Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 24., Abijah Adams, [ILLEGIBLE]
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SERVICE
Conn
RJ (?)

Adams, Abijah

NUMBER
R. 24

CONTENTS
Son of Peter, b. in Brooklyn, Windham Co. Conn, & res there at enl.
died June 12, 1843, at Luzerne, Warren Co. N. Y.
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State of New York
Saratoga County Ss
Be it known that before me David Maxwell a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared Silas Adams of the town of Milton county and state aforesaid aged ninety years who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that during the period of the Revolutionary War he resided in Brooklyn county of Windham and state of Connecticut. That Abijah Adams late of Luzerne in the county of Warren and state of New York was his brother and about two years younger than this deponent. That Abijah Adams died five years ago last year. That this deponent is now a Revolutionary pensioner and that his brother Abijah Adams was a soldier of the Revolution. That this deponent and Abijah Adams were both members of one family at Brooklyn aforesaid. That this deponent & Abijah Adams both belonged to Captain Smiths company of infantry in Colonel Douglas Regiment in the county of Windham in Connecticut aforesaid. That this deponent and Abijah Adams both assisted in carrying on their Father's farm. That this deponent and Abijah Adams were never in the service together for the reason that their father required the service of one of them at home on the farm. This deponent remembers that Abijah Adams was drafted for three months to serve in Captain Smiths company of militia in the year 1777 as this deponent thinks he was drafted in the month of September and was stationed at New London and served his time out there as a private. The next fall Abijah Adams enlisted for five months as a private in Colonel Webbs regiment. That he enlisted under Lieutenant Cleveland of the Connecticut troops. That Abijah Adams went to Long Island under Colonel Webb. That Webb and his regiment were taken by the British on the shore of Long Island while on board of a vessel that had run aground. That while the British were taking the prisoners ashore in small boats, Abijah Adams with others jumped overboard and got ashore. That this deponent cannot recollect the
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precise day when Abijah Adams entered the service but is confident that it was as early as the 15th of September 1779 when he joined Colonel Webbs Regiment on the sound opposite Long Island. That Abijah Adams served five months or until Colonel Webb was taken prisoner by the British.
That in 1778 an Artillery company was raised at Brooklyn under command of Captain Tyler. That this deponent enlisted in that company for three months and went to New London Fort and continued there one month, on which deponent now gets a pension. That the remaining two of the three months Abijah Adams served in this deponents place as a substitute and went on to Rhode Island with Captain Tyler at the time of General Sulivans retreat. That the said term of three months commenced the first of June 1778.
That Abijah Adams was drafted in 1780 under Captain Smith for three months in the summer but the precise day this deponent cannot state and served three months as a private at New London. That in the year 1781 the old men were called the Silver Greys and formed into classes and drafted. That this deponents Father Peter Adams was drafted for three months and sent Abijah Adams his son as his substitute who went and served the three months under Captain Benjamin Bacon commanding the Grays who made [ cut off by an overlaying piece of paper - continued underneath that]
do hereby certify that Silas Adams is to me well known to be a man of good moral character of a sound mind and a credible witness. "1797" interlined between 1st and 2nd line 2nd page & the word "company" erased sixth line same page before execution.
David Maxwell Justice of the Peace

[overlaid piece of paper]
State of New York
Saratoga County Clerk's Office,} ss.
I, JAMES W. HORTON, CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF SARATOGA, do hereby certify, That David Maxwell whose name is subscribed to the annexed INSTRUMENT, is a Justice of the Peace of the County of Saratoga, dwelling in said county; duly qualified. And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice of the Peace and verily believe that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. And that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the state of New York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 29 day of December in the year 1848.
James W. Horton CLERK.
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precise day when Abijah Adams entered the service but is confident that it was as early as the 15th of September 1779 when he joined Colonel Webbs Regiment on the sound opposite Long Island. That Abijah Adams served five months or until Colonel Webb was taken prisoner by the British.
That in 1778 an Artillery company was raised at Brooklyn under command of Captain Tyler. That this deponent enlisted in that company for three months and went to New London Fort and continued there one month, on which deponent now gets a pension. That the remaining two of the three months Abijah Adams served in this deponents place as a substitute and went on to Rhode Island with Captain Tyler at the time of General Sulivans retreat. That the said term of three months commenced the first of June 1778.
That Abijah Adams was drafted in 1780 under Captain Smith for three months in the summer but the precise day this deponent cannot state and served three months as a private at New London. That in the year 1781 the old men were called the Silver Greys and formed into classes and drafted. That this deponents Father Peter Adams was drafted for three months and sent Abijah Adams his son as his substitute who went and served the three months under Captain Benjamin Bacon commanding the Grays who resided at Canterbery as a private.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 12th day of October 1848
David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
Silas Adams

New York
[covered] County Ss. I David Maxwell the above named Justice do hereby certify that Silas Adams is to me well known to be a man of good moral character of a sound mind and a credible witness. "1797" interlined between 1st and 2nd line 2nd page & the word "company" erased sixth line same page before execution.
David Maxwell Justice of the Peace
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37650
Abijah Adams decd
NY
act 7 June 1832

