Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,125, for John Smith, Massachusetts
Page 1

SERVICE 
Mass. 

Smith, John
Mary

NUMBER 
W. 6, 125
Page 2

Vermont 1959
John Smith -2nd
of Putney in the State of Ver
who was a Pr. in the com commanded
by Captain ---- of the Regt commanded
by Col Jacobs in the Troops
line for 7 mo

Inscribed on the Roll of Ver
at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cent
is per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Decr
33 and sent Hon H
Hall [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of March 33 $58.32
Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 11 11.66
$69.98 
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7,1832 
Recorded by E. D. Bullock
Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 92
Page 3

Increase No 3276
Vermont
Mary Smith
widow of John Smith Mass
who served in the Revolutionary
as a Private

St Johnsbury agency
Rate 96 Dollars ---
cents per annum,
Commencing July 27, 1868
Deduct payments made since
Certificate dated 24 May 1870
and sent to Sheron Howard
St. Johnsbury
Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February
3, 1853, and July 27, 1838 Page 184 Vol. H
Page 4

[generally illegible due to contrast]
[bottom section]

Revolutionary War
NO: 160  Oct 12 1855
John Kimball,
Putney, Vt
Vermont

Vol. S. 147
Page 5

No 4270
John Smith
Vermont

admit
7 mo private
23.33
Hon H. Hall
[illegible]
Page 6

BRIEF in the case of John Smith of Putney 
County of Windham in the State of Vermont

(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 72
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.  
Oct in 1776 
Apr 1777
Duration of Service.
Years Months Days 
---------1 ---------
---------9 -------------
Rank. 
As a Private
Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Capt Shaw,
Capt Hoskins. Col Jacobs
Gen. Sullivan
5. In what battles was he engaged? Rhode Island
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Taunton, Massachusetts
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
living
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
except papers not attached
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Jas Wilson Examining Clerk.
Page 7

Mary Smith
Page 8

State of Vermont
District of Marlborough
On this 20th day of June 1853 personally
appeared before the Probate Court
District Mary Smith resident of Putney
in the County of Windham and State aforesaid
aged sixty four years, who first being duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the
following declaration in order to obtain the benefits 
of the provision made by the act of Congress
passed on the 3rd day of February AD 1853 granting
pensions to widows of persons who served during the
Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of John
Smith who was a private in said war and drew
a pension under the act of Congress passed June
7th AD 1832 as per his certificate bearing date
December 28th AD 1833. She further declares that
she was married to the said John Smith on the
Eleventh day of June AD 1814; that her said
husband died on the twelfth day of June
AD 1845; that she was not married to him prior to
the second of January, Eighteen hundred, but at the
time above stated. She further declares that she is
now a widow
Mary X Smith her mark
witness. [illegible]
Page 9

In testimony whereof I
hereto set my hand
and affix the seal
of said Court at
Brattleboro in said
District the day & year
first above written
[illegible] Judge
-
Page 10

16472

Mary Smith
Page 11

State of Vermont
Windham County ss
On this 20th day of March AD 1855
personally appeared before me a
justice of the peace within and for the County & State 
aforesaid Mary Smith aged sixty five years a resident of
Putney in the County aforesaid who being duly sworn 
according to law declares that she is the widow of John Smith
deceased who was a private in the Revolutionary War and
that she is the identical Mary Smith whose name
under the act of February 3rd 1853 has been placed on
the Vermont Pension Roll at the rate of twenty three
dollars and thirty three cents per annum. She further
declares that she is now a widow and that she makes
this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land
to which she may be entitled under the act approved March
third AD 1855. she also declares that she has not received a 
warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of congress, 
nor made any other application therefor
her
Mary X Smith
mark

We Watson B Gorham and David Foster residents
of Putney in the State of Vermont upon our oathes declare that the
foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by the said Mary
Smith in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and
statements of the applicant that she is the identical person
she represents herself to be.
W. B. Gorham
David Foster

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and
subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I
certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the
claimant is the person she represents herself to be
and that I have no interest in this claim.
John Kimball
Justice of the peace
Page 12

State of Vermont
WINDHAM, S.S.

I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that JOHN KIMBALL

was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said country, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to [illegible] is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, etc.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this [illegible] day of March

Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.

