Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22091, Zenas Ashley, Vt.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Vt.

Ashley, Zenas

NUMBER
S. 22091

CONTENTS
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Pennsylvania 24.826

Zenas Ashley of Livingston in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Norton of the Regt commanded by Col. Robinson in the Vermont 
line for 6 months

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

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of March, 1834 and sent to Leman Gibbs Livonia. N.Y.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 34 $60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. 34 $10.00 
$70.00 

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Eler Brown Clerk
Book E Vol 4 Page 42

{right side]
[illegible] Apl 18 1836

Transfer to Pennsylvania 4th Sept 35- April 22 1835
---
Letter to Hon A Smith Jan 9 47
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In matter of Lucy Ashley to obtain a pension --
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State of New York
County of Livingston ss 
On this twenty Eighth day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the County 
Courts of Livingston County aforesaid now sitting Zenas Ashley a resident of the Town of Springwater in the County of Livingston aforesaid aged 69 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 of Passed June 7th 1832-

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named offices and served as herein stated-

That in the month of March in the year 1783 he enlisted to make up a certain number and as one of a certain number of fighting men which the State of Vermont was called upon to furnish under the
Classing system for the service of the United States

That he resided in the town of Bennington in the State of Vermont aforesaid at the time he enlisted
with his Brother Thomas Ashby - That he enlisted as aforesaid for the term of Eight months in a company 
commanded by Captain Dimick, Lieut Rice marched from Bennington to Castleton in the State of Vermont when the company joined the command of Major Gideon Bronson a part of the American Army then lay under Gen Enos at Pittsford - Vermont, remained at Castleton aforesaid until the first of November a few days previous to the end of the term for which he enlisted, can't recollect the exact day he enlisted in March nor the day of November which he was discharged but thinks it was before the 10th from his best recollection it was something like 10 days short of the Eight months for which he enlisted. Received no written discharge a friend being sick his officer permitted to call & see her a day or two after which and in
his absence the troops were disbanded

That in the year previous to this (to wit) in the year 1782 he went as a volunteer in
Page 5

an alarm under Captain Martin Norton,  Lieut. Rice of Militia of Vermont - Colo Samuel
Robinson commanded the Regiment that marched from Bennington to Castleton in Vermont
General Enos commanded the troops at that place. It was apprehended that there would
be an attack from Crown Point and the Militia were collected to interpose them-- served one month in the month of September or October or part of both having served in all eight months & 20 days.

Was born in Westfield, County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1763 on
the 26 day of July- Record of his age in a bible

Lived when called into service as above recited

Lived at Bennington aforesaid until 1805 then moved to Otsego County in New York where he resided until the year 1815. then moved to Conesus in Livingston County where he resided until 1825 when he removed to Springwater in the said County of Livingston where he now lives

was called into service as above stated dont recollect any other officers named above-

never rec a written discharge

That he has no documentary testimony and that he knows of no person whose testimony
he can procure who can testify to his service 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 any agency of any State
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year afore said in open Court
Zenas Ashley
S.G. Haven Dep Clerk
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We Robert Adams a resident of the town of Livonia in the County of Livingston aforesaid and Ruel Blake of the town aforesaid of Living hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Zenas Ashley who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 69 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood when he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion and we never heard the correctness of said opinion questioned -

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
Ruel Blake
Robert Adams [signatures]
J. G. Haven Dep clk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion on the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the said Court further certifies that it appear
to them that Ruel Blake Esq. and Gen. Robert Adams who have respectively signed the preceding certificate are residents of Livonia in said County and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit

I, Chauncey R. Bond Clerk of Livingston common pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Zenas Ashley for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office Oct. 11. 1832
C. R. Bond Clk
By. S.G. Haven Dep Clk
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State of New York
Livingston County ss
On the 25 day of June 1833 before me the subscriber a Judge of Livingston County Courts personally appeared Zenas Ashley who being sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and 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 named below. - For seven months and ten days as a private in the year 1783 & one month as a private in the year 1782 which in all make, not less than eight months and ten days service as a private-- That he knows no person living who know of his service except Thomas Ashley which is hereto attached
Zenas Ashley [signature]

Subscribed and sworn to this 25 day of June 1833. Before me-
Leman Gibb a Judge of Livingston County Court

I have been for a number of years acquainted with Mr Zenas Ashley the above named deponent
or declarant and have no hesitancy in saying that he is a man of unimpeachable character for truth veracity & integrity. and I have no doubt but he served as he states having ever understood that he was a soldier of the Revolution
dated 25 June 1833
Leman Gibbs a Judge&C
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State of New York Livingston County ss
I certify that Leman Gibbs before whom the within affidavit of Zenas Ashley purports to have been sworn and whose name appear to the certificate immediately under the said affidavit was at the dates thereof a legally authorized Justice of Livingston County courts And that I know his name subscribed to the Jurat of the said affidavit and to the said certificate is his own proper hand writing and signature.

