Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30,045, for Noah Priest, Vermont
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Vt. Priest, Noah S.30,045
CONTENTS
Page 2

[verso]

Cir. Tra. Mar. 15. '36
Transfered to Michigan from 4th Sept. '35 - March 20th 1836
Pen'r Aug. 12, 1836
 
Oct. 26, 

[recto]

17.609
Michigan + Vermont
Noah Priest of Rutland Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Medley of the reg't commanded by Col. Fletcher in the Vt. ma: line for 21 mo's
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the ['29' crossed out] 31 day of Augt. 1833 and sent to S. Merrill Castleton
______
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  $140.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept - 35.00
$175.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by W. L. Williams, Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3. Page 84
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Noah Priest's Application for Pension.
21576
Page 4

STATE OF VERMONT,
RUTLAND COUNTY, ss. } 
On this 15th day of November A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court in Fairhaven District now sitting, Noah Priest a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 67 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In the summer of the year 1781 he enlisted in the company of Capt. Mosely at Castleton in the county of Rutland aforesaid, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Fletcher, and in the Brigade commanded by Gen'l Enos. as a Substitute for his father who was then in the United States service in the said Moseley's company, and afterwards served in Capt Israel Hurlbert's company as a volunteer. - that under the two Captains above mentioned he served six months, being stationed at said Castleton, and during that time was chiefly employed in scouting, from the fort in Castleton to different points on Lake Champlain, that at or about the expiration of the six months service above stated, he enlisted into the company of Capt Hutchin's for the term of six months, at Castleton aforesaid, and served the whole period of said enlistment in said Hutchin's company at Castleton aforesaid, and was engaged chiefly as in the previous term of service, in scouting between that place and Lake Champlain, that his Lieutenant in the last six months service and Elias Hall of Castleton afs'd - the orderly Sergeant was Crosby of Bennington, That previous to the expiration of the last mentioned six months service under Capt. Hutchins, he enlisted about the first of May 1782 at Dorset in said state, and was arranged in the Company commanded by Capt Brookins, in the regiment & Col. Brownson, for the term of nine months, and served out the said term & nine months at Castleton aforesaid under the said Capt. Brookins in the garrison at Castleton aforesaid.
Page 5

That in the whole he served as a private soldier in the war of the Revolution twenty one months, as above stated, That he has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person except Lieut Elias Hall (whose deposition is herewith forwarded) whose testimony he can procure and can testify to his service - 
That he was born at Barkhampsted in the county of Hartford in the State of Connecticut, on the 2d day of April 1766. as appears by a record kept by his father the only record of his age of which he has any knowledge. That since the war he has resided in the town of Fairhaven and Westhaven in Rutland County afs'd all the time to the present except about sixteen years that he resided in the west part of the State of Newyork, and that the present fall he returned to Westhaven afs'd when he now resides
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.} /s/Noah Priest

We Reuben Sawyer a Clergyman residing in Westhaven and Elijah Tryon residing in the same place hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Noah Priest who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 67 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neigbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.}
/s/Reuben Sawyer
/s/Elijah Tryon
And the court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Reuben Sawyer who has the signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Westhaven and that Elijah Tryon who has also signed the same, is a resident in Westhaven and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Selah H. Merrill Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Noah Priest for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 15th day of November A.D. 1832
/s/S. H. Merrill
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21.576
Noah Priest
Verm't
Rutland Co.

Adm'd 21 mos 
$70 - 
S. H. Merrill Castleton Vt
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, June 5, 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in 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. These 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, sent this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Noah Priest
[column headings: Period when the service was rendered.|Duration of the claimant's service.|(Years.|Months.|Days.)|Rank of the claimant.|Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.|Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.|Battles in which the applicant engaged.|Country through which he marched.|Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.|Evidence by which the declaration is supported.|]
Summer 1781-Substitute|([blank]|6|[blank])|Private|{Capt Mosely Capt Hurlburt|Col'o Fletcher Gen'l Enos|[blank]|Stationed at Castleton|67. years Castleton Verm't|Traditionary of Clergymen|
at or ab't the expiration of 3rd M'o he enlisted|([blank]|6|[blank])| " |(Hutchins|[blank])|[blank]|Castleton|[blank]|Two other Certificates not properly authenticated|
May 1782|([blank]|9|[blank])| " |Capt Brookins|[blank]|[blank]|Served at Castleton Scouting &c|[blank]|[blank]|
[end of columns]
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:
The 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 in 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 lasw as officers, non-commissioned offices, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where each applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Cleark is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832
State, Territory, or District of }
County of} ss.

On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, pass June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following officers: [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 and county and State in which he resided when he entered the service: the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. -> This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency for 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.

