Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5440, for John Odel, Vermont
Page 1

Service
Vt.

Odel, John
or Odell,
Catharine

Number
W. 5440
B.L.Wt. 30.920-160-55-
Page 2

[left side of page]
New York 32.415
John Odell
of Monroe Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Clark of the regt. commanded
by Col Allen in the Vt.
line for 11 months & 21 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 38 Dollars 99 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of January
1846 and sent to Hon. L. Cass Senate U. States

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

{Revolutionary [illegible] Act June 7, 18 [illegible]}

Recorded by D Brown
Book E.2. Vol. 4. Page 53

[right side of page] Refs?
Page 3

[left side of page almost completely illegible because page is black]

Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3rd September 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the
9th day of Oct 1851
and sent to [illegible]
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
July [illegible] 1818, Page [illegible] Vol. A

[right side of page] 1380
[vertically at bottom] 172 772 & 234532
Page 4

[left side of page] 172.772 - Act March 3/55
June 19

Catharine Odell widow of
Pensioner
John Odell Pri.
Revolutionary 
War

N.Y. July 48 - 1854
W:16 OWC/Mar 18/56
Boynton

Michl. Nourse
Washington City
D.C.

[diagonally across center] W0 30920 iss June 23/56

[right side of page] 17

Vol 0-17
Page 5

172.772
Declaration of
Catharine Odel Widow
of John Odel
for bounty land under
the Act of 3rd March 1855

Revolutionary War

Reference is requested to the
papers upon which John Odel
& Catharine Odel, his widow
was placed on the pension
roll - M Nourse Agent

Presented by M Nourse
Agent 18 June 1855
Page 6

Province of Canada }
County of Durham }
On this 16th day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me a justice of the peace, within and for the county and Province aforesaid Catharine Odell, aged 89 years, a resident of Hope in the Province of Canada who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of John Odell, deceased, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and a Pensioner of the United States Government, and that said Pension is continued to her as his widow, a copy of which Pension Certificate accompanies this Declaration, that she cannot correctly remember the names of his Officers nor the date of his services, but that all these things may be know by refering to the Books of the Department, that he was entered on the Pension list in the year 1843 or 44 and she recollects that he served at Ticonderoga.
She further states that she was married to the said John Odell in Manchester, Vermont on the __ day of September A.D. 1782 by one Elder Cornwell - a Baptist Minister and that her name before her said marriage was Catharine Curtis; that her said husband died at Hope on the 3rd day of September A.D. 1848 and that she is now a widow. She further declares she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3rd 1855. She also declares that
Page 7

she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor
Catharine X her mark Odell
Witness
Wm S. Marsh J.P.
Asa Rider
Department of the Interior
Widows Pension
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 29th 1848 Catharine Odell widow of John Odell who was a private in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty eight dollars and 99 cents per annum commencing on the third of September 1848 and continuing for life unless she should again marry; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. Given at the department of the Interior this ninth day of October one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four
Examined and countersigned
R. McLelland Secretary of Interior
L P Waldo Commissioner of Pensions
Page 8

We W S. March and Asa Rider residents of Hope in the Province of Canada upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Catharine Odell in our presence and that we believe from having know her and her said husband for many years, living together as husband and wife, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Wm S. Marsh J.P.
Asa Rider

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, that the foregoing copy of a Pension Certificate is a correct copy of one in the possession of the applicant, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Wm S. Marsh J.P.

I certify that the said Catharine Odell does not write her name on account of old age and infirmities.
Wm S. Marsh J.P.
Page 9

Province of Canada
United Counties of }
Northumberland }
and Durham }
To wit
I hereby certify that William S. March Esquire whose name appears to the within Declaration and affidavit, was at the time and still is a duly Commissioned, qualified and acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said Counties, and that his signature thereto is genuine. And that all his Acts as such Justice are worthy of credit -
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Quarter Sessions for the said Counties, this Eighth day of June A.D. 1855 -
Geo. F. Ward Deputy Clerk of the Peace for said Counties -

[seal affixed at left]
Page 10

14.790 Sept 27/52
Catharine Odell,
Widow of John,
Province of Canada

July 7th 1838.

Oliver Phelps, Jr.
Washington City
D.C.
Page 11

Province of Canada
County of Durham Ss
On this tenth day of September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty two personally appeared before me Wm S Marsh a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and Province aforesaid, Catharine Odell, aged eighty five years a resident of the county aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Widow of the late John Odell, who was a pensioner of the United States for services performed in the Revolutionary War, And that as his widow the ballance of pension due to the time of his death, which took place on 3rd of September 1848, has been granted to her on her declaration now on file in said Auditors Office, under Act of Congress passed 1836 July 4th. She further declares that she was married to the said John Odell on the 1st day of September A.D. 1782 by Joseph Cornwell a Baptist Minister.
She makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the continuance of the Pension to her from the death of her late husband, to her according to the laws of the United States in such cases made and provided.
Catherine X her mark Odell

Sworn to, and subscribed by me the day and year above written. And I hereby certify that I believe the said Catharine Odell to be the widow of the late John Odell, deceased and that she is of the age above stated.
Wm S. Marsh J.P.
Page 12

Province of Canada }
County of Durham } ss
On this thirteenth day of September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, personally appeared before me Hart A Massey Esq a Justice of the Peace, duly authorized to administer within and for the county and province aforesaid, Ezra Gifford and Abreham Bowen residents of the County aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they know the within named Catharine Odell to be the widow of the late John Odell, because that they were personally acquainted for many years with said John and Catharine Odell as husband and wife and said Odell died as stated within and that she is still his widow - And that they are disinterested witnesses.
Ezra X his mark Gifford
Abreham Bowen

Sworn and subscribed before me on the day and year above written And I hereby certify that Ezra Gifford and Abreham Bowen are very credible witnesses.
Hart A. Massey J.P.
Abreham Bowen
Sworn before me this [illegible] day of Sept 1852
Cornelius Quinlon JP

Province of Canada
United Counties of 
Northumberland & Durham } I hereby certify that William S Marsh, Hart A Massey and Cornelius Quinlon Esquire are Justices of the Peace in and for the said Quarter Counties duly qualified and sworn to act as such and I believe the signatures affixed by them to be genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
T Ward
Clerk of the Peace of the said United Counties

[seal affixed at left]

[vertically at right] Oliver Phelps Washington D.C.
Page 13

I hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with John Odell and Catharine Odell wife of the said John Odell for upwards of fifty five years living as man and wife
Abram Bowen
Taken and sworn before me at Port Hope in the County of Durham and province of Canada this fourteenth day of September in the year of our Lord 1852
Cornelius Quinlon J.P
Page 14

I hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with John Odell and Catharine Odell wife of the said John Odell for upwards of fifty six years living as man & wife
Ezra X his mark Gifford
Taken and sworn before me at Newcastle County of Durham this thirteenth day of September AD 1852
H. A. Massey J.P.
Page 15

I David Woodard of the town of Ridgeville in the county of Lorain and state of Ohio aged sixty two years doth depose and say that I was born in the town of Manchester Bennington County in the State ofVermont that my fathers name was Ebenezer Woodard and my mothers maiden name was Elizabeth Curtis That my father resided near the north line of Manchester and near the residence of John Odel who resided in the town of Dorset near to the south line of said town, said town of Dorset joined said town of Manchester on the South said Odel was a brother in law of my father's his wife being a sister to my mother. In the years seventeen hundred and ninety four I left the town of Manchester and went into the state of New York Subsequent to that time I learned that the aforesaid John Odel removed with his family into the province of Upper Canada and a cousin of my fathers James Woodard also removed to said Upper Canada near to where said Odel removed In the month of April last I had a conversation with Bird B. Chapman Esq of Elyria this in reference to the obtaining of a pension for my mother on account of my fathers services in the Revolution as it was necessary to establish my fathers services by paper proof I advised said Chapman that one Josiah Curtis of Onodaga county New York and John Odel of Upper Canada would be proper persons to apply to for said information as they both living near to my father in the time of the Revolution and I had always understood from my father and
Page 16

others that said John Odel was a soldier of the Revolution and in the service of the United States My removal from the aforesaid town of Manchester took place fifty one years ago and the aforesaid John Odel was then married and the father of several children.
David Woodard

State of Ohio }
Lorain County Ss } Be it known that before me Austin C. Penfield a justice of the Peace in and for the county of record personally appeared David Woodard afore named who after being duly sworn according to law subscribed his name to the above affidavit and declared that the facts therein stated were true according to his last knowledge and belief.
Dated December 12th 1845
A. C. Penfield J. Peace

I hereby certify that I am acquainted with David Woodard above named and that he is a man of undoubted integrity and any Statement by him made full reliance can be placed He is a very wealthy and highly respectable citizen of his county
Exec Dec 15th 1845
Wm F. Lockwood
Pros Atty of Lorain County Ohio
Page 17

37072
John Odel
N.Y.
Act 7. June '32
Page 18

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
The State of New York }
Monroe County } S.S.
City or Rochester }
On this fifth day of July A.D. 1845 personally appeared in open Court before the Mayor's Court of the city of Rochester now sitting being a court of Record John Odel a resident of the township of Hope in the county of Durhan in the province of Canada West aged eighty three years and six months who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he entered the service of the United States on the 2nd day of March A.D. 1778 and left the service in October A.D. 1781
That he entered the service of the United States under Captain Isaac Clark and served as a private sixty days in Captain Isaac Clark's company of Militia raised by order of Major General de LaFayette for the defence of the frontiers and on Lake Champlain to receive additional pay from the state of Vermont commencing March 2nd and ending May 2nd 1778.
That he also served nine months and ten days as a private in Captain Parmalee Allen's company of Rangers in Major Ebenr Allen's Detachment raised for the defence of the state of Vermont commencing Feby 20th and ending Dec. 1st 1780. That he also served eleven days as a private in Captain Jacob Odel's company in Col. Ira Allen's Regiment of Militia being service done the state of Vermont on an alarm to the Northward which commenced October A.D. 1781 That he was born in the state of New York on the fifth day of January in the year seventeen hundred and sixty two. That he has no record of his age
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That when he entered the service he resided in the town of Dorset in the county of Bennington and state of Vermont. That since the Revolutionary War he has resided in the state of Vermont and in the state of New York and in the township of Hope in the county of Durham in the province of Canada West and resides with his son in law in said township of Hope That when he entered the service he volunterily enlisted That he can remember Col Seth Warner Col. Wolbridge Major Gideon Brownson Capt. George Sexton. That he since remembers receiving a discharge but that when the term of his enlistment was out he returned home at each time 
That Samuel Mash, Johnathan Saylor and Asa Rider live and reside in his neighborhood and that he is personally known to them and can testify to his character for veracity and to their belief of his services as a soldier in the Revolution. That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present; and declairs that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State 
John X his mark Odel

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court before me
D Wentworth Clerk of the Mayors Court of the city of Rochester.
Page 20

The State of New York }
Monroe County }
City of Rochester S.S. }
On this fifth day of July A.D. 1845 personally appeared in open court before the Mayor's Court of the city of Rochester now sitting being a court of Record Asa Rider a resident of the township of Hope in the county of Durham in the province of Canada West aged forty six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that for the last twenty four years he has been well acquainted with John Odel who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration and has resided in the neighborhood of the said John Odel and that he believes him to be eighty three years and six months of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution in the service of the United States and that he concurs in that opinion
Asa Rider
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
Before me Delos Wentworth Clerk of the Mayors Court of the City of Rochester
Page 21

State of New York }
Monroe County }
City Rochester } SS
This day in open Court before the Mayors Court of the City of Rochester in the County and State aforesaid now sitting personally came John Odell and on oath made and subscribed his Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and also in open Court also came Asa Rider and made oath and subscribed on oath his Deposition touching the Declaration of the said John Odel and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter and putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant John Odel is as old as he states and is a credible person and was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and the Court further declare that the said Asa Rider is a credible person and "it is" ordered that the Clerk Certify to the same under the seal of the Court 
I Delos Wentworth Clerk of the Mayors Court of the City of Rochester in the County of Monroe and State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Odel for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this fifth day of July A.D. 1845
Delos Wentworth Clerk of the Mayors Court of the City of Rochester
Page 22

Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 5440
Catharine Odell
Widow
Jno. Odell
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: July 29. 1848
Index: - Vol. M, Page 96

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 23

30.920

Rev. Army
Page 24

Catharine Odell
widow of John
N.Y.