[upside down]
Please send answer to H[illegible] White
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State of New York
County of Warren} Before the County Judge at [illegible] in the Village of Glen Falls in said county this 28th day of November 1845 before Enoch H. Roschines, Judge
In open court, the most satisfactory evidence was exhibited to prove that Abijah Adams, late of Luzerne, deceased, was a soldier of the Revolution and during the period of the Revolutionary War resided in the town of Brooklyn in the county of Windham and state of Connecticut, where he resided when he entered into the service of the United States, and served as a Private under the following names officers, viz.
In 1777 when he was attached to the company of militia infantry commanded by Capt. William Smith in Col. Douglass Regiment, he was drafted for three months and served as a private three months at New London in the latter part of said year.
In 1778 he again entered the service of the United States and served as a substitute for Silas Adams, who was drafted for three months and served one month when he the said Abijah Adams took his place and served two months as a private of artilary in Captain Tyler's company at New London.
In 1779 (in the fall) he the said Abijah Adams engaged as a private for five months under Lieut Cleveland of the Connecticut troops, and went to Long Island under Col. Webb & served in Col. Webb's Regiment until he was captured by the enemy. Said Abijah Adams made his escape.
In 1780 he was drafted for three months and served as a private at New London under Capt. Smith, the full term of his being drafted, to wit three months.
In 1781 when his Father Peter Adams, was attached to the company of "Silver Greys", under the command of Capt. Benjamin Bacon, he was drafted for three months
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and the said Abijah Adams served as a private the said term of three months, for Peter Adams aforesaid.
And it further appears to said Court, that the said Abijah Adams soon after the close of the Revolutionary War removed to the county of Saratoga in the state of New York where he resided until about the year 1799. And removed to the county of Warren and state aforesaid, where he resided until the day of his death, and died on the twelfth day of June A. D. 1843 leaving him surviving no widow, his wife having died several years previous.
He left him surviving the following named children, who are of lawful age, and are the only children of said Abijah Adams now living, viz.
Serepta Hubbard, wife of Hugh Hubbard, resident in the county of Fond du lac in the state of Wisconsin.
Gardner Adams of Athol, Warren County, New YOrk
Mira Aldrich, wife of Seth Aldrich, Luzerne, Warren County.
Lila, wife of James D. Weston, Glen's Falls, said county & state.
Dorcas, wife of Garrett Gage of Luzerne do. do.
And the said Abijah Adams was at the time of his death, aged eighty three years.
And further the above named heirs of the said Abijah Adams, deceased, respectfully claim the amount of pension due their father, the said Abijah Adams, at the time of his death, under the Act of Congress passed on the 7th day of June, 1833.
Enoch H. Roschines,
County Judge of Warren County
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State of New York
Warren County Ss} I Thomas Archibald Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Enoch H. Roschnes whose name is subscribed to the annexed deposition or statement was on the day of the date of the same County Judge of the County Courts of the county of Warren and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe his name subscribed to the annexed declaration nor brief to be his proper hand writing and signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said county this 29 day of November 1848.
Thomas Archibald Clerk
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State of New York
Warren County}ss. Be it know that before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared James Lawrence of the town of Luzerne county and state aforesaid aged 52, who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Abijah Adams late of the said town of Luzerne for 18 years previous to his death. That deponent was present at the death of said Abijah Adams. That said Adams died on the twelfth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three at Luzerne aforesaid of a natural death and was at the time of his death as deponent believes judging from the appearance of said Adams more than eighty years of age.
James Lawrence, M. D.
Physician & Surgeon

Subscribed and sworn before me this 27th day of November 1848
Morgan Burdick Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County of Warren}ss. And I the above named Justice do hereby certify that James Lawrence the deponent above named is to me well known to be a person of fair reputation as a practicing physician and surgeon and is a credible witness. Dated Luzerne 15th December 1848.
Morgan Burdick Justice
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State of New York
Warren County Ss. I Thomas Archibald Clerk of the said county do certify that Morgan Burdick before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same was one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and do believe his name subscribed to said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office this 29th day of November 1848.
Thomas Archibald Clerk
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State of New York
Saratoga County Clerk's Office,} Ss.
I, JAMES W. HORTON, CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF SARATOGA, do hereby certify, That Augustus Broker Esq whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit was at the date of said affidavit Judge of the County of Saratoga, dwelling in said county; duly qualified. And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of said Judge and verily believe that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County this 2 day of November in the year 1849.
James W. Horton CLERK
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State of New York
County of Saratoga}ss. Be it known that before me A. Bockes Saratoga County Judge in for said county, personally appeared Silas Adams of Milton in the county and state aforesaid, aged ninety-one years. Who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that Abijah Adams late of Luzerne in the county of Warren and state of New York deceased, was his brother. That during the period of the Revolutionary War deponent & his said brother Abijah resided in the town of Brooklyn in the county of Windham and state of Connecticut, with their Father Peter Adams, and deponent served as a soldier of the War of the Revolution and served as a private under the officers named in the within statement set tot he name of Silas Adams and on which said services said deponent is now in the receipt of a pension from the United States. And that his said brother Abijah Adams served as a private of the Revolution under the officers and during the periods therein stated, and that the service set to the name of the said Abijah Adams was performed by him in person, and that no part of the same is in [illegible] in that set to the name of Silas Adams and that the reason why the said Abijah Adams did not apply for a pension during his life time, was (as deponent verily believes) in consequence of his being mentally deranged, he was incapable of transacting his ordinary business, and for many years previous to his death, he did not recognize his children although they resided with a few miles from him at least the greatest part of them nor did he recognize his near neighbors nor did he know deponent until informed it was his brother Silas.
Subscribed and sworn this 25th day of October 1849 before me
A. Bockes 
[illegible] Judge
[illegible]

