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[top line for underlying page was included in this scan, as well as right margin text, both horizontal and vertical, NOT transcribed herein]

I Phinehas Mather of Marlboro State of
Vermont County of Windham (aged 48
years) do testify and say that I was knowing
that Mr. Ezekiel Adams now of Cambridge
State of New York County of Washington
served as a Militia Man in the Revolutionary War
Six Month in the summer and fall
of the year 1776; cutting roads making
Bridges & from Clarendon through the
Towns of Rutland Castleton Hubbardton, &c. for
the army to pass to Ticonderoga
in Capt Warrener’s Company. The Regiment
was commanded by Col Barrett. John
Sheperson was our Major - And at the
expiration of the above six Months was
honorably discharged. I have been well acquainted with
Ezekiel Adams since the year 1775.
Phineas Mather

State of Vermont Windham County ss 
At Newfane August 23th 1832 Personally
appeared Phinehas Mather the signer
of the above affidavit and made solemn
oath to the truth of the same.
before me Benj’n Ormsbee Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Windham County Court Clerk's Office
New Fane August 23, A.D. 1832
I certify that Benjamin Ormsbee, Esquire, is
one of the Justices of the Peace for the County
of Windham aforesaid, and that the above
is his signature - In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal
of said Court on the day and year above written.
James Elliot, Clerk
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State of New York Washington County SS
 I Jesse S. Leigh Clerk of the said County do certify
that I have connected or fastened these four half sheets at
the top with ribbon and placed my official seal thereupon.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
name and affixed the seal of the said
on this 6th day of August 1833
J. S. Leigh Clk


[bottom four lines on this scan are from an underlying page- NOT transcribed herein]
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No. 21.886
Ezekiel Adams
Washington Co.
NY

Adm 6. months-
John P. Putnam
Cambridge
Washington
N Y
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Sir
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,  183
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.
The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.
On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: ⎬)
You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the service of Ezekiel Adams Washington Co. NY

Period when the service as rendered |  Duration of the claimant's service. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported.

Vol May 1776 | 6 months | Private | Capt Warriner | 73 Years | Traditional evidence
77 | 21 days \ [blank] |  Col Barritt, Col Sergent | Windham Co. Vermont | 
stated credible by the court. Witnesses not stated credible by the Judge

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, 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.

of
On this
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory,
County of
or District ss
day of
A.B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)
served in the
(e) regiment of the
with
and
Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
and C. D. residing in (the same)
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 said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,  Clerk of the Court of
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
do hereby certify that the foregoing 
for a pension.
and State, Territory or District
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.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 17

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier - 
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given 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?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that 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 of the age he represents and
the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character
and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
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 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
ing 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.
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will of
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
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension
he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
Personally  appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory,
 he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades: 
For ___year___ months and ___ days, I served as a ____. .For ___year___ months and ___ days, I served as a ____, and for such service 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 about three 
or four months, is too indefinite. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.
This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officer applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority
; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.

The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public papers.
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses.
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
in the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witness
, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
note applies to continental troops only.
The notes from (a) to (l) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

John N Ashton
Page 18

23091
Revolution
INVALID.

File No. 23,091
Ezekiel Adams
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 32 

Index: - Vol. 2 Page 3
(Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

Ezekiel Adams
8 Apl 1835
GC

[Auora?] Vol 25 1/2  Page 413
Page 20

War Dep
P O
April 8th 1835
Sir
On re-examination of your papers it is found
to be doubtful whether you were not improperly
allowed on the term you were engaged in cutting
 a road in 1776 under Cap Warriner. The
agent has been directed to make you no written
payment until directions shall be given. It
will be necessary before these directions can be given for you
to [deem] whether this corps was ordered into military
serve by the State of New York, as the presumption from
the evidence relative to that service is that it
was performed under the employment of the Quartermasters
Department.

Mr Ezekiel Adams
care of J. P. Putnam
Cambridge
Washington Co
New York