I 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, an examination of the proper record, and the names of applicants, make 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 and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be years of age: that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid,
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Solder, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. and 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 do hereby certify 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 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 service of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be
attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are  requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 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.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he most assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of 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 loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For ____ year ____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ . For ____ 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 service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers, the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which 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.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
⇒The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 10


[verso]
INVALID
Revy 30045
File No. 30,045
Noah Priest
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 32"
Index:- Vol. 2, Page 328
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
1920, June 29, Hist to Dr. Chas. W. Coltrin Chicago - Ill.
Page 11

[typewritten letter]
[margin note: Rev 1 J.C.]
Chicago, Ill.
June 2, 1920.
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSIOJN OFFICE. D JUN 4 1920]

Bureau of Pensioners,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:-
Will you be so kind as to furnish me a certificate of service of my ancestor,
Noah Priest, born in Simsbury or Killinworth, Ct. about 1763 or 4, moved to Vermont with his parents in 1780 and served in Col. Thos. Lee's regiment of Militia Vt. frontiers, etc., etc.
Pensioned while residing in Rutland Co., Vt. for service as Private.
Would be glad to have any data that may appear in your files pertaining to him, especially his death date, as we think he  moved to New York and there died. 
I am making application for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution and need this very much, Thanking you to help me out, I am, 
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Charles W. Coltrin, 
Room 1333, No. 30 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, Ill.
Page 12

[addressed envelope]

[margin notes: E. T. Englesby Mar. 25 1836
Noah Priest Israel Washburn]
[postmark: HUNTINGTON  VERT MAR 24]
Mar 29
Mr Burdine FREE
J L Edwards Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 13

[handwritten letter]
Bank of Burlington
March 23, 1836

J L Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions

Sir
Noah Priest Pr, and on the roll of the Vermont Agency under the act of June 7. 1832, at the rate of $70 per annum, was last paid to the 4th Sept 1835. on 15th Sept
Isaiah Washburn pr & on the roll of this Agency under act of June 7. 1832 at the rate of $46.66 pr annum, was last paid to the 4th Sep't 1835 on the 7th of same month, as appears by our Books.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant
/s/E T Englesby 
Pension Agency pr R. S. Coles
Page 14

[handwritten letter]
Pension Agency
Detroit Feby, 27th. 1836

Sir
Enclosed are the application's of Noah Priest Revolutionary Pension for a New Certificate and Transfer, the old man appears to be very unfortunate and the reasons of his applications are set forth in his papers. The result you will please make known to this Agency
Very respectfully Your Ob't H. Serv't
/s/EWN Doty P.P.A.

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions
Page 15

County of Wayne ss: On this fourth day of February 1836, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Wayne personally appeared Noah Priest - who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain James Brookins in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bronson on the Service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont. from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the Territory of Michigan where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future; and that his reason for removing from the State of Vermont to the Territory of Michigan viz that his children are all living in the Territory and he wishes to live with them - the words "from the state of Vermont" interlined before signing - 
/s/Noah Priest
Sworn & Subscribed to, before me, the day and year aforesaid.} 
/s/B.F.H. Witherell
J.P.C.W.C.M.T.
Page 16

Territory of Michigan 
County of Wayne ss: } On the 27th day of February 1836. before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County personally appeared Melancton Priest who on his Oath declares that Noah Priest - is the indenticle person named in an Original Certificate of pension which he has in his possession from the War department, and is also the same person who has sworn to, and subscribed the foregoing affidafit. The words "which he had" were interlined before me, [illegible]
/s/Melancton Preast
Sworn to And Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid.} 
/s/B.F.H. Witherell
J.P.W.C.M.T.

County of Wayne ss: I do certify that Melancton Priest the witness aforesaid is a person of truth and veracity 
/s/B.F.H. Witherell
J.P. WC [illegible]
Page 17

I Isaac S. Rowland Clerk of the County of Wayne County, certify that Benjamin F.H. Witherell is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of office and subscribed my name this fourth day of February in the year One thousand, Eight hundred & thirty Six.
/s/I. S. Rowland clerk
Page 18

Detroit 3d Feby 1836 - 
To the Hon. Sec. of War - 
I certify that from near fifty years acquaintance I have considered Noah Priest to be a man of Hiest (highest) integrity - and during that time have never known his veracity called in question - /s/James Witherell
Page 19

