Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,952, Israel Harris, Green Mt. Boys Mass.
Page 1

(B-1776)
SERVICE
Green Mt. Boys
Mass.
Harris, Israel

NUMBER
S. 6,952.

CONTENTS
Page 2

14390
New York
Israel Harris
Washington in the State of NY [New York] he was a Cap [Captain] in the _____ commanded by Captain _____of the Regt. [Regiment] commanded by Col [Colonel] Simonds in the Mass [Massachusetts] line for 3 months Cap. [Captain] 9 months Lut. [Lieutenant] 12 [ditto marks to indicate months] Sergeant

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 240. Dollars ____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of May 1833. and Sent to. Martin Lee Grenville New York.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833.         $480
semi-anl. allowance ending 4th Sep [September] 1833.                                   120
                                                               ______                                                                                                
                                                               $600

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, 
Book E. Vol. 4, Page 60
Page 3

3622

In the Matter of
Israel Harris
for
Pension
Page 4

State of New York County of Washington} Ss  On this 29th day of August in the year of our Lord 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the [illegible] Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Washington aforesaid at the Courthouse in the Town of Salem County of Washington and State of Newyork [New York], now sitting, Israel Harris aged eighty five 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 7th 1832.
1775 
That he entered the Service of the United States Under the following named officers and served at the times and in the manner herein Stated as well as, after the lapse of time he recollects. In May volunteered under Colonel Ethan Allen to march with a party of volunteers and seize upon the Fortress at Ticonderoga. Marched from Williamstown in Massachusetts to Castleton in Vermont - thence to Ticonderoga in Newyork [New York] and entered the fortress at that place, on the morning of May 10th. In a few days returned home to Williamstown aforesaid. 
1775
About The last of May enlisted as orderly sergeant into the Company commanded by Captain, Lemuel Steward Lieutenant, Ezekiel Blair 2nd [second] Lieutenant Nathan Smith} for the Term of six months attached to the Regiment of Massachusetts State Troops commanded by Field Officers Colonel James Eason Major John Brown}

Same month said Regiment commanded by Col. [Colonel] Eason marched to Fort Ticonderoga aforesaid and commenced building boats for an excursion northward. In August following the whole Army consisting of four Regiments Commanded by Brigadier Genl [General] Montgomery sailed from Ticonderoga to St. Johns in Canada and laid siege to the Fortress so called. Said siege lasted three months and four days when the Garrison surrendered to Genl. [General] Montgomery on the 4th day of December 1775. Towards the close of December Colonel Eason's Regiment was discharged at St Johns whence they proceeded to their homes.
Page 5

1776 Was ordered in the first part of October, as orderly sergeant, in the company of militia commanded by Captain N. Smedly Lieutenant Jude Williams and 2nd Lieutenant Timothy Bigelow to muster at Williamstown aforesaid.  said company belonged to a Regiment of militia commanded by Colonel Simonds of Williamstown aforesaid Said company marched to Ticonderoga in Newyork and said Isreal Harris continued then in person and by substitute at his own expense four months at the expiration of which time said Company was dismissed and returned home in January.

1777 About the first of July, marched as orderly sergeant in Colonel Simonds Regiment, of militia in the company, commanded by Captain Samuel Clark, from Williamstown, Massachusetts, to Port  Ann in the county of Washington Newyork; In the vicinity of said Fact, they encountered a Detachment of Genl. Burgoynes army and a violent engagement ensued in which the enemy were routed and driven back. On the following day the British having been reinforced, another severe engagement was fought which resulted in the retreat of Colonel Simonds to Fort Edward in said county. General Schuyler being Commander in Chief, ordered one half of Simonds Regiment to return home (in which was included said Israel Harris) to hold themselves in readiness, to march at a minutes warning. About one week after a detachment of the British Army under the command of Colonel Baum; advanced to Bennington in Vermont.  In the mean time Colonel Simonds had returned home, when he received an express from Genl. Schyler with orders to take the field with all the force he could muster and for them to march to Bennington to oppose Baum.  The said Israel Harris was included in this muster and subsequently upon the 16th of August in the engagement which resulted in Baum's defeat and death.  Genl. Stark had command of the American Troops in this battle.  After the said battle Colonel Simonds Regiment was dismissed and this Deponent returned (last sentence is illegible)
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again ordered to take the field with his whole Regiment of Militia and was stationed at Pawlet in Cumberland subsequently marched by scouting parties along the frontiers through Wells and adjoining towns to Whitehall. The object of this march was to cut off the retreat of stragglers and all communication between the British General Burgoyne and Canada. The above campaign continued three and an [sic] half months during which this Deponent was Lieutenant in Captain Jude [?] Williams company of Militia in Colonel Simonds Regiment. From there decamped and returned home to Williamstown in Massachusetts.
1778
Upon or about the 1st of May was appointed Lieutenant to serve in a [unclear] granted by the General Assembly of Massachusetts in Colonel Woods Regiment term of eight months from this arrival in camp. Arrived in camp at Peekskill in New York about the 16th of May. Previous to this was occupied by order from 1st of May till 10th in [unclear] and marching. Afterwards was encamped most of the [unclear] at White Plains, N.Y. Some time in September following, the British Army [unclear] this cause [unclear] through the Sound. General Nixons Brigade was dispatched by land to watch this more [unclear]. Previously Colonel Woods Regiment had been annexed to General Nixons Brigade. Said Lieutenant Harris marched in this expedition as far as Farmington in Connecticut. The British Army soon after starting to New York to Winter Quarters--Woods Regiment was ordered back to Peekskill into winter quarters. Remained there until 1st of February 1778 when said Regiment was dismissed to return home.

1779
About the middle of May was appointed Captain of the 2nd Company of Militia in Colonel Simonds Regiment and commenced recruiting the next day by order of Col. Simonds to supply deficiencies in the regular army. Was thus employed with the rank of Captain and in actual service with command upon the frontiers of Vermont in the latter part of November three months.
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[illegible] the said Israel Harris says [illegible] he has no Documentary evidence except his commission hereunto annexed Dated the 8th October 1779. signed by the "major part of the members of the General Assembly of Massachusetts Bay" under the seal of said State. And further says that the reason said commission does not bear date as early as his appointment of Captain; was because the blanks were to be procured in Boston for such purposes and the commanding officer Col. Simmonds could procure none at the time of said Captain Harris’ appointment. And further says that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services.

