Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22539, Abner Ward, Mass
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE. Mass

Ward, Abner
Hannah.

NUMBER   W.  22.539

CONTENTS
Page 2

[text written on what appears to be two facing pages in a ledger-type book, a left and a right page]

[left page]

Let to A Smith May 21st. 1841 rechecking Widow's claim under act 1838 rejected

[writing vertically from top to bottom of page on right side of page as follows:] Certification sent 12th Sept. 1820 to John Grover,  Auburn, New York

[right page]

10.153

New York
Abner Ward
War  
of.    in the state of      who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson of the Massa:  line, for the term of 6 Years

Inscribed on the Roll of New York. at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 15 of April  1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 8 of May 19 and Sent to Jno  Grover Esqr.  Auburn, Cayuga Co.  NY.

Arrears to 4th of Mar 19        85 " 29
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 19   48
$133 " 29

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}

Continued 
File Sept '19
Page 3

1020
New York, Albany
Hannah Ward widow of Abner Ward Mass
who served in the Revolutionary War, as a private 
Incd from $80

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars  00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1t of July 1848 [crossed out '4th day of March, 1848.']

Certificate of Pension issued the 7h day of Jany 1831 and sent to Hon H.S. Conger. House of Reps

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848,  Page 242, Vol. 4.

JV
Page 4

State of New York
Cayuga County  ss
Abner Ward of the Town of Scipio in the County of Cayuga being duly Sworn deposeth and Saith That on or about the first-day of December 1776 he enlisted as a private Soldier for dureing the war, and was first mustered in Capt Lebeus Balls Company and Afterward Established in the 4th Massachusetts Regiment commanded By Col William Shepherd and at the close of the war Said Regiment was Commanded By Col Jackson. &[and] That he Served untill the close of the war and was Honourabli discharged the 9th day of June 1783 at Snake Hill Newbergh State of New York and that he Some Years ago Sent his discharge to Boston to receive Some arrearages &[and] It was there retained and further Saith By Reason of Reduced Circumstances he is in need of Assistance from his Country for Support
Abner Ward

State of New York
Cayuga County  ss
Personally appeared before me John Grover Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Abner Ward above mentioned and to me personally known and made oath upon the Holy Evangelists that the above affidavit is true __ and I the Said Judge do certify to the Hon the Secretary of the war Department that I am Satisfied that the contents therein contained are True
John Grover Judge of Cayuga Com. Pleas &
Dated April 15th 1818
Page 5

of New York}
County of Cayuga}. ss.
I hereby certify that John Grover Esquire before [corner of page torn away] the within Affidavit appears to have been made is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County acting under the authority of this State, that full faith and credit are due to his Official acts in that capacity and that his signature thereto subscribed is Genuine --
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the Seal of said County the fifteenth day of April A. D. 1818.
E.T. Throop Clk


I. do certify to the Hon the Secretary of the Department of war that I. am personally acquainted with the within named Abner Ward &[and] know him to be a man in verry Reduced Circumstances In life &[and] [crossed out 'whom'] From What I. can learn he is Justly Entitled to a pension, as It appears he was a faithful soldier &[and] was honourably discharged
dated Auburn April 13th 1819
John Grover Judge of Cayuga Com. Pleas ---

[remnants of circular sunburst seal in upper left of page]
Page 6

State of New York
Cayuga County ss

On the 11th day of January 1809 Personally appeared Josiah P. Ward to me known to be a credible witness &[and] being duly sworn did depose &[and] say that he has Seen a discharge given to Abner Ward the person within named for six Years faithfull Service in the Revolutionary Army &[and] further Saith that he is not interested in the event of this application.
Josiah P Ward

Sworn before me}
John Grover }
John Grover Judge of Cayuga Com Pleas
Page 7

[there are two documents copied on this page - one shown with writing vertically from top to bottom of page, and one below it with writing horizontally]

[document shown with vertical writing says as follows:]
John Grover, Esq ;
Judge, Auburn, Cayuga County, New York

Abner Ward, private Massachusetts line __
Revolutionary Claim.

found on the rolls of Colo. Shepherd's regimt. and is stated to have deserted the 6th. Dec. 1777, and joined the regt. in January, 1778.

