Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,620, for Oliver Stetson, Massachusetts
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(3--1776)
SERVICE  Continental Mass. Stetson, Oliver

NUMBER  S. 14,620   Carded

CONTENTS [section empty]
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No.204  SO.281:
New York 
Oliver Stetson
of Chauqa-- in the State of N York who was a P Artificer in the Comp. command by Captain Turner of the Regt commanded by Col Daily in the Connt. [image of a star] line for 2 11

[image of a star] Continental and Massachusetts Lines Records October 12 [illegible line above word "October"] Aug 1833 
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Inscribed on the Roll of N York at the rate of 144 Dollars --- Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
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Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Aug. 1833 and Sent to J.A. Osborn Mayville
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Arrears to the 4th Ma '77  $ 288
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. '33  72
$ 360
---------
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by G. C. Stiles Clerk, 
Book 6, Vol. 2, 4,  Page 79
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Declaration of Oliver Stetson for a pension under act of 7 Jun 1832
Mass Line 1 year & 8 months
Artificer in Knox Division 3 ys. at $20.00 per month pay. 

T. A. Osborn Agent 
Mayville Chau. Co. N. York

found on Rolls of Artificer. 
March '77 to March '81 
Admd  24 ms artificer
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Declaration of Oliver Stetson in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7 June 1832

State of New York Chautauqua County } Ss. 
On this 12 day of October 1832, personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas in & for said county, Oliver Stetson, a resident of the town of Ripley in said county, aged seventy six years [inserted] on the twelfth day of November next, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit the pension [underlined] made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1775, with Capt Amos Turner & served in Col. John Baileys regiment of the Massachusetts Line, under the following named officers. Field Officers. General Thomas, Col Bailey, Lt. Col Jacobs Adjutant Luther Bailey, Company officers Captain Turner Lt. Stetson. 
He resided when he entered the service in the town of Hanover, Plymouth County Massachusetts, enlisted for the term of eight months, & was discharged from this term of his enlistment sometime in March 1776. He enlisted sometime in June 1775. Declarants regiment was stationed at Roxbury through the whole of the campaign. About 4 o'clock in the morning the 5. of March 1776. he & his regiment under the command of Genl. Thomas marched on to Dorchester Heights, where an entrenchment had commenced the preceding night. during the forenoon a firing was kept up upon them from the British Fortifications, but was disregard & the entrenchments completed. As this give the Americans the command of Boston Harbor, the enemy determined if possible to dislodge them from this position & made preparations for an attack but a severe storm frustrating them in this, they determined to evacuate Boston, & on the 17 of March left the town which was immediately entered by Washinton [illegible] with every mark of triumph.

Immediately after the expiration of his first term of service & without leaving the camp, declarant again enlisted for the further term of one year under Captain Reed of Kingston in the same regiment as before & marched to New London from where they sailed in trans [illegible] to Newark & encamped about a mile north of the city. While there he assisted building the Chevaux de frise, which was sunk in the River to prevent the passage up of the British Ships. Sometime about the last of August or forepart of September as declarant believes, the Americans
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retreated from New York, & on that retreat, declarant was engaged in a skirmish with the enemy at Harlaem. The retreat continued after making a short stand at Kingsbridge, to White Plains [underlined] in Westchester County & encamped. Declarant was there at the battle on the 28th October with the main army under Washington. Soon after they marched in the night to the Heights of North Castle, about five miles distant, & remained a short time there, & then declarants regiment was marched to Peekskill on the Hudson where they built barracks & wintered & where declarant was discharged, sometime he thinks in March 1777 & returned home. 