Silas Adams

'State of New York
County of Saratoga}ss. And I the above named Judge do hereby certify that an erasure was made on the 5th line and "one", inserted above it and "Abijah", interlined between the 21st and 22nd lines and also an erasure was made on the 33 line of the above all done before sworn.
A. Bockes, Sar Co. Judge

And I certify that the above named Silas Adams is to me known to be a person of strict integrity for truth and is a credible witness and he was made perfectly to understand every part of therein annexed before sworn.
A. Bockes Sar. Co. Judge
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Silas Adams Rev. Service
[column titles] date of service & amount | name and grads of officers | where stationed
in 1776 | 1 mo 18 days | Capt. William Smith, Colonel Dougless | Westchester NY
Dec 1776 to March 1777 | 3 months 00 days | Capt. Smith Co. Dougless | Point Judah Prov. R. I.
In 1778 January | 3 months 00 days | Capt Smith &c | Providence S. Bristol R. I.
1778 June | 1 month | Capt. D. Tyler of the Artillery | New London Fort
In 1779 January | 3 months | ~ | ~

Abijah Adams Rev. Service contracted with Silas Adams
[same column headings]
in 1777 from 1st Sept | 3 mo | Capt William Smith Col. Dougless | at New London
In 1778 July | 2 months | Capt. Tyler, substitute for Silas Adams | New London
1779 in the Fall Season | enlisted for 5 mo | Col. Webbs Regt Lieutenant Cleveland | Long Island Captured
In 1780 | 3 months | Capt. W. Smith | New London
1781 | 3 months | Capt. Bacon substitute for Peter Adams | at [nothing further]
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State of New York
Saratoga County Ss.
Eveline Hemstreet being duly sworn according to law says that she resides in the town of Milton in the county and state aforesaid. That she was well acquainted with Abijah Adams during his life time. That this deponent is 41 years old and has been acquainted with the said Abijah Adams from her earliest infancy. That the last year and a half before he died this deponent resided in his family and saw him daily. That he resided in the town of Luzerne in Warren County state of New York. That the said Abijah Adams was incapable of transacting his ordinary business from mental derangement during the time this deponent lived with him. And this deponent understood and believed that the said Abijah Adams was deranged for a long time previous. That to transact the business of the said Abijah Adams James D. Weston was appointed his agent for the reason that he was incapable to do it himself. That this deponent has been informed and believes that the said James D. Weston died about two weeks ago.

State of New York,
Saratoga County Clerk's Office.}SS. 
I, JAMES W. HORTON, CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF SARATOGA, do hereby certify, that David Maxwell Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit was at the date of said Judgement, a Justice of the Peace of the County of Saratoga, dwelling in said county; duly qualified. And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 2d day of November in the year 1849.
James W. Horton, CLERK
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State of New York
Saratoga County Ss.
Eveline Hemstreet being duly sworn according to law says that she resides in the town of Milton in the county and state aforesaid. That she was well acquainted with Abijah Adams during his life time. That this deponent is 41 years old and has been acquainted with the said Abijah Adams from her earliest infancy. That the last year and a half before he died this deponent resided in his family and saw him daily. That he resided in the town of Luzerne in Warren County state of New York. That the said Abijah Adams was incapable of transacting his ordinary business from mental derangement during the time this deponent lived with him. And this deponent understood and believed that the said Abijah Adams was deranged for a long time previous. That to transact the business of the said Abijah Adams James D. Weston was appointed his agent for the reason that he was incapable to do it himself. That this deponent has been informed and believes that the said James D. Weston died about two weeks ago.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 25th day of Sept. 1849.
Maxwell
Justice of the Peace

Eveline Hemstreet
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State of New York
County of Saratoga}Ss. and I the Justice aforesaid do hereby certify that Eveline Hemstreet within named is to me known to be a person of strict integrity for truth and veracity and is a credible witness.
David Maxwell
Justice of the Peace
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State of New York
County of Warren} ss.
On this 27th day of July AD 1853 personally appeared before the [illegible] authority, Dorcas Sage, a resident of Luzerne in the county and state above written who after being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following supplementary declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by act of Congress passed May 15th 1828 and should she fail of proving the service of her father, Abijah Adams, to the close of the war of the Revolution, then she claims the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That she believes her late father Abijah Adams, after having served as a substitute in the militia for one or more terms in the forepart of the war of the Revolution which service it is not possible to prove at this late day, that in 1779, he enlisted into the company of a Captain Olny which was attached to the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment under the command of Col. Angel and after serving therein nearly two years, ont he Consolation of the 1st and 2nd Rhode Island Regiments, she believes that her late father engaged to serve in the regiment under the command of Lieut Col. Jeremiah Olney until the close of the war, and was regularly discharged as he stated in his lifetime.
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at or near its close.. And this declarant would further state that her late father would not institute a claim for his pension during his lifetime because he said he had at that time property enough that the Government would not give it to him under the Law of 1818 and 1820 unless he swore that he was unable to support himself without its bounty, and that previous to  his death he would not make the application for reasons before stated. And she now asks in her own name and in behalf of her brother, Gardner Adams, and her sisters Sarrepta Hubbard and Lela McLaren, they being the sole surviving children of Abijah Adams, decd. The amount of the pension which was due her late father at the date of his death may be allowed and paid to his children.
Dorcas Gage

Sworn and subscribed to the day & year first above written.
Orange Ferris County Judge & Surrogate of Warren County

State of New York
County of Warren}Ss. At a Surrogates Court held at the village of Glen's Falls in said county on this 27th day of July 1853 personally appeared in open court, Dorcas Gage who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that she had heard the foregoing declaration by her subscribed, read, and that she knew the contents thereof, and that the same was true of her own knowledge. And I further certify that I
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am well acquainted with said Dorcas Gage & her character for truth & veracity is unexceptionable and her declaration is entitled to the fullest credit.
And I further certify that from the records in the surrogates office in said county in my possession and other evidence adduced before me, it satisfactorily appears that Abijah Adams in said declaration named, died on the 12th day of June 1843 and that his only surviving children are Dorcas Gage, Gardner Adams, Lela McLaren, and Sarepta Hubbard. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said surrogate at the village of Glens Falls aforesaid this 27th day of July 1853. 
Orange Ferriss County Judge & Surrogate of Warren County

Supplementary Declaration of Dorcas Gage in behalf of the heirs of Abijah Adams deceased.
Surrogates Certificate
No. 1.
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Supplementary declaration of Dorcas Gage in behalf of the heirs of Abijah Adams deceased.
Surrogates Certificate
No. 1.
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I Fanny Bucher of Huntington in the county of Chittenden and state of Vermont, being duly sworn, depose and say, that I am sixty years of age, and a daughter of Ephraim Adams late of Hinesburg in the county and state aforesaid, I well knew Abijah Adams, an elder brother of my father, who resided in Luzerne, Warren County New York, and he often visited my fathers house. And I once accompanied my father to my uncles house in Luzerne. The said Abijah Adams, often talked about his services in the War of the Revolution and stated that he served in the early part of the war in the Rhode Island militia, and afterwards enlisted (I believe) for and during the war, in the Regiment of Col. Olney, in the Rhode Island Line. My Grandfather Peter Adams, lived and died in Brooklyn Windham County Connecticut, where my uncle and the rest of the family were born. And where Elisha Adams my father's youngest brother lived when I last heard from him. I further say that I have no interest in the claim of the children of Abijah Adams, now pending in the Pension Office.
Fanny Beecker

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 22 day of March 1854. Orrin Carpenter Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above named affiant is a person of truth and [illegible]
Orrin Carpenter J. P. 

Huntington March 22, 1854
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STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } CHITTENDEN, S. S.
I, J. S. Adams, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Chittenden, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that, Orrin Carpenter & Wm. J. Dougless Esq. &c. were at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now are Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that their signatures to the foregoing jurat and certificate are genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, they are duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Burlington, this twenty fifty day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
J. S. Adams, CLERK
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I Elisha Adams of Brooklyn, County of Windham and state of Connecticut depose and say that I was eighty years old on the [smudged]th day of March AD 1854. That I am a son of Peter Adams, who had seven sons of whom I am the youngest. My recollection of the latter years of the Revolutionary War is clear and distinct, and I well remember that my brother Abijah Adams was in the Army of the Revolution, and that at the expiration of one term of service he returned home and brought with him his gun and knapsack. He soon returned to the service and continued in the Army for sometime, but the period of time he continued with the Army of the Revolution I am unable to determine, for I have had no conversation on the subject for more than forty years. I further remember that my father talked of joining the Army, but my brother Abijah went instead of him; and I also remember that the said Abijah's absence from the home, and his service int he army was frequently the subject of conversation between my father and mother and other members of the family.
Brooklyn 29th June 1854.
Elisha Adams
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State of Connecticut, Windham County Ss.
Brooklyn 29th June 1854
Then personally appeared Elisha Adams to me well known, and who signed the within and foregoing in my presence, and made oath tot he truth of the same before me.
Daniel P. Tyler
Justice of the Peace

And I further certify that the said Elisha Adams is a man of undoubted truth and veracity.
Daniel P. Tyler
Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
County of Windham}Ss. Office of Clerk of County Court
I Uriel Fuller Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that Daniel P. Tyler Esq, before whom the within affidavit of Elisha Adams was sworn and who has certified the same was & is at the date of said certificate, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Windham aforesaid, duly appointed & sworn. I further certify that I verily believe the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court at Brooklyn this 29th day of June AD 1854.
Uriel Fuller Clerk
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_____Ex'r.  INVALID

REJECTED
Children of Abijah Adams
P. O. ______
Service: ______
Enlisted: _______
Discharged _______
Application filed _______
Alleges: List of suspended claims pointed in 1852, shows cause of suspension as follows: "Suspended for defective proof of service."

