Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15956, for Abel Paine, Massachusetts
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(3 - 1776) SERVICE Mass R. I. Vt. 
Paine Abel 
NUMBER S.15956 
CONTENTS 
carded
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Set Pensioner 20th July 1835 
Set to Jesse Gove 24 Nov-11 
Date of death not on A.B.

Vermont 17.610 
Abel Paine of Rutland in the State of Vermont who was a private ^Corp&Sgt  in the Company commanded by Captain Porter of the regt commanded by Col Sargeant in the 1st now Mass. and R.I. line for 
6 mos Pr
6 mos Sgt
1 yr Corp 

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 94 Dollars 50 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 

Certificate of Pension issued the [crossed out: 24] 31 day of Aug 1833 and sent to R. Temple, Rutland 

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $188.00 
Semi anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 47.00 
$235.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 3 Page 4
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No 6.278 
Abel Paine 

some proof of service Regd 

there is a discharge accompanies this, & the applicant says he has made search for other testimony 

Proof enclosed 
R. Temple

1 year Corp - 46
6 mos Sergt - 39
6 mos Private - 20.

R. Temple Rutland
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BRIEF in the case of Abel Paine, County of Rutland in the State of Vermont (Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 78 years 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
[table headings]Period. |  Duration of Service. Years Months,Days. |  Rank. As |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. 
[row 1]In 1775 | - 8 - | Private | Col Sargent
[row 2][blank] | - 3 - | " | Capt Porter
[row 3][blank] |  - 5 - | waiter to | Capt Cobb
[row 4]1777 | - 3- | Private | " Dunn
[row 5]" | - 6 - | " | [blank]
[row 6 ] [blank] | - 9 - | "| [blank]
[row 7] [blank] | - 3 - | " | [blank]
[row 8]1778 Fall | 1 3 - | Corporal | Col Topping Reg
[row 9] 1780 | - 6 - | Sergeant | Capt Safford
[row 10] [blank] | - 3 - | Private | Col Ethan Allen 
[row 11] [blank] | 9 | " | Capt Greene " Benjamin

5. In what battles was he engaged?
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Ashford Conn & Woodstock V.T 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary Evidence 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Discharge, not authenticated 

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above 
Vinal Luce Examining Clerk
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Abel Paine
No 6298
6 mos Serg
12 " Corporal
19 " Private
 
Aug 13 
No Part does not find the testimony he referred to - therefore this is forwarded to R.I.
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STATE OF VERMONT, RUTLAND COUNTY, SS.} 
On this 23 day of July A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Rutland dist now sitting, Abel Paine a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. In 1775 he lived  in Ashford, Connecticut, and soon after the battle of Lexington he marched to Cambridge & when he reached there enlisted for 8 months in Capt Porters Company, Col. Sargeants, Reg. does not remember the names of the other officers - was stationed at Cambridge where he was dismissed, immediately after his time was out he enlisted for three months, & served out his time at Winter kill; he has forgotten the names of his officers except Lt. Jones. Immediately after his time was out he enlisted another three months & served his time at Dorchester in the same company, Lt Jones - whilst he was preparing this last service the British left Boston he was dismissed at Dorchester. He immediately after enlisted ^for three months in Capt Cobb company, Lt Jones, Col Crary : Regt marched to New Henry where he took water for New York, remained there until driven out by the enemy, retreated to Harlan hights . White Plains & North Castle, where he was dismissed, after serving five months as waiter to Capt. Cobb. he was at Whiteplains during the battle, but was not called into action. In 1777 he enlisted for three months to go to Rhode Island, & marched in Capt Dean Company, but does not remember the names of the other officers - 'was stationed at Howlands ferry where he served out his three months & was dismissed. he immediately enlisted into the same company for another three months, & served out his time at Slades ferry in guarding the lines. Immediately thereafter be enlisted for six months, he can't remember his officers names except Lieut Jones above mentioned - was stationed at Oldikes newton to guard the pris - he immediately on enlisted for three months more, & served in the same Company
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at Warren - the company was mustered by the muster master Gen'l - he immediately enlisted for 3 months more in the same company, & served below Slade's Ferry - there was an attempt to take the Island but 
the deponent was sick & did not go. After staying at home  this time he enlisted for one year, in 1778, and after the enemy left Rhode Island he was stationed at Rhode Island - belonged to Col Toppings Reg and served as corporal, but does not remember his other officers, where he was dismissed by Capt Patten. He then came to Vermont  & enlisted as Rutland in Cap Saffords company in 1780, for six months, Col Ethan Allen, Lt. Evans, served as Sergeant and discharged at New York at Bethel, where he help build a fort. He then enlisted in Capt Greene Co Lt. Capt Hale, Ensign Lyon, for 3 months & served at Bethel aforesaid. he then enlisted for 9 months in Capt. Benjamin Company & served as aforesaid - he has kept his discharge from last service, which accompanies this, dated 23 October 1780, signed by Captain Benjamin.  he never recd any other written discharge served five and a half years, one year of which was corporal & 6 months as sergeant. He does not remember to as to distinguished other troops with whom he served. he knew Genls Washington, Lee, Cornwall under whom he served in R.island, Fellows, & many other whose names he does not remember. He has no documentary evidence except which a discharge which accompanies this, but he thinks he can prove a part of his services. He was born in Freetown the 10 June 1754, but has no record of his age. he lived in Woodstock Vermont at the time since the revolutionary war & has lived in Sherburne for the last six months. He is known to Rev. M. Johnson & most of the people of Sherburne & Bridgwater. 

