Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4671, Benjamin Falch, N.H.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.H.

Falch, Benjamin
.............Sarah

NUMBER
W. 4671

CONTENTS
Page 2

[checkmark]   9164
Vermont
=========================
Benjamin Falch
of topsham in the State of Ver--
who was a Pri in the Com  commanded
by Captain Dearborn of the Reg commanded
by Col. Wymans in the N.H.
line for 6 mo
=========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
=========================
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 2 day of April
1833 and sent  Simeon Short
Thetford Vt.
=========================
Arrears to the 4th of March '35...............$40.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep 4 35......10.00
..........................................................................======
..............................................................................$50.00
..........................................................................======
(Revolutionary Claim, )
(Act  June 7, 1832.      )

Recorded by E.D. Bullock  Clerk
Book E   Vol. 3   Page 64
Page 3

No 2,819

Benj'n Falch

Application & certificate

Return to be made
to Simeon Short
Thetford  Orange County
Vt.
Page 4

STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY OF ORANGE} SS.  Probate District of Bradford
On this first day of August 1832 personally appeared before the Probate Court
of the District of Bradford aforesaid in open Court
now sitting Benjamin Falch a resident of Topsham in the 
county of Orange and State of Vermont, aged 82 years, who being first duly
sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of 
the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.  That he enlisted in the army of the
United States in the year 1776 with Thomas Eastman, Samuel Eastman and others
and served in the regiment of the New Hampshire line, under the following
named officers; viz. Captain Dearborn's Company (afterwards General Dearborn)
David Weatherspoon and Timothy Worthly Lieutenants Colonel Wyman's regiment,
Major Scilly - that he enlisted into said company at
Weare New Hampshire in the month of April 1776 as a private
for the term of six months and marched through Number
four now Charlestown New Hampshire and Rutland Vermont to Mt. Independence
in Lake Champlain and was there stationed through 
the term of his enlistment and was dismissed and returned home
to Weare, where he then resided and was absent about six months and
two weeks.  He states that he saw General Gates and Major Scilly
at Ticonderoga till he [illegible] while there.  He also saw
Colonel Stark and General Arnold [underlined] (afterwards Traitor) at the same places.
He says that he was born in Seybrook New Hampshire and thinks his age 
is there recorded.  That he entered the service voluntarily and cannot
be more particular in other respects than above stated and does
not know of anybody in this state who can testify of his service.
He says lived in Weare N.H. when he entered service and moved
to Francistown same state when he was 25 years of age and came
from Francistown to reside in this town (Topsham) 27
ago-
Page 5

ago - 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or 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 Vermont. - crossed out]
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. [illegible signature]  Benjamin Falch X his mark

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 and hearing the testimony of
Adam Dickey contained in the affidavit hereto annexed
that the above named applicant was a soldier of the
revolutionary war & served as he states.  And the Court further
certifies it appears to them that William Sanborn who has signed the certificate
endorsed him as is a clergyman residing in the said town of 
Topsham and that Jonathan Jenness who has signed the same
resides in the same town of Topsham and is a credible person and
this statement is entitled to credit.  And the Court further
certifies that Adam Dickey who has subscribed and sworn
to the annexed affidavit is a credible witness.
I Simeon Short clerk or Register of the Probate Court within
and for the District of Bradford in the County of Orange and state
of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings in the matter of the applications of
Benjamin Falch for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office this first day
of August 1832 - 
Simeon Short, Clerk
Page 6

We William Sanborn a clergyman residing in the town of Topham in the County of Orange & State of Vermont, and Jonathan Jenness Esqr residing in same town, County, & state aforsd. hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjn Falch who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 82 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. 
William Sanborn
Jonn. Jenness

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Page 7

I Adam Dickey of Topsham in the County of Orange and State of Vermont aged 81 years do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Falch named in the above declaration and am well satisfied from facts and circumstances which he has mentioned to me from time to time, that he was a soldier the army of the revolution and served as he states in his declaration and I further say that he told me the story of his service in the army many years before he had any expectations of getting a pension. I also say that I was a continental soldier and in service at Mount Independence that he was there, though I was not then acquainted with him and further say not. I know him to be a man of truth and veracity
Adam Dickey X his mark
Page 8

