Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,086, for David Matteson, Vermont
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Vt. 

Matteson, David
Sarah

NUMBER W 17,086

CONTENTS
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Albany 3293
Sarah Matteson widow of David Matteson who died on the 7 September 1818 of Oneida Co. in the State of N. York who was a Pr.  & Sergt. in the company commanded
by Captain Galusha of the regt. commanded
by Col. Herrick in the Vert. Militia
line for PR. 17 days  1.88
Sergt. 5 mo. & 13 days 27.33
$29.21
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
the rate of 29 Dollars 21 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of April
1840 and sent to Hon J G Floyd H. R.

Arrears to the 4th of March 40   262.89
Semi-annual allowance ending Sep. 14.60
$277.49

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3

Clerk
[Page] 212

Let to Hon R.P. Marvin May 20 1840
same May 21. 1840
See letter to J. Houghton & B.
P. Johnson Sept. 15. 1840
do to same Sept. 1840
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I Peley Mattison of Shaftbury in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont of lawful age days, [crossed out-being duly sworn,] being duly sworn, do depose, testify & say, that, I have been acquainted with Sarah Mattison of formerly of Arlington, in the County of Bennington aforsd, now of Rome in the State of New York, from her youth, that upwards of Sixty years ago in the Town of West Greenhim the State of Rhode Island she was lawfully married to David Matteson of Coventry State aforsd by Saml. Wall a Justice of the Peace of S. State, that I did at that time  & have most of the time since lived a near neighbor to the S. Sarah Mattison either in the Town of West Greenwich aforsd or in the Towns of Arlington & Shaftsbury [crossed out-County] in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, that the said David Mattison died about Eighteen years since, that he was the only xxxx husband of the said Sarah Matteson, & that she  now remains his widow. And further I say not. Peley Mattison State of Vermont Bennington County ss} Shaftsbury Sept 26th AD 1836 Then Peley Mattison of Shaftbury in the County Bennington personally appearing, & after be carefully examined & duly cautioned, made solemn oath that the forgoing Deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth, Before Saml. Ames Justice of the Peace
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NV 297 Sarah Matteson Widow under act ? July 1830 B.P. Johnson Agent Rome Oneida Co. N.Y. [faded 2 lines- Mr B  March... 181] Col Heruck  Capt Galusha } Vermont Militia 
Admitted Sergeant 5 mos & 13 days 
Private - 17   
6
 Hon J. G. Floyd H. R.
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State of New York Oneida County 
On this 13th day of September 1836, appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Oneida, Sarah Matteson a resident of the town of Rome in the County of Oneida, and State aforesaid aged 82 years who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of David Matteson, who was a Sergeant in the Militia of the State of Vermont in the Revolution Army of the United States, that he resided at Shaftsbury Vermont in the Revolutionary War- that he was called into service as a Sergeant in a company commanded as she believes by Capt. Jonas Galusha -or by a Capt Huntington- in forepart of 1775 and marched according to her best recollection to Ticonderoga and there served a considerable time perhaps as much as six weeks or two months- That he was also called out as Sergeant again, in the year 1776 under one of the same Captain Galusha or Huntington  for as much as two tours of two months or more each making four month more And also again in  1777 at the Battle at Skeenesborough he was out again under the same Captain and was in service she believes more than two  months- and also that he was engaged again as Sergeant in Capt Galushas company at the Battle of Bennington in August 1777 and was engaged in that battle and in the service before and after that battle-
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as much as three weeks. and afterwards he was called out at the time of the capture of Burgoyne, but did not engage with the army as the surrender took place before they arrived, and the troops returned home, having been absent but a few days- She further declares that she was married to the said David Matteson on the 13th day of March 1771 at Coventry Rhode Island by the Samuel Wall Esqr. That her husband the aforesaid David Matteson died on the 7th day of September 1818; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.   Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above  written before me} Sarah Matteson
 "or by a Capt Huntington  one of   making four months more " interlined.  John D Leland Clk
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Onieda County  ss Joseph Pry of Rome in said County aged 68 years and upwards being duly sworn deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Sarah Matheson who has sworn to the annexed affidavit and that he has known her for as much as sixty years- and that she and the said David Matteson who was also well known to this deponent lived together as man and wife until the day of his death which took place in 1818 as stated in her affidavit. That they were always reputed as man & wife, and lived together & brought at a very large family of children- That the said Sarah Matteson has lived as a widow ever since the death of her husband, and remains still a widow -and this deponent further says -that he well recollects the said David Matteson services as a Sergeant in the militia at the times referred to- though he cannot particularly state the length of times he served, though from his best recollection he has no doubt the services were as long as therein stated.  Joseph Biggs 
