Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1945, for Daniel Shays, Massachusetts
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Continental
Mass.
CONTENTS
Shays, Daniel
Rhoda
NUMBER
W1945
Page 2

POWER OF ATTORNEY
 For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or Heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, Dec.*

STATE OF New York
COUNTY OF Livingston
[John Baker?] Justice of the Peace

Be it known that before me
personally appeared Rhoda Shayes aged 82 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that she is the widow of Daniel Shayes
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
in the State of New York and that he died on the 15 day of September 1824 and that
they were married on the first day April
in the year 1815 and that they were
residents of Sparta in the State of New 
York and that they resided there 15 years, and that she resides in Springwater and that furthermore she BY THESE
PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints, and fully empowers and authorizes, irrevocably and with powers of substitution, F. E.
 HASSLER, of Washington City, D. C.., as her true and lawful Attorney for his and in her name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U.S. Government and State officers her rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due her as widow of Daniel Shayes who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law she may be entitled.

In Witness Whereof, she has on this the 25 day March 1833 hereunto signed her name, and affixed her seal.
Rhoda Shayes
her X mark
Witness Joseph Cary
Witness:____

Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify that Rhoda Shayes has always by the community been known as the widow of Daniel Shayes

Dated on this 2 day of April 1830
S. G. Baker J.P.

_____of_____}
County of _____}to wit

I hereby Certify, That _____ Esq.,., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment: were made, and who has  thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written as genuine.
I
n testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my  hand and affixed the seal of_____ 
County Court this___ day of   one thousand eight hundred and ____

_______Clerk
__________________________________
* If a Widow applies, state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband."
† State under what set pensioned, or when pension commenced, if a pensioner-and amount of pension

(Underlying document) James S. Orton Clerk
Page 3

Declaration to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress passed July 3rd 1853

State of New York
Livingston County Sir-


On this 2d day of April 1853 person
all appeared before the undersigned one of the justices of the peace in & for said Court Rhoda Shayes in the Court aforesaid aged Eighty two years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed Feb 3d 1853 that Daniel Shayes who was a captain in the Revolutionary War in the State of Massachusetts 

She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Shayes on the first day of April
1815 that her husband the aforesaid Daniel Shayes  died on the 15th day of September 1831 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but that the marriage took place on the first day of April 1815  She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never made any application for a Pension
_____________________________
STATE OF NEW YORK,}
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERK OFFICE.}ss

I CERTIFY, That H.G. Baker Esquire, was at the date of the foregoing or annexed affidavit, a
Justice of the Peace 
In and for said County, duly qualified and authorized to take the same;  that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily
believe that the signature of said Justice to the Jurat thereto is genuine
.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
Seal of said County, this 6th day of April A. D. 1853
James S. Orton Clerk
Page 4

Declaration to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 3d 1855 

State of New York Livingston County SS - 

On this 2 day of April 1853 personally appeared before the undersigned one of the justices of the peace in & for said County Rhoda Shays in the Court aforesaid aged Eighty two years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed Feb 3d 1853 that Daniel Shays who was a captain in the Revolutionary War in the State of Massachusetts 

She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Shays on the day of April 1815 that her husband the aforesaid Daniel Shays died on the 15th day of September 1821 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving but that the Marriage took place on the first day of April 1815. she further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never any application for a Pension 

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above Written before H G Baker Justice of the peace
Rhoda her X mark Shays 

And I certify that the applicant cannot by infirmity attend the Court 
H G Baker J.P.
Page 5

595
New York Roll
————————
Daniel Shays
Captain
Massachusetts line - 1777 - 3 years
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
—————————-
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the 22nd of April 1818
————————-
Certificate of Pension issued the 19. of May 1818
and sent to Stephen Phelps Esq 
Canandaigua, N.Y.
—————————-
Arrearages to 4th Sept. 1818
4 months 13/30  $88.00

{Revolutionary claims}
{Act 18th March, 1818}

Putnam

Sparta.     Ontario
Page 6

(Left side)

2274
New York Albany 

Rhoda Shays
widow of David Shays
who served in the Revolutionary
Mass.  
war, as a Captain 
[illegible] from $240

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 480 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853

Certificate of Pension issued
15th day of February 1854
and sent to
F.E.Hassler
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 8, 1853, Page 86 Vol. a
1818

(Right side)

1891 March 14 Dr. D. S.[Foster?] history Prior

Died Jan 14, 1858
Page 7

David Shays
[illegible]
Putnam, NY

595
[illegible]

