Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25336, Nathan Adams, Mass
Page 1

SERVICE 
Mass.   Adams, Nathan   W. 25336
Polly   B.L.Wt 30.592-160-55

b 1760 at Framingham, Mass. Son of  David. 
res. during Rev Barre & Rutland, Mass -
in 1832 res. of Dummerstown, Windham Co Vt
d. June 5,1835 at " (Dummerstown, Windham Co Vt)
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Vermont   No. 28,354
. . . Nathan Adams . . .
of Dummerston in the State of Vermont who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain Knowlton of the Regt commanded by Col. Dyke in the Massachusetts line for 17 mos 2 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 56 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of May 1834 and Hon. H. Hall, [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1834   170.64
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept ditto  28.44
$199.08
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by R. Burdine  Clerk,
Book E   Vol. 3   Page 51
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No. 62.  Windham Co. Vermont.
Nathan Adams
Declaration, &c. for Pension
August 1832.
No 4001
Page 4

STATE OF VERMONT.
County of Windham ss.
Probate District of Marlborough
At the Probate Court, for said District, being a Court of Record-
On this second day of August A.D. 1832--Personally appeared in open Court, At Brattleborough in said District
Present-Marshall Miller, Esquire Judge
Before the said Probate Court, within and for said District now sitting Nathan Adams a resident of Dummerston in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged seventy two years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832--That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In the year 1776 at Barre, Mass. engaged in the line of the Massachusetts militia for four months in Capt. Knowlton's Company and Col. Dyke's Regiment, and served the whole four months at Dorchester Point, Mass. In 1777 at Barre Mass. engaged in the same line for six months in Capt. Carle's Company and Col. Keyes's Regiment, and served at Providence and other places in the State of Rhode Island. In the month of July or August 1778, entered the service of the U.S. as a militia man, marched to Providence, was in that service at the time of the battle with the British and when they evacuated, served at this time two months. Gen. Sullivan was commander. I was in Col. Whitney's Regt. believe the Captain's name was Newell. In Sept. or Oct. 1778, engaged at Rutland, Mass. and served six months guarding the British prisoners was in Capt. Hartwell's company. Does not recollect ever receiving any discharges in writing. Refers to the accompanying affidavits of Abiathar Child, John Forbes and Daniel Stone as evidence of his services.
[in left margin written vertically-4
6
2
6]
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
1. Was born in Framingham, Mass. in the year 1760
2. Has no record of his age.
3. Lived in Barre and Rutland Ms when he enlisted at different times, as above stated. Removed to Vermont about fifty years ago and have lived in Brattleboro & Dummerston ever since.
4. Enlisted voluntarily
5. Does not recollect the names of continental officers except Gen. Sullivan
6. Received no written discharges
7. He refers to Joshua Wilder and Joseph Bernis as witnesses under this interrogatory, there being no Clergyman in the vicinity by whom he can prove that he is and has been reputed and believed, to be a soldier of the revolution, in the neighborhood where he resides
Nathan Adams
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
We Joshua Wilder a citizen, residing in the town of Dummerston in said county and Joseph Bernis of Dummerston in said county hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathan Adams who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. We further certify that said Adams is reputed to be a man of undoubted veracity in the neighborhood where he resides. 
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Joshua Wilder
Joseph Bernis
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Joshua Wilder who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said town of Dummerston and that Joseph Bernis, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Dummerston in said county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I James Elliot, Register of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Marlborough aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathan Adams for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this second day of August A.D. 1832.
James Elliot Prob. Regr.
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James Elliot Clerk.
Nathan Adams of Dummerston in the county of Windham and State of Vermont aged seventy three years, makes the following in addition to his former declaration for a Pension, he stated in his former declaration, that he engaged in the line of the Mass. militia for four months in 1776 at Barre Mass. in Capt. Knowlton's Co. Colo. Leiker's Regiment, and that he was partially induced to make the above statement, from a conversation he had with Abiatha Child, whose affidavit, he heretofore did and does now transmit to the War department, and who has since deceased. He now states that he enlisted at Barre Mass. in Sept. 1776 as a private into Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton's Company in Colo Dyke's Reg. for six months, that he joined the company at Waltham Mass. soon after his enlistment, was marched with the company to Roxbury, Mass. and was stationed there about two months on duty was guarding the fort & barracks there- was then marched to Dorchester Point and was stationed there four months employed in guarding the Forts and cannon, that he was dismissed at said Dorchester in March 1777, that he served at that time in the Revolutionary War six months. That he enlisted again at said Barre in Sept 1777 in Capt. Earl's company and Colo Keyes' Regiment for six months in the Mass. line, that