Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,383, for Thomas Reed, Vermont
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE                               NUMBER
Vt.              Reed, Thomas    S. 23.383
and           or Reid                Old War Inv. File No. 5977
U.S.A. (1812)                       B.L.Wt. 7730-168-1812

CONTENTS
Page 2

[left column]
33.333
New York
Thomas Reed dec'd
of ___in the State of ___
who was a private in the Vt commanded
by Captain ___  of the ___ commanded
by _____  in the revolution
line for 11 months & 8 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 37 Dollars 63, Cents per annum.
to commence on the 4th day of March. 1831. and End
4th May 1845
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of June
1836 and sent to  E. Larabee
Ellisville, N York
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending 

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by T. S Easton Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 1. Page [torn] 6.

[right column]
E Larabee,
July 15/56
Same Dec 11856
(On Rev B Land lock)
E. Larabee Apl 18/58
Page 3

(No. 2)
No 37082
Thomas Reed
Vt Mass
Act 7 June 1832
Page 4

I Henry W Bishop Register of the Court of Probate
within & for the Country of Berkshire & Commonwealth
of Massachusetts do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of
the said Court in the matter of the application
of Thomas Reed for a pension that the Hon 
William P. Walker is the Judge of said Court
duly commissioned and qualified and that 
his foregoing signature purporting to be his is
his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal of 
office of said Court of Probate
this eight day of July in the
year one thousand eight hundred
& forty five
Henry W. Bishop

We Thomas S. McMaster and clergyman residing
in the town of Williamston and Chester Bailey residing
in Williamston hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with Thomas Reed who
has subscribed and sworn to the written declaration.
That we believe him to be over ninety years
of age: that he is reputed and believed
in this neighborhood where he resides to
have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Thomas S McMaster
Chester Bailey

Berkshire County ss. July 19. 1845 
Sworn and subscribed before me
Stephen Hosford Just Peace

I certify that the above named McMaster & Bailey are 
persons of good reputation for truth and veracity
Stephen Hosford Just. of the Peace
Page 5

I Thomas Reed of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts depose and say that I enlisted into the army of the United States on or about the first of February 1780 and joined Capt. William Hutchins Company under Major Ebenezer Allen at Bennington in the state of Vermont soon after my enlistment - I enlisted for the term of nine months and lived in the town
of Pownal in the state of Vermont at this time of my enlistment - soon after I joined said company I was marched from said Bennington to Rutland in Vermont and from there to Pittsford in Vermont at which place I was stationed. I was sent on a Scout from said Pittsford to Galens Creek on Lake Champlain in company with one Samuel Holmes in the month of March of the same year - to see if the British were cutting wood or timber on said Creek. Said Homes and myself were taken prisoner by the Indians at the same time that they burned Shunsborough - they (the Indians) carried me to St. Johns in Canada and from there to Chambler the next day where I was confined in the stone fort and kept seven Months and four days with some other American prisoners. I was then taken to their means where I was confined about six months. from there I was taken to Quebec where I was tried by a General Court Marshal as a spy and was sentenced to serve on board or man of war for life. I was then put on board a ship Man of war and sailed from thence to Newfoundland
Page 6

The said ship was called the Portland of 50 Guns and was commanded by Wm. Shanks. We arrived at Newfoundland late in the fall of the year 1780.  I was taken sick at Newfoundland and put into the hospital and remained there until September 1781. The ship Julius Carson then came to Newfoundland and all the prisoners were put on board of said ship, I among the rest. We sailed
to Halifax where I was put on shore and kept for some time. We (the prisoners) were sent on board a ship called as I think the Hunter to be sent, as was stated to us, to New York to be exchanged. But the said ship went to Guadalope in the West Indies.  We stayed at Guadalope about one month.  We were then sent with the British fleet or convoy to New York. Arrived in New York some time in the month of May 1782 and anchored near the light House, from which place I left the ship and swam to the Jersey shore in the night. I then went to the nearest continental troops at Morristown. The Commander of the troops at Morristown sent me under the company of Sergeant Fonshee or Frishee to General Washington at West Point. General Washington gave me a pass to go into the country where I chose and also an order on the commissary at Fishkill for four days provision.  While I was on board the last named ship I was waiter to the captain of said ship and
when I left said ship I brought away with me under my Jacket the Book containing the orders of said Ship, which I exhibited to General Washington and left the same with him by his request. General Washington and other officers gave me a present in money for the said book.  I went from West Point to Fishkin and from there to Lanesborough  and Williamson and spent part of the time since.  I have lived
Page 7

in Palmyra in the State of New York four years. I entered the service of the United States in the late war with Great Britain as a solder or teamster and was wounded in the same and now receive a pension of two dollars per month as an Invalid pensioner. I now live in Williamston and have lived there for the last twelve years. I have no record of my age - The pass given me by General Washington was burnt with the house where I then lived more than thirty years age.

I do not know of any person now living who can testify to my services. I recollect many soldiers who were in the service with me -  Silus Hathaday was my bed fellow and slept with me the last night before I was taken prisoner.  Abel Deming, John Aylesouth, James Prince, Wm Hutchinson, Oliver Wright and many others I can name who belonged to the same company with me, all of which are dead or gone to parts to me unknown.

I did perform some other Service in the Army of the Revolution previous to my enlistment as a substitute for some other person-- But whether I answered to my own name or to the name of the person who imployed me, I cannot now recollect nor can I remember the name of the person who hired me to take his place-

Thomas Reed

Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Before William P. Walker Judge of Probate
Page 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County

On this Eighth day of July in the year one thousand Eight hundred & forty five personally appeared in open court before the Hon William P. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire now sitting, Thomas Reed a resident of the town of Williamstown in the said County of Berkshire aged over ninety 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.

****

No 37082
Thomas Reed

Act 7 June 1832
Page 9

Tho Reed

Power of Attorney by Alexander Reed

S B True
Agent Case

Suspended for further proof - see rept 37, page 54
Page 10

[Power of Attorney]
Know all men by these presents, That I Alexander Reed of Williamstown of the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts, for and in consideration of one dollar do hereby make, constitute, and appoint, L. Blanchard True of Washington City, D.C. my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, to examine all papers filed in any Department of Office of Government, upon which an application for a Pension was or has at any time been made on account of the Military services of Thomas Reed, late of Williamstown and to obtain, by all lawful means, any and all additional amounts that may be due from the United States to said Thomas Reed, by virtue of said services, as Private in the Company of  Capt. Hutchins in the Regiment of Major Allen and in the Northern line of the forces of U.S. Army. And for good and sufficient reasons I do hereby Revoke and Cancel any and all other Powers of Attorney and authority which I may at any former time have given to any person or persons for the above specified purposes' and I do hereby vest the same irrevocably in my said Attorney herein appointed, said L. Blanchard True.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 22 day of September, in the year A.D. 1853.
Alexander (his x mark) Reed
In presence of Stephen Hosford 
By alexander Reed their attorney
Sally Bradley
George Reed
John Reed
Margaret Turner
Mary Laraber
Elizabeth Hones

State of Massachusetts}
County of Berkshire} ss
On this 22d day of September in the year A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me Stephen Hosford a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgments in and for the county aforesaid Alexander Reed subscriber to the above, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his free act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned; and made oath, in due form of law, that he is personally interested as him in said claim. And I further certify that he is personally known to me to be the identical individual represented.
Stephen Hosford Justice of the Peace
Page 11

