Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,170, for Stephen Pearce, Rhode Island
Page 1

SERVICE
R.I.

Pearce, Stephen
Pierce.

NUMBER
S. 14,170

Carded
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27.735
New York. A.
Stephen Pearce, decd.
of --- in the State of --- who was a pt. Ens. Lt. & Capt. in the [blank] commanded by Capt. [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolution line for [blank]
Increased from $148.33.

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 168. Dollars 33 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & ending 14th May 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of March, 1855 and sent to A. H. Markland
Present

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-anl. allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk.
Book H. Vol. 1. Page 2
Page 3

[left side]
27735
New York

Stephen Pearce of --- in the State of New York who was a pr E Lt & Capt in the --- commanded by Captain --- of the reg't commanded by Col Church in the R Island line for 16 months private
5 1/2 " Ensign
1 1/2 " Lieutena[nt]
1 " Corpora[l]

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 148 Dollars 33 Cents per annum [to] commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

cate [Certificate] of Pension issued the 8 day of Octo 1834 and sent to Ar [illegible due to wear] Crary Clinton

Arrears to the 4th of Sept '34 519.16
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 74.17
$593.33
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 74 Page 34

[right side]
Arad Joy
Feb 1. 1843

A. H. Markland
Sept. 3. 1854

Thos. J McCamant Octo 26 / 1854
Page 4

Declaration -
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
New York Oneida County ss. On this ninth day of August eighteen hundred & thirty two - personally appeared - before the Court of Chancery of the State of New York - at a Court holden before Nathan Williams Esquire - Vice Chanceller of the 5” Circuit, of the State of New York (being a Court of Record) -& now sitting in the City of Utica - in the County of Oneida & State aforesaid-: Stephen Pearce -  a resident of the Town of Paris - & County aforesaid: aged seventy seven 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 & served as herein stated-: 
That he enlisted - at Little Compton - in the County of Bristol - & State of Rhode Island the first of May - in the year seventeen hundred & seventy five - for the term of eight months as a private in Captain Aaron Wilbers Comp & regiment - commanded by Colonel Thomas Church - of Genl Nathaniel Greenes Brigade: that said Brigade was stationed at Roxbury at the time of the Bunker Hill - battle that this deponent served in said Company during the full time of said enlistment and was honourably discharged at Boston the first of January seventeen hundred seventy
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six-:
That in the winter thinks - December - of the year seventeen hundred & seventy six - this deponent was [crossed out] was appointed as Ensign in [/crossed out] enlisted as a private in Capt George Simons’ - company - of Infantry - in Colonel David Hillards’ - regiment - and in the Brigade commanded by Brig Genl E. Connell - of the Rhode Island line -: that he served in said Company -  under said enlistment till the fifth of May seventeen hundred & seventy six: when he was appointed an Ensign in Captain George Simons’ company of Colonel Ward on Grays’ -  Regiment - of Infantry in the Rhode Island line -: that in May of the year seventeen hundred & seventy eight this deponent was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant -  in said Regiment - and was attached to Captain George Simons’ Company of said Regiment -  commanded by Colonel - Thomas Church -: that in the year seventeen hundred & eighty he was promoted to the rank of Captain -  in said Regiment -: that said Regiment was in the said last named year commanded by Col Church -  that this deponent was discharged the fifth day of May in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one -: that this deponent served as aforesaid - under said enlistment & appointments five years & eight months -: to wit: 
In 1775 - 8 - months as a private     yr – mo
“ 1776 – 5 – “ as a “ ---- [illegible] 5
“ 1776 & 1777 – 7” as an Ensign – 7
“ 1777 – 1778 – 12 months as an Ensign –
“ 1778 & 1779 – 12 “ as a Lieut –
“ 1779 & 1780 – 12 “ as a “ –
“ 17[illegible] & 1781 – 12 “ as [illegible]
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being duly sworn according to law, - true answers to make to the interrogatories herein above contained - prescribed by the War Department - to be put to applicants for pensions under the act of Congress passed June 7”, 1832 -  deposeth & says- 
That he was born in Little Compton -  in the County of Bristol & State of Rhode Island - in the year seventeen hundred & fifty five -.
That he has no record of his age except in his fathers family record now in possession of deponents brother-. 
I That he lived - in Little Compton aforesaid when he entered - the service at the several times & as herein before stated: that he removed from Little Compton to his present place of residence - in the seventeen hundred at ninety one.
That he enlisted - in the Company in which he served in 1775 -: that he enlisted in 1776 -: that he was appointed - annually from 1776 - till 1781 - as he before stated.
That when this deponent was at Boston as above stated - in 1775 -: Genl Washington: Gen Nathaniel Greene: Col Thomas Church - Capt Aaron Wilber, were there: he thinks there were three Regts there from Rhode Island -: commanded by Col Church, Hickcox: and thinks the third was commanded by Col James M. Varnum -: That when he was on the Island of Rhode Island - it was just previous to the capture of that Island by the English -: and was appointed Ensign
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during that compain: That the English army continued in possession of that Island two years & eleven months -  that during the time - their vicinity to the Markland & the case of landing at any hour rendered it necessary to continue the regiment - to which this deponent belonged in service - during the occupancy of the Island of Rhode Island - by the Enemy: that said regiment was divided into three detachments - one of which mounted guard at a time - & the two detachments off guard were held in readiness to reinforce those on guard - that the detachment on guard - was subdivided into five guards -  & stationed along the western shore - of the eastern part of Rhode Island -: that these troops were kept upon services as aforesaid - in part in the place of regular troops - that in the commencement of 1777- York Green - applied to Genl Washington for aid -: and was told - that he must defend himself for it was not possible - to afford relief for the Rhode Islanders -: That three months of said service this deponent was stationed at Little Compton & drew their rations at Howlands Ferry.
Stephen Pearce
 Sworn this 9th day of
August 1832. before me
N. Williams
Vice Chan
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Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department - to be put to claimants under the Act of Congress - passed June 7” 1832- 
First Where & in what year were you born; 
Second - Have you any record of your age and if so where is it; 
Third Where were you living when called into service - Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War; & Where do you now reside;
Fourth How were you called into service; were you drafted? did you volunteer; or were you a substitute; & if a substitute for whom; 
Fifth State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served -; such continental & malitia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service;
Sixth | Did you ever receive a discharge from the service & if so by whom was it given & what has become of it;
| Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it sighned & who has become of it;
Seventh State the names in your neighbourhood to whom you are known, and who can testify as to your character for veracity;
State of New York Oneida County -ss: Stephen Pearce who has subscribed & sworn to the declaration herein before contained being duly [illegible] according to law [illegible]
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that the first of said Ensigns Commissions was signed -  by Govr Nicholas Cook of Rhode Island  - the second of said Ensigns commissions and the two Lieut & said Capt commissions were signed by Govr William Green - the the Govr of Rhode Island -: that in the year 1777 he was stationed on the Island of Rhode Island - & the shore of the Bay - of R.I. that during the three years - for [illegible] the said lieutenant, & Captains commissions - he this deponent - was stationed -  in the eastern & southern parts of Rhode Island -: that the whole of said Regiment was was [sic] stationed on the same duty & in the same duty - , to wit: guarding the western shore of the eastern part of Rhode Island while the English held the Island of Rhode Island
| | | Stephen Pearce |
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. 
Sworn & subscribed- this 9th day of Augt 1832 | Stephen Pearce
before me 
N. Williams 
Vice Chan
Page 10

Commth of Penna.,
Schuylkill County, ss: Charlemagne Tower, of Pottsville in said Schuylkill County, Attorney at Law, being duly sworn, says:- That formerly and in the year 1843, he resided at Waterville, Oneida County, in the State of New York; That Stephen Pierce, the father of Deborah T. Tower, was his grandfather, and died, at Waterville aforesaid, on the fourteenth day of May, A.D. 1843; That he knows the date of said Stephen Pierce's death, because he was in Waterville aforesaid on the day of said Pierce's death, and on that day wrote to James Pierce, a son of said deceased , who resided then, and resides now, at Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, a letter, which he then copied into his Letter Book with his own hand, and which from such copy he now finds, was in these words:--
“Waterville, May, 14. 1843
Dear Uncle,
Grandfather's last words to Maria, that he should never see her again, are true. While at the breakfast table this morning, he was suddenly taken with a pain in his breast, and dropped his head forward with a groan. He was helped to his bed; and a doctor attended him, administering stimulants, until about half past twelve at noon, when he died. He appeared to be in some pain, from the cold sweat which flowed from him; but he was entirely in possession of his senses and quiet, to the moment that life left him.-- His funeral is to be attended here at ten o'clock next Tuesday forenoon, and his corpse will then be taken to Paris
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Hill for burial. If you get this letter soon enough to come, your friends here will be glad to have you, as you will doubtless to, attend the funeral.
 Yours truly,
C. Tower.";
And that he mailed the said letter, on the same day, to the said James Pierce. And further he says not.- Subscribed and Sworn to this Twenty Sixth day of February A.D. 1855. before me Jacob Reed JP | Charlemagne Tower. 
Commth of Penna., Schuylkill County,| ss: I Samuel Huntinger, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Schuylkill County aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Jacob Reed Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit of Charlemagne Tower was made, was at the time it was so made a duly authorized Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and of affixed my seal of Office, this twenty sixth day of February AD. 1855. 
Saml Huntzinger Prothy
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15.976
Stephen Pierce
Oneida Co N York

e.y.