he was marched, soon after the time of his enlistment with the Regiment to Rhode Island was stationed at Providence & occupied the Colleges for barracks, two or three weeks--was then marched to Tivertown & Seconk & was then marched to Providence again remained there about two weeks, was marched along the sea shore untill his was discharged which was the last of March or first of April 1778. That he enlisted again as a private into the army of United States in July 1778 at Rutland Mass. into Capt Newell's company for six weeks, was march with the company to Providence & there the company to which he belonged was marched to Sekonk as a guard, remained there two or three weeks, was ordered to join the Regiment & did join it at a place called Slate's Ferry, was then conveyed on boats on to Rhodes Island, was employed at the lower end of the Island fortifying and entrenching, was there at the time of the battle & when the Brittish evacuated was brought off the Island in the night-our company was then marched to Tiverton, with the company, the fore part of Sept. 1778- served at that time two months, Gen. Sullivan commanded. Next he enlisted as a private, at Rutland Mass. he thinks the last of Oct. 1778 for six months in Capt. Hartwell's company, was employed with the company, the whole six months in guarding the Brittish prisoners which were taken at the surrender Burgoyne-there was only one company there at the time, a Major Whitney was there a several times during said six months- was discharged at said Rutland in March 1779-he served at that time six months being the term of time for which he enlisted. That his Father Daniel Adams was called upon to serve six months & came to Rutland 
[written in pencil along the left margin--6
6
6 weeks
6]
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about the time that his last term of service for which he enlisted had elapsed, his father was old & requested him to serve in his place--that he enlisted again at said Rutland in March 1779, for six months into a company commanded by Capt Livermore was employed at said Rutland during the six months, for which he enlisted, in guarding the prisoners (Burgoynes men) when his last term of service had elapsed he was discharged at said Rutland in Sept. 1779--immediately after his last enlistment he was appointed corporal and served in that capacity during said six months. He did not state his last term of his service in his former declaration as he had no witness by whom he could prove his service of the same-- He refers to his former affidavits, with an additional one of Jason Hawes, all which he here transmits to the War Department
Nathan Adams
Dummerston Windham County Vermont Oct. 30-1833-
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me Marshall Miller Justice of the Peace
I Hosea Berkley a clergyman residing in the town of Dummerston county of Windham and State of Vermont, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Nathan Adams who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that I believe him to be seventy three years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion. 
Hosea Berkley
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me Marshall Miller Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office New Fane October 31, A.D. 1833-
I certify that Marshall Miller is a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the above are his signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court the day and year above written
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4001
Nathan Adams
Dummerston
Vt
Hon. H. Hall
Page 8

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
[crossed out-April 25] 1833
Novr 23d 1833
Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
At Statement, shewing the Service of Nathan Adams
[table headings-Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. (subheadings-Years, Months. Days) | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported. | 
1776 & 7 | - 6 - | private | Gen Ward | 73 years | Abiatha Child
1777 & 8 | - 6 -| -- | N. Dike Colo | Barre Mass. | 
1778 | - 2 - | -- | Lt. Colo H. Haskell | Jason Hawes
1778 & 9 | - 6 - | -- | Maj. Nash Goodman | - | John Forbes
1779 | - 6 - | Corporal | Gen. Sullivan | -- | Danl. Stone
[Under Years-2 under Months-2]
It appears improbable that he should have forgotten his rank in his last service, & also doubtful as to any part of Burgoynes army bein in Mass or Vt as late as 79. He has adduced no proof as to his rank!!! If he served as he states his service can be proved by E D Bargs Esq
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr Nathan Adams
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of 
County of } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with [blank] and served in the (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [finger pointing right symbol] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of [blank] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of the applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
(Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the Ne Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.)
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
*(Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person)
*The best proof is the rolls in the office of Secretary of Massachusetts are very doubtful, and the duration of that in Gd Ky
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(will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex-expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.)
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]. For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
(Proof of Service.)
([j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[finger pointing right] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k]T This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department; with the declaration.
tes at Boston-without this two last terms stated
Reg
Page 11