Inadmissible.

dated April 15, 1818

Abner Ward


[document with horizontal writing says as follows:]
State of New York
Cayuga County  ss
On the 11th day of January 1819 personally appeared Abner Ward &[and] being duly Sworn did depose &[and] say that during his Service in the revolutionary army he was not absent from duty Except once &[and] then but a verry Short Time &[and] then went after Clothing as he was in a destitute Situation [crossed out illegible phrase(s)] &[and] that his pay &[and] Rations was not curtailed in Consequence of his absence &[and] that he Served five years afterwards after he was Stated to have deserted &[and] that he was actually discharged with the badge of Merrit for Six Years faithful Service.
Abner Ward
ns before me John Glover Judge yuga Con. Pleas
Page 8

Dear Sir
Mr Abner Ward wrote me a Letter some time past respecting his Discharge &[and] directed me to write to you some years past the Legislater of this State made a grant to the During war Men that belonged to this state  Mr  Ward being an acquaintance of Mine &[and] formerly from Becket gave me a power to tharive the money garded and also gave me his discharge with a request to have it returned   I gave the power to Esqr Inersal of Westfield and the discharg also with the Same request to have the discharge returned but he forgot that request and left the discharge in the Treasurers office  I have not been to Boston Since that time and have never obtained his discharge Supposing it would be of Little consequence if  read untill Congress made a grant to the the old soldiers that were in the Revolutionary war Since that time I concluded that he might Stand on need of it Since he wrote me  I  have not had any opportunity of Sending for [crossed out 'tat'] it and Shall not have any untill our Legislatur Sits this winter. I am well knowing that he was one of those old Soldiers for during the war with Great briton that he was Honorably Discharged by Genl Washington and if he comes under the act as one needy he is justly entitled to a pension as his Circumstances as to geting a living you can better knowing than myself but as to his being a Soldier I am knowing to it   I will make a certificate on the other page and take my oath before a Magistrate and if you wish to Know my character and the charetor of the Justis Call on Capt Hulburt and he will be able to inform you as to that point. if there Should be anything further as to Justis to Mr Ward I Shall be willing to attend to it for all those old Soldiers that fought for our liberties Deserve Our highest esteem

With Our Resapects I remain your firm &[and] Obt' Servt__
Martin Kingsley
Becket Decem 4th 1818

John Grover Esqr
Page 9

To whom it may consern
Where as Mr Abner Ward has wrote to me and has convinces me that he is the Same person that gave his discharge to me [crossed out 'to'] and a power to obtain a Small Sum of money granted by the Legislator of Massachusetts the old Soldiers of Sd State for during the War with Great Briton and as I gave the power &[and] Discharge to John Ingersol Esqr. to draw the Money he by forgetting to have the discharge returned left the Same in the Treasurers office at Boston and the Same is not in my possession but I can Safely Certify that Said Abner Ward was a Soldier in Said war and was honorably Discharged by Genl Washington as a during war. man further the Deponent Sait not
Becket December 4th 1818
Martin Kingsley


Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss  Decer. 17th 1818
Personally appeared the above named Martin Kingsley to me well known as a person of truth &[and] veracity &[and] made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him signed before me
Benja. C Perkins Justice Peace
Page 10