A. C. Crary, esq.
[crossed out] A C Crary [/crossed out] Clinton, Onieda Co N.Y.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 
183 
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, (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. 
A Statement, showing the service of Stephen Pierce
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant’s service. Years. | Months. | Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
1 May 1775 |  | 8 | | Private | Capt Willar | Col Church Gnl Greene |  | Stationed at Roxbury Massett | 77 years Little Compton Rhode Island | By living witnesses
*Dec 7 1776 |  | 5 |  |  | Capt Simons | Col Hilliard | 
1776 & 1777 | - | 7 | - | Ensign | Capt Simons | Genl Cornell Col Parden Gray |
To 1778 | 1 |  |  |  |  |
to 1779 | 1 |  |  | Lieut |  | Col Church |
to 1780 | 1 | - | - | “ |  |
to 1781 | 1 |  |  | Capt. |  | Col Church
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
* Decr 7 1776 ---
The English ---
Took Rhode Island
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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 day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of of in the county of and State, Territory or District of 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 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. I 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 was 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.
I, 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
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 [the rest of the line is illegible due to fold] 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 be low 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, deposes 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, in 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 here 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 in 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.
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] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m]The answers in the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 16

State of Pennsylvania County of Schuylkill,}
Be it known, that on this Twenty Sixth day of February A. D. 1855 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared, Charlemagne Tower, Administrator &c. of Stephen Pierce deceased resident of Pottsville in said County, and made oath according to law that he is Administrator of the identical Stephen Pierce whose name, under Act of 7th June 1832 has been placed on the State of New York Pension Roll of the rate of 148 33/ Dollars per annum. 
That he is credibly informed that the said Pension may and ought to be increased from its commencement and during is continuance; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said increase, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint A. H. Mackland of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of said Stephen Pierce, now dec. for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or INCREASE OF PENSION, that may be due; and for the purpose of establishing additional service by the soldier for whose military duty in the Revolution the aforesaid Pension was granted, I hereby authorize my said Attorney to apply for and obtain from State archives or other sources, certified proof of such service. To examine all papers or documents in relation to said service on file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my benefit the Certificate for INCREASE which may be issued in satisfaction of said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Pension Agency of this State; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Agent and Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises.
Charlemagne Tower Adm. Of Stephen Pierce decd.
 Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Charlemagne Tower Adm &c ^as aforesaid to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged, In whose claim I am in no wise interested.
Jacob Reed JP
State of Pennsylvania} 
County of Schuylkill}
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me ^Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas of County of Schuylkill that Stephen Pierce was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the  United States, at the rate of $148 33/ per annum, *and that he died on the Fourteenth day of May Eighteen Hundred and forty three leaving surviving the following named children and none other, to wit: George Pierce, James Pierce, Emma Rowell (wife of Zera Rowell) Lucy Walker (widow of Simon Walker deceased) Deborah T. Tower (widow of Reuben Tower deceased) Polly Tompkins (wife of ___Tompkins) and Nancy Greenhill (wife of Joseph Greenhill) – of whom the said Polly Tompkins and Nancy Greenhill have since decd. –
It is further certified that Jacob Reed Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was at the time of so doing a duly authorized Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that the signature purporting is believe to be genuine; and further, that in the within claim for Increase of Pension I am in no degree interested. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this twenty sixth day of February 1855 
Saml Huntzinger Prothy 
1. Claimant’s name or names in full. 2. Post Office address.
3. “That he is the,” or “that she is the,” or “that she is the widow of,” or “that he, she or they are the children of,” &c.
4. Pensioner’s full name. – 5. State the Act if known. – 6. Give the State where pensioned. – 7. Name the yearly amount received. – 8. “He is,” “she is,” or “they are.”
9. Claimant’s signature. – 10. Magistrate’s signature. - *If the Pensioner be living, this part of the Clerk’s certificate should be omitted.
11. Here name each of the survivors. – 12. Magistrate’s name. – 13. – Clerk’s signature.
N.B. – Should two or more [illegible] join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.
Page 17

v. & 1812 
Wars Section 
EEL:MLB OW
September 22, 1930

Mrs. M. J. Cronin 
7 Lyons Place 
Utica, New York 
Dear Madam: 
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 14170, that Stephen Pearce, the son of James and Sarah Pearce, was born December 20, 1753, or in 1755, at Little Compton, Bristol County, Rhode Island. 
While residing at Little Compton, Rhode Island, he enlisted May 1, 1775, and served at various times, amounting in all to two years, as private, sergeant, ensign, lieutenant and captain, in Captains Aaron Wilbur's, George Simmons' and John Davis companies, in Colonels Thomas Church's, David Hillard's, John Cook's Pardon Gray's, Nathaniel Church's Lemuel Bailey's and Christopher Greene's Rhode Island regiments. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 9, 1832, while a resident of Paris, Oneida County, New York. 
He died May 14, 1843, at Waterville, New York, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him: George T., who signed Peirce; James Pearce; Emma, wife of Zera Rowell; Lucy, widow of Simeon Walker; Deborah T., widow of Reuben Tower; Polly, wife of ___Tompkins; Nancy, wife of Joseph Greenhill. In 1855, Polly Tompkins and Nancy Greenhill were deceased. 
Charlemagne Tower, a grandson, was an attorney-at-law and a resident of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in 1855. The name of the soldier's wife is not given. 
Very truly yours 
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
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for contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-[pension]  on file in this Bureau. Stephen Pearce Sur File 14170 Pensioned as Pierce
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE.
May 1 1775 | served at | {Pvt. | Aaron Wilbur Wilber | Thomas Church | R.I.
[blank] | various times | {Sgt. | George Simmons | David Hillard
[blank] | in all 2 years | {Ensign | John Davis | John Cook
[blank] | [blank] | Lieut & | [blank] | Pardon Gray
[blank] | [blank] | Capt. | [blank] Nathaniel Church
[blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | Samuel Bailey Christopher Greene
Battles engaged in, [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Little Compton, R.I.
Date of application for pension, Aug 9. 1832 His cl was al.
Residence at date of application, Paris Onieda Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born at Little Compton, Bristol Co R.I. ^Dec 20, 1753 or 1755
Remarks: Soldier was the son of James and Sarah Pearce; he died May 14, 1843 at Waterville N.Y.
Name of his wife, who did not survive him, is not stated. Children: ^George T who signs of Peirce James, Emma wife of Zera Rowell: Lucy, wid. Of Simeon Walker Deborah T. wid. Of Reuben Tower; Polly wife of ---Tompkins; Nancy wife of Joseph Greenhill.
Charlemagne Tower, Grand Son.
Very respectfully,
Page 19

Schuylkill County ss I Joshua Bayer Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration in and for the County of Schuylkill, To Charlemagne Tower Grand Son of Stephen Pierce Deceased—Greeting.
 Whereas 
the said Stephen Pierce lately died intestate (as is affirmed) having whilst he lived and at the time of his death divers goods, chattels rights and Credits, by means whereof the full disposition and power of granting the administration of all and singular the goods chattels rights and Credits which were of the said deceased. And also the auditing the [illegible] calculations and reckonings of the said administration and final dismission from the same to me is manifestly known to belong. I desiring that the goods, chattels rights and Credits of the said deceased may be well and truly administered, do hereby grant unto you the said Charlemagne Tower in whose fidelity in this behalf. I very much confide, full power by the tenor of these presents to administer the goods- Chattels, rights and Credits which were of the said deceased within the said County. And also to ask Collect, levy, recover and receive the Credits whatsoever of the said deceased which at the time of his death were owing or to him and any way belong, and pay the debts in which the said deceased stood obliged, so far forth as the goods, chattels, rights and Credits will extend according to their rate and order of law especially of well and truly administering the goods, rights and Credits of the said deceased and make a true and perfect inventory thereof, and exhibiting the same into the Registers Office, in the County of Schuylkill within thirty days from the date hereof and further do make or cause to be made a just and true account of your administration within one year from the date hereof or when thereunto legally required, and that you will well and truly comply with the laws of this Commonwealth relating to collateral inheritances. And if it shall hereafter appear that
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any Last Will and Testament was made by the said deceased and the same shall be proved according to law if you being thereunto required do surrender the said letters of administration into the Registers Office aforesaid, and I do by these presents ordain constitute and appoint you the said Charlemagne Tower Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels rights and credits, which were of the said deceased within the limits aforesaid. Saving harmless and forever indemnifying me and all other officers against all persons whatsoever by reason of your administration aforesaid and Saving to all others their rights In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Pottsville the Twenty first day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty five Joshua Bayer Register 
State of Pennsylvania Schuylkill County ss I Joshua Bayer Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration in and for the County of Schuylkill do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the letters of administration granted to Charlemagne Tower on the Estate of Stephen Pierce deceased, so full and entire as the same remain of record in said office In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office at Pottsville the 21st day of February AD 1853 Joshua Bayer Register be
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State of New York County of Tioga Ss:- I Green M Tuthill Clerk of the said County, Do certify that Israel Wells Esquire before whom the annexed purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature – 
Witness my hand and seal of office this 2nd day of October A.D. 1832 
Green M. Tuthill
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Stephen Pierce
Admd Decbr

