Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13156, Josiah Goodell, Continental Mass.
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(8-1776)
SERVICE
Continental
Mass.
CONTENTS
Goodell, Josiah
NUMBER
S. 13156
carded
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18780
-
Vermont
Josiah Goodell
of Plainfield in the State of Vermont
who was a Pri  Sgt in the Company commanded by Captain Barnes of the regt commanded by Col Nixon in the Mass mn*
line for 22 mo 15 dy pr
                         21 "  Sgy*
Mass and Continental
Reords completed Jan 22/06 Sr.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 78 Dollars 50 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of October 1833 and Sent to
G.Y. Vail Montpelier

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833.          $196.25
Semi-anl. allowance ending March '34    39.25 
                                                              235.50
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by W.L.Williams Clerk
Book E Vol.   3 Page 67
Let to H.G. Fry Nov 17, 1837
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DECLARATION in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832,

STATE OF VERMON
COUNTY OF Washington. SS.
On this 7th day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Honorable 
County Court, within and for the County of Washington now sitting, Josiah Goodell a resident of Plainfield in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of
the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832: --

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he voluntered the day of the Battle at Lexington the 19th March 1775 and was tied to Cambridge & Boston Massachusetts he being a sold. in the Massachusetts Militia & lived in Brookfield in said State that he continued then in service untill some of the first days of May 1775 & Enlisted for the time [or term] of Eight months in the Massachusetts State Troops in Captain Abel Wilder's Company Col. Doolitte
Regiment commenced service immediately without going home-- That he continued in service the full term of his said Enlistment & was discharged therefrom. And a days before his time expired he again enlisted for the term
of one year in Capt Thomas Barnes Company in Col. John Nixon's Regiment in the 
Massachusetts line on the continental Establishment. That immediately after his first Service Expired, some of the first day of January 1776, he without going home, was mustered + commenced service under said years enlistment- That he served his time fully out faithfully & was discharged the first of January 1777. That they were in want of men, & he volunteered for one month under the same officers & served out that term also.-- He then Enlisted as a Sargent for three years and took a sargent warrant & went on the recruiting service- He enlisted a  number of men & after about three weeks, he hired a substitute & left the Army, the last of March 1777-
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He enlisted [the page is torn or folded and the rest of this sentence cannot be read.]
about three weeks, he hired a substitute
& left the army the last of March 1777 - 

His first service was in [page is folded over] 
bridge Bunkershil l & Roxbury was in the Battle
of Bunker hill and his years service went to New York
to Longisland was in the Battle of Harlem Heights
as also at Princeton at the Capture of the Hessians
was discharged at Plaquemines Newjersey
has no written evidence of his service &
knows of no persons who can testify to his servis but
Vincent Bartlett whose affidavit is presented & Mr
Lot Woodbury whose affidavit taken two years ago
Similar use is also presentedand
in answer to the questions put to him
under the instructions of the Hon Secretary at
as it is
at Walford
the State of Mass in the year 1754 in November in
record of his age, supposes there is a record in said
Marlboro was living at Royalston Mass, when
called into service and there about 2 years after
their at Fitzwillian & then to Braintree Vermont
back to Brookfield Mass them to Sally
there 29 years their to Plainfield where he
now resides & where he has resided for the last two
years. Volunteered 1st Enlisted for the other
times cannot state the name of any other
officers than before stated-- received a discharge
have the twelve months service but from no other
that is lost-- states the names of Israel Goodwin
D
Miles & Wm Nichols who are well acquainted
with him & content, unto
for veracity and their belief of his services as a
soldier of the Revolution-
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension, or anannuity
, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any
state.
States
,
Att J. Vail
---
Israel Goodwin
We Dewey & William Nichols
of Plainfield County of Washington State of
Vermont do hereby certify that we are
well acquainted with Seth Goodell of
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quainted with him & [illegible] for veracity and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution —

He hereby relinquishes every claim to  a pension, or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Josiah Goodell
Att. J.Y. Vail Clerk —

We [crossed out] Israel Goodwin & William Nichols of Plainfield County of Washington State of Vermont do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Josiah Goodell of said Plainfield who is applying before the Hon. County Court for the County of Washington for a pension, Josiah he is a man of respectable Character, that we believe him to be 77 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.—
Israel Goodwin
William Nichols
Sworn to & subscribed before me the 6th day of August AD 1832
Albe Martyn Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named persons are men of good character & are esteemed men of truth & veracity—
Albe Martyn Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont
Washington County Ss} I Joshua Y. Vail Clerk of Washington County Court do hereby certify that these three pieces of paper written on and here together attached by this tape are the original papers used before the County Court for Washington County aforesaid on this day of August 1832 —  In witness whereof I hereunto Set my name & seal of office this 27th day of July 1833 —
Att. J.Y. Vail Clerk
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(Sworn to, and subscribed the day ad year aforesaid crossed out)

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 Israel Goodwin who has signed this (illegible) and preceding certificate, is a ______ resident in the said town of Plainfield and that William Nichols who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said town of Plainfield and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

attest, Joshua Y Vail Clerk.
I Joshua Y Vail - Clerk of the Country Court for the said County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Josiah Goodell for a pension.