Sworn and subscribed  before me the day & year aforesaid & I certify that the said Joseph Briggs is to me well known & is a man of credibility truth & veracity. B. P. Johnson  Sup Court Com
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State of New York Oneida County ss Charlotte Briggs of Rome in said County being duly sworn deposes and says that she is 64 years of age and upwards that she is the daughter of David & Sarah Matteson- and that she well remembers her father going into service as stated in the affidavit of her mother Sarah Matteson hereto annexed. That she was then a mere child, but the scene and parts of that day are as fresh and vivid in her memory as any of her more mature years - and she further says that she believes the time of his service were as many as there stated and the length as long as therein set forth- And he further states that the said Sarah Matteson, has remained a widow since the death of her husband in 1818. Charlotte Briggs
Sworn & subscribed before me the day year aforesaid & I certify that she is a woman of credibility truth & veracity B. P. Johnson  Sup Court Com
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State of New York Oneida County ss I John D Leland Clerk of the said County of Oneida do hereby certify that the forgoing affidavit of Sarah Matteson was taken in open court that B P. Johnson before whom two affidavits were sworn was a Sup Court Com duly authorized to take affidavits and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and the signature is in his own handwriting. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office this 13th day of September 1896. John D Leland Clerk  ? [in bottom right corner]
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State of New York Oneida County ss  Asa Matteson of Floyd in said County being duly sworn from deposes and says that he was well acquainted with David Matteson in his life time, who was the husband of Sarah Matteson.-That the annexed record was taken from an old family bible, and that the whole of the same is in the hand writing of the said David Matteson- and that the said record was made as long ago as the year 1802, and that the same is in the same situation that it has ever been since the same was made by the said David Matteson- that said Family bible was the one belonging to said David Matteson, and the same was found lately in the house of Joseph Briggs who married a daughter of said David having been covered up with old paper and its existence not known for some time past. And further says not . Asa Matteson 
Sworn before me this 27th February 1837- B. P. Johnson Sup Court Com  I Certify said Asa Matteson to me known as a man of truth & veracity BP Johnson Sup Court Com
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State of New York Oneida County ss Orville Briggs being duly sworn deposes and says that he is son  of Joseph Briggs and that the annexed record was taken from an old family bible formerly belonging to David Matteson deceased and that the same was discovered about a week since at the house of said Joseph Briggs. Orville Briggs  Sworn before me July 27th 1837  B.P. Johnson Sup Court Com I certify   said Orville Briggs is  to me known as a man of truth &  veracity B.P. Johnson Sup Court Com
 Mrs Matteson Record Marriage
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David Matteson was fifty two years yeres old May 3d 1802 Sarah Matteson is forty Eight years old September 3 1802 Married March 14-1771 Charlotte Brigs was thirty yrs old May 18th 1802 Barbary Matteson was twenty Eight yeres old July 19th 1802 Jinthe Lockwood is twenty six years old November 13th 1802 Freborn Matteson was twenty four yeres old March 24th 1802 Luther Matteson was sixteen years old May 18th 1802 Clamacy Matteson was thirteen years old May 11th 1802 Clarissa Matteson of Allington David Matteson Junr is eleven years old September 6th 1802 Alvah Matteson is Eight years old febuary the [crossed out 13] 26th 1802  [struck thru: their][ crossed out : Charles A Matteson february the 6th] Charles Aaron Matteson is five years old February [crossed out:26]13th th 1802
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NEW  TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD  AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST NEWLY TRANSLATED OUT OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK AND WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS DILIGENTLY COMPARED AND REVISED 
NEW-YORK: PRINTED BY HODGE AND CAMPBELL, AND SOLD AT THEIR RESPECTIVE BOOK STORES. M.DCC.XCIL
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V New York Sarah Matteson Widow of David Matteson Suspended 
[Su] Let to B. P. Johnson [Oct] 24. 1836- do Hon A.P. Grant March 13. 1838 to B.P. Johnson 26 Dec.  1839 to Hon. J. G. Floyd 16 April 1840 to J. Haighton 24 April 1840
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MOM M
 February 17th 97
Sir Please forward me a copy of the pensions given to Sarah Matteson. Wife of [crossed out:B] David S Matteson of revolutionary times. 
Resp'y
Mrs J S A Walworth Roach Montrose Susq Co Pa
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Vt
Rev of WIDOW, &c. File No. 17086 Sarah Matteson Widow of David Matteson Sergt Rev War --- Act July 4th 36 Index: Vol. M,  Page 9 [Arrangement of 1870.]

