Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 736, Joseph Foster, Conn. Mass. Vermont
Page 1

CONN           FOSTER, Joseph        W. 736
Mass                            Dolly      B.L.M.-9043-160
Page 2

Vermont 17468
VERMONT
===================================
Joseph Foster
Windsor Co in the State of Vermont
was a private in the Company command
Captain Herman of the Regt. command
Col. Mosely in the Mass line for Vermont.
===================================
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents, per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Aug. 1833 and sent to L. A. Marsh Hartford
===================================
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833            $66.66
Semi-anl allowance ending Joseph-       $16.66
                                                                     $83.32


{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by. W. L. Williams, Clerk
Book E.  Vol. 3.  Page 64
Page 3

2,238 
Vermont Montpelier,
===================================
Dolly, Foster widow of Joseph Foster
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private Mass Line
===================================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33
Dollars 33- Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3rd February, 1853.
===================================
Certificate of Pension issued the
4 day of October 1853 and sent to
Richard M. Young, Present.
===================================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 27  Vol. A

18321
Page 4

31,653 Mar. 3, 1835
Ⓧ
Apr. 2
Dolly Foster, widow of Joseph Foster, Private.
---------------------------------------------
Capt. Mass Troops
CH
---------------------------------------------
Enclosed 160 acres Oct 22nd 155
Dis [9043 of Oct 23/55]
Revolutionary War...
---------------------------------------------
Pensioner.
Boynton
--------------
Aug. 15
----------------------------------------------
John M. Bennett Springfield, Vt.

J M. Bennett
let Vt.  Sept. 12/55
1881.
July 53-No 2238
Vol. F. 95~
Page 5

Joseph Foster-

No. 5562
Page 6

STATE OF VERMONT,}
WINDSOR COUNTY, SS}

On this Ninth day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Dartford District
now sitting, Joseph Foster, a resident of the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain
the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. 

In October 1776 I went from Weare
Massachusetts to Hartford Connecticut from there to New Haven and then to Horse Neck in pursuit of an inch Elijah Cummings who belonged to the army - when I got to Horseneck found that the Troops gone with Washington
to the south - at Horse Neck there was a Sargent, Corporal and twelve men as a guard to the shipping in that vicinity the Sorgants name was Andrews and the soldiers chiefly
belonged to Capt Henmans Company of Militia from Woodbury in the South Westerly part of Connecticut. ThereI agreed with an elderly man by the name of Denham (who was a soldier in this guard, as a substitute to serve the remain
of the campaign for the same wages he was to receive from the State. This station was within one mile of Horse Neck meeting House and near the place where seal Putnam was pursued by the British dragoons down a precipice
of some seventy stone steps - we remained at this station three or four weeks their had orders to join our company in the town of Rye in the State of New York, in Col. Moseley Reg and commanded by Genl Wooster our duty was
to watch & guard the motion of the enemy from New York
While we were at Rege myself and another soldier discovered a boat loaded with household furniture and English goods
which on our representation was taken by our command and confiscated the value of the property aboard it was supposed to be Two or three hundred dollars-- We remained
at this station till our times expired which was the first of January 1777- I got of this prize only seventy five cents or one dollars which was paid me by Liet Pease of Capt Hinmans Company - Early in the spring of 1777 I was drafted in the Company of Militia commanded by Capt William Bainbridge in Mare, Massachusetts, about the first of May we were marched to North Hampton and from thence to Albany, New York, where we stopped two nights. thence we went up Hudson's River and on to Fort George on Lake George and
Page 7