Gen. notes [illegible] by N. O. adams Sept 83
1928 July 20 photos to E. V. Martindale. See Wm. Adair W. 9691. A. W. Y.
1931 July 23 Hist Mary E. Smith M. L. B.
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MLB

Mary E. Smith
48 Reynolds Street
Danielson, Connecticut

Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 24, that Abijah Adams, son of Peter Adams who lived during the War of the Revolution in Brooklyn, Windham County, Connecticut, died there, date not given.
It is alleged in the claim that Abijah Adams, born in Brooklyn, Connecticut (date not stated), while living in Brooklyn, Connecticut, served as private with the Connecticut troops, as follows: from September 1777, three months in Captain William Smith's company, Colonel Douglass' Regiment; from June 1778, two months as substituted for his brother, Silas, in Captain Tyler's company; from September 15, 1779, five months under Lieutenant Cleaveland in Colonel Webb's regiment, was taken prisoner by the British but made his escape; in 1780, three months in Captain Smith's company; in 1781, as substitute for his father, Peter, three months in Captain Benjamin Bacon's company; and also that he served with the Rhode Island troops  until the close of the war in Captain Olney's company, Colonels Jeremiah Olney's and Angel's regiment.
Soon after the Revolution Abijah Adams moved to Saratoga County, New York, and in 1799 moved to Luzerne, Warren County, New York.
He died June 12, 1843, aged about eighty-three years, in Luzerne, New York, leaving no widow.
The following children survived him:
Sarepta, wife of Hugh Hubbard, of Fon du lac, Wisconsin
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Children continued - 

Gardner Adams, of Athol, Warren County, New York
Mira, wife of Seth Aldrich, of Luzerne, New York
Lila or Lela, wife of James D. Weston, of Glens Falls, New York
Dorcas, wife of Garrett Gage, of Luzerne, New York.

The above named children applied for the pension that might have been due their father, but the claim was not allowed as proof of service as required by the pension laws was not established.

In 1863, the following children were surviving:
Gardner Adams
Sarepta Hubbard
Lela McLaren
Dorcas Gage

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to the Administrator
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[too dark to read]
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State of New York
Warren County Ss}
I Thomas Archibald Clerk of the said county do certify that [illegible] Archibald before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county this 23rd day of December 1848.
Thomas Archibald, Clerk
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State of New York
County of Warren} Ss. On this fifteenth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before me James D. Weston of the town of Queensbury in said County of Warren to me personally known who being by me duly sworn deposes and says that he is forty seven years of age, that he was well acquainted with Abijah Adams, late of the town of Luzerne in said county deceased, that he resided in the family of and with the said Adams for thirty years next, previous & up to the time of his death, which occurred on the twelfth day of June in the year 1843. That he frequently heard said Adams say that he had been in the Revolutionary War as a soldier, that the first time he was in said war was in the year 1777 attached as a common soldier to a company commanded by William Smith in a regiment under the command of Colonel Douglass. That he served as a private in said company and regiment at New London for three months in the latter part of said year and was then taken sick with the measles. That in the year 1778 he served as a substitute for Silas Adams two months at New London, under Captain Tyler. That in the year 1779 (in the fall of the year) he enlisted and served for five months under Lieutenant Cleveland of the Connecticut Troops and went to Long Island and served under Colonel Webb until he was made prisoner by the enemy. That with other prisoners he was then sent on board a vessel (meaning a ship) from which with one other prisoner he escaped to the shore by swimming in the night time. That in the year 1780 he was drafted for three months and served for that time under Captain Smith. That in
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the year 1781 he again entered the army as a substitute for his, said Adams, Father, and served the said three months as such substitute.
And deponent further says that the foregoing facts were stated, substantially as herein before stated by said Abijah Adams before Joseph Whitely Esquire a Justice of the Peace of the town of Caldwell in said county eight or ten years before the death of said Adams upon an application for a pension. That before the examination upon said application was completed said Adams was taken ill and the said examination was discontinued and was never afterwards resumed. The deponent further says that he has endeavored to procure from said Whitely the said Justice the memorandum partly made upon said examination of the above facts, but has been and is unable after diligent enquiry and search to procure such memorandum, and is informed by said Justice of the Peace that the said memorandum has probably been destroyed.
James D. Weston