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State 
Abel his X mark Paine

Sworn to and subscribed the  day and year aforesaid. 
A Royce Regr

We Noah Johnson a Clergyman residing in Sherburn and Isaiah Raymond residing in  Bridgewater near Sherburn hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abel Paine, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 78 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
I. Raymond 
Noah Johnson

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
R Royce Regr

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 Noah Johnson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Sherburn and that Isaiah Raymond Esq who has also signed the same, is a resident in Bridgwater near Sherburn and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

I Rodney C. Royce Reg. Clerk of the Court of Probate do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Paine for a Pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto my hand and seal of office this 6th of May A.D. 1832 
R. C Royce
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May 25, 1937 Amy L. Perkins 242 South Main Street Rutland, Vermont 

Abel Paine S. 15956 BA-J/AWF 

Dear Madam: Revolution. The data which follow concerning Abel Paine were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 15956, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.

Abel Paine was born June 10, 1754 in either Freetown or Taunton, Massachusetts. The names of his parents were not given. He moved in the spring of 1775 to Ashford, Connecticut. 

He marched to Cambridge, soon after the battle of Lexington, and enlisted and served eight months as private in Captain Porter's company, Colonel Sargeant's Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in 1776 and served six months as private under Lieutenant Cornelius Jones in the Massachusetts troops. He enlisted in the spring of 1777 and served five or six months as waiter to Captain Simeon Cobb in Colonel Carey's Massachusetts regiment. He served in 1778, six months in Captain Ebenezer Dean's company, and again three months in Captain Nathaniel Wood's company. He enlisted in 1779 and served twelve months as corporal in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island regiment. 

He moved to Vermont early in 1780, and enlisted and served nine months as sergeant in Captain Jesse Safford's company, under Major Ebenezer Allen in the Vermont troops. Immediately following this enlistment,
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he served three months as private in commanded by Lieutenant Beriah Green in the Vermont troops, and was discharged March 20, 1781. He again enlisted, served as private in Captain John Benjamin's company, Colonel Wait's Vermont regiment, and was discharged October 23, 1781. 

After the Revolutionary War, Abel Paine lived in Woodstock, Vermont, until he moved to Sherburne, Rutland County, Vermont. He was allowed pension on his application executed July 23, 1832, then living in Sherburne, where he had lived about six months. 

The papers on file in this claim contain no reference to his family. 

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and give the following data: 
Abel Paine Certificate # 17610 Issued August 31, 1833 Rate $94.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Vermont Agency. 
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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P 
15956 INVALID. 
File No. 15.956.
Abel Paine 
Sergt Rev War

Act: June 7 '' 32
Index: -- Vol. 1, Page 121

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1931 October 9 - Hist to Mrs. R Finale
1937 May 25 " " Amy L Pender
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Aug '32 He then came Vermont & enlisted at Rutland in Cap Saffords company ^ in 80 for 6 mos & served as a Sergt at the Fort at Bethel - Witness Bennet calls him enlisted Soldier 
Oct. 35. 
early Mar. 80 9 mo. Sertt Wm Bennet Rufus Root. 
1st Corpl 1 year in Topham
2 Sergt
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Vermont 17610
Abel Paine of Rutland in the State of Vermont who was a pr, Cor, Sergt. in the compy commanded by Captain Porter of the regt com by Col Parzain in the Mass and Vermont line for  3 months priv 1
12 " Corpo 
9 " Serge 
Increased from $94--

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 99 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Jan 1886 and sent to Joseph Gove Rutland Vt

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

Recorded by Danl Boyd 
Book E Vol. 3 Page 93 

Affd to Pen agt 29 Jany '36
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75 8 mo pri Porter Sergeant - 1st Sept Bangs= 4 mo
76 3 - " Lt Jones not mentioned in 1st declare
76,7 ----- " " "
77. 6 " " 
78 3 " " Deans 1 mo Bangs
again 3 " " 
78-9 6 - Jones not mentioned in first
--- Jones " " " "
79 12. Sergt Topham
80 9 " Safford
3 pri Green - discharge
9 " Benjamin