Let M. Nourse &c Feb 27/54
Henry Kellogg May 18 1854
M Nourse May 29 1854
To same July 24/54

Reject under '38
Admitted '48

Act July 7. 1838
(Admissible under July 1848)
Page 25

John Odell,
Private
11 months 21 days
$38.99 per annum
Act 7 June 1832

Albany Roll

Cert. to
Hon. Lewis Cass
Senate N.S.
Page 26

Pen. Off. Octo 4 1854
D 3 Sept 48
Sir,
John Odell, NY Rolls, Act June 7 1832, $38.99 a year. Please say to what time paid.
Very Respectfully
Chief Clerk Pen Off
S. Cole
Triplett

R J Atchison Esq
Third Auditor

John Odell, died 3 Sept 1848, paid.
Robt J Atchison Auditor
Page 27

14.790
Catharine Odell
Widow of John
N.Y.

Oliver Phelps Feby 8 1853.
Oliver Phelps 7th July 1853.
R.W. Young, Nov. 3/53

Transferred to Act
29 July 1848 &
Admitted under Neal
Act No. 1.380.

Act July 7 1838
Page 28

Washington June 18. 1855
Sir

Be pleased to receive the following declaration for bounty land under the act of March 1855
Viz
Philip Tourje - war of 1812 - attack in Plattsburg
Catharine Odel Militia, war of the Revolution

Very respectfully
Michl Nourse

L P Waldo Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 29

Hilton Feb. 13th 1854
Dear Sir
Enclosed is additional proof in the Pension claim of Mrs. Odell, I wrote you on the 11th forwarding documents in her case. Also inclosed is the Affidavit of Colton. I think there can be no further delay about his warrant. I have here an old man who fought through all the War of 1812, he was in Seven general battles, was severely wounded, and taken Prisoner at Fort George in Sept 1814, was returned a prisoner untill the
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close of the War. I have had his claim before the Department for two years. My answer is that he deserted. There is every reason to believe this is not so but that his affidavit is true. He says he was taken by surprise a short distance from the Fort by two British soldiers who were reconnoitering George Clark is the man, His declarations are before the Department for Bounty Land and arrears of pay. If you can do any thing for him you would serve a deserving man.
Yours truly
J Webster

M. Nourse, Esq
Page 31

Hilton Feb. 10th 1854
Dear Sir
Yours of the 21st Ultimo came to hand with the inclosed Land Warrant for T. Sullivan. I herewith forward the required proof in the Pension claim of Catharine Odell. I think there can be no hesitancy in granting the old Lady the pension now [underlined] as we have the affidavit of the Church clerk that no record was kept of marriages at that time, and the affidavits of parties who were present at the wedding, and who knew them as man and wife for many years, I hope you will push this claim as the old Lady is very feeble. I have been surprised at the delay in this claim, as Mrs. Odell was recognized as the widow of John Odell by the Department and the arrears of Pension up to the time of his
Page 32

death paid to Mr Phelps on her order which is a part of the Money he is owing me. I paid it to her more than a year since I have been anxiously looking for Money [underlined], since I received your last, I wish to know if you cannot counsel a Government Agent in some way to pay [underlined]. I would like to know if I must pay for the Land warrant also, and if there be no probability of obtaining it from W. P. Please let me know the worst of the case, is he responsible?
Will they not send Coltens Warrant without his affidavit, I shall have it soon I expect,
Yours respectfully,
J Webster

M. Nourse V.Co.
Page 33

Washington Feb 21 1854

Sir

Permit us to request your attention to the following papers, herewith enclosed - viz

The affidavit of John Colton relative to a bounty land Warrant received by him & a letter from [illegible] Webster on the same subject - His declaration was numbered  170.486  - and to

Additional evidence in support of Catharine Odells claim for a pension
Jno Coltons affdvt sent to Boak

We are respectfully
Your Ob Servant
Michl Nourse 

L P Waldo Esq
Comm. of Pensions
Page 34

Washington May 16. 1854

Sir

Should the additional evidence in support of the Widow Odell's claim for pension, lodged this day, not found to be sufficient, permit me to request that application be made to the [illegible] auditor for copies of the documents, in value of which she was paid, in 1842, the balance of pension due her late husband at the time of his decease.

I am respectfully
your ob Servant
Michl Nourse

L. P. Waldo Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 35

Wm S Marsh of the Township of Hope County of Durham and Province of Canada Esq maketh oath and saith that he was personaly acquainted for upwards of fifty years with the late John Odell of the Township of Hope aforesaid and that he the said John Odell did receive a pension from the Government of the United States of America and that Catharine Odell now living in the said Township of Hope is the widow of the said late John Odell Pensioner
Wm S Marsh

Sworn before me at Port Hope this 27th day of December 1853 }
Cors Quinlon JP }
Page 36

Province of Canada }
United Counties of }
Northumberland }
and Durham }
to wit - }  I hereby certify that Cornelius Quinlon Esquire whose name appeared on the written affidavit, was at the time of the taking thereof, and still is a duly commissioned and qualified Justice of the Peace in and for the said Counties, and that his signature thereto is genuine -
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Court of Quarter Sessions, this seventh day of February in the year of our Lord 1854.
Geo. F. Ward
Deputy Clerk of the Peace of said Counties

[seal affixed at left]
Page 37

Co. Clerks Office
Bennington Vt
May 22nd 1854

Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Dr Sir
Your favor of the 18th inst. with the enclosed affidavits & certificate was recd to day - In answer to your inquires I have to inform that I made the certificate & signed it as County Clerk and affixed the seal of the County Court, which is according to the usual practice here - When there is room upon the paper to be certified, we make the certificate upon it and the impression of the seal but in this case you see it could not be done - I assure you Sir there is no fraud so far as the certific is concerned - I am very particular to have
Page 38

any Seals taken out of the office or put to any paper without my direction. So many frauds have been practiced upon the Pensions office we cannot be too cautious in guarding against them - As I have many pension papers to certify I would conform to any method you might suggest as to the manner of affixing the seal -
I am very respectfully your Obt Servt
Henry Kellogg Co. Clerk
Page 39

State of Vermont

Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier May 4. 1845

I hereby certify that there is on file in this office "A Pay Roll of Capt Isaac Clark's Company of Militia, raised by order of Major General De La Fayette for the defence of the frontiers and on Lake Champlain, to receive additional pay from the State of Vermont;" on which Roll is the name of "John Odale" with an allowance for 60 days service as a private, [2 written in margin] commencing March 2nd and ending May 2nd 1778.
Also, a "Pay Roll of Capt Parmelee Allen's Company of Rangers, Maj. Ebenr. Allen's Detachment, raised for the defence of the State of Vermont, commencing February 1st [9-10 written in margin] and ending the 1st of December AD 1780, both days included;" on which Roll is the name of "John Odell," with an allowance for nine months and ten days service as a private, commencing Feby 20th and ending Dec. 1st 1780.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt Jacob Odel's Company in [11/11.21 written in margin] Col. Ira Allen's Regiment of Militia for service done the State of Vermont on alarm to the Northward, which commenced October A.D. 1781;" on which roll is the name of "John Odel" with an allowance for eleven days service as a private.