15476
Page 23

State of New York Onieda County – ss -  We Asahel Norton a Clergyman residing in Kirtland in the said County and – and Theophilis ^Steele residing in [crossed out: Steele] Kirtland aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with - Stephen Pearse. - who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration -: that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age. that he is reputed & believed - in the neighbourhood where he resides - to have been a soldier of the revolution - and that we concur in that opinion:.
Sworn & subscribed – the day & year aforesaid | Asahel S. Norton Theo Steele
N. Williams Vice Chancellor. 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter - & 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 Asahel Norton who has signed the preceding certificate - is a clergyman resident in the Town of Kirtland -& that Theo Steel who has signed the same is a resident in the Town of Kirtland aforesaid and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit. 
N. Williams Vice Chanl.
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I J Watson Williams, Clerk of the Court of Chancery of the State of New York, for the Fifth Circuit of the said State --- 
do hereby certify - do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of said Court, in the matter of the application of Stephen Pierce for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office -, this 31st day of Augt 1832- 
J. Watson Williams:
Clerk in Chancery
5th Circuit N.Y.
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State of New York Onieda County -, ss:  Joseph Head of Madison in the County of Madison, State aforesaid _: being duly sworn deposeth and says -,  that in the year seventeen hundred & seventy six, - seventeen hundred & seventy seven, seventeen hundred seventy & seventy eight -: & seventy nine this deponent was - well acquainted with - Stephen Pierce - of Paris, in said County-: that said Pierce - was in the years seventeen hundred & seventy six - & seventy seven - an Ensign, in Captain George Simmons Company – of infantry  -  in Colonel Cook ^& Col Crary – Regt (as this deponent believes) - & in the year seventeen hundred & seventy eight ^& seventy nine a Lieutenant -  in Col [crossed out: Thomas] [illegible] Church Regt of the Rhode Island line -: that this deponent - who during said term of time - a private - in said Company -: that said Company was stationed - at Little Compton -: in the County of Bristol & State of Rhode Island. that - to the best of this deponents recollection - the said Pierce – was -  an Ensign as aforesaid - one year & seven months - and a Lieutenant - in said Company one year --- --- Sworn & subscribed- this 28" day of Augt 1832 | Joseph Head
B. Hickcox JP
seventeen hundred and seventy nine - the
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State of New York Madison County ss: Abner Wood - of Eaton - in said County -: being duly sworn according to law - deposeth and says; that to the best of this deponents - knowledge and belief -  he is seventy four years of age -: that in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five, this deponent resided in the Town of Little Compton - in the County of New Port: that Stephen Pierce, now a resident of the Town of Paris - in the County of Oneida & State of New York -: was in the year aforesaid a resident of the Town of Little Compton, aforesaid, that in the forepart of May - in the year aforesaid - the said Stephen Pirce - enlisted at Little Compton aforesaid - for the term of nine months - as a private in Captain Aaron Webbers - Company - of Infantry - in Colonel Thomas Church’s Regiment -: and that Pierce served as a private in said Company - during said term of nine month; in said service. 
And this deponent further says -. that in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven the said Stephen Pierce - was an Ensign - in Captain George Simons’ Company - of Infantry in Colonel Parden Grays’ Regiment of Brigadier Genl Cornell’s Brigade - of the Rhode Island line -: that said Pierce - held said Ensign’s Commission - one year -: That in May in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight, the said Stephen Pierce - was appointed a Lieutent in Captain George Simmons’ Company - in Colonel Pardon Grays - Regiment of Genl Cornells’ Brigade - of the Rhode Island line -: and served as a Lieut in said Company one year -: And this deponent further says that in the month of May - in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine - the
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said Pierce - was appointed a Lieutenant in said last named Company - and served one year as a Lieutenant in the United States service -; in the Rhode Island line.
And this deponent further says - that it was the general belief and this deponent has frequently - heard it stated that said Pierce - was a Captain in said Regiment.) that the statement _  made by the said Pierce -  was corrected by the interlinings in pencil are correct to the best of this deponent knowledge & belief in said Pierces said Declaration.
And this deponent, further says -, that said Pierce, is a man of truth - and that his statement is entitled to belief. 
Sworn & Subscribed this 22d of Sept 1832 | Abner Wood
R.B Root Justice Peace 
State of New York Madison County ss: I Andrew S. Sloan Clerk of the County of Madison do hereby certify that R. B. Root Esquire whose name appears subscribed to the foregoing affidavit signed by Abner Wood was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace, in & for the said County that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & that his name subscribed to said affidavit is his proper hand writing & genuine. signature- 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 22d day of Sept 1832 
A.S.Sloan Clk
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State of New York Tioga County ss: George Pierce ___  of [crossed out: illegible] Richford in said County -  being duly sworn according to law deposeth & says that = in the year 1777 – this deponent received – of his father Stephen Pierce – of the Town of Paris – in the County of Onieda, several – commissions – purporting to have been signed – by – Governor & Greene of Governor – of the State of Rhode Island & bearing the seal of the State of Rhode 
[this line illegible due to fold] 
deponent believes) – in years – 1775, 1776, 1777 – 1778, and 1779 - & 1780 -: that said commissions - as this deponent believes – were [illegible] – by – the said Stephen Pierce -: during the years last = aforesaid -:- that two of said commissions to wit: those dated – in the year – 1776 – and 1777 – were Ensigns – commissions – those bearing date in the years 1778 and 1779 – reads – Lieutenants Commissions - & that bearing date – in the 1781. Was – a Captains Commission –: that it has been from the earliest recollection of this deponent – his belief – & the [illegible]
Page 29

belief of the neighbourhood in which said Stephen Pierce – resides – that the said Stephen – Pierce – was – a Captain with the army of the Revolution - & that this deponent has never heard – it when doubted – or reputed – that the said Commissions – were given by the State of Rhode Island – to the said Stephen – Pierce –: or that the said Stephen – Pierce – served as stated – by said Stephen – Pierce –: And this deponent further says -, that he kept said Commissions – a number of years -. But that he cannot state the exact times, that that [sic] It was the belief of this deponent – that his children – took said Commissions from, the chest – in which said Commissions had been kept =: & destroyed them the said Commissions that – deponent has – [crossed out: illegible] made diligent search for said commissions but – is unable to – obtain them –: That for this deponent, is fifty one years of age – and a resident of Richford Tioga County –
George T Pierce
[bottom left hand corner crossed out] Sworn & subscribed [illegible] day of Sept 1833 [/crossed out]
[left hand margin sideways]
Sworn & Subscribed [illegible] day of [crossed out: Sept] October 1832 | by me Israel Wells Justice of the Peace
Page 30

belief of the neighbourhood in which said Stephen Pierce – resides – that the said Stephen – Pierce – was – a Captain with the army of the Revolution - & that this deponent has never heard – it when doubted – or reputed – that the said Commissions – were given by the State of Rhode Island – to the said Stephen – Pierce –: or that the said Stephen – Pierce – served as stated – by said Stephen – Pierce –: And this deponent further says -, that he kept said Commissions – a number of years -. But that he cannot state the exact times, that that [sic] It was the belief of this deponent – that his children – took said Commissions from, the chest – in which said Commissions had been kept =: & destroyed them the said Commissions that – deponent has – [crossed out: illegible] made diligent search for said commissions but – is unable to – obtain them –: That for this deponent, is fifty one years of age – and a resident of Richford Tioga County –
George T Pierce
[bottom left hand corner crossed out] Sworn & subscribed [illegible] day of Sept 1833 [/crossed out]
[left hand margin sideways]
Sworn & Subscribed [illegible] day of [crossed out: Sept] October 1832 | by me Israel Wells Justice of the Peace
Page 31

State of New York- Onieda County  - ss - John Bailey of Marshall - in the County of Oneida and State aforesaid -  being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and says _: that he is Seventy four years of age: that he is well acquainted with Stephen Pierce of the Town of Paris - in said County and has been acquainted with said Pierce - for the term of sixty years last past =: that said Pierce in the years seventeen hundred and seventy eight = and seventeen hundred and seventy nine - was a Lieutenant in Capt George Simon’s _ company  - of Infantry, in Colonel Pardon Grays Regiment =, of the Rhode Island Line -, in the service of the United States, and that in the year seventeen hundred and eighty the said Pierce was promoted to the rank of Captain - in said Regiment =: that said Regiment was commanded by Lemuel Bailey that said Pierce served in said service - as a Lieutenant and as a Captain as set forth in the foregoing declaration - bearing the seal of the Court of Chancery - & dated the 9” day of Augt 1832 - and Subscribed & Sworn to by said Perce-.
And this deponent further says - that the said Pierce is Seventy. Seven years of age and a reputable person 
Sworn & subscribed before me this 17th day of Dec 1832 | John Bailey
[illegible] Doolittle Justice of the Peace_.
Page 32

State of New York Onieda County – ss: Caleb Simons of the Town of Paris - in the County of Oneida and State of New York -  being duly sworn according to law deposeth and says _.  that he is (as he believes-) Seventy Seven years of age _: that he is well acquainted with Stephen Pierce - and has been acquainted with said Pierce - for the sum of Sixty years last past: that this deponent believes said Pierce - to be seventy seven years of age -: that in the years -  seventeen hundred and seventy six -  seventeen hundred and seventy seven - seventeen hundred and seventy eight, seventeen hundred and seventy nine, seventeen hundred and eighty and seventeen hundred and eighty one -, the said Pierce was - a private -  a Lieutenant - and a Captain - in Col Pardy Grays Regiment – of Infantry in the Rhode Island Line – in the service of the United States – as set forth – in the foregoing declaration – sworn & subscribed to by said Pierce – dated the 9” day of Augt 1832 – and bearing the Seal of the Court of Chancery of this State -.
And this deponent further says, that he the deponent = in the years seventeen hundred and eighty and seventeen hundred & eighty one, served as a private – in said Capt Stephen Pierces Company -. And in the years seventeen hundred and seventy nine and eighty as a private in Capt Benjamin Coe’s Company
Page 33

hundred and Seventy nine and eighty as a private in Capt Benjamin Coes Company 

in said regiment. 
And this deponent further says, that the said Pierce is a man of truth._, and is a reputable inhabitant of said Town of Paris --- --- --- - 
Sworn & subscribed before me this 19 day of Octr 1832 --- | Caleb Simmons
Charles Smith Justice of the Peace.