Rolls Manchester- Topham 13 mos 80 Corpl
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Rev File 13956
Rev War
Abel Paine
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Abel Paine 
S.F. 15256
Vt
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Fort Fortitude October 23 1781
This may certify all whom is may Confirm that Able Paine is discharged from my Company
John Benjamin
Capt Comdr
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[too dark to read]
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Fort Fortitude March 20 1781
Abel Paine a soldier in my Company ihas served his time out in my Company. He is discharged from the Servis in Sd Company. 
Beriah Green, Lieut Comdr
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Rutland Vt. A. D. 1835. 
Sir-
the On the 16 of Nov. last, I had the honor to transmit to the Commissioner of Pensions, the supplemental declaration of Abel Paine and accompanying proofs, for the purpose of procuring his restoration to his former pension, and also for such additional allowance, as he was advised his proof would entitle him to receive. On the 24 of that month, after having admitted most of the testimony, but rejected one very material deposition, the Commissioner returned for answer that he had reduced Mr Paine's pension from $94 to $84, per annum; and then proceeded to remark, that the alledged service of six months as sergeant under Capt. Safford agreeably to his original declaration is discredited by the contradictory statement of his supplement When a claimant make a solemn declaration upon oath, detailing the essential features of a time of service, and produced proof thereof, and at a subsequent period with a view to an increase of his pension presents a conflicting statements of the same term, and shapes his proof accordingly, it will require conclusive evidence to rebut the presumption which such a course must inspire" 

Having had no agency in drawing the original declaration, not been made acquainted with its contents by the Commissioner I cannot estimate the points of disagreements he has surmised. But believing the proofs adduced to be in strict conformity to the rules of proof established by the department, I have respectfully to ask, that you will be pleased to revise the decision.  Before I proved to submit the reasons for asking this revisal, allow me to set right an imputation contained in the above extract that M. Paine have "shaped his proof, with a view to an increase of pension. A concise statement of facts will, I presume satisfy you as well as the Commissioner, that no shaping whatever has taken place on the part of the pensioner. On the 19 of August last, at his special request, I made a journey to Sherburn the place of his residence, and there from his own relation, desc his supplemental declaration, as it now is on your files. This was the first time I had ever see Mr Paines I hand him to be an old man, infirm in body - weak in intellect and unable, generally, to give dates to his services, otherwise than by reference to events, and to the places in and about which his services had been performed; he had even
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forgotten the names of many of his officers. His statement was therefore drawn hypothetically, the dates having been inserted by myself on refering to the history of this transactions or particular events referred to in his relation. At the same time, he refered me to Rufus Root Esqr of Windsor Vt who, he said, was acquainted with his services in Vermont, but he did not know whether M. Root was then in life or not. Accordingly, after my return and on the 24 of September, I addressed a letter to Jabez Sargeant Esq Postmaster at Windsor, stating M. Paine's services, and requested him to procure the deposition of Mr. Root. Mr. Sargent procured the deposition, and transmitted it to me on or about the 30 of September. 

The allusion to shaped proof must therefore, as the others were admitted with perhaps the exception of Bennetts deposition have refered to this deposition. Mr. Paine came here on the 1 of Octr and swore to his declaration in the presise form in which I had drawn it on the preceeding 19 of August - and is the same that I transmitted to the Commissioner on the 16 of Nov. As to his having seen the deposition, or been informed of its purport before the of October, I well know he had no opportunity; or that he ever give any instructions or orders respecting the contents other than what is contained in my letter to Mr. Sargent, I am equally confident he never did. He has neither the art nor the capacity for such an enterprise.  And lest a doubt should remain, as to the veracity or credibility of M. Root, I beg leave to refer you, for full information, to the Hon H Everitt who resides in the same town & knows him personally and can speak of him as he is 

Having thus exculpated Mr. Paine, as I state from the suspicion cast upon his conduct in the above mentioned particulars, I proceed to state the reasons for asking you to revise the decision of the Commissioner: 

1. The service of 9 months as a Sergeant in 1781, in Capt Saffords Company, would seem to be made out by the concurrent testimony of Rufus Root, and Wm Bennett, conformably to the rules heretofore established in such cases 
2. The original and supplemental statements are impeached, without pointing out the point of conflict, if any; thus, assuming that which is not apparent and depriving the claimant of the opportunity of
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explaining or of proving his case a severity which no  judicial tribunal would willingly exercise 
3.- An essential feature of a term of service may with propriety be taken, as in contracts, to be performance. If, then, a Claimant proves six months, and afterwards proves three more, under the same inlistment, it is not perceived, that the subsequent testimony would necessarily disprove the first term. If claiming to much, would deprive the claimant in this case; would it not, for the same reason, dock him altogether, for 12 more service as Corporal in R. I. (which the Com his allowed) when the pension claims for the same term as Sergeant?
4. His claim is suspended upon an assured estimate of the rejected testimony, and as is respectfully conceived, in contravention of the obvious tenor of the Instructions of the War Department, which proffers " detailed intentions respecting the nature and form of the testimony they [the applicant] must produce & 

As to the depositions of Powers and Bennett, I am informed they were drawn by the Hon. Isaiah Raymond of Bridgewater.  from him I learn, that his father (now deceased) was out in the Vermont service with Paine and had often heard his father relate the facts from which circumstance, he said, he had no doubt upon the subject, that he could not collect the precise duration of the several terms of service 

The proof of service in the Vermont troops was so ample that I advised Mr. Paine to return his certificate, and to ask for an increase of pension- and I cannot but hope his claim may yet be sustained 