there crossed the lake to Ticonderoga and thence crossed Lake Chample to a place called Independence in Orwell or Shoreham Vermont
and there we were stationed till the 6th day of July 1777 when Fort Ticonderoga was given up to the forces of Genl Burgoyne and we were included in the surrender-- Genl St. Clair commanded our army at this time and place. There was a Regiment commanded by Col. Long of the New Hampshire years men to this
Regt Capt Timothy Clement belonged with whom I was well acquainted-- There were the French officers here assisting in placing the
forts - I belonged to Capt John Thompsons Company of Pelham Mass. at Noah Dickinson, & St Josiah Willson - Col Hale and Col. Leonard Regt left the service the 7th day of July 1777 being discharged as our times were out - I moved to the State of Vermont in March 1779 was at the Fort in Bethel 1781 in a company commanded by Lt Beriah Green and
I served there about two months and during this time we had a scouting party of 16 or 17 for nine days to we got as far as on River and met a Capt Bailey and a corps of friendly indians, we then returned home and were absent six days
In December following I enlisted into a company commanded by Capt Green and went from Barnard to Hartford and their crossed Connecticut River into New Hampshire
and from thence went to Commith, Vermont, crossing the river again below Hawhill New Hampshire the stayed at Corwith about two months there was at Corinth a Picket Fort, From Corwith wonarched through the woods to Bethel where we remained into April being out in all during this service four months or more, this service was for the defence of the frontiers was out scouting after indians at three different times in all nine or ten days was born the tenth day of September A.D. 1759 at Ware in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts-

 Proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Foster for a Pension

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this
Ninth day of August A. D. 1832-
L.A.Marsh, Register
Page 8

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, Joseph Foster

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. L.A. Marsh, Register

We, Preston Taylor a Clergyman residing in
Barnard and Lemuel Richmond residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Joseph Foster who has 
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 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.                             Preston Taylor
                                                       Lee Richmond

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.} L. A. Marsh, Register

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 Preston Taylor who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Barnard and that sent Richmond, who has also signed the same, is a resident in said Barnard and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, Lyndon A Marsh Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Foster for a Pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this
Ninth day of August A. D. 1832-
L. A. Marsh, Register
Page 9

State of Vermont, }
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE} WINDSOR, SS.

I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windsor, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached, do certify that John Porter , Esq.

was at the date of the paper writings which is a is Judge of Probate Court for the District of Hartford and also a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his in the foregoing paper writing are 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 and Depositions, and to administer oaths, & c.

In Testimony whereof, I have here to set my hand and are these Woodstock, this 13th day of May  Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
Norman Williams, CLERK.
Page 10

In order to obtain the Declaration  benefits of the 2nd section  of the act of Feb 3, 1855

State of Vermont}
County of Windsor} ss

On this ninth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the Probate Court within and
a for the District of Hartford in open Court Dolly Foster a resident of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged Sixty nine years and upwards, 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 3d February, 1853 granting pensions to aid own of persons who served during the Revolutionary War;
that she is the widow of Joseph Foster
who was a Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death for services rendered in the Revolutionary was at the rate of dollars per annum, and he resided in Barnard Vermont at the time he applied for and received his Pension that before his death he was paid his Pension at the Montpelier Vt. agency

The further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Foster at Brandon in the State of Vermont on the twentieth day of October eighteen hundred and nineteen by Rev. Ebenezer Hebard Minister of the gospel: that her said husband died on the 26th day of December eighteen hundred and thirty nine.
that she was not married to him prior to
the second day of January eighteen hundred but at the time above stated,

She further declares that she is now a widow.
And she hereby appoints John M. Bennett of Stockbridge her Attorney to prosecute her claim for pension and receive a certificate therefore

This Declarant also further states that she has no
Page 11

Family Record by which to prove her aforesaid marriage and know not that she can procure any public record and she herewith sends the original certificate of her marriage given her at the time of said marriage by the minister who married her to her said husband which
certificate she has since kept in her possession.