State of New York Oneida County Ss: I Chas Smith one of the Justices of the Peace - in and for said County do hereby certify, that John Bailey and Caleb Simons - who have subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavits are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Paris Octr 14. 1832 | Chas Smith Justice of the Peace
 
State of New York Onieda County-ss: I George Brown - Clerk of the County of Oneida - do hereby certify: that Charles Smith Esqr the justice of the peace, before whom the foregoing affidavit = sworn and subscribed to by - Joseph Head -: of Madison in the County of Madison - John Bailey, of Marshall in the County of Oneida - and Caleb Simons of Paris - in the County of Oneida - and State
Page 34

aforesaid, that is to say; Benjamin Hickox and Charles Smith Esqr were at the times the said affidavits. = bear date – justices of the peace – in and for the County of Oneida aforesaid.
And I do further certify: that the hand writing of said Justices – are well known to me -; and that the signatures subscribed to said affidavits are their own [illegible] hand writing – and that B. ---- Hickox – and Charles Smith – are the signatures of said justices and genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas – of said County this [illegible] day of Octr – 1832 - | George Brown Clerk Onieda County
George Brown Clerk
Joseph B Read Dep Clk
Page 35

Stephen Pierce
[checkmark] 15976
Page 36

State of New York Onieda County ss: - Stephen Pierce - of Paris in said County - who has subscribed & sworn to the annexed declaration - being duly sworn according to law deposeth and says -, that at Little Compton - in the Cou of Bristol and State of Rhode Island -, on the fifth day of December 1776 -; this depo was ordered - into said service as an Ensign in Capt George Simmons Compy of Col David Hillards Regt (as set forth in said declaration -) and was honourably discharged the fifth of May 1777- 
That the fifth day of May 1777 - this deponent - was appointed - an Ensign in Capt George Simmons Compy - of Col John Cooks’ Reg - of the Rhode Island line - for the period of one year -; and was honorably discharged from said said [sic] service the 4” of May 1778.
That on the fifth of May 1778 - this deponent was appointed - a Lieutenant in Captain John Davis’ Compy - of Col Pardon Grays’ -, Regt of the Rhode Island Line - that he served one year in said service - as a Lieut and was honourably discharged from said service -  the fourth of May 1779-.
That on the fifth of May 1780. This deponent was appointed a Captain in Coll Lemuel Baileys Regt = of Infy - of the Rhode Island line -, and was honourably discharged from said service the fourth day of May 1780 _.
That on the fifth day of December
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1776 - this deponent was called into said service – (as above stated) in consequence of the Enemy threatening Rhode Island - that from the said fifth day of December 1776 - till the first day of November 1777- this deponent - was in said service - as herein above stated -: that on the first of Novr aforesaid the Enemy evacuated Rhode Island - and that the said Regt was at the time last aforesaid relieved from - the duty of guarding the shores of the Eastern Coast of Rhode Island by said evacuation -: that during the time the Enemy occupied New Port - this deponent was in said service as stated in the annexed declaration - That this deponent, does not claim, for any services, after the Enemy evacuated the Island of Rhode Island - which was on the 11th of Novr of 1777-.
That on the 5th of May 1777 - the deponent was appointed a Lieutenant in Capt John Davis’ Compy of Col Nathaniel Church's Regt of the Rhode Island Line, that served one one [sic] year in said service as a Lieut under said last named Commission and was honorably discharged the 4 of May 1780 -
Sworn & subscribed the 11" day of June 1833 | Stephen Pierce
 Nathan Kimball | Judge of Oneida common pleas
Page 38

State New York Oneida County – ss: I George Brown - Clerk of certify County of Oneida, do hereby certify - that I am well acquainted with hand writing of Nathan Kimball that his signature subscribed to the foregoing affidavit is his proper hand writing and ^his genuine signature: And I do further certify, that said Nathan Kimball Esqr was at the time the said affidavit bears date one of the Judges the Court of Common Pleas, of said County.____ 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court - this 18th day of June 1833 at [illegible], in said County.
Geo Brown Clerk 
Jos B Read Dy Clk
Page 39

In estimating the service for the Admission of the claim the Clerk made an error of one year in the time he was Ensign = 4 mo’s actual service - which he through mistake put under the head of Private – he stated the service  as Lt at 20 days more than it should be and omitted the 1 month as captain proved by the warrants - and sustained by the rolls - he allowed as corporal incorrectly -
Capt 1 mo  20
Lt 25 days 11.11
Ensign 9 mos 90
Private 13d 5 days 43.88
164.99
[bottom right corner sideways]
The office having refused to allow for more than the time periods & grades specified – and Pierce having expressly relinquished all oaths = The claim for increase cannot be admitted. (Com’r says errors should be corrected at all times, stipulations not withstanding
Page 40

[top part of the page sideways]
by the warrants - and sustained by the rolls - he allowed as corporal incorrectly -
Capt 1 mo  20
Lt 25 days 11.11
Ensign 9 mos 90
Private 13d 5 days 43.88
164.99

[bottom of page]
The office having refused to allow for more than the time periods & grades specified – and Pierce having expressly relinquished all oaths = The claim for increase cannot be admitted. (Com’r says errors should be corrected
Page 41

[top left margin sideways] 
Both in the Same compy

Joseph Head Madn Co N.Y.  No 20.352 admd 32
In his own declaration shows Stephen Pearce Ensign as above & pensioned for same service 77 to fall of 79 –

Abner Wood “ “ “ No 20.514 admd 32
I served for same service Pearce was Ensign

Elias Wells  No 20.635
Pardon’s Pearces service as Private

John Bailey Onieda “ “  admd [crossed out: 14740] or 30.232
Pensioned for 16 mos service as Priv & Ensign – part of which in same Regt but not same compy

[crossed out] Caleb Simmons “ “ “ Susp “ [/crossed out]
Pierce stated, as witness, that himself was Lt & Capt during a portion of this service.

Alleges only 25 days Lieut
But does allege 9 mos Sergt [crossed out] Ensign
1 month sergt instead of Corpl besides the time ( in 79) when he is reported as Superceded
New record shows him in Commission at least Ensign and 3 mos as Ensign – at least 8 mos as Lt and 2 yrs as capt

[bottom of page upside down]
Declared – married June 1776
Page 42

Declared – married June 1776

[upside down]
[top left margin sideways] 
Both in the Same compy
Joseph Head Madn Co N.Y.  No 20.352 admd 32
In his own declaration shows Stephen Pearce Ensign as above & pensioned for same service 77 to fall of 79 –
Abner Wood “ “ “ No 20.514 admd 32
I served for same service Pearce was Ensign
Elias Wells  No 20.635
Pardon’s Pearces service as Private
John Bailey Onieda “ “  admd [crossed out: 14740] or 30.232
Pensioned for 16 mos service as Priv & Ensign – part of which in same Regt but not same compy
[crossed out] Caleb Simmons “ “ “ Susp “ [/crossed out]
Pierce stated, as witness, that himself was Lt & Capt during a portion of this service.

Alleges only 25 days Lieut
But does allege 9 mos Sergt [crossed out] Ensign
1 month sergt instead of Corpl besides the time ( in 79) when he is reported as Superceded
New record shows him in Commission at least Ensign and 3 mos as Ensign – at least 8 mos as Lt and 2 yrs as capt
Page 43

New York
Revol =
Stephen Pierce
Suspended
See letter

A.C. Crary Esqr.
8 October 1833.
Let to Do June 12 1834. ---
Let to A Crary Esq
8 Sept 1834

Act 7. June 1832
Page 44

J L Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Washington City
Page 45

Clinton March 1st 1834 

Sir
Enclosed is the certificate of Henry Bowen Esqr = Secty of Rhode Island of the time of service of Mr Pierce-: it does not state the time he was a lieut but gives him credit for one year longer as an Ensign & Capt than was set forth in his decln this is foreby owing to the imperfect state of the records of that State. 
I some months since forwarded the declaration of John Foot = Wm Bown _ & Solm Butler -: Mr Foot’s papers & Mr Browns certificate have been recd but Butlers papers have not been heard from I mention this - fearing that they have [illegible]
I am Sir Respy
Your obt Servt
Archd C Crary

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions = Washington.
Page 46

State of Rhode Island 
and Providence Plantations 
Secretary's Office Feby 17th AD 1834.
I Certify that at the session of the General assembly of said State holden in May one thousand seven hundred seventy seven Stephen Peirce was elected Ensign of the second Company of Militia in the town of Little Compton; that in may following he was reelected to said office: that [crossed out: during] in the years seventeen hundred seventy nine he was superceded (at June session.) That in May one thousand seven hundred eighty one he was elected Captain of said Company, and so continued during the year ending in May one thousand seven hundred eighty three when he was superceded all which appears of record in this office. 
Witness Henry Bowen Secry 
Town Clerks Office, Little Compton February 21st 1834 
I hereby certify that Stephen Pearce Son of James Pearce and Sarah his wife was born December 20th 1753 as appears of record 
Witness A.R. Brownell Town Clerk.
Page 47

State of Rhode Island 
and Providence Plantations 
Secretary's Office Feby 17th AD 1834.
I Certify that at the session of the General assembly of said State holden in May one thousand seven hundred seventy seven Stephen Peirce was elected Ensign of the second Company of Militia in the town of Little Compton; that in may following he was reelected to said office: that [crossed out: during] in the years seventeen hundred seventy nine he was superceded (at June session.) That in May one thousand seven hundred eighty one he was elected Captain of said Company, and so continued during the year ending in May one thousand seven hundred eighty three when he was superceded all which appears of record in this office. 
Witness Henry Bowen Secry 


