Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4588, for Curtis Smith, Vermont
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER
Continental   Smith, Curtis   W 4588
Vt.   Mary
CONTENTS

b. Oct 11, 1761  at Rutland Vt.
in 1818 res. of Murray Genesee Co. N.Y.  Died Feb 1828
Page 2

Stricken off Act 1 May 1820 Notification sent
8th July 1820 to Sam'l Lake [illegible] NY

11.955R
New York
Curtis Smith
of Murray in the State of New York
who was a Private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Warner of the [crossed out] Vt
line, for the term of three year 1778

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
3d of February 1819

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 of June 1819
and sent to Wyllys Buell Esqr
Le Roy New York

Arrears to 4th of Mar 8.45
Semi-anl, all' ending Sept 1819 48.00
$56.45
{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}
stated 9th Sept. 1822
Page 3

widow of Curtis Smith N.H.
who served in the Revolutionary war
, as a private

Increased from $80
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 90 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 1st day of July, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued
the 22d day of Novr 182
A. Joy in
Ovid N.Y
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners on
February 2, 1848, Page 379
Page 4

Increase under
Joint Resolution
of July 1. 1848

Ovid Nov 18.51
Sir,
I Inclose declaration & c for Mary
Smith
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Arad Joy

---
Hon. J E Heath
Comm of Pens
Page 5

State of Michigan,
county of Jackson
I, Walter Budington Clerk of said County of Jackson
DO HEREBY CERTIFY Samuel Selden whose
name ascribed to the certificate or proof of acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and therein written, was, at the
time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace for said
county, duly Elected & sworn and qualified, and duly authorized to take the same:
AND FURTHER, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice
and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate or proof of acknowledgment is genuine: 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the
seal of said County, at Jackson
this third day of November A.D 1857
W Budington Clerk
Page 6

Mary Smith
Inc to $96.00
$80 Curt
1 July 1848

A. Joy
Ovid N Y
Page 7

DECLARATION.
State of Michigan
County of Jackson
On this first day of November 1857 personally
 appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for
said county Mary Smith a resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposes and states that she is the widow of Curtis Smith deceased, who during his natural life was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of Congress of 1818
at the rate of Ninety six dollars 
per annum, and that she is in the receipt & eighty dollars per annum
as a pension
Now the object of this declaration being made is in order to open a claim at the same rate of pension her husband received during his lifetime
claiming on the evidence filed in her late husband's case and under the Resolution of Congress approved the 1st July 1848.
She further declares she is still a widow
Sworn and subscribed before me
on this first day of November 1857
Mary X Smith her mark

Samuel Selden Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that Mary Smith is well known to me, and that
she is the widow of Curtis Smith who was a Revolutionary Pensioner.
Samuel Selden Justice of the Peace
Page 8

Payment to be made at Detroit
by E. P. Hastings Eqs
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of Michigan
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension  on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page 379 Vol. 2.
Leo Jenkins Clerk
Page 9

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d. 1848
Mary Smith
widow of Curtis Smith
who was a private in the revolutionary war
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty
dollars and ----- cents 
per annum, commencing on the
4th of March, 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 War Office of the United States
this 4th day of January
one thousand eight hundred and
forty nine.
E.C. Marcy
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.
J L Edward
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 10

CHAP IV.

is to these than fear God.
16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often
one to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard
it and a book of remembrance was written before
him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought
upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in
that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare
them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the
righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth
God and him that serveth him not.
CHAP. IV.
1. God's judgment on the wicked 2 and his being on the
good. 4 He exhorteth to the Study of the law, and telleth
of Elijah's coming and office.
For, behold, the day cometh that shall burn as
an oven: and all the proud, yea, and all that do
wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh
shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it
shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the
Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; there
and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the
stall.
3. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they
shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day
that I shall do this, faith the LORD of hosts.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant,
which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel,
with the statutes and judgments.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophets
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of 
the Lord
6. all turn the heart of the fathers to the
th the heart of the children to their fathers,
left I come and smite the earth with a curse.
The End of the OLD TESTAMENT.


Peter White died Feb. 14th AD. 1813 the 50th
year of his age; at 5 OClock A.M.
Eunice White wife of J. White Died Feb. 14th AD.
1813 in the 44th year of her age at 8 Oclock A.
Horatio Erwin White son of Peter and Eunice White
was born Feb 22d AD 1811
Page 11

Jesse Walker was born July 21st A.D. 1764
Prudence Walker was born January 14th AD. 1767.
Whitfield Walker was born January 5th AD. 1774
Horatio Walker was born October 5th AD. 1795.
Prudence Sawyer Walker August 14th 1797
Sawyer Walker was born July 15th AD. 1799
Hiram Walker was born January 13th AD. 1802
and died July 15, 1803
Hiram Walker was born February 9, 1804
Lucy Walker was January 16th AD. 1806.
Eliza Walker was born March 3rd AD. 1803
Jesse Hooker Walker was born Jan 7th AD 1810
Eunice Caroline Walker  was born Jan 18th D. 1813
Horatio Walker Died March 18th AD 1812
Hon Jesse Walker died February 17th A.D. 1822
Page 12

Curtis Smith
claim for pension
Curtis Smith private
Colonel Warners Regt
Vermont in 1778 - 3 years
discharged in 1779 or 80
Admitted
Page 13

State of New York ss 
County of Genesee
on this third day ofFebruary in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred and nine before me the subscriber 
one of the Judges of the Court of
Common Pleas in and for the said County
of Genesee personally appears Curtis Smith
aged fifty seven years the eleventh day of October
last resident of the town of Murray in
the said County who being by me first
duly sworn according to law doth
on his oath make the following 
declaration in order to obtain the provision
made by the late act of Congress, entitled
"An act to provide for certain persons
engaged in the land and naval service 
of the United States in the revolutionary war." 

That he the said Curtis
Smith, some time in the month of March
or april in the year seventeen hundred
and seventy eight enlisted into the ┃
service of the United States at the
town of Rutland in the State of
Vermont in the corps of troops
raised for three years in the company
commanded by Captain Thomas Lee
being rangers and subject
to the command of Colonel Seth
Warner though he was not the Colonel
over the company in the Vermont [illegible] that he
had served in the company for some
time previous to his said enlistment
a volunteer and that at the time
aforesaid he enlisted with others to
fill up the company and to be
discharged when their term of three
years had expired that according
(over)
Page 14

to the condition of his said enlistment
he was in the latter part of December or
1779, or in the first part of the month
of January 1780 regularly and honourably
discharged from service at
Saratoga in the State of New York
after having served in the said
corps for the term aforesaid. That
he the said Curtis Smith was not
after his said enlistment in any
battle, but constantly on duty at
that he was previous to his said
enlistment and white a volunteer
in the said corps in the battle of
Bennington in the State of Vermont
and further that while a volunteer
as aforesaid in the year 1777, during the
invasion of Burgoyne he was taken
a prisoner by the Indians near Ticonderoga 
but that he very soon made
his escape, and that he the said
Curtis Smith is in reduced circumstances
and stands in need of the assistance
of his country for support and that
he has no other evidence now in his
power of his said service, the written
discharge which he received having been
burnt in the house of his father
Curtis Smith
Sworn to and declared before
me on the day and year aforesaid
Elijah Hawley
Judge as aforesaid
Page 15