Folleys &[and] Road NY
22d Dec.                            1818


John Grover Esqr
Auburn
State  of New York
Page 11

State of New York}
Tompkins County } ss
George McCutchen of the Town of Dryden in Said County.  Being duly Sworn according to Law, deposeth and Saith. that he is personally acquainted with Abner Ward of the Town of Scipia in the County of Cayuga in Said state, and that he knows that the said Abner Ward. did serve as a Soldier in the Service of the United States in the revolutionary. in Capt Balls. and Capt Hullers company. in the fourth Regiment of Infantry in the Massachusetts Troops, commanded by Col Shepherd. and at the close of the war by Col Jackson, from the year 1777 untill the end of the war in the year 1783 -- and that he knows that the said Abner Ward enlisted for during the war Only, and that he believes he was honorably discharged from the service at a place called Snake Hill near near New Windsor in the State of New York in June 1783 ___.  And that this deponent enlisted into the said Ball's Comp'y in said fourth Regiment on the year 1777 -- and continued to serve in the service with the said Abner Ward untill the close of the war in June 1783 ------ and further this deponent saith not
George  X. McCutchen
his mark 
his mark
Sworn this 13th day of February 1819}
Before me
John Ellis. one the Judges of Tompkins Common Pleas
Page 12

I John Ellis one of the Judges of Tompkins County Common Pleas.  Do Certify that I am well acquainted with the within named George McCutchen. and know him to be a credible witness.  and that full credit may be given to the within affidavit ---.
February 13th 1819 ---
John Ellis 

State of New York}
Tompkins County}
I do hereby Certify that the within named John Ellis Esqr. was on the 13th day of Feby. Inst. a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. in and for the County of Tompkins.  duly Commissioned and sworn.  And that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge. and verily do believe the Official Signature to the foregoing Affidavit and Certificate to be his own proper hand writing.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and Affixed the Seal of said County. this 15th day of Feby. 1819.
Archer Green Clerk of Tompkins County.

[remnants of Seal on left side of document]

[additional text written vertically going from bottom to top pf page on left edge of page as follows:]  6 Years  15 Apr 1818  Jackson   Abner Ward

John
Page 13

"Abner Ward of Hopkinton &[and] Hannah Gaffield of West borough were married July 24th 1784.  By me, James Hawes, Justice Peace."

I, the subscriber, hereby certify that the above is a copy of the record of marriages kept in the Town Clerk's office in Westborough.
Westborough, Feb.y  15. 1841.
Attest. ---  Nahum Fisher, Town Clerk.

[remnants of circular sunburst seal on upper top of page]
Page 14

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
September 7,th.  1820.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined ;  and the Secretary of War has directed your name to be continued on the Pension Roll.
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards

To Mr. Abner Ward.
Cayuga County
New York
Page 15

Abner Ward
Page 16

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows

State of New York}
Tompkins County} ss
On this Twenty Third of February Eighteen hundred and Forty One personally appeared before me John Boynton one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Tompkins Hannah Ward a resident of the town of Lansing in the County of Tompkins, Aged Seventy Six 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 Provisions Made by the Act of Congress Passed July 7th  1838  Entitled an act of granting half pay, and Pensions to Certain Widows that She is the Widow of Abner Ward who was a Private Soldier,, In the war of the Revolution that he drew a Pension of Ninety Six Dollars a year under the act of Eighteen Hundred and Eighteen.  She further declares that She was married to the Said Abner Ward on the Twenty fourth day of July 1784 by James Hawes Esq in the State of Massachusetts County of Worcester town of Westborough that her Husband the aforesaid Abner Ward died on the Seventh Day of October Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Eight,, that She was not married to him prior to his Leaving the Service but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen Hundred and Ninety four viz At the time above Stated that
Page 17

She removed from Cayuga County into [crossed out 'the'] Lansing Thompkins County in October Last, also that her Maiden Name was Hannah Gaffield.
Hannah Ward

Sworn to And Subscribed on the day and year above written before Me
John Boynton a Judge of Thompkins County Courts


I hereby certify that Hannah Ward who has Sworn and Subscribed her Name to the following Declaration is a Credible Person: that from Bodily infirmities She cannot attend Court
John Boynton a Judge of Tompkins County Court