After remaining at home a short time, he yet residing in Hanover, he enlisted in the Spring of 1777 in Capt. Nichols company of artificers, attached to the company [crossed out] Artillery. & bound to do military service as artillery & received twenty dollars a month wages [inserted] men & under the following officers. Field Officers. Gen. Knox, Col. Stevens. Company officers. [underlined] Capt. Nichols Lieut or Captain Call
That he enlisted for a term of three years, joined his company at Boston & marched through the States of Massachusetts & Vermont to Ticonderoga in New York. and joined there the forces under Genl. St. Clair & continued there until the 6th day of July, when the place was abandoned & declarant & company was sent by water to Shenesborough, now Whitehall, followed by the British Gun Boats & while declarant was landing under the fire of the enemy, one of their balls struck & shattered his canteen to peices, [pieces] which he was holding under his arm. From Whitehall he marched immediately to Fort Ann & staid there one night, when declarant [next words too faint to read] which advancing [next words too faint to read] from Whitehall. [next words too faint to read] about two or three miles from Fort Ann lay in ambush waiting near [illegible] of the enemy. all were to remain still until told to [illegible] was to be the signal for the whole party to rise & fire. Soon the [next words too faint to read] marching with the prisoners in their centre & were suffered to march unmolested till their man was nearly within the lines of the party in ambush when Col. Brewer fired & the whole party instantaneously fired & turned upon the enemy, who fired & fled leaving their prisoners which the party took & returned to Fort Ann: from thence they went to Fort Edward & joined the troops under Genl. Schrengler. Soon after this place was evacuated & they escaped the
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Hudson to Saratoga, & soon after retreated to Stillwater in the night. While on the retreat they felled trees across the road & burnt the bridges on their route  General Gates succeeded Genl. Schrengler in command. Some time in August declarant continued at Stillwater till the army came up & was then at the battle between the contending armies & on Burmis Height during the engagement there witnessed the final capitulation of Burgoyne [illegible], Joshua Stetson a company reclaimant was killed [several words crossed out -- words added above cross-out but too faint to read] 
After Burgoyne's surrender declarant assisted in removing the artillery captured with [illegible] & then marched to Albany where they continued through the then ensuing winter.

The ensuing spring of 1778, declarant & company went in [illegible] to Poughkeepsie & from there to a place the name of which is not recollected, some distance southeast from there, where he [illegible words]. He recollects celebrating the 4th of July there, in the camp for the first time, Genl. Washinton recently from the Kenworth battle, Gen. Rand, & many other Generals were present. After continuing some time at this place, they were marched around to various places in the vicinity, until late in the fall when declarants Company divided -- portion of them & among them declarant was sent to winter at Springfield Massachusetts where he continued commissioned as an artificer for the artillery service, until the ensuing Spring.

the ensuing spring of 1779 declarant marched from thence & rejoined his company & the army at a place in Newberry, not now recollected by name but some distance west of West Point on the Hudson & continued with the army there, till the next fall, when he was ordered to winter quarter at Northtown & Seneca & continued then through the memorable cold winter sharing the incredible sufferings of the army, until in the Spring of  1780 when he was regularly discharged by General Gates, after having served three years as an artificer in all four years eight months as a soldier of the Revolution. His discharge he left with Treasurer Prout then of the [illegible] at Court in [illegible] for the purpose of drawing appreciation notes under a law of Massachusetts, & which was never returned to him. He herein relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency in any state. 
Oliver Stetson [signature]  

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid }  S.S. Church Judge [signature] I have sworn later
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And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.

} Judges
I James B, Lowry, Clerk of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Chautauqua, hereby certify that the foregoing contain the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Oliver Stetson for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 12 day of October 1832.  James B. Lowry Clerk [signature] 

Chautauqua County [underlined] Ss. I certify that the foregoing Declaration was resealed by me this 20th day of May 1833, as being genuine.   James B. Lowry Clerk [signature] 

[bottom half of paper written vertically bottom to top of page] 
Declaration of Application for a pension under act of 7 June 1832.
Mass Line 1 year 8 months 
Artificer in Union Division 3 ys.
at $20.00 per month pay.

T.A. Osborn Agent Mayville Chau. Co. N.York
Found in Roll of Artificers
March '77 to March '81
admd 24 mo artificer
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14,839
Oliver Stevens [crossed out] Stetson [inserted]

mode of authenty 
admd

T.A. Osborne
Mayville
Chautauqua County New York
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, 183
Sir: The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will 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.
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A STATEMENT, shewing [showing] the Service of Oliver Stetson of Ripley of Chautauqua County. New York.
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[table with 11 columns and 4 rows including row of column headings]
[column headings] Period when the service was rendered [written vertically bottom to top] | 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. | 

1775 |   | 8 |  | Private | Capt. Turner | Cols Bailey Genl. [illegible] | Battle of White Plains | Stationed at Roxbury marched to New London sailed from there to N.Y. then to White Plains -- then Mass & Vt. | Hanover of Plymouth County Massachusetts age 76 years | none 

Mar 1776 | 1 |  |  | " | Reed | " |  |  |  |  
1777 | 3 |  |  | Artificer | nichally | Col Stevens |  |  |  | 

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
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Yes Olvr. Stetson's name is found on the Rolls of the Department for three years [underlined] service, which would entitle him to all the Pension, he could in any event procure. I have supposed it unnecessary to subject him to the expense of procuring traditionary, or other proof, of his other services. And the man is as his claim would, (of course) be founded on the services proved by your records, where the pay was $20. per month. The papers are now authenticated, as indicated by your instructions.
J. A. Osborne [signature]
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of 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 provion [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. [graphic of a hand pointing to the right:] 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.] [square brackets in original]

