Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S, for Frederick Smith, Vermont
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Vt
Smith, Frederick
NUMBER
S

CONTENT
Sarah Smith, widow of above
soldier was pensioned as the
former widow of her first husband,
Benjamin Grant, N. H.
W. 24986, and rec'd the arrears due this husband Frederick Smith.

S. B. [soldier born] Dec 20, 1743 in Chatham, Conn.
res. at enl. Strafford, Orange Co., Vt. died there Sept. 11,1832
Page 2

44
Fred'k Smith
Declaration
1641

1 yr Lieutenant 160 $
1 yr Private 40
$200 [total]

Returns to be made to
Daniel Cobb
Strafford. Vt.
Page 3

State of Vermont,
ORANGE COUNTY SS.

At Chelsea
in said County on this 23d day of August
AD 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Hon Titus Hutchinson Daniel
Cobb & Thomas Jones, Judges of the Court of said Orange County, now setting, being a Court of record 
Frederick Smith resident of Strafford in the County of Orange
and State of Vermont, aged eighty years old
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oathmake the following declaration, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the U States under the following
named officers and served as herein stated
He enlisted in Capt Bush's company, according to his best recollection in the
 fall of 1775 marched to Charlestown [No 20]  N.H. where there were
other soldiers, here he drew rations, from there to Cavendish Vt. then on the
direct road to Ticonderoga.  was called on parade every morning & on guard and
Fatigue getting out [timber with] Jersey Grays and Blues were here. Johnathan (he thinks)
[McConnick] Capt was here, when his term of service expired was dismissed and
returned home in April he thinks, the company in which he belonged was dismissed
at the same time he was. In the last of June or first of July
1777 Cal [Courtt] and Col. Hazen as he understood ordered forces raised to protect
the inhabitants from the Tories and indians (who were feared more than the [sorties])
& to erect a fort in Stafford, Vt. enlisted for eight or nine months
cannot recollect at which in Capt John Algers Company, Stimson Sergeant.
Sergeant Stimson appeared to be the action officer and as we understood
was to superintend building the Fort in the summer and forepart of the
fall. employed in scouting parties and watching the Tories in Strafford
and vicinity. after Burgoyne’s surrender Tories more quiet in the winter
of 1778. timber for a fort in Strafford Vt. cut and hewed in the spring.
his term of service expiring does not recollect what month he was dismissed.
In July 1781 he enlisted in Capt. John Alger’s company for one year
As a Lieutenant and rec’d his commission im the same month, signed
by Thomas Chittendon Governor of Vermont & took the command of a
party called the frontier scouting party or “Rangers".  was engaged scouting,
Looking after Tories, indians and preventing the Tories from [piloting] the 
  indians into the settlement and in keeping open the communications
  between the fort and settlement
Page 4

[first several sentences are the same ones on the bottom of the previous page] 

“after Burgoyne’s surrender Tories more quiet in the winter
of 1778. timber for a fort in Strafford Vt. cut and hewed in the spring.
his term of service expiring does not recollect what month he was dismissed.
In July 1781 he enlisted in Capt. John Alger’s company for one year
As a Lieutenant and rec’d his commission im the same month, signed
by Thomas Chittendon Governor of Vermont & took the command of a
party called the frontier scouting party or “Rangers".  was engaged scouting,
Looking after Tories, indians and preventing the Tories from [piloting] the 
  indians into the settlement and in keeping open the communications”
 
 between the fort and settlements in Vermont, N. Hampshire & N. York.
he served his term of enlistment, out-
He was born in Chatham A.D Dec. 20th 1723, has a record of his age
made in his bible was living in Strafford Vt. when called into service
where he has lived since the revolutionary war and now lives.
he volunteered in the service, he does not recollect the name of the
 regular officers he saw in his first campaign.  in his 2nd & 3rd he saw
none but militia officers, Gen Wait, Col. Hazer, Col Olcott, Col 
Budle & Gen Stevens - has stated the general circumstances of his
service with as much accuracy as his memory will permit.
he never received a written discharge, he received a Lieutenant’s
commission signed by Thomas Chitten, Gov. of Vermont. He now has a [hail] three
fourths of the same commission. He is known to Ira Binnack,
Eleazer White, James Hyde, Isaac Pennack and others in his
present neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity
and their knowledge of his service as an officer and lieut of the Revolution.
Page 5

[handwritten sentences are the same ones on the bottom of the previous page]

“he never received a written discharge, he received a Lieutenant’s
commission signed by Thomas Chitten, Gov. of Vermont. He now has a [hail] three
fourths of the same commission. He is known to Ira Binnack,
Eleazer White, James Hyde, Isaac Pennack and others in his
present neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity
and their knowledge of his service as an officer and lieut of the Revolution.”