Subscribed and sworn to this 23d day of December 1848 before me
Thomas Archibald Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named James D. Weston and believe him a credible witness and also thus full credit should be given to his statement.
Thomas Archibald Justice of the Peace
A. B. the words "Morgan Burdick Justice" erased & the figure "3" were on over erasure before sworn. 
Thomas Archibald Justice
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Affidavit of Sarah Martin case of Abijah Adams
No. 3.
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State of New York
County of Warren}Ss. Sarah Martin of Queensbury in the County of Warren being duly sworn says that she is now forty nine years of age, that she was well acquainted with Abijah Adams late of the town of Luzerne in the county of Warren & state of New York in his lifetime. That she resided for more than five years in the family of said Abijah Adams in his life time and was well acquainted with him and his family for more than thirty three years. That she has frequently heard said Adams speak of his service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that he served in Rhode Island, and frequently heard him say he served until the close of said war. And deponent further says that said Adams was a man of the strictest integrity and of undoubted and unquestioned truth and veracity, and it was universally understood that he was a revolutionary soldier, a fact which was never questioned by any of his acquaintances. That she has seen in his possession a very considerable quantity of the old continental paper money, which he was accustomed to exhibit & say that he had received it in pay for his services as a Revolutionary soldier a part of which paper money is still in the possession of his family. That Gardner Adams, Sela McLaren, Sarepta Hubbard and Dorcas Gage are his
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only surviving children. And deponent further says that said Abijah Adams died some time in the forepart of the summer of 1843, and that she has no interest in his estate of any kind whatever.
Sarah Martin

Subscribed & sworn to before me this 27th day of July 1853.
Orange Ferris County Judge & Surrogate of Warren County

State of New York
County of Warren}Ss. At a surrogate court held at the village of Glens Falls in said county on this 27th day of July 1853, personally appeared in open court Sarah Martin who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that she had heard the foregoing deposition by her subscribed, read, and that she knew the contents therein and that the same was true of her own knowledge.
And I further certify that I am well acquainted with said Sarah Martin, and her character for truth & veracity is unexceptionable and her deposition is entitled to the fullest credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said surrogate at the village of Glens Falls aforesaid this 27th day of July 1853.
Orange Ferriss County Judge & Surrogate of Warren County
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I Henry Weed of Hinesburgh Chittenden County Vermont aged fifty six years depose and say I was well acquainted with Ephraim Adams dec. late of said town from my childhood to the day of his death which occurred about two years ago.

Some three years before his death he informed me he had a brother then dead who had lived in Lucern Warren County New York by name of Abijah Adams who had been a soldier in the revolutionary war and had died without asking for his pension, stating he refused to do so as the government of the United States would not pay him when he was poor, and he would not ask for his pension as he was able to live without it.

Mr. Adams stated the family lived in a town near Rhode Island line and his brothers served in that state and to the close of the war--he stated he was then only some fifteen years old and had to take the charge of the farm while his brothers were in the army--(I think he had two in the army)--He related several instances of his brothers service that he had personal knowledge of.  Said Ephraim Adams was an early settler of this town & at the period of his death between eighty & ninety years old--he made the inquiries of me respecting his brother Abijah, whether the pension due him would not be obtained for his children, of which he stated several were living.  I have no interest in obtaining a pension for the children of Sd Abijah Adams.
Henry Weed

Sworn to & Hinesburgh This 23d day of March 1834 & I certify sd. Weed is a credible witnefs
Wm J Douglefs  Justice Peace
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Affidavit of

Benjn Cowell
______________

Case of

Abijah Adams
_______________

No. 2.
____________
Page 37

State of Rhode Island &c

I Benjamin Cowell of the City and County of Providence in said State do certify that I have in my pofsefsion a Book of Adjutants Returns of Col Israel Angells & Col Jeramiah Olneys regiments of the Continental Army during the war of the Revolution which Book I received from the family of Col Olney soon after the act of Congrefs of July 4 1836 was pafsed granting pensions to the widows of officers & soldiers who had served in said war

And I further certify that said book contains a List of the Non Commifsioned officers & privates belonging to said regiments after they were consolidated into our Regiment January 1, 1781  The List is headed as follows, "List of the Nn.commifsioned officers & privates in the Rhode Island Regiment [illegible] 1 February 1781 with those who Joined after that period specifying the date & time of enlistment Casualties &c &c"--

And I further certify that the name of "Abijah Adams" is borne on said Roll as a private.  It further appears that he enlisted Feb 1 1781 and that he enlisted for the "war" and there is nothing against his name on said Roll but that he served until the close of the war under the head of "Casualties"
Benja Cowell

Providence August 19 1853

Providence fs

In the city of Providence this nineteenth
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day of August as eighteen hundred fifty three personally appeared Benjamin Cowell and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed.  I also certify that the Statements of the said Cowell are entitled to full credence.
Before me
Thomas C Greene  Justice of the Peace
Page 39

State of Rhode Island  Providence Plantations

Secretarys office, Providence
August 19. 1853.

I Lin Salisbury Deputy Secretary of said State; Keeper of the Records and Seal thereof; Do certify Thomas C Greene Esq. before whom the preceeding certificate was Sworn is a Justice of the Peace within and for the City of Providence in said State that he was duly elected and commissioned, as appears of Record, that he is qualified and now acting in said office, and as such is authorized by law to take depositions and the acknowledgement of Deeds & other instruments and to administer oaths and that his signature to said certificate is genuine.