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.] [square brackets in original]

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.] [square brackets in original]

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 applicacation [application] of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Count 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 he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons --one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record 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 Justice of the peace, the certification 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 he 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 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 duty sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: -- For ___ year ___ months, and ___ days, I served as a ___ . For ___ months and ___ days, I served as a ___ ; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, 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 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; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, providing 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.
[graphic of closed right hand with index finger pointing] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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[star] Oliver Stetson _
New York _
Act 7th June 1832
20.284 

Direct to L. M. Drury
Canandaigua N.Y.
Page 14

State of New York County of Chautauqua Ss. 
Robert Stetson of the town of Westfield in said County being duly sworn doth depose & say that he is a son of Oliver Station deceased. That the said Oliver Stetson resided in the town of Westfield in said County on [crossed out] that he was a Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of $144. per and that he died on the 10th day of November in the year eighteen hundred thirty nine (1839-) that he left no widow now living. and that he left four children now living whose names are John Stetson, Olive Stevens, William Stetson and Robert Stetson. (this deponent)  R.O. Stetson [signature] 

Sworn & subscribed in this 5th day of December 1850 Before me } 
M. J. Hinckley Justice of the Peace [signature]

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Robert Stetson & that he is a man of credibility. 
M. J. Hinckley Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 15

State of New York County of Chautauqua Ss

I Orson Stiles Clerk of said County do hereby certify that at a Court held in & for said County on the 27 day of Feby 1851. it was duly proven by the exhibition of testimony satisfactory to said Court that Oliver Stetson late of the town of Westfield in said County was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $144. per ann. that he died on the tenth day of November in the year eighteen hundred & thirty nine (1839). that he left no widow now living and that he left four children now living whose names are John Stetson, Olive Stevens. William Stetson. & Robert Stetson. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 27 day of Feby 1851 - 
O. Stiles Clk [signature]
Page 16

and 1812 section
MCS/HMSJ  adm
July 29, 1929.
Mr. Nelson R. Stetson  Campello Massachusetts.

Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 14620, it appears that Oliver Stetson [underlined] was born November 12, 1756, place not stated.
While a resident of Hanover, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, he enlisted and served as a private as follows:
From sometime in June 1775 until sometime in March 1776, in Captain Amos Turner's Company, Colonel John Bailey's Massachusetts Regiment; immediately after said service he enlisted in Captain Reed's Massachusetts Company, was in the skirmish at Harlem and in the battle of White Plains and was discharged in March, 1777; from sometime in the spring of 1777, three years in Captain Nichols' Company in Colonel Stevens' Regiment of artillery artificers and was in both battles of Stillwater and at the surrender of Burgoyne.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 12, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York.
Page 17

He died November 10, 1839 in Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, and was survived by the following children -- John, William and Robert Stetson and Olive Stevens. The name of his wife is not shown in the papers of the pension claim. 
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH  
Commissioner.
Page 18

[printed form with written responses] 
20.284   let to R Agt 22 Dec 51
New York. Albany
Oliver Stetson decd
of Chenango Co in the State of New York
who was an Artificer in the Compy commanded
by Captain ---- of the Regt commanded 
by Col ---- in the *Connecticut [crossed out and star added]  
line for two years 
*Continental Massachusetts Lines Records corrected to Febr 1 of 07 R  Aug 8 03

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany 
at the rate of 240 Dollars 00 Cents per annum.
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 & Ending 10 November 1839

Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of Novr. 1831 and sent to J. M. Henry Canandaigua N.Y
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending 
[illegible] from $144
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by M. P. Wrightman Clerk, 
Book 602 Vol. 4 Page 69
Page 19

Hon J.L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington.
Page 20

Mayville May 20th 1833
Dr Sir.
I re enclose the papers in cases of Jonathan Bingham, Thomas Burch & Oliver Stetson. I trust they will be re examined, without losing their place on the calendar of revolutionary remnants. In the cases of Richard Whitney Joseph Jenkins, Levi Adams, Daniel Denning & Niles Helmes, enclosed in same package you give me no information, & I therefore hope they are found satisfactory. 
Respectfully Yours &c.
J. A. Osborne 

Hon J. L. Edwards  Comr. of Pensions }
Page 21

[printed form with written responses] 

Brief in the case of Oliver Stetson decd. late of
Chautauqua County and State of New York act 7 June 1832.
------------------------------
Claim, ("original," [crossed out] or "for increase.") 
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been fled since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
Artillery Artificer Increased from $144 to $240 per annum.  {Revolution [too faint to read] 1778 for 523 & revolution [too faint to read] of the [too faint to read] of the U S army 1775 to 1781 $20 per month artillery artificer 

Name and residence of Agent. L.M. Drury, Canandaigua N.Y.
H. Cole Examining Clerk.
Page 22

The People of the State of New York 
to all to whom their presents shall come or may concern Send Greeting

Know ye that at our County of Chautauqua on the 31st day of October 1839 Letters Testamentary on the last will and testament of Oliver Stetson late of the town of Westfield in the County of Chautauqua amand was duly granted according to law by William Smith then Surrogate of said County to Leonel Nichols and William Bell Executors in said last will and testament named. And that the Same are still valid and in full form.

