Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7,589, for William Nelson, New York
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
New York

Nelson, William
Eunice

NUMBER
R 7589

CONTENTS
Page 2

William Nelson
Nelson and hannah
June the 2 Day
Eunice Young was 
William Nelson and
married to Gatiser[?]
David Nelson Son
Eunice Nelson was
the 16 day
Elizabeth Nelson
the 26 day
Aaron Nelson was b
Page 3

received of Samuel
Ingram February
the 21 1792
in Cash £0=16=0
Page 4

Son of William
Nelson was born 
1760 Died June 27th 1842
born april 13 day
Eunice Young was
April the 28 day 1791
of William and
born January 
1792
was born August
August ?th 1793
day 1795
Page 5

Joseph Nelson
was born febrarey[February]
the seventeenth
1802

Hannah Nelson
was born March
the 18 - 1804

John Nelson
was born august
the 18 - 1806

Sarah Nelson was born
October the 9 - 1808

[??]

Bloomer[?] Nelson
was born Feb[?] [?]
Page 6

William J Nelson
was born April the 5
18[0?]5
Page 7

Levinah Nelson was on March 20th 1800

13
Nelson, Wm
NY R 7589
Page 8

Provence of Canada
County of Norfolk
On this Eighteenth day of January AD one thousand Eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before the Court of the County of Norfolk & province aforesaid holden at the Court house in the Village of Houghton in said County & province Eunis Nelson a resident of Houghton aforesaid aged Eighty two years and upwards whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and 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 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows, and the subsequent acts [enacted?] thereto, that she is the widow of William Nelson who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war in the Company commanded by Captain Johnson in the fifth Regiment of the Continental line in the State of New York that he enlisted in the County of Dutchess in the State aforesaid on or about the twelvth day of February AD. one thousand Seven hundred and seventy seven for the term of three years that while in the said war he was a portion of the time in the army under the command of General Sullivan and Marched to the gene[?] river to a place called Genesee Castle that he continued in actual service in said war untill some time in the winter of seventeen hundred and Eighty and was honorably discharged on or about the twenty six day of January 1780 at a place then called Nine Partner or near it in the State of New York in consequence of the scarcity of supplies in the Camp that
Page 9

he resided in and about Dutches County for several years after he left the army that he kept his certificate of Discharge in the pocket of his garment that a short time after the close of the said war his garment containing said certificate was stolen and was never recovered, that her husband the said William Nelson has frequently told her and others in her presence the circumstances above mentioned and many others relating to his hardships and privations while under the engagement as above and during the time of his said service and she verily believes them to be a true statement of facts but she does not know of any person now living who was with him in his said service neither does she know of any written evidence showing the facts but her chief reliance is on the record or documentary evidence which may be found in the military archives of the United States or either of the states relating to the said war She further swears that she was married to the said William Nelson at Coemans Pattent in the State of New York by one Esquire Camine on the twenty Eighth day of April AD one thousand Seven hundred and ninety one that her name before her said marriage was Eunis Young that she resided with her husband the aforesaid William Nelson several years in the State of New York and then removed to the province of Canada, that her husband the aforesaid William Nelson died in the township of Saltfleet in the County of Wentworth in the province of Canada on the twenty seventh day of June A D one thousand Eight hundred and forty two That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January
Page 10

AD seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated. she further sware[swear] that the paper hereto annexed or attached and marked B. is the original family record of their family that it commenced in the
first year of their said Marriage and continue along as the events therein stated occured[occurred] that it is in the hand writing of her husband the aforesaid William Nelson with the exception of the entry of the date of his death which was written at the time by her son John Nelson that it is the only record of the family in existence that it has been in her possession from its first commencement to the present time and thus she knows it to be correct and true
She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension & further that her husband the aforesaid William Nelson did never to her knowledge receive a pension
           her
Eunice X Nelson
           mark

Sworn to and subscribed
in open Court on the day
and year above written
before me
having been first read over and duly
explained to the said Eunice Wilson
who seemed perfectly to understand
the same and made her mark thereto
in my presence
William Salmon
Judge of the County [Haldimand?]
further[?] County Norfolk Canada West
Page 11

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk
I do hereby certify that William Salmon
Esqr is Judge of the County Court of
record for the County aforesaid and that
I know the signature on the annexed Jurat
to be his genuine signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and the seal of my office

Thomas Chamberlin
Clerk of the Court

Dated at Houghton in the said County of
Norfolk and province of Canada of
Canada this 18th day of January 1855
Page 12

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk
to wit
Personally appeared before me Peter Coughell Esquire one of her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Norfolk
Resident of the Township of Houghton County & Provence aforesaid whom I know to be Respectable and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law says he is personally aquainted[acquainted] with Eunice Nelson widow of William Nelson and the family and has ben[been] for twelve years and that the said Eunice Nelson wife & widow of William Nelson Now Resides in the same Township & County with this deponent and that he has Examined the Record of the said family which is contained in the Bible kept by the mother the widow which are are as follows Viz

William Nelson Born June 21st[?] 1760 in York State
Eunice Youngs Born April 13th 1772. in York State
William Nelson and Eunice Morrice April 28th 1791 by Esquire Canine at Coeymans Patent in New York
---
David Nelson Born January 16, 1792 in York State
Elizabeth Nelson Born August 26th 1793 " York State
Aaron Nelson Born August 5th 1795. In Y State
James Nelson Born September 7th 1797 Y State
Sevinah Nelson Born March 20 1800 Y State
Joseph Nelson Born Febry 17th 1802 Canada
Hanah Nelson Born March 18th 1804 Canada
John Nelson Born August 18th 1806 Canada
Sarah Nelson Born October 9th 1808 Canada
Ruben S. Nelson Born February 11th 1811 Canada
William Y. Nelson Born April 5th 1815 Canada
William Nelson Father Died June 27, 1842 Canada
Page 13

This Deponent says that the foregoing is a true Copy of the original and from his knowledge of the family he has ever reason to and verily believes it is a true Record of the events as they accurred[occurred] relative to the Births Marriage & death of Said family and this deponent further swares[swears] he has no interest what so ever in any claim the widow or heirs may have against the United States
Silas Shaw
Sworn and Subscribed before me
this 18th day of September 1854
Peter Caughill J P.
in and for the said County of the Norfolk
Page 14

Rev. War Section
Record Division.

September 28, 1921.

Mrs. Walter E. Hadley,
658 Cajon Street,
Redlands, Cal.

Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 10" ultimo, you are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. F. 7,589 that William Nelson son of William and Hannah Nelson was born June 2, 1760 in New York State and married April 28, 1791 at Coeymans Patent, N. Y., Eunice Youngs born April 13, 1772 in New York State. Their children were Elizabeth born August 26, 1793 Aron born August 5, 1795, James born September 3, 1797, Lavinah born March 20, 1800. Joseph born February 17, 1802. Hanah born March 18, 1804, John born August 18, 1806. Sarah born October 9, 1808. Reuben D. born February 11, 1811. William Y. born April 5, 1815.
Soldier died June, 27 1842 in Saltfleet Township, Wentworth County, Canada, and his widow Eunice applied for pension September 18, 1854, while residing at Houghton, Norfolk County, Canada, and al-
Page 15

leged that he enlisted in Dutchess County, New York, February 12, 1777 as a Private in Captain Johnson's Company Fifth Regiment New York Troops, and served until January 26, 1780. Her claim was not allowed as she failed to prove that her husband was the man who rendered the alleged service.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Samuel Nevers.
Very respectfully,
Hays Haymaker
Chief Clerk.
Page 16

1921 Sept. 28 Hist to
Mrs. Walter B. Hadley
----
REJECTED
7089
P. O. ___
Eunice Nelson
Service:____
Enlisted:____, 18
Discharged:____, 18
Application filed: ___, 18

Alleges: Claim filed too late
to be on printed list
Re-enlisted: of 1852 of Rejections
Attorney: ___
P. O. ___
___
___ Recognized.   ___Contract
___Cert. of Dis.   Searched for ___, 18
Page 17

H. M. Tell M.D.
Woodstock, Canada West
March 23d 1857
---
Appeal from the decision
of the Commissioner of
Pensions in the case of
Eunice Nelson widow of
William Nelson, Claimant
for a Revolutionary Pension
---
Cole
Respectfully referred to the
Comm of Pensions for a
report
Dept Ref
Mar. 26 '57
Moses Kelly
Chf Clk

received March 26. 1857
Page 18

Why not give the Ch[?]ham[?]
from of Capt Johnson
---
Why didn't he apply
---
Why didn't the Capt
[???]?
---
Why may not he know how 
[?] can the desc[?]
---
How [?] [?]
[?] [...?]
Page 19