For proof of the services of her said husband reference may be had to papers filed, in his said application for Pension made while he lived in Barnard in the State of Vermont and she believes he received his pension from the
she states that she cannot recollect the exact sum her said husband received annually but believes it was about thirty six dollars per annum.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of receiving the benefits of the second section of the act of 3 Feb. And States that she cannot now recollect where her husband received his pension but refers to his papers on file and
States that her husband died on the twenty sixth day of December AD eighteen hundred and thirty nine & that he probably received his Pension at Windsor Vermont and was Pensions for Revolutionary services
Dolly Jost
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court,
being a Court of records, the day and year
be written.     Before me~ 
John Porter Judge

I hereby certify that the words "Montpelier Vt. Agency, and the words Montpelier Vermont"
in the foregoing declaration were erased before
signing by the Declarant.          
John Porter Judge
Page 12

State of Vermont}
County of Windsor}ss

On this ninth day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty three Elvira Atwood and Ann Tucker
personally appeared before me and
severally made oath according to law that they were present, at Brandon in the State of Vermont, on the twentieth day of October A.D. eighteen hundred and nineteen and witnessed the marriage of Gen. Joseph Foster of
Barnard to Dolly Parmenter of Brandon.

That since that time they have known the said Joseph Foster and Dolly Foster to live together as husband and wife up to the time of the death of said Joseph Foster That they have known the said Joseph Foster to have been a Pensioner of the United States and believe he received his pension from and after the year 1832)
And that they were present in the family
of said Joseph Foster on the day and at the time of his death; that he died in the latter part of the month of December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty nine.

And they also state that they know Dolly Foster
for whom they now make affidavit to be the identical woman who was the wife of said Joseph Foster.

That said Dolly Foster who now applies for a Pension is now a Widow.

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written. And I hereby certify that Mrs. Elvina Atwood and Miss Ann Tucker} are respectable and credible witnesses}

Elvira Atwood 
Anne Tucken
John Porter Justice of Peace
Page 13

31653
Dolly Foster
Bounty Land Claim
-----------------------------------------------
War of the Revolution
-----------------------------------------------
Act of 1855


Reply to John M. Bennett
Springfield
Vermont
Page 14

STATE OF VERMONT.
Windson County,....SS.
ON THIS 27th day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, David W. Wells, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Dolly Foster  aged seventy two years, a resident of Royalton in the State of Vermont who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Joseph Foster
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain------------in the ------regiment of
------------commanded by-------------in the war with of the Revolution---------declared by
------on the ----------that her husband----
A. D.----------for the term of -------and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days, and was honorably discharged at-------------on the-----day of
she further states that for the Revolutionary service of the said husband Joseph Foster she received a pension of Thirty three dollars and
thirty three cents per annum, paid at Montpelier Vt. under the act of 3rd Feb.1853. In her application for said pension in evidence of her marriage and widowhood and death of her husband to which she respectfully refers for evidence in support of this claim

She further states that she was married to the said Joseph Foster, in Brandon, Vt  on the day of date given in former application for Pension a Minister of the  gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Dolly Parmenter
December; A.D. 1839 and that she is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the 'act approved March 3, 1855," and states that she has never received Bounty Land from the 
that her and from the United States, and that she has never before applied for any
And she hereby appoints John M Bennett of Springfield, Vt. her Attorney to prosecute her Claim and receive her warrant therefore
                                                           Dolly Foster


We, John L. Bowman and  Elvira Atwood, residents of Royalton in the State of Vermont upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration. was signed and acknowledge by Mrs. Dolly Foster 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, and we state that the is at the the date of this her declaration a widow residing in the neighborhood within
                                                 John L. Bowman
                                                    Elvira Atwood

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.
David W. Wells, Justice of Peace


STATE OF VERMONT}
Windsor COUNTY,....ss} I, Norman Williams,
Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that David W. Wells Esq. is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified by the
laws of this State to administer Oaths for general purposes; that I am acquainted with his hand-writing, and believe his signature to the foregoing to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereby set my hand and affix the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock in said County, this 29 day of March
A. D. 1855
                               Norman Williams    Clerk
Page 15

93 Nov 15 No to W P Barter
Box 238 Chicago, Ill


Revy. Widow, & C.
File no. 736
Dolly Foster, Widow,
Joseph Foster,
Priv. Rev. War
----------------------
Act. Feb. 5, 1853
Index:-Vol. A, Page. 245