State of New York}
Cattaraugus County} ss
George Reid and Elizabeth Jones of Otto in said County, being duly sworn according to law on their oaths say that they and each of them are children and heirs of Thomas Reid deceased, that during his lifetime on or about the year 1844 the said Thomas Reid made his declaration for a pension for Revolutionary Services before the Hon. William P. Walker Judge of the Probate Court of the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts that he there resided in Williamstown in said County and during the Revolutionary War he resided in the Town of Pownal Vermont. We deponents further say that their father the said Thomas Reid died in Williamstown in the said state of Massachusetts on the 12th day of May 1848 according to the information received from their friends in Massachusetts and which they believe to be true. That their Father the said Thomas Reid left no widow him surviving and did not during his lifetime receive a Revolutionary Pension from the United States, and that this affidavit is made to ascertain from the department what Service was claimed to have been performed by the said Thomas Reid and set forth and stated in his declaration. The deponents further say that they have received several letters in relation to this claim from the Commissioner of Pensions written to Elizer Laraber of Ellicotville who is the husband of a sister of the deponents believe they refer to a claim presented by another man by the name of Thomas Reid
Page 12

and for different Service which they believe and claimed to have been performed by their father. We desire the information in order to be enabled to present our claim as heirs for the pension due at the death of the said Thomas Reid, shouts there be a reasonable prospect of obtaining the same. 
Sworn and subscribed this first day of May 1854. Before me and I certify the deponents are credible witnesses & are the identical persons therein described
George (his X mark) Reid
Elizabeth Jones
Arnold Holder Justice of the Peace

Samuel Lake of Buffalo is hereby appointed our lawful attorney to obtain and proofs and so obtain the pension due the heirs of Thomas Reed deceased.
In presence of or Arnold Holder
George (his X mark) Reid
Elizabeth Jones

State of New York}
County of Cattaraugus} Ss
I Enos H. Southwick, Clerk of said County and of the Courts of Record thereof, do hereby certify that Arnold Holden Esquire before whom the foregoing declaration was sworn to and subscriber and whose name is subscribed to the certificate thereof was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid dwelling in the said county, commissioned, sworn, and duly authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, and further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at Ellicottville in said County May 1 1834
Enos H. Southwick
Clerk
Page 13

Family Record
Birth
Thomas Ried was born May 10, 1743
Marium Reid was born February 15, 1766
Marriage
Lanesborough May 19, 1783 Thomas Ried was married to Marium Shirlock by James Harris Esq

Alexander Ried born January 2, 1786
Sarah Ried born May 10, 1788
Margaret Ried born Nov 27, 1791
Wiliam Ried born Oct '6 1796
John Ried born March 12, 1799\George Ried born June 30, 1801
Mary Ried born Feb 8, 1803
Elizabeth Ried born Jan 2, 1806

State of New York}
Cattaraugus County} Ss
George Reid being duly Sworn deposes & says that he is the son of Thomas & Marim Reid above named that he has seen & been acquainted with the Register of births & he by the said Thomas Reid from his earliest remembrance that the same was kept in the family Bible of the Said Thomas Ried which has been preserved & is now before the Said deponent that he has carefully compared the above lists of births with the record in the said Bible & that the Same is a Correct & true Copy thereof
George (his X mark) Ried
Subscribed & Sworn this 23rd day of October 1855 before me Erastus Dickinson Justice of the Peace
Erastus
Page 14

State of New York, County of Cattaraugus Clerk's Office}ss I Enos H. Southwick, County Clerk and Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State afore said do hereby certify that Erastus Dickinson Esquire, before whom the foregoing Declaration was sworn to and subscribed and whose name is subscribed to the Certificate thereof, was, at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly elected sworn and authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice of the Peace and verily believe 11 that his signature to said certificate is genuine Given under my hand and official seal Ellicottville in said County the 23d day of October A.D. 1833 Enos H Southwick Clerk
Page 15

AGO

Warrant No. 4430

160 Aeres
WAR OF 1812.

Act of Dec. 24th 1811
Jany 11th 1812 &S

Warrantee  Thomas Reed
Soldier  same
Service  Private
9th Infty
Nature of claim  Bounty Land Single
Page 16

[illegible] See Case of Thos Reed
1832 [illegible]
Mefs
Pen OH
Page 17

37.082
Thomas Reed
Massachusetts
Henry Stevens Sep 1845-
Hon J. Z. Goodrich May 31 1852.
Samuel Lake May 17 1854.
E Larabee October 2 1855
See [illegible] of  Vermont Nov. 12/5.
E. Larabee, Nov. 24/55
Lee [illegible] of Vermont, Nov 24/55
E. Larabee Apl 16. 1856
Lt same Jan 12/56

[Ve]rmont Reporter
No 370E
[Ju]ne 7 1832

FREE
ELLICOTTVILLE N.Y.
MAR 23

Hon.
Commissioner
of
Pensions
Washington Citty
D C
Page 18

Massachusetts
[strikeout] New York 4



Thomas Reed,
private,
Massa:
Capt Ingersoll's Co 9th regt. U.S. Inft.

ratio of disability - one fourth
date of discharge 13th June, 1815.

Inscribed on the roll of New 
York, at $2: per mo to com-
mence, on the 14th June, 1815.

Certificate of Pension issued
20th Dec 1816 and sent to the
Noble Hosea Moffitt, Member 
of Congress for New York, City
of Washington,

arrears of pension to the 4th Septr
1816. 14 months 22 days $29.42
Semi annual allowance
to 4th March, 1817. $12
$41.42

1/4, one fourth. [initials]

transferred to
Massachusetts
See transfer
Book
Page 19

Rev. Pension of
heirs of Thos Reed

Afft of H. L. Sabin
Proof of heirship
Page 20

I Henry L Sabins of Williamstown in the County
of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, depose
and say that I was well acquainted with Thomas
Reed and Mariann Reed, wife of Thomas Reid, both
late of Williamstown deceased. The said Mariann Reed
died in the month of February 1833. I attended her during
her sickness as Physician. The sd Thomas Reed died
in 1848 I attended him as his Physician.

I further testify and say that I know
the children of the Thomas & Mariane Reed their names
are as follows. [illegible] Alexander Reed, Margaret Thurber, Sarah
Bradley, George Reed, Mary A Larrabee, Elizabeth Jones and
John Reed and they are all still living.

I further testify that I have heard
Thomas Reed relate his services & sufferings in
the War of the Revolution

Henry L Sabins.

Ber[illegible
Sworn and Subscribed
in this Second day of January 1854
before me
Stephen Hosfords Justice of
the Peace.
Page 21

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Berkshire, ss.

Clerk.

I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth
for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Stephen Hasford
Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at
the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly
commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth.

and that full faith and credit are and
ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Stephen Hosford and
believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the Court of Commons for
said Commonwealth, this fourth day of 
January in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty four.

Chas Sedgwick Clerk.
Page 22

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.

County of Berkshire, ss.

On this twenty first day of February 1833,
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of
___ personally appeared Thomas Reed
who, on his oath, declares that he is the same
person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain [illegible]
Ingersoll in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Simon Larned in the service of the United States; that
his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York
from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State
(District, or Territory,) of Massachusetts where he intends
to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The
following are his reasons for removing from State of New York
to Massachusetts vis 
That his family
[illegible] in Massachusetts - Thomas Reed

Sworn and subscribed to, before me,
the day and year aforesaid.

Daniel N Dewey
Justice of Peace-

The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The county Clerk, Secretary of State,
or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath
is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the
signature purporting to be his is genuine.