I have the honor to be  Very respectfully Sir Your obt Servant 
Jesse Cove 

To Hobble Lewis Cass Secy of War City of Washington
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* On reviewing the Commissioner's letter, I perceive that the variations of service in 1775-6, and the 12 mos in R.S. are noted, and as was his duty to do, are corrected and allowed agreeably to the rolls and other proof. But, the remarks that follow, were intended by me to apply to the service claimed under Capt. Safford, and to the testimony taken in support of that claim 
J. Gove

Abel Paine
11 Dec 1835
Pension Office
Report recd 21 Dec
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I William Bennett of Woodstock in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that on the first day of April Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty I marched as a soldier to Pittsford in this State and there we built a Fort and tarried there until the middle of July, and then was marched to Royalton in this State, and there continued until the first of September and then was marched to Bethel in this State and there built a Fort and remained until the first of January following when our time of enlistment expired. -  And I hereby Testify and say that Abel Pain now residing in Sherburn in the county of Rutland was an enlisted Soldier in the same Company Command in which I served as aforesaid under the of Capt Jesse Safford and continued in said Company at the aforesaid places and was discharged on said first of January at the same time that I was 
William Bennet 

State of Vermont Windsor County SS
Woodstock July 2d A.D. 1833 Then the aforesaid William Bennet personally appeared and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him. 
Subscribed before me 
Saml Damon Just Peace

I hereby certify that the foregoing deponent is well known to me veracity and that he is a man of undoubted veracity
Saml Damon  Just Peace
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State of Verm Windsor County SS 
Woodstock Clerks office July 3d 1833 

I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court do hereby certify that Isa Raymond is one of the Justices of the peace within & for said County and that the within is his signature. In Testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court and Subscribed my name the day & year above Written - 
Benj Swan
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Secretary's Office, Oct. 16th 1835. 

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears 16 that the name of "Able Pain", as a private. is borne on a Muster roll of Capt. John Porter's Company in Col. Sargents Regt. where it appears he enlisted Sept 1st 1775. time enlisted for not mentioned. 

Abel Pain's name is borne on a Muster roll of Capt. Ebenr Dean's Company in Col Thomas Carpenter's Regt. where he is allowed from Sept. 1777 one month. 

Abel Paine claims for services under Lt Cornelius Jones, in 1776, '77, '78, 79, also under Capt. Simeon Cobb, in Col Carey's Regt in 1777- and under Capt. Nathaniel Wood, in Col. Sprouts Regt in 1779. again for further services under Capt Ebenr Dean, in Col. Hathaway's Regt in 1778, but the rolls are not found in this Office
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The rolls for Militia services are very incomplete. 
Edward D Bangs Sy

Secy Bangs Cont. case of Abel Paine

12 month 80 Corpl
Manchester Co
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Rutland Vt 16 Novr 1835
Sir
I now enclose for your consideration the supplemental declaration of Abel Pain, and the accompanying documents.

No. 1 Secretary Bangs Certificate, proving one month in Capt Ebenr Dean Co in Col Thomas Carpenters Regt from Setp 1777. The same Cust shows that he inlisted 1. Sept 1776 in Capn John Porters Co. in Col Sergeants Regt. but the muster roll does now show, wither the term of service or the term inlisted for. For the proof of this term, therefore, I get leave to refer you to the of the Regt in the Department of War; to the benefit of which I support he is entitled, in as request as he has shown himself on the rolls. 

This his other services claimed in Massachusetts, I doubt you will award him like families of proof, as in the presiding ones, as far as it may be found in the department. 

No. 2 .Secretary Bowen's Certificate showing that Col. Topham was appointed to the 2d Battalion of infantry raised for one year by vote of the General Assembly of Rhode Island in February, 1779. the muster rolls being in the War Office as I understand, I must refer you again to that department for the further proof of Paine's service as a Sergeant for one year in 1779-80, in Col Topham's Regiments 

No. 3. After Paine removed to Vermont, I send you, next The deposition of Rufus Root Esqr of Windsor, who for many years has been a magistrate in that part of the State. This proves 9 months as a Sergeant in 1780, under Capt. Safford, three months more under Lieut. Green which that gentleman's discharge shews to have been in 1781; and 9 months as a private in Capt. Benjamin's Company. Then three officers are all of them long since deceased.  

No. 4. The original discharge of Lt. Green, dated 20. March, 1780, shewing that Paine had served his time out.
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No. 5. The depositions of Thomas Powers, and William Bennett the first proving the service of 9 months in Capt. Benjamin above mentioned; the strive proving 9 month 1780, under Capt. Safford and in the said Pension entered part of the time he met W. Root, who can himself as Sergeant in the said Company and would therefore by more likely to know, he served in Company as a Sergent, during the term above mentioned 

These proofs together with those refered in the War office and he complains that Mr. Paine think himself justly entitled to more pension than has hitherto attend him and has therefore requested me to return this  in the confident expectation, that it will be corrected accordingly. And Here, I  may be allowed to add a swifts remark: that he has most possibly perjured himself in the accompanying statement and now well acquainted with him believes he has he is justly entitled to more 
I am most respectfully 
Joseph Powers


To: Honble James L Edwards Comr  of Pensions City of Washington
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[this is a blank page with writing bleeding through from the back]
Page 30

Hon. Henry Bowin 
Sect. R.I. 
28 Sept. 1835
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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Secretary's Office Sept 28. 1835.