State of New York
Secretary's Office 
I certify that it appears from the military Register of the New York Continental Line in the army of the Revolution, remaining in this Office that in the fifth Regiment then were two men by the name of William Nelson one of whom enlisted in D.B. Vier's Company on the 11th March 1777 for three years, and deserted Feb. 1. 1778. and the other enlisted in Johnson's company on the 11th February 1777 for three years, and was discharged January 6, 1780.
Dated Albany Aug. 3. 1855.
A.G. Johnson
Dep. Sec. of State
Page 20

Aylmer Elzie Colt July 10th 1855
Hon'd Sir
Permit me once more to address you on the subject of Eunis Nelson's claim
I have had 2 interviews with the claimant and it seems that all she can recollect about the service of her husband previous to his enlistment in Captain Johnson's Co is not worth the expense of getting her affidavit which according to the law in Canada will cost 
(hers being a foreign claim) $4.00

I will state what she says [first?] [as?] her
husband served over 7[2?] years & was honorably
discharged I don't [see?] as it [service?] be of
any use in the case. She says her husband
had the fortune to have a step
mother who did not [suit?] him &
he engaged in some kind of service
in the army it might not have been
in any organized regiment & yet it might
she does not remember he was from
home 7 months then received his
pay & returned but his step mother
Soon got his money in [?] [?]
abused him & not willing to remain
he enlisted as set forth in her
declaration & was honorably
discharged within a few [days?] of
the expiration of the term for which 
he enlisted She does not know
nor she says cannot recollect that 
her husband ever told of any other 
William Wilson I have made much
Page 21

enquiry of these who know her
and her husband and from what
I can ascertain I have no doubt
in my mind but that her statement
is true. I wrote you last fall
before I left home on what I
obtained the evidence from Albany
They supposed the officers name must
incorrectly spelled & they did not know
whether it was Johnston or Johnson
but it was surely one or the other
of those two names so they have
stated to me after I returned 
from the west I wrote you on
the subject of the 7 months service 
and then wrote to Albany to
[?] in their [?] Wm Nelson 
could be found in the 5th Regiment 
and in Capt Johnson's Co in that Co
there is [?] but [?] member 
in Capt D.B. Vier's Co. there appears
the following stated to me from my
[friend?] viz: "on examination of the 
Continental Records I found the
name of of William Nelson occurred
twice in the 5th: Reg: the first as
follows Wm Nelson Enlisted 11th
March 1777 for 3 years (under
Capt D.B. Vier) Deserted 1 Feb
the second as [] certificate says [7?]
years"  Eunis has never seen
the information nor did
I even imagine it it up to the
time I received it and surely
Page 22

it was a wonder to me when
I read it and your late of the
1st of June Why she should be
required to tell something of
a man which was in another
section of the regiment and if
a relation of her husband he
might well be ashamed to
mention it can hardly be
imagined that a deserter would
remain in the vicinity of his
regiment & return home & then 
frame up a story that he served
3 years taking a [?] day & was
discharged in consequence of
scarcity of supplies in the comp
& had his certificate all stolen with 
his garment when he was
in the vicinity of those who
known him to be a deserter, If
you wish her to make oath that
she does not remember of [?]
hearing of this deserter please inform
me as soon as possible &
I will endeavor to have her do so
if not you will please have
the goodness to forward the
amount of her claim [A?]
his due from 4th March 1831 to
his death and hers to the
present together with pension
certificate. the amt being $2304
I am yours respectfully
H. N. Teall MD
Page 23

Aylmer, Elgin Co Canada West July 20 1855
Hon'd Sir
Yours of the 24th [came?] to [here?] [Wednesday?]
[last?] in relation to the claim of Eunis Nelson
who is clearly proved to be the Widow of William
Nelson who served in Capt. Johnson's ([noth?])
Company of the 5th Reg: N.Y. line it seems
to me and those with whom I have had
communication on the subject that
agreeably to the rules adopted under the
act July 1st 1838, that she nor the witness
can be consistantly required to tell
about a man who had no connection
whatever with respect to this claim with
her husband, before she can be allowed to
receive her pension & certificate, I have
had counsel from more than an old
agent on this case the 3 section of the
rules above quoted she has fulfilled and
more to- if the parties were near me I
would have got in affidavit at once to
all they say they can remember touching
your requirements set forth in yours
of the 7th June last but the Claimant
Page 24

lives some 30 or 40 miles from Aylmer & Springsted
85 or 90 miles in another direction & no rail R 
near them 30 Miles. I had written to them
& received answer from the claimant her
I am coming here twice & stated to me as
I write you I have last week recd from
Springsted in answer to one I wrote him
before I knew anything about the name of
Capt Vier, in which he states he never
knew any other William Nelson than the
one he has already sworn to, and his
son William Y. & that he has told all he can
recollect about his service except that the
man had hard fare & poor pay but
as you must have their own story I
will endeavor to forward it as soon
as they will let me if I had the least
thought there was anything untrue
in their statements I would have
no more to do with them or their
claim but can not believe they
would invent this for the purpose (as
you wrote me last year) of hitching
Page 25

on to a good claim, when the case
was sent to me I was in other business
and up to that time had never seen
a military roll on which is name that
I have presented can be found I have
searched no rolls or records to find
claims when persons describe their
cases to me I send it to the propper
person to look after it & when I
receive the name answering my description
I can not be made to believe the
claim is not well founded although
it may be so desided by others,--
I suppose in this case your object is to
know if they have told the truth I can
assure you although I have many claims
maturing each party interested must
satisfy me that their statement is
true beyond a doubt before I will
forward their claims for pension
in those of Mrs Jones & heirs of Susannah
Foster & this one I have learned enough
to be fully satisfied in that point
Page 26

In Jones, case I have was satisfactory explanation
why he did not apply for pension, in a letter
from his oldest son who was in Illinois
will you please inform me if his
affidavit will be required, or will he
be an interested witness, we can prove
there is no record of marriage of Mrs Jones
in existence as the records only reach back
some 15 years so you will see that
we can meet those points & if you
do not require eye witnesses to prove
that they saw him receive his pay as set
forth in Comptrolers certificate we can 
easily meet that also for there are a
number of his old acquaintance living
who have heard him tell of receiving
continental money for his military
service & saw he had to work his
way home after he was discharged
as that kind of paper would not buy
him a meal of vituals[victuals] to [apenze?] his
hunger - I read your reply in this case of
the 7th July several days after I wrote
in reply to yours in the Foster case on Hannah
Hookers widow
which was dated
after [memory?]
Very Respectfully
after my
H N Teall
Page 27

H. N. Teall
Canada West
June 7/55
Page 28

Pension Office
June 7. 1855

Sir
The additional evidence in support of the claim of Eunice Nelson, widow of William,of N. York, under the act of July 7. 1838,has been examined. The rolls of the 5th New York regiment in this office show that two persons of the name of the claimant's husband served therein at the same time, and I do not deem the proofs sufficient to determine which of them was her husband. The circumstances connected with the services of several persons named Nelson were such, that it is natural he should have made them a subject of
remark, and I desire the claimant and the
witness, Springsteed to state all they can
remember of his statements respecting the
Page 29

service of others named Nelson, who were in the same regiment and line with him, or about the same time. If those persons were his relatives, let the nature of the relationship be stated; and any other facts connected with them, of which the claimant or Springstead have knowledge or recollection, may be important

H. N. Teall Esq
Aylmer, W.C.
Canada West
Page 30

Geneva Nov. 3, 1854
Hon Sir
I recd yours of the 11th inst on
the subject of the claim of Widow of Wm
Nelson and am very thankfull for
your instructions & shall endevour
to comply & would have done so if
I had known the rules before the case
was prepared & would not trouble you
with this were it not to correct
a miss construction put upon these papers
as to the affiants have no personal knowledge of the service of William Nelson who
was the husband of the claimant & that the
whole claim was predicated on the
certificate adduced which were in the
possession of that party when the
papers were prepared, for I have a
few words in defence of my own honor
on that point & first let me say that
in the month of August last I read the
Page 31

following which is extracted from a letter
written to me on various subjects by
Mr BKN[?] Beam of Canada --
"2 Case this case I wrote of her oldest son
has been writing to the Secretary of War these
2 years and nothing did, the old widow
wants you to take it if her son has not
got the Pension on it, she states that her
husband William Nelson was a soldier
in the Revolution several years, he was
discharged lost it. moved to Canada
in or about 1819 went to an office in
York State applyed for a pension
and got the promise of it but never
went to get it I found her old bible
record thus William Nelson Born June
2nd 1760 (in York State) Eunis Young.
Born Apl 13-1772 were married
Apl 28-- 1791 by Mr Canine J P. then their
children, William Wilson died June
27-1842 (in Canada) they cant tell
have to spell the officers names" in
receipt of this I thought it my duty to learn
the true state of the case & sent for that purpose
& to my surprise and in answer the certified
of service & assure you that it was obtained
on the above description of the case and
Page 32

no other with the remark from
Albany that the claim was good for
a few thousand sure - in the next
place I assert positive and hold myself
responsible that neither the claimant or
affiants has ever seen the certificate
I sent with her papers or even a copy
of it to my knowledge & till I saw
her declaration &c I knew not what
they contained when I examined them
I remarked to Mr. B. that I was surprised
to find them to agree so well in answer
to which he said Nelson & family are
very respectable people & well known
& there are 20 old persons who knew
him well & heard him frequently tell
of serving in said war but I now see
the papers were not made according to
rules & have sent them to the parties for
a new trial & hope to be able to get them
right this time & were I not as firm in
the belief that the claim is just I would
not write this or send the parties your in=
Page 33