I also certify that said Benjamin Cowell has exhibited to me the Book containing the List of the N.Commissioned officers & soldiers referred to in his said affidavit, and on said list is the name of Abijah Adams together with the time of his enlistment and the period for which he enlisted and the same are correctly stated in said affidavit and I have no doubt of the genuineness of said Book and the contents.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Providence, the day & year above written.
Lin Salisbury
Dep Secretary of State.

[raised seal affixed in lower left corner of original]
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New York, Sept 7. 1854.

Sir,

Your favor of 30th Sept 1853, in reply to my application, on behalf of the heirs of Abijah Adams Dec of New York was duly received--

You inform me that his claim as originally made, "was suspended on the ground that a portion of the militia service in Rhode Island, alledged to have been performed by him was the same service for which his brother Silas, his principal witnefs, was then enjoying a pension."

I do not comprehend, how Silas could enjoy a pension for his brother Abijah's services; but I do not claim for militia services, but under the Act of May 15th 1828, for services rendered as a war's man, in Col Olney's Regt. of the Rhode Island Line--

You state that "the service certified by Benjamin Cowell, as having been performed in 1781, must have been rendered by some other person, as not the slightest allusion, is made to it by any of his witnefses."   No other person of the name of Abijah Adams, served in Colonel
Page 41

Olney's Regt, and the evidence of such service, furnished by Benjn. Cowell, is strengthened by the declaration of Dorcas Gage, who swears that her father stated in his life time, "that he engaged to serve in the Regt. under the command of Lieut Col Jeremiah Olney, until the close of the war and was regularly discharged at or near its close."   Sarah Martin, who resided for more than five years in the family of Abijah Adams, states in her affidavit, "that she was well acquainted with him and his family for more than 33 years and that she frequently heard him speak of his services in the Revolutionary War, and that he served in Rhode Island, and frequently heard him say he served until the close of said War.  Also, that it was universally understood, that he was a Revolutionary Soldier, a fact which was never questioned by any of his acquaintances."

The affidavit of Fanny Beecher, now forwarded, proves that Abijah Adams stated "that he served in the early part of the War in the Rhode Island Militia, and afterwards enlisted (she believes) for and during the War in the Regt. of Col Olney, in the Rhode Island Line."   The affidavit, of Henry Weed now forwarded, as collateral evidence, ["the" stricken out]
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proves the service of Abijah Adams to the close of the war, from the statements of Ephraim Adams now decd., a brother of Abijah---The affidavit of elisha Adams (now forwarded,) a brother of Abijah, proves the service in the war, and his recollection of his return home from the army, and of his again leaving for the service, but he could not determine the period of his service--His extreme youth at that period would account for this.

The respectability and character of these witnefses, and of Abijah Adams, also, for truth and veracity are vouched for in the strongest manner.

I would again call your attention for the affidavit of Benjn. Cowell--

He certifies that the "Adjutant, book of returns, of Col Israel Angels, and Col Jeremiah Olney, regiments of the Continental Army, contains a list of the Non-Commifsioned Officers and Privates, belonging to said Regiments, after they were consolidated, into one regiment on January 1st 1781.  So that Abijah Adams belonged to the regiment before and after it was consolidated."

Also, "that he enlisted for the War," and there is nothing against his
Page 43

"name on said Roll, but that he served, until the close of the War, under the head of Casualities."

If he had not served, to the close of the War, the roll would show it, as is the case of others, who did not so serve.

I beg respectfully for a re-examination of the claim, and trust that with the additional evidence produced, and weighing it with that already produced, you will arrive at the conclusion that it is just, and ought to be allowed.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Svt
Jas R Hitchcock
Attorney for the heirs of Abijah Adams.
__________________________________________
Box 2872 P.O.

Hon L.P. Waldo
Commifsioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 44

J. R. Hitchcock

Sept. 12/54.
Page 45

159

Pension Office
Sept 12, 1854

Sir

In answer to your letter of 7th instant relative to the case of Abijah Adams, deceased of N. York.  I have to remark that the statement contained in my letter to you of 30th Sept. 1853, that "the service certified by Benjamin Cowell" from 1781, as a war's man "must have been performed by some other person", &c, is abundantly sustained by the fact that in the declarations and testimony of his children and his brother, (the latter of whom was in service at the time) it is stated, that as Abijah's last service, that he served a term of three months in 1781 as a substitute for his father, Peter Adams, in the company of Silver Greyo.  Benjamin Cowell certifies that the Abijah Adams who served as a war's man from 1781 enlisted in February of that year.  I reiterate that until Cowell's deposition was made not the slightest pretence was made that Abijah Adams performed any other than militia service.  And now you declare that you do not claim for militia service but only for that performed
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to the close of the war in the continental line.

If I receive the evidence now used as ["offered to" stricken through] proof that the claimants' father was the war's man I must reject the positive testimony of his brother Silas, showing that he could not have been the war's man.

I do not choose to ["reiterate" stricken through] state at length the grounds for the opinion exprefsed in my last that Silas Adams was pensioned for a portion, at least, of the services claimed for Abijah.  That opinion was formed upon good grounds, and upon a very careful examination of all the accefsible facts bearing on the case.