I Certify that the General assembly of said State in February seventeen hundred seventy nine ordered a Brigade to be raised, for one year. That John Topham was appointed Colonel of the second Battalion of Infantry - Benjamin Hoppin- Christopher Dyre, Benjamin West, Alexander Thomas - Philip Truffan and John Handy, Captains 
Witness Henry Bowen Secry
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State of Vermont Rutland County SS⎬ 

On this first day of October, 1835, before the undersigned authority, personally came Abel Paine of Sherburn in said County, to me well known who being duly Sworn, doth depose and say, in addition to and in explanation of his declaration heretofore made for the purpose of having a pension under the provisions of the act of Congress of the 7 June, 1832, as follows, to wit: that he was bred and born  in Taunton Massachusetts; that in the spring of 1775, he removed to Ashford in Connecticut, and immediately after Bunker Hill Fight, he went to Cambridge in Massachusetts. and there enlisted for eight months in a company commanded by Capt Porter in Col. Sargent's Regiment in the Massachusetts troops, and served during the term of his inlistment, at said Cambridge, in the capacity of a private. 

In the fall of 1776, according to his best recollection, he inlisted again as a private, for the term of three months, under a Lieut. Cornelius Jones of the same troops, as he supposes, but cannot recollect his captain or Colonel's name Lieut Jones was a good officer, under whom deponent inlisted several times; and on that account more perfectly recollects that officer. During this three months, deponent was stationed at Winter Hill 

In the winter of 1776-7, he enlisted again as a private under the same Lieut Jones - was stationed at Dorchester, and recollects to have seen the British fleet when it sailed out of Boston harbour. Does not recollect either his Captains or Colonels names on this occasion 

In the spring of 1777, he enlisted again for the term of six months, under Capt. Simeon Cobb, of Taunton and Lt. Cornelius Jones, above mentioned, and Ensign Foster, Col. Crary and Maj Paine were the field officers and Genl Fellows commanded the Brigade. Inlisted at Taunton Marched from there with the Company, to the City of New York, and did duty there on the Island, until the British came and then retreated up the river by King's Bridge. 

After his last term had expired, deponent returned home --- staid a short time; and in the spring he believes of 1778 he enlisted again, for three months, under Capt. Ebenezer Dean, but he dont recollect the Regiment; and he is not certain, but it might have been in the fall of 1777. He was stationed during this term, at Howlands Ferry in Rhode Island 

In the Summer of 1778, according to his best recollection, he
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inlisted again, as a private, under the same Capt. Ebenezer Deane for the term of three months, and was stationed at Stad's Ferry in Rhode Island 

Before this last term had expired, he enlisted again for for six months, as a private, under the above mentioned in Cornelius Jones; to commence immediately after the close of the last term. The whole of this six months, he was at Obdikes Newtown. This term was out, he thinks, in the spring of 1779. 

He enlisted another time, the year not recollected, and served three months as a private, at North Kingston, Rhode Island, under the above named Lt. Jones, but does not recollects either his Captain, or Colonel.

 He inlisted in the spring of 1779, early, for one year as a Sergeant, in a Rhode Island Regiment commanded by Col. John Topham.  His own Captain's name he has forgotten. He remembers there was in the Regiment, a Capt Philip Trafton 

his last term of service being out, deponent removed to Vermont, and arrived at Barnard in that State early in March 1780. Here he enlisted in the Vermont troops, for nine months in the company then commanded by Capt Jeph Safford of Woodstock. Helped out the Stockade Fort at Pittsford and served the whole time as Sergeant in said Company 

Immediately after the close of the last term, deponent inlisted for three months as a private under Lt. Commandant Beriah Green of the Vermont troops - served at Bethel and was discharged on the 20. March 1781 

Immediately after this deponent enlisted again for for nine months, as a private, in the Vermont troops, in the company commanded by Capt. John Benjamin of Windsor, and served at the Fort at said Bethell 
Abel his X mark Paine

Sworn and subscribed this 1st day of October 1835, before me 
S. Foot Justice Peace
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State of Vermont Rutland County ss. - 

I, Robert Pierpoint, Clerk of the Court of Rutland County, certify that Solomon Foote is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine 

In testimony whereof I hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 16th day of November 1838. 
R. Pierpoint Clerk of the Court of Rutland County.
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Feb 19