Feb 5/94 Mil. Hist to Mrs. Geo. A. Ricker, 157 Highland Ave, Buffalo, N.Y. 

Mch 17-1897. History to Mrs S.A. W. Roach -  Montrosr, Penna  
 1914, June 2, History to Arthur E. Matteson, FM

 1915, May 6. History to Gertrude Smith.

 1915, June 3. History to Kathryn Home Sanders FM

1915, June 10  A.E. Matteson wife to apply Aud, Int Dept for date of widow's death and also said tracing of signature of name of son Charles [Naron-s/b Aaron] as shown in family record Aud 

1920 July 31 Hist to Mrs. A. E. Holder 
1939 Oct. 3. hist to Mrs F. V. Keller MCS
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M Chief Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir Enclosed please find copy of original letter [crossed out:of] in my possession, Judge Jacob Houghton was attorney for my great-great-grandmother Sarah Matteson. David Matteson my great-great Grandfather of Arlington Vermont fought in the Revolution. I want a
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copy of his or her application for pension in order to establish my identity at a daughter of the Revolution and also the Certificate of pension. If you will kindly in this your earliest attention and oblige yours truly Mrs George Alfred Ricker 157 Highland Ave Buffalo N.Y.
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M Chicago April 29. 1915 Pension Bureau  War Dep Will you please send me a copy of the Pension papers of Sarah Matteson, wife of David Matteson, who served under Cap Peleg Matteson, whose Col was Nickerson or Herrick and enlisted some time in 1775 at Shaftsbury.  She (Sarah) made application for Pension in 1835
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which was allowed. Any other information will be thankfully received Respectfully Gertrude Smith 7768 Lake Park a Chicago Ill
[round stamp:
U.S. PENSION OFFICE 
MAY 8 1915 ]
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In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of David Matteson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his widow's application for pension on file in the Bureau. W. F. 17086
=====
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Early in 1775
1776
Aug. 1777
1780
Nov. 1781
1781
-------
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
about 2 mos
4 mos
3 weeks
17 days
13 "
10 "
------
RANK.
Sergt.
"
"
"
Pri.
Sergt.
------
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
James Galusha or S Huntington
Jonas Galusha or Huntington
Jonas Galusha
Jonas Galusha
Eli Noble
Releg Matteson
COLONEL.
[check mark]
[check mark]
[check mark]
Herrick
Ebenezer Walbridge
[check mark]
------
STATE.
Vt.
=======
Battles engaged in, Bennington.

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Shaftsbury, Bennington Co. Vt.

Date of application for pension, Sept. 13, 1836 1 ber cl. mas al.

Residence at date of application, Rome, Oneida Co. N. Y.

Age at date of application, Born Sept 3, 1754

Remarks: Soldier was born May 23, 1750. He mar. at Coventry, R. I. Mch 13 or 14 1771, Sarah ___, and died Sept. 7, 1818.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
6-2856

[Written in light pencil: 3 weeks]
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October 3, 1939

OWN
BA-J/AS
David Matteson, W. 17086

Mrs. F. V. Keller
305 Coleman Street
Olean, New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to
Revolutionary War soldiers, John Hall, and David Matteson whose widow, Sara, was receiving a pension in 1840 while living in Fredonia, New York.

Because of the large number of requests for records of Revolutionary
War soldiers and the lack of clerical force available for
furnishing such information, it has been impossible to comply in full
with requests similar to yours. The record of David and Sarah Matteson
is furnished herein.