[in]structions I supposed in every case
the claimants had a right to all the
proof they can obtain in making out
and presenting their claims
I do not make the papers for claimants
except those who make personal
application to me. If you will
have the goodness to inform me if
the record cut from the bible & sworn
to as being so taken by the one who does it
will be sufficient you will very
much oblige me these two cases
being my first & no instructions
to guide me till they were prepared
I think by knowing how to send bible
records I can do better
I have the honor to be
Your very Respectfull friend
H.N, Teall

PS
you did not say in the Foster claim that the
heirs are obliged to come into the Res.
& make a new application, if they & also
all the Witnesses please inform me as soon
as you can as other cases will be preparing
& it will save time & expense all
around
Page 34

15.227
Eunice Nelson
Widow of William
New York

H.N. Teal Nov 1. 1854
do 9, Nov 1854- do
Decr 8, 1854- do 2d Feby
1855 do June 7, 1855.
do July 24, 1855 do Sep
13,1855- do Oct 11, 1855
Secy Interior April 16, 1855
[Secy affirms Pen off decision,
see letter to] H.N. Teal April 30
1857.

7589
Act July 7 1838
Page 35

State of New York

SECRETARY'S OFFICE

Albany March 22d 1855,

I certify that it appears from the Military Register of the New York Continental line in the Army of the Revolution, remaining in this office, that William Nelson enlisted in the Fifth Regiment, in Capt. Johnson's Company, on the 11th day of February 1777 for three years, and was discharged Jan. 6. 1780-
X
A.G. Johnson
Dep Sec of State,
Page 36

Certificate of
Thomas Chamberlin
Clk. 7. D.C,C,N.
Houghton
Norfolk
C.W.
Page 37

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk
To Wit
I Thomas Chamberlin Clerk of the seventh Division Court for the County of Norfolk Held at Houghton in the said County do certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me that William Nelson and Eunice Youngs were married in the year A.D. 1791 by Squire Canine at Coeyman's Pattent in New York State and that the said William Nelson Died A.D. June 27th 1842, in Gore, District, Canada, West and that Eunice his wife remained his widow and is still living and resides in the Township of Houghton in the said County of Norfolk Canada West
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this twenty eighth Day of September 1854
Thomas Chamberlin
Page 38

Redlands Calif. Aug. 10 1921

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Rev. War Section

Dear Sir; In response to your letter dated July 2. We want to thank you most sincerely for the information concerning W. Fuson. We shall certainly prize this for we had tried so hard to get just the information you gave us. I am writing this for my husband. And now for myself I will give you the detail asked for concerning the Wm Nelson we asked for as near as I have been able to find out. My ancestor Wm Nelson was born in New York in June 1720 and died in Canada June 27 1842 his wife's name was Eunice Young married in about 1790. He was discharged in or near Albany. Now after looking this up I want to ask if you can also give me any information concerning Samuel Nevers. Win Nelson is my Great great Grandfather on my mother's side, his son married a grand daughter of Samuel Nevers making Samuel Nevers my great great 
great grandfather, now Samuel Nevers was born Feb, 17 1737 in Gunston, Mass. I haven't the date of his death but his wife was Anna Burrils
In the Mass list of Soldiers I find 2 Samuel Nevers listed
Can you give me any information about him. Was my ancestor the Samuel Nevers Jr listed if so will you give me any information concerning him & his father. I am a D.A.R. having my national number no158033 thro an ancestor Ebenezer Coleman (Lieut Col) on my father side. The height of ambition of a D.A.R. is to find another direct line to the Rev. So if you can assist me I shall appreciate it so much. Thanking you most sincerely for any information you may give me I am yours truly
Mrs Walter B Hadley
Redlands Calif.
658 Cajon St
Page 39

Aylmer Oct 4th 1855
Sir
Yours of the 28th September is received and it gives me pleasure to learn from it that the papers in the case of Sarah Jones of Illinois are found
I have but little to say at present on this case but to assure you that in your two letters which are now before me in that case are these two passages in the one of the 5th Sept 1855 it Stands thus "Sir I have filed the affidavits of Jacob S. Jones and James S. Alexander, relative to the claim for pension of asserted by Sarah Jones of Illinois widow of Ebenezer" I must here remark that there was another paper attached to these two affidavits which filled the
requirements of your predicessor to the fullest extent and far more than I had any idea could be done when I told him that either he or his successor in office would probably recind his 2nd requirement which was in these words "the fact that her husband was the person who received the pay as per certificate of the Comptroler of the State of N.Y. must be proved by persons who knew the fact" it is proved that Sarah Jones husband did serve in certain Companies in Col Cranes Regiment in the State of N. York that paper attached or pasted to the affidavits above refered to States as from the Comptroler of N.Y. that Ebenezer Jones was paid at different time and in pure[?] language
"I further certify that I find no other Ebenezer Jones in the Records of the Revolutionary war in this office" there three papers you
Page 40

chicanery be exposed in the regt[?] quarter Now if you can show by reliable historical facts that these claimants and their witnesses have
Sworn false, it is your province to do it in another manner than to charge them with that crime on grounds which they have never stated. If these persons (William Nelson the husband of Eunice and Ebenezer the husband of Sarah Jones) were not where they have him proven to be by their witnesses &c comments please have the good [?] to show the fact as above requested or if they have [decompear?] which it is proved they did not please inform me under what act they obtained them & I will assist in bringing these same persons to justice for attempting a fraud on our government and be very obliged to you but if you can not do that I greatly fear I shall not be able to find an honourable man in my travils[travels] who would be satisfied with the course your department has practiced toward me in these cases - 
I set out for home on monday next if not otherwise engaged and any Communication you choose to send in reply to this will meet a reception if directed to Geneva N.Y.
I am Very Respectfully
H.N. Teall M.D. 

I take pleasure in correcting
unintentional mistakes but am
opposed fearlessly to intentional wrong
Page 41

must have received if you ever received one of
them. So much for the 5th Sept. 1855--
In the letter dated September 28th 1855 and to appearance written by another hand in this passage
"Sir
The papers in the case of Sarah Jones of Illinois
have been found and examined, but as your file no additional evidence no report is necessary as I concur in the opinion of my predecessor that the evidence now on file is insufficient to justify the allowance of the claim" Both these letters are signed no [Smurnot?] Commissioner now Sir if you will only adjust your opticks and look Sharp at those two letters which I presume you have on file, you must (I think) be convinced that you have either been him humbuged by your Clerks or you have not given the case the required examination, for surely your predecessor was not a commissioner at the date of the filing as you state of those affidavits, if you were, and your name is attached to the certificate for provision for the children of Susannah Foster dated before I sent those three papers above refered to and you will be further convinced that I am not the man to be treated with such subterfuge as I have been in this case and that of Eunice Nelson and I now give you due notice that at my own and earliest convenience after I get home to Geneva Ont. Co N.Y. I shall lay the whole facts in these cases just as they have occured before the
Page 42

Secretary of War and if that does not suffice shall go further, I have correct copies of all the proceedings in these cases including the requirements of your Predecessor and yours trying to reject the evidence he had admitted
and stating that as your grounds for your presumption which was never stated by the claimants or their witnesses, and I only sent you copies of the original copies in Mrs Jones case and the original letters containing the requirements (retaining copies of the same) 
to satisfy you that I will not degrade myself
below the dignity of an honorable Gentleman to sustain any claim I may have the honour to present and as I have other cases in preparation I shall claim and expect to be treated as such and let me assure you once for all that I will not present a claim until I am fully satisfied it is a just one then I will use all honorable means to comply with every reasonable requirement which may be made and when that is done I shall expect a just allowance of the claim at the earliest practicable period, I shall comply with
the laws and the regulations adopted by the Secretary of war and approved by the President and those whose duty it is to examine my papers and adjust my claims must expect to do the same, and when they assume the imprudence to raise presumptions and throw aside reliable evidence on grounds perfectly foreign to the case and which is and can be still further shown by reliable evidence which is above impeachment to be so it is time their
Page 43

chicanery be exposed in the right[?] quarter Now if you can show by reliable historical facts that these claimants and their witnesses have Sworn false, it is your provence to do it in another manner then to charge them with that crime on grounds which they have never stated, If these persons (William Nelson the husband of Eunice and Ebenezer the husband of Sarah Jones) were not where they have been proven to be by their witnesses & claimants please have the goodness to show the fact as above requested or if they have drawn pension
which it is proved they did not please inform me under what act they obtained them & I will assist in bringing the same persons to justice for attempting a fraud on our Government and be very obliged to you but if you can not do that I greatly fear I shall not be able to find an honourable man in my travels who would be satisfied with the course your department has practiced toward me in these cases.
I set out for home on monday next if not otherwise engaged and any communication you choose to send in reply to this will meet a reception if directed to Geneva N.Y.
I am Very Respectfully
H.N. Teall M.D. 