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.
                   his
Israel Harris X
                  mark

Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J.S. Leigh, Clk

We Paul Nelson, Junior residing in the Town of Hartford in the County of Washington and State of Newyork and Joseph D Harris, residing in the Town of Hartford and County aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said Capt Israel Harris who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be past eighty five 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    Paul Nelson
this day & year aforesaid ⎬ Joseph D Harris
in open court L. S. Leigh, Clk.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting such interrogatories as are prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Officer and served as he states:  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Paul Nelson [a name crossed out above], who has signed the above affidavit is a
Page 8

Resident in the Town of Hartford in the County of Washington aforesaid and that Joseph L. Harris who has also signed the same is a resident of Hartford in the aforesaid County and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

[To the Ieft of the middle of this paragraph is a seal that now looks like just a folded piece of paper]
I Jesse S. Leigh Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Israel Harris for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 29th Day of August in the Year of our Lord 1832
J. S. Leigh Clerk

Supplement to the Declaration of the said Israel Harris. Was born in the Town of Cornwall in Litchfield County in the state of Connectticut [Connecticut] on February 27th 1747. There is a Record of his age in the Town (as he believes) aforesaid corresponding with the above statement. His commission as Lieutenant has been lost but was sworn by Colonel Simmonds aforesaid and signed by the Major part of the members [?] of the General Assembly of Massachusetts bay.
Has lived since the war of the Revolution at Rutland in Vermont and at Hartford aforesaid in Washington County aforesaid for the last 25 years. Paul Nelson and Joseph L. Harris who have signed the above certificate in relation to myself are acquainted with me and can testify to my character for truth + [and] veracity.
                  his
Israel Harris X
                  mark

Sworn in Open Court this 29th Day of August 1832.  J.S. Leigh Clerk

[It looks like this document was on top of another when it was copied; the following must be on the other document]
proceeded to their homes
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2331
Israel Harris
Washington county
New York
[illegible]
Martin Lee
Greenville
New York
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[A printed document with a table filled in with cursive]

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 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.

Statement, shewing the Service of Israel Harris Washington

[The column headings are:]
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 of the General 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.

[Each row would read as follows:]
Volunteer 
1775. 8 months. sergeant.  Colonel Ethan Allen. Ticonderoga Williamstown. 86 Berkshire Mass. Tradition
1776. 15 days. do [sergeant]. Capt. [Captain] Sneedly.  Col. [Colonel] Simonds.  Whitehall.  conscription as captain
-----  1 month
1777.  7 days.  do [sergeant].  Col. [Colonel] Simonds.  Fort [can't read]
-----  1 month 15 days.
-----  2 months.  Capt. [Captain] Williams.   Joseph Morse proves the service of the applicant.
1778. 9 months. Lieut. [Lieutenant] Capt. [Captain] Noble Col. [Colonel] Wood  Fort Edward
1779. 3 months. Captain. [Colonel] Simonds.
x

[Below the table:]
x Applicant states that in 1786 [double underscore on the year] he as sergeant was in service one week. the spring thereafter 8 days - in 1777 one week.

[printed, not handwritten:]
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops", "militia," and "volunteers", all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians 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 } ss.
County of
On this (space) day of (space) in the county of (space) and State, Territory or District of (space) 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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) (Space), with (space) and served in the (space) (e) regiment of the (space) 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 enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he engaged, and the country through which he marched. (Hand pointing) 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 (space)
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  (space) of the Court of (space)
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of (space) for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this (space) 
day of (space) &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 (space) C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with (space) who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
(space) 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 day 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.  (space) who has signed the precedingn certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the (space) and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the (space) and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, (space) Clerk of the Court of (space) do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of (space) for a pension.  
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this (space) day of (space) &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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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 if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be 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 live now?
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 he 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, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.  
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
_________________________________________
[a]The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months----, and days, I served as a----; and for such services I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according  to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.   Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no such 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. 
papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment company, and liue 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 is 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 to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

J.E. Bradford
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March 8, 1928
Mrs. Mary N. McArthur
723 N. County, St.
Waukegan, Ill
Madam: I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6952, it appears that ISRAEL HARRIS was born at Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, February 27, 1747. He enlisted at Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1775, and served one month as sergeant with the Geen Mountain Boys under Colonel Ethan Allen; he was in the battle of Ticonderoga. Immediately afterward he enlisted and served as orderly sergeant in Captain Limuel Steward's Company in Colonel James Eason's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged in December,1775. He enlisted in January,1776, and served one week as sergeant in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in the spring of 1776 and served eight days as sergeant in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in October, 1776, and served one month as orderly sergeant in Captain N. Smedley's Company in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in May,1777, and served one week as sergeant in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment.
Page 14

He enlisted July 1, 1777, and served one and one half months as sergeant in Captain Samuel Clark's Company in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment; he was in two engagements neat Fort Ann. He was commissioned Lieutenant in August, 1777, and served two months in Captain Jude Williams' Company in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment; he was in the battle of Bennington. He enlisted May 1, 1778, and served nine months as lieutenant in Captain Enoch Noble's Company in Colonel Benjamin Simonds' Massachusetts regiment. He was allowed pension on his application executed August 29, 1832, at which time he was living in Hartford, Washington County, New York. There are no data on file relative to his family. In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of the person to whom it was paid, and possibly the date of death of Israel Harris, Certificate 14390, issued May 22, 1833, rate $240 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, New York Agency. This is the only soldier by the name of Israel Harris that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau. Respectfully, WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner
Page 15

information as contained in hie (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Israel Harris S.F. 6952

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1 in May 1775 *

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
1 mo.

RANK.
Sgt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
(check mark)
COLONEL.
Col Ethan Allen

STATE.
Green Mt. Boys


DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
2 Immediately after (1775 crossed out)

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
Dec. 1770

RANK.
Orderly Sgt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Lemuel Steward
COLONEL.
James Eason

STATE.
Mass.


DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
2 Jany. 1776

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
1 week

RANK.
Sgt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
(check mark)
COLONEL.
Simonds

STATE.
blank


DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
2 Apl Spg 1776

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
8 days

RANK.
Sgt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
(check mark)
COLONEL.
Simonds

STATE.
blank


DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
2 Oct. 1776

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
1 mo

RANK.
orderly Sgt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
t. Smedley
COLONEL.
Simonds

STATE.
blank

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
2 May 1777
3 July 1 1777

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
1 week
1 1/2 mo

RANK.
 Sgt.
o Sgt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
(check mark)
Samuel Clark
COLONEL.
Simonds
Simonds

STATE.
blank

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
4 Aug. 1777
May 1 1778

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
2 mos.
9 mos.