The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's
identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the
affidavit. The Magistrate must certify, that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must
also be authenticated in the manner above directed.
Page 23

I Desdatus Noble of Williamtown in the County of Berkshire do depose and say that Thomas Reed the signer of the foregoing affidavit is the same Thomas Reed who have known twenty years past and that he is the person described in the said affidavit Desdatus Noble Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County ss. Feb. 21. 1833 Then personally appearing Devdatus Noble signer of the foregoing made oath to the that truth of the same & I certify that he is a man of truth & veracity - Before Daniel N. Dewey Justice of Peace -
Page 24

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Charles Sedgwick Clerk
of the Cort of Common pleas for the
County of Berkshire & Commonwealth
aforesaid do certify that Daniel
only my before whom the
foregoing affidavits were the
Justice of the peace with of
said County of Berlin & that the
foregoing signature purporting
to be his are genuine
-
In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my
hand & affixed the Seal of
said Court this twenty
Seventh day February
1833 Sedgwick Clerk
Page 25

Thomas Read
Pension Certificate
Page 26

New York agency.
MILITARY DISTRICT. None
DATE.
Cantonment. Attfield (Mrs. 12th June 1815
IT is hereby CERTIFIED, that Thomas Reed
in the company of Capt. I Ingersoll
in the 9th Regiment of U.S. Infantry
private
is rendered incapable
of performing the duty of a soldier, by reason of wounds or other injuries inflicted while
he was actually in the service aforesaid and in the line of his duty, viz:
By satisfactory evidence and accurate examination, it appears that on the Twenty
Ninth day of Mayin
the year being engaging in
Battle with the ever
near a place called Sackets Harbour
in the State,
Date of New York he received a wound
his Right thigh, partially
depriving him of the use thereof
and he is thereby not only incapacitated for Military duty, but, in the opinion of the
undersigned, is one fourth
his subsistence by manual labor.
disabled from obtaining
E. L. Allen
Surgeons Mate of the
Duplicate
Reg of U.S.
H. H. Childs Coal Surgeon
N. B.
The blank in the last line but one is to be filled
up with the proportional "DEGREE" of Disability
for example: -- "Three fourths"--" one
half one third, We V. or," totally --
the case may be
rs & know Genl
Genuine G. Bander
Thomas Harrison
Major Cound G
Page 27

Brief in the case of Thomas Reed deceased.
Berkshire County and State of Massachusetts


act June 7th, 1832.
Record evidence of 11 months & days
service under the authority of Vermont
He died May 12th 1848, leaving no widow
Administrators on his estate have been a
pointed, to whom the arrears are payable
he is
Examining Clerk.
Orderly
Claim, (original, or for increase.)
Proof exhibited, (if original)
some
but seven children who now survive.
for the use of his children, &c.
Name.
and residence of Agent
E. Larrabee
Ellicottville, N.Y.
Page 28

To the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Page 29

To the Hon. Commissioner
Ellicottville
respected Sir
of Pensions
May 19th, 1856
I would inform you that I
have made an effort to comply with the
requirement which you made in your letter
of the 16th of April and I find that in
relation to the appointing of an administrator
according to the Law of the State of New York
which relate to that appointment that the
Deceased person at the time of their death
must have some kind of propriety some kind
of assets of estate to enable the proper
Judge to make a case which would Justify
him in appointing an administrator. Now
the truth is, in relation to this case of Thomas
Reed of Mass Dec- that he had not any kind
of Proxity whatever for some two years before
his death, and he died leaving no assets of
estate whatever, and he spent the last
few years of his life with his children
and they had him to Support Now I
can exhibit to you a good Bond of any
amount under the seal of the proper Court
and the thing will be perfectly secure, if you
will have a trifle and not require it to bare
the name of an administrators Bond, But if you
insist upon the Bond bearing the name an administrators Bond
Page 30

you will insist upon a thing which
is imposable to be performed according to the
Law of the State of New York Now sir I am
1
very slow to believe or even think that you
1
will still insist upon the name of administrator
Bond in the case of Thomas Reed Did Mass and
thereby forever bar his poor children from
obtaining that which is their due from this
for their Fathers service in the
government, Revolutionary
struggle for our Independance
Now you see that Thomas Reed of Maps, Died
leaving no assets of estate thereby baring
the appointment of an administrator I trust
and that with confidence in you, and believing
that you are satisfied that the came of the
said Thomas Reed is just and right, that
you will have that name of administrators
Bond and require no more than that which
can be performed according to the law of
the State of New York now sir I want you
to answer this letter as soon as you can and
oblige your most humble servant
you will
To the Hon Commissioner
Clarabel
Ellicottville
Pennington City
Cattaraugus
N. York
Page 31

you will remember that the
Prosecution of this Clame has been
very long and attended with many
Difficutes But think I have furnished the
proof as full and ample as you have
required of me that you can Judge how
the thing has made assessments on my purp
your most obedient & Larrabee
Page 32

To the Hon
Commissioner
Ellicottville
Respected Sir
of Pensions June 18th, 1856
you will see by the letter
in which I sent the required, papers
in relation to the Pension Clame of
Thomas Reed, That I had not yet
received your letter of the 12th
But it came to hand this day
and in reply I will say that
I had been misinformed in relation
to the power of the Probate Court of
New York; and the cause of it was
that our Judge is a young man
But I consulted an Old Ex-Judge
and he informed me that the Court
had power in the case of Thomas
Reed Dec of Mass. I therefore
proceeded and executed the required
papers and sent them to you
yours with much respect &c
Hon
E Larabee
Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington City
D. C
Page 33

To the
Ellicottville
Hon. Commissioner
June 16th 1856
Respected Siram just enabled to
Comply with the requirements of your
last
letter of the 16th of April in
relation to the Pension Clame of
Thomas Reed deceased - of Mass State
and I send enclosed in this letter
the thing you required Viz the
certified copy of the letter of administration
and the amount of his Bond as such
certified to under the Seal of the
Proper Court Now sir I shall exspect
annewar from you very soon and
with it a pension certificate to the
amount of 10 dollars per year for the
of 16 years, That is from June 7th 1832
up to May 1848 - which will amount
to about 1536, dollars so much any
way and I think that sum ought to
draw interest from May 1848 up to April
16th 1856 Please sir answer this immediately
and for my athority in this matter please
am in the accompaning certified Copes so
wate with paliants yours, &
1
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
E. Larabel
Page 34

Buffalo May 6 1834

L. P. Waldo Esq
Come of Pensions

sir - I enclose an affidavit of the Heirs of Thomas Reed which will explain
itself from the information received  I
think the Reports have probably been made 
by referring to the wrong claim, as there
are two or more suspended claims for the  same name, One in N York Please give
a full report of the amount of Service
claimed by the Thomas Reid or Reed of
Berkshire Co. Mass. the dates and names
of Officers, also what proof will be
required to have the amount due at
his death allowed. Is the declaration by
the Heirs on file in due form
I always think it advisable to consult
the department and ascertain what has
been done before taking any steps to serve
Suspended Claim Respectfully Yours
Samuel Lake
Page 35

Ellicottville
July 4th 1856
To the
Home
Commissioner
Respected Sir
I say to you that
this day I received the certificate
of pension on the clame of Thomas
Reid Dec of Mays. But I must
say that
I am
a disapointed in the
amount that you have allowedthe
small sum of Thirty seven Dollars
3 per year for 17 years is small
indeed, to my mind when I was
expecting Sixty-six Dollars per year
as I stated my letter which I sent
to you when I sent the amount of me
Bonds now Sir it may all be as
it should be but I would like
to have you send an explanation of
the case why you put the sum at
Dollars per year so that I can satisfy
be heirs that all is right and you
oblige yours
Page 36