3986
Vermont Montpelier
Polly Adams
widow of Nathan Adams
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
56 Dollars 88
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
5th day of April 1854
and sent to
L.G. Mead
Brattleboro, Vt.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 25 Vol. H
(32)
Page 12

State of Vermont
Windham County SS} Be it remembered that at Dummerston in the County aforesaid on this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven Nathan Adams of Dummerston in the County of Windham and State of Vermont and Polly Sterns of said Dummerston were duly joined in marriage by me
David Bemis-Justice of the Peace
I certify the above to be a true copy of said Marriage as per Records of Marriages Book B, page 150
Joseph Miller Town Clerk
Town Clerks Office
Dummerston March 1st 1854} I Joseph Miller above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Dummerston, County of Windham in the State of Vermont & that the above is a true extract of the Records of said town as certified by me
Joseph Miller Town Clerk
Windham County SS Dummerston March 1st 1854
Then personally appeared the above named Joseph Miller & made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
Before me John F. Stearns Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont,
WINDHAM S.S.}
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that John F. Stearns was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate thereon written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleboro, this Eleventh day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
Page 13

State of Vermont
County of Windham Ss. On this 11th day of March A.D. 1854 personally appeared before me the Judge of Probate for the District of Marlboro in said County Polly Adams a Resident of said County Aged 67 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d day of February 1853 granting pensions to Widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Nathan Adams late of Dummerston in said County deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his decease who was a Pensioner under the Act of 1818 and resided in said Dummerston at the time he was pensioned & received the sum of Ninety six Dollars per annum. And she further declares that she was married to the said Nathan on the 18th day of November A.D. 1827. That her said Husband died at said Dummerston on the 5th day of June A.D. 1835. That she was not married to him prior to the 2d day of January 1800 but at the time above stated and she further declares that she is now a widow
Polly [her X mark] Adams
Witness
B Dyke
Page 14

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Brattleboro in said District the day & year first above written
Bryan Dyke Judge
Page 15

181.036
Act Mar 3
June 30} '53
Polly Adams, widow
of Nathan Adams
priv.
Capt
Col. 
Enl.Dis.
Revolution
[written diagonally acrosss-No 30.592 S June 13/56]
Pensioner Act Feb 3-1853
Feby 53-3986
Wd: 160 Act June 4/56
BOynton
G. L. Roberts
Chester
Vermont
Vol. A.22.
Page 16

REVOLUTIONARY WIDOWS.
STATE of Vermont
COUNTY of Windham} SS.
On this 16 day of June 1855, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the said County and State, Polly Adams, aged 67 years, a resident of said County and State, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Nathan Adams deceased, who was a Soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, and that she is in the receipt of a Revolutionary pension under the Act of Feb 3d 1853, her pension certificate is No. 3986, and is dated April 5, AD 1854. She further declares that she was married to the said Nathan Adams in the County of Windham, and State of Vermont, on the 18th day of November, 1827, by David Bemis Esq, and that her name before marriage was Polly Sterns that her said husband died at Dummerston, Vermont, County of Windham, on the 5 day of June, 1835 and that she is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act, approved March 3, 1855. She also declares that she has never applied for nor received under this or any other Act of Congress, any bounty land warrant,
Polly [her X mark] Adams
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 16 day of June 1855
Wm. Houghton Justice of the Peace
We J.L. Roberts resident of Chester Windsor Co and Roxanna Willard resident of Putney in the County of Windham and State of Vermont upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Polly Adams in our presence, and that we believe, from what we know of, and from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. These deponents further upon their oaths say, that the above named Polly Adams is now a widow.
J. L. Roberts
Roxanna Willard
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 16 day of June 1853
Wm. Houghton Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont
WINDHAM, S.S. }
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
William Houghton
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate [illegible] is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court at Brattleborough, this 28th day of June Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
Page 17

REVOLUTIONARY WIDOWS.
STATE of Vermont
COUNTY of Windham} SS.
On this 16 day of June 1855, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the said County and State, Polly Adams, aged 67 years, a resident of said County and State, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Nathan Adams deceased, who was a Soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, and that she is in the receipt of a Revolutionary pension under the Act of Feb 3d 1853, her pension certificate is No. 3986, and is dated April 5, AD 1854. She further declares that she was married to the said Nathan Adams in the County of Windham, and State of Vermont, on the 18th day of November, 1827, by David Bemis Esq, and that her name before marriage was Polly Sterns that her said husband died at Dummerston, Vermont, County of Windham, on the 5 day of June, 1835 and that she is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act, approved March 3, 1855. She also declares that she has never applied for nor received under this or any other Act of Congress, any bounty land warrant,
Polly [her X mark] Adams
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 16 day of June 1855
Wm. Houghton Justice of the Peace
We J.L. Roberts resident of Chester Windsor Co and Roxanna Willard resident of Putney in the County of Windham and State of Vermont upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Polly Adams in our presence, and that we believe, from what we know of, and from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. These deponents further upon their oaths say, that the above named Polly Adams is now a widow.
J. L. Roberts
Roxanna Willard
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 16 day of June 1853
Wm. Houghton Justice of the Peace
The foregoing declaration an affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written: and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Wm. Houghton Justice of the Peace
Page 18

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Am
March 8, 1924.
John B. Adams,
25 Cottage St., 
Providence, R.I.
Sir: 
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.25366, it appears that Nathan Adams was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1760. During the Revolution he resided at Barre and Rutland, Massachusetts, and served as a private in the Massachusetts Troops as follows:
From September 1776 for 6 months in Captain Ezekiel Knowlton's Company, Colonel Dike's Regiment.
From September 1777 for 6 months in Captain Earl's Company, Colonel Keyes' Regiment.
From July 1776 for 2 months in Captain Newell's Company, Colonel Whitney's Regiment.
From October 1776 for 6 months in Captain Hartwell's Company.
As a substitute for his father, David or Daniel Adams, from March 1779 for 6 months as a Corporal in Captain Livermore's Company.
Page 19

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 2, 1832, while a resident of Dummerston, Windham County, Vermont. He died there June 5, 1835.
Soldier married November 18, 1827, Polly Sterns of Dummerston, Vermont. She was allowed pension on her application executed March 11, 1854, while residing in Windham County, Vermont, aged 67 years. There is no further data as to family on file.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 20

[left side] made
Sept. 1883,
[center] Revy
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25.336
Polly Adams
wid of
Nathan Adams
Pri Rev War
Act Feb 3d 53
Index: Vol. A, Page 4
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[right side] Genealogical note
by N.D. Adams
1922, Feb. 27 hist to Mrs. Gertrude
R. Shaefen Eu.
1924, Mch.8,-Hist to
John B. Adams. U.M.
Page 21

No 4441
Vermont.
Polly Adams widw
of Nathan
1854
March 23" Let to L.G. Mead
Act 3 Feb. 1853
Page 22

Mch: 20" 1854
Polly Adams, wid:
of Nathan
Windham Co:
Vt:
Act/53
$56.88/100 Rev An:
Com: Feby: 3.7853
Revy
S.G. Mead
Brattleboro
[written vertically-DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Commissioner]
Page 23

Death of deceased
Pensioner entered on
Book under act of J 32
Page 24

Please address
L.G. Mead
Brattleboro
Vt
Page 25

Chester Vermont June 28th 1855.
L.P. Waldo Esq:
Dear Sir,
I herewith forward to your address the declaration of Mrs. Polly Adams for bounty land, pleas acknowledge the receipt thereof & send warrant when issued to Rev. J.L. Roberts Chester Windsor County Vermont.
I Am Sincerely & truly yours
J. L. Roberts
Page 26

March 31/54
I return herewith the additional Certificate of the Justice in case of application of Polly Adams for Pension
Yrs Resp
L.G. Mead
Page 27

J L Edwards Esq
Page 28

Mr Edwards will oblige me by as early a re examination of the case of Nathan Adams, as may be practicable
May 10 '34
H. Hall
Page 29

and I further certify that the said Abiathar Child, who is now deceased, was, when he gave the above affidavit, to all appearance of his person, and by reputation, more than 80 years of age, and that, in any case like the present, where he was disinterested his testimony was & is entitled to full credit.
Rufus Putnam Justice of the Peace
Octr 23d 1833
Page 30

Adams N private
17 mo & 2 days
$56.88
Hon H Hall
H R
Page 31

War Department
Pension Office
March 6 1834
Sir,
The letter of Marshall Miller Esq to you relative to the claim of Nathan Adams is returned. Wherein Mr Bangs shall certify that rolls of the corps in which the claimant alleges he served, are not in his office, it will then be determined whether sufficient evidence of the service has been performed. There are know to be rolls of some of the corps in that office and the production of the best evidence being indispensible, it must be shown whether the name of the claimant is borne on them. The papers are again returned.
I have the honor to be
your obt 
JL Edwards
Hon H. Hall
Ho of Rep.
Page 32

Dr Sir
I am sorry to be under the necessity of returning you the papers of N. Adams, suspended. Will be happy to give you any aid in my power in relation to any pension cases, & am sorry that it has been useless in this case
very respectfully yours
Hiland Hall
March 9
I send the papers in two packages
Page 33

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, April 17th 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Adams, as a private, is borne on a Muster Roll of Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton's Company in Col. Dike's Regt. where he is allowed from December 14th 1776 to the last day of Feby 1777, two months and seventeen days. m 2= d 17
Nathan Adams' name is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Ralph Earll's Company, in Col. Danforth Keyes' Regt.  where he is allowed from July 10th 1777 to Jany 4, 1778, five months & twenty five days. 5=25
2 Nathan Adams name is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Ephraim Hartwell's Company of Guards, where he is allowed from October 31st 1779, to April 22d 1780, five months and twenty three days. 5=23
1 Nathan Adams' name is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph Livemore's Company, where he is allowed from July 8th to October 4th 1779, two months and twenty seven days. 2=27
17=02
Nathan Adams claims for further services under
Page 34

all the above named Officers, and for services under Capt. Newell in July 1778, but the rolls he describes are not found in this Office, except those mentioned.
Edward D Banys
Page 35

Brief in the case of Polly Adams widow of Nathan,
Windham County and State of Vt.
act 3d July: 1853.
Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7" June 1832.
Record evidence of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
L. G. Mead Esqr
Brattleboro
Vt:
Name and residence of Agent
S.C. Boynton,
Examining Clerk.
Page 36

We Joel Knight Joseph Nurse William Miller-of Dummerston in the County of Windham and State of Vermont being of Lawful age depose and say that we were well acquainted with Nathan Adams late of said Dummerston, That said Adams died at said Dummerston on the Fifth day of June [crossed out-day of April] A.D. 1835 we were neighbors to said Adams and well recolect the fact and time of his death; We also are well acquainted with Polly Adams his widow- who now resides in Putney in the County and State aforesaid, who now applies for a Pension as the widow of said Nathan Adams. We know her to be the same person who lived with said Nathan as his wife, and who we have since known as his widow. We further say that we are not interested in her obtaining said Pension.
Joel Knight
Joseph Nurse
Wm. Miller
State of Vermont
Windham County SS. Dummerston March 7th 1854
Then personally appeared the above named persons "Joel Knight Joseph Nurse & William Miller" and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by them subscribed.
Before Me Wm. O. Miller Justice of the Peace
(Erasure of "day April" made before executed)
Wm. O. Miller Justice of the Peace
Page 37

William O. Miller was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the Certificate thereon written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deed, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this Eleventh day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four
Royall Tyler Clerk.
State of Vermont
Windham County Ss.} Dummerston March 28th 1854
I William O. Miller the Justice of the Peace within named hereby certify that Joel Knight Joseph Nurse & William Miller, who have subscribed and made oath to the within affidavit are men of good character & credible witnesses. They are well known to be and are some of the most respectable
State of Vermont,
WINDHAM, S.S.}
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that William O. Miller was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate secondly thereon written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 31st day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
Page 38

State of Vermont,
WINDHAM, S.S.}
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that William O. Miller was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the Certificate thereon written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deed, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this Eleventh day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four
Royall Tyler Clerk.
State of Vermont
Windham County Ss.} Dummerston March 28th 1854
I William O. Miller the Justice of the Peace within named hereby certify that Joel Knight Joseph Nurse & William Miller, who have subscribed and made oath to the within affidavit are men of good character & credible witnesses. They are well known to be and are some of the most respectable citizens of Dummerston
Wm. O. Miller Justice of the Peace
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 31st day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
Page 39

We the subscribers inhabitants and residents of Dummerston in the county of Windham and State of Vermont; severally depose and say, that we are well acquainted with Nathan Adams of said Dummerston, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, that we concur in that opinion, and that said Adams does and always has supported the reputation of an honest man and a man of veracity
Dummerston Oct. 30_1833_Jason Duncan Judge
Benj Estabrook
Joseph Bemis
George Nichols
Joseph Bemis Jr.
State of Vermont Windham County
Personally appeared Jason Duncan Benj Estabrook Joseph Bemis George Nichols & Joseph Bemis Jr and made Solemn Oath that the above afidavit contains the truth and nothing but the truth. Before me 
this 1st day of Novr AD 1833
Joseph Duncan Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above Jason Duncan Benjamin Estabrook Joseph Bemis George Nichols and Joseph Bemis Jr who have subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit are credible witnesses
Attest Joseph Duncan Justice of the Peace
Page 40

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
Newfane Nov. 2d A.D. 1833
I certify that Joseph Duncan is a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the foregoing is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court the day and year above written.
James Elliot Clerk.
Page 41

I Abiathar Child of Rutland in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts of Lawful age do testify and depose that I am well acquainted with Nathan Adams of Dummerston Windham County State of Vermont that he performed the services of a private soldier in the war of the Revolution with me in the line of the Massachusetts Militia for the term of four months in 1776 in Capt Knowlton's Company & Col. Dyke's Regiment, also for the term of six months in 1777 in Capt Earles Company & Col. Keyes' Regiment and also for the further term of six months in 1778 in Capt. Hartwell's Company
Abiathar Child
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester Ss. July 10th 1832. Then Abiathar Child subscribed the above affidavit, and made oath to the truth thereof
Before me Rufus Putnam Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester Ss. I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Courts holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that Rufus Putnam Esquire, before whom the above affidavit was made and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, and that his signature thereto appears to me to be in
Page 42

his own proper handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the County Seal, this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk
Page 43

I Jason Hawes of Barre in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy five years do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Nathan Adams formerly of Barre in the county of Worcester and now of Dummerston in the state of Vermont. I know that said Adams served in the Army of the Revolutionary War at Dorchester in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1778, in the company commanded by Capt Ezekiel Knowlton & Col Dikes Regiment-said Adams served in the same company with me, from the first of September 1776 to the latter part of March 1777-making in the whole time, six months. I saw said Adams frequently on duty in sd service and have no doubt he faithfully served his time out, as a faithful soldier
Jason Hawes
Worcester County Ss
October 1833
Then personally appeared Jason Hawes of Barre above named, being seventy five years of age, and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed to be true; I certify that said Jason Hawes is a person of credibility & that full faith may be given to his deposition. Before me
Nathl Houghton Jus. of the Peace 
in sd County
Page 44

I John Forbes of Oakham in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts being eigty seven years of age, testify and say; that I am well acquainted with Nathan Adams of Dummerston, Windham County, State of Vermont, that he performed the services of a private soldier in the War of the Revolution, with me, in the line of the Massachusetts Militia for the term of six months in 1777 in Capt Earles Company & Col. Keyes Regiment stationed at Rhode island
John [his X mark] Forbes
Worcester County Ss
Oct 19, 1833} Personally appeared John Forbes above named and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed. I certify that said Forbes is a Person of credibility & full faith may be given to his testimony.
Before me Skelton Felton Jus. of the Peace
Page 45

I Daniel Stone of Oakham in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, being seventy-seven years of age, testify & say that I am well acquainted with Nathan Adams of Dummerston, Winham County, State of Vermont, that he performed the duties of a private soldier with me, six months in the War of the Revolution, in the State of Rhodeisland in the year 1777, in Capt Earles Company & Col Keyes Regiment
Daniel Stone
Worcester County Ss
October 19, 1833} Personally appeared Daniel Stone above named, and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed. I certify that I have no doubts in regard to the truth of the above declaration
Before me Skelton Felton Jus. of the Peace
Page 46

Nathan Adams
Page 47

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, Ss. I, Joseph G. Kendall, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the County of Worcester, do certify, that Rufus Putnam, Nathaniel Houghton, and Skelton Felton, Esquires, are Justices of the Peace within and for said County of Worcester--and that their signatures to the certificates of the oaths of Nathan Child, Jason Hawes, John Forbes, and Daniel Stone to the truth of the Depositions by them respectively subscribed, and hereto annexed, appear to be in the proper hand writing of the said Justices.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand, and affix the County Seal, at Worcester, this twenty third day of October, in the year eighteen hundred and thirty three.
Jos. G. Kendall Clerk
Page 48

Rev Sec
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Can you give me any information as to the service of men of the following name who were supposed to have given service in the Revolutionary War.
Nathan Adams b. Framingham, Mass 1760 and died in Dummerston, Vt. June 5, 1835 age 75 years. Pensioner.--
Lieut. Francis Prouty born at Leominister or Lancaster Mass. Apr. 29, 1744. died Dummerston, Vt. Mar 3 1823.
James Nichols b. abt 1765. died Dummerston, Ct. Mar. 30, 1863 age 98 years.
Most sincerely
Mrs. Gertrude R. Shaefer
216 Canal St.
Brattleboro
Vermont.
[stamp-U.S. Pension D Office
JAN
31
1922]
Page 49

[stamp-OFFICE OF
THE COMMISSIONER
FEB 7 1924
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS]
Providence R.I.
Feb 5, 1924
Bureau of Pensions,
Revolutionary War Section
Washington D.C.
Washington Gardner Comr.;-
In Mansfield's History of the Town of Dummerston Vt., the follow item appears
"Listed for pension under Act of June 7 1823
Nathan Adams"
Nathan Adams was born in Framingham, Mass., Apr. 15, 1760. Died at Dummerston, Vt. 1834.
If the above item is correct will you kindly state where her enlisted and for what service?
Yours very truly
John B. Adams,
25 Cottage St.,
Providence,
R.I.
Page 50

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C., 2-27, 1922
In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Nathan Adams a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his & (his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
[table headings] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. (subheadings- CAPTAIN. COLONEL.) | STATE. | 
Sept. 1776 | 6 mos. | Pvt. | Ezekiel Knowlton | Dike | Mass.
Sept. 1777 | 6 mos  | | Earl | Keyes |
July 1778 | 2 mos. | | Newell | Whitney |
Oct. 1778 | 6 mos. | | Hartwell | checkmark | 
+Mar. 1779 | 6 mos. | Corp. | Livermore | checkmark |
+Served as Substitute for his father, David Adams.
Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Barre and Rutland, Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 2, 1832-al
Residence at date of application, Dummerston Windham Co., Vt.
Age at date of application, b. 1760 in Framingham, Mass.
Remarks: He mar. Nov. 18 1827 Polly Sterns, both of Dummerston, Vt.; he d in said place June 5, 1835 & she was al. pen on an ap. ex. Mar. 11, 1854, while res. in Windham Co., Vt. age 67 yrs. No fur fam data
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
6-2856