IN TESTIMONTY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, the 9th day of August A.D. 1832
       Attest, J. Y. Vail - Clerk.
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State of Vermont
Washington County ss.} I Joshua Y. Vail Clerk of Washington County Court do hereby certify that these three pieces of paper written on and here together attached by this tape are the original papers signed before the County Court for Washington County aforesaid on the 1 day of August 1832 - In witness where of I hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 27th day of July 1833 -
       Att. J. Y. Vail Clerk -
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Declaration 
of 
Josiah Goodell
Vt
(illegible) case
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No o.c 21,410

Declaration 
of 
Josiah Goodl-
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years is very infirm, being unable to labor any of consequence. - 
 I have no other family to assist in supporting me -    Josiah Goodell - 

Sworn to in Open Court 
May 25. 1832. - 
Att. J. Y. Vail Clerk

State of Vermont
Washington County ss.}  I Joshua Y Vail Clerk of the county court within and for the county of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing oath & the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the files & records of said Court & I do further certify that that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule if fifty Dollars & 47/100 - 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of the court this 25th day of May cD. 1830 -    Joshua Y. Vail Clerk. -
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State of Vermont Washington County ss. ⎬ On this 25th day of May A D. 1830 personally appeared in open Court, to wit, the Honorable County Court within and for the County of Washington aforesaid holding a Session at Montpelier in said County being a court of record, Josiah Goodell resident of Plainfield in said County aged Seventy five years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 & the 1st May 1820 that he the said Josiah Goodell Enlisted the first of May D. 1775 for the term of Eight months in Capt Abel Wilder's Company & Col. Doolittle's Regiment in the Massachusetts troops. That he served out his term of enlistment. And a few days before his term of service expired he again enlisted for the term of one year in the company commanded by Capt. Thomas Barnes in Col. John Nixon's Regiment in the Massachusetts line on the Continental Establishment. That after the 8 months service expired, he was mustered in the years service, & did not go home untill the his years service had been fully completed when he was regularly discharged in the State of New Jersey at Plek Saming by Major Thomas Thompson.

 That he was in the battle of Bunkershill & in the Battle at Harlem Heights when the army left New York & was at the Battle of Princeton at the capture of the Hessians. That his discharge has been lost, and that he has no other evidence of his service, Except the affidavit of Solomon Bartlett accompany this, and he believes that his name is on the Roll of the Massachusetts line - That he once made an application before Judge Blanchard of Salem County Washington State of New York in 1818 or 1819 the Exact time
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he does not now recollect. That he was not placed on the roll at the time in consequence of his property, as he held a writing from Joseph Goodell for his Maintenance, that is to furnish him a variety of Articles for him to live upon; And was [illegible] considered as no in such reduced circumstances as to require the Assistance of his country.
That since that time said Joseph Goodell has wholly failed in [illegible] & has become poor & wholly unable to give him any Support, and he is now unable to support himself.
And I do Solemnly Swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March 1818. And that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property nor any thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it, or to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval Services of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818; And that I have not nor has any person in trust to me any property or Securities, contract, or Debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in this declaration, & Schedule hereto annexed & by me subscribed.  
One cow__$18..      
One Mare__4..94
One wooden clock__7..00
Crockery Ware__..94
Chairs table & chest__2..84
Woodsaw & Looking glass__1..75
=95.47
Landed Property having paid toward 30 acres of land and am to have the same when I pay $150.. more 
the sum of__$15..00
__35..47
________
$50..47
I further state that on the 18th of March AD 1818 that I owed two cows, one of which I have since sold for my support — I also had some trifling articles of household Furniture then, which are either worn out in use, or destroyed in moving from place to place — And that I had no other Article of property in 1818 than what I have now Except as before stated. — That I am by Occupation a farmer, but on account of the infirmities of age, I am unable to labor any of consequence — wife aged 74
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years is very infirm, being unable to labor any of consequence.- 

I have no other family to assist in Supporting me --- Josiah Goodell

Sworn to in Open Court May 25. 1830.
Att J.W. Vail Clerk 

tate of Vermont Washington County ss. 
I Joshua Vail Clerk of the Court Court within and for the County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing oath & the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the files & records of said Court & I do further certify that that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property Exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is fifty Dollars & 47/00 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of the Court this 25th day of May AD. 1830. Joshua Vail Clerk.-
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I Solomon Bartlett of Fairfield in the County of Washington State of Vermont aged 75 years do testify & say that I am  acqainted with Josiah Goodell in Plainfield. 