Dear Sir
Ellicottville
October 27th 1855
I now answer yours of the
2nd inst, which informed me that by
the name of Thomas Reed had made
application for a Pension, how that is
I am not able say no farther than this
That after I was taken blind (as I stated in
my last. The Heirs of the said Thomas Reed
for whom I act as Attorney got Saml
Lake Esq of Buffalo to Correspond some in
relation to the case but they say that
he the said Samuel Lake Esq Manifest
a disposition which destroyed their
confidence in him therefore they
countermanded all the power they ever
gave him Now sir as for the Thomas
Reed of Newyork I would inform
you that I do not know that ever
such a man ever lived But I do
know that Thomas Reed was the reputed
Father of those heirs for which I act-
And the names of those heirs you will
fined in the certifide Coppy of the fam
Fily Record which I send with this his
Thomas Reed of which I now speak is
the man who made his Declaration
Page 37

some 8 years ago before the Probate
Judge of Berkshier County Mass
about that time it was filed in the
Pension Office This is Thomas Reed of
Mass and not of New York. And
this is the man, the Heirs of whom has atharized  [authorized] me to prosicute [prosecute]
their clamed [claimed], and you will find that
authority filed in the Pension Office
it was done in the year 1852 and has
never been countermanded So if Samel
Lake Clames [Claims] any athority [authority] to prosicute [prosecute] the Clame [Claim] of Thomas Reed of State of
Mass his pretensions is false
Now Sir I Clame [Claim] in behalf of the Heirs
of the said Thomas Reed that the
Certificate of the Secretary of State of
Vermont Establishes our clame [claim]
Now sir with this letter I send you
the required Affidavit proveing [proving] the
Marriage of the said Thomas Reid
to his wife and his and her Death
and the present claments [claimants]to be their
sole and only heir. But you will
remember that Wm reed Died when
a soldier in the war of 1812 so no
more at present Yours &c E Larrabee
Hon Commissioner
Page 38

Please Read this
and answer as soon
as may be covenant
Page 39

Aug 2, 1845
June 7, 1832
city of Washington
commissioner of Pensions
Page 40

Bonnet Vermont July 24th 1845
J. L. Edmonds Commissioner of Pensions
for to
I enclose the Declaration of Thomas there a Revolutionary
soldier to the Certificate of the Secretary of Vermont at
Mr Rice service. M Alexander Reed Deposition and
Keyes Conforth: If further testimony is require you
will please communicate to me-
In case a certificate is granted you will for more it to me
your humble servant
Henry Stevens
Page 41

The claim of Thomas Reed has been [illegible]
mainly for the reason that he
could not have been  the soldier of his
name who is [illegible] upon the Records of
the State of Vermont or [illegible] served in
Capt. Hutchins Company, from Feb.15 to
Nov. 30. 1780. The reason that he was
allowed for ten months only,  whence that he was taken prisoner and kept in Confinement 
as alleged by him he [illegible words]
paid for the whole time I[illegible] service
and imprisonment. Another reason for the
[illegible] was [illegible] the fact that the
Secretary's certificate ([illegible] No. 1) dated
January 1, 1845, whilst Reeds declaration
([illegible] No 2)  is dated July 8, 1845, which 
would warrant the of [illegible] not the
said declaration was [illegible] upon the
Secretary's certificate. But it appears from
Page 42

a bill of the present Sectary of the Will of
servant, dated on the 17 Sept 3
Not the "Mondra Jo H. Reed, 9 paid
to H Sollars, Payal of Vermont
This pretty cow ordnance has the
payment to his said to Recd person
of the Allender has no doubt is
genrae tale of the service of Hatch
assary. But on my pen and of
the identity
saw the affidant of
Goden Myers up to 4 Nov. 1835
ten years you Rece; declared a pled
In the has
stake the year one
Reed at the receipt
indet has the said all where he has testified
we will shown to him
The Commission concur, the law of the
case not think the effect should trade
there all evidence of every Sabble to Sarah & State of
date Nov 26, 1855
Page 43

Ellicottville Oct 17th 1851
Respected Sir
I ask your indulgence with me one
moment to Read and answer a few lines
which I address to you at this time and
pardon me sir if I should happen to exibit
considerable inquisitiveness on the subject which
I present as it is one of considerable moment
to my employers, which are seven in number
who are the children of one Thomas Reed who
was a Revolutionary Soldier And here I will give
the names of those children (Alexander Reed.
Margaret Reed, Sarah Reed. George Reed
Mary Ann Reed Elizabeth Reed and John
Reed Two of them live in a Town Mass-
Viz. Alexander and Sarah. And five of them
live in Cattaraugus Co. N. York, Viz - Margaret.
Mary Ann, George. Elizabeth and John
Now sir I wish to say that Mr Thomas Reed the
Father of the above-named children was
Revolutionary soldier he died I think in
May of 1848 or 1849 at the good old age of
111 years. And sir this Same Thomas Reed was a
Soldier in the war of 1812 or last war as
it is called and was wounded in a Battle at
Sacketsharber for which he drew a pension
of $24 per year untill he died And upon that list
Page 44

of Pensioners you will find his name
But more particular I know you will find
that in the year 1839 his name and age up the list
And now Sir this Thomas Reed never drew any
Pension for his service in the Revolutionary war
for the simple reason that he did not make an
Application until about two or three years
before he died at which time as I am informed
he did make an application for a pension for his
service in the Revolutionary war through the
Agencey of one Mr Stevens of Montpelier, Vt.
To whom he made his Declarations and by whom
his papers were made out, and who assisted as I am
told in procuring evidence in the case, for
which the said Stevens had his pay But after
the death of the said Thomas Reed the said
Stevens handed over the papers to Mr. Henry Weed Esq
of Hinesburg - who undertook the business
in place of Mr. Stevens And I am informed
that the said Weld gave the children of the said
Thomas Reed who live in his Town Mass
some very strong encouragements that the
evidence for the proceeding of a pension for
the service of their Father in the Revolutionary war
was ample and doubt but that the Pension
would be obtained in a very short time and
he stated nearly the same in a letter which
he wrote to a man in Was Town last July which
Page 45

I had privilege to Read But when I wrote to
him on that subject in behalf of those
Children who live in Cattaraugus Co N York
he (Mr Weld) wrote a very short letter stating
that the chance for Pension Small by reason
of some disagreement between some Records on
in the Pension office of the service one
Thomas Reed and the declarations of the Thomas
Reed now in Application whereupon I wrote him
another letter some three weeks ago giveing as
I think an explination of that disagreement
But have not received any answer as yet. And
now I ask you to give me a transcript of the
record in the pension office of the service of a
soldier by the name of Thomas Reed And I wish
you would state to me the amount and strength
of Testimony that is required in order for an old
Revolutionary soldier to obtain a pension at
this late day and age of our Country And as
there are so few soldiers of the Revolution alive
in the world I think positive witness is very
hard thing to be obtained And tell me if you
on the harm (if any) of Grainting a Revolutionary
Soldier a Pension upon circumstantial evidence
Thus if a man has been a positive witness in
the obtaining of others pension let the record
of that be an evidence in his own case and if
needs be let a special act take place for the purpose
Page 46

And now Sir
an answer
I wish you to give my
as soon as you can or may be that I
shall be under necesity of writing to me
Deed again very soon so I bid you
Good day And remain your obedient
To the
Com Pension Office
Eleazer Larrabee
Washington City direct your letter E Larsbee
Ellicottville
Cattaraugus Co N York
Page 47

New York
Attary) Rober
then Reed do who was
purchasers his
Admitted Act June 7, 1832
11 to 8 days past
$37.63 per Ann
Con March 4, 1831
May 17, 1848,
deed
George Reed & Eleazer
Lander Administrators, are a
Alder
on Reed
Margaret Thurlow
Sarah Bradley
George Reed
Mary A. Larlee
Elizabeth Jones &
John Reed by Nathan &
E. Larabee, Ellicottville
New York
Page 48

File No.
23383
INVALID.
23.383
Thomas Reed
Act: --
Index: --Vol. 2, Page
Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 49

No 3
Page 50

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office,
Nov. 17. 1835
Sir
In reply to your interogatories under
date of Nov. 12th and that at the name of
Thomas Reed does not appear on any
other roll in this office of William Hutchins
Company
2d
the allowance as
appears by the roll for ten months service
to Capt Wm Hutchins Company, was
paid by the Treasurer to the Tolman pay
master of Vermont at that time; and
it does not appear when, or how it was paid
by the said Tolman and the Real
the residence of that Red does not
appear from said roll, or from any other
record in this Office
J. Minot
Com
reman, may respectfully
C. W. Willard
George State
Page 51