[Illegible] Clerk.
Page 13

John Smith's No2270
Application for pension
Windham Co. Vt
Page 14

STATE OF VERMONT 
County of Windham 
District of Westminster

At a Probate Court holden at Putney in said District, in the said County of Windham, being a Court of Record having by law a [illegible] & Clerk
Presiding Son Peter R. Taft Judge-
On this Twenty first day of July A. D. 1832 -- Personally appeared in open Court,
Before the said Probate Court, within and for said District County, now sitting, John Smith a resident of Putney in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged Seventy two years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832--That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In the month of October in the year AD 1776 he entered the service in the company commanded by Capt. Jonathan Shaw and Lieut Zebulon Field at a place called Taunton in the State of Massachusetts and marched into the state of Rhode island to a place called Tiverton and remained in service for the time of one month, and was regularly dismissed at sd Tiverton and returned home at Taunton and that afterwards he entered the service again in the month of April 1777 for the term of nine months in the Massachusetts Militia, in the company commanded by Capt. Jacob Hoskins in the regiment commanded by Col. Jacobs and marched from Taunton aforesaid and went to Rhode island and joined the trips on the island under Gen Sullivan and was in the battle fought there with the British troops regularly discharged at the expiration of said time in the month of
January 1778 at Tiverton in the State of Rhode island afd and further says that he has no witnesses to prove his services except George Austin of [illegible] Vt , who was a soldier with him in the nine months service - that he knows of no other witnesses now living

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
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
1. In Taunton Mass in the year 1760
2. He has no record of his age
3. In Taunton Mass. In 1780 came to Putney Vt where he resided ever since and where he now resides 
4. He was drafted both times
5. He does not recollect any officers in particular [illegible due fold]
Regiment was stationed separate from the other troops. to guard the coasrt
6. he never received any written discharge
7. Daniel Martin and Ebenezer Parker a near neighbors to him
John Smith

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before Peter R Taft Judge
Page 15

Regiment was stationed separate from the other troops. to guard the coasrt
6. he never received any written discharge
7. Daniel Martin and Ebenezer Parker a near neighbors to him
John Smith

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before Peter R Taft Judge

We Daniel Martin I being no a clergyman, residing in the town of Putney  except one recently come into town Ebenezer Parker both of Putney in said said County
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Smith who has subscribed and
sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy two
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood 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.
Daniel Martin
Ebenezer Parker
Before Peter R Taft - Judge

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 Daniel Martin who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said town of Putney and that Ebenezer Parker who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Putney in said county, and a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  Peter A Taft Judge

I, Asa Rigs C Clerk & Register of the Probate Court, within and for
the District of Westminster do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the said  John Smith 
for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty fourth day of July A. D. 1832.
Asa Regis 2nd
Page 16

The affidavit of George Austin of Townshend in the County
of Windham and State of Vermont aged Sixty Eight years
who testifies and says that in the year 1777 he was acquainted with
John Smith, then of Taunton in the State of Massachusetts, and now of Putney
in the County of Windham and State of Vermont as a Revolutionary soldier
in the company of Capt. Hawkins in the Regiment commanded by Col. Jacobs
and that the said Smith served in said Company and Regiment for
the term of nine months, as a private soldier, and that, during said
term the said Regiment was stationed in the State of Rhodeisland
and that he served with said Smith as a soldier in the same
Company & Regiment
George Austin

State of Vermont
Windham County ⎬ August 7th 1832 Subscribed & sworn to
Before Phineas White Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that the above named George Austin sustains a fair
character for truth and veracity. Phineas White Justice of Peace
Page 17