Sep 18
Page 8

STATE OF NEW -YORK,
Ontario County,  ss 

On this 19th day of August 1820 personally appeared in open Court, (being a Court of Common Pleas in and for said county and constituted a Court of Record by proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, and keeping a record of its proceedings, and recognized as such Court by the laws and judicial decisions of said State) Daniel Shays aged seventy three years, resident of the town of Sparta in said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: --- 

that he served as a Lieutenant in Colonel Varnums Regiment in the Massachusetts Line for the Term of one year Commencing about the first of January 1776 and that he served under a Captains commission for the term of about three years in Col Rufus Putnam’s Regiment in the Massachusetts Line commencing in the year 1777- 

and that he made application for a pension on the twenty second day of April 1818 and that he received a Pension Certificate, No. 595 And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed, viz. 

one  mare -  25.00 one Old Saddle - 2.50 $27.50 
one Bridle - 00.50 one old Cutter 5.00 
5.50
one old [illegible] one harness 50 
1.25
one table 3.00, three Chairs - 1.124 
4. 124 
one old Sythe & [illegible]. 1.124- One old pail " 12 ½ 
1.25 
One Lay Bible 1.00 
———————————————-
$40.627
Daniel Shays

And I do further give and declare that  I am by occupation a farmer and that by  particularly [illegible] [illegible] and Bodily infirmity I am unable to perform but little or no Manual Labour and that my family consists of my wife aged fifty seven years unable to perform but little labor by [illegible] of a Rheumatic Complaint & I the [illegible] Nany Haven my niece’s Daughter aged seven years 
Daniel Shays 

Sworn to and declared this 19th day of August 1820 in open Court before me, 
W Rogers 
a Judge of Ontario Com. Pleas
Page 9

Ontario County ss 

I John Van Fossen Clerk of said County
do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of the said Court and I further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is forty dollars and sixty two cents  - 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my have and affixed the Seal of the said Court on this 19th day of August 1820 

J Van Fossen
Clerk of the Court
aforesaid in and for said County
Page 10

Claims of 
Daniel Shays 

April 1818 



The Honorable 
Sect of War
Page 11

State of of New York 
Ontario County 

On this 22 day of April 1818 before me Stephen Phelps Esquire one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County Personally appears Daniel Shays aged 70 years resident in the town of Sparta in said County who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following 
declaration in order to obtain the provisions of the late act of Congress Entitled an act to provide for certain persons Engaged in the Land and naval services of the United States in the 
Revolutionary war 
that the said Daniel Shays entered the service but the April 19th 1775 as an Ensign in the Company commanded by Captain Reuben Dickerson in Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge  Regiment in the Massachusetts line for Eight months and that in the year 1776 he was promoted to a Lieutenant in Colonel Varnums Regiment and that in the year 1777 he was promoted to a Captain in Colonel Rufus Putmans and that he was honorable discharged after a Continued series of services as aforesaid the 11th day of October 1780 at Newark in the State of New Jersey and that he was in the battle at Bunker Hill and was at the taking of General Burgoyne assisted in Storming Stoney Point under
Page 12

General Wayne 
Served under the Marquis de la Fayette and was also in many other battles, and Sermishes during his term of services- And that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in  Need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has herewith transmited the [illegible] now in his power of his said services.
Daniel Shays 

Sworn to land and subscribed} 
this 22d day at April 1818} 
Before me Stephen Phelps} 
a Judge of the Court of Common} 
pleas in and for the County of} 
and State of New York State} 

State of New York}
Ontario County} 

I Stephen Phelps a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County and State do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Danl Shays did serve in the Revolutionary war against the common enemy as stated in the preceding declaration and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress-- Canandaigua April 22 1818 
Stephen Phelps
Page 13

The Honorable Secretary of War 
 if my claims an allowed will please forward a Certificate of the same to
Stephen Phelps Esq of Cannandaigua  
who is my agent 
Daniel Shays
April 22d 1818
Page 14

(Top cover - portrait aspect)

Claims of 
Daniel Shays
April 22, 1818

(Document - landscape aspect)

State of New York
Ontario County
Clerks office
In Testimony that Stephen Phelps whose name is subscribed to the fore going certificate was on the day of the date of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas and for the County of Ontario and that the same is his signature 
I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the county seal at Canandaigua this 24th day of April AD 1818 
Hu. McNair Clk
Page 15

Rev. and 1812 
Wars Section 

EEL/HMM 

April 8, 1930. 

Mr. Walter A. Dyer
[handwritten - Rock Walls Farm]
Amherst
Massachusetts

Dear Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 1945, it appears that Daniel Shays entered the service, place not stated, on April 19, 1775, served as ensign in Captain Reuben Dickinson's Company, Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge's Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battle of Bunker Will and served eight months. 