State of New York}
County of Tompkins} SS.
I Willet B Goddard Clerk of the County of Tompkins, do hereby certify that John Boynton, whose name is subscribed to the above certificates of proof or acknowledgement of the above affidavits, and thereon written was at the time of taking the same, a Judge of the Courts in and for said County, dwelling therein, duly commissioned and Sworn, and authorised to take the same __ and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge. and verily believe the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement of said affidavits is genuine --
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said County. the 24th day of February 1841.
W.B. Goddard  Clerk
Page 18

IX.     7731

Hannah Ward
N.Y.
Act 7. July. '38
&[and]
In gh d  at. 38 !

1

Alexander Smith
North Lansing
N.Y.
Page 19

10.153
Abner Ward sbepy
declaration

Con 
1 May 1819

Sept. '19
Page 20

Abner Ward
Schedule [underlined]

Two pots. one kittle. one tea kittle. frying pan. -------  $ 4.50
6. Knives & forks & spoons. 5. bouls -----------------      1.50
Tea cups & saucers --------------------------------------30.
Tea pots, one frs. plough irons --------------------------1.00
One half chain --------------------------------------------50
                                                                                                 _______
                                                                                                 $ 7.80
Page 21

State of New York,}
Cayuga County,.} SS.
ON this 5 day of July 1820, personally appeared in open court of record for the said county, to wit a Court of Common Pleas Abner Ward aged 63 years, resident in town of Scipio 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 :  a Corporal in Capt Jerth Hollister's; in fourth Massachusetts Regiment Commanded at the time of his discharge by Col Henry Jackson, refference to his first declaration dated 15th. day of April 1818 will particularly Shew -- his pension Certificate is number 10.153 __

And I do solemnly Sworn that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818 ; 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 me ; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed
Real Estate None [underlined]
Personal property (clothing and Beding excepted)  --  1. Cow   2. Swine
Cooking utensils includes the residue
His occupation was farming but has been debilitated by ulcers seventeen years so as to be able to do very little -- His Wife Hannah aged 56 years a poor feeble sickly person. one Son Sidney 15 years old Weekly __ one daughter Betsey 11  a rugged child
Abner Ward

Sworn to, and declared, on the 5. day of July 1820 before me
John Grover Judge of Cayuga Com. Pleas}
I, James Glover clerk of Cayuga 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 do 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 17 -- dollars and ------ cents.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 5. day of July -- 1820
James Glover
Clerk of the Court for the County of Cayuga
Page 22

In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Abner Ward a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ([crossed out 'or'] &[and] his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.   W.  File  22,539

[Information presented in tabular form with column headings of: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT., LENGTH OF SERVICE., RANK., OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED., STATE; AS FOLLOWS:]

DATES . . . DEC 1ST 76 
LENGTH OF SERVICE.  DEC 1ST  76 TO JUNE 9  83
RANK.      Pri
OFFICERS . . . CAPTAIN LEBBEUS BALL.   COLONEL WILLIAM SHEPHERD
STATE  4 MASS.

[crossed out 'disch. at Snake Hill']

DATES . . . DEC 1ST 76 
LENGTH OF SERVICE.  DEC 1ST  76 TO JUNE 9  83
RANK.      CORPL.
OFFICERS . . . CAPTAIN J. HOLLISTER.   COLONEL HENRY JACKSON
STATE  4 MASS.


Battles engaged in, none
Residence of soldier at enlistment, __
Date of application for pension, Apl. 15 1818. allowed --
Residence at date of application, Scipio   Cayuga Co. N.H. 
Age at date of application,  61 years
Remarks:  Sol. mar. Westborough Mass __ July 24, 1784  Hannah Gaffield
he died Oct. 7, 1838
She was alld. pens. on an appli. executed Feb. 23, 1841 at 76 yrs, Lansing,  Tompkins Co. NY.
In 1820 sol. ref to his chi. Sidney 15 &[and] Betsey 11 ____ no further family dates
Page 23

No  235
Joint. Reso:  of Jany 23. 1845.  Repd.