I Elijah Hawley one of the Judges
of the Court of Common Pleas in and
for the County of Genesee do certify that 
it appears to my satisfaction that the
said Curtis Smith did serve in the
revolutionary war against the common
enemy and I now transmit the proceedings
and testimony taken and
heard before me to the secretary for
the department of war pursuant to
to the directions of the aforesaid and
and that further the declarations of the said Curtis Smith
on oath and other testimony before me it appears
to my entire satisfaction that the said Curtis
Smith is in reduced circumstances and in need
of assistance from his country for support
Dated at Batavia February 3d 1819
Elijah Hawley
Judge aforesaid

State of New York
Genesee County SS

Blanchard Powers of the
town of Batavia in said County after being duly
sworn on the holy Evangelist of Almighty God saith
that he well knows the within married Curtis Smith
and who is the same Curtis Smith he well remembers
of being in Vermonts remembers being this Company of Rangers 
commanded by Captain Thomas Lee in the town of Rutland
State of Vermont and this deponent had a brother
in the same company & saw them and the said
Curtis Smith when he returned from the service
which was the latter part of the year 1779 or
commencement of 1780 and is confident of the
services mentioned in the foregoing declaration
Blanchard Powers
Subscribed & Sworn this
3rd February 1819 before me &
I certify this deponent is a creditable witness
Elijah Hawley Judge afforsaid
Page 16

State of New York
Genesee County

I Simeon Cumings Clerk of the
County aforesaid do hereby certify that
Elijah Hawley by whom the within affidavits 
were made is and was at the
date thereof a Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas in said County, acting
under the authority of this State, and
that the names subscribed thereto are
in his own proper hand writing
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of said County at Batavia this 13th
day of February A.D. 1819
Simeon Cumings
by Saml. Lake Dep
Page 17

Curtis Smith Copy
11955
apd 16 June 1819
not entitled
Page 18

AT a court of Common Pleas held at the Court-House in the village of Batavia, in and for the county of Genesee, in the State of New York of the fourteenth day of June of the term of June
1820, being a Court of Record, in place of the 41st article of the Constitution of the state of New-York, which has unlimited jurisdiction, keep records of is procedings, and has immemorially exercised the power of fine and imprisonment,

Present, the Hon. John Jones, Isaac Wilson, Richard Smith
Moses Hayden - Judges

GENESEE COUNTY. -- On this fourteenth day of June
1820, personally appeared in open Court, (being a Court of Record), Curtis Smith
aged sixty years, resident of the town of Clarkson in said county, who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the 
Revolutionary war as follows:-- Two years, served in Capt. Thos. Lee's Company
in Col Warner Regiment of the New Hampshire Line was
discharged at Saratoga the last of December 1779 that
his pension certificate is numbered 11.955

And I do solemnly swear that I was a
resident Citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight
hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift sale or in any manner
whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it
as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide
for certian persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary
war,” passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts
, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule
hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Schedule
Real Estate I have none I am in possession of Forty Eight acres
Land situated in the town of Clarkson in sd. County owned by
Leroy Bayard & Co on which there is ten acres
improved and a small log house and on which there is now
due the owner of the Estate Six Dollars 75 Cents per acre
or $324.00 in the whole. Personal Property (except necessary 
wearing apparel and bedding which does not
twenty five Dollars in value in the whole
one cow 1 year old heifer 1 Hog 1 Plough &1  Harrow
1 Iron Shovel Broken 2 axes & 2 hoes 1 mid Size Iron pot
1 Bake Kettle 1 Iron Tea kettle 1 Iron basin 6 common chairs
1 common law chest, 6 barrels for meat & flour, 1 pail
4 Common earthen bowls, 6 cups & Saucers 4 Common
Plates 3 Knives & forks 1 Earthen tea pot 1 pewter plate
1 small grindstone
Page 19

since making this inventory have bought a pair
of four year old cattle and have agreed to pay
thirty dollars for them. But have paid nothing
for them yet
---
I am owing debts to followinge persons viz
to Gustavus Clark of Clarkson $61.75
to Doct Sheldon of LeRoy in Judgement 52.00
to Donald McDonald of Caledonia " 13.00
to Samuel Lake of Batavia 8.00
C. Chappel of Clarkson 8.00
to D. Cameron of Caledonia " 8.50
to Doct Balcom of Parma 8.00
to Doct Bingham of Livo 10.
$169.25

I am a farmer by profession and in a poor state of health
inclining to the consumption and am not able to labor
I have a wife aged fifty three years and three children
viz Amasa Smith aged 18 years Alvah Smith aged
12 years & Electa Smith aged 10 years. I also have
a son at home whom I have to support named Shepard
Smith aged 39 years who has not walked for thirty years
was made a cripple by the Rickets and has never been
able to do any kind of labor whatever
Curtis Smith
Sworn & Subscribed this 14 day 
of June 1820 before me
S. Cumings Clk of Gen Com Pleas
in open Court1

1820
53
---
67
94
67
---
27
1820
39
---
81
Page 20

I Simeon Cumings Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in
and for the County of Genesee, do hereby certify that the
foregoing oath (or affirmation) and the schedule
thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record
of the said Court; and I do further certify that the
total amount in value of property exhibited
in the aforesaid Schedule is one hundred and ten
Dollars and twenty five cents -----

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of the said Court on this seventeenth
day of June 1820
S. Cuming Clerk of the
Court for the County of Genesee
Page 21

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4588

Mary Smith
Widow
Curtis Smith
Pri Rev War
Act: Feby 24 48 
Index: -- Vol. M  Page 219
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

Mary Smith
[illegible] 138
Marriage

A. Joy
Page 23

Mary Smith of Michigan, letters and
the history & correspondence, to [illegible] up this
marriage, I judge sufficient-- Jany 6.46
Page 24

Hon. J DeMott
Nov. 14 1846
St to Arad Joy Feb 12.47
same April 30.47.
Page 25

10639.
Mary Smith
Michigan
Act 7 July 38
d28.
Married 1786
Page 26

To
Justice of Peace
June 28th 45
Wilson
Niagara Co

Mr Smith.
Wrote Nov 15.45.
Minister of Gospel
Wilson, Niagara Co. 
enclosed the copy of
Justices letter marked
for Mrs. Spencer agent
her marriage & her
family record, or her mothers

Wrote P.M. Dec 3.45
to please for all the letters
I had directed there, I
enclosed another to the
Minister of the Gospel

I kept no copy of the
letter above named
Page 27

No 10654
Mary Smith
Mich

sent to Hon. J. Collumes 11 May 44
  "     "    Sam'l Selden 24 Oct 44
   "    "  Arno Joy 10 Mar 45
   "   "    same 25 Mar 46
   "   "  Hon J De Mott 15 Apr 46

act 7 July 1838
Page 28

No 10639
Mary Smith
widow of Curtis
Mich
Act 7 July 1838
Adm. 2 years for
$80th per annum
Adm  Act 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$80 per annum

6 Feb 28
Jackson Co.


Arad Joy
Ovid NY
Page 29

Brooklyn    25
Mich May 22
Arad Joy Esquire
Ovid
Seneca County
State of New York

[upside down]
S. Seldon
May 17.45
witnesses & names 
a good history of 
marriage

Wrote 4 letters of inquiry
for marriage
Page 30

S. Seldon
May 17.45
witnesses & names 
a good history of 
marriage

Wrote 4 letters of inquiry
for marriage

[upside down]
Brooklyn    25
Mich May 22
Arad Joy Esquire
Ovid
Seneca County
State of New York
Page 31