Secretary's Office
Montpelier Nov. 28, 1853

Sir

In reply to yours of the 24th inst I inform you
that the names of Silas Hathaway Abel Dunning
John Aylesworth James Price and William
Hutchinson appear on the roll of Capt.
William Hutchins Company of ten months 
service from Feby 1 to Nov. 30, 1780

I remain
Very Respectfully
Chas W Willard
 
J. Minot
Comr of Pensions
Page 52

No 1
Page 53

State of Vermont 
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier January 1. 1815 
I hereby certify that there is on file in this office A Pay Roll of a Company commanded by Capt John Petty in Col. William Williams Regiment of Militia in the State of Vermont, 1777, on which Roll is the name of Thomas Reed, with an allowance for eight days service as a private commencing August 29th. 
Also, a Pay Roll of Capt. Jesse Safford Company of Provincial Troops from the date of their several enlistment until discharged, both days included, commencing the first of May and ending the 26th Nov. 1778, on which Roll is the name of "This Read, with an allowance for one months service as a private, commencing September 20 and ending October 2d Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt William Hutchins Company in the service of the in Maj. Eben Allen's Detachment in State of Vermont 1780-1 on which Roll is the name of 10 " Thos. Reed, with an allowance for ten months service as a private, commencing February 1 and ending November 30th 1780.
 I also certify that there are in this Office Pay Rolls of Capt. Hutchins Company for the year 1778, 1779, 1780 1781, and to May 1782. Given under my hand and the seal of this Office this 1st day of January 1848. 
Ferrand F. Merrill 
Deputy Secretary of State
Page 54

Samuel Lake 
Buried May 11. 1854
Thomas Reed No. 1730, 
160 acres - 1812
Page 55

SR Waldo Esq
Comm of Pensions

Buffalo May 6, 1854

Sir,
Will you have the goodness to inform me if Thomas Reed or Reid described in the within affidavit received a Land Warrant for his Services in the War of 1812 ^ for the Services of his son William who, as is alleged, died in the Service. If warrants have issued, please give the dates and to whom they were delivered or mailed
Respectfully Yours
Samuel Lake

Land Warrant No. 7730 for 160 acres for Dec 19, 1816 to Thomas Reed a priv Capt Ingersolls Compy 9th Regt 
M.S. Lufty - patented
Page 56

5977
INVALID
Mar 1813

file No. 5977
Thomas Reed
Priv. 9th U.S.P.

Act:
Index: Vol. M, Page 312
{Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 57

M.S. Lundy
Mch 5

March 12
In and for
Thomas Reed

War Department
Pension Office
Washington
Page 58

Williamstown Mass.  Mar 2, 1833

I enclose the affidavits of Thomas Reed asking a transfer of his name to the Pension roll of this State - Please forward the necessary certificate of information that it is done
Yours &c
Daniel N. Dewey
Page 59

[left side of document]

Thos Reed
Mass

T Lumpkin

[right side of document]

House of Rep?
July 30th, '52

The Acting Commissioner of Pensions will please allow Th Lumpkin to see the papers of Thomas Reed decd of Mass, Act 7th June 1832
I addressed your Department some four months since to learn the cause of the non-allowance of this claim and have not received a reply
Very Respy
J Z Goodrich

Capt. Triplett
(over)
Page 60

If not counting on the
words of my Deponent
I do not 
desire to ask any
thing not in conformity
with your
[illegible]
J Goodrich
Page 61

House of Representatives
Washington Feb 8, 1852

J.E. Heath Esq
Comm of Pensions

Dr Sir:
Alexander Reid of Williamstown Mass desires to obtain the pension due to his father Thomas Reid. I understand some papers on file in the case now. I send you as arr time, the enclosed affidavit which I have just recd. Will you be kind enough to have the case called up & inform me whether there is anything in the way of Alexr Rud's accomplishing his object & if so what that be my remove it if it can be remind

Respectfully your obt servant
J.R. Gowant
Page 62

Ellicottville
September 17th 1858
Sir,
In your letter of the 3rd of August
you stated that my letter of the 30th
of July was too indefinite to
afford a proper examination of the
files in the office in relation
to a Pension due the Heirs of one
Thomas Reed deceased for his term
of service as a soldier in the
Revolutionary war in Capt. Wm.
Hutchins Company in Maj. Eben Allen's
Detachment in the State Vermont in
year 1780 and 81 - Now sir it was
my object by my letter of the 30th of
of July to learn from you if any
thing of any description had been
filed in the office in relation to
the above clame, Since my last letter
from you in December of 1855
Page 63

At which time I was compelled to stop
my correspondence with you for a while
by reason ill health and a severe
inflammation in my eyes And sir
thought it important for me to know
what had been done since that time
Now Sir in your letter of the 6th of
December 1853 you told me that the
proof to be exhibited more than
what had already been shown
was to prove the marriage of the
said Thomas Reed to his wife and
his and her Death and to
Identify the present Claimants
to be there sole Heirs Now sir
I have told you what I want
and wish you to tell me what
has been done I have got the
above named proof and now
wate for you answer & Yours
with much respect E Larabee
Hon. Commissioner
Page 64

Alexander Reed of Williamstown in the County
of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts depose and say
that I am son of Thomas Reed of said Williamstown
that I am now fifty nine years of age - that I
have often heard the said Thomas Reed States that
he was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution from
my earliest recollections up to the present time. I was
well acquainted with our Charles Granderson (who
is now dead, and have often heard the said Granderson
and my Father the said Thomas Reed Speak of
their being prisoners of War together in Canada that
at one time they were both confined in what they
called the chamber prison and heard both
speak of their sufferings during the term of their
confinement - I was present and heard the said
Thomas did make his declaration at Jonesborough
before William P. Watters Esq Judge of
Probate on the Eighth day of July 1845 and the
principal facts stated in said declaration on
the same as I have heard him state from
time to time ever since my remembrance
and I have no doubt of the truth of the same
Alexander X Reed his mark
Signed in presence of
Stephen Hosford
Edward F. Cook

State of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss. July 19-1845 Then
Alexander Reid above named, well known to
me as a person of truth and veracity personally
appeared and made oath that the above deposition 
by him subscribed is true
Before me Stephen Hosford Just Peace
Page 65

Steen of New York
County of Cattaraugus On this first day of
May 1834 before me a Justice of the peace
in and for said County and state duly authorized
by law to administer oaths for general
purposes; personally appeared George Reed and
Elizabeth Jones residents of Otto Cattaraugus
County State of New York, who being duly sworn
according to law on their oath say that they
and each of them are the children of the late
Thomas Reed who was a Soldier in the war
with Great Britain declared by the United States
on the 18th day of June 1812 that he enlisted for
five years or during the war; and served in
the company commanded by Captain Ingersoll
of the 9th Regiment United States Infantry, after
which service he received an invalid pension
until the time of his death; they also state
that William Reed a son of Thomas Reed and
a brother of the said deponents Served in the same
Company and regiment with Thomas
Reed their father, that their brother William Reed
was drowned in Lake Erie whilst in the service.
so they have been repeatedly informed, the
deponents further say that this affidavit is
made for the purpose of ascertaining whether
their father has received a land warrant for
Page 66

bounty unit of the United states for his service
and also for the service of William Reed their
brother to which he was entitled, they
further request that all communications relating
to their fathers and brothers bounty level, may
be made to Samuel Lake of Buffalo New York
George X Reid his mark
Elizabeth Jones