Witness A.R. Brownell Town Clerk.
Page 48

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis 
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. 
BEIT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law. Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence , this seventeenth day of February in the year of or Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-for and of Independence the fifty eighth
 John Brown Francis 
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND. 
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 49

Commth of Penna Schuylkill County | ss: Charlemagne Tower, of Pottsville, in said Schuylkill County, Attorney at Law, being duly Sworn, says:- That Stephen Pierce, late of Oneida County, in the State of New York, deceased, and who died at Waterville in said Oneida County, on the fourteenth day of May, 1843 was his grandfather; That he knew said Pierce and all said Pierces children personally and well, and had so known them from his childhood, and So knows now all of said Pierces children who are alive; That said Piece did not leave a widow, but did leave several children, Surviving him, at the time of his death, and some of said children have died since the death of their father aforesaid; And that the following are children of said Stephen Pierce deceased and are now living, and are the only children of said Stephen Pierce deceased, who are now alive, to wit: George Pierce, who resides in the Town of Berkshire, Tioga County, New York; James Pierce, who resides at Syracuse, in Onondaga County, New York; and Emma Rowell, (wife of Zera Rowell) Lucy Walker (widow of Simeon Walker deceased) and Deborah T. Tower (widow of Reuben Tower deceased), who reside, all three of them, at Waterville, in Oneida County, New York. And further he says not.
Subscribed and sworn to this Third day of March A.D. 1855, before me Jacob Reed JP | Charlemagne Tower.
Page 50

Commth of Penna Schuylkill County, ss: I, Samuel Huntzinger Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Schuylkill County aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Jacob Reed Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of Charlemagne Tower was made, was at the time it was so made a duly authorized Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and of fixed my seal of Office, this third day of March A.D. 1855.
Saml Huntzinger Prothy
Page 51

asks re-examination of the case of Stephen Pierce of NY 1832 ad

[illegible]

A. H. Markland

Recd Sept 12th 1834
Page 52

Washington City Oct 21/54 
Dr Sir
Will you please to inform me what amount is due the estate of the late Stephen Pierce of Oneida Co. N. Y. His heirs would like to know so that if it is necessary they will take out letters of administration, but have no desire to go to the expense there is of administering unless there is something to remunerate them for their trouble.
I am very respectfully 
Thos J. McCamant
Page 53

Stephen Pierce, deceased
New York
Act June 7, 1832
for increase
Admitted
Captain 1 month   $20.00
Lieut 25 days 11.11
Ensign 9 mo. 15 das 95.00
Private 12 mos 20 da’s 42.22
at the rate of $168.33
per annum, from March 4th 1831 to May 14, 1843, when he died, deducting former allowances at $148 33/100 per annum.
Certificate payable to Charlemagne Tower Admr for the benefit of
George Pierce
James Pierce
Emma Rowell
Lucy Walker &
Deborah T. Power
His only surviving children,
Atty
A. H. Markland
Present.
Page 54

Breif in the case of Stephen Pierce, deceased, Oneida County and State of New York act June 7, 1832

Claim, ( "original" [crossed out] "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

It is documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
There was a manifest error in the computation of the time that Stephen Pearce sercd in the various offices held by him.
The Commision approved of the readjustment

Name and residence of Agent
AH Markland Present

S. G. Dodge Examining Clerk.
Page 55

Memo
Page 56

In this case the commissioner thinks and says that as there is a clear mistake [underlined] of one year (= 4 mos actual service,) as Ensign, the claim for increase to that extent should be admitted -
3 1/2 mos Ensign $35
Deduct 3 1/2 do private 11.66
Increase - $23.33
Page 57

Jan 24. '45 NY

[vertical from left side]
333
3
_____
1000
166
_____
11.66

[vertical from right side]
Hon J. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 58

Ovid Jany. 17th 1845

Dear Sir
Pardon me for requesting to be allowed respectfully, to ask, if there is not an increase of pension due to Capt Stephen Pierce late a pensioner of the New York line, the children claim that he served as Capt. Leiut & Ensign in all some 3 years, that the most of his service was performed as Capt. that his pension was about $160 per annum = I may not have the correct history, if I have however, there would seem to be an increase of pay due, please to inform me how the case stands. Respectfully Your
Most Obt Servt
Arad Joy

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 59

Stephen Pierce

JL Edwards
Commissr of Pension

[faded round stamp] [illegible] SEP 13

A. Crary Esq
Clinton
N. York
Page 60

Forwarded by
Archd C Crary
Clinton
Oneida County
N. York
Page 61

War Department 
Pension Office 
8th Sept 1834 
Sir
The amended declaration of Stephen Pierce has been examined. The specifications of his different terms of service differ so widely from those of his original declaration to period, lenght [sic] & grade, that it is impactable to ascertain the amount of his claim. Indeed the last declaration is inconsistent with itself. He concluded it with a recapulation of his service materialy variant from the specifications of it, & contradictory of Mr Bowens certificate respecting his grades at the different periods of the war. He specifies three months as Ensign in 76, while the certificate proves he was appointed in May 77. He alleges that he was appointed Lieutenant May ‘79 & served 3 1/2 months in tours during the Simmer, fall winter, & the certificate proves he was appointed in Sept ‘79. that he was appointed Ensign in April 81 & the certificate shows that he was appointed Capt in 81 &c &c. You will thus perceive that his claim, in the multiplicity of papers by which it is sustained. is involved in considerable confusion. But in as much its general merit is well established and
Page 62

the spirit of the act requires the most liberal interpretation of the claims, asserted under it, the following suggestion is thrown out for his consideration. Taking the Specification of service at the different points [underlined] as having been rendered in the grades established by Mr Bowens certificate, for those periods respectively, it would appear, that he was entitled 1 months as Capt 1½ monts [sic] as Lieutenant from Sept 1779 to Feby 81, and five a half months as Ensign & 16 months as a private. Should he be satisfied with a pension computed from the above data he should signify it in writing
| I am Respectfully
| Your Obt Servant
| J L. Edwards
State of New York and Oneida County} 
I George Brown Clerk of the County of Onieda do hereby certify that C. E. Strong is a justice of the for the County: that the signature of said Justice is well known to me that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine 
In testimony whereof set my hand & the seal of said County This 15th day of Sept 1843 | Geo. Brown Clerk John S. Ray Dep.
[bottom left hand corner crossed out]
A. Crary Esq Clinton N. York
Page 63

State of New York Oneida County ss: I Stephen Pierce of Paris, in said County & the identical Stephen Pierce- named in the above. - do hereby relinquish all claim to a pension or annuity -  for services rendered the United States - in the war of the Revolution -  except in the grades to during the terms following - that is to say-: for services of a Capt one month - as a Lieut one & one half month as an Ensn five & one half months - & as a private sixteen months
Paris Sept 15" 1834 | Stephen Pearce
State of New York Oneida County ss: Personally appeared beforeone C E Strong - one of the justices of the peace of said County and acknowledged the foregoing to be his voluntary act & deed.
24/40-11 In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand --- this 15" day of Sept 1834 C.P. Strong Justice
Page 64

[left side]
Pension papers
And Declaration 
of Stephen Pierce
Augt 30" 1834.

Forwarded by
Archb C Crary
Clinton
Oneida County
New York

[right side]
admd
16mo. pri 53.33
5 1/2 " Ensign 55.00
1 1/2 " Lieut 20.00
1 " Capt 20.00
24- 148.33

Archd Crary
Clinton
N.Y.
Page 65

Amended Declaration
State of New York Onieda County ss: On this 30th day of August 1834 - personally appeared before the Court of Chancery of the State of New York [crossed out: illegible] holden before the Hon Hiram Denio -  Vice Chanceller of the 5" Circuit of the State of New York - at the City of Utica Stephen Pierce - of Paris in said County - aged eighty 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 act of Congress passed June 7” 1832 -.
That on the fifth day of May 1775 - he enlisted as a private in Capt Aaron Wilburs’ Compy - of Col Thomas Churchs’ Regt of Genl Nathaniel Greens’ Brigade - of the Rhode Island line, for the term of eight months - and was honourably discharged - at Cambridge Massachusetts - the first of Jany 1776-.
[left margin note] 8 mo pri [/note] That this dept was stationed at Prospect Hill - near Boston during this time of service. 
[left margin note] 1 mo [/note] That on the tenth of March 1776 - this dept was drafted as a private in Capt George Simmons [crossed out: Regt] Compy of a Regt of Rhode Island Malitia - commanded (Davis Hillard) and was honourably discharged the tenth of April 1776 -: that he served one month as last aforesaid. 
That the last named services to on were at Howlands Ferry R. Island
[left margin note] 3 months [/note]  That on the 5" day of December 1776- this dept was ordered into said service as Ensign - in Capt George Simmons’ Compy of Col David Hillards’ Regt and remained
Page 66

in said service till the 5 of March 1776 -  being three months -.
That this dept as an Ensign - as aforesaid - was stationed on the Island of Rhode Island till the 8” of Decr 1776-. then at Littlecompton during the remainder of said term of three months.
That this dept was appointed Ensign in May 1776 _._ that the first of May 1776 -  the Malitia of the Town of Little Compton R. Island -  was divided into three companies - and at that time this dept was appd Ensign. that previous then to said militia had been in one company, of the Town of Little Compton.
That on the fifteenth of May 1777 - this dept was appointed an Ensign in the second Compy - or Capt George Simmons' Compy of Col John Cooks’ Regt of the Rhode Island Malitia - for the term of one year - and was discharged the 15” of May 1772-.
That during said period of one year; to wit: on the first of July this dept was ordered into said service -  as an Ensign in said last named compy -: at Little Compton -; Rhode Island - served fifteen days -: to wit: till the 15" of July 1777-.
That on the 15” of Augt this dept was ordered into said service & remained till the 1” of Sept at Little Compton aforesaid.
Page 67