Hon James L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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Sherburne Febry 10-- 1835 
J.L. Edwards 
Dear Sir in consequence of an Order from the Pension office which requires a statement of the services of the Pensioner I herewith Transmit the following which is as correct as history as I can recollect that is in the year 1776 I enlisted in Taunton Mass in what is commonally called the first eight months service under Capt Porter served out that period as a Private at Cambridge next enlisted for three months and served out that term on Winter Hill then in 1777 I enlisted for three months and served out that term in Dorchester under Lieut Jones but do not recollect my Captains name next I enlisted & marched to Rhode Island for three months under Capt Dean & then I again enlisted under the same Capt Dean & served three months more I then enlisted again under Lieut Jones for six months & marched to Rhode Island again and served out that period & then enlisted again under Capt Nathl Wood for three months went to Rhode Island again and served out that period afterwards enlisted for Twelve Months in Col John Tappan Regiment marched again to Rhode Island and served out that period & returned to Taunton. I then enlisted for five months under Capt Cobb marched to New York & served out that period and returned to Mass and afterwards I removed to Vermont and served in different
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campaigns and under different officers as will appear by my original Declara tion & the evidence accompanying in one years and Nine months under Capt Jesse Safford as a Sergeant nine months under Capt Benjamin & there month under Capt Green apart of the services in at Rhode Island were that of a corporal  I resided in Sherburne in Rutland county Vermont when I made my declaration for a Pension before the Probate Court of Rutland District and was awarded the sum of Ninety four Dollars a year and have drawn to Sept fourth AD 1834 
Respectfully Yours 
Abel his X mark Paine
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This witness has probably mistaken the year - It was in 1781 that this service he appears to have performed. 
R. L.
Page 39

I Thomas Powns of Bridgewater in Windsor County and State of Vermont aged Seventy Two years do Testify and say that in the year 1780 in March I Enlisted a soldier under Capt Benjamin in Col  Waits Regiment and marched to Bethel Vermont when I found Abel Paine who belongd to the same Regiment and I further say that I remained there and in the vicinity Nine months and that the said Paine Served with me the whole time and further \
Saith not 
Thomas his X mark Powers
Witness by Isa Raymond

 State of Vermont Windsor County SSBridgewater July 11th 1833 then the above 1named Thomas Powers a Credible witness personally appeared and made solemn oath to the Truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed 
Before me Isa Raymond Justice Peace 

State of Vermont Windsor County ss 
Woodstock County Clerks office July 3 1833. I. Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court do hereby certify that Isa Raymer is one of the Justice of the peace within for said County and that the above is his signature In Testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court and Subscribed my name the day and year aforesaid 
Benj. Swan
Page 40

NO. 3
● Rufus Root, Esquire Deposition
Page 41

I Rufus Root, of Windsor in the County of Windson and State of Vermont of lawful age, being duly sworn do depose and say, that in the year 1780, about the first of March, I enlisted in the Company of Capt. Jesse Safford in the regiment commanded by Col. Ebenezer Allen of the Revolutionary Army - Capt. Safford's company was stationed at Pittsford Vermont after having been mustered at Hartford Vt. we marched to Pittsford, where we assisted in building a fort - after this service was completed , Capt. Saffords company was ordered to Bethel where we were employed in erecting another fort and where we continued until about the first of December following , when we were discharged. I was a sergeant in said Safford's Company, and will recollect that Abel Laine enlisted into said Safford's Company, and served in said Company as a Sergeant during the term above named. 

I further say, that I was knowing to said Abel Paine's enlisting under Lieut. Beriah Green, but I cannot tell how long he served at that time - my impression is, that the enlistment for this compaign was for three months 

I further say that said Abel Paine, enlisted into Capt. John Benjamin's Company, for the term of nine months; a part of which time I served in the same company , as a substitute for my brother Abel Root now residing if living in the town of Northeast in the State of New York

Your Deponent further says, that he is in the survey third year of his age-- And further the Deponent saith not. 
Rufus Root. 

State of Vermont Windsor County, Sept. 25. AD. 1835 - Then Rufus Root of Windsor, in the County of Windsor, personally appearing and after being carefully examined and duly caution made solemn oath, that the foregoing deposition, by him subscribed contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And I do hereby certify that Rufus Root is reputed to be a credible witness 
Thos M. Pomeroy Justice of the Peace
Page 42

State of Vermont Windsor County SS

I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court for said Windsor County. Do hereby Certify that Thomas M. Pomroy, is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly commissioned, and qualified, and that his Signature within written is genuine. 

In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the seal of said County Court this twenty eighth day of September Eighteen Hundred & Thirty five
Benj Swan Clerk 5
Page 43

Abel Paine Claim 
--------
Thomas Powers & William Bennetts Depositions
Page 44

I Thomas Powers of Bridgewater in Windsor County and State of Vermont aged 73 years do testify and say that in the month of March 1781 as near as I can recollect  I  enlisted at Woodstock Vt with Capt Benjamin for Nine months and that Abel Paine Enlisted at the same time and under the same Captain Wyllys Hall Lieut  

that we both marched together and were employed in making Forts and Guarding the Frontiers against the British and Indians untill our time of service expired 
Thomas his X mark Powers

State of Vermont Windsor County ss 
Bridgewater Apl 29th AD 1835 Then Thomas Powers Personally appeared and made Solemn Oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I hereby certify that the said Thomas Powers is a credible Witness 
Before me Ira Raymond Justice Peace 

State of Vermont Windsor County  Clerks Office May 6th 1835 
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court, Do hereby certify that Isaiah Raymond is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County and that the above of within are his signatures 
In Testimony whereof I and affix the seal of said County Court, the day & year last above Benj Swan Clerk
Page 45