In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of office of this Surrogate of the County of Chautauqua to be hereunto affixed. 
Witness Orton Clarke Surrogate of said County at Sinclearville this 8th day of December 1851
Orson Clarke [signature]
Page 23

Oliver Stetson, Decd
Incd to $240 dedy $141 per annum comcg 4 March 1831 & Endg 10 Nov 1839, & payable to John Stetson, Wm Stetson, Robert Stetson & Olive Stevens only surviving children

Albany
L. M. Drury Canandaigua N.Y.
Page 24

[round postal stamp in top right corner of page, stamped over written date: PENSION OFFICE. (month too faint to read) 10 1920] 

Jellico, Tenn. Aug 6 - 1920 --  
The Pension Office - Department Rev. Records Washington, D.C. - 

I am trying to find out the name of the father of Capt. Oliver Stetson, who fought in Col. Baileys Regiment from Mass. during the Revolution. 
Col. Bailey was from Hanover Mass, and it is supposed that Capt. Stetson came from the same town.  
(over)
Page 25

Can you give me any information in regard to this? 
Yours truly, 
Mrs. W. B. Siler
Jellico, Tenn
Page 26

Oct 29 - 1912
622 East Grand Ave. Beloit. Wisc
To the War of 1812 Department Washington D.C. 
Commissioner of Pensions. 
Dear Sir 
I have papers from the Pension Office dated 1903  I did not know that only two could be sent to one person at the time I sent for them so expected more.
On my looking up matters I find there seems to be some unpaid claims from War of 1812. I have a record and wish to verify it at your office. I sent the name of which of ancestor when I [word crossed out] to Pension Office. 
Mrs. E. K. Smith
Page 27

Oct 31st 1912 --  Beloit, Wisc
Dear Sirs -- Commissioners 

I have received certified papers from Madison Dane Co and Juneau Dodge Co in regard to my business matters as well as Beaver Dam  Dodge Co _ The firm of Burke and Lueck, Luick of Beaver Dam have been looking after transfer [crossed out] business affairs for me. A. W. Luick doing the business as the partner [crossed out] other member. M E Burke has been in Washington DC of [crossed out] in Dodge Co most of time. 
Respectively, 6229 general On 
(Mrs) Edward K Smith to Mrs Edmunds R Smith
Page 28

Oliver Stetson, Great Grand Father served as Artificer in Rev War Later I have written statements by one of his descendent that 
he served in War of 1812. He died in Westfield N.Y. in 1839- I seek name of wife, place of initiate on him. I seek for records Inform. I only wish to verify his service in War of 1812 now. 
Kindly send [word too faint to read] to cosign Very Respectfully (Mrs) Edward Smith nee Eleanor A Stetson

address Mrs Edward Smith  Mrs. Edward R Smith
622 East Grande Ave Beloit. Wisc
Page 29

[nothing on page]
Page 30

622 East Grand Ave Beloit: Wisc

Rev War Dept Pension Office.
Will you kindly send the ancestry papers of Benjamin Close [underlined] who was in the Rev War and recieved a person. He come from Scotland, was in the army from Greenwich [inserted] Conn. 
I am a great grand daughter. Also send the Oliver Stetson [underlined] papers. He was a Captain. from Otsego Co. N. Y. I am one of the decedents.
Page 31

[round office stamp in top right of page: PENSION C JUN U. 29 S. 1903 OFFICE.]
Page 32

Then I would also like the papers of the Francis Hollister (England) family and the Phillip Stevens or Stephens family.

Kindly Oblige 
(Mrs) Elma Smith }
Mrs E R Smith }

[round office stamp in bottom right of page: PENSION C JUN U. 29 S. 1903 OFFICE.]
Page 33

[round office stamp in top right corner of page: PENSION C APR U. 28 S. 1902 OFFICE.] 