[He hereby relinquishes every] claim whatever, to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that  his name is not on Pension Roll [of the Agency of any State.]

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Frederick Smith his mark
H E G McLaughlin Clerk

We,  Aaron Burrel a Clergyman, residing in Strafford in said County of Orange 
and Rueben Moreyresiding in the said Strafford hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Frederick Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and that we believe him to be 88 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Lieutenant soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Aaron Burrell
Reuben Morey
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H E G McLaughlin Clerk

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 officer, and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Aaron Burrell who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Strafford, in said County, and that Reuben Morey who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. The Court further certify [and declare] that they
have doubts as to the time said Smith first entered the service, arising from the uncertainty manifested by the said Smith upon his examination as to the true time of his first enlistment, but by the Court has no doubts of his having been to Ticonderoga as therein Stated.

H E G McLaughlin Clerk

I H E Garett McLaughlin Clerk of the Court of the County of Orange aforesaid, do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original Peepin of Frederick
Smith for a pension. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this
23 day of August A. D. 1832.
H E G McLaughlin Clerk
Page 6

1922 Jany 7 Hist. to
L. Effingham de Foust [or dc Forest]

Vermont N. 26.012
Sarah Smith, widow of
Frederick Smith, dec'd
of Orange Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Pr. & Lieut. in the company commanded
by Captain Bush of the Regt command
by Col. Hazen in the Vt. Troops
line for 1 year Private Vt 40.00
1 year Lieut 160.00
$200.00 [total]

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 200 Dollars Cents per annum.
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Novr
1833 and sent to Danl Cobb
Stafford Vt.

Arrears to the day of his death, being
11th September 1832
$303.83

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832 

Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book E.  Vol. 3 Page 92
Page 7

V 1390
Sarah Smith
widow of Frederick
Vt. 

1390
Application of
Mrs Sarah Smith
for pension
Page 8

State of Vermont} Declaration in order to obtain the benefit
Orange County} of the third Section of the act of Congress
of 4th of July AD 1836
On this 25th day of October AD 1838
Personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of
Bradford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont
A Court of Record of unlimited jurisdiction in probate matters
in open Court [held in at] Vershire in sd district before
William McKenna Judge of Said Court Sarah Smith resident
of Strafford in the County of Orange and State Vermont
aged Eighty one 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 Frederick Smith whose Revolutionary
Pensioner that he was a Lieutenant in the war
& for his service during the Revolutionary war therefore
to the declaration and other services in the pension office in the
war department. She further [avers] that she was married to
said Frederick Smith on the 23 day October 1777. that her
husband the aforesaid Frederick Smith died on the 11th day
Sept 1832 and that she has remained his widow ever since.
That period as will more fully appear by reference
to the proof hereunto annexed and that she has no
Documentary evidence whatever in her possession to support
Her claim.
Sarah Smith

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written
before the said Probate Court
In testimony whereof I Simeon Short Register
of the said Probate Court have hereunto set my
name & affixed the seal of said Court on this
25th day of October AD 1836
Simeon Short Register
Page 9

Aff't. Geo. W Smith

Affidavit of
Geo W Smith
Page 10

On this 25th day of October AD 1836.
Personally appeared before the Probate Court within
for the District of Bradford & State of Vermont
In open Court being a court of unlimited Jurisdiction
   in Probate matters, [holding at Newbury] in sd
District the day & year afores’d before the Hon William
Spencer Judge, George W Smith of Shefford in said
District & after being duly sworn, deposes & says that
he is the son of Frederick Smith late of Strafford
in the State of Vermont deceased, who in his life
time was a pensioner of the United States on account
of his revolutionary services, drawing at the rate of
Two Hundred & Twenty dollars annually. that his
father died at his residence in sd Stafford on the
11th day of Sept AD 1832. that Mrs Sarah Smith
who is now making application for a pension under the
Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 is now &
[ever] has been the widow of sd deceased & is the mother
of this deponent. & this deponent has ever understood
that his father Lieut Frederick Smith was legally
married to his sd mother Sarah Smith Oct 28, 1777.
& that more than twenty years ago he well recollects
that he saw a record of the marriage in their
family bible - which record still remains in sd bible.
that this Deponent will be thirty eight years of age
the 25th day of next March. Geo. W.  Smith

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year first above written
before said Probate Court & the Court certify, that the
sd George W Smith is a credible witness-
In testimony whereof I Simeon Short the 
Register of the sd Probate Court have 
hereunto set my hand & the seal of said
Probate Court this 25th day of October
AD 1836 - Simeon Short Register
Page 11

State of Vermont
District of Bradford
It is hereby certified that
satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before the 
Probate Court in and for the District and State above
named by the testimony of James L. Moore a resident of
Stafford and Elander G. Smith a resident of
Stafford, also. -  that Sarah Smith widow of Frederick
Smith (dec.) a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States
received a Pension by reason of the services of her said
husband and died at Strafford, Vermont, on the (6th)
sixth day of November, in the year one thousand
eight hundred and forty two (A.D.), leaving the following
children: Sarah Smith, Waitstill Smith, Frederick Smith, Esther
Kent, Hannah Young, and George W. Smith;
and that the said Sarah, Waitstill, Frederick, Esther, Hannah,
 and George W.
are now living and are the only surviving children of
the said Frederick Smith and Sarah Smith

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
signed my name and affixed my
official seal this 24th day of June
1853.

Royal Hatch, Judge
Page 12

State of Vermont
Bradford District ⎬ This may certify that Waitstill
Smith, George W. Smith and Esther Kent, Heirs of
Fredrick Smith and Sarah Smith, late of Stafford
in said District, deceased, have authorized and
requested Charles C. Tucker Esq of Washington, D.C.
to act as their attorney in prosecuting
the claims of the Heirs of the said Frederick and
Sarah to a pension, and to receive [secure]the certificate
therefor.
Given under the seal of this Court.
at the Probate Office in Strafford, July
4th A.D. 1853
Royal Hatch Judge
Page 13

Elisha May
affidavit
Page 14

I Elisha May of Strafford in the County of
Orange and State of Vermont, aged seventy six last June do
testify and say that I became acquainted with Lieut Frederick
 Smith late of Strafford deceased, in the year 1773, which
was the year my father moved into said Strafford, and that
I was well acquainted with said Smith until his death
which was about four years past, that I was acquainted with
his first wife (who was a Williams before her marriage, as I have
been informed). I did not attend sd Smith’s second wedding,
but my father lived a near neighbour to said Smith (& 
I lived with my father at the same time) and I was acquainted
 with his second wife before she was said to be married
 to said Smith and have been acquainted with her
ever since, her name before she was married to sd Smith
was Sarah Grant widow of Benjamin Grant of Lyme,
deceased, and that the said Sarah still remains the
widow of said Smith and now lives in said Strafford.
Elisha May
{Crossed out “Sworn and subscribed to this 18th day of Oct A.D. 1936 st Strafford in Orange County”.]
State of Vermont ⎬ Strafford October 18, 1836
Orange County     ⎬
Personally appeared the above
named Elisha May and made solemn oath that the
above affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Stephen Morrill Justice of Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the
above named Elisha May and consider him to be a
credible witness.
Stephen Morrill Justice of the Peace
Page 15

State of Vermont
District of Bradford
I Simeon Short Register
of the Court of Probate within &
for said District of Bradford in the County of
Orange, that Stephen Morrill within named & who
has subscribed the within & foregoing certificate was on
the 18th day of October instant a justice of the Peace
duly qualified & that his [crossed out “certificate”] signature
to said certificate is genuine.

In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my
hand & the seal of sd Court this 25th day of
Oct 1836

Simeon Short Register
Page 16

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. …., 19….
Surv. Our

3528
In reply to your request of …….., received……..
For a statement of the military history of Frederick Smith
A soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. |  LENGTH OF
SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. |  COLONEL. |STATE.

Fall of 1775 | 6 mos | Pvt | Bush | [blank] | Vt.
June or July 1777 | 8 or 9 mos | Pvt | John Alger  | [blank] | | [blank] 
July 1781 |  1 year  | Liet.  | John Alger  | [blank] | | [blank] 

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stafford Vt.
Date of application for pension, Aug 23 1832 cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Strafford, Orange Co., Vt.
Age at date of application born Dec. 20, 1773 in Chatham Conn.
died Sept 1. 1832 in Stafford, Vt.

Remarks:
Soldier’s first wife’s name was _____ Williams. He mar.
Oct. 28, 1777 Sarah, maiden name Sloan, wid.  Benjamin Grant. She was al. pens.
on an app. Ex. Oct. 25. 1836 while a res. of Strafford Vt.
aged 81 years.She died Nov. 6. 1842 at Stratford Vt., leaving
the following children Sarah, Waitstill, Frederick, Esther Kent, 
Hannah Young & George W

Respectfully,

Commissioner.

“Maiden name Sloan” taken from
W.F. 24986 Benjamin Grant, wid’s first husband.
Page 17

SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS
IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK
43 CEDAR STREET
NEW YORK
December 15, 1921
My dear Sir:
May I trouble you to supply me with a copy of
the application for pension of Frederick Smith, who is supposed
to have served as a lieutenant during the War of the Revolution.
and to have drawn a pension? He was a resident at the time of
Strafford, Vermont.
Very truly yours,
L Effingham [illegible]
Deputy Secretary

The Director,
Pension Bureau.
Department of Commerce,
Washington, D. C.

 [circle stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
DEC 16 1921
US
Page 18

Vt.
Sarah Smith Wid.
of Freerick
Strafford, Orange Co.

Act 4 July 1836
Page 19


State of Vermont
I, George B. Masters,
Secretary to the Governor and
Council of the State of Vermont
do hereby certify, that, from
an examination of the records
of said Governor and Council,
I find that Thomas Chittenden, was Governor
of said State during the year A.D. 1781
and that Thomas Tolman was Secretary
 to the Governor and Council, and
[upon examination], I believe the name
of Thomas Tolman [subscribed on the]
Commission of Frederick Smith hereto
annexed is his true & genuine signature-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
 affixed the seal of said State, and
Subscribed my name at Montpelier
this Seventh day of November A.D. 1833
Geo. B. Masters Sec’y
Page 20

His Excellency
THOMAS CHITTENDEN, Esquire,
Captain General, Governor, and Commander in Chief
 in and over the State of VERMONT,
To Frederick Smith, gentleman, GREETING.
YOU being elected 
the forth company in the [left] in the fourth
Regiment of the Militia of this State; reposing special Trust and Confidence in your
Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, I DO, by these Presents, in the name of the
[ ] men of this State, authorise and [importune you to] take charge of said company
And their [illegible] carefully and diligently to discharge
The Duty of Lieutenant [right side of page missing]
all manner of Things thereunto
Officers and Soldiers under your
[Jan’y] Company .A
from Time to Time, as you shall
being, or any other your superior
The Laws of this State.
Given under my Hand, and
16 Day of July 1784.

By His Excellency's Command
Tho. Tolman

Found mutilated
MFH
May 23, 19[41]
Page 21

I Elisha May of Strafford in the County of Orange
State of Vermont aged Seventy three years depose
& say, that in the War of the Revolution Frederick
Smith late of said Strafford deceased & who in his lifetime
applied for a pension under the act of Congress passed
June 7th 1832 was called Lieutenant Smith. I have
always understand & do now verily believe said Smith
acted as Lt. previous to 1781 but by what authority
I do not know. - in the summer of 1779 to the best of
my recollection I enlisted into a company commanded
by Capt Abner Seely for the term of six months. said
Smith then appeared to have much influence &
command over the military forces stationed in his
neighborhood at that time-- I afterwards was informed
the said Smith recd a Lt. commission.  I know that he
was called an active & faithful officer, had the ill
will of all the tories & the full confidence of the
Wigs. [Whigs]. I have been acquainted with said Smith for
more than sixty years before his death.
Elisha May
Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 28th day of
Oct 1833 Daniel Cobb Councillor & Justice of the Peace ex officio
I hereby certify that the above named Elisha May
is a credible person & to me well known
Daniel Cobb Councillor & Justice of the Peace ex officio
Page 22

State of Vermont
Orange County
I Harry Hale, Clerk of the
County Court in the County
of Orange, do hereby certify that
Daniel Cobb is a Councillor of the State of
Vermont, and as such ex officio Justice of the
Peace, throughout the State, and duly qualified
to administer oaths, and that the within
writing purporting to be his signature is
genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto
set my hand and affix the seal of said
Court, at Chelsea in said County, this
8th day of November A.D. 1833
Harry Cale, Clerk
Page 23

State of Vermont
Orange County November 11th 1833.