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day
and year above written, and I certify that the
deponent are credible persons and that
I have no interest in this claim or enquiry
and am not concerned in its prosecution
Arnold Holden Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Cattaraugus  County Clerks Office A. T. Enos C. Southwick Clerk of
said County and of the Court of Record thereof, do certify that Arnold
Holden Esquire before whom the foregoing declaration was sworn
to and subscribed and whose name is subscribed to the certificate thereof was at
the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid dwelling in said
County duly elected sworn & authorized to administer oath or affirmations, and further
that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature above
written is genuine. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal
at Ellicottville in said Court May 1, 1834
E.H. Southwick Clerk
Page 67

New York
Thomas reed
9 July
No 7730
Page 68

Pension Grant  N. Y. Roll
By Henry Dearborn MAJOR GENERAL,
Commanding the First 
Military District of the UNITED STATES
Land Warrant No 7730
issued on the day
To all who shall see these presents, GREETING:
BE IT KNOWN That E. L. Allen Surgeon make
of the Twenty First Reg. of Infantry
has issued the requisite Certificates by which it appears that Thomas Reed
a private in the Company of late
of Captain Ingersoll of the Ninth
Regiment of Infantry
has been wounded or injured while in
the service of the UNITED STATES, in such manner as to disable him from
performing Military Duty; the said Thomas Reed is, therefore, hereby honorably
 DISCHARGED from the PUBLIC SERVICE.
The PERSONAL DESCRIPTION of the aforesaid Thomas Reed is as follows: viz.
Years of age. 43
Color of hair, light
Eyes, blue
Complexion. Light
Height. 5'6
and by PROFESSION when enlisted a Farmer
By the General, IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature at
HEAD QUARTERS, at Boston
this Thirteenth Day of June in the year 1815
Enlisted 17 March 1873
for five years
G. Bender
Capt. 5 reg
Page 69

Pittsfield June 13. 1815
I certify that I have hand the
within named Thomas Reed his
to the date of this is
full pay charge 8 pay
and subsistence for paid
three months Gratuitous
to pay and all his bounties.
H Green
Page 70

No B Land due
for Rev Services,
he left no widow
has no minor children
Page 71

Ellicottville
Nov 10th 1856
Hon. Commissioner
I at this time write to you respecting the Bounty land
of Thomas Reed Viz - the same Thomas
Reed which you granted a Pension
Certificate last summer in favor of his
Heirs Payable to George Reed and Eleazar
Larabee as his administrators Now sir I
wish you to inform me if there is or
is not due this said Thomas Reed Dec.
Bounty Land for his service in the
Revolutionary War or in the war of 1812
for he was a soldier in that war also
and his son was a soldier in the war
of 1812 also his name was William Reed
and he died in the war and I wish
you to inform me if Bounty land is or
is not due William Reed also now Thomas
Reed and his son William served in the
War of 1812 under Capt Ingersall of the
9 Ridgement under Colonel Assonwal 
now Sir inform me in relation to the
above and you will oblige your Friend
Yours as Ever 
E Larabee  administrator of Thomas Reed
Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington
City D C
Page 72

Stephen Hosford of Williamstown in the
County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
aged sixty-five years depose and say that I was
well acquainted with Thomas Reed late of said
Williamston deceased from 1815. to the time of
his death which was in March May 1848
the said Thomas Reed was living in this town
when I first knew him and continued to reside
here until the death of his wife Maria Reed his
I think was over twenty years ago he then resided
in the State of New York for a few years and then
returned and hand and died her as stated above.
I have no doubt but he is the same Thomas Reed
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war that he
belonged to Capt. Hutchins Company and in Col
Allen's Regiment and that he was taken prisoner
and returned by the British for about three years-
I have often heard him relate the circumstances
of his enlistment, March from Bennington to Canada
line and of his caption by the Indians and imprison
ment I have heard other old soldiers both of the same
; and it was the general report of the old
inhabitants of this town that his statements were true
I have understood that the said Thomas Reed
lived in Pownal in the State of Vermont at the time
he enlisted and joined the Regiment under Colonel
Allen the indent I knew the children of the said Thomas
and Manan Rud their names are Alexander, Margaret
Sarah George - Mary A. Elizabeth and John
I further say that I have never known or heard
of my other Thomas Reed who was, or could have
been a soldier in the Revolutionary war
And that I believe the said Thomas Reed
Page 73

was considered a man of truth and veracity.
Stephen Hosford
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Berkshin
I Daniel A. Day
Judge of Probate for the County of Berkshin
certify that Stephen Hosford signer of the
foregoing affident made oath to the
with of the same. I further certify that
Fairford is well know by she is a person
of Master for veracity & have
and ten percent at
my hand & the seal of said Court this thirteen
do
of Allard
1856-
Daniel A Devey
Judge of Peace
Page 74

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County
I Andrew J Waterman Register
of Probate and for the Probate Court
within and for our said County of
Berkshire hereby certify that Daniel N.
Dewey whose name is thence subscribed
to certificates annexed hereto was, at
the time he subscribed his name to said
Certificates. Judge of the Probate Court
for said County and is now Judge
as aforesaid duly commissioned and
qualified according to the Constitution
of said Commonwealth, and that
full faith and credit are and
ought to be given to all his acts
done in his said capacity, and
that his signatures to said certificates
are genuine
In witness whereof I hereto set
my hand and affix the seal of our
said Court, and have sealed with
the said seal these two sheets of paper
this fifteenth day of March AD 1836
Andrew J Waterman
Register of Probate
Page 75

I Stephen Hickcox of Williamstown in the County
of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged
seventy six years depose and say that I was acquainted with
Thomas Reed late of said Williamston deceased
for more than forty years previous to his death - The said
Thomas Reid and his wife Marian Reid lived for
same years in my immediate neighbourhood and both
died then Moran the wife of the said Thomas
died I think over twenty years ago. After which
the said Thomas Reid resided in the State of New York
same three or four years and then returned and
lived in my neighbourhood untill his death which
was in March May 1848. I was present at the funeral
of the said Thomas Reed. I have understood that the
said Thomas and live in paral in the State of
Vermont during part of the time during the
Revolutionary war that he enlisted in Poonal and
Joined Capt. Hutchin's Company at Bennington and
marched to Canada line when he was taken prisoner
and kept as a prisoner by the Brittish two or three years
and finally made his escape from a British Ship of war
near New York. I have often heard him make his statement
of the parts in presence of my father and other old
Revolutionary soldiers and know that his statements were
generally believed - I knew the children of the said Thomas
and Marian and their names an Alexander Reed
Margaret Thurber Sarah Bradley -- George Reed, Mary A.
Sarah Elizabeth Jones and John Reed,
I further say that I have never know any other
person by the name of Thomas Reed and that the
said Thomas Reed was considered a man of truth and
veracity in this place where he lived
Stephen Richard
Page 76

Commonweath Massachusetts
County of Berkshire
Daniel N Dewey -
Probate within & for the County of Basham
certify that Stephen Hicking the signed
foregoing affidavit made oath
the act of the same & spoke affably
that the said Hickes is well recover
by me. has since resided in the town of
Williamstown for many years
is of good character for truth & verily
In testimony whereof I do here
set my hand & the official seal of said
Court
this Thirteenth Day of March 1854
David N Dewey
Judge
of Probate
Page 77

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County Daniel N Dewey
Judge of Probate within & for lots
of Buther certify that satisfatory
evidence has been presented to the Court
by the testimony before me of Stephen
Hickey & Stephen Hosford, both
residence in the town of Williamstown in
said County & both known by one
personly & be of good charter for truth
& veracity, that Thomas Reed
he died in
said Williamstown in the mark of May 1848
and the said Read left no widow - that
lowing are the only children of the
said Thomas Reed now living & that they
are now alien & the children of said Thomas
Reed viz. Amanda Reed, Margaret
Beech Then leer, Sarah Bradley, George
Reed, Mary A Carroll, Elizabeth Jones
John Reed
In testimony whereof
thereto at my hand & the of
pal seal of said Court this tick
day of March 1856
Daniel Denney page
Page 78