Pension Commissioner
Dear Sir
I wish to become a "Daughter of the Revolution" and wish a little information from you My Great Grandfather was a Captain in the Revolutionary War "Oliver Stetson" he was with Washington at Valley Forge. I do not know from what state he was enlisted but the story has been told me that while living in Westfield Chatauque [Chautauqua] Co. N.Y. he received a Pension. This must have been somewhere in the years 1815, and 1840, and as the members of my family are dead who could give me the data required. I can think of no other way to get at it but through your Commission
Will you do me the favor to send me the Data regarding the matter that is required to prove that I can become a Daughter of the Revolution so far as you can. Very respectfully and greatly oblige 
Mrs. A. O. Wright April 25. 1902 
21 East Wilson Street Madison Wis.
Page 34

[preprinted form with written responses] 

Rev War [written vertically bottom to top in top left corner of page] 

14620
INVALID.
-----
No. 14.620 Oliver Stetson Artificer Rev War
--------
Act: June 7th 32
Index: --Vol. 1, Page 361
[Arrangement of 1870.]  [square brackets in original]
Page 35

Comm [written diagonally top to bottom in upper right corner of page] 

May 23 - 1902 Mrs. A. O. Wright Madison Wis
------------------------------------------------
July 3 - 1903. this to Mrs E. R. Smith - Beloit Wis
------------------------------------------------
Aug. 8 1903 - Mrs E R Smith Beloit Wis
Clt J History sent July 3d all on file in Bureau
------------------------------------------------- 
Feby. 17, 1905 Hist to Mary H. Stetson, M.D. Lima Center, Wisc. 
letter of Inquiry in W. file 22.773 Ebenezer Cheney
------------------------------------------------
Apr. 12, 1910 - To Jr. Mr. Genl. U. S. Army for tombstone.
--------------------------------------------------
1912 Nov. [word crossed out] Mrs. E. A. [illegible] refd it is not stated that soldier ever served in 1812 -- 
1915 Dec 1 Outline to Hon Wm S. Thompson are missed. Files. &
Page 36

1920 Sept. 11 Hist to Mrs. W. B. Peler.
1929 July 29 hist to Nelson M. Stetson
See Joseph Stetson [triangle] 37451. War 1812.
1929 -  Aug. 7 - N.M. Stetson adv. history already furnished 
See Joseph Stetson. S. 37451 - [illegible] 

[vertical writing along bottom of page is right edge of previous page]
Page 37

on. Rev. Wars  November 8, 1912.

Mrs. Elma A. Smith. 622 East Grand Avenue, Beloit, Wis.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 29" ultimo and received the 4" instant, you are advised that in the Revolutionary War pension claim sur. File No. 14,620, of Oliver Stetson who served as an artificer and whose record was furnished you July 3, 1903, it is not stated that he served in the War of 1812.
There is no provision of law which would entitle the descendants of a soldier of the Revolution or War of 1812 to pension.
Very respectfully, JL Davenport.  Commissioner.
Page 38

The inquiry was in regard to an Oliver Stetson Artificer in the Rev. who died at Westfield N.Y. in 1839. and is supposed to have served (by his descendants) in War 1812.
see Correspondence in Rev. War File S 14620 Oliver Stetson, Cont and Mass.
Wid Cft. 24528 war 1812, soldier died May 7.1850 in Abington Mass.
Page 39

[printed form with written responses] 
Record division Department of the Interior BUREAU OF PENSIONS
---------
Briefed by C.S.B.
Claim No.  War 1812 Wid. 
Certificate No. 24528
Wid Claimant Polly Stetson. 
Soldier Oliver Stetson
Service War 1812. - Capt.
Additional Service Cushing Mass. Mil. 
over [written diagonally] 
No ____ claim, State records ____ , 191
No claim, combination records _____ , 191
REMARKS:
Nov. 7, 1912.
No War 1812 Surv.
No Old War Inv. or Wid.
No other War 1812 Wid.  C.S.B. 
over [written diagonally]  

G E Kniffison 
6--1944  Chief Division.
Page 40

[top left corner of page obscured, covered over by another paper] 
ved ________ 
of Oliver Stetson 
ry WAR, you will find below the desired contained in his (or his widow's) [crossed out] application for pen-
file in this Bureau.  S.14.620
---------------------------------------------

[table with 6 columns and maybe 3 rows of responses but ink is too faint to read any responses] 
[column headings] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. 
CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE.
[responses written in table are too faint to read] 

Battles engaged in, [response too faint to read] 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hanover, Massachusetts [rest too faint to read] 
Date of application for pension, Oct [rest too faint to read] 
Residence at date of application, [response too faint to read] 
Age at date of application, [rest too faint to read] 
Remarks: [response too faint to read] widow who [response too faint to read] was not alive in 1850, and [response too faint to read] the name of [response too faint to read] is not stated.
Respectfully, Commissioner.   6--2856