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 16

No. 31653
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Received Apr. 2, 1855
================================
Joseph Foster
Rev. War

Warrant 9843-160-55

John M. Bennett
Springfield,  Vt.
Page 17

Act of July 14, 1862 and March 3, 1973

3687

P.O. ________________________
Joseph Foster
____________________________
Service: _____________________
Enlisted: REJECTED, 18
Discharged: __________________, 18

Application filed: ______________, 18
Page 18

Pension Office Sept 22/53

Sir
Please report him of last payment
to or death of within named pensioner
Respectfully &c
L.P.  Neldo

F Burt, Esqr
3 and Present, Joseph Foster, Act 32

$33.33 pr. anl-Died

27th December 1839,
Paid to his death,

F. Burt
Auditor
Page 19

July 19, 1853
No.2749

Appl. of Dolly

Foster, widow of  Joseph Foster
Windsor Co.
/32

Act 3rd Feb 1853
Allowed $33.33/100 per annum

Conn Feb 3, 1853
Forter
Richd M. Young
W. City
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Page 20

No. 38725

Joseph Foster died
Vt

Hon. A. C. Dodge 3rd April 1854

3687

Act 7th June 1832
Page 21

SPRINGFIELD OCT 18, Vt.                FREE


No. 31653
No. 31656

Boynton
Commissioner of Pensions
Ⓧ Pension Office
Ⓧ Washington, D.C.
Page 22

S 9043

160 anm
Page 23

Pen.  3rd Feb. /53. 
Boynton
Page 24

Certificate of Revolution Genře
________________________________
Evidence for Dolly Foster
Bounty Land
Claim No 31.653
________________________________
Act March  3, 1853

John M. Bennett
Springfield, Vermont
Page 25

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
Oct. 6th 1855.

I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Documents relating to Military Services in the War of Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name 
of Joseph Foster is borne on pay roll of
Capt. John Thompson's Comp Col. Leonard's
Regt from Hampshire County, service in the Northern Army from May 7. to July 8, 1777, 2 mos 10 days travel included, as private.

Also on payroll of Capt. William Breckenridge-
Comptroller's Col. Porter's Regt Hampshire County under Command of Col. Seth Warner at Manchester - Continental Establishment from July 9 to July 29, and 1777 and 100 miles travel 26. days, as Lieutenant.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written
E. M. Wingler
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 26

Application for certificate of Revolutionary services made by the Attorney of the widow of the soldier who served.

                                               Springfield, Vermont
                                               October 2, 1855

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish, from the Books & documents in his office relating to Revolutionary service, evidence
of the Revolutionary service of Joseph Foster
whose service is described in the following extract of a letter from the Commissioner of Pensions
                                                       Pension Office
                                                       Sept. 12, 1855
"Sir
In reply to your letter of the 4th inst. You are
informed that Joseph Foster alleged that he
served as a substitute under Capt Hannan of
in 1777 was drafted in a company of Mil. Commanded by Capt. Wm Bainbridge of Mass. & was among the soldiers given up to Gen. Burgoyne. He also belonged in 1777 to a Company by Capt. John Thompson of Pelham Mass.
                                               Yours Respectfully
                                      B. Hood for commissioner

John M. Bennett, Esq
Springfield Vt.
Please direct your certificate to me at Springfield.
                                                    Very respectfully
                                                      John M. Bennett
                                            of Springfield Vermont
Page 27