Massachusetts,  his parents living but about a Mile to my parents from the time he was Old untill he went into the Army in Eight years old untill he went into the Army in the Revolutionary war - that he knew & well remembers that said Josiah Goodell who now lives in said Plainfield & is applying for a pension.

Enlisted under Capt Wilder in Col Doolittle Regiment the exact day I cannot remember but I know he went to Boston & Cambridge at the alarm after the Lexington Battle in 1775 he being a Minute Man & Enlisted for Eight Months before his return & that he served out his enlistment- And that I also who know that he again enlisted in Capt Thomas Company  for the term of one year & in  John Nixon's Regiment being the 4th Regiment of the Massachusetts line on the Continental Establishment.  

that he served out the time of his enlistment being out one years & Eight Months in the whole - that said Goodell again Enlisted for three years and took a Seargent warant for Recuiting - and after recruiting a few men he then hired a Substitute & quit the army. 

I also well remember that the title served out the three years for which [illegible] Goodell enlisted from and further I say not 
Solomon his X mark Bartlette

State of Vermont Washington County SS
this 10th day of July AD 1832 personally appeared Solomon Bartlett signed the foregoing affidavit & made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me Duren Whitllesey justice of the Peace
I certify that the said Solomon Bartlette  is of a good reputation and is a credible witness 
Duren Whitllesey justice of the Peace
I Lot Woodbury of Concord in the County aged 75 I D years
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Before me Duren Whittlesey Justice of the Peace. I certify that the said Solomon Bartlett is of good reputation and is a credible witness 
Duren Whittlesey Justice of the Peace.

I Lot Woodbury of Concord in the County of Essex and State of Vermont aged 75 years do testify & say that I was acquainted with Josiah Goodell a navitve of Brookfield Massachusetts who now lives in Plainfield Mass. I was acquainted first with the said Josiah Goodell in the town of Royalston in the State of Massachusetts I was knowing to his enlisting for the term of one year and was in Capt Thomas Barns Company and in Col John Nixons Regiment being the 4th Regt of the Massachusetts line on the Continental Establishment. I state that he served out the term of his Enlistment and I further state that after that his enlistment was out he volenteered and Served one month more, I was in Capt Micajah Gleasons Company in Col Nixons Regiment and was acquainted with him the whole terme of his Enlistment.
Lot Woodbury 

State of Vermont Essex County SS

At Concord this 21st day of September AD 1830 then personally apeared Lot Woodbury signer of the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same before me Aaron Badcock Justice of Peace 

I certify that said Lot Woodley is a credible witness & a man of good reputation- Zaron Badcock Justice of Peace
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State of Vermont
Washington County Ss} I Joshua Y Vail Clerk of the Washington County Court within and for said County do hereby certify that Duren Whittlesey Esqr before whom the within Affidavit of Solomon Bartlett was taken is a Justice of the Peace duly appointed & acting under the Authority of this State & that his name thereto is his own proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office this 7th day of August AD 1832
Att J.Y. Vail Clerk
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State of Vermont
Essex County Ss} I William Gates Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Essex aforesaid, do hereby certify that Jason Ballcock Esq before whom the within affidavit of Lot Woodbury is taken & sworn to is a justice of the Peace duly appointed and acting under the authority of the State of Vermont and that his name thereunto subscribed is his own proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name officially & affixed the seal of this Court this 28th day of September A.D. 1830
Wm Gates Clerk
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Solomon Bartlett
Affidavit
I certify that these two affidavits of Lot Woodbury & Solomon Bartlett were used in the investigation of the application of Josiah Goodell Aug 9, 1832
Att J.Y. Vail Clerk

Lot Woodbury
Affidavit

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss} I Joshua Y Vail Clerk of Washington County Court do hereby certify that these two affidavits here together
Attached are the two identical affidavits used before the County Court of Washington County August 7. 1832 —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my official hand & seal this 27th day of July 1833—
J.Y Vail Clerk
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Rev War 
13156 INVALID. - 
File No. 3, 156 
Josiah Goodell 
Sergt Rev was --- 
Act: June 7th 1832 

Index: --Vol. 1, Page 146 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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10 Nov 
Parlly Church
18.780 Jos Goodale
19000 Jos Book

Concord Vermont
Nov 10} Free

Hon. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
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Concord Vt. Nov. 8th 1837 

Hon James L. Edwards 
Dear Sir, I am requested to write to you by 3 men respecting pensions-

One  is Partly Church who some months since applied for a pension, he supposes he has complied with all the Laws & rules of the department & has long since expected a return 

The others are Josiah Goodale & Joseph Booty 2 pensioners whose pensions were suspended as stated on account of Marks being used and no witnesses to the Identity on last March papers.  The papers have been property Corrected & long since returned & the old men in great want of the money to which they consider themselves justly entitled and on which they had depended much previous to the time they expected to draw-  will you Dear sir have the goodness to write an answer to this immediately and relieve the anxious old patriots 

And oblige Your humble Servant Harvey G. Fry

Hon J.L. Edwards
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J. L. Edward Esqs
Commissioner of Pensions
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Montpeloier July 29, 1833 

J. L. Edwards Esqr 

Sir herewith return the Papers of Josiah Goodel with an additional statement from him as amendatory of his declaration- 

As to the mistrust on yours showingthe objections, that "all the evidence had not been produced", I can State so far as there any knowledge, & I believe no papers have been sent since he moved into Vermont Except what passed through my hands, that there is no other evidence ever come to my knowledge than what is herewith transmitted that has a bearing upon the present case; & I know of no testimony Except three short affidavits showing the insolvency of Joseph Goodell, which affidavits & his old declaration with your letter on the Subject. I herewith transmit-

They can have no bearing upon his present application, Except to show the nature of his former claim- In the Session of Congress in 1830 & 1831 a new Bill you now was projected but did not finally pass. I advised him to wait its passage, as he was too poor to advance the fees to procure the necessary copies & papers pass.-
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required by your Letter.

As he is very poor your Early attention to decision on his claim is solicited?

 I am respectfully your Obediah Servt 
J. Y. Vail
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Josiah Goodell

Admit
22 mo's 15 d's Priv
--- 21 d's Sergt
75.00
3.50
= 78.50

157.00
39.25
= 196.55

J.Y. Vail Esq
Montpelier Vermont
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, July 15 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 the 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, (this: ⎬ 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. 

A Statement, shewing the service of Josiah Goodel 
[table with the following headings, contents not filled out]
Period when the service was rendered | Duration of the claimant's service. 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. 

I am, respectfully Your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
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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. Ste, Territory County of On this [blank] day of [blank] A.B. a resident (b) of personally appeared (a) before in the county of of and State, Territory or District 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 and served in the (e) regiment of the 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; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. 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.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. And then will follow the certificate of the Court. And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c. If, on examination of the proper record, the names of 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 New 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 and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 1, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & 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
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3 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 exexpected . 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 CASC. 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. {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? Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what To an Office, 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- 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. 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. The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 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---year----months, and days, I served as a . For months and - days, I served as a ; 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. The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. The opinion of the Court is always required. The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 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. 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. The notes from to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note il applies to continental troops only. This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration. It does not appear that the applicant his produced the proof in his power to retain his claim
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War Department of Pension Office October 25, 1830. 

Sir The papers in support of the claim of Josiah Goodell have been examined, and they are herewith returned, the proof not being sufficient. A copy of the conveyance & of certain land from the claimant to his son must be produced; and it must be clearly shown by the certificate of the proper officer, that it is a true copy from the original on record. The witnesses to the enclosed agreement must swear that they witnessed the instrument at the time therein mentioned. It must also be satisfactorily proved that the son is insolvent and it must be shewn how the land conveyed to him by his father the claimant, has been disposed of 

I am respectfully Your Obt. Servt J. L. Edwards

Joshua Y Vail, Esq 
Montpelier, Vermont
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No 21.410- 

Testimony in case of Josiah Goodell
Page 32

These affidavits were duly certified on a separate piece of paper which heretofore attached - July 27. 1833- 

J.Y. Vail Clerk (25
Page 33

I Arnold Hasting now of Plainfield in the County of Washington State of Vermont late from the town of Jackson joining Salem in the County of Washington State of New York do testify & say that I am well acquainted with Josiah Goodell who now lives in said Plainfield but formerly lived in said town of Jackson, & that I am knowing to his having a life lease from Joseph Goodell his son for his maintenance and I am also knowing to his having a life lease or articles of agreement in writing from  Joseph Goodell his Son for his maintenance, and I am all knowing that said Joseph Goodell has failed in business & has become poor & unable to support the said Josiah & has no property to my knowledge - & the said Josiah is now extremely poor & in want of assistance - 
Arnold Hastings 