RANK.
Lieut.
Lieut.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
J Jude Williams
Enoch Noble
COLONEL.
Simonds
Ezra Wood

STATE.
blank

Battles engaged in, *1 Ticonderoga, 2 St. Johns, 3 2 Engagements near Ft. Ann and 4 Bennington

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Williamstown Mass

Date of application for pension, Aug 29, 1832 His death

Age at date of application, b. at Cornwall Litchfield Co. Conn. Feby 27, 1747

Remarks:  No family data

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

31793b5m1C-07

Attn. Mass archives gives service as Capt from Oct 1779 -
Page 16

[handwritten] U.C.S.
Rev. & 1812 War Section
April 1, 1925
Mrs. Albert V. Wade
116 Clark St.
Rockport, Ind.
Madam: I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, S.6952, it appears that Israel Harris was born at Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, February 27, 1747. He enlisted at Williamstown, Massachusetts, in May 1775, and served one month as Sergeant with the Green Mountain Boys under Colonel Ethan Allen was in the battle of Ticonderoga.
Immediately afterward he enlisted and served as Orderly Sergeant in Captain Lemuel Steward's Company, Colonel James Eason's Massachusetts Regiment, and was discharged in December,1775. He enlisted in January, 1776, and served one week as Sergeant in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in the spring of 1776 and served eight days as Sergeant in Colonel Simons' Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in October, 1776, and served one month as Orderly Sergeant in Captain N. Smedley's Company, Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in May, 1777, and served one week as Sergeant in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment.
Page 17

He enlisted July 1, 1777, and served one and one half months as Sergeant in Captain Samuel Clark's Company, Colonel Simonds Massachusetts Regiment; was in two engagement near Fort Ann. He was commissioned Lieutenant in August, 1777, and served two months in Captain Jude Williams' Company, Colonel Simonds
Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battle of Bennington. He enlisted May 1, 1778 and served nine months as Lieutenant in Captain Enoch Noble's Company, Colonel Ezra Wood's Massachusetts Regiment.
He was commissioned Captain October 8, 1779, and served three
months in the Second Company, Colonel Benjamin Simonds Massachusetts Regiment. He was allowed pension on his application executed August 29, 1832, while a resident of Hartford, Washington County, New York. There is no data on file relative to his family. Respectfully, Acting Commissioner
Page 18

July 8, 1937
xxxxxxxxxxx
Mr. A. H. Smythe
1334 Spruce Street
Berkeley, California
ISRAEL HARRIS
S. 6953
BA-J/M[?]H[?]:MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request to know the location of the Revolutionary War claim for pension based upon
service of Captain Israel Harris, of Massachusetts, also, office hours for reading. There is only one claim for pension on file based upon service of an Israel Harris, that of Captain Israel Harris, of Massachusetts. The number of that claim is S. 6952. It is on file in the Navy Building, Wing 8, 1st floor, Room 1851. Your daughter may call and examine the papers in said claim any time between 8:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. She will contract Mrs. Finch, Revolutionary and 1812 Wars Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant
 to the Administrator
Page 19

September 7, 1937
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mr. Arthur H. Smythe
1334 Spruce Street
Berkeley, California
ISRAEL HARRIS
S. 6952
BA-J/M[?]HF:MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of July 18, 1937, in which you stated that your daughter, Mrs. Berkeley Blake, of Santa Barbara, California, and her family expected to be in this city sometime in the month of August and hoped to examine the papers in pension claim, S. 6952, which was made by Israel Harris, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. You stated that in anticipation of her visit, you would like to have photostatic copies of the papers made, to be ready for delivery to her when she arrived. As many visitors examine Revolutionary War pension claims and copy for themselves all data found in them, it was assumed that Mrs. Blake might like to do that, also, therefore the delay while waiting for her arrival. As your daughter has not arrived, quotation on the cost of copies follows. There are fifteen pages to be copied and the cost is twenty-five
cents a page, making total cost $3.75. If you anticipate having more than one set of copies made, it will be greatly appreciated if the full
request can be made at one time in order to preserve the old documents
by handling them less. It may interest you to know that all papers in the case will be examined very carefully and all data found in regard to family, residences, ages, service, etc., incorporated in an official report for each of your daughters without charge, to be used in place of the
photostatic copies. Should you decide that the photostatic copies are preferable, please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States and mail to the Veterans Administration. Each set of fifteen pages ordered will cost $3.75.
Mrs. Finch wishes to thank you most kindly for your presentation
Page 20

of the certificate of life in your organization, "The Abraham Lincoln Fellowship".
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 21

BA-J/MLB
No 395
October 5,   7.
REV. & 1812 WARS SECTION xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rev. War claim for pension of Israel Harris, File No. S. 6952

actual one of each page, except the commission of which make two copies; one copy for official use.
$3.75 15 pages
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 inches at top of each page and return papers in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Page 22

October 16, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Berkeley Blake
The Parsonage
2015 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, California
ISRAEL HARRIS 
S. 6952
BA-J/M[?]HF:MLB
Dear Madam:
You are furnished herewith, as requested, photostatic copies
of fifteen pages of the original thereof on file in pension claim,
S. 6952, based upon service of Israel Harris in the Revolutionary War
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 23


THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN FELLOWSHIP
WE SAW. HEARD. MET. OR KNEW LINCOLN
Founded Lincoln Day 1931
ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONSENCE TO EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
(check mark) ARTHUR HARRIS SMYTHE
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
1334 SPRUCE STREET
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

President
WM. H. WHARFF
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

Vice President
OVID EDOUARD PETTIS
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Honorary Vice President
MRS. M. O. SMITH
HANOVER, PA.

Chaplain
FRANCIS D. BLAKESLEE D. D.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Executive Secretary
ARTHUR HARRIS SMYTHE
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

Middle West - Vice president
ISAAC R. DILLER
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.

Stamp: A. H. SMYTHE
THE OLDEST U.S. BOOKSELLER (1876)
1334 SPRUCE ST. - BERKELEY, CALIF.

PURPOSE:
A supreme effort to glean and preserve for all time to come every incident obtainable from the personal contact of its membership with one of the greatest men in the history of the world.