/1896.
New York Albany
Hannah Ward
widow of Abner Ward
who was a Private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80  Dollars ---- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of May, 1845 and sent to
Arad Joy, Esq
Ovid,
New York

[Acts of March 3, 1843. & June 17. 1844]
Recorded in Book a
Vol.  2. Page   91
Page 24

No. 25
Joint Reso of Jany 23. 1845. Repd.

9305.
New. York
Hannah Ward
widow of Abner Ward
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 7th. Oct.  1838
of Tompkins Co in the State of New York
who was a Private in the compy. commanded by Captain ------- of the Regt. commanded by Col. Jackson in Mass line for 6 years

Subscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80  Dollars ------ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of May, 1845 and sent to Arad Joy Ovid, New. York

Total amount,    $400.00 

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho. Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D Vol . 1.   Page 187.
Page 25

Let to Hon H.S. Conger, Dec. 9 / 50.
Reported

1020
New York Albany
Hannah Ward
widow of Abner Ward
who served in the Revolutionary War, as a private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80. Dollars ---- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of July 1848 and sent to Hon. H.S. Conger.  H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 240. Vol. 4.
Page 26

Nov. 22. 04.  His. to O.E. Ward Phoenix, N.Y.

1909 Sept. 23.  Hist. to F.A. Ward CL


Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No.  22.539
Hannah Ward
wid of Abner Ward
Priv. Rev war

Act : Feb. 2d. '/48

Index : -- Vol.  M, Page 313

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 27

Payment to be made at Albany
by Thos. W. Olcott Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 240. Vol. 4.
Leo. Jenkins  Clerk.

[Lines of text at bottom of page written upside down, as follows:]
Sept 4. 1848 in Lansing 4 years prior with Onondaga Co., N.Y.
Hannah Ward
Page 28

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,
Hannah Ward.
widow of Abner Ward
who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars [crossed out 'and ___ cents'] per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, 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 War Office of the United States this 31st day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.

M.L. Marey
Secretary of war.

Examined and Countersigned.
J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
By F. S. Evans
Page 29

______
41

Let to Hon A Dana 15 March /44
Let to Hon A. Dana June 4. '44
Let : to H.H. Sylvester, Sept.28. 1844.
Let to Arad Joy  Feb 21. '45.
Let to Same March 12. '45.

Hannah Ward   7731.
N. York

Act July 7, 1838.
Page 30

House of Representatives
July 24, 1848

J.S. Edwards Esq
Comi. Pensions D.C.
Sir :  I send you herewith declarations under the laws of 2d Feby 1848 in the case of Amelia Beardsley, Hannah Ward, &[and] Sally Weeks. certificates in which please send me when issued. In the last named case there is no Clerks Certificate making proof of the official character of the person before whom oath was made, but the certificate in the case of Amelia Beardsley shows Mr. Heath to have been a Justice of the Peace at the time oath was made thereto.  If this is not sufficient please return the declaration to me
I am respectfully Yours
H.S. Conger
Page 31

March 22, 1848.
Re Ha
bl
Hannah Ward,
Res Jan 23d 1848.

[illegible circular post mark in upper center of page]
[front of addressed letter with text written vertically from top to bottom, as follows:]
FREE
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 32

Ovid. March 17.  1845

Dear Sir
I enclose Hannah Wards application as required in yours of the 21t Feby.  I trust you will by first mail enclose me her certifi  as I fear the poor old woman may not live to see her pension
Respectfully Your Most Obd. Servt.
Arad Joy

Hon J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington
D.C
Page 33

May 20 1841

Proof of Marriage
Hannah Ward

[text written vertically from top to bottom of page as follows:]
Hon. J L. Edwards
Comsr Pensions
Page 34