& remained in [illegible] Little Compton aforesaid.
That on the 1” of Novr 1777- this dept entered said service - & served as an Ensign in said last named company - till the 15” of Novr 1777__.  at Little Compton 
That on the 15” of Nov 1777 this dept entered service as an Ensign - in said last named Compy - & served at Little Compton aforesaid - fifteen days & was discharged on the 1” of Decr 1777 _._
That he entered said service on the 1" of Jany 1778 - & served as an Ensign in said last named Compy till the 15” of Jany 1778 -  at Little Compton aforesaid.
That on the 15” of Feby 1778 this dept entered said service as an Ensign in sd Capt Simmons’ Compy - &  served till the 1" of March 1778- at Little Compton aforesaid.
That on the 1” of April this dept entered said service as an Ensign in said last named Compy - & served 15 days & was discharged at Little Compton -  aforesaid the 15” of April 1778 -.
At this dept further says - that on the 15” of May 1778 -  he was appointed an Ensign in Capt George Simmons’ or the second company of malitia - in the Town of Little Compton -  for the time of one year _ & was honourably discharged
Page 68

the 15” of May 1779 -. That during said term -  from the 15” of May 1778 -  till the 15” of May 1779 - this dept served in said Compy -  as an Ensign - as follows, that is to say -.
That he served as last aforesaid from the 1” of June - till the 15” - from the 15” of July till the 1" of Augt from the 1” of Sep till the 15” from the 15” of Decr till the 1” of Novr from the 1" of Decr till the 15” of Decr 1778 - and from the 15” of [crossed out : Aug 1779] Jany 1779 - till the 1” of Feby from the 1” of March till the 15” & from the 15” of April till the 1” of May 1779 -.
And this dept further says - that on the 15” of May 1779 -  he was by the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island – appointed an Ensign - in the second Compy of Malitia - of the Town of Little Compton commanded by Capt George Simmons -  of Col Nathaniel Churches’ Regt and served as an Ensign in Sd Compy -  till the 1” of Sept 1779 _._ That during said last named term of three & one half months he served as follows – (in said service to wit:)
[2 notes in the left margin that read 15] That on the 15” of June 1779 – he entered said service -  as an Ensn in said last named Compy - & served till the 1” of July -: that on the 1” of Augt he entered said service & served till the 13 of Aug 1779. to wit: at Little Compton aforesaid 
And this dept further says - that on the
Page 69

to wit: at Little Compton aforesaid.
And this dept further says - that on the first of Sept 1779 - he this dept was appointed a Lieut in the second Compy - of the malitia of the Town of Little Compton, commanded by Capt George Simmons, in the Regt commanded by Col Nathaniel Church-: that this dept served as a Lieut in said Compy - till the enemy left the Island of Rhode Island -. which this dept believes was - the 10" of Novr 1779 -.
That on the 15” of Sept 1779 - he entered the service of the United States ^as aforesaid as a Lieut in said Compy - & served till the 1” of Novr & served till the 10” -  that this dept was honbly discharged from said service- 
And  this dept further says - that on the on the 1” of April (as he believes-) -  1781 - he was appointed an Ensign - in a regt of Rhode Island -  Malitia - embodied for one month - & that he served one month in said Regt & was honourbly discharged (as he believes) - the 1” of May 1781 -.
That he was (as this dept believes) stationed on the Island of R Island - during said last term of service-.
That on the 15” of June 1780 (as this dept believes) - he this dept enlisted as a private in - Lieut Benjn Johnsons’ Detachment of Col Christopher Greens’ Regt of the U.S. Infy for the term of six months - and was honourably discharged -, on the Island of Rhode Island - the 15” of Decr 1780 –
That he served, the said term
Page 70

of six months -, on the Island of Rhode Island – except about one week – when said Regt was marched to Greenwich on their march South - & was marched back to I. R. I. -.
That immediately after this dept enlisted as last aforesaid he was ordered to do duty as a Sergeant, to that he did do duty as a sergeant during said time of six months –
And this dept further said that the amount service – performed by him as aforesaid – as near as he can now recollect _:
Was. – in 1775 – as a private – 8  - months
1776 – “ _ “ 1 – mo_
“ “ an Ensign 1- “
1777 – “ – do 8”
1778 “ do 8”
1779 – “ do – 1”
And this dept further sayd that from old age & the consiquent [sic] loss of memory this dept is unable to state more minutely than the above & in the declaration signed by this dept & on file in the pension office – the circumstances commited with said service – or the dates of said services_.
Sworn & Subscribed – the day & year aforesaid | Stephen Pearce
Hiram Devis Vice Chancellor 5th Circ’t
Page 71

And the said Court duly declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. 
H. Devio
V. Chr.
I James Watson Williams, Clerk of this Court of Chancery of the fifth Circuit of the State of New York - do hereby  certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Pierce -  for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court -  this thirtieth day of August 1834 in the City of Utica-
James Watson Williams 
Clerk in Chancery 
5th Circuit N. Y.
Page 72

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Nov 18. 1833
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State ^ holden in may one thousand seven hundred seventy seven [/^] Stephen Pierce was elected Ensign of the second company of Militia in the town of Little Compton: That in May 1778 the said Pierce was reelected to said office: That in September 1779 the said Pierce was elected Lieutenant of said company: That in February 1781 [crossed out: the] an act was passed “for embodying and bringing into the field twelve hundred able bodied effective men of the militia, to serve within the State for one month, from the time of their rendezvous, and no longer term, and not to be marched out of the same”, in which corps the said Pierce was elected an Ensign. That at May session 1781 the said Pearce was elected Captain of said second company of Militia in Little Compton; all which appears of record in this office 
witness Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 73

BY HIS EXCELLENCY, 
John Brown Francis 
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. 
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN” to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law. Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence , this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three and of Independence the fifty eighth. 
John Brown Francis 
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND. 
Henry Bowen Secry

[the page showing underneath and upside down]
And the said Court duly declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.
Page 74

[top two lines are from the page under the current page] of six months -. On the [second line is illegible]
Little Compton Octor 1 AD 1781
Sir agreeable to an Act of Assembly of this State you are hereby directed Immediately, upon Receipt of this to Collect from George Simmons the sum of thirty Silver [crossed out: Spanish] Dollors [sic] with cost as a fine for his Neglecting to do duty as a Soldier on Rhodisland for the Term of one month when Legally called upon to do it ---------
If after demanding the fine he refuseth to pay it. You are hereby directed forthwith to make distraint upon his goods, and after Advertizing them Ten days, you are to Sell them at Publick Venue & pay the money to me. And for your so doing this shall be your ^Sufficient Warrant
William Southworth Major

To Capt Stephen Pearce
Sir you are Immediately to Collect thirty Silver dollors [sic] from Capt George Simmons as a fine for not doing duty as a Soldier on Rhodeisland for one month agreeable to an act of assembly of this State: when called upon to go or send an able bodyed [sic] man in his Room. And if he refuses to pay the Same, you are to make distraint on his goods, & Chattles [sic] Sufficient to pay the same. & make Satisfaction to me as Soon as you have completed the business
Little Compton Octobr the 1 AD 1781 Stephen Pearce Capt
To Barnabas Clap
Serjeant
[page showing underneath current page]
Service
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid | Stephen Pearce
Hiram Devio
Vice Chancellor 5th Circ’t
Page 75

Marion County – ss Abner Wood of Eaton -. In said County – being first duly sworn ^according to law [/^] depth & says – that he is well acquainted with Sd Stephen Peirce – of Paris in the County of Oneida - & State aforesaid and has been acquainted with said Pierce – since the year 1775 – that in the year 1775 = this dept & said Pierce – resided in the County of [crossed out: illegible] Newport & State of Rhode Island -: that in 1776 – said Pierce was a private in Capt George Simmon’s Compy of the Rhode Island Malitia (dept does not recollect the Regt to which said Compy belonged) – that he served in said Compy as a private – in the ^[illegible ^] [illegible] service from the 10” of March till the 10” of April 1776 -.
That said time served as a private in said Malitia – in said service – in Capt Aaron Wilbours Compy – of Col Thomas Churches Regt from the 1” of May 1775 – till the 1” of Jany 1776 -. At Boston.
That in the years – 1776 – 1777 - & 1778 – & 1779 - during the time the enemy were at Rhode Island – said Pierce – was in said service – as an Ensign - & Lieutenant – in said Malitia – for the rotation services) & served on third of the said time which said enemy were at Rhode Island –: So this from the time the Enemy took possession of Rhode Island – till the 15” of May following said Pierce was on duty – one month and off duty two months – at a time. From the time the Legislature – met in May last – aforesaid till the enemy

[sideways handwriting in left hand margin]
I certify that I am acquainted with Abner Wood who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a man of good moral character and reputed in the neighborhood where he lives a man of truth and veracity
Thomas Millen Jr. J. Peace
Page 76

Evacuated Rhode Island – said Pierce served 15 days – was off duty 30 – days (or as this dept believes) said Pierce was on duty one half a month & off duty a month at a time – during the said last named time _.
And this dept further says – that – after the enemy left Rhode Island – a Compy – of six months [illegible] was enlisted that said Pierce – served – six months in the service of the United States in said Compy – as a private in said Compy – and in the command of Lt Benjm Johnson – in Col Christofer Greens Regt of the U. S. Army in the summer of the year 1780. That this dept believes said Pierce – served one month in the Regt of Malitia – or volunteers served for one month – by the State of R. Island – in 1781 -. Abner Wood.
Sworn & Subscribed this 23rd day of Augt 1834 before me Thomas Millen Jr. J. Peace