In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of this Office this 9th day of May A.D. 1845.
Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State

[seal affixed at left]
Page 40

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 41

July 5th 1845
Sir
Accompanying this I send you the Declaration and proof of John Odel asking that a pension may be allowed him for service done by him in the War of the Revolution You will please examine the same and inform me of your decision by letter addressed to me at Elyria Lorain Co. Ohio
I am Dear Sir Very
Respectfully Yours
B. B. Chapman of
Elyria
Lorain Co.
Ohio

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 42

Letter from the Comm of
Pensions - 7 July 1853
requiring additional evidence
to support the claim of
Catharine Odell, widow
of John Odell, who was
a pensioner - the pension
which had accrued and was
drawn at his death, was
sent to Oliver Phelps by the
order as power of atty from the
widow

Note - The amount paid to 
Mr Phelps of 58.48. was 
never paid by him to the
[illegible] Webster, the widow's agent in
Canada -

Additional evidence is support
of the widow's claim - Now furnished
& herewith
Page 43

Pension Office
July 7. 1853.
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case Catharine Odell widow of John of New York has been received and filed with the original application.
The proof does not sufficiently identify Catharine as the widow of the pensioner nor does it establish the date of the marriage. The affidavits of J. W. Harris and James Allen are not duly certified by the Clerk of the Court nor do they have his seal.
I am respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
L P Waldo
Comr

Oliver Phelps Esq.
Washington
D.C.
Page 44

Brighton Dec. 12th 53
Dear Brother
I forward these papers immediately. Try again, Get the best proof you can, and have it duly authenticated by the County Clerk
Respectfully yours
J Webster

Asa Rider

[This letter is written on the right margin of another document, FOLD3File #27239076, Doc #42 in this File Unit, and is written perpendicular to that other text. Only a small portion of that earlier document is visible, as follows:]

Comm of
1853
evidence
of
widow
who was
pension
and was
was
by the
from the
paid to
.48 was
to the
the widow's
agent in
support
Now furnished
Page 45

Catharine Odell
widow of John
NY.
Admd July 29 1848
11 Mos & 21 dy pri $38.99
per annum from
3 Sep 1848 when he died.

Att to
M Nourse Esq
Present
Page 46

X

Hon J L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

[circle stamp] Nov 10

[vertically at left] Nov. 15, 1848
Received of
John Odell.
Page 47

Elyria Lorain Co. Ohio Nov. 10th 1845
Sir
On the 5th of July last I forwarded to you from Rochester N.Y. the Declaration and proof of John Odel asking that a pension may be allowed him on account of his services as a soldier in the Revolution accompanying said Declaration I sent a letter directing you to inform me of your decision by letter directed to me at this place up to this time I have received no letter from you concerning said application fearing there might be some mistake in your receiving said papers I have taken the liberty of asking you to inform me upon the subject
I am Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
B. B. Chapman

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions

Aug 14/48
Page 48

Washington Sep 30 1854
Sir

I enclose the additional evidence required by your last communication on the subject, in support of the widow Odel's claim for a pension which in connection with what had been previously filed will I trust fully establish her right thereto, to wit, not only that she lived with her husband John, as his wedded wife, but with their children, whose name is mentioned, for upward of fifty years - Your early decision in the Widows favor will oblige 
Yours respectfully
Michl Nourse

L. P. Waldo Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 49

Brief in the case of Catharine Odell widow of John
County and State of New York
act 29 July 1848

Claim, ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Her husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7 1839 at $38.99 a year (serve as private in his papers) necessary to be proved; The date of her marriage before 1800 and her identity as his widow. These facts are proven by Isaac Doolittle, Eprihraim Doolittle, Ezra Giffen, Abram Bowen, Catherine Curtis Wm. Marsh W H Saxton, Ephraim Gifford & Jas Allen. And by a conformity of the statements of applicant with their auditors certificate as to date of death.

Name and residence of Agent
M Nourse Esq
Present

Thorton Triplett
Examining Clerk.
Page 50

Catharine Curtis of the Township of Hope County of Durham and Province of Canada maketh oath and saith that she was personally present and did see the Marriage ceremony performed between John Odell late of the Township of Hope aforesaid and Catharine Odell now residing in said Township of Hope and that the said Catharine is widower of the same John Odell and that said marriage ceremony was performed by the Reverend Josiah Cornell Baptist Minister in the Town of Manchester state of Vermont in the month of September in the year one Thousand seven hundred and eighty two and this deponent further saith that she did know that the late John Odell served as a soldier in the American war on the part of the united states to the best of her knowledge
Catharine X her mark Curtis

Sworn before me at Port Hope this 10th day of February 1854
Wm S. Marsh J.P
Page 51

[seemingly indiscriminate scribbles at top of page and down left side]

Province of Canada }
United Counties of }
Northumberland }
and Durham }
To wit }  I hereby certify that William S. Marsh Esquire, whose name appeared to the within affidavit, was at the time of the taking of the same and still is a duly commissioned and qualified Justice of the Peace, in and for the said Counties and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Court of Quarter Sessions this Tenth day of February A.D. 1854
Geo F Ward Deputy Clerk of the Peace for said Counties -

[seal affixed at left]

[written upside down at bottom] 
N.Y. [illegible] this but as you have often seen this signature I thought you would receive it, as I did wish to [illegible] the delay that would be requisite to obtain a new [illegible]
J Webster
Page 52

Province of Canada }
United Counties of }
Northumberland & Durham }
Be it known that on the sixth day of July One thousand Eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me John Wilson Esquire of her Majesties Justices of the peace in and for the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham duly authorized to administer oaths within the said Counties Ephraim Doolittle of the Township of Haldimand in the said United Counties who being duly sworn according to law declare that he has been personally acquainted with the late John Odell and Catharine his wife and that he knows them to have lived together as husband and wife and haveing a family of children in AD One thousand Seven hundred and ninety four and further that he late John Odell was pensioned by the congress of the United States. And that he died AD One thousand eight hundred and forty eight and that she aforesaid Catharine Odell his widow is still liveing and residing in the county aforesaid
Ephraim Doolittle
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and that the aforementioned Ephraim Doolittle is a respectable and credible witness
John Willson J.P.
Page 53

Province of Canada }
United Counties of }
Northumberland & Durham }
Be it known that on the Sixth day of July One thousand Eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me John Wilson Esquire one of her majesties Justices of the peace in and for this United Counties of Northumberland & Durham duly authorized to administer oaths within the said Counties of Northumberland and Durham Isaac Doolittle of the township of Haldimand in the said United Counties of who being duly sworn according to law declare that he has been personally acquainted with the late John Odell and and Catharine his wife and that he knows them to have lived together as husband and wife and haveing a family of children AD One thousand Seven Hundred and ninety three and further that the late John Odell was pensioned by the Congress of the United States and that he died AD one thousand Eight hundred and forty eight and that the aforesaid Catharine Odell his widow is still liveing and resideing in the Counties aforesaid.
Issac Doolittle
John Wilson J.P.

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and that the above mentioned Isaac Doolittle is a respectable and credible witness
John Wilson J.P.
Page 54

Province of Canada.

United Counties of }
Northumberland }
and Durham }
I hereby certify that John Wilson Esquire whose name appears to the within affidavits, was at the time of the taking of the same, and still is a duly qualified and commissioned Justice of the Peace, in and for the said United Counties of Northumberland and Durham, and that his signatures thereto are genuine -
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Court of Quarter Sessions for the said Counties, this Tenth day of July in the year of our Lord 1854 -
Geo F Ward
Deputy Clerk of the Peace for said Counties -

[seal affixed at left]

[written vertically at left] Catharine Odell N Y sus 38
M. Nourse Present
Page 55

I William S. Sexton of the township of Carlisle in the county of Lorain and state of Ohio aged fifty years doth depose and say that I was born in the town of Manchester Bennington County in the state of Vermont and that I resided in said town of Manchester for many years and that during my residence in said town I was acquainted with John Odel who then resided in the town of Dorset near the line of Manchester During my residence in said Manchester said Odel removed with his family as I then understood to the province of Upper Canada that in the year A.D. 1813. I removed from Manchester into the state of Ohio and in the year A.D. 1834 I returned to the aforesaid town of Manchester on a visit and while at the house of my uncle William Jameson I was called upon by the said John Odel who had also returned to the aforesaid town of Dorset and Manchester on a visit to his friends in said town said Odel conversed with me about my father who was then deceased and also concerning a brother of my fathers Johnathan Sexton who removed into Canada about the time of said Odel's removal and lived and died in his neighborhood said Odel was then about seventy five years of age and about the age of my father as he conversed with me about the Revolution he having been acquainted with my father in said War and I have always understood said Odel to have been a soldier of the Revolution and in the service of the United States. W. S. Sexton
Page 56

The State of Ohio }
Lorain County S.S. } Be it known that before me Austin C. Penfield a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared the within named William S. Sexton who after being duly sworn according to law subscribed his name to this within affidavit and declared the facts therein stated were true according to his best knowledge & belief
December 10th 1845 A. C. Penfield J. Peace

I certify that the afore named William S. Sexton is a person of credibility and entitled to belief and that the letter "S." interlined between the names "William" and "Sexton" was made previous to affiant's subscribing to the within affidavit
Dated December 10th 1845 A. C. Penfield J. Peace
Page 57

Additional Testimony in the case of John Odel for a pension under the act of the 7. of June 1832 and whose declaration was made and forwarded to the Pension Office in July A.D. 1845
The State of Ohio }
Lorain County S.S. }  I Bird B. Chapman of Elyria in the county aforesaid depose and say that in the month of February 1845 I was called upon by John V. Coon Esq. of the county aforesaid who who consulted with one in reference to the claim of the widow of Ebenezer Woodard to a pension on account of the Revolutionary service of her deceased husband he then informed one that a son of hers David Woodard of Ridgeville in the county aforesaid had conversed with him on the subject and informed him that Josiah Curtis of Onondaga County New York and John Odel [underlined] of the province of Upper Canada would be proper persons to apply to for proof of the said Ebenezer Woodard's services as they were soldiers of the Revolution and resided in the neighborhood of said Woodard in the state of Vermont during the War of the Revolution. On the first day of April following I called upon the aforesaid David Woodard and he likewise informed me that the aforesaid Josiah Curtis and John Odel [underlined] of Upper Canada would be proper persons to apply to for proof of his fathers services as they were soldiers of the Revolution and acquainted with his fathers services in the Revolution I was then on my way to Manchester in the state of Vermont and while in the state of New York I called upon Josiah Curtis aforesaid who also informed me that John Odel [underlined] aforesaid was a worthy soldier of the Revolution in the service of the United States and resided in the township of Hope in the province of Canada West and that he formerly resided in the county of Bennington in the state of Vermont and resided there during the War of the Revolution. While I was in said county of Bennington Vermont I made inquiry concerning the aforesaid John Odel [underlined] and was informed that he resided in the township of Hope in the province of Canada West and that he formerly resided in said County of Bennington Vermont and that
Page 58

and that he was generaly reported to have been a soldier of the Revolution and in the service of the United States On my way back I visited the aforesaid John Odel [underlined] at his house or residence in the township of Hope in the county of Durham in the province of Canada West He then and there informed me that he was a soldier of the Revolution and served nearly one year as such and was in the service of the United States and he also informed me that some years since he visited Rochester in the state of New York for the purpose of making his application to the Government of the United States for a pension on account of his Revolutionary services but that for the want of proper assistance and proof he desisted in the effort He wished me to aid him in making a formal application to the War Department for a pension this was about the last of April or first-days of May last I accordingly made application to the Secretary of the State of Vermont for proof of said John Odel's services and received from him a Certificate of Service and on the fourth of July following the aforesaid John Odel [underlined] accompanied by his son in law Asa Rider visited Rochester New York and on the 5th of July he made his Declaration for a pension under the Act of June 7. 1832 before the Mayor's Court of the City of Rochester in the state of New York I was present when he made oath to said Declaration and from what I know of him I have no doubt as to his being the identical John Odel [underlined] named in the Certificate of the Secretary of the State of Vermont aforesaid nor his age as stated by him in his said Declaration aforesaid as he had every appearance [underlined] of being a man of upwards of eighty years [underlined] of age
Bird B. Chapman

The State of Ohio }
Lorain County S.S. } Be it known that before me Austin C Penfield a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared the above named Bird B. Chapman and upon his oath subscribed his name to the afore affidavit and declaimed that the facts therein stated are true according to his best knowledge and belief
dated December 11th 1835 A.C. Penfield J. Peace
Page 59

I certify that [illegible] as within named affiant Bird B. Chapman is a person of integrity and credibility and that I have been personally acquainted with for many years and such is and always has been his standing in this community.
Dated December 11.th 1845 A.C. Penfield J. Peace

I hereby certify that Bird B. Chapman the above named affiant is a highly respectable member of the Bar of Lorain County Ohio - that said Chapman is a Gentleman of unblemished character and unimpeachable integrity and in any statement by him made implicit reliance may be placed.
Elyria Dec. 15th 1845 Wm F. Lockwood Pros. Atty of Lorain County Ohio
Page 60

State of Vermont }
Bennington County } Manchester March 7 1853
To whom it may concern This may certify that at the request of Johnson Marsh for Catharine Odell, for a copy of the certificate of her Marriage to John Odell at Manchester in A.D. 1782, - by Joseph Cornell. I have carefully examined the Baptist Church records for that and several subsequent years in which Joseph Cornel was Paster of said church, and can find no record of Marriages by him or any other person on record
J. W. Harris Church Clerk
Sworn to before me John Pettibone Justice of Peace

I James Allen of Dorset in the county of Bennington & state of Vermont, do testify & say that in or about the year 1782 Catherine Curtis of the town of Dorset af'd (who was my Mother's sister) was married by Elder Joseph Cornell who was then a babtist Minister in Manchester to John Odel of Manchester af'd & that I & our family were invited to the weding & that they have lived together as man & wife to my knowledge up to the death of the sd John Odel which was I believe to be upwards on about sixty years & I believe the af'd John Odel to be the identical man who served a while in the Revolutionary War & at battle of Bennington
James Allen
State of Vermont }
Bennington County } Dorset March 11th 1853. Then personally apeared the above & within named James Allen & testified that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth before me
Welcome Allen Justice of the Peace
Page 61

We the undersigned inhabitants of the Town of Dorset do testify & say that we were well acquainted with the within named John Odel & Catharine his wife Since the year 1794 & that they lived together as man & wife up to the death of the afd John Odel & believe he was a soldier at the battle of Bennington Vt. 
Daniel Curtis
Polly Petty
State of Vermont
Bennington County
Dorset March 11th 1853 Then personally appeared the above named Daniel Curtis & Polly Petty & made oath to the above containing the whole truth before me
Welcome Allen Justice of Peace

This will certify that I Johnson Marsh was present at the taking of the above deposition & believe the within named Catharine Odel to be the lawful wife of the said John Odel who was said in my hearing that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war & served as a soldier at the Battle of Bennington & that Catharine Odel is now his widow & that they were married at the time specified by the above James Allen as by him stated & am knowing to their living together as man & wife 40 years
Sworn to before me this 16th day of Jany. 1854
J. W. Harris Justice of the Peace
Page 62

[right side of page partially obscured]
of Marriage
Odell
Widow of
Odell
Revolution Service

Oliver Phelps Jr
Atty
Washington
D.C.

[vertically written left side of page]
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss. }
I hereby certify that John S. Pettibone Welcome Allen and J. W. Harris before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken and who have hereunto subscribed their
Page 63

State of Vermont
Bennington County Ss. } I hereby certify that John S. Pettibone Welcome Allen and J. W. Harris before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken and who have thereunto subscribed their names, were at the time of so doing Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Bennington afs - duly commissioned and sworn and that their signatures are genuine. - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Bennington County Court, this 24th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Henry Kellogg Co. Clerk

[seal affixed at left]
Page 64

State of Ohio
Lorain County SS } I John V. Coon of Elyria County and State aforesaid on oath depose and say that in the month of January or February A.D. 1845 I had a conversation with David Woodard of Ridgeville in said county aforesaid in regard to the claim of his mother Elizabeth Woodard for a pension on account of the service of her deseased husband Ebenezer Woodard in the Revolutionary War - I then and there made inquiry of the said David Woodard for persons who knew of the service of said Ebenezer Woodard in said War and the said David Woodard then informed me that one Josiah Curtis of Onondaga  County State of New York and one John Odel [underlined] who resided in the Province of Upper Canada knew of said service in said War of the said Ebenezer Woodard. In the month of February 1845 I understood that Bird B. Chapman Esq of this place was about to visit the State of Vermont and I called upon him and had a conversation with him in regard to the claim of the said Elizabeth Woodard for a pension for the service of her said husband Ebenezer Woodard, and I then and there informed him that said David Woodard informed me that said Josiah Curtis and said John Odel [underlined] knew of such service of said Ebenezer Woodard in said Revolutionary War. I then requested the said Bird B. Chapman to call upon the said Josiah Curtis and learn from him the facts in the case.
I am well acquainted with the said David Woodard. He is a wealthy and respectable farmer of this County and any statement that he should
Page 65

make to me or any other person I should place all confidence in and not question the truth of the statement. He is considered by all who know him as a man of truth integrity and respectability
John V. Coon
Sworn and subscribed before me }
this 13th day of December 1845 }
A. C. Penfield
Justice of the Peace of Lorain County Ohio

In reference to the character of the above affiant John V. Coon the Court is refered to a statement made and dated at Elyria Ohio Nov. 12th 1845 and forwarded to the Pension Office wherein the character of said Coon for credibility and integrity is set forth
Page 66

Elyria Lorain Co. Ohio Jan'y 9th 1846
Sir
The inclosed papers contains a number of affidavits in support of the claim of a soldier to a pension. The claim a just and honest one [underlined] There is no dispute as to the service of the claimant, but in making his Declaration the Comr of Pensions was not satisfied with the proof of identify [underlined] As Mr. Edwards is very [underlined] particular in regard to proof and seemingly distrustful [underlined] of any person having business with the Pension Office and as I have no personal acquaintence with him I have thought proper to send the accompanying papers to you and request [underlined] that you would certify [underlined] to your knowledge [underlined] of my character [underlined] and hand the same with the accompanying papers to Mr. Edwards. You will please inform me of your receipt of this and what you may do in the matter and by so doing you will confer a favor on me the accompanying affidavits are of persons of high respectibility in this county as you will see by certificates attached to them. I have expected to have carried the accompanying papers to Washington myself but as our court sits in this county the first of next month I have delayed going until after its session
I remain your friend
Bird B. Chapman

Hon. Lewis Cass
Washington D.C. 

The writer is a gentleman and of high respectability, every word to be defended. Lewis Cass 
Jan 15. 1846
Page 67

Jan. 19. 1845.

John Odell
June 7. 1832.
Ohio
Page 68

Elyria Lorain Co Ohio Jany 9th 1846

Sir
Accompanying this you will recieve several affidavits in support of the claim of John Odell for a pension His declaration was made before the Mayors Court of the City of Rochester New York in July 1845 and forwarded to your Department. You will please examine the accompanying testimony and inform me of your decision by letter addressed to me at this place Elyria Lorain Co. Ohio [last six words underlined]
I am very Respectfully Yours
Bird B. Chapman

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 69

30

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

[vertically at left] July 10. 1845
Jno Odell
June 7 1832
Page 70

Province of Canada
United Counties of Northumberland
and Durham. } We Isaac Doolittle [illegible] and Ephreaim Doolittle Esquire being duly sworn saith that they were personally acquainted with the late John Odell and his wife Cathrine of the State of Vermont and County of Bennington Township of Dorset in the year of our Lord 1793 & 1794 and knew them to have lived together as man and wife and they had at that time one son and three daughters namely Jacob, about ten years old, Aseneth, about Eight, Lucy, about six, Mary, about 4 years old and Elizebeth, an infant all of which children we knew them to have had in the year 1793 we lived within one fourth of a Mile of his the said John Odells House for nearly four years after the Birth of the aforesaid infant child Elizabeth in the year 1798 they Removed to Canada and settled in the Township of Hope in the Newcastle District and County of Durham and they remained there untill his death which took place in the year of our Lord 1848 we have lived within 25 miles of his place of residence for the last fifty years and was in his house several times and he in ours, in the Township of Haldimand County of Northumberland 
Sworn before me at Haldimand in County of Northumberland this Fifteenth day of September 1854
Isaac Doolittle
Ephraim Doolittle
John Wilson J. P.
Page 71

This is to Certify that I know the within Isaac Doolittle Junior and Ephraim Doolittle Esquire to be creditable witnesses and disinterested in the case.
John Wilson J.P

Province of Canada.

United Counties of }
Northumberland }
and Durham }
to wit }  I certify that John Wilson Esquire whose name appears to the within written Declaration and the above Certificate, was at the time of the due execution of the same and still is a duly qualified Commissioner and acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the said Counties, and that the signatures John Wilson, J.P. to the same are the genuine signatures of the said Justice.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Court of Quarter Sessions in and for the said Counties this Eighteenth day of September A.D. 1854.

Geo. F. Ward
Deputy Clerk of the Peace for said Counties.

[seal affixed at left]
Page 72

Wm Sexton }
Ephraim Gifford } Proof of Marriage
of Catharine Odell widow
of John Odell (decd)
Rev " Service.

Oliver Phelps Jr
Washington
D.C.
Page 73

County of }
Durham }
To Wit }  On this first day of March A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and fifty nine personally appeared before me Hiram Hodges a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County aforesaid, William Sexton, Gentleman, and Ephraim Gifford, Gentleman, both of them residents of the County aforesaid and the Province of Canada, who being duly sworn according to law declare that they have been personally acquainted with the late John Odell [underlined] and Catharine, [underlined] his wife, that they knew them up to & prior to 1796
And said deponants further state that they knew them to live together as husband and wife, and having a family of children at that time and also further that they know that the said John Odell was pensioned by the United States Congress and that he died in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and forty eight and Catharine Odell is his widow and still living and residing in the County aforesaid
William Sexton
Ephraim Gifford
Sworn and subscribed before me this]
day and year above written }

Hiram Hodges J.P. in & for }
the County aforesaid }

I hereby certify that the above parties are respectable and credible witnesses
NewCastle }
March 1st, 1859 } Hiram Hodges JP
Page 74

Province of Canada
United Counties of
Northumberland and Durham }  I Thomas Ward Clerk of the Court for the said United Counties do hereby certify that Hiram Hodges Esquire is a Justice of the Peace of the said United Counties of Northumberland and Durham duly sworn and qualified to act as such and I believe the signature Hiram Hodges in the within. Instruments is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed seal this - seventeenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
T Ward

[seal affixed at left]
Page 75

Province of Canada
County of Durham
and of the United Counties
of Northumberland and
Durham to Wit }  I Catherine Odell of the Township of Hope in the County of Durham aforesaid Widow of John Odell deceased a soldier formerly in the Revolutionary Army and who was registered from New York under the Act of July the Seventh, in the year of our Lord 1838 do hereby solemnly declare and affirm that I am unable on account of sickness and bodily infirmity to attend any Court of Record or to leave the Province of Canada where I at present reside. Dated this twenty fourth day of April A.D. 1854.
Catherine X her mark Odell
In presence of
Geo Borwell
Wm S. Marsh

Province of Canada }
United Counties of }
Northumberland and }
Durham to Wit }  I George Morss Boswell Esquire Judge of the County Court of the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham aforesaid in the said Province do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Catherine Odell in the above declaration mentioned and that the said Declaration was made before me by the said Catherine Odell and subscribed by her in my presence this twenty fourth day of April in the year of our
Page 76

Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four at the residence of her the said Catherine Odell - in the said Township of Hope within County of Durham aforesaid and I further certify that I believe the statements contained in the said declaration to be substantially true
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Geo Borwell
County Judge
Northumberland & Durham Upper Canada

[vertically at upper right] Cathe Odell
N Y Jun 38
M. Nourse
Present
Page 77

Copy of papers sent
to Henry Kellogg
Co Clerk of Bennington
Vt - May 18 1854
Page 78

"Copy"

Manchester March 7th 1833.
State of Vermont }
Bennington County }
To whom it may concern, This may certify that at the request of Johnson Marsh, for Catharine Odell for a copy of the certificate of her marriage to John Odell, at Manchester in A.D. 1782, by Joseph Cornell, I have carefully examined the Baptist Church records of that and several subsequent years in which Joseph Cornell was Pastor of said Church, and can find no record of Marriages by him or any other person on record.
J. V. Harris Church Clerk.

Sworn to before me
John S. Pettibone
Justice of Peace.

I James Allen, of Dorset, in the County of Bennington, & State of Vermont, do testify and say that in or about the year 1782, Catharine Curtis of the town of Dorset, af'd (who was my mothers sister) was married by Elder Joseph Cornell, who was then a baptist minister in Manchester, to John Odel, of sd Manchester af'd and that I and our family were invited to the wedding, and that they have lived together as man and wife to my knowledge up to the death of the sd John Odel, which was I believe to be upwards or about sixty years, & I believe the sd John Odel, to be the identical man who served awhile in the revolutionary
Page 79

war & at the battle of Bennington.
James Allen.
State of Vermont }
Bennington County }
Dorset March 11th 1853.
Then personally appeared the above and within named James Allen, and testified that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before me.
Welcome Allen Justice of the Peace.

We the undersigned inhabitants of the town of Dorset, do testify & say that we were well acquainted with the within named John Odel & Catharine his wife since the year 1794 & that they lived together as man and wife up to the death of the sd John Odel, and believe that he was a soldier at the battle of Bennington Vt.
Daniel Curtis
Polly Petty.

Bennington County.
Dorset March 11th 1853.
Then personally appeared the above named Daniel Curtis & Polly Petty, and made oath to the above contains the whole truth before me.
Welcome Allen Justice of the Peace
Page 80

This may certify that I Johnson Marsh was present at the taking of the above depositions and believe the within named Catharine Odel, to be the lawful wife of the sd John Odel who has said in my hearing that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war & served as a soldier at the battle of Bennington, and that Catharine Odel is now his widow & that they were married at the time specified by the above James Allen as by him stated and am knowing to their living together as man & wife 40 years.
Sworn to before me this 16th day of Jany 1854.
J. W. Harris
Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont }
Bennington County ss. }
I hereby certify that John S. Pettibone, Welcome Allen & J. W. Harris before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken and who have thereunto subscribed their names, were at the time of so doing Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Bennington af'd duly commissioned and sworn & that their signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of Bennington County Court this 24th day of Jany in the year of our Lord one thousand eighteen hundred and fifty four.
Henry Kellogg
Co Clerk

[at left, circled] Seal
Page 81

State of New York }
Onondaga County Ss. } Be it known that before me John Rice a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Josiah Curtis a resident of the town of Elbridge county and state aforesaid aged eighty five years and made oath in due form of law that during the War of the American Revolution he resided in the town of Dorset county of Bennington and state of Vermont and that during all of the period of said War he was personally acquainted with John Odel then a resident of the town of Dorset county of Bennington and state of Vermont and now a resident of the Township of Hope county of Durham and province of Canada West. That the aforesaid John Odel served nearly one year as a private in the Militia and State Troops of the state of Vermont That he first entered the service in the year 1778 and served two months in the spring of that year as a private in Capt. Isaac Clark's Company of Militia. Next he also served over nine months in Capt. Parmelee Allen's company of Rangers in Maj. Allens detachment in the year 1780 That he also served in Capt Jacob Odel's Company of Militia in the year 1781 as a private. The aforesaid John Odel was married to a sister of Affiants near the close of the war and Affiant was intimately acquainted with said Odel at the time of his services; said Odel is now in the eighty fourth year of his age and is a man of truth and veracity.
Josiah X his mark Curtis
Sworn to and subscribed this 15th day of May A.D. 1845
In presence of
John Rice }
Bird B. Chapman }
Before me
{John Rice, Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me and that he is a man of credibility {John Rice Justice of the Peace
Page 82

I certify that the word "age" between the words "his" & "and" was made previous to the within affiant subscribing to the within affidavit. And that he is unable to write his name by reason of decrepitude & sickness. {John Rice Justice of the Peace

State of New York }
Onondaga County }
Clerks Office - } SS
I certify that John Rice Esq was at the date of the foregoing affidavit & certificates a Justice of the Peace in & for said county, commissioned & sworn & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his, are genuine. Given under my hand & the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, at Syracuse this 16th day of May A.D. 1845
Lewis J. Gillet, Deputy the Clerk absent

[seal affixed at left]
Page 83

I Jane Sexton of the township of Carlisle in the county of Lorain in the state of Ohio aged eighty one years depose and say that in the time of the American Revolution I resided in Manchester Bennington County in the state of Vermont and resided in said state of Vermont until the year 1816 when I removed into the state of Ohio That during the War of the Revolution and while residing in said town of Manchester I was personally acquainted with John Odel [underlined] who then resided in the town of Dorset Bennington county Vermont and about two miles from my residence During my residence in said state of Vermont said John Odel [underlined] removed into the province of Upper Canada and one Jonathan Sexton who was a brother of my husband Aaron Sexton removed there also and died in said John Odel's neighborhood said John Odel [underlined] was a soldier of the Revolution I was very intimately acquainted with said John Odel [underlined] having associated with him in company as one of the young women of his neighborhood said John Odel [underlined] was a few years older than myself as I know he was married about three years before I was to Catharine Curtis who then resided in the aforesaid town of Dorset and was one of my associates I was married in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four to Aaron Sexton I should think said John Odel [underlined] was now eighty four or five years of age.
Jane X her mark Sexton
In presence of
David Bennet
B. B. Chapman
The State of Ohio }
Lorain County S.S. } Be it known that before me David Bennet a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared the above named affiant Jane Sexton who after being sworn according to law subscribed her name to the above affidavit and declared the facts as therein stated are true according to her best knowledge and belief. David Bennet Justice of the peace
dated December 29th 1845
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I certify that the within affiant Jane Sexton is a credible person and entitled to belief. David Bennet Justice of the peace Dated December 29th 1845

For proof of the above or within affiants age, former resident [underlined] &c. the commission of Pensions is referred [underlined] to her Declaration made and forwarded to the Pension Office In June A.D. 1845 as the widow of Aaron Sexton

The State of Ohio }
Lorain County S.S. } I George H. Benham Clerk of the court of common Pleas within and for the county aforesaid hereby certify that David Bennet is a justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified that his Commission was dated on the 18th day of November A.D. 1843 and will expire on the 18th day of November A.D. 1846 and that his signatures to the within affidavit of Jane Sexton are genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Elyria in said county this 2nd day of January AD 1846
G H. Benham Clerk
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The State of Ohio Lorain County S.S.
I George H. Benham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the county aforesaid hereby certify that Austin C. Penfield Esq is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the ninth day of September eighteen hundred and forty four and will expire on the ninth day of September eighteen hundred and forty seven and that his signatures to the affidavit of Bird B. Chapman John V. Coon David Woodard and William S Sexton which are hereunto annexed are genuine and I also certify that Wm F Lockwood whose name is subscribed to a certificate on the same sheet with the affidavit of Bird B. Chapman and David Woodard is the Prosecuting Attorney for Lorain County Ohio and his signatures as aforesaid are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto Subscribe my name and affix the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas at Elyria this 2nd day of January AD 1846
G. H. Benham Clerk