Noah Priest, Vt to Michigan
Page 20

Noah Priest now of the Township of Huron in the County of Wayne in the Territory of Michigan (late of West haven in the County of Rutland in the State of Vermont) being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say that he applied in the year 1832 for a pension for services during the Revolution, that said Pension was granted, and a certificate Issued to him in the Month of August AD 1832 which pension was for the Rate of Seventy dollars per annum, that he has [illegible] his pay from the agency at Burlington, Vermont, up to & including the payment due in Sept last. - that in Sep'r last he removed to the Territory of Michigan, that on his way to said Territory he last his said certificate and although he has made diligent search and inquiry he cannot find it, and he therefore prays that a New Certificate may issue to him payable at the Michigan pension agency. 
/s/Noah Priest
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the 2d day of Feb'y AD 1836 - 
/s/B.F.H. Witherell
J.P.W.C.M.T.
Page 21

Territory of Michigan
County of Wayne } I, Isaac S. Rowland Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Benjamin F. H. Witherell is a Justice of the peace in and for said County and that the within signature purporting to be his, is genuine - 
[court seal affixed] Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Detroit this fourth day of February 1836
/s/J. S. Rowland Clerk
Page 22

3-525
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. , [blank], 19[blank]

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Noah Priest a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. 30045
[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.|LENGTH OF SERVICE.|RANK.|OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.(CAPTAIN.|COLONEL.)|STATE.|]
Summer 1781|6 mos|Pri|({Moseley Israel Hurlbert|Fletcher)|Vt.|
[blank]|6 mos.|[blank]|(Hutchins| ✓ )|[blank]|
May 1782|9 mos|[blank]|(Brookins|Brownson)|[blank]|
[end of columns]
Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated
Date of application for pension, Nov. 15, 1832. His cl al.
Residence at date of application, Westhaven, Rutland Co., Vt.
Age at date of application, b. Apl. 2, 1766 Barkhampsted, Hartford Co. Conn 
Remarks: In 1836 he removed to Mich Ty. to live with his children - names not stated except a son Melancton. Sol. also alleges that he lived at one time 16 yrs in Western NY. *He died Oct. 26, 1839
*A.B.
Respectfully, 
[blank]
Commissioner. 
6-2856
Page 23

[addressed envelope]
Mr. Burdine Mar 8
[postmark: DETROIT MICHIGAN. [illeg] 28]
FREE

J. L. Edwards Esq'r
Com'r of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 24

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: DETROIT MICHIGAN [illegible] 
FREE
Hon Lewis Cass
Sec'y of War
Washington City
(Pension office)
[margin notes: Aug 4 Noah Priest Mich US Post office Shew to Comm'r]
Page 25

Noah Priest's Additional Declaration & Evidence -
Page 26

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } On this 3d day of July AD 1833, Personally appeared in open  Court before the Judge of the Probate court & Fairhaven district in said county now sitting, Noah Priest a resident in said county, whose declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 1832, was made in said Court, on the 15th day & November AD 1832, and made the additional declaration following, for the purpose aforesaid, That at the time of making said declaration he knew of no other person than Elias Hall his Lieut. in one campaign, by whom he could prove his service in the revolutionary war, that he afterwards found that he could and he did avail himself of the testimony of Trube Tryon, and Orin Kelsey, whose affidavits were forwarded with his declaration, - He further states that he never received a written discharge from said service, and that during the twenty one months service mentioned in his original declaration he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
/s/Noah Priest
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.}
I Jonas Rice of Orwell in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont aged 78 years being duly sworn testify & say that in the year 1781 I was a Lieutenant in Capt James Blakesley's company in Col. Samuel Fletcher's regiment in Gen'l Enos' brigade, and was stationed at Castleton in said County, that from conversations I have had with Noah Priest the signer of the above declaration I am satisfied that he was a soldier at that time in Capt. Hutchin's company in the same regiment, and I verily believe he served as such in said company - 
/s/X his mark Jonas Rice
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid } 

I Elias Hall of Castleton in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont in the 79th year of my age being duly sworn depose testify and say, that in the year 1781 I was a Lieutenant in Capt. Brookins Company, in Col. Samuel Fletcher's Regiment in Gen'l Enos' Brigade of Vermont State troops and stationed at Castleton aforesaid, and remained there till May 1782. that from frequent
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conversations I have lately had with Noah Priest the signer of the foregoing declaration concerning the occurrences of the the campaign of 1781 - 2 at that post, I am satisfied and verily believe that he was there as he states, 
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid,} /s/Elias Hall
And the said Court certifies that Jonas Rice is a resident in Orwell in said County of Rutland, and that Elias Hall is a resident of Castleton aforesaid, and that they subscribed and was sworn to the preceding affidavits in open Court and are credible persons - 
I S. H. Merrill Clerk of the County of Probate for the district of Fairhaven aforesaid, hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of Noah Priest for a pension.
[county seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 3d day of July AD 1833.
/s/S. H. Merrill
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Certificate for Noah Priest, 
Seth J. Hitchcock Esq.
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I Trube Tryon of West Haven County of Rutland & State of Vermont of lawful age, do testify & say, that in the month of May or June 1781 Noah Priest was a soldier in the Vermont State troops also in the year 1782 said Priest enlisted into the Vermont State troops & continued in said service the greatest part of said year, & quartered in Castleton Fort - situate in said County of Rutland & State of Vermont. Furthermore, I do certify that I am & have been well acquainted with said Priest from his infancy in the present time & do know that he performed military service during the above mentioned time. Westhaven Nov'r 24th 1832. - 
/s/Trube Tryon
Subscribed & sworn to day & day as aforesaid,
Before me, /s/S. J. Hitchcock Justice of Peace
And I hereby further certify that I have been for a long time acquainted with the said Trube Tryon and that she is a credible person.
/s/S.J. Hitchcock Just. Peace