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension
claim, W. 17086, based on the military service of David Matteson,
David Matteson was born May 23, 1750. The place of his birth and the
names of his parents are not shown.

While living in Shaftsbury, Bennington County, Vermont, David Matteson
enlisted and served with the Vermont troops as follows: from early in 1775,
six weeks or two months as sergeant in Captain Jonas Galusha's or in Captain
Huntington's company; in 1776, two tours of two months each as sergeant
under same captain as previous enlistment; in 1777, served more than two
months under same captain as previous enlistment and was in the battle of
Skenesborough; in August, 1777, served three weeks as sergeant in Captain
Jonas Galusha's company and was in the battle of Bennington; he served three
days on an alarm in April, 1780, as sergeant under Captain Jonas Galusha
and Colonel Herrick; he served fourteen days on an alarm in October, 1780,
as sergeant under Captain Jonas Galusha and Colonel Herrick in November,
1781, served thirteen days as private in Captain Eli Noble's company in
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Colonel Ebenezer Walbridge's regiment; in 1781, served ten days as
sergeant in company of Captain Peleg Matteson (relationship not shown).

David Matteson died September 7 or 9, 1818.

While living in Coventry, Rhode Island, David Matteson married in
Coventry or West Greenwich, Rhode Island, March 13 or 14, 1771, Sarah (her maiden name not given).

As the widow of David Matteson, Sarah Matteson was allowed pension
on her application executed September 13, 1836, while living in Rome,
Oneida County, New York. In 1840 she was living in Fredonia, New York,

The names of the following children of David and Sarah Matteson
are shown:
Charlotte Briggs, aged thirty years May 18, 1802, and in 1836 was living in
Rome, New York, and was wife of Joseph Briggs who then was aged sixty-
eight and upwards, and they had a son, Orville, who was living in 1837.
Barbary Matteson, aged twenty-eight years July 19, 1802.
Sinthe Lockwood, aged twenty-six November 13, 1802.
Freborn Matteson, aged twenty-four March 24, 1802.
Luther Matteson, aged sixteen May 18, 1802.
Clarracy or Clarissa Matteson of Arlington, aged thirteen May 11, 1802.
David Matteson, Jr., aged eleven September 6, 1802.
Alvah Matteson, aged eight February 26, 1802.
Charles Naron (?) [s/b Aaron]] Matteson, aged five February 13, 1802.

In 1836, one Peleg Matteson of Shaftsbury, Vermont, stated that from
his youth he had known the widow, Sarah Matteson, who was formerly of
Arlington, Bennington County, Vermont, relationship to soldier not shown.

In 1837, one Asa Matteson was living in Floyd, Oneida County, New York, relationship not shown.

In 1839, reference was made to Laban W. Matteson, born August 6, 1816, relationship not shown.

There are no further family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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305 Coleman St
Olean, N.Y.
Veterans Administration Aug 31, 1939
Washington
D.C.
Gentlemen:-
I would like what information you can send
me in regard to:
John Hall #64715 died in Williamsport, Pa 1817
His widow applied for a pension in 1840 and her
claim was allowed.
David Matteson 1818 m Sara - (Vermont) In 1840
Sara aged 85 received a pension was living at home of
D.J. Matteson at Fredonia, N.Y.

Yours very Truly
Beatrice M Keller
(Mrs F.U)

[circle stamp]
RECEIVED 
SEP 5 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV
Reader No. 11
VETS ADMIN
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July 5, 1920
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Have you any record of pension for Edward Shirley from Massachusetts (including Maine)
or New Hampshire, Revolutionary War?
Will gladly pay fee for such
information.
Edward Shirley settled in Tryeburg, Maine or
Dunbarton N.H. Mrs. A.E. Holch
Peru Nebraska

Also wish record of pension for David Matterson (also known as Mattison)
Arlington, Vermont.
Mrs. A.E. Holeh
Peru, Neb

[circle stamp]
PENSION OFFICE U S
JUL 9 1920
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THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
ESTABLISHED 1868
Owned and Operated by the Chieftain Printing Company
Incorporated 1993
COLORADO, U. S. A
CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT

Pueblo, Colorado May 26 191[5]