5003
Wisconsin
Sarah Falch
widow of Benjamin NH who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Augt. 1849 and sent to Marshall M. Strong Racine Wisconsin

Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under February 2, 1848, Page 320, Vol. (torn off)
Page 9

Letter to H T Jackson
[blackened -illegible]
Page 10

State of New York Cattaraugus County SS Cattaraugus Common Pleas

On this 26th day of January 1841 personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Cattaraugus (a court of record) Sarah Falch a resident of Yorkshire in the County of Cattaraugus and State of New York aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of Bejamin Falch late of the town of Topsham Orange County and State of Vermont who was a private soldier in the revolutionary war to support her claim. She refers the department to the evidence upon which her said husband Benjamin Falch was pensioned dos not recollect the date of his certificate nor the amount per year but according to her best recollection between thirty and forty dollars and did receive said certificate so as to draw his first pension on the 4th day of March 1833 and that the said certificate was surrendered at the time she drew the arrearages from the said fourth day of March 1833 till the day of his death which was on the 16th day of August 1833 at the said town of Topsham. She further declares that her maiden name was Sarah Campbell that she was married to the said Benjamin Falch on the twenty first day of October in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine in the town of Francestown in the county of Hillsborough and State of Newhampshire was married by Rev Sewall Goodridge who was a settled minister in the town of Lyndeborough in Hillsborough County and State of Newhampshire that her said husband died on the 16th day of August 1833 and that she has remained a
Page 11

widow ever since that period as will now more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Sarah Falch X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Fred S. Martin a Judge of Cattaraugus County Court

State of New York Cattaraugus County Clerks Office
I hereby certify that Fred S. Martin before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken and subscribed was at the time of taking the same, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County duly commissioned and qualified. And further that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court and County this 27th day of Jany 1841
G. W. Gillet Clerk
Page 12

State of New York County of Cattaraugus SS
Be it known that on the 26 day of January 1841 William Falch of the town of Yorkshire of said county of Cattaraugus personally appeared before me Nathaniel Brown a Justice of the peace of the town of Freedom in the County aforesaid to me personally known and made oath in due form of law that he is now of the age of fifty years and that he is the son of Benjamin Falch and Sarah Falch the present applicant and that he lived with his parents in the town of Francestown Hillsborough County and State of Newhampshire till he was about twelve years of age at that time they removed to the town of Topsham Orange County and State of Vermont and did reside with them till he was twenty two years of age and that his Father -  Benjamin Falch - did not have any family records of the marriages and ages of the family but further says that he has heard his parents say frequently that they were married in the said town of Francestown by Rev Sewall Goodridge and that the said Benjamin Falch and Sarah Falch from the time he can first remember till his said fathers death which was on the 16th day of August 1833 at the said town of Topsham and State of Vermont they lived together as husband and wife and that his mother Sarah Falch has remained a widow ever since and did soon after the death of his father removed from the said town of Topsham to the town of Yorkshire Cattaraugus County and State of New York where she now resides.
Wm Falch

Sworn to and subscribed before me 
Nathaniel Brown J.P. this 26th day of January 1841
I do certify that I am well acquainted with the above named William Falch the above deponent and thinck he is a man of integrity and truth and that full faith and credit aught to  be given to his statements
Nathaniel Brown J.P.
Dated January 26th 1841
Page 13

State of New York Cattaraugus County Cle
I George W Gillet Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Cattaraugus do hereby certify that Nathaniel Brown Esqr the Justice of the Peace before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn and subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace for said County duly elected and qualified, that his term of office commenced on the first day of January 1838 and will expire on the last day of December in the year 1841 and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice and verily believe that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Couty and County this 27th day of January 1841
G. W. Gillet Clerk
Page 14