Conformable to the regulations of the
War Department, under the law of the
2nd of March AD 1829. William
Spencer Judge of Probate for the District
of Bradford, hereby certify that I have
the most satisfactory evidence (viz) the
affidavit of General Frederick Smith &
George W. Smith of Strafford in the County
of Orange, of respectable persons, that
Sarah Smith,  who has this day appeared
before me to claim the arrears
of pension due Frederick Smith late of
Stafford in said County,  is the widow
of Frederick Smith, who was a Revolutionary 
a pensioner of the United States and
that he died on the eleventh day of
September AD 1832. 11 Sept 1832

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office at
Corinth in the district of Bradford afores’d
this 11th day of November AD 1833-
Wm Spencer Judge of Probate
Page 24

I Jonathan Rich of Strafford in the County of
 Orange & State of Vermont , aged seventy eight
years testify & say that according to the best
of my recollection in the fall of 1775 Frederick
Smith of said Strafford who is now making
application before Orange County Court
for a pension & myself enlisted into Capt
Bush’s company for the term of six months.
we marched to Ticonderoga together & he & I
remained there & in the vicinity till our term
of enlistment expired, when we returned to Strafford.
In the summer of 1781 I enlisted in to Capt Alger’s
Company for one year. Frederick Smith of Strafford,
Lt. (being the same person who went with me to
“Old Ti”). In the Summer of 1781 I heard said Smith’s
Commission as a Lt. [read].  he the sd Smith
continued in the service according to my best
recollection one year as a Lieutenant.  I was with
said Smith in the service under hom. - said
Smith took a very active part in the Revolutionary
War & was a good officer,  an enemy not
only to the British & Indians but to the Torie &
further saith not.
Jonathan Rich his mark

Attest D. Cobb

Sworn to & subscribed this 23d day of August 1832
Before Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court

I hereby certify that the above named Jonathan
Rich is a credible person to me well known.
Daniel Cobb Judge of Orange County Court
Page 25

State of Vermont Orange County Clerk’s
Office August 23d 1883.
 I H.E. G McLaughlin Clerk of Orange
County Court hereby certify that Daniel Coll
before whom the within affidavit was taken
is a Judge of Orange County Court duly authorized 
 to administer Oaths, and that the
Signatures thereto purporting to be his, are
Genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal
the day & year above written
H.E. G. McLaughlin Clerk
Page 26

I Elisha Waterman aged sixty five years of
Norwich in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont
depose & say that I was well acquainted with Frederick
Smith of Strafford in Orange County & State of Vermont
who died last fall. I have been informed that the
said Smith previous to his death made his declaration
to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed in
the year 1832 to afford the “old Revolutioners” some 
compensation for their services in the war of the revolution.
soon after the "burning of Royaltown” in 1780 I was ordered
by Lt [Smawly] to go to Strafford in said Orange County,
where I immediately went with other soldiers.  when I arrived
there Lt. Smith, being the same person whom this deponent
as above called Frederick Smith appeared to be actively
engaged in making preparations to resist the enemy, who
were chiefly composed of Tories & indians. he took an active
part in the military arrangements the making to oppose the
enemy & protect the inhabitants. soon after my arrival the
said Smith as I then understood & now verily believe left us
& went on some military business, & during the whole campaign
he was actively engaged in obtaining information about the enemy
& rendered efficient & essential service. I was stationed in Strafford
& employed the greater part of the time in preparing timber
for a fort to be there erected, & as I was not with the said Smith
in scouting parties I am unable to state what part of the
country he went over, but this I do well recollect  - that
he was a warm hearted Revolutioner & devoted himself & [his] time.
while I was stationed in Strafford which was two months into
the satisfaction of all true Revolutioners, he was patriotic &
 Zealously devoted to the ‘good cause’, a man of much [infamy]
hated by the tories but beloved by all who were then friendly
To the good old cause of liberty. all this I understood before I
went to Strafford & after I returned. I do not recollect
what commission the sd Smith then held in the militia
or in the [forays] then called out, but I know it was some
station above that of a soldier.
Elisha Waterman
Subscribed & sworn to before me this ninth day
of July 1833 
Daniel Cobb
Counsellor & Justice of the Peace for the
whole State of Vermont ex officio

I certify that Elisha Waterman above named is a credible
 person & to me well known.
Certified by Daniel Cobb
Counsellor & Just. Peace for the
State of Vermont ex officio
Page 27


State of Vermont
Orange County
I Harry Hall Clerk
of the Court of Orange
County, certify that Daniel Cobb is
a magistrate as within
Named & that the foregoing signature
 purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto affixed my seal of Office &
Subscribed my name this twelfth day
of July th 1833
Harry Hale
Clerk of the Court of Orange County
Page 28

I Benjamin F. Wood of Strafford in the County
of Orange & State of Vermont aged 26 years depose
& say that on the Eleventh day of September
AD 1832 I was present at the dwelling house of
Lieut. Frederick Smith, late of said Stafford,
deceased, & saw him lying dead & was informed
that he died about one hour & a half before I
arrived at the house. I also testify that Sarah
Smith of said Stafford who I understand is
applying for a pension from the United States on
account of the services of her husband in the
war of the revolution is the lawful widow
of the said deceased & has remained a widow
since the decease of the sd Frederick
Benj’a F. Wood

State of Vermont
Orange County
Strafford  December 30 AD 1836
Subscribed & sworn to 
Before me & I certify that the said Benja F. Wood
is a credible witness
Simeon Short Justice of Peace
Page 29

State of Vermont
District of Bradford
I Simeon Short Register of
the Court of Probate for said
District of Bradford in the County of Orange
hereby certify that Simeon Short whose name is
affixed to the within certificate, was on the
30th day of December last & for a long time
before & since that time a Justice of the Peace
For said Orange County duly qualified & that
his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my
hand & the seal of said Probate Court
this 14th day of February AD 1837.
Simeon Short Esq
Page 30

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss. Town Clerks Office
Lynn July 17, 1837
I hereby certify that I have carefully
examined the records in this office and
do not find the marriage of Fredrick
Smith to Mrs. Sarah Grant
Asa Shaw, Town Clerk

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss
Lynn July 17, 1837
Then personally appeared
the above named Asa Shaw known to me as
Town Clerk of said Lynn and made Solemn
oath that the above certificate by him subscribed
is true
Before
D.C. Churchill Justice of the Peace
Page 31

Act of July 4, 1836
Claim of
Sarah Smith
widow of Frederick
(Vt.)
Power of Attorney.

[To examine adm]

Chas C Tucker
Atty.
Present
Page 32

Power of Attorney,
Know all men by these presents, that I Waitstill Smith, of Strafford
Orange County and State of Vermont
do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint CHAS. C. TUCKER, of Washington City, DC my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the Claim of Mrs. Sarah Smith, deceased, for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act of July 4. 1836, or any other Act or Resolution of Congress, and I hereby authorize the said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington
City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and seal this 31st day of Jany 1853.
Waitstill Smith
In presence of Justice S. Morrill

STATE OF Vermont,  Orange COUNTY -- SS.
On this 31st day of Jany 1853, before me a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County and State above mentioned personally appeared Waitstill Smith
of Strafford and County aforesaid
and acknowledged the foregoing power of
Attorney to be his free act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.
James S. Moore Justice of the Peace

STATE of Vermont
Orange COUNTY.

On this 31st day of Jany 1853, 
 before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Waitstill Smith,
a resident of said County, and made oath according to law that he is the identical
Person who executed the foregoing power of Attorney, and that he
is directly interested in said Claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said Claim.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
James S. Moore Justice of the Peace

STATE OF Vermont
COUNTY of Orange
I L.M. Flint, Clerk of Orange County Court do
hereby certify that James S. Moore
Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavit and
acknowledgment were made and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed
my name and affixed my official seal this
5th day of February 1853
L. M. Flint Clerk
Page 33

I Orange Heaton of Stratford in the County of Orange
and State of Vermont aged 77 years next month do
depose & say that I was well acquainted with Lieutenant
Frederick Smith late of Strafford in said Orange County &
Mrs Sarah Smith his widow who is now making
application to the War Department of the United States
for a pension on account of the services of her said
husband during the Revolutionary war. that I
enlisted & served as a soldier in Capt Powells company
& Col Olcott’s Regiment, about three months at said Safford & that
said Lieutenant Smith was then acting in the capacity
of a commissary & procured provisions for sd Powell’s
company; this was in the fall of 1780. Our company
was stationed at his house. He appeared to be a very
[action] & efficient man in the service. & while I was
at Stafford devoted his whole time to the service
of his country-- Mrs Sarah Smith, his present widow
was there, living with him at the time-- I have
ever understood from the sd Smith & from
others both during the revolutionary war & since that
time, that the sd Smith was engaged either as a soldier
or as an officer in actual service a considerable part of
the time during the war. I well recollect of hearing
it said at the time that he, the sd Smith went on a tour
of duty to Ticonderoga & was absent several months on
that service. I also well recollect of hearing it said, that
he was chosen & commissioned as Lieutenant in Capt
Alger’s Company & Col Olcott’s Regiment & that he served
in that capacity; & I have never heard it disputed
by any one.
Orange Heaton

State of Vermont
Orange County 
Stratford
Sworn to & Subscribed before me.
Simeon Short, Justice of the Peace
I also certify that Orange Heaton is a credible person.
Simeon Short, Justice of the Peace
Page 34

State of Vermont 
District of Bradford
County of Orange
I William Spencer Judge of Probate within & for sd District of Bradford
do hereby certify that Simeon 
Short who has affixed his signature to the foregoing
certificate is a Justice of the Peace within & for
said County of Orange & has been for some years
last past, particularly since the first day of
December last past duly qualified & that the
forgoing signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand & affixed the seal of said
Court this 30th day of Jany  AD 1838.
Wm [Newsom] Judge of Probate
Page 35

Washington D. C. Feb 2. 1853
Hon. James E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I send
herewith a power of Atty from one of the heirs
of Sarah Smith (dec.) of Vermont, who received
a pension by reason of the Revolutionary services
of her husband.
The husband of Mrs Smith received a
Pension of $200 per year under the Act of June
7. 1832. and the certificate of Mrs Smith's
Pension was for but $160 per year.
I would respectfully ask if an error has not been committed
and if a certificate for the balance of $40 per year
will not be issued in forwarding you a certificate
showing the names of her surviving children.
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
Chas. C. Tucker
Page 36

Washington D.C. July 11. 1833
Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I send
herewith a certificate of proof of heirship for the
claim for increase of Pension of Sarah Smith widow
of Frederick Smith as required by letter from your
office dated June 10, 1853
It will, I think, be seen by the Claim now on
file that the children named in said Certificate
survived the widow.
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Chas.C. Tucker
Page 37

Brief in case Sarah Smith wid: dc’d
for increase.
Sarah Smith (14th July 1837, open Court,) aged 81 yrs,
says she is widow Lt. Fred. Smith first a
private & afterwards Lt in militias U.S. Army
as to Fred’s. 1st term of service at Ticonderoga
she knows nothing. Jonathan Rich only person
 can prove it (see his aff’dt [2nd appl’n]
After marriage to Fred. on 28th Oct 1777. Fred. then 
acting as a private, Capt Alger Co. Col Olcott Regt.
served at that time more than 8 months
to guard said frontier against Indians & Tories- chosen
& served 1 year as Lt. - thinks in Summer 1781
Fred Smith Admr Sarah Smith
 (18th July 1851) says after Grant
died Sarah mar’d. Fred. who died 11th Sept 1832
Sarah died 6th Nov. 1842-- Sarah mar’d Grant some
years before war.  that Fred, and Waitstill, Geo. W. ,Sarah
& Hannah are only surviving children of Sarah
Geo. W. Smith Admr 
(27 July 1844), says Sarah mar’d Fred. 28th
Oct 1777- Fred. died 11th Sept 1832. Sarah died
6th Nov’r 1842.
Same
(25th Oct 1836) says Fred. died 11th Sept 1832
Fred. was a pensioner- Fred, & Sarah married
Page 38