Afft of S. Horsford
proof of heirship &c
Page 79

I Stephen Hosford of Williamstown in the
County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
depose and say, that I was well acquainted with
Thomas Reed late of Williamstown deceased, for
the term of thirty-five years previous to his death
and also that I was more or less acquainted with
the family of said Reed - Marian Reid the
wife of the said Thomas, died in this town,
to the best of my recollection, about twenty years
age - the said Thomas Read also died in this
town in 1848 - I know the children of the said
Thomas and Maria Reed, their names on
as follows viz. Alexander Said Margaret Thurber
Sarah Bradley George and Mary A. Laribee
Elizabeth Jones and John Reed - the said
Alexander and Sarah Bradley are still living in
this town, and the others have removed to
the State of New York - I have frequently heard
the said Thomas and state the account of his
services in the War of the Revolution of his being
taken prisoner by the Indians and deliver up
to the British of his hired as a spy by a Court
Marshall at or near Such of his being
continue to sum on board a town of War
for life and of his locks from a British
war ship near New York about ten years after
his first imprisonment - I was present at the time
the said Thomas and made his declaration for
the purpose of obtaining a pension before the
Hon. William P. Walker Judge of the Court of
Probate within and for the County of Berkshin
which I think was in the year 1844. and his
declaration, as I understood, was forwarded
to this proper department at Washington
and I have no doubt of the truth of his
Page 80

Statement of the facts as stated in his declaration
thence and then made - I judge not only his own
statement, but from the statement of other old
men in years past, none of which to my knowledge
are now living. I further testify and say that I
have never known or heard of any other Thomas
Reed, within the said County of Berkshire, who has
made any application for a pension on account
of sums rendered during the war of the
Revolution
Stephen Hosford

Berkshire ss. January 2. 1854
Sworn and subscribed upon me
Harry L. Sabin Just Peace
Page 81

Berkshire, ss.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
. CHARLES SEDGWICK, C of the Judicial Court
the County of Berkshire, do certify that Henry
, whose signature is affixed in the certificate on the paper hereto and
the date thereof and of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County duly
commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth
right to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity: and that I am acquainted
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
said Commonwealth, this
January of the Commonwealth
and that full faith and credit are and
with the handwriting of the said Henry
his signature to said certificate is in
my hand and affixed
the seal of the Court of Common His
fourth in the year of our lord
thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Chas Sedgwick Clerk
Page 82

I Benjamin Grover of Pownal in
the County of Bennington and
State of Simons of lawful age
being duly sworn do depose testify
and say. That about the year 1790
I her a man by the name of Thomas
deed who lived in Williamstown
County of Berkshire & State of
Massachuse as I was acquainted with
him and traded with him
I think that I have heard him
say that he was a soldier of the
Revolutionary army It was my
impression that he was a revolution
soldier, I know no when Thomas Reed
either in Williamstown of Pencil
who was old enough to be a soldier
of the Revolution. I saw him occasionally
after the year 1790 and to see him at
meeting, I think that he belonged
to the Episcopal Mitter to
which church I belonged & further
state that I was eighty-eight years
last me. And further I say not
Sebastian Wagar
Benjamin Grover
Elij Morgan
Page 83

State of Vermont
Pennington
Paul F. 7th 1854
this 7th day of
Jan AD 1856 Then Benjamin
Grover of
Pernal in the County of Bennington and
State of Vermont personally appearing
and after being duly cautioned made
solemn oath that the foregoing deposing
by him subscribed contains the whole
truth and nothing but the truth
Before me
Sebastian Wager Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I have diligently searched
the records of the Town of Pernal and that the
records previous to the year 10 are very
in perfect one year's being shall go
Feby 1836. by Morgan
Son Clerk
personally, appeared the in a
made oath that the foregoing certificate
was true in due form of an
Pownal Feb 7th, 1856, before me
Sebastian Wager Senior of Same
State of Vermont.
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the COUNTY COURT for the County of
Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached do certify that
Sebastian Wager Esq.
the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the fore
going jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed
according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he
is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to admin
ister oaths, &c.
CLERK
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at
Bennington, this
8th
Anno Domin, on thousand eight hundred six
Saml H. Blackmer
day of February
Page 84

Cattaraugus Surrogate's Court.
In the matter of the Estate of
Thomas Reed
copy
deceased.
Letters of Administration
To Eleazer Larobe
& George
Recorded in Liber 2 Page 143
Cobb
Surrogate
Page 85

ADMINISTRATION BOND.
Printed by Sitt & Cany. Whig Office, Ellicottelle, N. Y.
Know all Men by these Presents, That we, therefore
George Rec'd Evander Williams and Thomas de
are held and firmly bound unto the People of the State of New York, in the sum of
current money of the said state, to be paid to the people; to which payment, well and truly to
be made, we bind ourselves, and each of our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and
severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, dated the sixteenth day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six
AND DELIVERED
The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above bounden
Colentee
Laverne
Administrators of all and singular the goods, chattles, and credits of
The
Rich
execute the trust reposed in them as such, and also that they shall obey all orders and
decrees of the Surrogate of the county of Cattaraugus, touching the administration of the estate
committed to the then this obligation to be void, otherwise to be of force.
Sarah
George Reed
=
Evan William
Thomas J Williams
deceased, shall faithfully
SEA
three calen
months from the date hereof: and also to render a just and
account of admin
Page 86

People of the State of New York to all to whom these presents
shall come or may concern send greeting
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of
Bond filed in this office on the 16th day of June 1836
by Eleazer Larabee upon which Letters of Administration
were issued to said Larabee & George Reed a copy
of which Letters are hereto attached
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand
and the seal of my office this 16th day of June 1856
N. Cobb
Surrogate
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Eleazer Larabee & George Reed
Administrators of all and singular the goods, chattels and its
of Thomas Reed
Whereas the said Thomas Reed
as is alleged, died intestate, having whilst living, and at the time of his death, goods, chattels
and credits, within this State, by means whereof, the granting administration and also the auditing
allowing, and final discharging the account thereof, doth appertain unto us; and we are being desirous
that the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased may be well and faithfully administered
applied and disposed of do grant unto the said Eleazer Larabee and
George Reed
full power by these presents, to administer and faithfully
dispose of all and singular the said goods, chattels and credits; to ask, demand, and recover and receive
the debts which unto the said deceased, whilst living, and at the time of his death, did belong
and to pay the debts which the said deceased did owe, so far as such goods, chattels and credits will thereunto
extend, and the law require; hereby requiring you to make, or cause to be made, a true and perfect
entry of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have, or shall
me to your hands, possession or knowledge, and the same so made to exhibit, or cause to be whit
ited, in the office of the Surrogate of the county of Cattaraugus, at or before the expiration of
three calendar months from the date hereof; and also to render a just and true account of admin
Page 87

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Eleazer Larabee & George Reed
Administrators, of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits
of Thomas Reed
deceased
Whereas, the said Thomas Reed
as is alleged, died intestate; having whilst living, and at the time of his death, goods, chattels
and credits, within this state, by means whereof, the granting administration and also the auditing
allowing, and final discharging the account thereof, doth appertain unto us; and we being desirous
that the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased may be well and faithfully administered
applied and disposed of do grant unto the said Eleazer Larlee and
George Reed
full power by these presents, to administer and faithfully
dispose of all and singular the said goods, chattels and credits; to ask, demand, and recover and re
ceive the debts which unto the said deceased, whilst living, and at the time of his death, did belong
and to pay the debts which the said deceased did owe, so far as such goods, chattels and credits will thereunto
extend, and the law require; hereby requiring you to make, or cause to be made, a true and perfect
entry of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have, or shall
come to your hands, possession or knowledge, and the same so made, to exhibit, or cause to be exhit
ited, in the office of the Surrogate of the county of Cattaraugus, at or before the expiration of
three calendar months from the date hereof; and also to render a just and true account of admin
istration, when thereunto required. And we do by these presents depute, constitute and appoint
you the said Eleazer Larabee & George Reed
Administrators of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits which were of the said
Thomas Reed
deceased.
In Testimony Whereof, We have caused the seal of office of
our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed
us. Nelson Coff
Surrogate of the county of Cattaraugus, at all the
Sixteenth day of June
in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six
Co of
Surrogate
Page 88