I, Abigail Codding of Westminster in the
County of Windham and State of Vermont
of lawful age depose and say that I have
lived in said Westminster about forty seven
years, it will be forty seven years should I live
to see the 21st day of this month. I was seventy
seven years of age last January-- I was well
acquainted with John Smith of Putney in
said County before he married Mary Cummings
with whom I was also well acquainted
I was present at the wedding of the said John
and Mary and saw them married by Noah
Sabin Esqr then of said Putney but now
deceased - The said John Smith and then Mary
Cummings were joined in marriage in the
month of June thirty nine years ago this
present month at the said John Smiths house
in said Putney - The said John Smith was a
widower when he married the said Mary -
I lived where I now do when they were married
which is about one fourth of a mile from the
their dwelling house of said Smith and the said
John Smith and Mary his wife lived together
in the same house house where they were
married until he died and he died eight
years ago the 12th day of this month and was
buryed on the 14th leaving the said Mary his
widow - I attended the funeral of the said John
Smith and the Rev. Mr Woodhouse a universalist
minister performed the funeral services.
The said Mary Smith is now a widow and
lives in said Putney with one of her sons
she has remained a widow since the decease
of her husband the said John Smith. The said
John and Mary had ten children & they are
Page 18

now all living in said Putney-- I often visited
at the said John and Mary Smiths house & they often
visited me at my house-- I am now a widow
my husband Francis Codding died the 30th day
of April last past - We have always lived where
I do now within a short distance of the late
dwelling house of the said Smiths since their
marriage-
Abigail X Codding her mark
Witnesses
John Kimball
Laura M Codding

Windham County ss Putney June 15th 1853 Then
personally appeared the above named Abigail Codding 
and made solemn oath to the truth of the above
deposition by her subscribed according to law

Before me John Kimball Justice of the peace
We the undersigned Alvin G and Phineas D Keyes
both of Putney in the County of Windham & State of
Vermont of lawful age depose & say that
we were well acquainted with John Smith
late of said Putney deceased and his widow
Mary Smith who is now living in said
PutNey for twenty five years before the
death of the said John Smith - the
said John Smith died about Eight
years ago this present month and we
each of us attended his funeral-- we
always understood that he was a Revolutionary
pensioner-
Alvin G Keyes
Phineas D Keyes

State of Vermont
Windham County Putney June 15th 1853 Then the said
Alvin G and Phineas D Keyes personally appeared & made
solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by them
subscribed - Before me
John Kimball Justice of the peace
Page 19

I Israel Keyes of Putney in the County of
Windham & State of Vermont of lawful age
depose and say that I was acquainted with
John Smith late of said Putney deceased
and his widow Mary Smith for twenty five
or thirty years before his decease. At the
time that I understood they were married
I lived within a mile of the then dwelling
house of the said Smith and he the said
Smith and Mary lived together as husband
& wife some twenty five or thirty years
& had a large family of children who
are now living here in said Putney.
I attended the funeral of the said John
Smith which I think took place at his
house about seven or eight years ago-
The widow of the said John Smith is now
living in said Putney with one of her
sons she has remained a widow ever
since the decease of her husband the said
John Smith-
Israel Keyes

Windham County ss
Putney June 18, 1853
There the said Israel Keyes, personally appeared
and made oath to the above affidavit by
him subscribed. Before me
John Kimball Justice of the peace
Page 20

State of Vermont,
WINDHAM, S. S. 
Clerk.
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County
of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached
do certify that John Kimball
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached and now is a
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and
qualified; that his signatures to the three [illegible]
thereon written are genuine; that the said paper writings
are executed according to the laws of this State,
and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the
laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at
Brattleborough, this 21st day of June
Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Royall Tyler Clerk
Page 21

February 12, 1940.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Louis T. Allen
5 Harris Place,
Brattleboro, Vermont.
BA-J/CC
John Smith
W.6125
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of John Smith who served with the
Massachusetts troope, married Mary Ann Cummings and was pensioned
in Windham County, Vermont.
The date which follow were obtained from papers in pension
and bounty land claims on file under W.6125, based upon service
of John Smith in the Revolutionary War.
John Smith was born in the year 1760, in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Taunton, Massachusetts, John Smith enlisted
in September 1777, served one month as private in Captain Jonathan
Shaw's company, Colonel George Williams' Massachusetts regiment;
enlisted in April 1776, served nine months as private in Captain
Jacob Haskins' Company, Colonel John Jacobs' Massachusetts regiment,
was in Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island and was in the battle of
Rhode Island.
The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed
July 24, 1832, at which time he was residing in Putney, Windham County,
Vermont, where he had lived since 1780. He died there June 12, 1845.
John Smith married June 11, 1814, in Putney, Vermont, Mary Cummings.
Date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.
The soldier was previously married, the date and place of that marriage
and name of his wife are not shown.
The soldier's widow, Mary Smith, was allowed pension on her application
 executed June 21, 1853, at which time she was aged sixty-four
years and a resident of Putney, Vermont.
Page 22