I take pleasure in correcting
unintentional mistakes but am
opposed fearlessly to intentional wrong
Page 44

Aylmer Elgin County Canada West Sept. 12th 1855
Yours of the 5th inst to home touching the whereabouts of the papers in Mrs Jones Claim I thought it best to forward you the enclosed they are true copies of the proofs in her case which you will see by Mr. T's[?] letter of June 17th last was received & filed and we hope you will succeed in finding them in their proper place
We thought at first it was only the intention of your predecessor to bluff us off by the requirements made in the letter alluded to or that he had mistaken the claim sent me for another man fully knowing that at this late day, it can not be expected that any person to meet the 2nd requirement as it might be construed that is privity[?] persons who saw him paid I not knowing at the time but there were others who served in that war in NY by the name of Ebenezer Jones I wrote him & he answered in his subsequent date which is herewith enclosed I then sent to Albany & received the certificate which you have that there is no other by that name on the record of the Revolutionary war that of course settles the
question as to service of the said Jones the other two requirements are also filled by the evidence of M. Alexander & Jacob S Jones there are several other persons who have known E. Jones ever since he came to Canada till his death who I have talked with & all tell about the same as is already shown & I have not the least doubt but that they are facts - we expect the pension from 1831
to his death & thence from 1848, onwards to her death
over
Page 45

P. S. you perceive that Peter Springsteds affidavit herewith inclosed is not dated the reason is, I had seen him previous to the day on which he made oath to the one forwarded he holds the office of Sherriff or as they term it here Bailiff & I left the date, and of the paper now in my possession not knowing when he would attend to it Mr. Jones copied it exact and dated the copy & Mr Springsted made oath to it in my absence but I saw it was correctly done at the time I forwarded it to your department and Mr W's letter of the 19th June you see states it 
received (that is the application and of course all the evidence as it was attached to her declaration) and filed
H. N. Teall
Page 46

thought it might interest you to compair the requirements in this case with those in the case of Eunice Nelson widow of William, I enclose his letter accordingly. I wrote several times that the said she had no recollection of hearing her husband speak of any other by the name but my letters would not answer him[?] & I then sent for the Secretarys certificate showing that the other man was in D.B. Viers Co & I did not know that there was such a Company or a Capt by that name till I was informed of the fact of from Albany after the date of the enclosed I had a statement of her case sent me before I left home stating the length of service of William Nelson & that he was discharged and lost it etc. there are some 4 or 5 old people at Saltfleet who have know him upwards of 30 years and they all say that they have heard him speak of his service in Sullivan Army & that he was discharged & had it stolen by some one taking his garments in which it was contained Sullivans expedition was in 1779 in the fall & the William Nelson in D.B. Viers Co Deserted in 
1778 I surmise[?] that there are no claims more just than these two and believe the requirements are fully and fairly met except the affidavit of Jacob Springsted who wrote me before I went to Saltfleet the last time that he never knew of any other William Nelson who served in the Rev war but the one in Capt Johnsons Co as he had already set forth & the day I was at Haughton he set out for Michigan but he can be found if required.
I am Very truly
your Friend
H N Teall
Page 47

Eunice Nelson
Alymer Canada West
T. N. Beall
Recd Jany, 25th 55,
ansd 27 Jany '55
Cole

William Nelson
Capt Johnson Co
5th N.York Regt
RevWar
-----
Respectfully returned
to the Commissioner
of Pensions and the
applicant so informed
3d [?] office[r?]
Jany 27th 1855
Rch J Simonson[?]
Auditon[?]
Mr Kind,
Page 48

Hon Sir
Will you please be kind enough to inform me what amount of pay is charged to William Nelson a Soldier in the continental line of the State of New York, he enlisted in the spring or latter part of winter 1777- for 3 years served in Capt Johnson's Company 5th Regiment N.Y. Continental line and was discharged in the winter of 1780 - a short time before his time
expired in consequence of scarcity of supplies
in the Camp. The commissioner of Pensions is in possession of my power of Attorney to obtain pension for the said William Wilson's widow the papers are not yet complete agreeably to his requirements but I can see no possible doubt to the justness of the clam & I will be very obliged if you will inform me as to amt of pay for his service as soon as practicable
I left home at Geneva N. Y. Same time since to 
attend to this and a few other claims and although an expense I do not like to return till know the result of my labors please direct to me at Aylmer Elgin Co Canada West
I am very truly your Friend
H N. Teall
Page 49

Province of Canada
County of Wentworth Ss
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for said County & province 
Daniel Crosthwaite Sen aged Seventy two years and upwards a resident of the said County of Wentworth who I certify to be respectable and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law says thus
he was for the term of about fifty years personally acquainted with William Nelson a Revolutionary soldier, that during his acquaintance he has frequently heard the said William Nelson Speak of his service That he enlisted in the continental line of the State of New York and served in Captain Johnsons Company for about three years and was honorably discharged a few days previous to the expiration of his term of service (that he afterwards had his discharge Stolen together with the garment in which he kept it) and many other incidents relative to his the said Nelsons Service in the said Revolution He further swears that he knew the said Nelson to be a man of truth and has no doubt of the facts above stated and it was supposed & generally believed by all who heard
Page 50

the said Nelson Speak of his said service through his whole course of acquaintance with him, he further swears that the said William Nelson & his Wife Eunis came to the township of Saltfleet about the year AD 1800 and this deponant was there and still is a resident of said township - that the said William Nelson died at the said township on the 27 day of June 1842
He further swears that his Widow Eunis Nelson
Remained in said township a few years subsequent to the said death & then removed to the township of Haughton in the County of Norfolk & Province aforesaid that she now resides there and is still the Widow of the said William Nelson He further swears that he has seen a record of the family of the said William Nelson that he knows the hand writing of the said William Nelson & believes that the said record was written by him (William Nelson aforesaid) and he has no doubt of the fact (with the single exception of the entry of the said Nelsons death) that he knows the family by name whose names and ages are therein written he further swears that he has no interest in any claim the Widow may have on
the United States government by
Page 51

reason of the service of her said husband the aforesaid William Nelson
Daniel Crosthwaite

Sworn to and subscribed before me
this nineteenth day of May AD 1855
Colice C. Ferrie J.P.

County of Wentworth
Lantz[?]
I Peter Bowman Spohn Clerk of the
Peace for the County of Wentworth in the
Province of Canada do Certify Colice C. Ferrie
before whom the above affidavit was taken
is one of Her Majestys Justices of the Peace
for the said County of Wentworth and as such
Justice of the Peace entitled to administer
such affidavit and that the above is his genuine
Signature

I have under[?] my hand and seal office
this 19th day of May A.D. 1855
P B Spohn
CP C.N.
Page 52

Brief in
the case of
Eunice Nelson
Widow of
William
Canada
Act July 7. 1838
Page 53

18 September 1854 - Eunice Nelson, widow of William Nelson, a Revolutionary soldier in Captain Johnson's Company, of the 5th New York Regiment, was discharged about the winter of 1780, resided in Canada for 40 years before his death, which was on the 27 June 1842.
She was married to him 29 April 1791-
Page 54

Hannah Sherman & Courtland Hamilton, believe Mrs Nelson to be what she represents herself to be.

Eleazer Rice was acquainted with Wm Nelson, a Revolutionary soldier, resided in the same District with him (from) about the year 1825, until his death in 1842, was also acquainted with Eunice Nelson, widow of Wm Nelson, and has every reason to believe she is what she represents herself to be.