State of Vermont.
Secretary of State Office
Montpelier, Mar. 25th 1854

I hereby certify that there is on file in this office
"A Pay Roll of Capt Beriah Greens Company of Rangers raised for the defence of the State of Vermont, commencing Nov. 30, and ending April 15, 1782, in which roll is the name of Joseph Foster, Corpl with an allowance for three months and twelve [3. 12] days service as a corporal.
Also, a "PayRoll of Lieut. Beniah  Green's Independent Company of Rangus, raised for the defence of the State of Vermont, 1781, "In which roll is the name of Joseph Foster "
with an allowance for one month and seventeen days service [1.17] as a private.
Also, a PayRoll of Capt. Benj. Cox's company of Militia for scouting done pening after the enemy to Brookfield the year past, 1780, in which is the name of "Corpl. Joseph Foster, with an
allowance [3 days] for three days service and for twenty five miles travel.
Also, a PayRoll of the same company at the same time, in which Joseph Foster is allowed for two days service and for seventeen [2 days]
miles travel.
Also, another payRoll of the same (Benj Cox's) company in which Joseph Foster is allowed for one day's service and for thirteen [1 day/5.5 days] miles travel.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office
this the 25th of March, A.D. 1854
               Daniel T. Thompson, Secretary of State


per Genr. R. Thompson, Deputy
Page 28

Washington D.C.
March 29th 1854

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Claims of Pension

Sir,
I enclose herewith the testimony obtained
from the records of the State of Vermont in the case of Joseph Foster which I do hope will
procure the money and land that may be due to his heirs.
Very respectfully & Truly yours
A.C. Dodge
Page 29

5362

Joseph Foster

Admitted 10 months
$33.03

L. A. Marsh
Hartford, Vt.
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
May 10 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 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.

_________________________________________
Statement, showing the Service of
===================================
Period when the service was rendered.|
Duration of the|                  Rank of the claimant.
claimant's service

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served|               

Age at present, and place of abode
when he entered the service|

Proof by which the declaration is supported|

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.


Mr. Joseph Foster
Page 31

                                         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 lines 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}ss
County of}

On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) 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, 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
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
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, 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 day of & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Services - 76 + 77 - not proven
Page 32

                                        3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier.} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it  given, and what has become of it?
6b.{To an Office.} Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what nice 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 traditional 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 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
The declarant must appear in open Court, as prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fol declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served
Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language to 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: of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason memory cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollect, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and
months and days, I served as and for such service I claim a pension.
, in 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 four month 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 highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent to writer in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any
pursuit.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. in which can be turned from any other seal, or if he has reseal 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 con 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 has under the seal of one of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same in the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witan the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office are all equally applicable to the cases of Minus men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is note applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact to the interrogatories to be written so it to the War Department, with the declaration)
Page 33

D. Crump Pension Office
Foster
Page 34

Foster
Crump
Pension Office
Page 35

Foster was on the Vermont Agency and paid I think at Windsor or Montpelier. June 7. H.H.S.
This related to a claim of Joseph Foster due for March [illegible] VT
March 4 1845
H.H.S.
Page 36

you forward me the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions in relation to the Joseph Foster case; he calls him "non compos" and wants the certificate forwarded. This is error. Joseph Foster died some 2 years ago; the balance of the pension due him at his end was drawn by administrator; the certificate was handed over to the agent for paying pensions and of course is returned to Washington; the application is made and pending by the Administrator of Foster.
Page 37

Joseph Foster Deceased
Accepted Act 1832
[illegible]
Hannah Turner widow of Jonathan Turner [illegible]
allowed Act 1838 -- case
Senator L. Jabez

H. H. Sylvester
Page 38

West Fairlee VT May 21st, 1850
I hereby constitute and appoint Col N.N. Sylvester my agent to prosecute the claim before the court of pensions for an increase of pension to Joseph Foster under the Act of 1832. He having his lifetime been pensioned under the act of March 18th, 1818 said application under the act of 1832 being now in the pension office claiming pay as a Sergeant.
John L. Wilson, Executor
Page 39

Brief in the case of Mrs. Dolly Foster widow of Joseph Windsor County and State of Vermont Act of Feb 3, 1853
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832 at $33.33 per annum.
Privte; paid to his death.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by credible witnesses; Death proved by auditor's report; Identity proved by credible witnesses.
Name and residence of Agent
Richard M Young, Washington, D.C.
Examining Clerk 
J. L. Gray
Page 40

Washington City July 18. 1853

Hon Loren P. Waldo
Com of Pensions

Sir, Enclosed  I send you
the application of Dolly Foster, widow of Joseph
Foster [?] of Royalton Windsor County Vermont for
a revolutionary Pension, under act of July 3, 1853.
You will please send the certificate of Pension to my 
address when ready for deliver.