He was promoted lieutenant and served in Colonel Varnum's Rhode Island Regiment from January 1, 1776 until January 1, 1777 when he was promoted captain and served in Colonel Rufus Putnam's Massachusetts Regiment, was at the taking of Burgoyne and storming of Stony Point and was discharged October 14, 1780. He also stated that he served under Marquis de Lafayette and was in many other battles and skirmishes. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at the rate of $20 a month, at which time he was aged seventy years and a resident of Sparta Ontario (later Livingston) County, New York. 

He died September 15, 1824 or September 25, 1825, place not stated. 
The soldier married April 1, 1815, at Sparta, New York, Rhoda, her maiden name not given. They were both then residents of said Sparta, where they resided for thirteen years. 

She was allowed pension on her application executed April 2, 1853, at which time she was aged eighty-two years and resided in Springwater, Livingston County, New York. 

She died January 14, 1858, place not stated. 

Very truly yours, 
EARL D. CHURCH 
Commissioner.


(Handwritten note)
Sept 15 1824 was the date given by the widow and Sept 25, 1825 on AB so I used both
Page 16

(Left side)

WIDOW, &c.
Revy
——————
File No. 1945
Rhoda Shays
Widow
Daniel Shays
Capt. Rev. War
————————
Act: Set 3, 1853
Index:—Vol. M.  Page 204

[Arrangement of 1870]

(Right side)

1906 June 5. History to P.D. Hurllunt  Ct

1913 June 28 History to W.C.Jay 
Letter in S.46661 Joseph Jay. C[slash]

1921 Feb. 18, Hist to C.W. Lewis AuJ

1930 Apr. 8 - Hist. To Walter A Dyer 
EEL

1933 Mar 22 - Hist to JR Shays Jr. ECH

1938 Aug 8 - Hist to Wm M.  Stuart EeL

1939 Sept 20. Just. To Harold E. Devereaux DDS.  EEL copied
Page 17

2274

New York. Alby 
————————-
Rhoda Shays
widow of Daniel 
who served in the Revolutionary war, 
as a Capt: 
—————————
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
240 Dollars _______
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 3d February, 1853. 
———————————
Certificate of Pension issued the 
4 day of Oct. 1853
and sent to 
F.E. Hapler 
Present 
————————
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 3, 1853, Page 85,  Vol A
Page 18

No 2.767 

New York Rhoda Shays 
widow of Captain Daniel —

Act 2 Feb 1853 
Revolutionary 

Admd  $240
pr ann commg
3 Feb 1853

c  dl[illegible]
 
F.E  Hassler
Present
Page 19

No. 964
——————
Rhoda Shays
widow of Daniel

New York
1853
June 4 let to FE Hassler
Sept. 13. “ same “

Act 3 February 1853
Page 20

New York
Daniel Shays 
Pension Act 1818 
at  $20 pr. mo. -

when did he die?
Respr 

F N Burk  Esq}.     L [illegible]
3d. Audt}       
Commn

Daniel Shays, Act 1818 
420. pr month - Died
27th Sept. 1825 Paid 
to his death 

F Burk 
Auditor
Page 21

Any 3 Feb 53

Shays
Page 22

Brief in the case of Rhoda Shays wid, of Daniel County and State of New York 
act 3 Feb 1853 
—————————

Claim, (“original”, or “for increase”.) 
[no entry]

Proof exhibited, (if original.) 
[no entry]

Is it documentary, tradionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
[no entry]

(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since admission of the claim? If so, what? 
Husband was pensioned as a Captain under Act of 1818 at $240 - for annum, having Served 3 years.   Widow heretofore admitted at same rate.  She now returns the pension Certificate & asks for a higher rate of pension 
As he served more than two years as Captain she is now admitted at the rate which he, if living, would be entitled under act of 7 June 1844 --- $480 Pr annum 

Name  and residence of Agent} 
F. E. Hassler}
Present}

McRae Examining Clerk
Page 23

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION. 

I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, 
Rhoda Shays 
widow of Daniel Shays 
who was a Captain in the revolutionary war, 
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Two hundred and forty dollars and ____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 fifth day of October 
one thousand eight hundred and fifty three. 

R McClelland 
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned. 