J.R. Hitchcock Esq.
Box 2872 P.O.
New York City.
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Ballston Spa  Nov 2nd 1869

Sir

Inclosed herewith you will receive the affidavits of [illegible] Silas Adams and Mifs Eveline Hemstead in the case of the Heirs of Abijah Adams deceased for the amount of Pension due him at the time of his death, under the Act of 1832 presented to the Department, claiming under said Act, December 29, 1868, and returns made 12th February 1849 with objections which it is hoped that the Evidence now offered will remove.

Please Examine the same and make returns to me at Ballston P.O.

I am Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
Jas. Comstock

James L Edwards Esquire
Commifsioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 48

J. R. Hitchcock

Sept 3 of 53.
Page 49

696

Pension Office
Sept. 30. 1853

Sir

The claim of Abijah Adams, deceased, of N.Y., under the acts of May 15, 1828 and June 7. 1832, was suspended on the ground that a portion of the militia service in Rhode Island allegeded to have been performed by him was the same service for which his brother Silas, his principal witnefs, was then enjoying a pension.  The service certified by Benjamin Cowell, as having been performed in 1781, must have been rendered by some other person, as not the slightest allusion is made to it by any of his witnefses.

J.R. Hitchcock Esq
P.O. Box No 2872
New York City.
Page 50

New York, Aug 26. 1853.

L. P. Waldo Esqr
Commifsioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir

Enclosed please find the supplementary declaration of Dorcas Gage, in behalf of the heirs of Abijah Adams, deceased, whose claim has hitherto been suspended for want of proof of service--

I trust that the additional proof which she adduces, will be found satisfactory to the Department.

Please cause an acknowledgement of the receipt of the papers to be sent me.

Very Respectfully
Yr obt svt
James R Hitchcock
atty for the heirs of Abijah Adams, Dec'd.
________________________________________
Box 2892. N.Y. P.O.

Papers Enclosed--
No 1.  Declaration of Dorcas Gage [illegible] 
                        Certificate
 "   2.  Affidavit of Benjn. Cowell
 "   3.        "        "  Sarah Martin
Page 51

[part of original page missing]

Comstock Esq.

6 Decr 1849
Page 52

87

Pension Office
Decem. 6" 1849

Sir

The additional affidavit presented by you in the case of Abijah Adams decd affords no support to his claim

For the reasons already stated the affidavit of Silas White cannot be received as evidence in this case, and the other witnefs Eveline Hemstead could not have had such a personal knowledge of Abijah Adams, since as to make her testimony aviling as satisfactory evidence to remove the objections to the admission of this claim.

James Comstock Esq.
Ballston Spa
N.Y.
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139

Pension Office
February 12, 1849

Sir:

I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the Case of Abijah Adams dcd have been examined and filed under the act of 7 June 1832

This claim is asserted for several terms of service in the Militia of Connecticut a part of which it alleges was tendered as a drafted soldier and a part as a substitute for his brother Silas Adams and his father.  The only evidence to sustain this application now filed is the Affidavit of Silas Adams, who has himself been allowed a pension for the service which he testifies was rendered by Abijah Adams as his sbustitute.

The failure of Abijah Adams to prosecute his claim during his lifetime creates great doubt as to his right to a pension, which it rendered the more so from the fact that his brother Silas Adams the principal witnefs relied upon to
Page 54

sustain this application was himself a pensioner for similar service.  The testimony of two or more witnefses who were themselves in service with Adams, who can state clearly the time of the commencement and the duration of each time of service with the names of the Company and filed officers under whom they were rendered will be required to justify the admission of this claim.

Silas Adams cannot be admitted as a witnefs in this case, he having been allowed for a part of the service which he testifies was rendered by his brother.  Should this claim be allowed the payment of Silas Adams pensioner must be again suspended

Hon Hugh White
House of Repr
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48 Reynolds St.
Danielson, Connecticut,
July 1st 1931
Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C. E.W. Morgan Acting Commissioner
Dear Sir:-
I wish to establish proof of the service of Dr. Elisha Smith in the Rev. War.
He was born 1748 and died 1820 - age 73 yrs. Married Prudence Adams, who was burn in 1754 in Lexington, Mass.; and died Apr. 25, 1832 - age 78 yrs.
Also the Revolutionary service of Abijah Adams, (written also Ahijah) father of above-named Prudence Adams Smith. See R. 24
As I understand his pension was not granted, but proof was made of his service. He lived at "Little Rest" on the state line between Connecticut and Rhode Island, on what is now Federal Route #6 - about three miles east of South Killingly; and served in both states.
Abijah Adams B. 1723 - D. Feb. 7, 1805 - 84 yrs. Wife Mary (Pooler-?) B. 1722 - D. Nov. 28, 1800 79 yrs.
These four people were burried (in two lots) near each other in the Old Cemetery at South Killingly, Connecticut. Their graves are marked by four white marble stones.
Thanking you for your courtesy in this matter, I am,- Yours sincerely,
{signature} Mary E. Smith
{stamp} pension July 2 1931 US Office