I James Haney of Goshen Gore State of Vermont and will acquainted with said Josiah Goodell & Joseph Goodell having lately lived in the town of Jackson aforesaid & and knowing to the same facts as stated by Mr Arnold Hastings above stated to be true-- 
James Harvey

 I John Fisher of Goshen Gore above stated, am well acquainted with said Josiah Goodell & Joseph Goodell having formerly lived in Salem in said State New York & am knowing to the facts as above testified to by Arnold Hastings - 
John Fisher - 

State of Vermont Washington County SS 
at Plainfield this 22nd day of March A.D. 1830 there personally appeared the above named Arnold Hastings, James Harvey & John Fisher Signers of the above affidavits & made Solemn Oath to the of the same before me 
Duren Whittleley Justice of Peace 

I certify that Arnold Hastings James Harvey & John Fisher are credible witnesses Duren Whittleley Justice of Peace
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Additional statement of Josiah Goodel
Page 35

State of Vermont Essex County ss 

At Concord in said County on the 23rd day of July AD 1833 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace within and for said County of Essex, Josiah Goodell now of said Concord lately removed to this town from Plainfield in the County of Washington in the said State of Vermont who being duly Sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to a part of the time & length of his Service to wit his first & last but as to the 2d third & fourth services in his declaration he is positive as to length of time but not as to the day of commencement, but according to the best of his recollection he is positive his first commenced on the 19th day of March 1775 as he volunteered & marched on that day and that he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades
 
Statement shewing the Service of Josiah Goodell 

[handwritten table, column as follows]
Years in which the services were performed | Duration of Service years months days | Names & Rank of field officers under served | Age now & residence which he entered service | Proof by which
the Declaration is Supported 
[row 1] 1st [illegible]19th to March 3rd 1775 | - 1 15 | Private | [blank] | Aged 78 resident of Brookfield Ms | Solomon Bartlette
[row 2] 2nd " 3d may to 3d Jany 1776 |- 8 - | " |Col Doolittle | " | Do 
[row 3] 3d " to Jany 1777 |  1 - -  " " | Col John Nixon ┃ "┃ Lot Woodbury
[row 4] 4th " to 3d Feby 1777, 4th 4th March 1777 to 25th "  | - - 21 | Sargeant | Does not remember |  Solomon Bartlett

He cannot be positive as to the particular day in May 1775 he entered service for 8 months but belives to be the 3d or 4th day & as to the commencement of his actual service as Sargeant thinks it was 4th or 5th March 1777 & that he actually served three weeks & quit the Army 25th or 26th March 1777- he further states he knows of no person who can testify to his services now living & of no other evidence in his power to produce relative to his services
Page 36


He applied under the act of 18th March 1818 in 1818 or 1819 before Judge Blanchard of Salem County of Washington State of New York but was not placed on the roll as he held a writing from his son Jos Goodell for his maintenance & his son was then in good condition as to property & able to support him 

He applied again below Washington County Court in the State of Vermont under the Act of 1830 his son having failed & became entirely unable to Support him & sent on Evidence of his sons poverty & the original contract be received from his son-- But was not placed on as further Evidence was required as specified in a letter from J. L. Edwards to J. Y. Vail dated Oct 25 1830, 

from my poverty & ill health I was not able to go to the State of New York after my new testimony as required & a new Bill having been in progress in Congress I concluded to wait the war of the new Bill, as it would be expensive to go to the State of New York & procure the certified copies & affidavits required by Mr. Edwards Letter which letter is here with transmitted*. 

I believe that my name will be found on the roll for the years Service and in the other services I went in the two, first no further than Boston Cambridge & Roxbury & in that vicinity-- when I was on the recruiting service as Sargeant was stationed at town of Royalston Ms. having Enlisted a muster of Soldiers I hired a Substitute & left the service at that place when I first served as a volunteer before I enlisted for Eight months, my officers were Capt. Allen and Colonel Doolittle- 

I know of no other evidence now in my power to produce 
Josiah Goodell 

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
Before Harvey G. Fry Justice of Peace
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State of Vermont 
Secretary of State's office 
Montpelier, July 27, 1833. 

I hereby certify that Harvey G. Fry, Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Essex in said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his acts and attestations as such, full faith and credit ought to be given and that I believe the within to be his signature - 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this office this twenty Seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand eight hundred and thirty three- - 
Timothy Merrill Secretary of State