Very Respectfully [?]
Richard M Young
Attorney for Dolly Foster
of
Vermont
Page 41

Thos. Freeman
Defo. for
Joseph Foster
Page 42

I, Thomas Freemen of B[?] County of
Winston and State of Vermont of lawfull
Age Testify and see that I was acquainted
with Joseph Totten in the year 1781, that
Some time in the month of December in
said year, he enlisted into a company
commenced by Lieut. Buriah Green for the
defense of said State that that we marched from Bartend to Hanover in the State of
New Hampshire and then to Peirmont in said State of Vermont, and that I was in the [?] Company with said [?] and that he serviced
about two months at Corinth, and then marched to Bethel Fort and served about two months longer.
                         Thos Freeman

State of Vermont 
Windsor County
Barnard August 9th 1832
Thos Thomas Freeman personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above
Affidavit by him subscribed contains
the truth, and nothing but the truth
and I hereby certify that the said
Thomas Freeman is a credible witness.
Jos B. Danforth Justice

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss

Woodstock County Clerks Office 14th August 1832-
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court, Do hereby
certify that Joseph B. Danforth is one of the Justices of
the Peace within & for said County, and that the above is his Signature --
In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the seal of said Court
and subscribe my name the day of year last above
Benj Swan [signature]
Page 43

Rufus Root
affidavit
for Samuel J. Foster
Page 44

I, Rufus Root of Windsor, County of Windsor, State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that in the 1781 I was acquainted with Joseph Foster that the said Foster was in the service at Bethel in the State of Vermont in a company commanded by Lieut Beriah Green that I was in the same company with him and that the said Foster served about two months and further deponent sayeth not.
Rufus Root
 
State of Vermont, Windsor County
Woodstock August 4th 1832, then Rufus Root personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I hereby certify that the said Rufus Root is a credible witness.
Walter Palmer
Justice of Peace
Page 45

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor and State of Vermont; Joseph Foster of Barnard in said County 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 services but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For two months he served as a soldier time ending January 1, 1777; for two months I served as a soldier commencing May 4th, 1777 and ending July 7, 1777. For two months I served as a soldier 1781 at Bethel Fort in the Vermont Troops. For four months, I served as a soldier commencing in December 1781 and during all these periods I served under the officers as stated in my declaration. He was born at Weare in the State of Massachusetts the 10th day of September 1759. He has no record of his age; if there is any it is more than he knows. When first called into service I lived in Weare aforesaid and at Barnard when I now reside in the State of Vermont. I have lived in Barnard since the Revolutionary war. I was a volunteer in the service in the first instance and the next time was drafted. He has stated the names of the officers so far as he recollects in his declaration. He never received any written discharge. He is known to Preston Taylor and Lemuel Richmond who are acquainted with his character for truth and veracity in his vicinity. Joseph Foster
George E. Wales, Justice of Peace

turn over
Page 46

no certificate of my being a Justice of the Peace accompanies this declaration. Mr Everett the member of Congress from this district lives 24 miles from me and this declaration was not made when I got him to certify the other papers from this place -- I am personally known to Henry H. Sylvester and I understand is now in the pension office and perhaps Mr. Edwards may recollect me when Member of Congress.
George E. Wales
Page 47

Certificate of Marriage 
Recorded



I hereby certify that within certificate is produced by the widow Dolly Foster who has applied for pension and she swears that it is the original certificate given her at her marriage by the minister who married her and that it has been in her possession ever since that time of her marriage. John Porter, Justice of Peace
Page 48