Adna Sherman, was acquainted with Wm Nelson & his widow Eunice, has frequently heard Nelson say he was in the Revolutionary War. he thinks two different times

Silas Shaw is acquainted with Eunice Nelson the widow of Wm Nelson, - Has examined her family record & finds, among other entrys, the registry of her Marriage " April 28th 1791"
Page 55

18. January 1855- Eunice Nelson - 82 years old, says her husband, Wm Nelson, was a soldier in Captain Johnson's Company, of the 5th Regiment of the Continental line of New York
that he enlisted in the County of Dutchess on the 12th of February 1777 for three years, was part of the time under Gen Sullivan, Marched to Genessee Castle, Continued in service until some time in the winter of 1780, when honorably discharged about the 26th day of January 1780, was discharged in consequence of the scarcity of provisions. "The garment" in which he kept his discharge was stolen her husband has frequently spoken of his hardship &c while in service knows of no one by whom she can prove the truth of her allegations, this upon the records of service &c Married 1791. Husband died 1842
Family record of date of Marriage -
Page 56

Jacob Springsted - 77 years old - a "respectable minister of the gospel" was well acquainted with Wm Nelson, a Continental Soldier of the State of N York, knew him before
1790, Nelson frequently told deponent that he had enlisted to serve for 3 years. (as described in the widows declaration) that he was a portion of the time attached to Gen Sullivan's command against the Indians: a short time previous to the expiration of his enlistment he recd an honorable discharge because of the scarcity of supplies in the comp. (discharge lost as explained by the widow). Nelson was married 1791 & died as stated by widow)

Danl Carthwaite, aged 72 was acquainted with Wm Nelson. often heard him speak of his services, that he enlisted in Captain Johnson's Co &c &c (as above)
Page 57

Record of Service
Wm Nelson, enlisted in the N.Y continental line
in the 5 Regt in Captain Johnson's Company on
the 11th of Feby 1777- discharged 6 Jany 1780.

[Afterwards said to be Wm Nelson]

Wm Nelson, enlisted in D B Vier Co. 11 March
1777 for 3 years died
deserted Feb 1778

Triplett
Page 58

Aylmer June 21. 1855
Hon Sir
On the receipt of yours of the 7th inst relative to the claim of Eunis Nelson widow of William. I was prepaired to go a trip to be absent a few days & thought I had better answer yours immediately & write to the party concerned
which I did accordingly to day I have Mr.
John Nelson Son of E & W on purpose to inform him of all the widow knows or can remember touching the service of any William Nelson as follows; that her husband the said William Nelson told him that a short time before he enlisted for three years he served a term of nine months but he said so little about it except the term that she has forgotten under what officers he rendered said service, she does not recollect that he ever mentioned any other William Nelson as being in the service at the time he was. If you require this to be in an affidavit please signify it at your earliest practicable period - and I will cheerfully attend to it. If this is all that can be obtained from her relative to the two William Nelsons perhaps it will be sufficiently satisfactory to you to point out to [?] which of the two William Nelsons you refer to is her husband
I am Sir
your Respictfull
friend & obt servant
H.N. Teall
Page 59

Provence of Canada
County of Wentworth } ss.
Personally appeared before me a Justice of
the Peace with and for the County & Province aforesaid Jacob Springsted aged seventy seven  years [?] [?] a resident of the township of Saltfleet in the County & province aforesaid 
who I certify from personal knowledge to be respectable minister of the Gospel and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law say that he was well & personally acquainted with William Nelson a Continental Soldier in the State of New York that the deponent knew the said William Nelson served years previous to the year AD 1790 at which time they [?] [?] resided in the immediate vicinity of each other in the County of Albany in the State of New York, That the said William Nelson frequently told of this deponent {?] [?] enlisted in the continental army for the term of three years and served in Captain Johnson's of the 5th Regiment and that he was a part of the time attached to that portion of the army commended by General Sullivan in the expedition against the Indians that went [to the?] Genesee River, That at a short time previous to the expiration of his
enlistment he received an honorable discharge in consequence of scarcity of supplies in the camp, that he kept his certificate of discharge 
in a pocket of his garment which was stolen from him and this deponent further swears  that he had [?]....[?] in company with the 
said William Nelson & others who he [?]
Page 60

I Peter Bowman [?] Clerk of the Peace
for the [county?] of [Wentworth?] in the Province of Canada do certify that John Williamson whose is name is signed within as having been the Justice of the Peace before whom the within affidavit was taken is one of Her Majestys Justices of the Peace for the said County of [Wentworth?] That said signature is his genuine signature-- and that as such Justice of the Peace he is authorized to take such affidavit

given under my and seal this
19th day of may AD 1855
P.B. Spohn[?]
Clerk of the Peace

County of Wentworth
[?]
Page 61

Pension Office
July 24th 1855

Sir
I have received your letter of the 11th instant relative to the claim of Eunice Nelson, widow of William, of New York, under the Act of July 7th 1838.
If the suggestions contained in my letter of the 7th ultimo cannot be complied with, it will be useless to prosecute this claim further.
I am respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt
J. Cole
for Commissioner
Page 62

Geneva Oct 29th 1855

Sir
Your letter of the 11th inst relative to the error pointed out to you in the papers of Widow Nelson was forwarded to me at this place from Aylmer in due time. I received it after I mailed the papers in the claim of heirs of Benajah Brown who was a Lieut in Col Cranes Regiment and as appears the same company with Ebenezer Jones whose commission before you I am glad you have made so long a leap from your first erroneous position & I think by a strong effort your will be able to hit on the truth as the next leap for you are still 9 years behind it yet-- you say that "it was an error of the copying clerk in the statement that her husband emigrated to Canada in 1781, for an [?] to the original draft of the letter upon our files I find the date to be 1791 I repeat again and for the last time if you please that he went to Canada in 1800 and not 1781- or 1791 but he went in to the State of Matrimony in 1791 and let me say that his going to Canada or not applying for pension is no honorable guards to raise objections to his widows claim - & you know it and you also know that it would be a mirical[miracle] indeed to produce any more positive evidence of his service & Marriage them has already been done - and if you will take the trouble to look at the regulations adopted under act 1838 you can but know that it is not expected, I am frank to assure you that
in every case I present I will take great pleasure
filling
over
Page 63

every reasonable requirement you may suggest and let the case stand on its own merits as those I have already presented I know the laws & their requirements and be assured that when you raise [strray?] 
presumptions that a man was not in the position he is proved to be by unimpeachable evidence you must present facts to prove your grounds to be reasonable and I repeat if William Nelson of Captain Johnson's Company has ever received a pension please state under what act he obtained it if he has not you have but a reasonable time to send it to me for his
widow Eunice from March 4th 1831 to the time he died and from thence to her insurance[?]
right to this time and place her name on the
pension roll for life according to law 0 if you are not disposed to comply you will have the gratification to test the question whether the appointing power will endorse, your position in this and the case of Sarah Jones Widow of Ebenezer for I shall most assuredly present the whole facts in those cases as presented and your letters to me in reply to them before that had a son as conveniened[?] for the cases are so plain and my request as to their receiving  pension or being in the portions they are proved to be is so reasonable that it would look rather unbecoming to allow an appeal from you in so plain a case as either of them but nevertheless if such a step is necessary I shall take it. I know my rights and your duty too well to abandon these cases on the objections you & your immediate predecessor have raised - if the cases I have and shall hereafter present are honest the claims must be allowed if otherwise (& I will have nothing to do with such if I know it) it is your province to prove them to be so by reliable historical facts when that is done your will get a precept[?] acknowledgement of them but it will be futile indeed for any one to think I will abandon just claims as I believe the Jones Nelson Brown & some others I have in hand and such grounds as are assured in the two
former cases 
Very respectfully 
H.N. Teall M.D.

J. Minot Esq
Commission of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 64

Aylmer Eligen Co Canada West Nov 26 1854

Hon Sir
I arrived here a short time since and found that it will he give impossible for old Mrs Eunis Nelson Widow of William Nelson to go to the U. S. to make her declaration as you wrote me before I left Geneva the nearest place would be about 150 miles from her residence, she is & has been too infirm to be conveyed that distance for several years, There is a Court of Record periodically held in the village where she resides if her declaration will be admissable taken in that court it can be done otherwise the case will have to go down till the heirs can claim it which they surely will & I am quite satisfied will obtain it as the claim appears to be just and surely the Old Widow needs it far more than they. If you will be kind enough to inform me at this place soon you will oblige her much. I intend to remain here a few days then return home to Geneva-
In the case of the heirs of John Foster I find the old leaf contains but the births of the family but the facts of Marriage is provable by persons who knew the parties in their life time & heard them state the fact the facts as first sent with their declaration was thus obtained & the old leaf will corroborate the fact of marriage at the date thereto
Page 65

they state to me that their Father got his pension of an agent named Paul Sherman who they think resided (at the time of their Fathers death) of Green County N.Y. the heirs never applied for the fractional pension they State so to me; they had made another declaration before a Court of Record similar to the one now on file in your department after receiving yours of the9th inst in answer to me of the 3rd in their first proceedings they did not know what to prove but as they now have your instructions they think they can sustain their claim if the proof (which will be reliable) will be admissable as to the date of Marriage births of the family on the old leaf &c to show the date must be before even 1786-10 years or more anterior to the requirements of the law -- they had prepared a statement of the facts to send me not knowing I was coming here which satisfies me that they have no desire to do wrong. If you will in the same answer to the Widow Nelson Case inform us on this you will very much oblige two more honest and needy claimants one of whom is a Widow (Hannah Hooker) with several children depending on her for support - as to my own honest intentions I cheerfully refer you to my man of Good Standing in Geneva who knows me (which are not a few) for a certificate of character as to fair dealing & honesty I shall always hold my self responsible for my
acts in this or any other like business. My object in being so free is to get a fair and honorable start
Page 66

in this business and maintain the same position hereafter. & will truly thank you for any friendly instructions and advice you are pleased to render me
I am your very Respectfull
Friend and Obt Servt
H. N. Teall