May 18. 41

Sir
Enclosed you will find proof of the marriage of Hannah Ward, a claimant for a pension under the Act of 1838 from the State of NY.
Your Very Respectfully
Henry H Sylvester



Hon JL edwards
Comnr Pensions
Page 35

House of Reps.
Feby 8th 1844

Hon J L Edwards
Dear Sir
I send you herewith the Pension papers of Mrs. Hannah Ward to which please give an examination as early as may be convenient and oblige           Your Obt Servt
Amasa Dana
Page 36

BOOKS. STATIONARY. MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS. FISHING TACKLE.
SPORTING GOODS. BICYCLES AND
SUNDRIES. SEWING MACHINES AND NEEDLES.

O.E. Ward,
Dealer in
Clocks, Watches, Jewelry, Silverware,
Phoenix, N. Y., Oct 31 --  1904

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C
Dear Sir
I am looking up the record of Abner Ward a Revolutionary soldier and I think your office can furnish me a part of the record I am looking for I think this Abner Ward drew a pension, and know his widow Hannah Ward. did.  He enlisted in the State of Connecticut.  I would like to know the date of his enlistment, the name of his Captain and Company and date of his discharge.  Any information you can give me in regard to this matter will be appreciated
Respectfully Yours
O E Ward

[letters written diagonally in upper left corner of page, as follows:] own  est
Page 37

Hannah Ward
wid of Abner
Pens. Law '38 & '44 N.Y.
old case of mine
from
Arad Joy
Page 38

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows 
State of New York}
County of Tompkins} ss. On the 30th day of January 1844 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace, in and for Said County Hannah Ward of Lansing in Said County aged Seventy nine 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 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" --
That She is the widow of Abner Ward late a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States, that She is the identical person who made application as Such widow Several years Since, &[and] as this deponent believes in the year 1840 --
She first declares that She was married to the Said Abner Ward on the 24th day of July 1784 Seventeen hundred and eighty four; that her husband the aforesaid Abner Ward died on the 7th day of October 1838 eighteen hundred and thirty eight ; that She was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above Stated --
Hannah Ward
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 30th day of January 1844}
Luther Hedden Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named Hannah Ward is a respectable person, that I consider her to be of the age represented by her --
Luther Hedden J.P.

State of New York}
County of Tompkins} ss  Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County Alexander Smith of Lansing in Said county aged Thirty five years after being duly Sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that widow Hannah Ward who is applying for a pension as the widow of Abner Ward late a Pensioner of the United States, is the identical person who made application for a pension as Such widow Some years Since, and as this deponent believes in the year 1840 __ That this deponent was well knowing to the fact of the aforesaid widow Hannah Ward making Such application, that She is Still a widow __
Alexander Smith
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 30th day of January 1844}
Luther Hedden Juctice of the Peace

I certify that the above named Alexander Smith is a respectable person --
Luther Hedden  J. P.
Page 39

State of New York}
County of Tompkins} ss. Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County, John Beardsley of the town of Lansing in Said County aged Forty two years, after being duly Sworn according to law, deposeth and Saith, that widow Hannah Ward, who is applying for a pension as the widow of Abner Ward late a pensioner of the United States, is the identical person and widow who made application for a pension as Such widow Some years Since, and as this deponent thinks and believes in the year 1840 -- that this deponent was well knowing to the fact of the aforesaid widow Hannah Ward making such application, and that She is Still a widow --
John Beardsley
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 30th day of January 1844}
Luther Hedden  Justice of the Peace 

I certify that the above named John Beardsley is  a respectable person --
Luther Hedden J. P.

Stay of New York}
Tompkins County ss}  I Henry B Weaver Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Luther Hedden, before whom the above Declaration was subscribed and sworn &[and] whose name is subscribed to the Jurat thereto and to the certificating then under written was at the date of the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting &[and] verily believe his signature to the same are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County at Ithaca this 1st day of February A D 1844
Henry B. Weaver Clerk
Page 40

[this is an addressed letter face]

[date written vertically from bottom to top of page on left side of page as follows:]  Mar 5. 45   NY.