Pension Dept
Washington D.c.
Sir:
Would you kindly give me the Revolutionary War record of
David Matteson of Shaftabury Vermont. He also lived at Rutland
Vt., I would also like the name of his wife and any dates you
have concerning his
I want this information to establish a D.A.R. record.
Thanking you in advance for your trouble, I am.
Yours respectfully,
Kathryn Howe Sanders
1316 Pine St.
Pueblo, Colo.
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Galesburg Ill. May 24, 1914.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly furnish the undersigned with the record of the
military service, age-ancestors and nearest of kin, of Captain Peleg Matteson
who served in Vermont Militia, in the war of the Revolution?
Also the military service of David Matteson orderly sergeant in
Captain Peleg Matteson's Company of Vermont Militia, his name appears on
pay roll at Shaftsbury Vt. dated Jan. 3, 1729. Can you furnish, date of
his birth, Ancestors, descendants brothers and sisters or nearest of kin?
Also the military record of service of Peleg Matteson enlisted
from Rome Oneida County New York, was commissioned as Captain by Govenor
Daniel D. Tompkins of N. Y. May 31. 1911 [1811], commanded a Company in the defense
of Sacket’s Harbor in War of 1812. Will you please furnish his age, names
of his parents, brothers and sisters, and nearest of kin?
Answers to the above will be thoroughly appreciated by
Yours truly,
Arthur Matteson

534. North Broad Street
Galesburg, Ill.

[circle stamp]
PENSION OFFICE U S
MAY 27 1914
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House of Rep
May 21 1840

Dr Sir
I return the enclosed papers
Supposing that a mistake has
occurred and that you have
in fact issued two certificates
for Mrs Sarah Matteson. I have
been talking with Mr Floyd who
say he rec’d the Certificate as
mentioned in your letter of yesterday
 & forwarded it to her atty in
Oneida Co. You sent me three or
4 days since a certificate which
I forwarded to Jacob Houghton
of Fredonia her atty The mistake
(if any) has probably occurred in
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consequence of her communicating
with you through two attys & you
failing to notice the fact when
you sent me the certificate that
one had already been issued to
Mr. Floyd. If an error has 
occurred I shall be happy
to do any thing in my power
 to correct it.
Respectfully
R. Bowen
J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 30


House of Representations
April 24-- 1840
Sir
In the case of Mrs Matteson widow
of David Matteson I am enlisted to
request a certificate according to the
terms of your letter to me under date
of April 16.
I am 
Very respectfully
yr obt srvt
Jno G Floyd

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com’r of Pensions
Page 31

V
297
Sarah Mattison
Widow of
David
Mattison
Page 32

Rome, Oneida Co. N. Y.
October 1st 18[?]
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is the
Application Sarah Matteson for a
Pension under act 4 July 1836. Returns
are most respectfully requested to the
subscriber.
I am most respectfully
Your Obt Sert
B. P. Johnson
Page 33

Nov 4
Vt
Add. proof
Sarah Matteson

FREE
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner Pension[s]
Washington
Page 34

Rome Oneida Co
Oct 30 1889

Hon J.L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is an afft
in the case of Sarah Matteson under the
act of 1836, Shewing that Capt Galusha
was in the service as stated in her application, 
and also that there is no record of the
Marriage. Returns are respectfully requested to the
subscriber.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Benj. P. Johnson
Page 35

State of Vermont
Secretary’s Office

March 18, 1840
I Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of said
State, do hereby certify that there is on file in
this office a paper, purporting to be ""A Pay Roll
of Capt. Jonas Galusha’s Company in Col. Herrick's
Regt for service done in the Alam in October, 1780.”
I further certify that the name of David Matteson, a
Sargeant, appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance
 of fourteen days’ service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this office
another paper, purporting to be ""A Pay Roll of Capt.
Jonas Galusha's Company in Col. Herrick's Regiment
of Militia for service done in an alarm in
April 1780.” I further certify that the name of
David Matteson, a Sergeant, appears upon said pay
roll, with an allowance of three days service
annexed. 
I further certify that there is on file in this office
 another paper purporting to be ""A Pay Roll of such
of the militia in Col Ebenezer Walbridge's Regiment
as tarried with Capt. Eli Noble at Castleton, in November, 1781." I further certify that David Matteson,
a private, appears upon said pay roll, with an allow[ance]
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[allow]ance of thirteen days service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this
office another paper, purporting to be “a Pay Roll of Capt.
Peleg Matteson's company of Militia, for service done
on an Expedition to the Northward-- Shaftsbury, 1781.”
I further certify that the name of David Matteson, a
Sergeant, appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance of
ten days service annexed.
I further certify that the said pay rolls appear to
have been examined, approved and ordered to be paid,
by a committee acting under the authority of this State,
and that the same were duly paid from the Treasury
of this State.
I further certify that many of the pay Rolls originally filed
 in the Treasurer's office appear to have been mutilated by vermin, and that others are destroyed and are not to be found.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at
 Montpelier, this 17th day of March, A.D. 1842.