State of New York Madison County – ss – I Thomas Millen Jr the justice of the Peace before whom the forgoing affdt was sworn do hereby certify that Abner Wood the dept to said affdt is a reputable person & that his statement is entitled to the fullest credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand – this 23rd day of August 1834  Thomas Millen Jr. J. Peace
Page 77

State of New York
Madison County Clerk’s Office } ss: I, Andrew S. Sloan, Clerk of the said County, do certify that Thomas Millen Jr. before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have ben sworn and also whose name appears to the preceding certificate, was, at the date of the same, One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature – Witness my hand and seal of Office this 23d day of August 1834 –
A.S. Sloan Clk
Page 78

Pension papers and Declaration - Stephen Pierce
Augt 30" 1834


Forwarded by - Archd C. Crary
Clinton Oneida County
New York

[the writing on this page is possibly crossed out]
Page 79

War Department 
Pension Office 
June 12, 1834 
Sir
The papers of Stephen Pierce have again been examined. The service in which the applicant was engaged appears to have been, except the eight months tour in 1775, that of the militia, the men as well as officers composing that description of force in the State of Rhode Island were out on short tours generally of fourteen days continuance alternately. In view of enabling the Department to decide as to the amount of pension the claimant is entitled he should specify the duration of each term of actual service with precision, the grade in which he served, the names of his officers as well as the place where each tour was performed. 
The papers remain on file. 
I am Respectfully 
Your Obt Sevt 
J L Edwards
A. C. Crary Esq 
Clinton 
New York 
[the bottom of the page is from a previous page written sideways]
Pension papers and Declaration - Stephen Pierce Augt 30" 1834 
Forwarded by - Archd C. Crary Clinton Oneida County New York 
[the writing on this page is possibly crossed out]
Page 80

Mar. 5. 1855
Sir
Please state at what dae the within named Stephen Pierce died.
Very respectfully
S. Cole
for Commr

Robt J. Atkinson Esq 3d Audr } 14 May 43
Page 81

[top of the page with sideways writing]
Mar. 5. 1855
Sir
Please state at what dae the within named Stephen Pierce died.
Very respectfully
S. Cole
for Commr

Robt J. Atkinson Esq 3d Audr } 14 May 43

[bottom of page]
Stephen Pierce died 14 May 1843 paid in full
Robt J Atkinson
Auditor
Page 82

[top left corner]
21. OWN P

[top right corner]
14170 [illegible]

[round stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE. A. FEB 19 1896

Will you kindly answer me two or three questions?
Stephen Pierce [crossed out] Pearce Born Dec 20th 1753. died May 14th 1843 90 years of age he was drawing a pension was it for the Revolutionary War or for the War of 1812 (he was in the

[round stamp over the writing]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE. I APR 21 1896
Page 83

War of 1812 I am told by some of the family 
What I would like to know is this was his a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and if so to what company did he belong and under whose command 
If he was only in the War of 1812 I would like to know to what company and under whose command he was 
These questions are for Genialogy purposes entirely and I should be greatly obliged if you could give
Page 84

me some answers
Yours Respectfully
Miss O. L. Hosey
2 Englewood Place
Albany N.Y.
Page 85

[left side sideways writing]
Stephen Pierce 
N.Y. AD 1832


Hon L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions
Washington
Page 86

[illegible], 27735
REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. DIV.
MEMORANDA.
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Stephen Pearce
Place of residence before service: & after for a time (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Town of Paris – Oneida Co N. Y.
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Waterville Oneida Co N. Y.
Date of death (as near as possible):
May 14th 1843.
Christian name of widow:
Abigail Taylor
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Stephen Pearce received the pension, Wife died some years before
Remarks:
[round stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE. E. APR 21 1896
Your name and address:
Mrs. O. L. Hasey
2 Englewood Place
Albany, N. Y. 
6-870
Page 87

W
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear sir:-
Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary War record of Stephen Pearce of Rhode Island who later moved to Paris, New York -
Yours respectfully
(Mrs.) Clara Stevens Keyes
9 West Street
Oneonta
New York
Jan. 6- 1909.
Page 88

[left side]
Issued to
y, Albany

[middle]
Revolutionary
14170
INVALID.
File No. 14,170
Stephen Pearce
Capt &c: Rev Wa[r]
Act: June 7” 1832
Index :--Vol 1, Page 297
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side]
Apr 24’ 96 sold p
Mrs O L Hase[y] LWB
1909 Jany 23, Hist to Clara S. Keyes. V.L.M
1909 Feby 10 Clara S Keyes name “Andrew T.” not among children.
1910 Jany 28 Hist to Robt. E. Wilkinson V.L.M.
1929 – Sept 19 – Hist to Mrs W. L. Sanders EEL
1930 – Jan 3 – Hist. to Mrs Irving Brown Rublee EEL
1930 – Mar 24 – Hist. to Hon. M. A. Romjue EEL
1930 – Sept 23 – Hist. to Mrs M. J. Cronin EEL
Page 89

14170
SP
Page 90

M. L. KEYES, President  R. MITCHELL, Vice President  D. F. KEYES, Cashier.

420.
First National Bank of Oneonta
CAPITAL $50,000.00.  SURPLUS $50,000.00.

Oneonta, N.Y. Feb. 1 1909

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly look up the records and see if you have not omitted one name, Andrew T., in the list of children of Stephen Pearce -
If so, please insert name. 
Kindly return this record at your earliest convenience -
Very respectfully
(Mrs.) Clara Stevens Keyes
9 West Street
Oneonta 
New York

[round stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE. A FEB 2 1909
Page 91

[top right corner] L. S. W. 

[round stamp]
RECORD DIVISION JAN 19 1910
Page 92

LONG DISTANCE PHONE

THE R. E. WILKINSON CO. 
MANUFACTURERS OF 
NO-RATTLE

KENOSHA, WIS. Jan 17th 1910

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington.
D.C.
Mrs Robt. E. Wilkinson of this city has made application to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, but is lacking certain information, she will be pleased to have you furnish her with some if possible.
she is a descendant of Stephen Pearce who enlisted in the revolutionary army in 1776, 2nd Company of Infantry, Little Compton R.I. and who drew a pension. 
Mrs Wilkinson's name before marriage was Cora Mary Burritt, she was a daughter of Hubbard Burritt he was a son of Deborah ________, she was a daughter of ____________, she was a daughter of ________. and she was a daughter of Stephen Pearce: You will notice there are three names she would like to have supplied if possible, and she will deem it a great favor if you can supply her with the desired information, or inform her how she could get it.
Yours very tryly.
Robt. E. Wilkinson
Page 93

Klamath Falls, Ore.
June 3 -  1929 
Bureau of Pensions,
War Department,
Washington D.C. 
[round stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE O JUN 8 1929
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly inform me if any of the following persons received pensions for services in the Revolutionary war?
(1) John Williams -  who married Mary Brower Jan 10, 1745 - They had four children - His name was sometimes spelled Johannus Williams.
(2) Louis Kinney (Kinnie) Born Feb. 28, 1735 and married Mary B. Williams Jan 5, 1762 - He died in 1822 - They had ten children.
Page 94

(3) - James Pearce of Bergen County New Jersey - who married Sarah Horn Jan 19, 1742 – They had ten children.
(4) Stephen Pearce - born May 19, 1764 and married to Mary Kinney (Kinnie) Aug. 29, 1787 – They had ten children.
If any of these men did receive a pension will you kindly send me a copy of their pensions, and if there is any charge I will send a check by return mail. 
I am a direct descendant of these these four men and I am trying to establish a D.A.R. line.
Page 95

Thanking you for an early reply I am,
Very Sincerely
Elizabeth Sanders


Mrs. W. L. Sanders
708 W. 9th St.
Klamanth Falls, Ore.
Page 96

MRS. IRVING HOWE RUBLEE
1 VAN DUYNE AVENUE 
AUBURN, NEW YORK 
Nov. 14, 1929- 
Department of the Interior:
Gentlemen:
The State Record Commissioner, State House, Providence R.I. has sent me Revolutionary service of Stephen Pearce –
“Priv. Capt Abraham Tourtellot’s Co; Col. Archibald Crary’s Regt., abstract of wages and subsistence money from Dec 16, 1778 to Jan. 16 1779, (Shepley Collection, P. 337);”
Page 97

MRS. IRVING HOWE RUBLEE
1 VAN DUYNE AVENUE 
AUBURN, NEW YORK 
“Private, same Co., same Regt., abstract abstract [sic] of wages and subsistance money from Jan. 16 to Feby 16, 1779, (Shepley Coll., p369);
“Private, same Co., same Regt., at Little Compton, abstract of wages and subsistance money from Feb. 16, to Mch. 16, 1779, (Shepley Coll. p. 403).”
I wrote you once if you
[faded round stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE O NOV 16 1929
Page 98

MRS. IRVING HOWE RUBLEE
1 VAN DUYNE AVENUE 
AUBURN, NEW YORK 
had a pension recorded for this man, but at that time I had not this proof his service.
How can I get more proof about him? He was son of Thomas Perce (Pearce or Pierce) and Rebeca Scranton - of E. Greenwich or Warrick. Please help me if you can - Yours Truly – 
(Mrs Irving H) Harriette Peirce Scovill Rublee
Page 99

IN REPLY TO Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.
AWF

3-1365
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON     September 5, 1929

Mrs. W. L. Sanders
708 N. Ninth Street
Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Dear Madam:
I advise you that owing to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours and the lack of clerical force available for the purpose, this Bureau is unable to make a series of investigations and reports pertaining to soldiers of the War of the Revolution, for one person.
Two histories are furnished each person, if the records are on file.
If you will designate the two soldiers whose histories you most desire, giving their places of residence at enlistment and after service, and approximate dates of their death, a search of the records will be made in your behalf.
Please return all of this correspondence with your reply.
Very truly yours,
EWMorgan
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 100

Klamath Falls, Ore.
Sept. 12, 1929.