[circular postage cancellation stamp on left side of page with following printing inside:]  OVID NY

FREE

Hon. J L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 41

Ovid   Feb 27th  1845
Dr Sir
I hand you below, a copy of yours of the 21st. &[and] beg leave to say that no form was enclosed, I therefore write respectfully &[and] ask for the form that your rules require, in Mrs Wards case.   Respectfully Your Most Obd. Servt.
Arad Joy


Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
D. C.             Pension Office Feb 21st 1845

Sir
The additional evidence in the case of Hannah Ward widow of Abner Ward claiming a pension under the act of July 7th 1838. has been examined and filed 
The proof in the case is Satisfactory and it only remains, for the claimant to Shew according to the enclosed form that She was alive on the 23d January, 1845 to entitle her to the benefit of the Joint resolution passed on that date.

I am very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards

[written diagonally across letter from J L Edwards is the following:]  COPY
Page 42

admitted


H.S. Conger
H of R
Page 43

State of New York}
County of Tompkins} SS.
On the 7th day of July 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County Hannah Ward a resident of Lansing in the County of Tompkins aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision make by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who Served during the Revolutionary war
That she is the widow of Abner Ward who was a private in the Army of the Revolution.  That she was a pensioner of the United States under the act of 17th June 1844 at the rate of eighty dollars per annum.  She further declares that she is still a widow
Hannah Ward
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Clinton Bowker  Justice Peace

I certify that the above names declarent is personally known to me
Clinton Bowker Justice Peace

Note. "Eighty dollars per annum" inserted before execution
Clinton Bowker Justice Peace
Page 44

State of New York
Tompkins County ss.   I Norman Crittenden Clerk of Said county do hereby certify that Clinton Bowker Esq before whom the within declaration was made was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in &[and] for said County commissioned and sworn and duly qualified to act as such and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing &[and] verily believe his signature to the jurat therein and the certificate thereunder written is genuine
In testimony when I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County at Ithaca this 15th day of July AD 1848
N. Crittenden  Clerk
Page 45

Dec. 3. 1844

Addl  tes case

Hannah Ward.
Page 46

Ovid   Nov 27th  1844

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr. off Pensions

Dear Sir
I beg leave to enclose, deposition purporting to be of the marriage of Hannah Ward, This is a duplicate of one that I forwarded to you, &[and] it was returned for authentication which I think is now properly done. --- as there is nothing further that you asked for, &[and] as the case has long been hanging along, if It is now all right, may I respectfully hope a certificate Soon
Respectfully Your Obt Servt
Arad Joy
Page 47

6 Pendleton St., Cortland, N.Y.,
Sept.  15 , 1909.

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir : --
The enclosed letter will explain itself.  If you have any record of my great grandfather, Abner Ward, will you kindly let me know what facts you have ?
Yours very respectfuly,
F. A. Ward.

Abner Ward
Res. Scipio, N.Y.
Died 1838
Wid -----
Res. North Lansing, N.Y.
Pensioner

Letter to Adj. Genl.
U.S.A. this rept.
returned to writer

[circular receipt stamp in lower right corner of page with the following wording enclosed:]  U.S. PENSION OFFICE  A  SEP 17 1909
Page 48

J.P.

Arad Joy
Ovid
Seneca Co.
New York

Single  --
Page 49

State of Massachusetts}
County of Worcester - } SS   Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for Said county, Rev Charles B Kitteridge, after being duly Sworn deposeth and Saith that the following is a true copy of the a records of Marriage in the town of Westboro  --  viz "Abner Ward of Hopkinton &[and] Hannah Gaffield of Waterborough were married, July 24th, 1784 By me James Harris Justice of Peace"
The above is a true copy of the marriage of the parties therein named, in the book of the records of the Marriages in the Town Clerks office in the town of Westboro in the Said county &[and] State
Chas. B. Kittredge

Subscribed &[and] Sworn before me}
this 15th day of November  1844}
Nathum Harrington  Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named Rev Charles B Kitteridge is a highly respectable man &[and] a minister of the Gospel
Nathum Harrington  Justice of the Peace.