Chauncey L. Knapp
Secretary of State

[right margin-vertical]
Hon. J. G. Floyd H.R.
Page 37

Copy
Pension Office
September 15th 1840
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 10th inst. I have to
inform you that I cannot issue a new pension
certificate in any case where the original
is known to be in existence.
It is not in my power therefore to issue
a duplicate for Mrs Sarah Matteson.
I have however written to Mr Johnson
requiring him to deliver the certificate,
and if he should not comply with the request
I will give Mrs Matteson the necessary 
instructions for obtaining her pension without
a certificate.
I am Very respectfully
Yr. Mo. Obt. St.
(signed) J. L. Edwards

Jacob Houghton Esq
Fredonia New York
Page 38

House of Reps
Apr 13-- 1840
Sir
The enclosed certificate in the
case of the application of Sarah Mattison of
N.Y. for a Pension I have rec’d from B.P.
Johnson Esq of Rome Oneida Co N.Y. [it]
seems to be furnished in answer to your
letter to him under date of Dec 26, 1839.
If the evidence shall now be deemed
sufficient I shall [be glad] to [name?] the
proper certificate.
Very respectfully
yr obt srvt
Jno G. Floyd

Geo. Wm Crump Esq
Pension Office
Page 39

(Copy)
Pension Office
April 16. 1840

Sir
The additional evidence viz. the certificate
of the Secretary of State of Vermont relative to the revolutionary services of David Matteson, shows that he served 17 days as a private and 27 days as a Sergeant. Upon the proof on file there seems to be no objection to allowing a pension to his widow for five months and thirteen days service as a Sergeant, and seventeen days as a private. If it be decided to accept a pension for that term, a certificate will be issued accordingly.
I have the honor to be &c
(signed) J.L. Edwards

Hon. J. G. Floyd
House of Representatives
Page 40

Fredonia 10th Sept. 1840.
Sir
In the case of Mrs. Sarah Matteson widow of David Matteson
deceased, I was informed by your letter to the Hon. R.P. Marvin
of the 20th May last, that a Pension certificate was issued for her; on the 27th ult (April) at the request of the Hon J. G. Floyd and inclosed to him. The Pension certificate it seems was transmitted by Mr. Floyd to Benjamin P. Johnson Esq. of Rome Oneida County N. Y. an attorney who assisted Mrs. Matteson
 in obtaining her pension.
On receiving the information that the certificate had been issued, I addressed a letter to Mr Johnson under date of 13th June last at her request, desiring Mr Johnson to forward the certificate to me, to enable Mrs M. to draw her pension, and assuring him that his charges should be paid. To this I received an answer from Mr J. stating his charges at $26.75 and further stating that one or two persons pretended to
have claims for part of the money to be drawn on her certificate. But I cannot be more particular, as the letter is not now before me.  He however, refused to send the certificate, and his letter was submitted to Mrs. M.
She admits his claim to the $2675. which she will pay as soon as she draws her money, having no other means from which to make the payment. But she wholly demies that any other person has any claims upon her whatever for any share of her pension money.
I again wrote to Mr Johnson (10th Augt last) at the request of Mrs M., soliciting him to forward the certificate, and again assuring him that he should be paid as soon as her money was drawn, and informing him of her total inability to pay otherwise. To this last letter which was mailed a month ago. I have received no answer.
Mrs. Mattison resides in this village, about 25 miles from Rome where Mr. J. resides, and is now I believe 86 years of age, and situated as to property as above stated.
I have now, on behalf of this venerable lady, to ask your assistance, and desire that you will forward a duplicate of the certificate to her or to me;
or that you will direct M. Johnson to forward us the original, in
order that she may draw her money
I am
Yours very Respectfully
Jacob Houghton