28th Oct. 1777 - 20 page saw Marriage Record
in family bible. Record still in sd Bible.
Elisha May
(8th Oct 1836), says Fred, died about 4 yrs ago.
knew his first wife well. widow Benj. Grant, Sarah
now a widow
Orange Heaton
(27th Jany 1838), says he was well acquainted with
Lt. Fred Smith & Sarah his widow, years he was Lt.
Benj. F. Wood
(30th Dec’r 1832) says he was present at house Lt
Fred Smith on 11th Sept 1832 & saw him lying dead
& was informed he died 1½ hours before dept. arrived.
Sarah his widow
Saml Chamberlin
(24th Jany 1845) says after Grant died Sarah
mar’d Fr’d Smith
H. Goodrich
(11th Sept. 1844), a pensioner, says some years
before close [of war]  Sarah mar’d F. Smith - was
not at either marriage, always lived as man & wife
Sarah Smith
(25th Oct 1836) aged 81 yes, says she is wid of
Fred. Smith. No. pensioner as Lt. married sd
Fred. 28th Oct 1777- Fred. died 11th Sept.
1832.- is now a widow.
Power of Atty to Chas C. Tucker 31st Jany 1853.
N.B. Must prove date Sarah's death & number
& names of children Surviving
Page 39

7641
Frederick Smith

1 Yr Lieutenant $160-
1 Yr Private 40
$200 [total]

Payment to be made to
Sarah Smith his Widow
from the 4th Mch 1831 to
11th Sept 1832 the time
of his death -

David Cobb
Stafford,
Vermont
Page 40

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected
. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6. If 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?
 If an Officer - Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County [illegible] be annexed, stating that such person is a
Page 41

Mrs Sarah Smith
Application
wid. of F'rick Smith
Act 36
Return to S. Short
Strafford or
applicant, Strafford
Vt.
Page 42

State of Vermont
Probate District of Bradford
in the County of Orange 
On this 14th day of
July AD 1837 - Personally
appeared before the
Probate Court for said District, being a court
of record. Sarah Smith a resident of Strafford
in the said County of Orange aged 81 years
who being first duly sworn according to law
doth on her oath make the following declaration
 supplementary to the one already forwarded
  to the war department in order to
obtain the provisions made by the act of
Congress passed July 4 1836. That she is the
   widow of Lieut Frederick Smith late a resident
of said Shafford deceased, who was first a private
 & afterwords a lieutenant in the Militia in the
army of the revolution. that in relation to
the first term of service performed by her sd
husband, at Ticonderoga, she knows nothing
personally & that she does not know of any
person now living by whom she can prove
that service, except Jonathan Rich of Strafford
whose testimony to that point has been already
taken & forwarded to the department.
to which, together with the declaration of
her said husband she refers the department
for testimony in support of that term of
service adding, however that she frequently
heard her sd husband say that he was in
service at Ticonderoga. that after she
married sd Lieut  Smith, which was on
Page 43

the 28th day of October AD 1777, she
moved directly to sd Strafford & that her husband
was then doing duty as a private
in Capt Algers company & Col. Olcott’s
Regiment she is a very certain that he
performed at that time more than Eight
months constant service as a soldier- 
the business of this company was to guard
the frontier settlements against inroads
of Indians & Tories to which they were greatly
exposed at that time - she also states that she
well recollects, that her husband Frederick Smith
 was chosen & commissioned
as a Lieutenant & that he served at least
one year under that commission though
she does not to distinctly recollect the year
he received his commission, but think it
was in the summer of 1781. She recalled
that while acting under it he went to [Miflin]
Royaltown & Corinth to keep open communications
 with Garrisons at those places. & that
he was likewise engaged in scouting
parties. during this time she is certain
that he was not engaged in any private business
 during the year he acted under said
commission. She thinks the company in
which he served as he was called the Frontier
Rangers or scouting party, for proof of
which last mentioned term of service she
Page 44

 refer the commissioner of Pensions to the
declaration of her sd husband & the depositions
of Jonathan Rich & Elisha Waterman
who are all the person she now knows of
who can testify to the same.
Sarah Smith

In Testimony whereof I Simeon Frost Register
of the said Probate Court have hereunto set
my hand & the seal of said at the
Probate Office in sd District on the 14th
day of July AD 1837 aforesaid
Simeon Frost G K Register