March 20, 1855, Mary Smith, then still a resident of Putney,
Vermont, applied for the bounty land which was due on account
of the service of her husband, John Smith, in the Revolutionary War
. On this application she was granted bounty land warrant
No. 8188, for one hundred sixty acres under the Act of March 3,
John and Mary Smith had ten children. They were all grown
and living in Putney, Vermont in 1853, their names not shown.
No reference was made to children of soldier by his former marriage.
In 1853, one Sarah P. Smith witnessed the signature by mark, of Mary
Smith, in Putney, Vermont. No relationship shown. No further family
data are shown.
For information in regard to the location of the land cited
above, you should address the Commissioner of the General Land
Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish the warrant
number, the acreage and the act under which said warrant was issued.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the
name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of
Mary Smith, widow of John Smith, you should address the Comptroller
General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city,
and cite the following data:
Mary Smith, widow of John Smith,
Certificate No. 3276
Issued May 24, 1870
Rate $96.00 per month
Commenced July 27, 1868
Acts of February 3, 1853 and July 27, 1868
Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 23

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 6125
Mary Smith
Wid''
John Smith
Privt Rev War

Act: Feb 3d 1853
Index:-Vol. M, Page 219

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 24

St Johnsbury VT April 27. 1870
Sir
Enclosed please find the
declaration of Mrs Mary Smith
for [illegible] of pension
Please acknowledge its rct
Very Respectfully
Theron Howard
Page 25

MRS. LOUIS I. ALLEN - 5 HARRIS PLACE - BRATTLEBORO, VT.

January 22, 1940.

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Commissioner;

I wish to obtain the military service of one, John Smith, pensioner who served in the revolution, Mass. Militia. He later became a resident of Putney, Vermont and his name is given in a list of Windham County Vermont pensioners. I believe he was of Taunton, Mass., and the name of his wife is Mary Ann Cummings who was of Dummerston, Vermont. Any information that you are able to give me will be greatly appreciated.

Very truly yours
Eloise I. Allen
Page 26

RECIEVED
Page 27

3276
Vermont
Mary Smith
widow of
John Smith
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
23. Dollars  33
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
4th day of Decr 1853
and sent to
John Kimball
Putney VT

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 33,Vol A

Reg 3 m 55-No 16472-
Page 28

Pen: Act 3rd Feb 53 VT
Boynton
Page 29

1-pri:3-CO: family of children
8 on 13 June, 45
Boynton
Page 30

8188
S
Geo Ames
Page 31

FREE

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C
Page 32

FREE

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C
Page 33

2199

Mary Smith
Wid'' of 
John__
Page 34

Putney VT Dec 13   FREE
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 35

Jue 24, 1853
Appl of Mary
Smith widow of John
Windham Vermont 17959
Act 3rd Feby 1853
$22.33 per an:
Com Feb 3 1853
John Kimball
Putney VT

Department of the Interior
Pension Office Official Business
Page 36

No. 16472

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Received Mch. 26, 1855

John Smith
Rev. War

Warrant 8188-160-55

John Kimball
Putney, VT.
Page 37

12 June 4
Pen: Off:
17" Dec. /53
Sir
Please certify the 
time to which the within named
pensioner was paid, or the
date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
S. Cole

for the Commissioner
John Smith 2 mo. Act 1832
$23.33 per annum
Died 12 June 1845 paid
F Burt
Auditor
Francis Burt Esqr
Third Auditor, Treasury
Page 38

State of Vermont
Windham, S.S.
I. ROYAL TYLER, Clerk of the COUNTY COURT for said County of
Windham, hereby certify that
John Kimball-
is a Justice of the Peace within and
for said County, duly commissioned and qualified: That his term of office
began on the post first day of December
A.D. 1869 and will end on the last 
day of November A. D. 1871, and that as such
officer he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledge
ments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, & c.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of said County Court, at Brattleboro,
A. D., 1874
Royall Tyler Clerk
Page 39