(check mark)
No 5285
Sarah Falch
N.Y.
4 July, 1836
No. 11034
Act. 1838

Hon. M. Fillmore
HR

(right lower corner upside down)
Sarah Falch
Page 15

Sarah Falch
Page 16

State of New York Cattaraugus County ss
Be it known that on the 26 day of January 1841 Eli S Falch of the town of Freedom of said County of Cattaraugus personally appeared before me Nathaniel Brown a Justice of the Peace of the town of Freedom in the County aforesaid to me personally known and made oath in due form of law that he is now of the age of thirty five years and that he is the son of Benjamin Falch a Revolutionary pensioner late of the town of Topsham county of Orange and State of Vermont deceased and that Sarah Falch the present applicant widow of the said Benjamin Falch in his mother was knowing of his father having a certificate on which he drew a pension for the first time in the month of March 1833 and that Sarah Falch did receive his pension from that time till the 16th day of August 1833 on which day the said Benjamin Falch died and that his Mother the said Sarah Falch has remained a widow ever since and further says that he never knew of any family reckords kept by his said Father and that his Mother the said Sarah Falch did soon thereafter remove from Topsham to the town of Yorkshire Cattaraugus County State of New York dos not recollect the amount which his Father was entitled by said certificate per year but according to his best recollection between thirty and forty dollars
Eli S Falch
Sworn to and subscribed before me 
Nathaniel brown J.P.

I do certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Eli S. Falch the above deponent and thinck he is a man of integrity and truth and that full faith and credit aught to be given to his statements
Nathaniel Brown JP
Dated January 26th 1841
Page 17

State of New York Cattaraugus County Clerk

I George W Gillet Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Cattaraugus do hereby certify that Nathaniel Brown Esqr the Justice of the Peace before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn and subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace for said County duly elected and qualified, that his term of Office commenced on the first day of January 1838 and will expire on the last day of December in the year 1841, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice and verily believe that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court and County this 27th day of January 1841
G. W. Gillet Clerk
Page 18

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4671
Sarah Falch
Wid.
Benjn. Falch
Pvt. Rev;war
Act: Feby, 2d/48
Index:-Vol. A, Page 226
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

Apl - 4 - 1901
Mr. Albert L. Blair
Cambridge, Mass
Page 20

Sarah Falch
Married in 1779
husband
Benjamin Falch
died in 1833
$20 per an
Enter this as Regt
under act 1838 & number
the case
see (illegible) on list
Place the name on the
Albany Roll. 

Hon. C. H. Carroll
H. Reps.
Page 21

8457
Albany
New York
Sarah Falch
widow of Benjamin Falch who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 16 Aug 1833 of 000 in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain --- of the --- commanded by --- in the N Hampshire line for 6 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of June 1844 and sent to Hon C H. Carroll H Reps.

Total amount, $100.00

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F L Swann Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1 Page 157
Page 22

Rep. 6 June 1844
Page 23

5866
New York Albany
Sarah Falch
widow of Benjn. Falch who was a Private in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of July, 1844 and sent to Arad Joy, Esq Ovid, New York

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
& June 17, 1844
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 271
Page 24

Reported
Letter to Marshall M. Strong
July 5, 1819.
Page 25

Sarah Falch
appln for a pension
from A Joy

Hon C. H. Carroll
HR
Page 26

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions

Dr Sir 
I made application for a pension as the widow of Benjamin Falch late a pensioner of the United States under the law of 1836. I now therefore with draw all claim to a pension under that law, and hereby make application for a pension under the law of July 1838 and I agree to accept of a pension under that law and that I will make no claim under the law of 1836 - Feby 13 1844 
Respectfully Your Obt Servt
Sarah Falch X her mark
Witness Chase Fuller

I certify that I acted as agent for widow Sarah Falch, widow of Benjamin Falch late a pensioner of the United States in making her application under the law of 1836 and that the above named person Sarah Falch is the identical person who made such application Feby 13 1844
Respectfully Your Obt Servt
Chase Fuller
Page 27

DECLARATION.
State of New York
County of Cataragus} SS.
On this 22 day of December 1848 personally
appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for
said county Sarah Falch a resident of said county, who being first duly
sworn according to law, deposes and states that she is the widow of Benjamin Falch
deceased, who during his natural life was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of Congress of
June 1832 at the rate of Forty eight dollars
per annum, and that she is in the receipt of a pension at the 
rate of twenty dollars per annum.
Now the object of this declaration being made is in order to open a claim at the same
rate of pension her husband received upon her said application and proof
now on file claiming on the evidence filed in her late husband's case, and under the Resolution of Congress approved the 1st July 1848.
She further declares she is still a widow
Sarah Falch X Her Mark
Sworn and subscribed before me
on this 22 day of December 1848}
Luther Cummings
Her last pension was granted her as a resident
of Wisconsin, she now resides in the State of New York.
Page 28