Department of Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly search your records for the military services of Louis Kinney (Kinnie) born Feb. 28, 1735 and married Mary B. Williams Jan. 5, 1762. He died in 1822 They had ten children.
Also will you investigate you records and see if you have a Revolutionary record for Stephen Pearce only [handwritten above] (Pierce) born May 19, 1764 and married to Mary Kinney (Kinnie) Aug. 29, 1787. They had ten children.
I cannot give you the name of the places from which they enlisted or their places of residence after the war. I think perhaps that you will find that they enlisted from New York or New Jersey.
Thanking you for an early reply I am
Very Sincerely,
Elizabeth Sanders.

Mrs. W. L. Sanders
708 North Ninth St.
Klamath Falls, Ore.

[upside down oval stamp]
REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS BUREAU OF PENSIONS SECTION SEP 18 1929
Page 101

M. A. ROMJUE
1ST DIST. MISSOURI

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
March 20, 1930.

Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
Enclosed find copy of letter from Mrs. Pulliam of Wyaconda, Mo., and it will be greatly appreciated if you will furnish me the information requested therein at your earliest convenience.
Thanking you for past courtesies, I remain,
Very truly yours,
M.A. Romjue.
[round stamp] US PENSION OFFICE A MAR 21 1930
Page 102

Copy/
Wyaconda, Mo., March 17, 1930.

Hon. M. A. Romjue,
Washington, D. C.
Dear friend:
They are organizing a D. A. R. Chapter here and I would like to know if I had ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War. I have an ancestral chart giving a complete record of the births and marriages and part of deaths back to the war, but do not have a war record.
They are very anxious to organize as soon as possible. That is why I am asking you to investigate for me instead of writing to the War Department.
Would like to know if a service or pension record could be found of Stephen Pearce, born May 19, 1764; married to Mary B. Kinney Aug. 29, 1787. His father, James Pearce (might have been in war) married Sarah Horn Jan. 19, 1742, in Bergen county, New Jersey.
This ancestral chart is a true record, signed by Chas. H. Steesman of Philadelphia, a Notary Public, dated Sept. 16, 1874, and has been in the possession of my family 66 years.
Or the line may branch off to the Kinneys. Mary B. Kinney married Stephen Pearce and was the daughter of Mary B. Williams, born Oct. 21, 1745, and Louis Kinney [noted] 0 all spell [/noted] born Feb. 28, 1735, and married Jan. 5, 1762, Louis Kinney dying in 1822. I have no record of where they resided, although their ancestors came from Holland. The great grandfather, Laurens Kinney, came to America in 1696.
I surely would appreciate it very much if you would see to this for me.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Pulliam.
[round stamp] US PENSION OFFICE A MAR 21 1930
Page 103

PHONE 7732
M. J. CRONIN
ENGINEERING and CONTRACTING
[crossed out] 224 ARCADE BUILDING [/crossed out]
UTICA. N.Y.

7 Lyons Pl.
Sept. 15, 1930
[oval stamp] REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS BUREAU OF PENSIONS SECTION SEP 18 1930

Pension Bureau
Dept. of the Interior
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen
Please send me the Rev. War records and any other data you may have, of the following: -
Handy, Williams, of Guilford Conn. M Martha Parker; d Paris Hill N.Y. 1823. Served in Capt. Stephen Hall’s Co. & in the Artificers. Applied for pension in 1818.
Pierce, Capt. Stephen, of in Little Compton, Rhode Island 1753; m Abigail Taylor, d Paris Hill 1843. Is on Roll of 1840.
Hoping to hear from you soon as we plan to mark the graves early next month
Yours very truly
Edith A. Jones Cronin
(Mrs. M. J.)
Page 104

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
EEL
March 24, 1930
Honorable M.A. Romjue
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Romjue:
In response to your letter of March 20, 1930, enclosing copy of a letter from Mrs. Pulliam, of Wyaconda, Missouri, I have the honor to advise you that this bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.
The records fail to show such a claim on file on account of the services of James Pearce, as described by you or of Louis Kinney, all spellings of the surname searched.
You are herewith furnished the history of Stephen Pearce the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of the bureau:
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.14170, it appears that Stephen Pearce, the son of James and Sarah Pearce, was born December 20, 1753 or in 1755, at Little Compton, Bristol County, Rhode Island.
While residing at Little Compton, Rhode Island, he enlisted May 1, 1775, and served at various times amounting in all to two years, as Private, Sergeant, Ensign, Lieutenant and Captain in Captains Aaron Wilbur’s, George Simmons’ and John Davis’ Companies in Colonel Thomas Church’s, David Hillard’s, John Cook’s, Pardon Gray’s, Nathanial Church’s, Lemuel Bailey’s and Christopher Greene’s Rhode Island Regiments.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 9, 1832, while a resident of Paris, Oneida County, New York.
Page 105

He died May 14, 1843, at Waterville, New York, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him.
George T., who signed Peirce; James Pearce, Emma, wife of Zera Rowell; Lucy, widow of Simeon Walker; Deborah T., widow of Reuben Tower; Polly, wife of ----- Tompkins; Nancy, wife of Joseph Greenhill. In 1855, Polly Tompkins and Nancy Greenhill were deceased.
Charlemagne Tower, a grandson, was an attorney at law and a resident of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in 1855. The name of the soldier’s wife is not given.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 106

He died May 14, 1843, at Waterville, New York, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him.
George T., who signed Peirce; James Pearce, Emma, wife of Zera Rowell; Lucy, widow of Simeon Walker; Deborah T., widow of Reuben Tower; Polly, wife of ----- Tompkins; Nancy, wife of Joseph Greenhill. In 1855, Polly Tompkins and Nancy Greenhill were deceased.
Charlemagne Tower, a grandson, was an attorney at law and a resident of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in 1855. The name of the soldier’s wife is not given.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 107

[Rev. and] 1812
Wars Section
[EEL]
January 3, 1930

Mrs. Irving Brown Rublee
1 Van Duyne Avenue
Auburn, New York


Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.14170, it appears that Stephen Pearce, the son of James and Sarah Pearce, was born December 20, 1753 or in 1755, at Little Compton, Bristol County, Rhode Island.
While residing at Little Compton, Rhode Island, he enlisted May 1, 1775, and served at various times amounting in all to two years, as Private, Sergeant, Ensign, Lieutenant and Captain in Captains Aaron Wilbur’s, George Simmons’ and John Davis’ Companies in Colonel Thomas Church’s, David Hillard’s, John Cook’s, Pardon Gray’s, Nathanial Church’s, Lemuel Bailey’s and Christopher Greene’s Rhode Island Regiments.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 9, 1832, while a resident of Paris, Oneida County, New York.
He died May 14, 1843, at Waterville, New York, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him.
George T., who signed Peirce; James Pearce, Emma, wife of Zera Rowell; Lucy, widow of Simeon Walker; Deborah T., widow of Reuben Tower; Polly, wife of ----- Tompkins; Nancy, wife of Joseph Greenhill. In 1855, Polly Tompkins and Nancy Greenhill were deceased.
Charlemagne Tower, a grandson, was an attorney at law and a resident of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in 1855. The name of the soldier’s wife is not given.
Page 108

The above noted is in the history of the only soldier named Stephen Pearce that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 109

[Rev. and] 1812
Wars Section

September 19, 1929

Mrs. W. L. Sanders
708 North Ninth Street
Klamath Falls, Oregon

Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 14170, it appears that Stephen Pearce, the son of James and Sarah Pearce, was born December 20, 1753 or in 1755, at Little Compton, Bristol County, Rhode Island.
While residing at Little Compton, Rhode Island, he enlisted May 1, 1775, and served at various times amounting to two years, as Private, Sergeant, Ensign, Lieutenant and Captain in Captains Aaron Wilbur’s, George Simmon’s and John Davis’ Companies in Colonel Thomas Church’s, David Hillard’s, John Cook’s, Pardon Gray’s, Nathaniel Church’s, Lemuel Bailey’s and Christopher Greene’s Rhode Island Regiments.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 9, 1832, while a resident of Paris, Oneida County, New York.
Page 110

He died May 14, 1843, at Waterville, New York, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him.
George T., who signed Pierce; James Pearce; Emma, wife of Zera Rowell; Lucy, widow of Simeon Walker; Deborah T., widow of Reuben Tower; Polly wife of ----Tompkins; Nancy, wife of Joseph Greenhill. In 1855, Polly Tompkins and Nancy Greenhill were deceased.
Charlemagne Tower, a grandson, was an attorney at law and a resident of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in 1855. The name of soldier’s wife is not given.
The above noted is the history of the only Stephen Pearce that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau and said records fail to afford any information in regard to Louis Kinney.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 111

[Re]cord Division.
February 10, 1909.

Mrs. Clara Stevens Keyes,
#9 West Street,
Oneonta, N. Y.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 1” and reveived the 2” instant, you are advised that in the claim of Stephen Pearce, Sur. File. No. 14,170, Revolutionary War, the name “Andrew T.” does not appear among the children. The children whose names are give in the enclosed circular, were referred to in 1855, as “the only surviving children of Stephen Pearce”.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.