LP Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 24

Revolutionary
Rhoda Shays 
of Daniel
Captain

act 3 Feby 1853 

He served 3 years
died in 1825

admit at $480 -pr. ann., 
increase from 240 —
from 3. February 1853- 
(former payment if any
at $240 to be deducted) 


filed 14 Feby 1854 

F. E. Hassler 
Present
Page 25

Washington City DC
February 13th 1854 

Hon. L. P. Waldo 
Commissioner of Pensions  

Sir:
Enclosed please find certificate No. 2274 act 3 Feby 1853 for pension in favor of Rhoda Shays, which I surrender in order that a new one may issue in her favor for the sum of $480 per annum as will be shown by the papers on file to be the yearly stipend she is entitled to 
Yours Respectfully 

FE Hassler
Page 26

Brief 

Rhoda Shays
N.Y.  -  3 Feb. 53
Page 27

Brief in the case of Rhoda Shays wid’w Daniel
 County and State of New York  
act 18 March 1818 
——————————
Claim, (“original”, or “for increase.”) 
[no entry]

Proof exhibited, (if original.) 
[no entry]

Is it documentary, tradion, or supported 
by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband Pensioner at $240. Act 1818 
Marriage proved by [crossed out-said?] witnesses 
no record proof to be had 
Husbands death alleged Sept. 1824 

(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so what? 
[no entry]

Name  and residence of Agent
F.E. Hassler
Prest.

McRae Examining  Clerk -
Page 28

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  In Congress Assembled
W.32

To Daniel Shays Esquire
Greeting. 
We, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity DO  by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Captain in the fifth Massachusetts Regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as such from the 1st day of
January 1777.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging;  And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders as Captain. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time  as you shall receive them from this or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States or any other your Superior Officers according to the rules and discipline of War, in persuance of the trust reposed in you.  This Commission to remain in force until revoked by this or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.

Witness his Excellency Samuel Huntington Esq President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 29th day of September, 1776 and in the first year of our 
Independance - 
Saml Huntington  President

Entered in the War Office 
and examined by the Board

Attest R Stoddert
Secretary of the Board of War
Page 29



Daniel Shays
W 1945
Mass



I hereby certify that Capt Daniel Shays 
Of the 5 Massachusetts Regiment is discharged from further service in the army [illegible] his [illegible]
By [illegible]
[illegible signature]

Head of [illegible]
Oct 14 1780
Page 30

Revolutionary 

Additional evidence 
Claim of 
Rhoda, widow of 
Daniel Shayes 
N. York pensioner 
——————————

Geddy 

1820
57
—-
1877

1853
23
———-
50

Filed 17 Aug 1833 
F. E. Hassler 
Washington

J.T. Norton, Printer, Republican Office, Geneseo
Page 31

State of New York
 Livingston County. ss 

James Cary of Vinia in the County and State aforesaid and Parcila McNinch of Conesus in the same County State each for them self doth depose & say that they know Rhode Shays that they were present at her marriage, that she was married at the town of Sparta in the County of Ontario, and now County of Livingston, on or about the first day of April one thousand Eight Hundred Fifteen to Daniel Shayes by James Scott Esqr  then one of the Justices of the Peace of the the County of Ontario, Now County of Livingston in the State aforesaid, 
and that the said Daniel Shayes is now dead and that the said Rhoda is the widow of the said Daniel Shays in whose right she claims a Pension and that she is the identical person therein described [illegible insert] and they each for them selves further say that the said Daniel Sheys husband of the Rhoda Shays died on or about the 15 day of September 1824 they were present at his [funeral?]


(New document)
J. T. Norton, Printer, Republican Office,  Geneseo. All kinds of Lawyer's, Justice’s and Constable’s Blanks constantly on hand.

STATE OF NEW YORK,}. 
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.} ss 

I CERTIFY, That Scott Lord Esquire, was, at the date of the [crossed out - certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing] annexed affidavit- a County Judge in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe that the signature to said [crossed out -Certificate] affidavit is genuine. 

IN TESTIONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said 
County, this 22d day of June 1853 
James J Orton Clerk
Page 32

State of New York 
Livingston County. ss   

James Cary of Vinia in the County and State aforesaid and Par’ala McNinch of Conesus in the same County State each for them self doth depose & say that they know Rhode Shays that they were present at her marriage, that she was married at the town of Sparta in the County of Ontario, and now County of Livingston, on or about the first day of April one thousand Eight Hundred Fifteen to Daniel Shayes by James Scott Esqr then one of the Justices of the Peace of the the County of Ontario, Now County of Livingston in the State aforesaid,  and that the said Daniel Shayes is now dead and that the said Rhoda is the widow of the said Daniel Shays in whose right she claims a Pension and that she is the identical person therein described [illegible insert] and they each for them selves further say that the said Daniel Sheys husband of the Rhoda Shays died on or about the 15 day of September 1824 they were present at his [funeral?]
James Cary
Parcila McNinch 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 
22 day of June 1853

Scott Lord
Livingston Court Judge
Page 33

State of New York}
County of Livingston}  SS

On this 20th day of June 1853 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Rhoda Shayes a resident of Springwater in the County of Livingston and State aforesaid aged Eighty two years (82) 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 day of February 1853 - granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Daniel Shayes, who was a Captain in the said revolutionary War from Massachusetts, and that he was a pensioner from the State of New York 

She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Shays on the first day of April 1815, that her husband died on the 15th day of September 1824, that she was not married to him prior to the second of of January 1800 but at the time above stated. she further declares that she is now a widow 
Rhoda Shayes
her X mark

In Witness Whereof she has this day signed her name be presence of 
Peter Coller
Joseph Habens

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written and I certify that the above Witnesses reside in the town of Sparta County & State aforementioned and that they deponent or applicant is unable to appear in court by reason of bodily infirmity and that I believe her to be the identical person represented in the above application 

H. G. Baker Justice of the Peace in and 
for said County
Page 34

(Top half)
J. T. Norton, Printer, Republican Office, Geneseo. All kinds of Lawyer's, Justice’s and Constable’s Blanks constantly on hand.  

STATE OF NEW YORK,}.  
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.} ss   

I CERTIFY, That H. G. Baker Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine.   

IN TESTIONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said  County, this 22d day of June 1853 
James J Orton Clerk  

(Bottom half)

Revolutionary   
Additional evidence  
Claim of  
Rhoda, widow of  
Daniel Shayes  
N. York pensioner 
 ——————————  
Geddy   

1820 
57 
—- 
1877  

1853 
23 
———- 
50  

Filed 17 Aug 1833  
F. E. Hassler  
Washington
Page 35

Revolutionary 
—————-
Additional evidence 
claim of 
Rhoda Shayes 
widow of Danl Shayes 
N. York suspended 
Act 1853 
--- 
Geddes 
Filed 24 Sept 1853 
F. E. Hassler 
Washington 

 W[N?] Cole
Page 36

State of New York} 
County of Livingston } ss

On this 19th day of September 1853 Personally appeared before me the under signed a Justice of the Peace duly elected and authorized to administer Oaths Rhoda Shayes who upon her oath states that she knows of no public records of her Marriage being in existance or that any written record of the same was ever made or preserved 
Rhoda Shayes
her X mark 

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I am disinterested

(New document)

 STATE OF NEW YORK,} 
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE, } ss

I Certify, That Scott Lord Esquire, was, at the date of the foregoing or annexed affidavit. County Judge In and for said County, duly qualified and authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his handwriting. and verily believe that the signature of said Justice to the Jurat thereto is genuine. 

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 20th day of A. D. 1853 
James Orton    Clerk.
Page 37

State of New York}  
County of Livingston } ss  

On this 19th day of September 1853 Personally appeared before me the under signed a Justice of the Peace duly elected and authorized to administer Oaths Rhoda Shayes who upon her oath states that she knows of no public records of her Marriage being in existance or that any written record of the same was ever made or preserved  
Rhoda Shayes 
her X mark   

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I am disinterested

H.G. Baker. Justice of the Peace
Page 38

(Office date stamp)

U.S. Pension Office
A
May 29, 1906
Page 39

(Office date Stamp)
[obscured] & N. Div.
May 31 1906

Brooklyn NY May 28/06 

Hon Com of Pensions 
Dear Sir
I would like to have a copy of such particulars as you may have on file of the petition for, and the granting of a pension to Daniel Shays a soldier of the Revolution. He was born in Hopkinton Mass & enlisted from Shutesbury in the same State, and was a captain in the 5th Mass Cont Regiment Col Putnam, from 1777 to 1780 After the war he was a leader in Shays Rebellion but was afterwards
Page 40

(Office date stamp)

US Pension Office
A
May 29 1906


pardoned  and granted a pension for his services in the Revolution. What I came particularly desirous of obtaining and which no doubt will be found in his petition for a [pension?] is the names of his wife and children I would be glad of any other facts ┃ which may be on record concerning him- 

If you will let me know the expense attached to the search for and preparation of the record desired, I will forward the money on receipt of your reply. Thanking you in advance I am
very sincerely  
P.D. Hurlburt 

1114 Gates ave
Page 41

WALTER A. DYER 
ROCK WALLS FARM 
AMHERST, MASS. 

April 15, 1930. 

Mr. Earl D. Church, 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir:- 

This note is in grateful acknowledgment of your courteous and helpful letter of the 8th, in which you answered my questions concerning the pension record of Capt. Daniel Shays. 

I am greatly obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in this connection. 

Very truly yours, 
Walter C. Dyer
Page 42

Rv

(Office date stamp)

US Pension Office
A
Feb 6 1930
Page 43

WALTER A. DYER 
ROCK WALLS FARM 
AMHERST, MASS. 

February 5, 1930.

U. S. Pension Bureau, 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen:- 

Can you inform me how to go about obtaining some historical information which might be found in the archives and records of your department? 

I in searching for some authentic data concerning the latter days of Capt. Daniel Shays of Pelham, Mass., who fought in the Revolution and who, in 1786-7 led the so-called Shays Rebellion in Massachusetts. J. G. Holland, in his "History of Western Massachusetts," states that Capt. Shays obtained a pension in 1820 for his Revolutionary services and that he died in Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1825. I desire to verify these facts and to add any others that are obtainable. 

When was Shays granted his pension, and what was the amount?
Where was he living at the time? 
How long was it paid? 
Do the records show when and where he died? Was a pension paid to his widow, Abigail Shays? If so, where, and for how long? Do the records show where and when she died? 
Do the records give an outline of his services in the Revolution? 

It may be that you cannot undertake to answer such questions, or that you require a fee for such services. If so, I shall appreciate it if you will inform me. 
Very truly yours, 
Walter C. Dyer
Page 44

(Office date stamps)

US Pension Office
A
Jan 20 1921



Jan 20 1921
Page 45

22 L[**] Place, Brookline, Mass.  January 19, 1921
Rev
The Pension Bureau:  Dear Sirs,—

I am trying to get material for a sketch of Daniel Shay, a leader of the so-called Shay’s rebellion (in Massachusetts in 1786 and 1887), but  I find that the available data are [illegible] is [illegible] contradictory. Nowhere in the exact date of his birth given and [illegible] as to the year of his birth was [illegible] 
I guess he was a resident of the town of Shutesbury at the time when he entered entered the Continental army, but am not sure.   It is generally agreed that he was born in the town of Hopkinton, but I should like to know in what places he lived after he left Hopkinton and what times he lived in those places. At the time of his death (1825), he was, I think, living in the town of Sparta, Livingston County, N. Y. I think he married at least twice, but can’t learn that he had any children. When did he begin to draw a pension? Please give me all that you have regarding him in your records. Everything that you have can give [illegible] [illegible]
Very truly yours, 
C. W. Lewis
Page 46

TIMES SQUARE OFFICE 
PARAMOUNT BUILDING 
————-
Telephone: CHickering 4-9683 

J. R. Shays, Jr., Inc. 
Reproduction Specialists 
One hundred Greenwich Street 
New York, N. Y. 
———————
Telephone: BOwling Green 9 - 0983 

March 6th, 1933

The U.S. Pension Office 
Washington, D.C. 

Gentlemen: -- 
I would appreciate it very much if you would forward to me the military record of Daniel Shays who served in the Continental Army during the revolution and any other men by the name of Shays who served in the military forces at that time. 
Thanking you in advance for your co-operation,
I remain, 
Very truly yours, 
J.R. Shays Jr.

(Office date stamp)

Received
Mar 7 1933
Mail Sub-Div
Vets. Adm.
Pension
Page 47

THE ASSEMBLY 
STATE OF NEW YORK 
ALBANY

WILLIAM M. STUART

Canisteo, N.Y., July 11, 1938. 

Official in Charge, 
Veterans' Bureau, 
Division of Revolutionary War Records, Washington, D.C. 

My dear Sir: 

If the information is now available, I should much appreciate your courtesy if you would furnish me with the pension record of Captain Daniel Shays, who served in the Continental Army during the Revolution. 

My information is that he was born at Hopkinton, Massachusetts, in 1747, died at Sparta, Livingston County, New York, in 1825. It was late in life that he was granted a pension by the Federal government, probably about 1820. I presume it was in the Massachusetts troops that he held his rank of captain. He it was that, in 1786, originated the insurrection known in history as " Shays' Rebellion." It was subsequent to his pardon, which was granted in 1788 or '89, that he removed to Sparta, N. Y. 

I shall much appreciate any aid you can give me in this matter. 

Sincerely, 
Wm. M. Clark 
William M. Stuart.

(Office time stamp)

RECEIVED
Jul 18 1938
Mail Sub Div
[illegible] 76
Page 48

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form K-8
(Rev. 11-21-38)

Division of Reference 

REFERRAL SLIP 

DATE August 25, 1939

 INQUIRY FROM: 
Harold E. Devereaux, D. D. S. 
One West Main Street 
Madison, Wisconsin

DATED: Aug. 20, 1939

SUBJECT: 
Information from records of Capt. Daniel Shay especially facts relating to the family genealogy. Also wants service record, if any, and data on Seth Foster. 

Respectfully Referred To:
Veterans Administration 
Washington, D.C.

P.M. Hamer 
CHIEF DIVISION OF REFERENCE 

(Office date stamp)
Received Aug 26
Mail Sub-Div
Reader  No. 12
Vets Adm
Page 49

August 25, 1939 

B- 270

Harold E. Devereaux, D. D. S. 
One West Main Street 
Madison, Wisconsin 

My dear Mr. Devereaux: 

The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of August 20, in which you request information concerning your ancestor, Captain Daniel Shays. 

There are no records in the National Archives from which the information you seek can be obtained. If Captain Shays or any member of his family received a pension as a result of his service in the Revolution, the records pertaining to it should be on file in the Veterans Administration. We are referring your letter, therefore, to that agency for consideration and reply. 
Very truly yours, 

P. M. Hamer, Chief 
Division of Reference


VOS:cvp
Page 50

(Two office time stamps)

Received-Incoming
Aug 23 3:03 PM ‘39

RECEIVED 
Aug 23 3:26 PM ‘39 
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
DIVISION OF REFERENCE
Page 51

HAROLD E. DEVEREAUX, D.D.S. 
ONE WEST MAIN STREET 
MADISON WISCONSIN 

8 - 20 - 1939

Reference Division 
National Archives 
Washington, D.C. 

Will you kindly give me whatever information you may have on my ancestor, Capt. Daniel Shays? This man was without doubt by great-great-great-grandfather, but I am seeking further proof of his relationship. He served during the Revolution and afterward led what was known as " Shays Rebellion.” Records show he was born in 1747 in and probably died in or near Sparta, Livingston County N.Y. about 1825. Shays had a  son Daniel Jr whose grave I have seen in [illegible] [Hollow?] Albany County, N.Y. He also had a daughter named Hannah who married Seth Foster, 2/5 /1793 in Pelham, Mass. My connection is through this marriage of Hannah and Seth Foster. 

Doubtless you will find records of Capt. Daniel Shay's army connections. If he received a pension, it will likely show more facts. any data will be welcome and especially facts relating to the family genealogy. 

It is not likely that Seth Foster saw service as he was born about 1765, yet if he did I would be glad of data.  

At one time, about 1891, one of Shays descendants, Dr. Daniel Shays Foster, #19 Iowa Circle, Washington, D.C., was interested in the Shays and Foster genealogy. What became of his material in not known but he probably collected data of value

Your kind attention to this request will be greatly appreciated.

Very truly, 
HE Devereaux

both if here

(Office date stamp)
Received
Aug 26 39
Mail Sub-Div
Reader No. 17
VETS ADM

B 370
Page 52

Washington DC__________,19____
————————-
________________

In reply to your request of ___received______ a statement of the military history of Daniel Shays a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired formation as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
W. File 1945 
——————————————-

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Apr. 19, 1775
Jan 1776
Jan 1777

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
8 mos
1 yr
Oct 14 1780

RANK. 
Ensign 
Lieut
Captain

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. 
CAPTAIN.
Reuben Dickerson
‘’
[illegible]
COLONEL. 
Benj R. Woodbridge
Varnum
Rufus Putnam

STATE. 
Mass 
Connecticut
Mass

Battles engaged in, 
Bunker Hill, Stoney Point others names not stated 

Residence of soldier at enlistment, 
[illegible} 

Date of application for pension,
Apl 22, 1818 His claim  was allowed

Residence at date of application, 
Sparta, Ontario Co. NY

Age at date of application, 
Seventy years

Remarks: 
Soldier married at Sparta, NY Apl 1, 1815 
Rhoda,  before marriage maiden name is not given.  he died Sept 15, 1824 and she was allowed pension on her application executed Apl 2 1853 at which time she was 82 yrs of age and a resident of Springwater, Livingston Co NY.  It is not stated whether he had any children.

Very respectfully.

Commissioner.

6-2856
Page 53

Copied E.E.L.
hist. 8/8/38

September 20, 1939.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  
BA-J/[crossed out]
Daniel Shays
W.1945

Harold E. Devereaux, D. D. S. 
1 West Main Street 
Madison, Wisconsin 

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter relative to soldiers of the Revolutionary War. 

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war. 

A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of Seth Foster, all spellings of the names searched. 

The data which follow were obtained from the papers filed in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1945, based upon the military service in that war of Daniel Shays. 

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Daniel Shays are not shown. 

Daniel Shaye entered the service, place not stated, April 19, 1775, served as ensign in Captain Reuben Dickinson's Company, Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge's Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battle of Bunker Hill and served eight months: he was promoted lieutenant and served in Colonel Varnum's Rhode Island Regiment from January 1, 1776, to January 1, 1777, when he was promoted captain and served in Colonel Rufus Putnam's Massachusetts Regiment, was at the capture of General Burgoyne and at the storming of Stony Point and was honorably discharged on October 14, 1780, at Newark in the State of New Jersey. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at which time he was aged seventy years and resided in Sparta, Ontario (later Livingston) County, New York .
Page 54

Daniel Shays died September 15, 1824 or September 25, 1825 ( both dates are given ), place not shown. 

The officer married April 1, 1815, at Sparta, New York , Rhoda, date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown. Both were then of Sparta where they had resided for fifteen years. 

Rhoda, widow of Daniel Shays, was allowed pension on her application executed April 2, 1853, at which time she was aged eighty-two years and resided in Springwater, Livingston County, New York. 

The widow died January 14, 1858, place not stated. 

No reference was made to children. 

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 

Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator
Page 55

March 2, 1933

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/EEL
Daniel Shays -W.1945 

Mr. J. R. Shays, Jr. 
100 Greenwich Street 
New York, New York 

Dear Sir: - 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Daniel Shays, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. 

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1945, based upon the services of Daniel Shays in that war, the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this office. 

The date and place of birth of Daniel Shays are not stated. 

He entered the service, place not stated, on April 19, 1775, served as ensign in Captain Reuben Dickinson's Company, Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge's Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battle of Bunker Hill and served eight months; he was promoted lieutenant and served in Colonel Varnum's Rhode Island Regiment from January 1, 1776 until January 1, 1777, when he was promoted captain and served in Colonel Rufus Putnam's Massachusetts Regiment, was at the taking of Burgoyne and storming of Stony Point, and was “honorably discharged on October 14, 1780, at Newark in the state of New Jersey." 

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at which time he was aged seventy years and resided in Sparta, Ontario (later Livingston County, New York. 

He died September 15, 1824 or September 25, 1825, place not stated. 

The soldier married April 1, 1815, at Sparta, New York, Rhoda, her maiden name not given. Both were then of said Sparta, where they had resided for thirteen years.
Page 56

Rhoda, widow of Daniel Shays, was allowed pension on her application executed April 2, 1853, at which time she was aged eighty-two years and resided in Springwater, Livingston County, New York. 

She died January 14, 1858, place not stated. 

There is no reference to children.

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator.

(Handwritten note)
From AB
Page 57

August 8, 1938

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 

BA-J/EEL 
Daniel Shays-W. 1945 

Mr. William M. Stuart 
Canisteo 
New York 

Dear Sir: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Captain Daniel Shays, born at Hopkin ton, Massachusetts, in 1747, died at Sparta, Livingston County, New York, in 1825. 

The data which follow were obtained from the papers filed in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1945, based upon the military service in that war of Daniel Shays. 

The date and place of birth and names of the parents of Daniel Shays are not shown. 

Daniel Shays entered the service, place not stated, April 19, 1775, served as ensign in Captain Reuben Dickinson's company , Colonel Benjamin Riggles Woodbridge's Massachusetts Regiment , was in the battle of Bunker Hill and served eight months; he was promoted lieutenant and served in Colonel Varnum’s Rhode Island Regiment from January 1, 1776 to January 1, 1777, when he was promoted captain and served in Colonel Rufus Putnam's Massachusetts Regiment, was at the capture of General Burgoyne and at the storming of Stony Point and was “honorably discharged on October 14, 1780, at Newark in the state of New Jersey." 

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at which time he was aged seventy years and resided in Sparta, Ontario (later Livingston)  County, New York. 

He died September 15, 1824 or September 25, 1825 ( both dates are given), place not shown. 

The officer married April 1, 1815, at Sparta, New York, Rhoda, date and place of her birth and names of her parents not shown. Both were then of Sparta, where they had resided for fifteen years.
Page 58

Rhoda, widow of Daniel Shays, was allowed pension on her application executed April 2, 1853 at which time she was aged two years and resided in Springwater, Livingston County, New York.

The widow died January 14, 1858, place not stated. 

No reference was made to children. 

Very truly yours 


A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.