5003 [illegible]
Honorable JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Will please reply to this at his earliest convenience
and oblige
W.T. Jackson
Havana July 30 1849
[inverted below:]
State of New York
County of Cattaraugus Ss.
I, J.E. Balliet clerk of he county court in and for said county do certify that Luther Cummings Esquire is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting too be his is genuine-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 2nd day of January 1849.
F.E. Baillet, Clerk
Sarah Falch late a pensioner of Wisconsin but now of New York
Page 29

State of New York
County of Cattaraugus} Ss.
I F.E. Baillet Clerk of the County Courts in
and for said County do certify that Luther Cummings
Esq. is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing
signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of said County this 2d day of Jan. 7, 1849.
F.E. Baillet Clerk
Sarah Falch
late a Pensioner of
Wisconsin
But now of New York
[inverted below:]
Honorable J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Will please reply to this at his earliest convenience and oblige
W.T. Jackson
Havana July 30, 1849
Page 30

State of Wisconsin Racine County SS
On this 26th day of July 1849, personally appeared before the undersigned, George S. Wright, a justice of the peace in and for said county, Sarah Falch, a resident of the town of Pike in said county, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Falch, who served as a private in the militia of the United States, and that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the Act of 17th June 1844 was twenty dollars.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
She also further declares that she cannot now state in what regiment her said husband served - that she was eighty nine years old on the twelfth day of June last - that she formerly resided in Topsham, in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, where her husband the said Benjamin Falch, died in the year 1833, and that the same year she removed to the county of Cattaraugus in the State of New York, and resided there till the year 1845, when she removed to her present residence - that she spent the last summer & winter in said Cattaraugus County, and returned here again the last spring - that she has drawn a pension under the act of the 7th July 1838 - that sometime
Page 31

in the month of June 1848, she sent the original certificate, by which she drew her pension before, to an agent to be delivered up at Albany, and that she has not been able to obtain it since, not any other one in heir of it - and that she has not received any pension since the half years pension due her on the 4th of March 1848
Sarah Falch X her mark

Witness Marshall M Strong 
Geo S Wright JP

Sworn to and subscribed on the day, and year above written, before the undersigned a justice of the peace in & for said county
Geo. S. Wright
Justice of the peace

State of Wisconsin Racine County SS
Marshall M Strong and Benjamin Falch of said County being duly sworn say that they are well acquainted with the above affiant, Sarah Falch and that her statements are entitled to full credit - that they are both knowing to the fact of her having had a certificate, by means of which she drew an annual pension of twenty dollars, and that said certificate was sent last as  stated in her affidavit. 
Marshall M Strong
Benj- Falch

Sworn & subscribed before me this 26th day of July 1849.
Geo S Wright
Justice of the Peace
Page 32

State of Wisconsin Racine County SS
I Isaiah G Parker, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County of Racine and State aforesaid do hereby certify that George S Wright is a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly elected and qualified, that he was elected on the first Teusday of April AD 1849 and that his term of office will expire on the first Monday of May AD 1851 and that his signature to the annexed insttrument is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court at Racine this 26th day of July AD 1849
Isaiah G. Parker Clerk
Page 33

I Jonathan Stephenson of Lyndeborough in the county of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire depose that I am Town Clerk of said town of Lyndeborough; that I have carefully examined the records of said town the same being in my custody & that I find in such examination no record of the marriage of Benjamin Falch to Sarah Campbell which it is said was consummated by Revd. Sewell Goodridge now deceased and formerly the settled minister or clergyman of said town.
Jonathon Stephenson 
T Clk

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County SS. 
On the 24th day of November 1840 Jonathan Stephenson above named personally appeared and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me
Titus Brown Justice of the Peace