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that Seth J. Hitchcock is a Justice of the peace for said County and that his signatures above are genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 19th June 1833
/s/R Pierpoint
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I Orin Kelsey of Fairhaven in the county of Rutland and state of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn do testify and say that I have been acquainted with Noah Priest formerly of this town and now of Westhaven in said County in the year A.D. 1781 & from there most of the time to the present period - that in the year aforesaid I saw the said Priest in the Fort at Castleton in said county and that I understood that he was performing duty as a soldier in the state service at that time. In the year 1782 he called at my father's home on his return from Lake Champlain with a number of other soldiers having been out upon a scout round  about said Lake as I there understood at that time I was twelve years old and lived in said Fairhaven. I furthermore say that at various times since I have heard said Priest speak of having been out as a ranger or scout as aforesaid & from what I then saw myself & from what I have since learned I verily believe the said Priest did perform military service in his country's cause at the time aforesaid
Fairhaven June 12th A.D. 1833 /s/Orin Kelsey
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & date aforesaid
Before me /s/Wm. Kettridge Justice of the Peace within & for the county of Rutland aforesaid - 
I furthermore certify that the said Orin Kelsey is worthy of belief under oath
/s/Wm. Kettridge Justice of the Peace as aforesaid
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State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the county of Rutland certify that William C Kettridge is a Justice of the peace for said County and that his signatures within are genuine.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 19th June 1833 
/s/R. Pierpoint
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17609
War Department Revolutionary Claim

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Noah Priest of the State of Vermont who was a private in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Seventy dollars per annum during his natural live commencing on the fourth of March 1831. & payable semi annually on the 4th of March & 4th of September in every year given at the War office of the United States this thirty first day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
(Signed) Lewis Cass Secretary of War
Examined and countersigned 
/s/Geo Wm Crump 
Acting Commissioner of Pensions - 
endorsed
Payments to be made at Burlington by Pres'c U. S. B't Bank agent for paying pensions in the agency of Vermont - 
Received in the Pension office in Book E Vol 3d page 84. - by /s/W L Williams Clerk

State of Michigan 
County of Wayne } I Noah Priest do solemnly swear that I am the Identical person named in a pension certificate of which the above is a loss of the Original, which I left with one Samuel Jennings at Cleveland in the State of Ohio in September last, on My way from Vermont to this State, with whom it was to remain, or to be deposited in the hands of
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Mason Webb & remain, subject to My Order, that I have written for said Certificate last autumn, & during last Winter, & have sent Melancton Priest My son, [illegible] to Cleveland, during the week past for the express purpose of recovering the certificate but that he has returned without it saying that he could not learn anything of said Jennings, & that said Webb and [illegible] told him that they had never heard of the certificate - 
And further that [illegible] My application some months since, said Pension has been transfered to the Michigan Agency - And in consideration of the loss of said Certificate I pray that a new certificate may be sent [illegible] enclosed to BFH Witherell Esq of the city of Detroit, on to the US pension agent in Michigan - 
/s/Noah Priest 
Sworn to and subscribed before Me the 19' day of Jul 1836 - 
/s/Marvin M. Aldrich
I Melancton Priest being duly sworn do depose and say that I went from Detroit to Cleveland in the State of Ohio as stated in the foregoing Deposition for the purpose of obtaining the Pension Certificate, I made diligent search to find said Jennings but doubt not. I also enquired at the House of Webb & [illegible] but could not find the Certificate nor hear any thing of it
/s/Melancton Preast
Sworn to and subscribed before Me the 19th Day of July AD 1836 -
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The State of Michigan County of Wayne ss
I Isaac S. Rowland Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Marvin M. Aldrich before whom the foregoing statements were sworn and subscribed was at the time and still is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified, to whom official acts as such full faith and credit are due here as well as elsewhere and that, the signature thereunto subscribed is true and genuine 
[court seal affixed] In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said County, this 19th day of July A.D. 1830.
/s/I. S. Rowland, Cty. Clk
/s/D.E. Harbaugh, Deputy.