Hon J.L. Edwards
Com’r of Pensions
Page 41

[circle stamp[
WHITESTOWN N. Y.
SEP 22

Hon J L Edwards
Com’r Pensions
Washington

Adm’d Sept 28 1840

[left margin-vertical]
Sept 28 1840
[?]
Sarah Matteson
Page 42

Rome N.Y.
Sept 19th 1840
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
I rec’d yours of the 15th in relation to
Sarah Houghton Certificate-- I presume you mean
Sarah Matteson, as I have had no papers for Sarah Houghton.
Before your letter was received I had
Sent Mrs Matteson her certificate, by a gentleman
from this Town who was going to her place of residence,
and presume all is right. 
I wish however, since Jacob Houghton has chosen
to continue his interference in this matter. to let the Department know the facts in this case, and then I 
should like to know of the power of the Pension 
Department is to be used to defraud me (not of [?] merely)
 but of money expended for Mrs M at her request by her direction to obtain for her a pension, which was obtained. And that for the purpose of accommodating Jacob Houghton.
I was employed by Mrs Matteson some years
since who was then living in this town to obtain for her
a pension, before her being with [him] I believe - She was 
poor herself and could not pay any thing, and gave
me assurance that if a pension was obtained I should be renumerated for all monies expended - In prosecuting
her claim, much money and time was expended.
Some time since Mrs Matteson removed to
Chautauqua Co, in the region of this Jacob Houghton.
When commenced a systematic attempt apparently,
get this business out of my hands and into Houghton’s.
After the receipt of her certificate, I informed
Her by letter to Hoghton that on paying my
charges I would [send] her certificate, but
I was not willing to send it to Houghton and I did
Page 43

ot know any one else there then whence it [?]
Mrs Matteson is living with [afor’d?], a man
of wealth, who refuses to  do any thing in regard to
her pension matters, on account of some difficulty
among Mrs Matteson’s children in relation to 
her little pittance.  I have no doubt myself
had it not been for the interference of Houghton
there would have been no difficulty.
I am not to be forced to put my concerns
into his hands-- Mrs Matteson doubtless before
your letter was written had her certificate -
I have been engaged in pension business
22 years and have obtained hundreds of
certificates and this is the first time an attempt has
been made by another man to interfere & wrest
from me the papers I obtained in order, as I believe
to subserve his own selfish purposes.
I never designed to keep Mrs. M’s certificate
from her, but I did choose to select my own man 
to deliver it to her, and cannot be dictated to by
Jacob Houghton.
If you desire any information
as my character, or my intercourse with the
department is not sufficient,  I beg leave to refer you to 
T. L. Smith Esq. Register [Troy?]- and his
Excellency Martin Van Buren Pres’t U. State
I shall never allow myself to do any thing
improper in regard to Pensioner - and I have never
yet had any complaint from the War Department
as to the manner in which I have conducted my
business with that Department upwards [today or for pay?].
As far as the man returns by whom I sent the certificate, I will communicate with the Department. It will probably be
Page 44

the last of this week or the forepart of next.
I shall desire a communication
from the Department in answer to this, whither
this explanation is Satisfactory.
I am very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
Benj’n P. Johnson
Page 45


Rome N.Y.
March 6, 1857
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is Record
manage of Sarah Matteson found
in an old bible supposed to have been
lost. Also an affidavit as to Capt
Galusha. I trust the enclosed will be
Satisfactory.  Returns are most
respectfully requested to the subscriber
at Rome N. Y.
I am most respectfully
Your obt Svn’t
B. P. Johnson
Page 46

Amos Galusha of Shaftsbury in the County
of Bennington and State of Vermont of Lawful
age being duly sworn do depose testify and say
that I was acquainted with Jonas Galusha in
the year of Our Lord 1777 and before and since
that time and that said Jonas Galusha was in
the year 1777 at the Bennington Battle, so called,
a captain of Militia in said Battle and that
Jeremiah Clark was then Major or acted as such
before and after said battle. That Samuel Safford
was a Col of the Continental Army and
further this deponent saith not.
Amos Galusha his mark
Jacob Galusha