I Hannah Campbell aged eighty five years depose that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Falch deceased while she lived in Francestown in the State of New Hampshire from which latter place he removed to Topsham something more than thirty years ago. I was present when the said Benjamin was married to Sarah Campbell who as I understand now resides as his widow in Yorkshire. According to the best of my recollection the marriage took place in the year 1779. I was myself married to her brother William Cambell in the year 1778 & I think he said Benjamin & Sarah were married at the house of Hugh Montgomery in said Francestown in whose family she had previously lived. They were married by Revd. Sewall Goodridge then the settled minister of the town of Lyndeborough in said state of New Hampshire. I know of no other person now living who was at the wedding. I was well acquainted with the said Benjamin & Sarah from the time of their marriage until they removed to Topsham as above mentioned & know that during all that time they lived together as man & wife 
Hannah Campbell
Page 34

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County Ss. On the 24th day
of November 1840 the aforesaid Hannah
Campbell a resident of Francistown in said
county who I certify is a person of good 
reputation and entitled to full credit as a 
witness personally appeared [illegible] with in
due form of law to the truth of the foregoing
affidavit by her subscribed before me - 
Titus Brown Justice of the Peace

I Paul H. Bixby of the town of Francistown
in the county of Hillsborough in the state
of New Hampshire depose that I am town
clerk of said town and as such Clerk have
the custody of the records of said town; that
I have carefully examined said records; 
& that upon such examination I find no
record of the marriage of Benjamin Falch
to Sarah Campbell
Paul H. Bixby

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County on the 30th day of
November A.D. 1840 the aforesaid Paul H. Bixby
personally appeared and in due form of law
made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit
by him subscribed.
Before me,
Titus Brown, Justice of the Peace
Page 35

State of New Hampshire Hillsborough County Sct.
I Perley Dodge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judication of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Titus Brown is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the nineteenth day of May 1840 and will expire on the eighteenth day of May 1845 and that his signatures above written are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County this fifth day of December 1840.
Perley Dodge Clerk.
Page 36

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3rd March 1843 granting Pensions
for one year to certain widows who have received pension under the act of July 1838
State of New York
County of Ontario ss 
On this first day of July
1844 personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Sarah Falch 
a resident of the town of Freedom in said County and State
aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath
make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the
act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843 granting Pensions to widows of persons served
ing the Revolutionary War
That she is the widow of Benjamin Falch
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
and a pensioner of the United States
and that she received a pension of seventy dollars
per annum
under the act of July 7th 1838. she further declares that she is still a widow-
Sarah Falch X her mark
Subscribed and sworn before me
this first day of July 1844
Rensselaer Lamb Justice
I certify that the above named Sarah Falch
is a respectable person.
Rensselaer Lamb Justice
State of New York
County Cattaraugus Ss.
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County Eli S.Felch
and on being duly sworn
according to law, deposeth and saith, that the above named widow Sarah Falch
is the identical person and widow, to whom was granted a five years
Pension under the law of July 7. 1838 at the rate of Seventy
per annum, and that she is still a widow-
Subscribed and sworn before me of
this first day of July
1844
Rensselaer Lamb Justice
I certify that the above named Eli S. Felch is a respectable person
Rensselaer Lamb Justice
State of New York
County of Cattaraugus Ss. 
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County Oliver Wheeler
and after being duly
sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, that the above named widow Sarah Falch
is the identical person and widow to whom was granted a five years pension
under the act of July 7. 1838, at the rate of Twenty dollar
per annum, and that she is still a widow-
Oliver Wheeler
Subscribed and sworn before me this first day of July 1844
RensselaerLamb justice
I certify that the above named Oliver Wheeler
is a respectable person
Rensselaer Lamb Justice
Page 37

State of New York               )
County of Cattaraugus   fs. )

I, Francis E. Baillet Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Rensselaer Lamb Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission is dated on the first day of January 1844, and will expire on the last day of December 1847, and that his signature above written is genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of said County the third day of July 1844.
F.E. Baillet  Clk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraphs]

[written vertically on page]

6172

Arad Joy
Ovid
Seneca Co
New York

Single
Page 38

Racine Wisconsin   July 26th 1849.

J.L. Edwards Esq.

Dear Sir,

Herewith I send Sarah Falchs application for renewal of pension.  I hope [underlined] it will be sufficient.  She could not recollect the regiment her husband served in.  And I have endeavored to supply that, by stating other facts.  If it is absolutely necessary that, that fact should be proven, we shall be compelled to refer to her former application, which I suppose is in your office.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Serv't
Marshall M. Strong.
Page 39

Racine Wisconsin   25 June 1847.