State of Massachusetts}
County of Woecester ---} ss  I William Jennison, Assistant Clerk of the [crossed out 'Said County'] Judicial Courts in and for said County of Worcester. do certify that Nathum Harrington Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified. and that his signature to the above certificate is in his own proper hand writing.  In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name, and affix the County Seal, at Worcester, this twenty second day of November, in the year 1844.  --
William Jennison,
Assistant Clerk as aforesaid
Page 50

Mrs Wards Dec

Incd to $96 per annum
ded'g former payts at $80
per annum . Comg 1 July 1848

Hon H.S. Conger,
H of R
Page 51

State of New York }
County of Cayuga }. SS.    On this 7th day of October 1850 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County Hannah Ward of the County of Tompkins who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain an increase of her pension under the Act of Congress of July 1st 1848 or Joint Resolution of 1st July 1848

That she is the widow of Abner Ward who was a pensioner of the United States under the act of March 18th 1818  New York Agency at the rate of Ninety six dollars per annum &[and] that she is now in the receipt of a Pension under the act of 7th July 1838 &[and] the subsequent acts thereto at the rate of Eighty dollars per Annum, that she has not intermarried has continues the widow of the above mentioned Abner Ward

This Claim is made in order to obtain an Increase of her pension to the same rate per annum that was allowed her husband  to wit $96.  per annum in Liew of the amount now received by her under the act of 1838 &[and] its subsequents
Hannah Ward
Subscribed &[and] sworn to this 7th day of October  1850 before me &[and] I certify that the above named Hannah Ward is a credible person 
Harvey Heath  Justice Peace

I hereby certify that Harvey Heath was a Justice of the Peace in &[and] for the county of Cayuga in the State of New York on the 7th. day of October  1850 &[and] that the foregoing signature purporting to be
Page 52

his is his genuine hand writing.  Nov. 11.  1850
H. S. Conger
Page 53

Hannah Ward  Act '45. 7806.  Act 44.571
under joint resolution of 23d Jany.  1845, &[and] acts 7 July  1838 &[and]  30 March  1843 ___

Allowed pen = @$80 per ann:  from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841.  &[and] from 4 March 1843 to 4 March 1844  &[and] -----
act 17 June '44


A. Joy Esqr :
Ovid,
New -- York.
Page 54

Arad Joy
Ovid
Seneca Co
New York
Page 55

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the resolution of Congress of the 23d. January 1845 
Whereas the act of the 30th of April 1844, prohibited me from receiving, or drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following Statement under oath, to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned __  I am the widow of Abner Ward, who was a Soldier in the war of the revolution;  I have not drawn a pension, but I now ask for the amount due me from the 4th day or March 1836 to the 4 th day of March 1841 and from the 4th day of March 1843 to the 4th day of March 1844 &[and] from the 4th March 1844 to the 4th day March 1845
Witnes My hand and Seal this 4th day of March 1845
Hannah Ward  [round seal to the right of signature]

Sworn &[and] Subscribed before me this 4th day of March 1845}
Luther Hedden  Justice of the Peace

I certify, that the declarent is personally known to me and that she is the Same individual She represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit   Luther Hedden  Justice of the Peace

I Henry B. Weaver Clerk of the County of Tompkins &[and] State of New York, certify that Luther Hedden who has Signed the foregoing is a Justice off the Peace for the County of Tompkins &[and] State of New York, and that the above is his Signature --  In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of office this 12th day of March 1845 at Ithaca in the County &[and] State aforesaid
Henry B. Weaver. Clerk