Witness my hand and seal of office this 2d day of Jany. 1834
Chauncey R. Boud Clerk of Livingston County By. S. G. Haven Dep Clk
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State of New York
Monroe County ss.
Thomas Ashley of Rochester in the County of Monroe being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he this deponent is well and personally acquainted with Zenas Ashley of Springwater in the County of Livingston State of New York that the said Zenas is a Brother of this deponent and will be seventy years of age on the twenty sixth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty three as this deponent has been informed and verily believes to be true. That this deponent is nearly Seventy Six years of age and known the said Zenas ever since about the time of his birth and has no doubt he the said Zenas is of the age aforesaid. That previous to and up to the latter part of March or first part of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty three the said Zenas had resided with this deponent as an apprentice in Bennington in the State of Vermont. That on or about the latter part of March or first part of April in the year last aforesaid, the said Zenas left the service of this deponent and about the same time enlisted in the said town of Bennington in Vermont as a private soldier in to the service of the United States of America. That the said Zenas So enlisted to make up a certain number and as one of a certain number of fighting men which the State of Vermont was bound to furnish or was called upon to furnish for the service of the said United States as an army therefore as this deponent was informed and believes. That the company
into which the said Zenas so enlisted was commanded by Captain Dimick who resided in the town of Pownal in the State of Vermont. The line and number of Regiment, and the names of the officers commanding the Regiment this deponent either never knew, or can not now recollect. That the
said Zenas so enlisted for a term of eight months and so continued in the service of the United States until he the said Zenas was discharged by his commanding officer which some few days before the expiration of the said term of eight months
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as this deponent was informed at the time and verily believes to be true But whether the said Zenas received a written or verbal discharge this deponent did not know at the time or cannot now recollect And this deponent further saith that the said Zenas has always been Reputed and believed in the several neighborhoods in which he has resided since the said year one thousand seven hundred Eighty three to have been a soldier of the Revolution and by the persons in the neighborhood of Bennington in Vermont
have been in the service of the United States as set forth in the foregoing statement of this deponent
Thomas Ashley [signature]

Sworn & Subscribed this 18th day of June 1833 before me
Joseph Sibley Judge of said County

I, Joseph Sibley the Judge before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken do certify that Thomas Ashley the deponent to the foregoing affidavit is a person of Credibility and veracity, dated this 18th day
of July 1833
Joseph Sibley

State of New York
Monroe County ss. 
I certify that Joseph Sibley Esquire before whom the above affidavit was sworn was at the date thereof one of the Judges of the County Courts of said County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that his name subscribed to said affidavit is his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my
hand and seal of office, this nineteenth day of June 1837
Leonard Adams Clerk
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21493
Zenas Ashley
N.Y.

e i j 

Admitted

Private 3/- 6 months

Leman Gibbs
Livonia
Livingston Co
N.Y.
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
183
Sir
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in 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 Zenas Ashley Livingston Co. N.Y.

Period when the service was rendered
Vol. 82
March 83

Duration of claimant's service
1 month
Not Specified
in all 8 mos 20 days

Rank of the claimant.
pri
pri

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Capt. Norton,
Capt. Dimick

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. ┃
Col Robinson

Battles in which ┃ the applicant was engaged.
[none shown]

Country through which he marched.
Vt.
Vt.

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period
69
Bennington Vt

Evidence by which the declaration is supported
Trad & witness not certified

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. DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory District of County of 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 pension made by the act of Congress, passed 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 named 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 or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [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, 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 ------------- 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 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 putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. ------ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ------- and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, -----------Clerk of the Court of ---------------- 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 --- 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 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 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 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 rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] the declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served [e] Every Continental officer or soldier must give the name of the colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every clamant 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 worn, 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 persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----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 , and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit, [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which in can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public 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 must pass under the seal of office of the certifying once, 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 of the claimants 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 credibly 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 [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of militia men, volunteers, and state troops The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. [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

W.L. Williams Cx Clerk [signature]
Page 15

22091
Revolution INVALID

File No.22,091
Zenas Ashley
Pri Rev War
Act June 7 32"
Index Vol. 2, Page 12
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 16

Application for Transfer
State of Pennsylvania
Erie County  
On this 30th day of March 1836 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County of Erie personally appeared Zenas Ashley who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Dimick in the regiment commanded by Major Gideon Brunson in the service of the United States that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York from whom he has lately removed, that he now resides in the State of Pennsylvania when he intends to reside, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future-
The following are his reasons for removing from the State of New York to Pennsylvania viz because he could obtain a livelihood Easier and for the purpose of being with his friends
Zenas Ashley [signature]

Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid
Miron Hutchinson Justice of the peace

I hereby certify that on the day and year above mentioned Thomas Slocum personally appeared
and made oath that he is personally acquainted with Zenas Ashley above named, and knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit, and is also knowing to his having and a pension in the State of New York, Also that I verily believe the said Thomas Slocum to be a person of truth and veracity
Miron Hutchinson
Justice of the peace
Page 17

State of Pennsylvania Erie County ss
I William Kelley Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do certify that Miron Hutchinson Esquire by or whom the within application was sworn to, and who has certified the same in his own proper handwriting to me well known, was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in and for same county duly commissioned and sworn - to all whose acts as such full faith & full credit is due.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 4 April 1836
William Kelley Pro
Page 18

Zenas Ashley
N YR
to
Page 19

[envelope]
Apl 13
W. Burdine

[sideways]
Girard Pa
April 5
Free

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 20

Girard Erie Co Penn April 5, 1836
Sir,
I herewith send you an application for the transfer of the name of Zenas Ashley from the
roll of the State of N York & to the roll of this State - if all is correct please send Certificate to that effect
-
Respectfully Yours
Henry McConnell

J.L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions
Washington City
Page 21

J. W. Olcote
Apl 18 '36

Zenas Ashley

[upside down]
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
City of Washington
Page 22

Apl 21
W. Burdine
[illegible postmark]

[sideways]
J. W. Olcote
Apl 18 '36

Zenas Ashley


James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
City of Washington
Page 23

Jas L Edwards Esq
Commiss of Pensions

Mech & Farmers Bank
Albany Pension Office
April 18th 1836

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 14 Inst We have to state that Zenas Ashley a private at $20 per annum was last paid to the 4th of September 1835

Very Respectfully
Your Obed Sevt-
Tho McComb