To the Commissioner
of the Patent Office

Dear Sir,

Mrs Sarah Falch, of the town of Pike in Racine County, in this State, and formerly of the town of Freedom in the County of Cattaraugus & the State of New York, widow of Benjamin Falch a revolutionary soldier, and who while living drew what was commonly called a half pension, has heretofore drawn a pension of $10 every six months ending on the 4th days of Sept. and March.  She has not drawn any now since a year ago last March.  She was directed then to surrender up her original certificate, which she did, and has never received another in exchange.  She is now eighty nine years old.  I am desirous now to obtain instructions how to proceed to get her pension.  It was formerly paid at the Agency in Albany.  She would like to have it payable at the Agency in this state.

She has lately returned from Cattaraugus County, where I am informed, some application or effort was made to get her pension for her, but then they heard nothing from it.

Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt,
Marshall M. Strong.
Page 40

[written vertically on page]

M. Fillmore.
W.C.

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Pension Office


No 5285 feb. 18. 1841

N.Y.
July 4. 1836

Falch

Hon. M. Fillmore
H.R.
Page 41

M. Fillmore.
W.C.

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Pension Office

[written vertically on page]

No 5285   feb. 18. 1841

N.Y.
July 4. 1836

Falch

Hon. M. Fillmore
H.R.
Page 42

House of Representatives  February. 17, 1841.

Sir,

Enclosed I send you the papers of Sarah Falch [name underlined] (as I read the name) asking for a pension.

The address of her correspondent is "Philip D. Riley, Holland, Erie County New York." [name and address all underlined]

Respectfully Yours
Millard Fillmore

J.L. Edwards, Esquire
Page 43

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See obj:  16

See NH roll,

6 m'o  private
20

Simeon West
Thetford
Vt

On Rolls
Page 44

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Falch which require further proof or explanation.

I.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?

II.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?

III.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?

V.  *Has he mentioned 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 amout of pension he is entitled?

VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?

VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?

VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion?

IX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?

X.  Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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2

XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?

XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV.  * If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?   Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI.  ** Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?   No, see Quere 16.

XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
________________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTES.

* QUERE V.   In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  For----- year-----months and-----days, I served as a -------.  For --------months and ---------days, I served as a------------; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.

*QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.

**QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
Page 47

6173

July 10 44

NY
Mar 3d 1843

Sarah Falch
acts 1843 and 1844

[drawing of hand with finger pointing here]
In one certificate

$20 per ann

Arad Joy
Ovid
N.Y.

[stamp]
OVID
AUG
6
N.Y.

[written vertically on page]

[stamp] FREE

Hon J.L. Edwards
Com'r of Pen's
Washington
D.C.

[written upside down at bottom of page]
Act 43
Page 48

6173

July 10  44

NY
Mar 3d  1843

Sarah Falch
acts 1843 and 1844

[drawing of hand with finger pointing here]
In one certificate

$20 per ann

Arad Joy
Ovid
N.Y.

[stamp]
OVID
AUG
6
N.Y.

[written vertically on page]

[stamp]   FREE

Hon J.L. Edwards
Com'r of Pen's
Washington
D.C.

[written upside down at bottom of page]
Act 43
Page 49

Ovid  July 6th 1844

Hon J L Edwards
Com'r of Pensions

Dr Sir

I inclose a one year pension application for Sarah Falch.

I am Respectfully Your
Ob'o Servt
Arad Joy
Page 50

[upper left corner of letterhead]
THE LEADING REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER
OF NEW ENGLAND.
Boston Journal.
ESTABLISHED 1833.
ISSUED DAILY, SUNDAY AND WEEKLY.

OWN

[center of letterhead]
BOSTON, MASS., [all stricken out]

64 Walker St.
Cambridge, Mass.
Mar. 11. 1901.

Commissioner of Pensions.

My son wrote you for military record [last 2 words underlined] of Benjamin Felch.  We have since learned that the name was Daniel Falch [name underlined].  His widow received a small pension for during her life and she lived to be over ninety.  She went from Vermont to western New York and then to Racine Co. Wisconsin when she died in 1853 or 1854 [last 6 words underlined].  Will you kindly send copy of Daniel Felch's record?
Mrs. Albert L. Blair.