Putney Dec 12. 1853
The Hon Commissioner
of Pensions
Dr Sir
Inclosed please
find two affidavits in the matter of
Mrs Mary Smiths claim for a pension
I hope these papers will supply all deficiences
in his application so she may
receive her certificate-
Very Respectfully
John Kimball
Page 40

I William Houghton of Putney in the County of
Windham and State of Vermont depose and
say that I hold the office of Town Clerk for
the town of Putney aforesaid, and I hereby
certify that I have examined the records of
said Putney and do not find but a very
few marriage recorded solemnized by
the late Noah Sabin Esqr of said Putney
deceased - I have examined said records for the
purpose of finding the record of the Marriage of Mrs.
Mary Smith of said Putney to John Smith late
of the same Putney deceased and have been unable
to find any record thereof I have the office of Town
Clerk of said Putney for Seventeen years-- I was well
acquainted with the said John Smith and his widow
on the said Mary Smith at the time that I learned
they were married and they lived together as
husband & wife for many years before the decease
of the said John Smith and have several children
men & women grown now living in this town
I understood that said John Smith was a pensioner
for several years before he died the
said Mary Smith's maiden name was Mary
Cummings - she is still the widow of said John
Smith and lives in said Putney with one of her
Son
Putney Dec. 12, 1853
William Houghton
Page 41

State of Vermont
Windham County  Putney December 12th 1853
then the within named William Houghton personally
appeared and made oath to the within & foregoing
affidavit by him subscribed before me and I certify
that he is personally known to me and is a credible
witness-
John Kimball Justice of the peace
Page 42

Brief in the case of Mary Smith, wid: of John
Windham County and Vermont
act 3 Feby. 1853
Claim, (original, .)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7", 1832,
Marriage proven by one witness who attended the
wedding, three other to general reputation of Marriage 
& cohabitation & that they raise a large family 
of Children
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
John Kimball, Esqr
Name and residence of Agent
Putney Vt
SC Boynton Examining Clerk
Page 43

I Mary Smith of Putney in the County of
Windham & State of Vermont aged sixty four
years last May depose and say that I was married
to John Smith late of said Putney deceased thirty
nine years ago last June by Noah Sabin Esquire
then of said Putney but now deceased - that my
name before my marriage with said Smith was
Mary Cummings - that the said John Smith
drew a pension some time after our intermarriage
and was a pensioner at the time of his decease.
that Abigail Codding of Westminster in said county and her husband
late of said Westminster deceased were present
at the time of my marriage with the said John
Smith-- that I have caused the records of the said
town of Putney to be examined by the Town Clerk
and have good reason to believe and do believe
that there is no record to be found of my marriage 
to the said John Smith and I know of no
record whatever thereof. My husband the said
John Smith died Eight years ago last June. I am
still the widow of the said John Smith and
have heretofore made my declaration for the purpose
of obtaining a pension under the act of February
last past  
Mary X Smith her mark
attest
John Kimball
Sarah P Smith

[on left hand side]
I certify that the words "said Putney" in the eleventh line from the top were erased
also the words "Westminster in said county" were interlined before signing in the twelfth 
line the word "Putney" was erased and the word "Westminster" interlined before signing.
John Kimball Justice of the Peace
Page 44

State of Vermont 
Windham County⎬  Putney December 10th 1853
Then the within named Mary Smith personally
appeared and made oath to the within & foregoing
affidavit by her subscribed before me & I certify
that she is a credible witness-
John Kimball Justice of the peace

I certify that Alvin G Keys, Phineas D Keyes
and Israel Keyes, all of Putney in said County of
Windham who have each of them made their
affidavits in the matter of the claim of said
Mary Smith for a pension under the act
of February 3rd 1853 are credible witnesses and
all personally known to me
John Kimball Justice of the peace

The above certificate subscribed & sworn
to before me
Wm Haughton Justice of the peace
Page 45

State of Vermont
Windham County ss
Putney December 10th 1853
I certify that Abigail Codding of Westminster in said
County who has made her affidavit in the matter
of the claim of Mary Smith of said Putney for
a pension under the act of February 3rd 1853 is
personally known to me and is a credible witness
John Kimball Justice of the peace

The above certificate subscribed & sworn
to before me
Wm. Haughton Justice of the peace
Page 46