Certificate of Marriage
recorded

I hereby certify that within certificate is produced by the widow Dolly Foster who has applied for pension and she swears that it is the original certificate given her at her marriage by the minister who married her and that it has been in her possession ever since that time of her marriage. John Porter, Justice of Peace
Page 49

State of Vermont
Windsor
County Clerk's Office
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windsor, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that John Porter Esq was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached and now is Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Hartford and also a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified that his signature on the papers hereto attached and on the [illegible] certificates 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 and depositions and to administer oaths, etc. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court at Woodstock this 13 May 1853. Norman Williams, Clerk
Page 50

State of Vermont
Rutland County

Be it remembered that at Brandon in the County and State aforesaid on the 20 Oct 1819, Gen. Joseph Foster of Barnard in the County of Windsor and State aforesaid Ms. Dolly Parmenter of Brandon aforesaid were duly joined in marriage by me.

Ebenezer Hebard, Minister of the Gospel.
A true copy of the records of my office
Attest: Ebenezer Hebard
Page 51


Declaration of Dolly Foster
for rev. pension under
Act of Feb 3, 1853.





Richard M Young Attorney
Page 52

State of Vermont
Windsor County

I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Daniel W. Wells is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated 3 Nov 1852 and will expire the 30 Nov next and that his signature foregoing is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 13 May 1853. Norman Williams, Clerk
Page 53

State of Vermont
County of Windsor
On this 9 May 1853, Ebenezer Atwood, a resident of Royalton in said county, aged 51 years personally appeared before me and being duly sworn according to law does testify and say: that he was personally and well acquainted with Joseph foster and Dolly, his wife for several years before the death of the said Joseph Foster: that he knew said Joseph Foster 
while he lived in Barnard in Vermont to have been a pensioner of the US from and after the year or about the year 1832: that he drew a small annual pension (does not know the exact amount but believes it was some $30 or more per annum).
That he saw the said Joseph foster on the day of his death and was at his funeral: that he died in the latter part of the year 1839 in the town of Barnard where he had for many years previously resided; That he knows Dolly Foster to have been the lawful wife of said Joseph Foster who was thus pensioner for Revolutionary services; and that Mrs. Dolly Foster who now applies for pension under the 
Act of 3 Feb last is the identical woman who was the wife of said Joseph Foster and that she has remained a widow since the death of said Joseph Foster and is now a widow living in Royalton in the county aforesaid. Ebenezer Atwood
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written and I hereby certify that Ebenezer Atwood the foregoing deponent is a respectable person and a credible witness.
Daniel W. Wells, Justice of the Peace
Page 54

Thomas Freeman
Deposition for Joseph Foster
Page 55

I, Thomas Freeman, of Barnard, County of Windsor, and State of Vermont of lawful age verify and say that in the spring of 1781 I was acquainted with Joseph Foster a resident of Barnard in said county that the said Foster was in the service at Bethel in said county in the State of Vermont in Company commanded by Lieut. Beriah Green, that I was in the same company with him and the said service about two months agreeable to an act of the Legislature of the State of Vermont for the defense of said State. Thomas Freeman

State of Vermont
Windsor County
Barnard, August 14th, 1832 
Then Thomas Freeman personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above affidavitt by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I hereby certify that said Thomas Freeman is a credible witness.
J. B. Danforth, Justice Peace

State of Vermont, Windsor County; Woodstock County Clerk's Office August 14th 1832, I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court do hereby certify that Joseph B. Danforth is one of the Justice of the Peace withing and for said County and that the above is his Signature. In testimony whereof I hereto affix the Seal of said Court and subscribe my name the day and year last above. Benj. Swan
Page 56

The National Archives

Bounty Land Warrant Record Card

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Name: Foster, Joseph
Grade: Sergeant
Line: Massachusetts
Warrant Number: 4160
Acreage: 100
Issued: Dec. 10, 1789
to--not shown--

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in Volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of Sep 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Dept fire of Nov 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Govt is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.