State of Vermont Bennington County ss
Shaftsbury May 14th 1839
Then Amos Galusha of Shaftsbury in the County of
Bennington and State of Vermont personally appearing
And after being carefully examined and duly cautioned
made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition of by him
Subscribed contains the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth. Before me Hiram Barton Justice of the Peace 

I further certify that I am well acquainted with
the said Amos Galusha that he is considered generally
man of truth and veracity and that I verily
believe him to be a person of strict integrity.
H. Barton Justice of Peace
Page 47

State of Vermont Bennington County ss
I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington
County Court, hereby certify that Hiram
Barton Esq whose signature appears
to the foregoing was at the date there
[afors’d?] is a Justice of the peace in &
for the County of Bennington duly qualified
 by law, that I am well acquainted with
his hand writing & believe his foregoing
signature to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my
name & affixed the seal of our sd County Court at
Bennington this fifteenth day of May AD. 1839-
Henry Robinson
Page 48

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Town Clerks office, Coventry June 15th AD 1839
I Samuel Arnold, Town Clerk of said Town of Coventry
Do hereby certify that I have examined the records of
marriages in said Town, but do not find the Marriage
of David Matteson and Sarah Matteson Recorded
therein. And I further certify that I have reason to
believe that many marriages have taken place in said
town which are not recorded, as well before as
since the Revolution.
Samuel Arnold
Town Clerk

State of Rhode Island Kent [Co] Coventry August 14th 1839
Personally appeared Samuel Arnold Signer to
above written Certificate and made oath to
the truth of the same and I further certify that the
said Samuel Arnold is well known to me
and that his certificate is entitled to full confidence.
Asa Stone Just Peace

Kent [Co] The State of Rhode Island &c
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
I certify that Asa Stone Esqr is a Justice of the
peace in and for the town of Coventry in said County of Kent
that the foregoing is his his own proper signature in his own
hand writing, and that full faith and credence is and
Page 49

ough[t] to be given to all his official acts.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and the seal of said Court at
East Greenwich this 20th day of August
in the year AD 1839
Jer. S. Slocum Clk

Respected Uncle I take this opportunity
to write to you agreeable to your wishes
as far as far as was in my power I have
not wrote so soon as I might have done
had it not have been for my being away
from home, and trying to obtain evidence
the marriage of David Matteson and Sarah.
But I can not find any one that was an eye
witness but I found people that said they
was confident that they was married and was
familiarly acquainted with them.
I rather expected to have been there before
this time but my business is such that I
could not come. I may posibly come and
see you this fall.  Our family is all as well as
usual - except Laban. He has
been to Georgia two years and returned in
June. He had the fever and ague while he
was there about six months, came home
and had the measles and then the disentery,
which wears him hard. But he is a little better
now. Laban W Matteson is my second brother 
and is twenty three years old August 6th 1839.
We both have concluded to make you a visit
if he gets will again soon this fall.
Page 50

State of New York
Oneida County
On this 4th day of March 1837,
personally appeared before me Barbara Matteson,
who being duly sworn doth say that she was
well acquainted with David Matteson in the
Revolutionary War, that at the time of Burgoyne’s
Battle, a little before that time in August, she thinks,
in 1777, Captain Jonas Galusha came after the said
David Mattison and that he went into the service
and was engaged in the service of the United States.
She recollects perfectly well of Capt. Galusha’s
coming to Matteson’s house to have him enter
the service—said Matteson was an orderly sergeant
at this deponent recollects in Capt. Galusha’s
Company—and this deponent further
says that said David Matteson was in the
service at the time, but how long this deponent
cannot distinctly recollect.
Barbara Matteson

Sworn before me
this 4th of March 1837,
and I certifiy said.
Barbara is in person
of great veracity.

B.P. Johnson
Sup Court Com
Page 51

Oneida County
Asa Matteson being sworn says
he was acquainted with David Mattison
aforesaid name and that he has often heard
him relate the circumstances of his being in
the service and under Capt. Jonas Galusha.
Asa Matteson

Sworn before me this
4th March 1837 &
I certify he is a man
of great veracity.

B.P. Johnson
Sup. Court Com.