The People of the State of New York to all to whom these presents
shall come or may concern send greeting
Know Ye that at the County of Cattaraugus on the 16th day of June
1856 Letters of administration of which the foregoing is a true copy) were
duly granted by the Surrogate of Cattaraugus County to Eleazer
Sarah & George Reed and that they are still valid & in full force
In testimony whereof the Surrogate of said County hath
hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal of Office in
this sixteenth day of June A.D. 1856.
N Cobb
Surrogate
Page 89

Afft. of Joseph ellis
proof of heirship
Page 90

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK. Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth
for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Stephen Hosford
Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed was, at
the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly
commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth
and that full faith and credit are and
ought to be given to his notes and attestations dee in that city and that I am acquainted with
the handwriting of the said Stephen Hosford
and
believe his signature to said certificate is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the Court Common Pleas
for
said Commonwealth, this third
Jane
day of
in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty-four
Charles Sedgwick
Clerk.
.
Page 91

I Joseph Ellis of Williamstown in the County
of Berterkin and Commonweath of Massachusetts, depon
and say, that I was well acquainted with Thomas Reed
and Maria Reed, wife of the Thomas Reed both
late of said Williamstown deceased the said Marian
Reed died in the month of February 1833. I was present at
the funeral of her the said Maria Reed, The said
Thomas Rod died on the 12th day of May 1848.
was also present at the funeral of the said Thomas Reed
I further testify and say that I know the children of
the said Thomas and Manan. Reed their names and
as follows viz. Alexander Reid, Margaret Thurber
Sarah Bradley George Reed Mary A. Loba Elizabeth
James and John Reed, and that these are all the children
of the said Thomas and Manan shirt are now living
And I further testify that I have heard the said Thomas
Red relate his services and sufferings in the war of
the Revolution and I have no doubt but he was a
Soldier in the Revolution and that he served in the
Nathan Company under her Allen and Capt Hutchins
Joseph Ellis
State of Massachusetts
Berkshin ss. Sworn to and subscribed on this
31st day of December 1853, before me
Stephen Hosford Justice of
the Peace.
Page 92

yes, Stanforth of Williamstown in the County
of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts depot 
say that I am well acquainted with Thomas
Read of said Williamstown and have known
the said Read more than forty years past
that the said Head is a person of good
moral character & further that I have after
heard the said Read speak of his being in
the United States Service in the Revolutionary war
of his being taken prisoner by the
Indians and confined in prison in Canada
of his being tried as a spy of his being
sentenced to serve on board a British Man
of law for life-- of his escape from the British
and of his sufferings during the whole term
of his confinement -
And further state that I have
no doubt but the said Read was a soldier
in the war of the Revolution and this I
believe to be the general opinion of all
who know the said Read
Reges Danforth
State of Massachusetts
Wash
in County ss July 22. 1843
the Keyes Danforth above named
well known to me as a person of truth
and verdant personally appeared and made
oath in due form of law to the truth of
the above deposition
Stephen Hosford Just Peace
Page 93

Hon
To the
Ellicottville
March 22nd, 1858
Commissioner
Sir
I received yours of the 13th 
this day. But I was disappointed when
I came to read its contents for I was
see that the children of Thomas Reed
Deceased of Massachusetts did obtain
in right of his (Thomas Reeds) Revolutionary
service a pension. Now in proof of this
fact you will find on file in the Pension
office the papers to show, and that
a Pension certificate was granted in
the month of June or July of 1856 by
the commissioner at that time, Now sir
in relation to the case of Jeremiah Ellis
and his widow both deceased. I think
their Heirs at law have the right in
his (Jeremiah Ellis) Revolutionary services
as the Heirs of Thomas Reed deceased,
had in his services for the cases are
parallel ones but if you have a new
Law which will deprive children of
that which was their fathers right at
his death I would wish you would send
it to me, please answer this as soon as
may be and you will oblige yours
Commissioner
Most Truly
Pensions
E Larabee
Page 94

Godeon Myres
Deposition
No. 4
Page 95

I Gideon Myers of Adams in the County
of Bekham & Commonwealth of Massa
setts aged seventy-seven years do testify
and say that I have been acquainted with
Thomas Reed in 1779 he lived in Point
Vermont when I then lived he enlisted in
the month of Febry or March 1779 under
one Capt. Hutchins of Bennington 
And to Pittsford in Vermont in March
the same year I am being an ensign in Capt.
Thomas Lawyers Company marched to Rut
land in Vermont, about six miles from
Pittsford when said Reed was stationed I the
mind & understood that said Reed was taken
prison & carried to Canada & I did not
see or hear of him for a number of years
when I said heir after was in William Town
the town adjoint Pownal his for me place
of residue & it has always since been
understood that he was taken prisoner
laid off & remained a Number of your
said Red reputation for truth has always
been considered good
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire-- June 3d 1835
Personally, appeared Gideon Miars to
me well known for the last twenty
years & of good reputation for truth
I made oath to the truth of the above
deposition by him subscribed for
their certify that he is too infirm to
attend Court
Attest Nathan Perham Justice of the
Page 96

A letter to Mr. Commissioner
Page 97

Ellicottville
March 26th 1856
Mr. Commissioner Sir

I received your letter
of the 24th of Nov, 1855, in due time and
I immediately proceded to comply with its
instructions and after a long time I
have been able to obtain what you wish.
find enclosed in this now sir I think (and
I am not alone in so thinking) that this is ample
for there are old Pension agents to whom
I have exhibited all of the proof that I
have sent to you from the year 1852 to
present time and they say that the
proof is ample and far more than they
was ever required to produce in any
case whatever, and furthermore all of
Old Mr. Thomas Reeds acquaintance in
Massachusetts and also in Vermont
are struck with amasement to think that The
Department should require so
much more proof in the case of Thomas
Reed than they do in other cases which
many of them are knowing to but sir after
you have examined the proof which is
on file since 1850 or 52 up to this
time together with this which I now send

I want you to send me your decision
so no more at this time I remain
your most obediant & c
E Larabee

To Mr Commissioner of
Pensions
Page 98

Ellicottville 
April 21, 1856 
Mr. Hasford Sir. 
I stated to you in my last letter that I would let you know when I got returns from Washington. Therefore now fulfill that promise, I got returns on the 19th, which is favorable so much so that they say the claim is provident and they acknowledge it. And now they say there must be an Administrator appointed who shall give good bonds for the paying of money in equal shares to each one of the Heirs and the Bond they say must be executed before the Surrogate Judge as this country under his Seal and a copy of the same certified to by the clerk of this county and sent to the Department at Washington, and then they say in their letter that they will issue a pension Certificate - now in order to accomplish this - it is necessary for Alexander Reed and Ms. Sarah Bradly to sign a power of attorney and acknowledge it before the probate Judge and have his Seal fixed to it now in order to expedite the business I will send you an exact form on the back of this letter which you can copy for them to sign and now sir if you will attend to this and get the power of attorney you shall loose nothing by so doing and I want you to do it as quick as possible for there no time to loose . So I am your much obliged Friend. J.C Stephen Hosford Esq. Elizabeth Jones by E. Larabee
Williamstown Mass.