Payment to be made at Montpelier
by
W. H. H. Bingham
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Vermont
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 33 Vol. A
G. T. Getty Clerk
Page 47

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 
3, 1853,
Mary Smith
widow of John Smith

who was a private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty three
dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the
3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior,
this twentieth day of December
one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
R. McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 48

Putney Vt. Sept. 10, 1853
The Hon L P Waldo
Sir, I have recd
notice of the suspension of Mrs Mary
Smiths claim for a pension under the
act of Feby 3. 1853
1st because the witnesses whose testimony
is filed in her case are not certified
by the magistrate to be credible
Will you have the goodness to return
me the affidavits filed in her case
so that the magistrate may amend
his certificate to conform with the
rules -
I will send on an affidavit to prove
that there is no record evidence of her
marriage
very respectfully
John Kimball
Page 49

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
Sept. 6th 1835
I hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books
and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the
Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name
John Smith is borne on pay roll of Capt.
Jonathan Shaws Comp Col. George William's
Regt in which Comp is borne Lt. Zebulon Field
in Sept 1777 31 days travel included
Also on pay roll of Capt. Jacob Haskins
Comp. Col. John Jacobs Regt from July
23 1778 for 5 Mos. 10 days, as private
from Taunton, Service at Tiverton R. Island

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 50

Putney, J.T. Sept. 4. 1835
The Hon Secy of State
Sir
yours relating to an
Examination of the Revolutionary Muster Rolls
in answer to a letter I sent you is recd - for
which I am obliged
I wish to ascertain
whether John Smith's name is upon the
Rev. Muster Rolls- In his declaration for
a pension under the act of 1832 he alleged
that he served in Oct. 1776 one month
under Capt Jonathan Shaw, Lieut Zebulon
Field in the Mass. Militia: Also that in April
1777 he enlisted for 9 months in Comp Com:
by Capt Jacob Haskins to Col. Jacobs of
the Mass. Militia.
I wish to know also
whether Abiah Fuller's name is on the same
Rolls - He alleged that he served from
August to February in 1777 & 8 under Capt
Caleb Richardson & Lieut Jacob Fuller
in the Mass Militia.
you find their names be so good as
to forward me a certificate or certificates
Page 51

Inclosed please find one dollar you said
for Examination & certificate is and for
Whether you intended to say one dollar for each
I am at a loss at any rate if you so intended
I will remit to you the balance -
Very respectfully yours
John Kimball
Page 52

NO. 4270

J. Smith
Vermont
Page 53

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
John Smith which require
further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? He does
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? did
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? has
V. Has he mentioned 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?
has
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
has
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832?
has
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Have
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
has
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal?
is distinguishable
Page 54

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary
service?
No Clergyman
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
none
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who
administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under
his seal of office? Was
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
does
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Are not
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And.
if not, which of them is not so answered?
Are
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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, 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."
Page 55

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
QUERE XIV. 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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which be 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.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated 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 end 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.
Page 56

Putney VT. Aug. 21, 1855
The Hon Court of Pensions
Sir
I have recd notice
from your department that the names of
Abiah Fuller and John Smith cannot
be found on the Muster Rolls - Therefore
the widow Susannah Fuller application
for Bounty land under the act of March
3rd 1855 is suspended and also that of
the widow Mary Smith -
Abiah Fuller drew a pension of $20.00
per annum under the act of June 7, 1832.
his certificate was issued Sept 21st 1833
John Smith drew $23.33 under the same
act of June 7, 1832. His certificate was
issued December 28th 1833
you will confer a favor by sending
me the names of the Officers under whom
the said Abiah Fuller & John Smith served
in the Revolutionary war as may appear
from their declarations on file.
from what I can learn they belonged
to the Massachusetts Militia & I am
in hopes that I may find their names
Page 57

in the State department of Mass
John Smith died in this town and
Abiah Fuller in Westminster an adjoining
town in the County of Windham & State of
Vermont-
I repeat, Sir, that you will do me
a kindness and much more the widows,
to send me such information from
the declarations of Fuller & Smith as
may be useful in looking after the
names on the Rolls in Massachusetts.
very respectfully yours
John Kimball
Page 58

Agency

St. Johnsbury, VT
Page 59

Increase 3.276 to
Brief in the case of Mary Smith Widow of John
Smith Private Rev. War Putney
Windham County and State of Vermont
Act 2 Sec Feb. 3. 1853
---
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE  Sec 13 July 27, 1868.

PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pensioner on the roll of Vermont at the rate of $
23.33 pr. Years
The returns her certificate and applies for
Increase of pension as provided in Sec 13 act
July 27, 1868.
Identity and Widowhood Proven
Admitted May 10. 1870 to pension at $96 per
Ann to commence July 27, 1868 deducting
pay since
Name and residence of Agent.
Theron Howard
St Johnsbury
Vermont
.
W. Trask
Examining Clerk.
Page 60

J. Smith Applicant
Page 61

The supplemental declaration of John Smith of Putney in the County
of Windham and State of Vermont - who being duly sworn, before me Phineas
White a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County deposeth and saith the
in his former declaration, made and authenticated before the Probate in and for
the District of Westminster in the County and state aforesaid he made a mistake with
respect to the year he first went into the service, in the War of the Revolution
he went out for one month in the Autumn of 1777 instead of 1776, as stated in said
former Declaration-- this he well recollects, for he was in the service at or near
in the State of Rhode island, when the news was received of the surrender of Burgoyne
and his army, and the next April after, he will recollects that he entered
service, as he in his former Declaration, for the term of nine months which would 
have been in the 1778, instead of 1777, as stated in his former Declaration, and
that he well recollects of being in the battle on Rhode Island, under Gen. Sullivan
and returned off from the Island with his army, and in all respect and in the
Corps, under the officers, and at the places named in his former Declaration - And
further saith that he knows that the events and circumstances, relating to his ser
as stated in his former Declaration, are correct, except the dates, which were 
incorrect. And allowing to his advanced age and the consequent loss of
memory he cannot recollect the precise days of his entering the service, he knows
that he did serve not less than the time hereafter mentioned-- for the time of ten
months as stated in former Declaration, excepting the dates, I served as a private
soldier and for such service I claim a Pension-
John Smith

State of Vermont
Windham County ⎬ Sworn to and subscribed this 5th day of November 1833-
Before me Phineas White Justice of the Peace
I certify that the mistake with respect to the dates of Mr Smiths Line, was
in a [illegible] owing to hurry of business, and inattention to the history of the Revolutionary
War, at the time I assisted him in making out his paper. I have been acquainted with
him for thirty years past, and know him to be an honest man of undoubted
truth and veracity.
Phineas White Justice of Peace

State of Vermont    Probate District of Westminster
Windham County⎬ Register's Office, Putney Novr 26th 1840
I hereby certify that Phineas White, Esquire, is one  of the
Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham
aforesaid and that the above are his signatures
Witness my hand and seal of said Court
Asa Keyes 2d Probate Register
Page 62

[left side cut off}

this 25th day of March 1870 Personally appeared before me
John Kimball a justice of the Peace within & for
County of Windham Vermont Mary Smith of the said
in said Windham County & C. aged 82 years who
duly sworn according to law makes the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provisions
in 13. of an act of Congress relating to pensions
ed July 27th 1868. That the person on account of whose
pension was granted was her Husband John Smith
as a Private in the revolutionary war. that her
Certificate without number bearing date December 20
herewith returned that she has not remarried since
the death of her Husband the said John Smith
Claimant appoints Theron Howard of St Johnsbury
at her attorney to prosecute the above claim and
resides in Putney Vt Windham County, and her
then is Putney &C
Mary X Smith her mark

Personally appeared Franklin Austin & Hiram Clark
in Windham County Vt persons whom I certify to be
able and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn
by were present and saw Mary Smith the Claimant
mark to the foregoing declaration that they have every
to believe from the appearance of the said Claimant and
acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she
presents herself to be and that they have no interest in the
line of the claim
Franklin Austin
Hiram Clark
and subscribed before me this 25 day of April 1870 and
Page 63

[left side cut off}
Certify that 
the contents of the above declaration and 
affidavit were fully made known and explained to
applicant  and witness before swearing including all words
or interlined and that I have no interest direct or
prosecution of this claim
John Kimball Justice of the peace