MEMBERSHIP:
Limited to the living men and women, not younger than 78 years, who are eligible.

HONORARY PRESIDENT:
Shall be the oldest member on Lincoln Day of each year, after 1932.  Honorary President for 1931, Col. J. A. Bates, Commander G. A. R. Post No. 301, of Middletown, N. Y., age 89.

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS:
Shall be each member who heard the Gettysburg Address - the greatest speech in all history.  No. 1 - Mr. William Corse, of the 6th Massachusets Cavalry, age 86, U. S. Soldiers' Hospital, Soldiers' Home, Minneapolis, Minn. No .2 - Martin Luther Bittenbender, Berkeley, Calif.  No. 3 - Mrs. M. O. Smith, Hanover, Penn'a.  No. 4 - J. P. Wolf, Redfield, South Dakota.

FIRST PRESIDENT:
Mr. William H. Wharff, age 95, of Co. C, 11th Maine Infantry, 2000 Delaware Street, Berkeley, California.

EVECUTIVE SECRETARY-TREASURER AND CUSTODIAN:
(check mark) The organizer, Mr. Arthur H. Smythe, age 80, residing at 1334 Spruce Street, Berkeley, California, (National Headquarters) to whom all correspondence must be addressed.

FIRST CHAPLAIN:
(check mark) the Reverend Henry Herbert Smythe*, age 76, residing at Falmouth, Massachusetts   *Deceased

LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE MEMBERS:
All members who heard one or more of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates shall have their entry of membership grouped together under this caption.

COOPER UNION MEMBERS:
All members who heard the famous speech in Cooper Union, New York, that made Lincoln's Presidency possible by convincing the East, shall have their membership grouped together under this caption.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP DUES:
Not less than One dollar ($1.00), for the expenses of the Fellowship, must accompany each application for membership, to be returned if for good reasons the same is not accepted.  No annual dues or assessments.  Liberal amounts are urgently needed from those who are abundantly able.

PHOTOGRAPH:
A personal autographed photograph, taken within three years, should accompany or follow every application for membership.  Present address, date and place of birth should also be given.

DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY"
On receipt of every application, the Secretary will mail each applicant a blank from for the entry of the basis or claim on which membership is asked.  This statement must be sworn to before a notary and return promptly to the Secretary and be accepted by him before actual membership can be entered.  (If any statements made as basis for membership are proven at any time to be untrue, any such members may be suspended or dismissed.)
Every incident from memory as to the date, occasion, distance from Lincoln, other persons present, how he looked, how he acted, what he said, how those present gave expression to their feelings etc. should be given
The Secretary shall preserve, in a Bank Safety Deposit Box, all papers, letters, etc., received by him that contain historical facts about Lincoln, and he will supply copies of any such to the writers or their heirs, on application.
About January 15th of each year, the Secretary shall send to each city, where not less than five reside, the name and address of the members there residing, with the request that they meet together on Lincoln Day.

THE CHAPTER
As Charter Members of the Abraham Lincoln Fellowship, we are honored in acknowledging that we waw, heard, met or knew Lincoln.  Done at Berkeley, California, this twelfth day of February, 1931.
                                                                       Age
1. William Hatch Wharff, Berkeley, California ...95
2. George C. Pardee, Governor of California, 
    1903-7, Oakland, California .................................73 
3. Arthur Harris Smythe, Berkeley, California ....80
4. Ovid Edouard Pettis, Oakland, California .......80
5. Elizabeth G. Hutchins, Oakland, California 
     (oldest Gold Star Mother in U. .s.) *.................93
6. Rossalia Jane Holcomb, Oakland, California .80
7. Martin Luther Bittenbender, Berkeley, 
     California * ...............................................................80
8. Joseph Madison Graham, Berkeley, Califor-
     nia ...............................................................................90
9. William J. Watson, Berkeley, California ..........84
10. Eliza Tracy Wilson, Berkeley, California .......89
                                                                    _______
Combined Ages ........................................................844
Average Age, nearly ..................................................85

Subscribed and sworn to before me, Geo. H. DeKay, Jr. a Notary Public in the for the County of Alameda, State of California, on the day and year first above written Geo. H. DeKay, Notary Public   (Seal)

The original charter, as above, 8x13 beautifully executed on parchment, signed and with ages given by each member will be presented later, by the Executive Secretary to President Hoover in the White House, with the request that it be given a permanent home in the famous "Lincoln Room".

National Shrine.  On June 10, 1931, the 83rd birthday of "Mother Smith" (Hon. V. P. No. 8), her home at Hanover, PA. 205 York St. was dedicated as the National Shrine of the Fellowship.  "The latch string will always be out to every lover of Lincoln."

* Deceased
Page 24

ARTHUR H. SMYTHE
THE OLDEST U.S. BOOKSELLER (b. 1850) 
1876 - 1936
1334 Spruce St. Berkeley, California.

KING ARTHUR'S EVE 
Nov. 13, 1936

KING ARTHUR was a jolly lad 
Of eighty and six years 
He wished his subjects happy 
And would not stand for tears; 
If one came near His little throne 
With weeps and mournful looks 
HE'd take sure aim and floor them all 
With heaps of heavy Books!
And then He'd pick them up again
And send for book-store men 
To sell them at a Bargain Price 
And make one Dollar Ten! 
So now on good KING ARTHUR'S EVE 
We come with spirits gay 
To wish the dear KING o'er and o'er 
A BRIGNT and BLESSED BIRTHDAY!
[handwritten] over
Page 25

About One Month Later

King Arthur swore he'd abdicate
And cabled Edward so
But Baldwin phoned, "You CANNOT
For Eddie says, "No! No!" -
There is no "Lady in the Case", -
No "younger Brother" there,
Therefore you MUST NOT abdicate, 
But wear your Crown with care. 
We know your Lot is heavy, Sire, 
Though Royally you SMILE,-
So "Carry on", King Arthur, dear,
Be Patient yet a while.

Amen.

Gratefully acknowledged to 
Mrs. Sherwood, Author. 

[handwritten] King Arthur II has issued a poem that he will not abdicate throne anno. Domini 1938.
July 18 1939  Rex A
Page 26

Luther Meitter Esq.
The application of 
Israel Harris for
a Pension -

Pyd. 233.3.1

admd.
3 mo. Capt
9mo. Lt.
12 mo. Sergt.
______
24 mo.

Forwarded by Lieutenant Lee
of Greenville (illegible) Co. NY
Please let return s be made to me - M. Lee
Page 27

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MCS/eel
March 19, 1929
Miss Helen M. Harris
719 Salem Avenue
Dayton, Ohio
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.695, it appears that Israel Harris
was born at Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, 
February 27, 1747.
He enlisted at Williamstown, Massachusetts, in May, 1775, and served one month as sergeant with the Green Mountain Boys under Colonel Ethan Allen; he was in the
battle of Ticonderoga.
Immediately afterward he enlisted and served as orderly sergeant in Captain Samuel Steward's Company in Colonel James Eason's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged in December, 1775,
He enlisted in January, 1776, and served one week as sergeant in Colonel Simonds Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in the spring of 1776 and served eight
days as sergeant in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment.
Page 28

He enlisted in October, 1776, and served one month as orderly sergeant in Captain N. Smedley's Company in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment. He enlisted in May, 1777, and served one week as sergeant in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted July 1, 1777, and served one and one half months as sergeant in Captain Samuel Clark's Company in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment; he was
was in two engagements near Fort Ann. He was commissioned lieutenant in August, 1777, and
served two months in Captain Jude Williams' Company in Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment; he was in the battle of Bennington. He enlisted May 1, 1778, and served nine months as lieutenant in Captain Enoch Nobles Company in Colonel Ezra Wood's Massachusetts Regiment. He was commissioned captain October 8, 1779, and
served three months in the Second Company in Colonel Benjamin
Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed 
August 29, 1832, at which time he was living in Hartford,
Washington County, New York.
There are no data on file relative to his family. Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN
Page 29

1911 June 26 Hist. to Mrs. S. H. Skinner. V.L.M.
1914 Aug. 3 Hist. to Miss Verna Harris. V.L.M.

1920 Jan. 5. History to Francis B. Culver aw.

1925, Apr. 1. Hist to Albert V. Wade Mcs.

1928 Mar. 8. hist. to Miss Mary N. McArthur Mcs.
1929, Mar. 19. hist. to Miss Helen M. Harris Mcs.
1937 - July 8 - A.H. Smythe
adv. location of place of filing of this pen. claim, (illegible)
1937 - Sept. 7. Mr. A.H. Smythe adv -cost of (illegible) (illegible) (illegible)
1937 Oct. 16 - Photos mailed to Mrs. Berton Blake & acctg Div. notif'd same date - (illegible)



6952
Rev War (check mark) 
INVALID. 

File No. 6952
Israel Harris
Capt. Rev. War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index: - Vol. 1st, Page 160

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

Revolut. + 1812
3.75
____________________
a/c      [too faint to read]      142
The Parsonage
2015 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara                    re Isreal Harris
California                               S. 6952         
September 20, 1937               B. A.J./ MMHf '
Mr. A. D. Hiller                               M.L.B.
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Hiller-
On July 8, 1937 you very kindly wrote my father - Arthur Harris Smythe and gave information as to location of ancestors' claim for pension - It was my intention to bring my family see this during a recent visit to Washington D.C.  How ever, our day there was a Saturday and the Capitol Building and a visit to the Senate Chamber took the entire morning. and we were told that all offices would close at 1oo p. m. 

[Round Stamp] 
RECEIVED SEP 24 1937 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS.ADM. READER # 21 [Time indicated by arrow: 11:30]
Page 31

The Parsonage           (2)
2015 Santa Barbara Street
[the above addressed underlined with the word "add" written next to it]

In reference to your letter to Mr Smythe on Sept. 7 in regard to photostatic copies (photostatic copies is underlined} of the fifteen pages of interest to him, I have decided to order the one set for Mr Smythe- at a cost of twenty five cents a page and am enclosing a money order for three dollars seventy five cents, to cover same. He was so dissappointed because I failed to bring the family in to see the record that I want to do this to make up. 
Please mail to me at above address. I hope they may reach here before Nov. 14 as Father will be 87 years old on that day and I want the copy for his Birthday.  
Thank you for your trouble.   Your Sincerely
Mrs. Berkeley  Blake - Grace Adele Blake
[written in the margin of the bottom left corner is: enc ok, add]
Page 32

Kentland, Ind.
June 22nd 1911
Pension Department
Washington,
D.C.

Gentlemen-
Please give me the Military record of one Israel Harris who lived at Williamstown, Mass. and fought in the Revolutionary War, and also tell me if he was a Pensioner of the Revolutionary War.

Kindly let me know due charges, if any, for the information.

Very truly yours,
Mrs. S.H. Skinner

I believe he lived in Salem New York after the Revolution.
Page 33

Abingdon Ill. July 23, 1914
To Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C
Gentlemen:
I wish to learn if I am
eligible to become a member of the National Society of the D.A.R. I am a direct descendant of Israel Harris. In the Old Northwestern Genealogical Society Volume I. No 2. published at Columbus Ohio April 1898. I find that Israel Harris, in 1775 joined the famous body of young patriots afterwards known as the "Green Mountain Boys" and assisted as orderly to Sergeant in the daring rush and capture of Fort Ticonderoga
Have you any way in which you could
assist me in to learn if there are any
records of service of the above named
Israel Harris. Have you any knowledge
of any one who has joined the D.A.R.
from that line? Any assistance given
me that will help me to learn what
is desired will be greatly appreciated.
Thanking in advance for an early reply
I am Yours Truly
(Miss) Verna Harris
Abingdon Ill. P.O. By 364
Page 34

Coats of Arms Investigated and Tinctured
Heraldry Genealogy Biography
Member of
Society of Colonial Wars
Sons of American Revolution
Society War of 1812

Francis B. Culver
2203 North Charles Street
Baltimore Maryland

Member of
Maryland Historical Society
The Order of Washington 
Knights of Golden Horsehoe
Order of LaFayette

22 Oct 1919

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Kindly furnish the Revolutionary War Service record (with personal data) of Captain Israel Harris, who commanded Mass. troops and claimed a pension in 1832, as of Salem, Washington County, N.Y.

Yours truly,
Francis B. Culver

[Round stamp with border] U.S. PENSION OFFICE. D OCT 23 1919
Page 35

116 Clark St.
Rockport, Ind.
Feb. 3, 1925.
U.S. War Dept.
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs
Would you please verify the
following which I am taking from
the "Butleriana Genealogica et
Biographica" by James Davie Butler.
In the state library at Madison, Wis.
Pages 97 -104, also in the Massachusetts
M. S. S. Archives (Vol. XIX Page 163.

Pension Claim of my ancestor
Israel Harris, of Salem, Washington Co.
N.Y. Aug. 29, 1832 states he is 85
years old that he entered the services
the U.S. under the
following named
officers, and served at the times
and in the manner
herein stated,
as well as after the lapses of time
he recollects, to-wit.
In 1775 early in May joined Allen's
force as it passed thro
Williamstown,
Mass. Entered Ticonderoga with Allen
Page 36

on the morning of May 10th. Served as Sergeant or Lieut. in the Battle of Bennington Aug 16. Was Lieut under Col. Woods in 1778. Was discharged at Peekskill Feb. 1779.
As I am wanting to join the D.A.R. I thot is necessary to have these verified.
Yours Very Truly
Mrs. Albert V. Wade
116 Clark St.
Rockport, Ind.

[Oval stamp with border] ASSISTANT AND CHIEF CLERK WAR DEPARTMENT
FEB - 5 1925

[Stamp] 17 Received A.G.O. Feb 5 1925

[Rectangle stamp with border] RECEIVED FEB 6 - 1925 OLD RECORDS DIVN.

[Round stamp with border] U.S. PENSION OFFICE
S FEB18 1925
Page 37

[circle stamp top right margin] U.S. PENSION OFFICE S FEB 18 1925

Rockport, Ind
Feb 16,1925
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir
The Adjutant General of War Dept.
referred me to you for more
information as the records there were very incomplete the said.
Yours very truly
Mrs. Albert V. Wade
Page 38

A.H. Smythe
The Oldest U.S. Bookseller (1876)
1334 Spruce St. Berkeley, Calif.

This side of card for address
The Adjutant Generals
Washington 
D.C.

[Stamp] [illegible] Received A.G.O. Jul 1 1937

[Round Stamp with border numbered 1-12] RECEIVED JUL 6 1937 MAIL SUB-DV VETS ADM READER # 37 [time indicated by arrow: 3:30]

[Double stamped postal cancellation] RETURN FOR BETTER DIRECTION 
BERKELEY CALIF. [illegible] 5 PM 1937

[Additional overlapping, duplicated stamps]
Page 39

A.H. Smythe
The Oldest Bookseller
1334 Spruce St. Berkeley, Calif.

Sir Captain Israel Harriss
Mass. Continental Troops Rev War
was(?) a pensioner. My daughter
a great- great grandaughter of
(illegible) is my desire(?) of receiving
his application for pension
on her visit in Washington
this summer. If this can
be done will you kindly advise 
me to where she should
apply,  and the exact location 
and office number, in order
to facilitate her(Illegible) 
as her time there will be limited. 
Office hours would also be a help. 
Sincerely yours
AH Smythe (b. 1850)

(Illegible0 in 1861. Feb 1 He marked(?) my hand.
Page 40

 [letterhead with picture of flying airplane and the words:        Dayton Ohio
               The Air Craft Capital of America
Mar. 11. 1929
record Office,
Pension Dept.
Washington, D.C.
Dear  Sir,
    In Connection with application, I am collecting data in regard to membership in the Daughters of the Revolution. May I ask if there is any way I can obtain some verified information as to service rendered by Israel Harris, (Harris is underlined)
 ( Nat'l NO. 72549) in Massachusetts?
    Enclosed is addressed envelope for reply.
    Thanking you in advance for any information, I am
Respectfully,
(Miss) Helen M. Harris
719 Salem Ave
Dayton, O.
Page 41

Waukegan, Ill.
July 12-27
Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions.
   In looking up my Revolutionary ancester Israel Harris of Cornwall Ct. and his wife Sarah Morse & find the record incomplete.  Will you kindly send me date of birth- marriage-(marriage is underlined) death and date of wife's birth and death and children- also his war service.
I would like to know anything of the record of Wm Smith - born in Shurbury(?) Ct. in 1742 and died in Fairfield Vt in 1832.  Anything of his war record or (illegible) will help me out.
Your truly
(Mrs) Mary N. McArthur   
723 W. County St.                  
Waukegan Illinois                        

[Round stamp with border] U.S. PENSION OFFICE R JUL 14 1927
Page 42

A. H. Smythe
The Oldest U. S. Bookseller (est. '76)1334 spruce Street, Berkeley, California
Lincoln Grasped My Hand 1861
July 18. 1937
Veteran's Administration
Navy Bldg. Wing 8 1st floor, 
contacting Mrs Finck
Room 1851. Revolutionary War Pensions
Dear Mrs. Finck:
    If my  communication of June 25 to the Adjutant General has been transmitted to your office as I have been advised and has reached your desk you will know that one of  my daughters, Mrs. Berkeley Blade of Santa Barbara California expects to come to your office, with her family of five in August with the hope that they may be allowed to examine the pension application of Captain Israel Harris. claim 5.6952 Captain Harris, in whose honor I was named. Harris was the Great. Great. Grandfather of the Blake family and was directly behind Ethan Allen when he demanded the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga.  Another daughter, Miss Alice Ring Smythe, who is one of the Section chiefs of the Veteran's Administration in San Francisco tells me that under certain conditions you may be allowed in payment of the fee to loan a photostatic copy of Claim S.6952.  If this can be done
Page 43

in this instance. I would be very glad to
remit to the proper official the cost for three
such photostats, so that they could be delivered to my daughter when she calls in August. This would permit one to pass later to each of my daughters.

Sincerely yours
Arthur Harris Smythe

If "The True Ethan Allen" should ever be written and published it should correct what every American History and school book says
was Allen's answer when the British demanded in whose name do you demand the surrender of this Fort - ? History says it was shouted "In the name of the Continental Congress and the great Jehovah"! but Captain Israel Harris who was behind him and heard it told his children he shouted "Come out of your hole you d____d old Rat"! 
There was no Continental Congress though and Allen was an infidel: He truthful answer is being carried on from generation to generation
since Captain Israel Harris told it to his children
after the close of the war that is what "Journalism" did to the truth before the Declaration of Independence was written.

Yours truly
Arthur Harris Smythe
Page 44

State of 
[illegible] Massachusetts-Bay.}
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England.
To Israel Harris Gen'tl [gentleman]- Greeting.
You being appointed Captain of the Second Company in the Second Regiment of Militia in the County of Berkshire where of Benjamin Simonds Esquire is Colonel.
By virtue of the Power vested in us, we do by these Presents, (reposing Special Trust
and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly
. -- You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain
in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers
and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: And they are hereby
commanded to obey you as their Captain and you are yourself, to observe
and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from
the Major Part of the Council or your Superior Officers.

GIVEN under our Hands, and the Seal of the said State, at Boston the Eighth Day of October in the Year of our Lord 1770
By the Command of the
Major Part of the Council}
Saml Adams [Samuel Adams] [Illegible]

Jer Powell
Artemas Ward
Saml Adams
Moses Gill
Jabez Fisher
Danl Davis
F H (Illegible)
N. Cushing
A. Fuller
B. White
Josiah Stone
Sam Willis [Nills?]
Aaron Wood
Saml Baker
Noah Goodman
Jms Pitts
Page 45

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 - 1832, being a Declaration in Addition to his Declaration made in August last passed [illegible] to this and intended to meet and obviate the objections made by the War Department to that Declaration and to add some additional facts, circumstances, and evidence.
----
State of New York County of Washington ss } On this fourteenth Day of March D 1833 in the Court of Common Pleas, holdin [holding?] in and for the County of Washington aforesaid being a Court of Record before the Judges of the Same Court Israel Harriss [Harris] personally appears in this Court who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in addition to and in amendment of his [illegible] Declaration made in this Court in August last - in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 - That he was Eighty six years old in February last - That at the several times when he entered or was called into the service of his Country as stated in his Declaration made in August last, or as herein after stated he lived in the Town Williams Town County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts - that he continued to reside in that town until the year after the Close of the Revolutionary War - that he then moved to the Town of Rutland in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont that he continued to reside in Rutland until sometime in the year 1806 when he removed to the Town of Stratford in the County of Washington and State of New York, where he now resides and has ever since continued to reside - That he never Received any written Discharge from service on any one of his tours of duty - But was discharged with his Regiment or Company as stated in his Original Declaration or as herein after stated - That in addition to the services performed by him as stated in his Original Declaration he performed the following services which were omitted to be stated in his Original Declaration because he supposed without them he should be entitled to a full pension

In January in the year 1776 he was as a Sergeant by his Commander Colonel Simonds, sent with a small guard as a
Page 46

scouting party to Whitehall in the County of Washington aforesaid and was one week absent and engaged in this Tour - 
Sometime in the Spring thereafter he was sent again by Colonel Simonds from Williamstown where he resided to Lansingburgh then
called the New City on the Hudson River as a Sergeant with a guard on a scouting party and was engaged on this duty eight days
And then in May 1777 he was again sent by Colonel Simonds as a Sergeant or sent as a volunteer with an officer of the regular army & he thinks the latter with a guard or small number of men or a scout across Connecticut River so to be in New Hampshire and
engaged in this duty one week - on these three several tours he was sent from Williamstown where he then resided _ that he received his directions from Colonel Simond under whose orders he then was
and he understood that Colonel Simonds in giving these orders was
under the directions of Superior Authority_ the object of these scouting parties was to search out, detect & guard against the Tories or staggering parties of the Enemy, but more particular by against the former the Torys _ on these parties I had no superior Officer with me__
I am not able to be more particular in naming the [Illegible] and Company Officers under whom I served that is done in my Original Declaration in August last and herein after in this Declaration
And this Declarant Israel Harris further saith that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory he cannot positively swear & declare as to the precise length of his service 
but according to the best of his recollections he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades
In the year 1775 for eight months as a Sergeant on my volunteer tour in taking the forts at Ticonderoga, I was one month in service this expedition was as far as I know and believe without any commissioned Officer all were under the instruction of Colonel Ethan Allen I know of no Company or other field officer than Col Allen unless Col Benedict Arnold who was there was such, on the organization after the taking the fort this Declarant was appointed and acted as a Sergeant and remained there
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on duty till a Detachment was Dispatched down the lake to St Johns and took and returned with a boat or vessel loaded with provisions - Immediatly  after this Declarant returned to Williamstown. he enlisted & served as a Sergeant as stated in his Original Declaration, but his Regiment was not Dismissed till January 1778 - The Army at Ticonderoga that moved on to St Johns, was the Brigade of Gen Montgomery - Consisting of a Massachusetts Regiment Col. Jason - a Connecticut Regiment Col.  Waterbury a New Hampshire Regiment Col Bradley - a New York Regiment Commanded as this Declarant thinks, by Col  Livingston, the above named & Colonel  Ethan Allen, &  Capt McPherson the Generals Aid were with the Troops when this declarant served.
1776 [year in the left margin] For one week on scout to Whitehall and eight days on scout to the New City on the Hudson river as a Sergeant [in the right margin: ]15 days
also as a Sergeant on the tour of four months stated in the Original Declaration For one month personal service and three months by a substitute [in the right margin: 1 month]

Officers, that this Declarant can now recollect who were with the troops when he served on this expedition are Gen St Blein commandent, Colonels Batterson - Sloan & Poor of the Regular service as, he thinks, and his Colonel, Col. Simonds and Captains Smidly - Low - Clark & Douglas of Col Simonds Regiment

1777 [year in the left margin] For one Week as a Scout as Sergeant [in the right margin:] 7 days
Also as a Sergeant for one month & a half [in the right margin: ] 1 1/2 mo. 
Officers with the Troops on this Expedition - Col.  Simonds his own Colonel, & Colonels Breven & Long of the Regular service with their Regiments at Fort Ann & Fort Edward & Gen. Schuyler at Fort Edward - at Bennington Gen Stark Col. Simonds - Col Herrick with a Regiment of Rangers and Col. Warren of the Regular service as he believes

His scout expedition for two months as a Lieutenant [in right Margin:] 2 mos
Officers with the Troops Col Simonds Commander [illegible] Williams - Barker, Low - Clark, Douglas & Barry

[year in the left margin] 1778  For nine months as a Lieutenant [in the right margin:] 9 mos [months]
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1779
the Second General [illegible] Brigade, Regiments in said Brigade
commanded by officers with the Troops Col Woods, Col Brewers 
Col Dutnanys Col Shepons - these Colonels were present
General Officers - Gen Washington, Gen La Fayette Gen Lincoln & Gen Nyson- The Superiors in his Regiment were Col
Grayhouse & [illegible] Col Hale Taylor Cushman Captain Enoch Stolle
the three months as Captain this duty was principally with Col Simonds Regiment and the Declarant
recollects no other officers but of his Regiment and no other
Regiment or Corps with them--

This Declarent says that his Commissions & Warrants
except his Commission attached have long lost
or destroyed.
-
This Declarant believe his neighbours would generally testify in favour of his character for truth & veracity and their belief that he 
served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war against the common
Enemy, but now names - Rev Amos C Suttle, Deacon Timothy Alus, 
 Gen Wm Covel, Col. Caleb Brown, David Doane & Seele D. Brown Esqs. Capt Moses Cook Messrs Samuel Griffin Calvin Toursand
Russell Smith & Lyman Broughton -

And this Declarant says that no Certificate of a Commissioned officer can be obtained for either terms of his service above specified to his knowledge or belief, nor says he knows of any living witness of any part of his service except Joseph Morse of [illegible] in Vermont whose Deposition is annexed to this his supplemental Declaration

And this Declarent says (now as heretofore [illegible]) relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present- and he declares that his name is not on the pension Role of any agency in any State 

Sworn to & subscribed the
Day & year aforesaid
J. S. Leigh Clk
his
Israel Harris X
Mark
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State of New York County of Washington Joseph Shore of the Town of
Boultiny [?] , County of Rutland and State of Vermont being duly and law
fully sworn doth depose and say that he is now in the seventy seventh year of his age - that he is and long hath been acquainted with Israel Harriss [Harris] now of Hartford County of Washington and State of New York formerly of Williamstown, in Massachusetts the applicant
for a pension in the annexed, original, supplementary & additional Declarations - That he lived with and in the family of
Captain Israel Harriss from the time this Deponent was fourteen years of age till his twenty fourth or twenty fifth year, with the
exception of an occasional month or two, that he this deponent lived with the said Israel Harriss during the whole period of the Revolutionary war -and he knows that the said
Israel Harriss was always ready during the whole period of the Revolutionary War, to [illegible] at a minutes warning during service that the interest of his County and the good of his cause required that he perfectly recollects & Israel Hariss volunteered in 1775 to go
with Col. Ethan Allen to surprise and take the fortress at Ticonderoga and that he was absent about one month and that he then unstood [understood] that he served on that occasion as a Surgent [Sergeant] - that immediatly [immediately] on his return Israel Harriss enlisted as an orderly Sergeant in Capt Stewarts Company and moved on to Ticonderoga from thence to St Johns in Canada - this Deponent perfectly recollects the starting of Capt Stewarts Company from Williamstown with the said Israel Harriss as his Sergeant- that he was absent on this expedition at least seven months making in all eight months for that year - this Deponent knows that fall of the year 1776 Israel Harriss went again to Ticonderoga with Col [Illegible] Rigiment as a Sergeant, and served according to this Deponent blies [believes] for at least a month and in the garrison duly at Ticonderoga in the ensuing winter this deponent for about three months served as the substitute for the said Israel Harriss and this Deponent further says that he was present and in the same Company with Israel Harriss in 1777 at Fort Ann & Fort [illegible] and
at Bennington that he knows that on these occasions the said Israel served as a Sergeant as he has stated in his declarations which have
Page 50

We Amos C Tuttle a Clergiman residing in the Town of Hartford in the County of Washington aforesaid and Slade D Brown residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with Israel Harris who has subscribed & sworn to the above Declaration & supplemental & additional Declarations that we believe him to be Eighty six years of
age - that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Amos C. Tuttle
Slade D. Brown

Sworn & subscribed the
Day & year aforesaid
J. S. Leigh Clk

And the said Court of Common Bews Do herby Disclose their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after [Illegible] the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states in his original supplemental and additional Declarations - and the Court
further certifies that it appears to them that Amos C Tuttle who has signed the preceeding [preceding] certificate is a clergeman [clergyman] resident in the Town of Hartford and that Slade D Brown - who has also signed the same is a resident in
the Town of Hartford and is a Credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit

I Jesse S Leigh Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas [Illegible] in and for the County of Washington Do hereby Certify, That the foregoing-- Original, additional and supplemental Declaration and other proceedings contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Israel Harris for a pension 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 14th
Day of March AD 1833
J.S. Leigh Clk
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[illegible] to him and he thinks he thus served for at least one and a 
half months - that after the Battle at Bennington Israel Harriss [Harris] was promoted to the office of Lieutenant in the Company of Capt
Jude Williams in Col. Simonds Rigiment [regiment] - that about this time and very shortly after the Bennington battle he, this Deponant, went to Connecticut and thinks he must have been absent during Israel Harriss's two months service in the fall or a part of that time, as he has but an indistinct 
 recollection of that tour of duty - but he has nevertheless no doubt of the fact that Israel Harriss did this service as he has stated, having full confidence in his Integrity-- and having himself
some slight recollection of that service

That on or about the first May 1778 Israel Harriss was appointed a Lieutenant in Capt [Illegible] Company, that he Immediately commenced recruiting and moved on the expedition to Berkshire as stated in his Declaration that he was engaged in recruiting
and was absent on this expedition at least nine months and that he always understood & believed & still believes he was
during his absence engaged in the service as he has stated

That in 1779 Israel Harriss was appointed Captain in Colonel Simonds Rigiment [regiment], and was engaged as such in recruiting but in actual service in Vermont with Col Simonds Regiment in all at least three months - that when he was out on his expeditions this year this deponent was with him as his [Illegible] -  and this Deponent further saith that during the whole period of the Revolutionary war Israel Harriss's  Residence was in Williamstown in Massachusetts- and that in all his expeditions he started from that place - that Israel Harriss is now and always has been a man of fair and unimpeachable character for integrity, truth & veracity, and further this Deponent saith
not 
Joseph Morse

Sworn before me this
19th day of March A.D.
1838
Isaac W. Bishop
Justice of the Peace
And I further certify that the above
Deponent. Joseph Morse is a man of fair
Character for integrity, truth & veracity
Isaac Bishop. Justice of
the Peace
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State of New York
County of Washington ss }
I Jesse S Leigh Clerk of the said County of Washington Do certify that Isaac W Bishop before whom the written Affidavitt [affidavit] and Certificate of Character Joseph Morse purports to [illegible] been sworn was at the Date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Isaac W Bishop, and verily  believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit and to the Certificate of character of the said Joseph Morse to be his proper hand writing and signature in Witness my hand & seal of office this fourteenth Day of March AD 1833
J.S. Leigh clk