Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 23950, for Elisha Meech, Connecticut
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(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Conn-Mass. Meech, Elisha Desire W 23950
CONTENTS
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Burlington Vermont
Desire Meech widow of Elisha Meech decd. Ct 
who died on the 8th March 1834 of Chittenden in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Brewster of the Regt commanded by _ in the Ct line for 6 months 
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. [illegible] to Hollarch '34 to be  deducted 4 March '34 to be deducted
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of April 1837 and sent Stephen Haight Esqr Burlington Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar '37           $120.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept,  - 10.00
                                                         $130.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d}
Recorded by D D Addison Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 30
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Letter to E. Meech 27. Dec 1838.
Duplicate Certificate sent 15th April 1839 and sent to Ezra Meech Shelburn, Vermont
Dead
Letter to S. Haight 25 Jany 1840 do to same Jan 29. 1840. do to same 13 March 1840
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6th April 1838 to 4 of the 5 children from 4 March 1837 to 21 Aug 1839. Agent notified 24 Feby 1841.
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Vermont No. 28,379
Elisha Meech of Chittenden Co. in the State of Vermont who was a private in the County commanded by Captain Brewster of the commanded by  line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont- at the rate of 20 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of May 1834. and S. Haight, Senate Chamber
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834. 60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 10.00
 $70.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book E. Vol. 3 Page 78
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Revolutionary Claims.
STATE OF VERMONT }
Chittenden County, SS. }
On this seventeenth day of August A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the
Honorable County Court for the County of Chittenden, now sitting, Elisha Meech: a resident of Hinesburgh in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged eighty one 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. 
That in April 1776 I volunteered as a Soldier in Capt. Ezra Brewster's Company, in Col Ledyyard Regiment of the Connecticut Militia and was discharged in November 1776 being out seven months, that at the time he volunteered he resided in Norwich in the County New London and State of Connecticut.
That in the month of May 1781 he was drafted in to the service in Samuel Clark's Company, under General Hezekiah Barnes in the Massachusetts Militia and served three months and was dismissed in August 1781, And in October 1782 he volunteered and  served one month in Capt David Johnson's Company under Maj. Isaac Stratton and was dismissed at the end of the month.
At the time he entered the two last mentioned terms of service he resided in Williams town in Massachusetts. That during his services as above stated he marched from his residence through the Country to Battstown in the State of Newyork.  Also to Norwich in Connecticut, and to Castleton in Vermont-
Answers to Interogatories propounded by the Court as directed by the Secretary of War
Answer 1 I was born in Stoningtown in  Connecticut 1751
" -  2 my birth is recorded in the records of said town
" - 3 - I lived in Norwich in Connecticutt and in Williamstown in Massachusetts.  Since the  revolutionary war I have lived in Hinesburgh where I now live 46 years
" - 4 I volunteered twice was once drafted
" - 5 I knew General John Salmun and General Starks who were with the troops where I served
" - 6 I never received a written disharge & was dismissed
" - 7 Justus Boynton of Charlott and Erastus Boitwich of Hinesburgh
claims eleven months service

[written in left side margin]
Elisha Meech Hinesburgh
No 6464.
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We Erastus Bostwich and Durkee Caulkins both
of Hinesburgh hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with Elisha Meech who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 81 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion.
Erastus Bostwich
Durkee Caulkins
Sworn and subscribed
August 17. 1832
Dinker Calkins
Before David Russell Justice Peace
and Bejm Nathan [illegible] Clerk in open Court
Page 7

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.
Elipha Meech
Sworn to and Subscried}
the day and year aforesaid }
Before
Nathan Caswell Clerk
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 certify, that it appears to them, that Josiah Goodhue a Minister of sd Williston and John Reach of Williston and Erastus Barturik and Durkee Calkins of Hinesburgh who have signed the annexed certificate and who are residents of the town of Williston and Hinesburgh are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest
El. Bruenson }
John Van Sickland } Judge of Chittenden County Court
STATE OF VERMONT. }
Chittenden County, SS. }
Nathan B Maswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application of Elisha
Meech for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 17th day of August
A. D. 1832.
Nathan B Maswell
Page 8

Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden Elisha Meech who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades
for 7 months as a private in the year 1776
for 6 months " " " " " 1781
For 1 month " " " " " 1782
and the deponant further says that in his declaration there is an error in stating the second term of his service ought to be six in lue of three months that he inlisted or was drafted for six months and commenced his service the first of May and was discharged the first of November in the year 1781 and the deponent further says that the mistake occurred to him before he reached home after making his declaration. And the deponent further says that he knows of no person living by whom he can prove his service his officers and the
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soldiers with whom he served are all either dead or removed to parts to this deponent unknown and further the deponent saith not
Elipha Meech
Sworn to and subscribed, this 4th day of April A.D. 1833.- Before me, Lyman Cummings Justice of the peace
I Stephen Haight of Burlington County of Chittenden and State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that previous to my leaving home for Washington in February last and at the time that the above named Elisha Meech engaged me to take charge of his application he mentioned to me
that in drawing up his declaration there was a mistake of three months service in the year 1781 that it ought to six in liue  of three months as stated in the declaration and further say not
Stephen Haight
Sworn to and subscribed this 4th day of April A.D. 1833
Before me, Lyman Cummings Justice of the peace
State of Vermont }
Chittenden County ss. } Burlington April 4. A.D. 1833- I hereby certify that the above named 
Stephen Haight is a credible Witness-
Lyman Cummins Justice of the peace
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State of Vermont }
Chittenden County }
I Nathan B Maswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Lymon Cunnings Esqr. before whom the foregoing deposition of
Elisha Meech and Stephen Haight are taken; is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified, acting under the authority of this State, and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signature - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington this 4th day of April AD 1833
Nathan B Maswell Clk
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State of Vermont } On this 16th day of March 1837, personally
Chittenden County ss } appeared before Joseph Marsh one of the Justices of Chittenden County Court, Desire Meech a resident of Hinesburgh, in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836: That she is the widow of Elisha Meech, who was a private Soldier of the Connecticutt militia, in the revolutionary war, but that she cannot name any of the Officers under whom he served in the war, but that he was a pensioner under the act of Congress, passed the seventh day of June 1832, as will appear by the pension roll, in the pension Office at Washington
She further states that she was married to the said Elisha
Meech, on the 4th day of November 1772, that her husband the aforesaid Elisha Mach, died March 8, 1834, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Desire Meech
Sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that the affiant is a person of credibility and that by reason of the infirmity of age she is not able to attend Court.
Joseph Marsh } Assistant Judge Chittenden C. Court
State of Vermont } On this 16 day of March 1837, personal
Chittenden County ss } appeared before the subscribing Authority, Ezra Meech, and being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, declare that the above named Desire Meech is now a widow and has ever remained a widow, since the death of her husband, Elisha Meech
Ezra Meech
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written, and I herby certify that the said Ezra Meech is a credible witness
Joseph Marsh } assistant Judge of
C, County Court
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State of Vermont }
Chittenden County ss } I William Noble, Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Joseph Marsh before whom and at the time when the foregoing depositions of Desire Meech, and Ezra Meech, were taken, was, and still is an assistant Judge of Chittenden County Court and by virtue of his office, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Chittenden, duly qualified, acting under the authority of this State, and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington in said County this 23d day of March A.D. 1837.
William Noble
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1536
Preston of Feby 8th } 1834
Hon Ezra Meech Esqr
Shelburn
Count of Chittenden
Vermont.
1834
Page 14

New London County Ss. Preston Feb. 17th AD 1837- To all whom it may concern know ye that the undersigned Subscribers viz. Stephen Meech & Henry Brown, both of Preston in the County of New London & State of Con
being thereunto requested have examined the Books of record of Samuel Mott Esq. one of the Justice of the Peace for the County afforsaid for the time there being but now deceased,
And upon such examination of said Records
do find therein recorded by the hand of sd Samuel Mott deceased, in words & figures as follows
Viz- ,,
Preston in New London County November 4th 1772 Elisha Meech and Desire Satterlee both of Preston presented themselves for Marriage and were married & pronounced Husband and wife by me
Samuel Mott Justice of the Peace
And further say not Certified ss
Stephen Meech
Henry Brown
New London County Ss Preston Feb.7th 1837 Personally appeared Stephen Meech & Henry Brown Esq Subscribers to the above written certificate and each made Solemn Oath to the truth of what is therein contained
examined & Sworn by me.-
Stephen Tyler Justice of the Peace for New London County
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1536
Desire Meech widow of Elisha Married in 72, record
Adma
6 moferi
20$
old case - deduct
died 1834 and paid to 4th March 1834 -
Stephen Haight Esq
Burlington Vt
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Preston Feby Feby 8th AD 1837-
Dear Friend -
yours of the 22nd Jany last was duly recd Contest noticed as requested I have hunted up the old records of Saml Mott Esq. who has been dead about 15 years & have found the Record
of the Marriage of your Father & Mother as you may see by the annexed Certificate of myself & my very respectable friend Henry Brown, if what I have sent answer your purpose all is well-- otherwise if any thing in addition is wanted you will send for it & I will attend to the business, by the way be careful to inclose money enough to pay the expense for we are rather poor-
I tender to you & Family my best respect & my kindest affection to my good old friend Aunt Desire (if living,)
Truly yours-
Stephen Meech
To Ezra Meech Esqr of Shelburen Vermont
Page 17