I William Bennet of Woodstock in Windsor County and State of Vermont aged Seventy Two years do testify & say that in March 1780 I enlisted at Woodstock Vt with Capt Jesse Safford for nine months and on the first day of Apr following marched to Pittsford and on the March Abel  Paine joined the same company and marched with me and served Nine months the same as I did and under the same Captain and I further say that said Paine acted as Serjeant part of the time and further the deponent saith not 
William Bennett 

State of Vermont Windson County SS }
Woodstock May - 1835 Then William Bennett personally appeared & made Solemn oath that the above Affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth & I hereby certify that the said William Bennett is Credible witness- 
Before Isa. Raymond Justice Peace
Page 46

Abiel Paine 
94 
47
Payments to be made at Burlington by Jno A.S. Br Bank 
Agent for paying Pensioner in the Agency of Vermont 

Sep 9. 1833 of Sherburn 2 years, previous of Bridgewater

Recorded in the Pension Office , in Book E Vol. 3 Page 84 by W. L. Williams Clerk.
Page 47

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. I

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Abel Paine of the State of Vermont. who was a Private, Corporal and Sergeant in the Revolutionary war is entitled to receive Ninety Four dollars and --- cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi- annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every 

Given at the War Office of the United States this Thirty first day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty -three 
Lew Cass Secretary of War. 

Examined and Countersigned. Geo. Wm Crump Acting Commissioner of Pensions
Page 48

Rutland, Vt 6 July 1853
Sir
Enclosed you have 3 [blacked out words]

I am sir, respectfully, yr Obt Servt
R Temple

J.L. Edward Esq Comm of Pensions
Page 49

Abel Paine
Resp
Page 50

State of Vermont Rutland SS 
On the 28th day of May 1833, personally came before the undersigned Authority, Dr. John Sargent, to me well known & a credible witness who being duly sworn doth depose & say, that he lived in Norwich Vermont in 1778 & was in the service at Corinth in 1781, and that he knows Capt Safford was in command as the Fort at Bethel in 1780, and Capt. John Benjamin Command the Fort there in 1780, according to the best of his recollection 
Sworn before me the day & year aforesd
R Temple Jus Peace

State of Vermont 
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify that Robert Temple, before whom the above affidavit was taken, is a Justice of Peace for said County, duly commissioned and that the above is his signature 

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 21 May 1835
R. Pierpoint
Page 51

Chittenden County Clerks Office 
Burlington Vt July 10, 1833 
J L Edwards Esq 

I transmit you the additional declaration of John Blake -  he is a very honest man; and would not state any thing contrary to truth-- If his Certificate is granted please to enclose it to me. 
and allig yours Respectfully 
Nathan Blackwell
Page 52

War Department Pension Office December 19th 1835 

Sir
In obedience to your order I have the honor to submit the following report upon the case of Abel Paine, an applicant from the State of Vermont under the act of 7th June 1832, referred to in the letter of M Gove of the 9th inst 

This is an application for an increase of pension which turns on the grade of two terms of his alleged service. 

1st Twelve months as a Sergeant in Topham (RI) regiment. This is discredited by his original declaration, by the rolls; both of which shew that he was a corporal 

2d Nine months as a sergeant from March 1780 in Capt Saffords Company, Col Allens regiment, of the Vermont Troops, which is the term to which Mr Gove's remarks apply 

In the original declaration of his service before the Court, he detailed his service in Tophams & regiment and proceeds" He then came to Vermont and enlisted at Rutland in Capt Saffords company in 1778 for six months, and served at the Fort at Bethel, interlined by Mr Temple, as a Sergeant. In his late recital of that service in a deposition before a Justice made with a view to an increase
Page 53

of his pension, he says. "His last term of service being out, deponent removed to Vermont and arrived at Barnard in that State early in March 1780. Here he enlisted in the Vermont Troops for nine month in the company then commanded by Capt Safford, helped to erect the Stockade Fort at Pittsford and served the whole time as Sergeant." 

The grade of Sergeant was inadvertently admitted for six months upon the original papers; as his witness William Bennett expressly called him an enlisted soldier, and moreover it was not shown that he had ever received a warrant for that grade, or if he had received one, what had become of it. upon his application for an increase, the grade of Sergeant in this term was upon a reexamination disallowed, 1st because his own statements were not to be relied upon in consequence of the discrepencies above detailed. 2d his witness Bennet contradicts himself as to the grade in his two depositions; and thirdly, his allegation of having removed to Vermont early in March 1780 is discredited by a roll of topham Regt which shows that he was at New Port on duty as a corporal in that regiment on 13th March 1780. Declining to confide in his statement for these reasons the only testimony is that of Rufus Root whose deposition has been
Page 54

lately taken to support his application for an increase in the manner detailed by Mr. Gove ing with the allegations of the claimant before him. His testimony corresponds with the new declaration of nine months as Sergeant, and the former testimony corresponds with the term of the original declaration, to wit, Six months, and contradicted the grade. It no where appeared that the claimant received a warrant as tantamount instrument. It was under these circumstances that he was informed that he could be allowed twelve months corporal and twelve months private which would $84 instead of $94 per annum. The pension of $94 included the six months as sergeant under Cap Safford and unless that grade be allowed $84 is the full pension for all the service detailed in his papers 