There are several old people in Canada who have sent their claims to me at Geneva  is why I came here to know the true facts Some cannot get to the U. S. other can those that can I will if you please require to do so but must those who have honest claims & could sustain them if in the US
be debared from obtaining them because they are too infirm to be conveyed the their? please
reply to this last question also
H. N. T.
Page 67

Geneva Oct 25 1854

Hon Sir
Enclosed please find application &c 
for pension for Eunis Nelson & [?] William Nelson 
If the proof is insufficient to entitle us to pension from 1818 we think it will do to establish the claim from 1831 - up to the present time under the various acts & also  entitle widow Nelson to a pension certificate for life, if you require additional proof in the case please inform me at your earliest convenience my Friend from Canada in here & says there is other proof but they wish to get along with as little expense as possible he will reman here a few days for the purpose of taking the result of the case to the clamant
I have the honor to be Sir
Your very Respectfull servant
H. N. Teall

you presume the date of Secy of States certificate is previous to the other papers I have now seen the widow but her case was mostly[?] described to me to give[?] in examination I as an agt wish to be sure before
puting the parties to expence. & when the case is plainly described as those I send you I take the liberty to search the records when I can - I have not the least doubt in my mind but these claims are as just as any ever presented as my friend is highly respectable have been Post Master
Page 68

under a commission from the Crown of England
for upwards of 20 years & still resides in the same vicinity although he has this year resigned the office
H N Teall
Page 69

Nov 9/3[?]
Page 70

Pension Office
9th Nov. 1854
Sir,
In answer to yours of 3d instant relating to the claim of Eunice Nelson widow of William of New York, I would inform you that the leaf of the family record, cut from the book, and accompanied by evidence of its authenticity
will suffice. In the Foster claim, it is unnecessary for the heirs to come into the United States to make their Declaration.

H. N. Teall Esqr.
Geneva
N. Y.
Page 71

Pension Office
Nov. 1. 1854
Sir:
The declaration of Eunice Nelson widow
of William Lang having been [?] in Canada, and
before a Justice of the Peace, cannot
under our regulations, be considered. She is
therefore, required to make a new declaration
according to the form hereinto sent, before
a Judge of a Court of Record, who has
jurisdiction[?] within the limits of the United States, and to adhere strictly to the
instructions of this office. Instead of the extract
from the marriage Record, if a certified copy of
the marriage certificate cannot be produced
the original Record should be sent to this
office. [I may have to this day have
in that did?] not be admitted [?] [?]
William Nelson is the W. Nelson, who.  according to the certificate
of the Secretary of State and Comptroller of
New York, served in the Line of that State
Page 72

nor her husband unless the evidence of
identity is direct and conclusive. The proof
on the point already pled is enabled[?] to see[?]
might [there?], for it is very clear[?] still[?]
the affiants had no personal knowledge
of the service of the William Nelson who 
was the husband of the claimant, and that
the whole claim for the service of a William
Nelson of the N.Y. Line nor predicated[?] upon the
aspects addressed, which now in the possession
of that party when the papers were prepared.

H. N. Teall, Esq.
Genera
New York

Nov 1/54
Page 73

Pension Office
June 7th 1855
Sir:
The additional evidence in support of the claim of Eunice Nelson, widow of William, of New York under the Act of July 7th 1838, has been examined.
The rolls of the 5th New York regiment in this Office show that two persons of the name of the claimants husband served therein at the same time, and I do not deem the proofs sufficient to determine which of them was her husband. The circumstances connected with the services of several persons named Nelson were such, that it is natural he should have made them a subject of remark, and I desire the claimant and the witness, (Springsteed) to state all they can remember of his statements respecting the service of the other named Nelson, who were in the same regiment and
line with him, or about the same time. If these persons were his relatives, let the nature of the relationship be stated, and any other facts connected with them, of which the claimant or Springsteed have knowledge or recollection may be important.
I am, respectfully,
Page 74

Your Obt. Svt.
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner



H. N. Teall Esqr
Aylmer, 
Canada West
Page 75

Pension Office
Oct. 11. 1855
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 20 inst. you are informed that, if it was stated in my letter of the 13th was relation to the claim of Eunice Nelson that her husband went to Canada in 1780, it was an error of the copying clerk - for a [referring?] to the original draft of the letter upon was July[?]. I find the date to be 1791. The date of William Nelson's emigration to Canada is known, not a very [notoral?] fact in the [con:?] and I repeat not 
it is but [possible?] that a solder who had rendered that [murelanor?] service or
Page 76

is claimed for Eunice Nelson's husband would
have lived even in Canada until 1842. Which[?]
an attempt to [draw?] himself of the thought[?] of
one of the several persons [in?] which the
based[?] her case. If he had not[?] soldier
direct evidence of some could be produced
sure[?] of the [certificate?] filed as entitled to no
consideration whatever.

H. N. Teal
Oct 11 1855

H.N. Teall Esq.
Aylmer
Canada West
Page 77

Moore & Bryant
June 7/55
Page 78

Pension Office
June 7, 1854

Gentlemen,
Your letter of 28th ultima is received.
Five points are essential to be
established, in making out a valid claim for
Revolutionary Pensions: First, the fact of
military service; and second, the duration of
the service, not less than six months.
Strong traditionary evidence may
establish the fact of service, but not its
duration.  It is very clear that the kind of
evidence you mention would be wholly
insufficient to establish a claim for pension.
Mess'rs Moore & Bryant
Crawfordsville
Indiana
Page 79

H. N. Teal
July 24/55
Page 80

Pension Office
July 24, 1855
Sir
I have received your letter of the 11th instant relative to the claim of Eunice Nelson, widow of William, of N.Y. under the act of July 7 1838.
If the suggestions contained in my letter of the
the 7th ultimo cannot be complied with, it will be useless to prosecute this claim further

H. N. Teal Esq
Aylmer
Elgin Co
Canada West
Page 81

Pension Office
Sept. 13, 1855
Sir
The supplemental affidavit of Eunice
Nelson, made on the 17 inst, together with
the dispatch[?] of the Dep. Sec. of the State of
New York, dated on the 3d ult showing that
their were two soldiers named William Nelson
attached to the New York Line one
of whom deserted on the 1st of February 1778
and the other served from Feb. 11, 1777 to
January 6, 1780, have been examined and
filed; and you are informed that a
strong presumption has been [reached?] that
claimant's husband was the deserter, if he
ever was in actual service at all. For it is
not probable that a soldier who had [never?]
dared[?] such mentoners[?], since as is clamed for that Eunice's husband [?] [?] lived until 1842, even
Page 82

in Canada, what being[?] accused[?] himself
the benefit of one of the persons [from?] making
provision for him. Now it is possible that a
soldier who had so faithfully served his
country [hold have aided?] by
under the slightest [?] of self-
[part?] - [thereof?] a "deserter" would, say he
[small?] be obnoxious to his neighbors, and
cancerous[?] not he was just so,
were himself of the poor[?] [opporting?]
to get by and then reach, and [?]
[any?] husband went to Canada in 1781.
To rebut this new of she can now at[?]
direct testimony doubly [?] [claimants?]
husband with the three years son of John
his company will be received. The testimony 
filed thus far is entitled to be [?] whatever
H. N. Teal Esq
Aylmer
Canada West
Page 83

Pension Office-
April 30, 1857 -
Sir
The Secretary of the Interior having
examined the papers in the case of
Eunice Nelson, has affirmed the decision
of this office, disallowing the
claim

H.N. Teal, Esq
Aylmer
Canada West
Page 84

Department of the Interior
Washington April 28 1857
Sir:
Upon due consideration of the claim of Eunice Nelson, as the widow of William Nelson, for a revolutionary pension, under act July 7. 1838. I am so fully satisfied, that the evidence is entirely insufficient to establish her identity as the widow of the said William Nelson, as to entertain some doubt of the good faith with which it is argued. Your decision, respecting the claim is therefore affirmed, and the papers accompanying your report thereon, herewith returned to your office.
I am, very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
J. Thompson
Secretary

Col Whiting Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 85

Know all men by those present
That I Ennis Nelson wife and widow of William Nelson a Revolutionary Soldier who is now dead do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint H.N. Teall of the Village of Geneva in the State of New York my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to examine into and present any claim that may be due or found to be due the widow & legal Representative of William Nelson in Virtue of the said William Nelson's Service in the Revolutionary War and the several acts and resolutions of Congress relative their to and that might have accrued to either of the said Parties and not known by him during his life time and now [for?] his widow or legal representative and to receive the Certificate of Pension when issued by the Department or the money their on I here by confirming what so ever my said attorney may do or cause to be legally done me in person or by substitution in the Prosecution of Said Claim & Revoking any
other authority I may have given to any other Person or Persons in the premises what so ever
In Witness where of Show hereunto
set my hand & seal this Eighteenth day of September one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four
Sealed Signed in presents of
Courtland Hamilton ⎬
Hannah Sherman
Province of Canada 
County of Norfolk to wit
        her
Eunice X Nelson
         mark

Personally appeared before me Peter Coughell Esquire one of her Majesty's justice of the Peace in and for the said County aforesaid Eunice Nelson, widow, and acknowledged the forgoing Power of attorney to be her act and deed
September 18th 1854
Peter Coughell
Page 86

I do hereby Certify that Peter Caughell is a legal
Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk and am personally acquainted with him and his hand writing
Houghton Norfolk Canada West,
Thomas Chamberlin
Clerk 7th Division Co
County of Norfolk
Page 87

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk
to wit
Personally appeared before me Peter Coughell Esquire one of her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Norfolk Eleazar Rice
Resident of the Township of Houghton & County & Province aforesaid whom I know to be respectable and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law says he is personally acquainted with William Nelson
a Revolutionary Soldier and that the Deponent resided in the same Township of Salt fleet in the District of Goor in Canada with the said William Nelson about the year of Eighteen hundred and twenty five & so on till the day
of his Death which was in June 1842 and died at the Same Place where he lived, and he further says he was also aquainted with Eunice his wife now his widow and that they lived togeather as man and wife Respectably and after the death of her husband she moved to Houghton now in Norfolk County and this Deponant also moved in the same Township where they now both live neighbours and he
says he was well acquainted with their family 
and from his personal acquaintence with them he has Every Reason to believe that she is the very identical Person & widow that she represents herself to be and he further swares that he has no interest what ever in any claim the widow or heirs may have against the United States
Eleazer Rice
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 18 day of September 1854
Peter Caughell J.P.
in & for the County aforesaid
Page 88

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk
to wit
Personally appeared before me Peter Coughell Esquire one of her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Norfolk Eleazar Rice
Resident of the Township of Houghton & County & Province aforesaid whom I know to be respectable and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law says he is personally acquainted with William Nelson
a Revolutionary Soldier and that the Deponent resided in the same Township of Salt fleet in the District of Goor in Canada with the said William Nelson about the year of Eighteen hundred and twenty five & so on till the day
of his Death which was in June 1842 and died at the Same Place where he lived, and he further says he was also aquainted with Eunice his wife now his widow and that they lived togeather as man and wife Respectably and after the death of her husband she moved to Houghton now in Norfolk County and this Deponant also moved in the same Township where they now both live neighbours and he
says he was well acquainted with their family 
and from his personal acquaintence with them he has Every Reason to believe that she is the very identical Person & widow that she represents herself to be and he further swares that he has no interest what ever in any claim the widow or heirs may have against the United States
Eleazer Rice
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 18 day of September 1854
Peter Caughell J.P.
in & for the County aforesaid
Page 89

Province of Conadel
County of Norfolk
to wit
Personally appeared before me Peter Coughell Esquire one of her Majesty;s Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Norfolk aforesaid Adna Sherman Resident of the Town Ship of Houghton in the County & Province aforesaid whom I know to be respectable and entitled to full credit and who being Duly sworn according to law says he was Personally acquainted with William Nelson a Revolutionary Soldier now Dead and Eunice his wife and widow now living. he says he was acquainted with them in the District of Gore in the said Province when they were both living together and that he moved from York State to Canada about the year one thousand Eight hundred and lived in the same District with this
Deponant in Canada and since in the same District of [ ] about the year one thousand Eight hundred & forty two and that he has frequently herd the said William Nelson say he was in the Revolutionary war he thinks two different times
And Eunice his wife & widow after the death of her husband moved to Houghton now in the County of Norfolk & Province aforesaid where he resides at the Present time with some of her family and by his long aquaintance with the said family he believes the same William Nelson and Eunice his wife and widow to be the very identical parties they are represented
to be
Adna Sherman
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 18th day of September 1854
Peter Caughell J.P.
in and for the County aforesaid
Page 90

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk
Township of Houghton

Personally come Hannah Sherman and Constance Hamilton, residents of the Township of Houghton, persons whom I certify to be respectable and trusted to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law say that they were present and saw Eunice Nelson, widow, sign her name by ---- to the fore going declaration and by their personal acquaintance with her --- further swore that they have every reason to believe from this appearance of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that these deponants do reside in the Township of Houghton ---
Hannah Sherman
Courtland Hamilton

Sworn and sub--- before me this 18th day of September 1854 at Houghton.
Peter Caughell, J.P.
--- and for the county aforem'd

I do, hereby, certify that Peter Caughell is a legal justice of the peace in and for the county of Norfolk, and am personally acquainted with him and his handwriting.
Thomas Chamberlin,
Clerk ----
---- County of Norfolk
G.M.
Page 91

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk
to wit
Be it knowned that before me Peter Caughell Esq. one of her Majesty's Justice of the Peace in and for the said County aforesaid appeared Eunice Nelson Widow, a resident of the Township of Houghton County & Province aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of William Nelson the identical person who was a Revolutionary Soldier and is now dead and to whom a Discharge was Granted and is now lost and her reliance is on record evidence and other proof for Support of her claim, she further says the Said William Nelson her husband was in the Revolutionary Army and she thinks in Captain Johnson, Company in the fifth Regiment and was discharged about the winter of 1780. And that the said Soldier resided in Goor[Gore] District in said Province of Canada for the space of forty two years before his death which
accured June 27th 1842 and that previous thereto he Resided in York State She further says she was married to the said William Nelson at Coeymans Patent in York State on the 29 day of April 1791 by Esquier Canine
She makes this Declaration for the purpose of
obtaining whatever is due or may be found to be due the said William Nelson her husband or herself in any of the acts of the United States
       her
Eunice X Nelson
       mark
Sworn and Subscribed this 12th day of September one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four

before me Peter Caughell J.P.
in and for the said County of Norfolk aforesaid
at Houghton
Page 92

No 15227
Eunice Nelson
widow of William
[Canada] - New York
July 7. 1838
H. N. Teall
Geneva
New York
Page 93

State of New York
Secretary's Office 
I certify that it appears from the Military Register of the New York Continental Line of the Revolutionary Army remaining in this office, that William Nelson enlisted in Capt. Johnson's Company in the Fifth Regiment on the 11th day of February 1777 for three years, and that he was discharged January 6th 1780. Dated Albany Sept. 9. 1854
A. G. Johnson,
Dep. Sec. of State

State of New York
Comptrollers Office
September 9, 1854
I certify that it appears from an original Document remaining in this Office, headed
"Amount of depreciation charged by the
State of New York as having paid the officers
of their line £. 135, 537, 10, 3" that the name of
"W. Nelson" appears with others under the
following caption
"Amount of depreciation charged by the State of New York as having paid the fourth Regiment £. 18.110.4.3"
"Deductions made on Examination for discharges, desertions &c. &c. previous to the 10th April 1780"
The name of said W. Nelson appears in the
following manner on page 10 of said document
"
153.D. Morrison P. disch'd June 14.79 30.3.3
157 W. Neelson P. ditto Jany 6.80  74.13.4
158 N. Newman P. ditto Feby 4.80  50.13.9"
H.B. Haswell
Clk               ⎬
Jas M. Cook Comptroller
Page 94

Aylmer May 29th 1855
Hon Sir
Enclosed please find 1st the declaration of Eunis Nelson Widow of William Nelson who was a Revolutionary Soldier in the continental line of the State of New York, and also the record of her marriage &c thereto attached 2nd The certificate of the Secretary of State showing his enlistment and discharge 
3 The Comptrolers certificate of the pay & discharge of W. Neelson and showing his error in a former certificate which you can see by looking at the dates of the discharge might be easily done without any design to do wrong, 4th The affidavit of Jacob Springsted Identifying (as far as traditionary evidence) the husband of Eunis the aforesaid declarent to be the one named in the first certificate above named, & proving the record to be in the hand writing of the said William Nelson
5th The affidavit of Daniel Crosthwaite in corroberation of the same facts 
In my letter a day or two since on the Foster Case I explained the manner of the Canada courts of Record & in law they are such I presume you will receive this declaration as satisfactory- in the certificates from Albany of course there can be no doubt, and as to the 2 witnesses there is as little doubt in my mind that the identity is as clearly proved as it can be at this late day
Page 95

there are several old & respectable people living now in the town where this William Nelson died who told me they had known him for a long series of years, that his character
for truth & respectability stood as good as any
other person that they had often heard him tell of his hardships while in the service as set forth in the accompany papers and they had been in company with him & persons who visited him who they believed from the conversation knew him while in the said service & there seems to be no doubt among them of his being the identical soldier set forth by the Secretary's certificate but I thought two witness was sufficient. If it appears so to you then it must follow that the widow is entitled to his pension
from 1831 to the day of his death & in her right onwards to the end of her life providing she remains a widow - we claim this & believe it is clearly established according to law & the regulations of your department since Mr John Nelson returned I have had a conversation with him & B M Brown on the subject of my receiving money in this case & am pleased to say that I had no authority whatever from any of the family to write to you either in his own or their name this I am able to prove I do not care but little about it but only will be glad to know if the said letter was signed John or J. Nelson I am informed on good authority that B wrote & signed it John or J. Nelson I prefer that all papers coming from your hands for getting money shall be in the claimants name especially so unless they give me full promise[?] to get it please reply soon
Yours Respectfully
H R. Teall
Page 96

Aylmer Elgin Co Sept 20th 1855
Hon Sir
Yours of the 13th inst is just here
on the subject of Eunis Nelson's Claim
and I regret to say that you are greatly
mistaken in your statement that William
the husband of Eunis came to Canada
in 1781 if it is so stated in these papers I am
quite confident there has been an alteration
in the dates while in your department
for I have true copies of my person [?]
forwarded & I say with the fullest confidence
that the papers in this case never left [my?]
hands with such a claim in them this
William Wilson the husband of the claimant
resided in the State of N.Y. until the year
1800 and was married to Eunis Youmgs in
1791 at Coemans Pattent in the said State of
N.Y. and resided in the section about
Albany County till 1800, and I most respectfully
request you to note that fact, the evidence
already advanced is be found [impossible?] [?]
and consequently is entitled to just as
much weight as in any other case 
It was stated to me a year ago that
this same William Nelson went to the
State of N.Y. in 1819 to make application
for pension but be no then willing to
Swear that he had no means to support
himself he was told he could not
get a pension under act 1818, & he [?]
require looked after it if those papers
[?] as they left my hands you can
but see your mistake, I sent you
a few days since the requirement in this
case & I [?] they are filled and that they
persons who will not willfully till a lie for all
the persons to be granted, please look at
Page 97

the testimony of Jacob Springstead [?]
can there see that this same William
Nelson was not obnoctious to his neighbors
as you assert in your letter but on the
contrary lived among them both in N.Y.
some 20 years after he rec'd an honorable
discharge and then with many of these same
neighbors from 1800, at Saltfleet
in Canada to 1842 I can hardly be made
to believe this looks like Desertion especially
when there are others who came from N.Y.
and have known him for near 50 years
& tell me they have often heard him speak
about his service and the manner in
which he lost his Discharge I have been
acquainted with the persons concerned in this and also the claim- of Sarah Jones Widow of Ebenezer and also the witnesses & know they are persons of integrity & without 
a reproach till now and their character for truth you will please excuse me for being so plain for I am truly surprised at your statements
contained in the letter above alluded to
I must expect a reply to this soon
I am Respectfuly
your Obt Servant
H. N. Teall

P.S. when I have for the claimants complied
with the law and regulations which are
set forth by the Secretary of War & I know
I have so done in this and all other cases I have 
presented for I have them as my guides[?]
I expect to have the claims allowed or that them who sets me to work must suffer the penalty attached to the fraud and that to by the Government of the U.S. for it is not easy
for me or others to be [call?] bypassed[?] by whom they are not conscious of wrong
Page 98

State of New York
Comptroller's Office
Albany March 31. 1855
I certify that the name of W. Nelson appears with other names in a document remaining in this office - 
The heading on the first page of the document is in the words & figures following to wit -

"Amount of depreciation charged by the
State of New York as having paid the officers
of their Line"     -- 135.537,, 10,, 3.

The ninth page of said Document has the
following heading
"Amt of depreciation charged by
the State of New York as having paid the
Fourth Regiment ---  £ 18.110,,4,,3"

"Deductions made on examination for discharges, desertions &c &c previous to 10 April 1780 viz"

That the name of W. Nelson appears on the 10th page of the said document under the two last headings in the following manner to wit:

"157. W. Neelson P. disch Jany 6. 80 £74,,13,,4."

and I further certify that the name of William
Nelson or W. Nelson is not found on the records of the Revolutionary War in this office and if the name of W. Nelson of William Nelson was set forth by me in any certificate
from this office, the same was intended for W. Neelson.
C.P. Haswell Clk
L.M. Cash[?] Comptroller
Page 99

Eunice Nelson

I am well acquainted with [?]
hand writing and know that the writing 
is his genuine official signature and
as such it is entitled to full faith
and credit.
In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my name and affixed 
the seal of my office this seventeenth day of 
August in the year A.D. 1855
Thomas Chamberlain
Page 100

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk| ss

Personally appeared before me Alexander Vance a justice of the peace within and for the County and Province aforesaid Eunis Nelson aged eighty two years and upwards a resident of the township of Houghton in the County and Province aforesaid who I certify from my own knowledge she being known personally to me to be respectable and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law says on her oath that she is the Widow of William Nelson who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War in the Company Commanded by Captain Johnson in the fifth Regiment of the New York Continental Line and was honorably Discharged as has already 
been set forth in the certificate of the 
Secretary of the State of New York under date of March 22, 1855 and forwarded to the Pension Office, She further swears that she has recently been informed that there was another person by the name of William Nelson who enlisted in the aforesaid Regiment in the same year but was not in Captain Johnson's Company, She further swears that she does not  remember to have heard her husband make any remarks about this although he might have done so many years ago - but she is quite positive that her said husband had no relation by  the name of William Nelson who was engaged in the said Revolution at any time 
she further says that she has heard her said husband speak of a soldier named Murphy who was in General Sullivan's
Page 101

army in the expedition against the Indians 
there among other incidents he spoke of the
said Murphy as being in a reconnoitering or
scouting party sent in advance of the main
army under the command of Lt. Thomas
Boyd while near the Genesee River [?]
the said party were surprised by the 
Indians and all killed but the said Murphy
who after seeing the rest of the party [overwhelmed?]
made his escape and met the main army
who having heard the report of their rifles 
had commenced to advance to their 
relief that on arriving the same day at
the place where the said surprise was 
effected by the said Indians her said
husband was in the front [line?] of said
army and saw the remains of those
who had been killed in the engagement
and left by the Indians and a circular
path which he was told by the said
Murphy was made by the war dance
around the ill fated Indian guide 
who had been employed by the said Lt.
Boyd who was supposed to have [?]
his way the night previous to the attack
She further swears that the said William
Nelson (her husband) was at about the 
time she was married to him what
was then called a Methodist Exorter
and remained such for a great many
years afterwards and his general 
subjects of conversation was not so
much on what he had seen and suffered
during the three years of his service in the
said war as would have been expected 
had he been of an irreligious temperment
Page 102

She further swears that previous to the year
1800. several persons whose families then
resided at Coemans Pattent in the State of
New York had visited Canada some
of whom had purchased land & had [?]
to settle in the province with their families
that the said William Nelson was urged
to do like wise by several persons who were
his friends & among that number were
Mr Springsted Father of Jacob Springsted
residing at Saltfleet in said province
and a Mr. Jones Brother of Ebenezer Jones
who was a Revolutionary soldier and
served in another company and Regiment
in New York at the time her said husband served as
above stated as she has frequently heard
and verily believes, and that the said
William Nelson did with his family [remove?]
from the said State to Saltfleet in the province
of Canada aforesaid, as she has already [heard?] by other witnesses
        her
Eunis X Nelson
         mark

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 17th day
of August. 1855 after having been read over and
duly explained by me to the said Unis
Nelson who seemed to fully understand it
and made her mark thereto in my presence
Alexander Vance J P
Page 103

Province of Canada
County of Norfolk } ss
I hereby certify that [blank]
is a legal Justice of the Peace 
within and for the county and Province 
aforesaid duly appointed and sworn that
I am well acquainted with his [hand?]
hand writing  know that the writing
is his genuine official signature and
as such it is entitled to full faith
and credit
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my name and affixed 
the seal of my office this Seventeenth day of
August in the year A.D. 1855
Thomas Chamberlain
Clerk of the 7th 
Division, Court County Norfolk
Canada West