Amid S. Haight
Apl 10th 1834
S. Haight
[illegible]
Page 18

of Shelburn in the State of Vermont I Ezra Much of lawful age depose and say that my Father Elisha Meech left home when I was a small boy and as I have always understood and verily believe went to Castleton in the State of Vermont as a soldier
in the revolutionary War I further say that according to the best of my recollection
and belief the said Elisha Meech was absent during the time he has stated in his additional declaration or affidavit I further testify and say that I am the more confident of my Fathers being absent in the service from the fact that during his absence my mother and myself were driven from our house by the Indians and we both were on foot three Miles my Mother carrying my younger  brother in her arms and further say not
Ezra Meech
Sworn and subscribed this }
21st day of November AD }
1833. and I hereby certify that } 
the above named Ezra Meech }
a credible witness Before me }
Nathan B Maswell
State of Vermont }
Chittenden County }
I Nathan B Maswell Clerk Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Nathan B Maswell before whom the foregoing deposition of Ezra Meech is taken is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified acting under the authority of this State, and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington this 21st day of November AD 1833
Nathan B Maswell
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March 9, 1932
BA-J/AWF
Mr. Stanley M. Lee
566 Territorial Road
Benton Harbor, Michigan
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Elisha Meech, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension [illegible]  W. 23950, based upon the Resolution War service of Elisha Meech.
He was born in 1751 at Stonington, Connecticut.
He enlisted sometime in April 1776, while a resident of Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, and served seven months as a private in Captain Ezra Brewster's company in Colonel Ledyard's Connecticut regiment.
He enlisted sometime in May 1781, while residing in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and 
served as a private six months in Captain Samuel
Clark's Massachusetts company, and enlisted sometime in October 1782 and served one month in Captain David Johnson's company under Major Isaac Stratton.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Hinesburg, Chittenden County, Vermont, where he had lived forty-six years.
He died March 8, 1834 at said Hinesburg.
He married November 4, 1772 in Preston,
New London County, Connecticut, Desire Satterlee.  They were both then of Preston, Connecticut.
The widow, Desire, was allowed pension on her
Page 20

application executed March 16, 1837, then a resident of Hinesburg, Vermont, and was aged eighty-seven years.
She died August 21, 1839.
Their children were referred to, the only name
stated was their son, Ezra Meech, who was living in 1838 in Shelburn, Chittenden County, Vermont.
Ezra Meech stated that he remembered while his
father was in the service, that he and his mother were driven from their home by the Indians, his mother carrying his younger brother in her arms.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23956
Desire Merch Wid of Elisha Meech 
Pri Rev. War
Act: July 4th 1836
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 44 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1932 Mch 9 [illegible]
Page 22

I Elijah Branch of Monkton in County of Addison and State of Vermont being duly
being Sworn do depose and say that I was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and during
better part of time I was Stationed at Castleton in the State of Vermont soon after the close of the War I became acquainted with Elisha Meech now of Hinesburgh in Chittenden County and from said Meech's relation of facts and circumstances I am satisfied that said Meech must have been at Castleton in the service at the same time I was though I do not now recollect  that I was then personally
acquainted with him and further say not
Elijah Branch
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss Hinesburgh October 31st 1833 personally appeared Elijah Branch and made solemn oath that the foregoing
deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and I further certify that the said Elijah Branch is a credible witness
Mitchell Hinsdill Justice of the Peace
Page 23

STATE OF VERMONT
Chittenden County, SS.
I Nathan B. Haswell Clerk of
Chittenden County Court, do hereby certify
that, Mitchell Hinsdell Esqr.
before whom the annexed deposition was
taken, was at the time thereof, a Justice of
the Peace, duly qualified, acting under the
authority of this State, and that I believe
his name thereto subscribed, to be his own
proper signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court, at Burlington, this 15th day of November A.D. 1833.
Page 24

I Daniel Barnum of Hinsburgh in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont being duly sworn do depose and say that I was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and the better part of my service I was at Castleton in the State of Vermont, and from certain circumstances I am confident that Elisha Meech now of Hinsburgh was also in the service at the same time. I do not now recollect that I was personally acquainted with said Meech while in the service but became acquainted with him soon after, and from his relation of certain transactions I know he must have been [illegible] and further say not
Daniel Barnum
State of Vermont }
Chittenden County ass } Hinsburgh November 2nd 1833 Personally appeared Daniel Barnum and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth and I further certify that the said Daniel Barnum is a credible witness
Mitchel Hinsdill Justice of Peace
Page 25

Vermont
Elisha Meech
Admit a private
6 mo $20
Suspended
Amd S. Haight
Apl 10 1834
Page 26

We the undersigned inhabitants of Nellister
do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elisha Meech who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed Declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty one 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 this 17th
day of August A.D. 1832 and
I hereby certify that the above persons are
credible witnesses
Josiah F Goodhue
John Beech
Sworn to in Open Court Before
Nathan Maswell Clerk
Page 27

Elisha Meech by act 7 June - 20$ per anm when cashpd. Gen O
p of the 4th March 1834 - Dead -  Apl 4 1837
IH
Page 28

Burlington Vt 24th March 1837
Sir,
I herewith inclose you the declaration of
Desire Meech asking for a Pension. She is
the Mother of Judge Meech whose affidavit
is attached to the declaration. If the
papers are not satisfactory please
point out the defects and give me notice as
early as you [illegible] will permit
I am Your Obdt. Servant
Stephen Haight
Page 29

Shelburne 5th April 1833
Dear Sir
I enclose you the County Clerk certificate and my deposition that I lost the certificate of Elsiah Meech If I have not strictly complied with all the regulations the fact is the certificate is lost, and I hope you will send me another as respects myself I would refer you to Judge Haight & General Van Ness all the evidence of Elisha Meech is with you and also the marriage of said Desiah to Elisha Meech
Very respectfully your obdt servt
Ezra Meech
J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 30

I Ezra Meech of Shelburn in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, of lawful age
depose & say, that about two years since. I had the Original certificate of the allowance of a pension to Desire Meech, as the widow of Elisha Meech late of Hinesburgh in said County and State, as attorney for said Desire Meech had drawn & received at the Bank of Burlington in Vermont, her pension then due for three years and that soon after that time I lost the said Certificate and cannot find it
I make this deposition to enable her to obtain a new or duplicate pension certificate, so that she may be able to draw her pension again as the same may become due to her. April 1. 1839 AD
Ezra Meech
State of Vermont } Personally appeared Ezra Meech
Chittenden County ss } and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed in my presence, is true, before me,
David Russell Justice Peace
I also certify that the above deponent Ezra Meech a man of truth & veracity and every way entitled to full credit of confidence.
David Russell Justice Peace




&
David Russell Justice Peace
I also certify that the above deponent Ezra Meech is a
man of truth veracity and every way entitled to
full credit confidence
David Russell Justice at
Page 31

State of Vermont } I William Noble Clerk
Chittenden County ss } of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that David Russell, Esq. before whom the forgoing Deposition of Ezra Meech was taken & certified, was & still is a
Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Chittenden, duly Commissioned & Sworn, and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper & genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington in said County this first day of
April AD. 1839.
William Noble
Page 32

To Larbach 24
J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Agent
Washington
Apl 13
Jas Evans
Page 33

Mr Evens Dec 24
Charlotte Vt
Decbr 18th
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Pension Office
Washington City
DC
Page 34

Shelburne VT Dec 17. 1838.
Hon: J. L. Edwards
Sir,
I find that my mother, Mrs Desire Meech, has lost the certificate which enables her to obtain his pension, which is granted to her by the Government, in virtue of the services and rights of her deceased husband. It has now been about two years since she has received any of the payment, in consequence. Being unable to find the mislaid or lost certificate may I trouble you to forward to me another, which shall enable her to obtain his pension?
I am, Sir, with respect
Your obt Servt
Ezra Meech
Page 35

Jan 29. 1840
Col. J. L. Edwards
Pension
Office
Page 36

Senate Chamber 29th January 1840
Sir,
Will you do me the favour to send me the affidavits I sent you in the case of Desire Meech. I wish to return these to Judge Musk so that he can comply with the requirements of your Department
I am Sir Respectfully Your Obdt Servant
S. Haight
Page 37

Washington 22nd January 1840
Sir,
The inclosed affidavits are for the purpose of obtaining the balance of Pension due the old lady at his death
I am with much respect Your Obdt Servant
S. Haight
Page 38

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office
February 9th 1841.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," 4 of the 5 childn of Desire Meech. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Vermont Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum, under the law of the 4th July 1836 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1837. to the 21st August 1839
Respectfully yours, 
Albion K. Parris
Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 39

Benton Harbor, Michigan.
February 8, 1932.
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:--
Please furnish any information you may have pertaining to the Revolutionary Soldier ELISHA MEECH of Hinesburg, Vermont.
The information desired is name of wife, date married, name of children, and service during the War.
Thanking you for this information, I am
Respectfully,
Stanley M. Lee
Stanley M. Lee,
&566 Territorial Road,
Benton Harbor, Michigan.