The only point in issue is the grade in that tour and under all the circumstances I am constrained to repeat the remarks in mine of the 24th ult which have been quoted by Mr Gove 

It appears that this application for an increase of pension by a new declaration before a magistrate increasing the grade in one term and the length of another has been made under the advisement of M Gove
Page 55

and that through the instrumentality of his friend he communicated the new allegations of the claimant to the witness when his deposition was taken. Although the deposition is exparte, yet if it be understood, that any all of evidence which obtains in the examination of witnesses before Courts, have been violated, it must impair the weight of such evidence. If this witness had been before a court no leading questions would have been permitted much less would it have been permitted that a detail of the facts which he was introduced to substantiate should be laid before him 

I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your ObServant 
J. L. Edwards 

Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War 

12 " on W S my on in allowed for to a serjeant Jany 26. 1836
admd
3 mos pri
12 " Corpl
9 " Sergt

Send Cert fo J. Gove Esq
Rutland Vt
Page 56

Mrs R. Winnagle 267 Belmont St N. W. Warren Ohio 
Sep 18 1931 

Veterans Administration Dept. of 1812 and Rev. 

Gentlemen: Any information contained in your records on and Abiel Paine, will be most gratefully received. He was a pensioner of Massachusetts, born Nov 30 1754 married at Mansfield Mass, Aug 5 1779 Cynthia Robinson, and died Jan 3 1840 at age 86. 

Thanking you for the favor of a reply I am Very sincerely 
Grace M Winnagle 
Grace M Winnagle
RECEIVED  SEP 22 1931
Page 57

[stamp: RECEIVED MAR 24 1937
VETS ADM 11]
Page 58

242 So. Main St., Rutland, Vt. March 22, 1937. 
Pension Dept., Washington, D. C. 

Sirs: I am anxious to identify some men by the name of PAINE who served at the Battle of Bennington. I do not know with what organizations. Were any of the following pensioners for Revolutionary service that appears to include their presence at the Battle of Bennington 
Abated. 1832, Pomfret, Vt. served in Conn. 1776-Vt. 1781 
Abel -- Corp. & Sgt. Mass. and Cont. Line - pensioned in Rutland Co., Vt. 
Capt. Samuel me Capt 
Elijah 
Elisha 
Ezra 
Jared 
Zerah 
Jabez here tn Bennington
Thomas

Have you a record of a pension for Rev. Service paid to James or George Hall in New York State, Genesee Valley section likely? --- If you have anything that seems likely to apply and will so advise me, I can then ask for transcripts. Very truly yours?
Amy L. Perkins.
Page 59

WASHINGTON October 9, 1931 BA-J/AWF 
Mrs. R. Winnagle 267 Belmont Street Warren, Ohio. 

Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter relative to Abiel Paine a soldier of the War of the Revolution. - 

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in the pension claim, S.15956, based upon his military service in that war. 

Abel Paine was born June 10, 1754 in Freetown or Taunton, Massachusetts, and in the spring of 1775 moved to Ashford, Connecticut. 

While living at said Ashford, he marched to Cambridge in 1775, soon after the battle of Lexington , and enlisted and served eight months as private in Captain Porter's company in Colonel Sargeant 's Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in 1776 and served six months as private under Lieut tenant Cornelius Jones in the Massachusetts troops He enlisted in the spring of 1777 and served five or six months as waiter to Captain Simeon Cobb in Colnel Carey's Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in 1778 and served six months in Captain Ebenezer Dean's Massachusetts Comapny, and again three months in Cape tain Nathaniel Wood's Massachusetts company. He listed in 1779 and served twelve months as Corporal in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island regiment. 

He moved to Vermont early in 1780, and enlisted and served nine months as sergeant in Captain Jesse Safford's company under Major Ebenezer Allen in the Vermont troops. Immediately following this enlist
Page 60

ment he served three months as private in Lieutenant Beriah Green's company of Vermont troops and was discharged March 20, 1781. At this close of the service he again enlisted, served as private in Captain Benjamin's company in Colonel Wait's Vermont regiment, and was discharged October 23, 1781. 

After the Revolutionary War he lived in Woodstock , Vermont, until he moved to Sherburne, Rutland County, Vermont, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed July 23, 1832.

There is no reference to wife and children. 
The above record is that of the only Abel or Abiel Paine (all spellings of the surname searched) that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office. 
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
Page 61

May 25, 1937 
Abel Paine S. 15953 BA-J/AWF 
Amy L. Perkins 242 South Main Street Rutland, Vermont 

Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Asa, Abel, Captain Samuel, Elijah, Ezra, Jared, Zerah, Jabez, and Thomas Paine who may have served in the battle of Bennington, also, the records of James and George Hall of Genesee Valley, New York. 

There are no claims for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Asa, Captain Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Ezra, Jared, and Zerah Paine. No records could be identified of a Thomas of Jabez Paine, nor of a George or James Hall in whom you are interested. 

The record of Abel Paine is furnished with as found in pension claim, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. 
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator