Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,317, Benjamin Tucker, Conn.
Page 1

(3--1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Tucker, Benjamin
Polly

NUMBER
W: 6,317
B. L. Wt. 31329-160-55
---------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

11.691
Vermont
--------------------------------------------------
Benjamin Tucker.
of Orange Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Pr. in the Company commanded
by Captain Bates of the Regt. commanded 
by Col ----- in the Connecticut [?] Troops.
7 mo Private - 23.33
---------------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont 
at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
----------------------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of June 
and sent to 
1833 S. Street, Thetford, Vt
----------------------------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 46.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 11.66
---------
$58.32  
----------

{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page  94
Page 3

191432 Oct 3 March/55
July 19/55
--------------------------
Polly Tucker
Widow
Benjamin Tucker
Private
--------------------------
Pensioner - Vermont
--------------------------
Revolutionary War
--------------------------
Feby 55 2578
--------------------------
Ad:160 Acre July 2d/56
Boynton
--------------------------
Truman Holt
Sharon
Vermont

Vol. T. 158.

[slanted across the page]
No 31329 iss [issued] July 5/56
Page 4

Reg 3 mar 55 - 191432

2,578
Vermont  M.

Polly Tucker widow of  
Benjamin Tucker  
Conn
who served in the Revolutionary 
war,  as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
23 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued the
21st day of October 1853
and sent to Jesse A. Gove
Concord 
N.H.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 34. Vol. A

(32)
Page 5

Benja. Tuckers
Application
21606


Return to be made
to Leman Short
Thetford Orange
County Vermont
Page 6

State of Vermont, Probate District of Bradford in ORANGE COUNTY SS. 
At Vershire in said County on this 30th day of October A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court within & for the District of Bradford in the said County of Orange [five words lined thru], now sitting, being a Court of Record Benjamin Tucker a resident of Stafford in the County of Range and State of Vermont, aged 70 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated. viz. That in the Spring of the year 1778 or 1779 the year he does not certainly recollect not the month, but he thinks it was April at Woodstock in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut, he enlisted or entered into Capt Backus Bates Company of Militia & went to New London & assisted in building Fort Trumball & was in this service one month & was dismissed & returned home. that there was but one regiment then at the time, but he has forgotten the Col's name. That in the year 1780 the last of June or first of July he again enlisted into Capt John Shummaways Company of short levies so called of the Connecticut line of Continental Troops for the term of six months, Col. Stans Regiment. John F. Sill Lieut Col. passed muster at Danbury in the State of Connecticut before Col. Durkee & joined the army at Nelsons point so called & marched to Orangetown in New Jersey & was present when Major Andre was executed & was afterwards stationed at Totaway in New Jersey & thence marched to the Highlands upon Hudson River in the State of New York & was regularly discharged Dec. 9th 1780 by A. Swift Col. Com't. - which discharge is presented to the Court her to be transmitted to the war department-

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.
Sworn to described the day and year aforesaid
[signature] Benja Tucker

[Two paragraphs are crossed out]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter ["and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department," lined thru] that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. ["And the Court further certify that it appears to them that _____ who has signed the preceding certificate, is a ____ resident in _____ in said County, and that _____ the same, is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit." lined thru]

And the said Court further certifies that Frederick Smith Jun. before whom the enclosed Deposition of Luther Skinner was taken &subscribed & that Royal Hatch before above the enclosed deposition of Jacob Davis Tucker was taken & subscribed are Justices of the Peace in said Orange County & their signatures genuine - And it also appears to the County that the said Jacob Davis Tucker & Luther Sherman are credible persons.

I Lemean Short Clerk of the court of Probate hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Tucker for a pension. In To Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 30th day of October A. D. 1832.
written, that the above named
[signature] Lemean Short CLERK.
Page 7

I Luther Skinner of Royalton County of Windsor & State of Vermont of the age seventy One years testify and say that at Woodstock Windham County
Connecticut. I was personally knowing the enlisting of Benjamin Tucker, then of said Woodstock and now of Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont. The latter part of June or first of July 1780 under Capt John Shummaway for the term of six months in the 1st Connecticut Regt of the United States- and that he joined the Army at Nelson Point- opposite to West Point
[signature] Luther Skinner
[signature] J. Tinny
[signature] H. Smith [?]

State of Vermont Orange County ss }
Strafford July 27 1832 personally appeared the signer of this instrument & made oath before me
H. Smith [?] Justice Peace
Page 8

This may certify That I Jacob Davis Tucker of Strafford County of Orange State of Vermont Sixty nine years old being well acquainted  with Benjamine Tucker of said Strafford that he Did go to New London in the militia of Connecticut the term of one month in the year 1778 or 9 and that he at Woodstock Did in the year 1780 inlist for six months in June or first of July for Continental Service
[signature] Jacob D Tucker

The above signer made oath that is a true statement of facts before me
Strafford August 11 1832 State of Vermont Orange County
[signature] Royal Hatch Justice Peace
Page 9

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the Act of Congress of July 3, 1853:

State of Vermont
County of Orange
On this 1st day of April AD 1853, personally appeared before me Royal Hatch Judge of Probate for the District of Bradford Polly Tucker a resident of Strafford in the County of Orange aged seventy six years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions of the act of Congress passed February 3 1853:
That she is the widow of Benjamin Tucker who was at the time of his death in receipt of a pension from the United States at the rate of $23.33 per annum under the act of June 7 1832. She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Tucker on the ninth day of March AD 1829.  That her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Tucker died in Strafford on the 16 day of July AD 1840
That she was married to him sub-
  
over
Page 10

sequent to Eighteen hundred viz at the time above stated:
She further declares that she is now a widow and that she has never before made application for a pension.
[signature Polly Tucker
Attest [signature] Freeman Holt               

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written, and I certify that the said Polly Tucker is personally known to me and that she is a credible witness; that I am disinterested.
[signature] Royal Hatch Judge of the Probate
Page 11

Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these presents that I Polly Tucker of Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont do hereby constitute and appoint Jesse A. Love irrevocably, my true and Lawful Attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim for a Pension against the Government of the United States;
And I hereby authorize my said attorney to Examine all papers and documents in relation to said claim now on file in the Departments at Washington or elsewhere; to receive the certificate which may issue for said claim; To appoint substitutes for the purposes herein Expressed, and to do all things necessary to be done in the premises:
[signature] Polly Tucker
Witness my hand and seal this 18 day of April 1853
[signature] Daniel Cobb
[signature] Royal Hach

State of Vermont County of Orange ss. } On this 10th day of April AD 1853, personally appeared Polly Tucker above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed and I certify that she is a credible person;
[signature] Daniel Cobb Notary Public ["Justice of the Peace" lined thru]
Page 12

State of Vermont 
Orange County ss ⎬
Be it remembered that at Strafford in the County of Orange on the ninth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty seven Benjamin Tucker of Strafford in the County aforesaid & Polly Kibbee of Tunbridge in said County were duly joined in Marriage by me 
[signature] John Moore Minister of the Gospel

Rec'd at Strafford Town Clerks office for record March Sixth one thousand eight hundred & twenty eight and recorded

I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows 9th day of March 1827 per record March 6, 1828
Attest [signature] S.S. Kibling Town Clerk

I, S. S. Kibling above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me
[signature] S. S. Kibling Clerk of said Town

Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this ["thirtyeth" lined out] 18th day of March April 1853
[signature] Daniel Cobb Notary Public
Page 13

State of Vermont
County of Orange ⎬
On this 18th day of April AD 1853 personally appeared before me Jedediah H. Harris and Royal Hatch and severally made Oath according to Law that they well knew Benjamin Tucker in his life time. that he died in Strafford on the 16 day of 1840 ["as" lined thru] according to our belief and Recolection That he left a Widow Polly Tucker who still survives him and she is now applying for a pension That she was married to the said Benjamin Tucker who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of about twenty four Dollars as we understand per annum in the year 1827 on the 9th day of March according to our belief & Recollection That the said Polly Tucker is still his Widow that we are disinterested
[signature] J. H. Harris
[signature] Royal Hatch

Sworn to and subscribed before me severally this 18 day of April 1853 and I certify, that the above deponants are creditable witnesses and I am disinterested:
[signature] Daniel Cobb Notary Public
Page 14

State of Vermont

Office of the Secretary of State
Montpelier September 20th 1853.

I certify that Hon. Royal Hatch, whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is, & was at the date thereof a Judge of Probate within & for the District of Bradford, duly elected & qualified;
Also that Daniel Cobb Esquire whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate is & was at the date thereof a Notary Public within & for the County of Orange, duly appointed & qualified, with full power & authority under & by virtue of the laws of this State to administer oaths, take depositions & acknowledgements of deeds & that to his official acts & attestation as such full faith & credit is & ought to be given 
Sworn under my hand & the seal of this office this twentieth day of September 1853
[signature] Farrand F. Merrill
Secretary of State

[illegible Seal affixed at left]
Page 15

State of Vermont
County of Orange ss ⎬
On this 5 day of July AD one thousand Eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within & for the County of Orange and State aforesaid Polly Tucker aged 72 years of Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Widow of Benjamine Tucker deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolution and more was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act approved June 7 A.D. 1832. And she refers to the declaration of her said husband and other papers now on file in the department of the interior for a more particular description and for which services she now Claims Bounty land under the act approved March 3 A.D. 1855
She further states that she was married to the said Benjamine Tucker in Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont on the 9~ day of March A.D. 1827 by one John Moore Minister of the Gospel and that her name before her marriage to the
Page 16

said Benjamin Tucker was Polly Kibbee and that her said Husband died at Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont on the 16 ~ day of July A. D. 1841 and that she is now a widow
She further states that she is now a pensioner under the act approved February 3 A. D. 1853 & she further states and refers to her declaration and to other papers now on file in the department of the interior as proof her marriage and the death of her said Husband She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining Bounty land to which she may be in titled under the act approved the 3d day of March A.D. 1855 She also declares that she has never applyed for nor received under this or any other act of Congress any Bounty land warrant
She requests this Certificate when issued Forward to Freeman Holt of Sharen Vermont
[signature] Polly Tucker

Attest
[signature] Royal H. Gove
[signature] C M Sanborn
Page 17

We Robert H Gove and Edmon M. Samborn Residents of Strafford in the State of Vermont on our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Polly Tucker in our presents[presence] ["that" crossed out] and that we belive [believe] that from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identicle [identical] person she represents herself to be
[signature] Royal H. Gove
[signature] Edmund M Sanborn
Attest
[signature] Chs. Barrett
[signature] Freeman Holt

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
[signature] Chas Barrett, Justice of the Peace
Page 18

State of Vermont 
County of Orange ss ⎬
We Royal H. Gove and Edmond M. Samborn of Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont on our oaths depose and say that we well knew Benjamin Tucker late of Strafford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont in his life time and that he was a pensioner under the act of Congress approved June 7 1832 and that he died in said Strafford 16 ~ day of July A.D. 1841 that the said Royal H. Gove attended the Funeral & and the said Samborn was known to his death and that he died leaving a widow by the name of Polly Tucker who has since became a pensioner und[er] the act of Congress Approved February 3. A.D. 1853 and that she is still liveing and is a widow and is now applying for Bounty land under the act of Congress approved March 3. A.D. 1855
Strafford July A.D. 1855
[signature] Royal H. Gove
[signature] Edmund M Sanborn

Attest 
[signature] Chas. Barrett
[signature] Freeman Holt

The foregoing affidavit was sworn and subscribed before me on on the day and year above written
[signature] Chas. Barrett Justice Peace
Page 19

State of Vermont,
Orange County. ss. ⎬
Be it remembered that at Strafford in the County of Orange on the ninth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven, Benj'a Tucker of Strafford in the County aforesaid & Polly Kibbee of Turnbridge in said County were duly joined in Marriage,
By me - [signature] John Moore Minister of the Gospel

The above is a true copy of Record 
[signature] John Moore Minister of the Gospel

I certify that the above is a true copy of record with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures, as follows 
"9th day of March in the year of our Lord 1827"
[signature] Samuel S. Kibling Town Clerk

I Samuel S. Kibling above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the town of Strafford in the County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true copy of the records of the said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me 
[signature] Saml S Kibling, Town Clerk of Strafford

Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this 5th day of July A.D. 1855.
[signature] Chas. Barrett Justice of the Per-
Page 20

STATE OF VERMONT, Orange County, SS. }
I, Burnam MartinClerk of the County Coutr for the County of Orange, in the State of Vermont, which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that Charles Barrett was at the date of his then[sp] certificate hereto attached an acting Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified by the Laws of this State to administer OATHS for general purposes, to take Depositions and the acknowledgment of Deeds and other written instruments; that I am acquainted with his handwriting and believe his signature to the foregoing Certificate to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court Chelsea in said County, this Ninth day of July A. D. 1853.
[signature] B. Martin, Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 21

21. 606
Benjamin Tucker
Orange Co
Verm't
Admitted
7mos
23.33
S. Short Esq-
Thetfort,
Vt
Page 22

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir,
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will show 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.
Sping
1778 or 1779
April
lot of land
July
1780 -
A Statement, showing the Service of Benjamin Tucker
[Eleven column table follows]
[column headings]
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.

[presenting table data in a narrative format]
Served Spring 1778 or 1779 for 1 month as a Private under Capt. Bates, Colonel not recollected, no battles, went to New London, 70 years of age living in Woodstock, evidence By living Witnesses.

Served beginning last of June or July 1780 for 5 months and 9 days as a private under Capt. Shimmer and Col. Herns[sp], no battles, Joined at Nelsons Point & went to New Jersey & from thence to the Highlands upon ?adles River, 70 years of age living in Woodstock, evidence his discharge.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 23

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 County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years
 of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it 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
Page 24

3
of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore. these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace. the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services 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 not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, 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 bis service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:
For year months, and days, I served as a ; For mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie 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 his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 25

January 19, 1939.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/CC
Benjamin Tucker
W.6317

Mr. Wilbur G. Frink,
10 West Conkling Avenue,
Middletown, New York.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Tucker of Strafford, Vermont.

The data which follow were obtained from the papers filed in pension claim W. 6317, based upon the military service in the Revolutionary War of Benjamin Tucker.

The date and place of birth of Benjamin Tucker, and names of his parents are not shown.

Benjamin Tucker enlisted at Woodstock, Windham County, Connecticut in the spring of 1778 or 1779, and  served one month as private in Captain Isacher Bates' company of Connecticut Troops. He enlisted the last of June or the first of July 1780, served as private in Captain John Shumway's company, Colonel Starr's Connecticut Regiment and was discharged December 9, 1780.

The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed October 30, 1832 while a resident of Strafford, Orange County, Vermont, and aged seventy years.

He died July 10 or 17, 1870 in Strafford, Orange County of Vermont. [note in right margin] see carbon of 7/3/28

Benjamin Tucker married March 9, 1827, in Strafford, Vermont, Polly Kibbee (or Kibber or Kibben, name not clearly written ) of Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont.

Soldier's widow, Polly Tucker, was allowed pension on her application executed April 18, 1853, while a resident of Strafford, Vermont, aged seventy-six years.
Page 26

No reference was made to children.

July 5, 1855, Polly Tucker, then a resident of Orange County, Vermont, made application for the bounty land which was due on account of the service of her husband, Benjamin Tucker, in the Revolutionary War. She was granted one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on Warrant #31329, under the Act of March 3, 1855.

On August 11, 1832, one Jacob Davis Tucker, then aged sixty-nine years was a resident of Strafford, Orange County, Vermont. No relationship stated.

In order to obtain information in regard to the location of the land cited above, you should address the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish the warrant number, the acreage, and the act under which said warrant was issued.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of Polly Tucker, widow of Benjamin Tucker, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:

Polly Tucker, widow of Benjamin Tucker
Certificate #2578
Issued October 21, 1853
Rate $23.33 per annum
Commended February 3, 1853
Act of February 3, 1853
Vermont Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 27

Sharon Vt
July 17th

L. P. Waldo Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[upper right]
Free
191632
Page 28

Benj Tucker
Conn W6317

Benj'a Tucker
Page 29

Benj'a Tucker Short Levy Soldier in the 1st Connecticut Regt is hereby Discharged the Service of the United States
Dec'r 9th 1780

[signature] H Swift Colo-Comd
Page 30

Concord,  N. H.
September 21st, 1853.
Sir,
I herewith transmit the application of Polly Tucker, widow of Benjamin, for a Pension under the act of Feby 3, 1853: together with proof of Identity, Widowhood and Marriage:
I am Sir Respectfully
Your Ob't Servt
[signature] Jesse A. Gove

Hon Loren P Waldo
Comm of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 31

Sharon Vermont
July 15. 1855

L. P. Waldo Esquire
Sir
Enclosed is an application for Bounty Lands of Polly Tucker which you will have the goodness to acknowledge when received 
I am your Ob!? Servant
Freeman Holt
Page 32

Brief in the case of Pollly Tucker Widow of Benjamin Orange County and State of Vermont
act of Feb. 3 1853
Claim ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a private in the Connecticut State troops and pensioner under act of June 7. 1832. at $23 33/100 per annum
Paid to his death July 17, 1840

Allowed $23 33/100 per annum Conn Feb. 3. 1853
(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by public record
Death " by auditors report
Identify & widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Examining Clerk.
J S Gray
Name and residence of Agent
Jessee A Gove
Concord H, Hampshire
Page 33

31.329
Neo [illegible]
Page 34

Pension Office
Act 17/53
Sir
Please report time of last payment to, or death of William named pensioner
Respectfully V c
F Burt Esqr
[illegible]
[illegible]
S Cole 
for Commisr

Benjamin Tucker act 7th June 1832, $23.33 p. an.- 
Died 17th July 1840. Paid to his death.

F. Burt
Auditor
Page 35

Pension Office
Oct 14th 1853
Sir
Copies of indents from the indent
Page 36

1906 May 26 History to
Mrs. Thos. D. Watkins
1910 Mch 16th Hist already furnished to above. ¢
1928-July 3. Hist to Mrs. E. A.
Bliefling. M E.E.
1939- Jan -19- Hist to to Wilbur G
Frink  ec

Revy  WIDOW, & c.
File No. 6317

Polly Tucker ┃
Widow
Benn Tucker
Pvt. Rev. War
---
Act: Feby 3."/53
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 285
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 37

OWN [stamp] O. W. & N. DIV. MAY 24 1906 FILES 461 Genesee St.
Utica N.Y. May 21'06 
Bureau of Pensions
Department of the Interior
Washington D.C
[stamp] PENSION U.S. OFFICE A MAY 23 1906
Dear Sir
Desiring & qualify
so I may accept an invitation to *join the D.A.R. 
* I write find out if there is the
Page 38

record of a pension given
to Benjamin Tucker, or his
heirs, who served as a private
in Captain Peter Perritt Co
---
(the 9th) in Seventh Regiment
Colonel Charles Webb, he enlisted
in Com. but was ordered to
the Boston Comp and assigned
General Sulliraies brigade--
Date of Enlistment July 16, 1777
Dec 14, 1775
He also served as a
Private in Captain Shumway
Company, 1st Connecticut Regiment
Page 39

commanded by Colonel Josiah
Starr Revolutionary War. He
enlisted July 5, 1780 to serve
6 mo. and was discharged
Dec 9 - 1780-
I wish to find the place
of birth and death with dates
of possible-
Thanking you for your
trouble and any information
you may be able to give me
and reassuring you that
I will gladly forward the
Page 40

necessary fee  connected
there me
whatever they are
I [illegible]
Very Sincerely yours
Coriena Wheeler Watkins
-
Mrs. Thomas D. Watkins

[stamp] O. W. & N. DIV. MAY 24 1906 FILES
[stamp] PENSION U.S. OFFICE A MAY 23 1906
Page 41

3 -- 595.
O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
May 24, 1906.
Searched by Gill
Original No.
Certificate No.
Claimant,
Soldier Benj Tucker
Service, Mass. or Conn. Service
Rev. War
Remarks:
No claim as above
except mo [crossed out 42549] &
Wid. 6317
Page 42

[stamp] O.W.& N. DIV. MAY 31 1906

461 Genesee St.
Utica N.Y. May. 27. 06.
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions-
[stamp] PENSIONS U.S. OFFICE A MAY 29 1906
Dear Sir:
Wishing to qualify so I
may join the D.A.R. I write
to ask if there is any record
of the service of one Benjamin
Tucker, or rather of a pension
having been issued to him or his
heirs -
He served from July 16 -
Page 43

1775 until Dec. 14, 1775 in
Captain Peter Perritts' Company
(the 9th) in Seventh Regiment
Colonel Charles Webb -
This record is on file in the
Hartford Conn Adjutant General
office-- also this
Benjamin Tucker served
from July 5-1780 until Dec 9-
1780. In the list of Levice
in the First Regiment for first
Terms 1779-1780 - Regiment
unitered at Morristown huts
1779-1780 - served along the
Hudson Through 1780.
Page 44

this time he enlisted
from Milford Conn in
record "officers of the
9th Company from Milford
Conn-
What I wish to establish
is his birth place and
place of death -
If you have any such
record showing those places
will you kindly let me
know how I may obtain a
copy of the same
Sincerely yours
Mrs. Coriena W. Watkins
Page 45

3 - 871.
sor.
Record Division.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
---
Briefed by Geo M. Moore
[crossed out Claim No.] Mar 12, 1910
Certificate No.
Claimant died in Vt.
Soldier Benjamin Tucker
Service Rev.
Additional Service
No.      claim, State records , 190
No claim, combination records , 190
REMARKS:
No O W I. Wor R as above
except W.F. 6317.
---
0-8     Chief Division
Page 46

MRS. E. A. BLIEFLING
54 UNION STREET
WATERTOWN 72,  MASSACHUSETTS,  Sept. 5, '27
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen,
Will you kindly refer to your Revolutionary
War Records in regard to two
parties whose vital statistic I am trying
to get for D.A.R. Membership
Experians Fisk, who enlisted from
Partridgefield (now Peru), Mass. would
like any information about this man
and his wife who was Mary Earll
I have traced their residence to
Westminster, and Brookfield, Vt., but
am lacking vital dates, of each
Page 47

2.
also, I would like vital dates of
Benjamin Tucker, of Strafford, Orange
Co., Vt., who was pensioned June 11, 1840,
shall be very grateful for any data
in regard to these men.
Respectfully yours,
Eliza A. Bliefling-
Page 48

Rev. A 1812 Wars Section
July 3, 1928

Mrs. E. A. Bliefling
54 Union Street
Watertown 72, Massachusetts
Madam:  
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim W. 6317, it appears that Benjamin Tucker enlisted at
Woodstock, Windham County, Connecticut in the spring of 1778 or 1779
and served one month as a private in Captain Teacher Bates' Company
of Connecticut Troops.
He enlisted the last of June or the first of July 1780, served
as a private in Captain John Shaway's Company, Colonel Starr
Connecticut Regiment and was discharged December 9, 1790.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 30,
1832 while a resident of Strafford, Orange County, Vermont, aged seventy years.
He died July 16 or 17, 1840, in said Strafford.
Soldier married March 9, 1827 at Strafford, Vermont Polly
Kibee (or Kibber or Kibben, name not clearly written) of Tunbridge,
Orange County, Vermont. Said Polly was allowed pension on her
application executed April 18, 1853 while a resident of Strafford,
[handwritten] This dare chosen as it was the date of last payment of pension
Page 49

Vermont, aged seventy-six years. No children are referred to.
the above noted is the history of the only soldier named
Benjamin Tucker of Orange County, Vermont found on the Revolutionary War
records of this Bureau, and said records fail to afford any information concerning
 any Experians Fisk.
Respectfully,
D. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 50

and N. Division.
3 -- 525
G S C.
Wid File 6317
Rev. War.

.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history
Benjamin Tucker.
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR,
you will find below the desired information as contained in his (& his of
widow's)
applications for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
Woodstock Conn
Apl. 1778 or 9
June or July 80
dis
Dec. 9 1780 ┃
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
1 mo..
6 "
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN
Isachar Bates
John Shumway
COLONEL.
----
Starr
STATE.
Conn
Conn
Battles engaged in, none mentioned
Residence of soldier at enlistment,
not stated 
Date of application for pension,
Oct. 30 1832-allowed
Residence at date of application, Strafford, Orange Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, 70 yrs-
date & pl birth not shown
Remarks: Sol mar mch 9, 1827 Polly Kibben
Sol. d July 17. 1840 in Strafford
Wid applic Apl. 18, 1853 res Strafford, Vt ae 76
Very respectfully,
20581311 - 05
Commissioner.
Page 51

QUAKER CITY UNDERWRITERS
DEPARTMENT OF
THE PENNSYLVANIA FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
WILBUR G. FRINK, AGENT
10 WEST CONKLING AVENUE
MIDDLETOWN, N. Y.
December 6th 1938
The Veterans Administration,
Division of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
One of my ancestors, one Benjamin Tucker,
served in the Rev. War from Strafford, Vermont.
If he or his widow ever applied for a
pension will you be so kind as to give me a transcript of
the same, giving all facts that it is permissable to furnish
to his relatives.
Thanking you for this courtesy, I am
Yours very truly,
Wilbur G Frink
[stamp] RECEIVED DEC 8 1938 MAIL SUB. DIV.  7 [ILLEGIBLE]