Liberty May 17th 1845
Sir your two letters to the Post Master of South
Jackson I have received
The widow Mary Smith of Jackson County of
Jackson Michigan was born June 10th 1766
her name was originally Mary Williams
She was married to Curtis Smith at Whiting then
County of Rutland (now I believe Addison)
Vermont, by John Smith Esquire of Luster
then Rutland County (now Addison), Curtis Smith
at the time of the morning April 11th 1787 lived in Luster

The Justice of Peace who Joined them
in marriage was a brother of Curtis Smith
Thankful Smith the sister of Curtis Smith
lived in the house with Mary Smith before
& after the marriage, but was absent at the time
of the marriage and knows that She and
Curtis Smith lived together as husband & wife
Several years prior to to 1794 and many
years since
she is now if Living Thankful Dale
Mary Smith (the applicant for a pension) and her
husband after her marriage lived about 3 years
in Whiting, then removed to Lake George where
they lived about 5 or 6 years, then removed to
Shoreham County of Addison Vermont, and
resided them about 3 years, then demoved
to Crown Point, State of New York where
they resided about 7 years then removed to
Caledonia state of New york where they resided
about 5 years, then removed to Clarkson and lived
the 19 years when her husband Curtis Smith
died, after his death nearly two years in Clarkson
Page 32

and one year in Caledonia and then removed
to Wilson Niagara County NY where she resided
till September 1844 and then removed to Jackson
County of Jackson, Michigan where she has resided
ever since. she is not clear in her recollection as
to the precise length of time she lived in each
of the before mentioned places but upon adding
together the times mentioned
and adding them to 1787, it brings it as to the year
1830. taking the longest period she mention, taking the
Shortest to 1828 - I think Curtis Smith died in
1828 or 1829-
Thankful Oaks and her son John Oaks who untill
recently, lived at Wheatland near caledonia
Village Livingston County Ky and who, by your
letter I am informed have removed to the State of
Ohio, this applicant says know that she and her
husband lived together as husband and wife
Several years prior to 1794 and since -
On this she says Augustus Hodgkin of Caledonia
Village (about 2 miles from LeRoy Ny) can inform
you and may refer you to others who can give information on the subject
Mary Smith states that she had a bible in which
was a record of her Marriage that she gave that
Bie to her daughter Eunice who was married to
James Spencer and if alive now lives at Wilson
Niagara County, N. She has understood that the
bible has been destroyed or lost by time or accident
, but that she and probably her husband
would recollect the record made in it-- I am in
formed that this kind of evidence, after proving
the destruction of the record has been 
deemed satisfactory & sufficient
Page 33

Curtis Smith at the time of his marriage with the
applicant was a widower, and had a daughter then
about 4 years old named Betsey - she lived with
them untill she moved a person by the name of
Stephen Whiting of Crown Point ( I suppose
Whiting died and she afterwards was married to
William Pierce of Bridport or Addison Vermont
and lived with him untill his death, and was
afterwards married to William Burroughs of
Crown Point NY where if alive they one
now supposed to reside - If alive now she
can prove the facts we wish to substantiate
at seat will be one witness-

Mary Smith refers you to William
Pierce of Crown Point, who she says on
give you all the information necessary
respecting William Burrough and Wife
She further mentioned a person
by the name of Smith in relation of her husband
who she says resided at Pittsford a little west of
Rochester NY the last time she heard of
him who she thinks might if found give
useful information on the subject.
The widow Dibble whom you mentioned
died Feby 9th 1844. Her first pension which
you obtained for her, was for five years $400
you afterword obtained another certificate for 1 year
$80. the whole of which would, I believe tho I
am not certain, be held in March 1844. Abram
Dibble her son took out or Letter of administration
have solely for the purpose obtaining the [illegible]
which he said told me was about $50.00-
Previous to the receipt of your last letter April
26th I was at Dibbles house, and he sent
Page 34

absent I could not obtain the certificate nor have
any minutes that will termine under what
Pension act or at what time the certificate
were granted. If any thing further can be
obtained which perhaps from your minutes
you can determine, the I have no authority
only what arises from doing the former few
[illegible], still I will venture to say in the Language
of David Crockett "go a head"
Yours Respectfully
Samuel Seldon

PS Please give me the contact information if successful.
I am Afraid she will die before the pension is obtained.
Page 35

Aug 14.44
[illegible]
Mary Smith
Michigan

J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of
Pensions-
City of Washington
Page 36

South Jackson, Michigan
August 7th 1844

Dear Sir
The enclosed papers in support of
the application of Mary Smith for 
pension as the widow of Curtis Smith a pensioner
deceased, are herewith sent. They consist of the
affidavit of Mary Smith and her daughter Elizabeth
Brown born AD 1788. Mrs. Smith Supposes you 
have received before this the evidence of another
daughter of hers (mentioned in her affidavit) to wit
Eunice Spencer Living in the State of New York
as she sent to her for that purpose and directed
it when taken to be forwarded directly to you
Should the evidence now furnished be deemed
sufficient to support her claim for a pension,
she request you to forward the pension 
certificate to me if not to inform on the
Subject-- Please direct to me at South Jackson. 
County of Jackson, Michigan
If the affidavit of Eunice Spencer has not been
received have the goodness to inform me if
further evidence is required-
Yours Respectfully
Samuel Selden
Page 37

Jan 27, 1847.
Rect of
May Smith
Joseph Wood
Lydia Thompson



J L Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 38

Ovid N.Y. Jany 21.47
Sir.
On the 25th Nov, agreeable
to my note I enclosed to you several
papers in the case of Mary Smith
of Michigan under law of 1838
have not recd your report, pardon me
therefore for respectfully asking you
to please inform me whether the
papers have been recd
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Arad Joy

Hon J L Edwards
Comrs of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 39

State of Michigan
County of Livingston
 August 1st 1844
personally came before me
Elizabeth Brown who being duly sworn deposeth
& says she is the Daughter of Curtiss & Mary Smith
was born as informed by her parents the 16th [illegible]
A.D. 1784 is now in her 56th year of her age that
she lived with her parents until she was twenty
years of age & from her earliest recollection to the
death of her father they lived together as man & wife
and were reputed to be such in the Neighbourhood
when they resided her father died in February
A.D. 1844 She recollects having seen a Bible in his
fathers family with a record the marriage in
it the bible she believes is [illegible] & lost by time
Elizabeth Brown
Witnesses C.D. Tapping
A Smith
Sworn and subscribed
before me this 1st day of
in the year 1844 -
C.D. Tapping Associate
Judge of the C. Court of Livingston County
Michigan

State of Michigan
County of Livingston
Personally came before me
the undersigned Mark P
Pratt & Sylvia A. Stockton, who being duly
sworn deposeth & say they are acquainted with
the above deponent Elizabeth Brown that she
is of good moral condition & a person of truth
and veracity
Mark P. Pratt
Sylvia M Stanton
Sworn & subscribed
before me the 1st day of
August A.D. 1844
-

J. D. Tapping Associate Judge of
C. Count Livingston Co
Page 40

State of Michigan
County of Livingston⎬Ss

personally came before me
the undersigned James Brown who being duly
sworn deposeth & says he was acquainted with
Curtis & Mary Smith from the year 1809 to the
time of the death of said Curtis Smith which
took place in Feby 1824, knows of they lived 
together as man & wife and was reputed as such
in the neighbourhood where they resided has
seen a Bible in said Smiths house with
record in it of their marriage
James Brown
Witness 
C D Tapping
A Smith
Sworn & subscribed before me
this 1st day of August 1844 -
C D Tapping Associate Judge of
Court of Livingston

State of Michigan
County of Livingston

Personally came before me
the undersigned, Mark P Pratt
and Sylvia M. Stockton who being duly sworn
deposeth & say they are acquainted with the
above named deponent James Brown, that
he is of good moral condition & a person of
truth and veracity
Mark A. Pratt
Sylvia M Stockton
Sworn and subscribed before
me the 1st day August 1844 -
C. D. Tapping- Associate Judge of
C Count Livingston

This now certify that in my opinion the above
named James Brown & Elizabeth Brown
and persons of truth & veracity and to be
believed when on oath Given under my
hand the first day of August A.D. 1844
C. D. Tapping Associate
Judge of C. Court
of Livingston
Page 41

State of Michigan
Livingston County 
I Josiah Turner Clerk of said
County and also County
Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County do
hereby certify that the Hon C.D. Tapping before whom
the foregoing depositions were taken me at the time
of taking the same and still is an associate Judge
of said Circuit Court duly elected and qualified
and that I am well acquainted with the hand
writing of the said C.D. Topping and verily believe
his signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said County and Court at
Howell this second day of
August AD 1844
Josiah Turner Clerk
Page 42

State of New York
County of Monroe ⎬ S.S Thankfull Oaks of said County
appeared before me & after being duly sworn according to
law deposes & says that she is Eighty years of age
that she was married at the age of Eighteen. That is
she was married in seventeen hundred and Eighty four
the next year after the final conclusion of peace at
the close of the Revolution. That she was at the time
of the marriage of the said Mary Smith personally acquainted with her the present
Widow Mary Smith Widow of the late Curtis Smith
who has a pension and is at this time a
resident of the State of Michigan. This deponent deposes
and says. That the said parties Curtis Smith and the present
above named Mary Smith were married in the year Seventeen
hundred and Eighty seven as a data by which this deponent
arrives at the precise date of the said Marriage of the
said Mary Smith is from the following circumstances, that
within two years after the marriage of this deponent the
said Curtis Smith the said late husband of the present
Mary Smith above refused to buried with his his then wife. That
this deponent whilst the said Curtis Smith was a widower
resided in the same house with him that at this time this deponent had
one child, that said child was born in Seventeen hundred &
Eighty five and that at the same time the said Mary Smith
then a girl resided in the same house, and this deponent
further sayeth that she cannot be mistaken as to the date of the
marriage of Curtis Smith & Mary Smith the present widow
in seventeen hundred & Eighty seven
Page 43

This deponent further sayeth that she was not a witness
to the marriage, but was personally acquainted with Curtis
Smith & Mary Smith at the time of these marriage
and ever since untill the decease of Curtis Smith
and never doubted but what they were legally man
and wife
Her
Thankfull Oaks
Mark

Daniel Dorris
Hugh McColl  Witnesses
Subscribed and sworn
on the 11th day of October 1846
before me Hugh M Coll Justice of the peace of the County of Monroe

I hereby certify that Thankfull Oaks the individual
who took and subscribed the above affidavit has been a
resident of this town and County most of the time for a number
of years and that her reputation for integrity, is Good
and that she is inteligent
State of New York,
Hugh M Coll J.P.

State of New York
MONROE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
I Certify, that Hugh McColl
Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of affidavit
of the annexed instrument in writing, a
Justice of the Peace
in and for said county, authorized by law to the same
and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and 
verily believe the signature to said certificate is genuine
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas 
of said county this 21st day of October1846
M.J. Hill Clerk
Page 44

Livonia
Mr. & Mrs. Munger 
dead
Mary Smith

Mr. Arad Joy
Ovid
Seneca NY
Page 45

Livonia May 19th 1846
Dear Sir 
In answer to your enquries I
would say that I have been informed that
Mr Nathaniel Munger & Mrs Beulah Manger
both left this town several years ago
and that they are now both dead that
Mr Munger died in Ohio and Mrs
Munger in Riga Genesse Co- this state
There is a Mr William Munger living in
the north part of this town whom I
have not seen to enquire of perhaps he
might be able to give the information
desired-- if I should see him and can
gain any information that will be any
service to you I will write again
Yours &c.
Meigs C Fowler

Arad Joy
Page 46

State of Michigan
Jackson County,
Mary Smith of Jackson in said
County being first duly sworn
deposes and says that she was married to Curtis Smith
in the month of April in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and eighty six by John Smith
Esquire then a Justice of the Peace of [illegible] in the
County of Rutland in the State of Vermont. That at
the time of said marriage she and the said Curtis Smith
then lived and resided in the town of Whiting in said
County of Rutland and that at the time of said marriage
, there was no justice of Peace in said town of
Whiting aforesaid - She further says that she has attempted
to procure a certified copy of the record of said marriage
, but has been unable to procure one and from
What she can learn on the subject. The supposes there
is no record now existing of said marriage
the said said town at that time were new and has
said towns had been settled but a short period at
the time of the marriage - That she and her husband
afterwards removed to the town of Clarkson in the State of
New York when they resided for the term of nineteen
years previous to the death of her said husband
who died in the month of February AD 1828
That in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty
to my said husband obtained a pension of the United States
for his services as a soldier in the army of
the United States during the revolutionary war, of
as she believes ninety six dollars a year from the 4th
of March AD 1820. G Clark of Clarkson aforesaid, had
the pension certificate of my said Husband and usually
obtained the pension for my said Husband. In the
month of November last [illegible] to said
Clark to forward to me the pension certificate
of my said Husband - Mr Clark's answer
to my request, is hereto annexed. He also forwarded
to me at the same time, another paper 
signed by J L Edwards, which is hereto
annexed-
Page 47

I further say that I was his true and [illegible] 
wife from the time we were married in
in the year of our Lord 1786 untill his
death in the year of our Lord 1828 as before
mentioned and during the aforesaid period we
lived together as man and wife and I become
the mother of fifteen children of whom they said
Husband was the father. seven of them I suppose
to be now living. After the death of my said
husband I resided in said Clarkson about four
years and then removed to Caledonia in the County
of Livingston State of New York where I lived about
eighteen months and then removed to Wilson in
the County of Niagara State of New York where I resided
about three years and then removed to Jackson
in the County of Jackson [illegible] State of Michigan
where I have resided ever since and since the
death of my said husband I have remained his
widow. I further say that I have no property except
my wearing apparel and an entirely dependent
upon my children for support, who are all in humble 
circumstances as to property-- I further say that
I was seventy seven years old on the tenth day
of June so and I have lately felt the infirmities
age severely pressing upon me so that I am unable to 
support myself. I therefore ask for the assistance that 
is the pension which I suppose I am entitled to
by the Laws of the United States
Jackson Michigan Febr 22d 1844
Mary Smith

In presence of
Alvah Smith
Samuel Selden

State of Michigan
Jackson County

Jackson February 22d 1844
Then Mary Smith personally
appeared before me and made solemn oath that the
foregoing statement by her subscribed in my
presence and in the presence of Alvah Smith, is just and
true and I further certify that before the subscribed
the same. She was duly sworn to state the whole truth
Page 48

and nothing but the truth in her affidavit relative
to said application for a pension
I further certify that from age and infirmity
she could not without endangering her health
appear in a court to make her affidavit and
that it would be improper and unreasonable
and cruel to require her to do so. I further certify that 
she is a person of truth and veracity and that full
credence and credit ought to be given to her statement
on oath
Samuel Selden
Associate Judge
of Jackson County
& Justice of Peace

I, Alvah Smith of Jackson in the County of Jack
son State of Michigan aged thirty nine years
in April last depose and say that I lived in
the family of Curtis Smith late of Clarkson in
the State of Newyork from the time I was
six years old untill his death in the year
of our Lord 1828. That during that period or
person of about eighteen years the said Curtis Smith
and Mary Smith above named in the affidavit
above mentioned of the said Mary Smith lived
together in the relation of husband and wife and
were so reputed in the neighborhood where they
lived and were treated as such, and that the said
Mary Smith is now and ever has been reputed
to be the Lawful widow of the said Curtis Smith
since his decease - I was appointed the administrator
of the estate of said Smith and at the time of his
decease his estate was so small that no letter by
administration would have been taken, had it not been
that there was an arrearage due on his pension
which was obtained by me, thro the agency of
Gustavus Clark of Clarkson in the State of
New York. I further say that what estate there was
left after paying the debts of the said Curtis Smith
Page 49

was paid over to the said Mary Smith the widow 
of the said Curtis. I further say that I am as 
I believe a son of the late Curtis and Mary and ever
supposed them to be husband and wife and
never heard a whisper to the contrary-
I further say, that the said Mary Smith
is now and ever has been according to my
knowledge and belief a person of truth and
veracity and her word is to be believed
and entitled to full credit on oath or other
wise-- Jackson Feb 22d 1844 Alvah Smith
In presence of
Samuel Selder
Harry S Simbocker

State of Michigan
Jackson County
Jackson Feb 22d 1844
Then Alvah Smith
personally appeared before
me an associate Judge for the County of Jackson
State of Michigan made solemn oath that the
foregoing statement and affidavit by him
Subscribed is just and there
Samuel Selden
Associate Judge
of Jackson County
Page 50

STATE OF MICHIGAN,
Jackson County Clerk's Office
I Ezar Jones Clerk of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY,
that Samuel Selden Esq. before whom the annexed certificates
of acknowledgement purports to have been taken, was at the time said certificate 
bears date,
a probate Judge and Justice of the Peace of said County duly qualified and sworn and
authorized to take such acknowledgement and further, that I am well acquainted with the
hand writing of said Samuel Selden
and verily believe his
signature thereto to be genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and AFFIXED THE SEAL OF SAID COUNTY,
this twenty third
day of February
A.D. 1844
Ezar Jones Clerk
Jackson County Clerk's Office
Page 51

State of Michigan
Jackson County
I hereby certify that the 
above named Alvah Smith
is a person of truth and veracity and that full
credit ought to be given to his statements
on oath Jackson Feb 22d 1844
Samuel Selden Associate Judge 
& Justice of Peace

Clarkson Decr 28. 1843
Mrs Mary Smith
Madam
Your letter of the 27th of Nov. last has been
recd - I have searched among all my old papers, for the Original
Pension Certificate of your deceased husband, but cannot find it
I presume however that a balance of pension was due to him a
the time of his death, & that such balance was drawn for in due form
when the original certificate would, of course, have been returned
to the Pension Office-
I enclose herein the certificate of Mr Smith
continuance as a U.S. Pensioner, which I have no doubt will answer
all the purposes you have in view
very Respectfully &c
G.Clark
Page 52

War Department,
Pension Office,
Septr 9th 1822
Sir,
Your claim has been reconsidered; and I have to 
inform you, that your name has been this day restored to the
Pension List. You will be paid in March next the arrears due 
you up to that time, from the 4th of March 1820
I am, respectfully,
Obt Sert
J.L. Edwards
Page 53

I, Harry S Limbacker of Leoni in the County
of Jackson State of Michigan aged
thirty four years in March last past and
say that about eighteen years ago. I became
acquainted in the Curtis Smith and
Mary Smith his wife, and have been very
well acquainted with them both untill
his death which I believe took place in
AD 1828, during my acquaintance with
them they lived together as husband and
wife and were so reputed as for as I know
and believe. I never heard any intimation
that they were not. I know that they had a
family of children Seven of whom I knew.
I further say that as far as I know
the said Mary Smith is now and ever has
been a person of truth and veracity and
entitled to credit on oath or otherwise 
and I say the same of the said Avah Smith
Jackson Feb 22d 1844 Harry Simbocker
In presence of
Samuel Selden
Susannah Willson

State of Michigan 
Jackson County
Jackson, February 22d 1844 Then Harry S Limbocker
personally appeared before me and
made solemn oath that the foregoing statement
by him subscribed is true. I further certify that  the
said Harry S Lumbocker is a person of truth
and veracity and that full credit ought
to be given to his statement on oath-
Samuel Selden Associate Judge
Page 54

I, Samuel Underwood of Leoni in the County
of Jackson State of Michigan aged Seventy
eight years depose and say that I became 
acquainted with Curtis Smith and Mary
Smith the wife of the said Curtis twenty
eight years ago and continued to be
acquainted with him untill his death
about sixteen years ago and I have her
acquainted with his widow the said
Mary Smith ever time. During the time
of my acquaintance with the said
Curtis and Mary Smith they lived in
the town of Clarkson in the State of
New York and I lived in Parmer an
adjoining town about two and a half
miles distant from them. They lived
other as husband wife and had several 
children and were respected and esteemed
is reputable persons-- I never heard of a
doubt or suggestion but that they went
husband & wife
I further say that the said Mary Smith
has ever sustained as far as I know a
fair reputation and is a person of truth
and veracity and is to be believed on
her oath of Leoni February 22d 1844
In presence of


Samuel Selden
Orson Underwood
Samuel Underwood
Page 55

State of Michigan 
Jackson County, Sworn and Subscribed before
me this 22nd day of February
Anno Domini 1844
Samuel Selden Associate Judge of
Jackson County
Justice of Peace


State of Michigan
Jackson County
I hereby certify that
the above named Saml
Underwood is a man of truth and veracity
and that full credit ought to be given
to his statement on oath Leoni Febr 22d
1844
Samuel Selden Associate Judge
of Jackson County
Jus Peace
Page 56

State of Michigan
Jackson County
David Johnson of Jackson
in the County of Jackson
of Lawful age deposes and
says that he has been acquainted with Alvah
Smith for four years past and believes him to
be a man of truth and veracity and that
full credit ought to given to testimony
when an oath
Jackson Feb 23d 1844
D Johnson
In presence of
A Clark
Samuel Selden
Sworn and subscribed before me this 23rd
day of Feb AD 1844
Samuel Selden
Associate Judge
Jackson County
Justice of Peace

State of Michigan 
Jackson County
I hereby certify that I and personally acquainted with
Mary Smith Harry S Limbocker and David
Johnson whose affidavits are hereto annexed
and am perfectly satisfied from my own
knowledge and from general reputation
that they one persons of truth and veracity 
and that full and complete credit ought to
be given to their statements on oath and
of Alvah Smith & Samuel Underwood, whose
affidavits are annexed hereto, I am not acquainted
but from enquiry of those acquainted with them
on whose opinion I rely I feel justified perfect
by in making the certificates respecting them which
I have done above Febr 22nd 1844
Samuel Selden
Associate Judge of
Jackson County &
Justice of Peace
Page 57

State of Michigan,
Jackson County,  Mary Smith of Jackson in
the County of Jackson State of
Michigan aged seventy eight years deposes and
says that in addition to a former affidavit which
he has given in the present case she was married
to Curtis Smith in the year AD 1787. that her first
Child after the marriage was born in January
A D 1788 and died within three days after its birth
that her next child born of her was a daughter
named Elizabeth Smith born in the month of
December AD 1888 and that she is now living in
the County of Oakland in the State of Michigan and
is married to a person by the name of James
Brown-- He next child was a son named John
Smith born in July AD 1790 and who now
lives as this deponent supposes in the State of Ohio
but this deponent does not know in what town
or county or the place of his residence, her next
child was born in the month of March AD 1792
a daughter named Eunice who resides in the County
of Niagara in the State of and is married
to a person by the name of James Spencer
I further say that the children above mentioned were
all the children born of me before the first of you
Mary AD 1784 and that the said Curtis Smith was
the father of them and that they were born in lawful
Wedlock This deponent further says that her said
husband had a bible which was kept in the family
wherein the time of her marriage with the said Smith
and the names and times of the birth of their children
were entered and that the same was by accident
destroyed - as she believes-
Page 58

This deponent further says that she doth not 
know of any other evidence of her Marriage with 
the said Curtis Smith except the evidence of
her children before named
Jackson May 31st 1844
Mary Smith
In presence of
Samuel Selden
Anna Jones

State of Michigan  
Jackson County  Jackson May 31th AD 1844
Then Mary Smith personally
appeared before me an associate Judge of Jackson
County and made Solemn oath that the foregoing
Statement by her subscribed is true
Samuel Selden
Associate Judge
Jackson County


State of Michigan
Jackson County, ss Jackson May 31st 1844
I hereby certify that the said Mary Smith is a person of truth and
veracity and is to be believed when under 
oath or otherwise
Samuel Selden
Associate Judge of Jackson County

State of Michigan
Jackson County
Jackson May 31th 1844 the
certify that the said Mary
Smith by reason and infirmity could not without 
injuring or endangering her heath travel to the
Court house and give her testimony in open Count
and that it would be unreasonably to require her
to do so
Samuel Tilden Associate Judge
Jackson County
Page 59

State of Michigan
Jackson County
Clerks Office
I Ezar Jones Clerk of said County
do hereby certify Samuel Selden is an
associate Judge of the County of Jackson and
State of Michigan and that I am acquainted with
his hand writing and verily believe that the
certificate to which this is annexed to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office
this first day of June AD 1844
Ezar Jones
Clerk
Page 60

Wilson June 25th 1846
Mr. Arad Joy sir at the request of
Eunice Spence and the examination of your
Letter to her and after hearing her statement
I send you the following information
she says that she had the old family
bible and some twenty years ago
she gave it to Leonard Kingsbury who
lives in Oakland County Michigan and
there was in it a family record she has
that the marriage of Curtis and Mary
Smith her parents as therein recorded
the age and the age of all the Children
she says her own age is 53 years last March
Elizabeth Brown wife of James Brown is her
oldest sister and oldest child of her parents
they she has no family record of her
own family she always lived with
or near her parents untill after the
death of her father and knows that he
Drew a pension for services in the army
of ninety six Dollars a year and that
her Mother Drew the Last year Installment 
after his death by the assistance of
Gustavus Clark Esq of Albion Orleans
County she says she was married to
James Spencer in April 28th 1810 he further
live and Died in the Town of Clarkson in
Orleans County . Sir,  this contain all the
information that I get from her

I have received two letters from you
Directed to a Justice in the Town of Wilson
some one or two years since the last I sent to
Mary Spencer and seemed that she had no
record of her fathers
some time last summer her brother
come here from Michigan with a letter
from Samuel Selden Living near the
old widow Smith and Eunice Spencer come
before me and made an affidavit which
he took to carry to Selden
Page 61

by a letter lately receive from
Selden that her brother Did not go their
but went off to Nauvoo Selden never read
to affidavit he writes to direct the information
to you and to make an affidavit if you require
he says the old Lady is in common health but
is in need of help
if you will direct your communication to
me at Wilson Niagara County to will attend to the
matter and answer you
I have an advertisement of yours put up
in my office and there his two men requested
me to write you to asist them to get pension
one is Zebulon Cates of this Town he says
that he got a pension some years and it
was stopped and for eight or nine years be
has receive none he has some papers
explaining the case but I am unable
to say how it is without going and Examining
them he is quite old but intelligent and thinks
he even yet his pension of some person would
assist him and be faithfull
the other is Edward Oliver of this Town Claims
back pay of his fathers pension an Office some
less than a year pay and land
I am unable to give the particulars in the
Case without their being present
Yours respectfully
Norman Shepherd


Norman Shepherd
Wilson NY
June 25.46
Wrote you 30th
June 46
wrote you July 27 46
Wrote Mr. Oliver
Sep 3.46
Page 62

W. Bascomb
Cowne Sept 10.46
Some History
Page 63

Crown Point Sept 10 1841
Dear Sir
Yours of the 17th June was Recd
But has not been forwarded for the following reasons
same time in April last I took from the
a letter directed to Justice Peace enclosing
a letter directed to Wm Burrows I made
inquiry for Burrows & found he had
left Crown Point & gone to St Lawrence Co
I showed the Letter to Esqr Fenton & he
Enclosed it in a letter to William Livingston
the Post Master at Southville requesting him
to forward it to Mr Burrows
on Receiving your letter 17 June I made
further enquire for Burrows found an
Relative of his who informed me that Burrows
some where in St Lawrence Co & he thinks in
Parishville he said he was going there soon
& would carry the letter directly to him
for that reason I have not forwarded it
But he has not called for it yet & I will
not wait longer so I forward both your letters
June 17 & Sept 3 & if this relative of Burrows
should call for them I will request him to
inform Wm Burrows at what office they
may be found
D.W. Bascom

to Arad Joy Ovid NY
if I can render you any further assistance I will do it cheerfully
Page 64

Crown Point
NY Sept 11th

Mr Arad Joy
Ovis NY
Page 65

10659  March 13 1844
Mich
Mary Smith
7 July 1838

J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
District of Columbia
Page 66

Liberty Michigan Feby 24th 1844
J L Edwards Esquire
Sir, At the request of
Mary Smith of Jackson in the County of
Jackson, Michigan. I forward the enclosed
papers, being her application for a five
years pension as the widow of Curtis
Smith deceased late a revolutionary pensioner
of the United States-- Should the application
be Successful and her pension
granted, she bequest me to ask you to
form and the certificate to me-- Should
there be further evidence wanted she
wishes you to inform me. so that the
defect may be supplied
I can state from my personal knowledge
that she is now and has been for some
time past, very feeble in health, so much to
as to be unable to do any thing to support
herself and that her children are
very poor. Should you have occasion,
please direct to me at South Jackson
County of Jackson, Michigan
Respectfully yours
Samuel Selden
Page 67

From
Whitfield Warker esq
Whiting
Vt
Aug 19 1845
Mary Smith
widow of Caleb Smith
now of Michigan
Arad Joy
-
Jan 12, 1846

Whiting Vt aug 22
Arad Joy Esq Pension Agent
Ovid Genesee Co.
NY
Page 68

Whiting Aug 1945
Arad Joy Esq.  Dear Sir
Being one of the Magistrates
in the Town of Whiting to whom you addressed a
communication making inquiry in relation to
the marriage of Curtiss Smith to Mary Williams
at Whiting on the 11th April 1787 by John Smith Esq
then of Leicester after this lapse of time returns an answer 
I have examined the records of the Town of
Whiting & Leicester thoroughly but in vain. I have
also made personal Examination filed by the county clerk of all the Justice
returned to records of the County Clerks Office, but the files
show none from John Smith Esqr, nevertheless the
fact that he was a Justice of the Peace is well
known to many. The records of Leicester show that the
Town was organized in March 1786 & that
Thos Sawyer John Smith & Elkanah Cook were Select
Men. My mother (Prudence)was daughter of Col. Thos Sawyer
& was well acquainted with Curtis Smith & Mary
Williams when they resided at Clarendon before
their Marriage. Says that Curtis first wife died at
Whiting, & that afterwards Mary kept his house about
6 Mos & finally married the said Curtiss - she did
not see them married but they were reputed to
to be, & lived together as husband & wife - She also
knows that said John Smith & her Father were the
first Justices in Leicester. She is now in her 79th
year. I find also another widow Lady in Middle
bury Jerusha Washburn who knows the same
facts in relation to Smith's marriage to Mary
Williams. This is the best evidence that can
possibly be obtained as both the magistrate who
married them & all the witnesses are dead.--
This is the opinion of Judge Swift or County Clerk ┃
is sufficient in the absence of better.
Page 69

I have already incurred not less than $3.00 expense to
make the examination of the records above alluded
to & I should be willing to make affidavit that I
have so examined & calld also obtain the Depositions 
of Mrs. Jerusha Washburn & Prudence
Walker testifying that they were both well acquainted
with the parties before & after their reputed marriage
that they lived together as husband & wife
but were not present at the wedding & that they
know of no person now living that could have
been, as nearly all the then inhabitants of Whiting
are dead. I find the early records very imperfect
both Leicester & Whiting having had recourse to special
enactments to legalize this informalities & defects
to ascertain these facts I have travelled over 20 miles
& expended more than two days time which is a
gratuity; but should you require my affadavit
& their Deposition, I should expect pay if had to take
them--
yours for benevolence
Whitfield Warkey
Page 70

Ovid N.Y. Nov 23d 46
Sir,
I enclose a part of the correspondence
in the case of Mary Smith Michigan
named in yours of the 14th - I may be allowed 
to say, that I have in no case written to
many letters as in this case, that I have done all
that man could do to find the witnesses named
or to find others, I have entire confidence in the
case, that the marriage took place in 1787
I am entirely baffle in finding any other old
persons who were neighbors of Curtis & Mary Smith
the enclosed letters will give you the account of
the death of several persons who might have
been witness of living. I beg leave to refer you
to letters on file with her papers-- if you will
please be to the trouble of reading the enclosed & reexamining 
the papers on file, I have no doubt you will
grant her the pension, without demanding more proof
Respectfully
Your Obt Sert

Arad Joy
Hon J L Edwards
Coms of Pensions

S Selden is one of the Judges of Jackson Co. Michigan
Page 71

The enclosed letter refer to the case of
Mary Smith, widow of Curtis Smith who
applies for a pension from Monroe Co
New York, last letter in the case is dated
March 25. 1846 - On comparing the enclosed
letter with, numerous other letters, it will be
apparent that the marriage took place
in 1787- 15 letters have been written to
the several individuals named in the enclosed
letters as witnesses, & every word of answer
recd from them were filed in the Pension
department in Jany 1846 - the letters, 
enclosed one of them of 12 April, 45 mentions of
the witnesses having removed to Ohio
after writing 6 to 10 letters to Mrs Smith
daughter at Wilson N. Y. not one word has been
heard from her & she is probably dead, if the
proof be satisfactory as it doubtless will, let
the pension certificate be issued payable
in Albany N.Y. as the woman may come
back to New York of she gets funds to help her
Page 72

N. Shepard
Oct 3.46
history

Arad Joy Esq
Ovid
Wilson NY
Oct 4
Page 73

Wilson Oct 3 1846
[illegible]  Sir in answer to yours
I have seen the Spencer she say Kingsbury
lives near the north line of [illegible] County
but cannot tell the Town or postoffice
she says that Jeremiah Speckerman William Coon
and Stephen Baxter Live in Clarkson
Orleans County and are acquainted with
Kingsbury he think Baxter or Ory Roach
of Clarkson will be able to inform you
where to direct a Letter to Kingsbury
you wished to know how old Eunice Spencer
was she was 53 years old last may
she says it is not possible that the old record
is in being it was very much worn when
she gave it to Kingsbury many years ago
N Shepard
Page 74

Leoni Oct 30th 1846
Hon J L Edwards
Court of Pensions
Sir
I enclose further
proof of the marriage of the party named
in the enclosed paper, please report the
case to me as early as convenient
your Obt Servt
John DeMott
Page 75

J L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 76

Brief in the case of Mary Smith, widow of Curtiss Smith
Jackson County and State of Michigan
Act 2 Feb 18
Claim, (for increase.)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, tradition, opposed by that the substance

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Increased under the Joint Resolution
of July 1848

Name and residence of Agent.
A. Joy
Ovid
NY

J. Cole
Examining Clerk.
Page 77

Ovid Seneca Co N. Y
June 26th 1845
Dear Sir, 
Pardon me for troubling you, I
write in behalf of an old revolutionary woman
Mary Smith, widow of Curtis Smith now of
Jackson Michigan-- I am informed that a
daughter of Curtis Smith is a farmer wife, did
reside with her husband William Burroughs
at or near your place, may I be allowed
respectfully and in behalf of the poor widow and
as a deed of charity to her, to please to inform
me if Mrs Burroughs is living in your place, &
whether the recollects of her fathers 2nd marriage
at what age she was when that marriage took
place; what is Mrs Burroughs has [illegible]
family record of her age, will [illegible]
help her mother a pension, if [illegible]
enclose it to me & inform me on [illegible]
been made, you will very greatly [illegible]
the old widow
William Pierce
[illegible]
[illegible] Co.  NY
Page 78

Oct. 17. 1845.
A declaration
Mary Smith,

10
Hon J. L Edwards
Comms of Pensions
Washington
Page 79

Ovid Oct 13th 1845
Sir, 
I enclose proof of the marriage of Mary Smith
widow of Curtis Smith, her application is on file
Please make her pension certificate
payable in Albany, as greatly to her interest
& convenience

Respectfully
Your Obt Senr
Arad Joy

Hon J L Edwards
Page 80

G. Blakesley
Caledonia
April 9.45
Mr & Mrs. Oaks gave
no information in
the Smith case to be
[illegible] April 15.45
Page 81

Caledonia Apl 12 1845
Mr A Joy
Sir your letter of the 8th last
was duly recd. I called on [illegible] Hotchkiss 
for the purpose of gaining information
in regard to Mrs. Smith & Thankfull Oaks
Pension &c. It appears that he is unable 
to throw much light in the subject. He
tells me that Thankful Oaks in the mother 
of John Oaks and Lives in the town of
Belleville in the State of Ohio some 50
Miles below Pittsburgh on the Ohio river
John Oaks lives in Ohio or Michigan
left this place some years since. So it is
unnecessary  to send you enclosed letter
to [illegible] this is about the
amount of information that can be had here 
I am very Respectfully
Yours in haste
G Blakeslee
Page 82

May 22/47
Add case of
Mary Smith, widow of Curtiss,

Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 83

Ovid N.Y. May 17th 1847
Sir,
In yours of the 30th April in the case of
Mary Smith - of the affidavit of Prudence Walker ┃
I have since the recd of your written to Mr Walker
& to day I have obtained from him, the enclosed affidavits-- 
you require "some satisfactory explanation"
if the enclosed proves to be such, after your careful
inspection, will their be anything more wanting,
in your decision, I ask only justice, you are to be
judge, & I want no pension further than is just
right, honest & correct, & I go as for to protect the
Government as the widow, pension or no pension 
As Whitfield Warker Esq has been (I think, certified
this case, as a Justice of the Peace, on the presenting
the last affidavit, & as you have his hand writing,
I [illegible] to get the seal & certificate, supposing that
would not require it-
Respectfully
Your Obt Senr
Arad Joy

Hon J L Edwards
Coms of Pensions
Washington
Page 84

April 14, 1847
[illegible] case
Mary Smith

J L Edwards
Coms of Pension
Washington
DC
Page 85

Ovid April 9 -47
Dear Sir,
I enclose an affidavit & and
family record of Prudence Walker in the
case of Mary Smith, widow of Curtis Smith
application from Michigan under law of '38
I may remark of Mrs Walker, that I
am informed that she is an uncommonly smart 
old lady of strong power of mind of good memory
, a lady of uncommon memory, but is
almost blind, so much so that she could not
see to write her name, without help in guiding
the pen, that will account for the plain
hand, yet it shows a tremelous hand, you
will please notice that the swears that the
was married in 1793 & her record shows her first
child to have been born in 1794 Jany & that the
says Mrs Mary Smith was married for 7
years before the war; I submit the enclosed
in good faith, be your judge as to the genuineness
of the record I ask only justice to the widow
and no more for the proof than it merits-
Harold E.
You Obt Sur
Arad Joy
Page 86

S. Seldon
May 9.46
questions in last part of
of letter to be answered by
Mr.Seldon

Witnesses &
full history
Perly Green

wrote N. Munger
Livonia May 15.46
Wrote P.M. Lines to for
above letter May 29.46
Page 87

South Jackson May 4th 1846
Sir yours of the 20th of April I received on the 2d
instant and today have been to see the widow
Mary Smith - I would in the first place state
that before you were engaged in this subject,
we had taken the depositions of James Brown
and his wife Elizabeth Brown who was a daughter 
of Mary Smith who live in Oakland County
in this State, and whose depositions on filed
at Washington to prove the entry of the marriage
in an old family bible of Curtis Smith. They
proved the fact beyond doubt. To avail our
selves of that testimony we must go further and
shew the lost or destruction of that bible. This
fact. I am informed can be proved by Eunice
Spencer a daughter of Mary Smith to whom the
bible was given. She is the wife of James Spencer
of Wilson Niagara County, State of New York
I shall write to her and believe I can make her
give her testimony and give you notice
Thankful Oakes Abijah Smith Betsey Smith wife
of Abijah Smith all lived in Whiting Vermont at
the time Curtis & Mary Smith were married, and the
not present at the marriage, understood that they
were married and know that they lived as
man and wife several years previous to 1794
and since. They are about the age of Mary Smith
and removed from Caledonia to same place
in ohio of which you can be informed by
Mr Augustus Hodgkin of Caledonia in Livington
County N York Perly Green of the village of
Mumfordville town of Wheatland Monroe County
N Y can give you the same information-- I shall
write to one or both of them to give you the information
-
Page 88

Nathaniel Munger and his wife Beulah Munger
lived in Whiting it at the time C&M Smith were
married and and know that C&M lived together
as husband & wife several years prior to 1794
and since - They were some 3 or 4 years older than
Mary and were married that 1 year after she
was at Whiting Vt. The last time. Many saw him
(Munger) same 10 or 12 years ago, he and his wife
lived at Livonia not far from Rochester, NY
The name of Munger's wife before marriage was
Beulah Cox
Mary Smith stated to me and I further to your
you the information that she was born June
10th 1766. She thinks on further reflection, that
she was born in 1765 and that in June next she
will be 81 years of age. She was married in
April 1787
I believe I sent you an extract from a Letter of
the Com of Pensions J L Edwards on this subject.
but as I am not certain that I did, I will now
send it. It is in a letter dated Pension office at
24th 1844-- "If there be no record of documentary
Evidence, the testimony of intelligent neighbors
who knew the parties of husband and wife of
an ascertained period prior to January 1794
may be deemed sufficient "
I have thus given all the information that an obtain
and hope that you will be able to obtain
the certificate. If you should be successful please
send me with the certificate the form of the
oath necessary for Mary to make to obtain it
and whether it must be taken before a Judge
of a Justice of Peace-- I will see that enough
is retained to satisfy you for your services
Yours Respectfully
Samuel Seldon
Page 89

PS. Please in your next, to inform me the County
you reside in
PS. Again John Baker & Sally Baker children of
Thankful Oakes were children of Thankful
about 5 & 3 years old when C&M Smith were
married - Live with or near the Smiths in Ohio

I have written and send with this letters to
Eunice Spencer of Wilson and one to Augustus
Hodgkin of Caledonia and have no doubt they will
give you all the information. If you do not do
receive a  line from them was please write them
S Seldon
Page 90

N. Shephard
Sep. 14.46

Arad Joy Esq
Ovid NY
Page 91

1846
Wilson Niagara County Sept 4th
Arad Joy Esq
I see the letters you sent Mr. Oliver
he says he read the one concerning
his own business
I have Seen Mr. Spencer and his wife
they cannot tell her Leonard Kingsbury
post office address or certain Town where
he lives this Unis Spencer says he is
over 53 years old has no record of
her age or marriage she has not 
been in this Town but a few years
she has lived in Clarkson Orleans
County when her father and mother
lived there I have seen her by
Curtis Smith he lives about a mile from
me he says there is no person living
that was present at the marriage of
his father and mother I think he is
older than Unis but dont know if he
is her age can be proved by him
it is possible that Selden can find
where Kingsbury Lives by your writing
to him
Mary Spencer days when she let him
have the bible it was very much broken
and thinks it must have been used up
long since the remembers will that
it contained a record of the age of
her parents their marriage and the
births of all the Children
Mary Spencer is willing to do all she can
for her mother but she is infirm herself
and lives some five miles from me
and it is attended with some inconveniencess
to me to go and make the enquiries
still if I can render service to the needy
I am willing Zebulon Cates Lives about 
a mile from me I will go and see him
and get all the information from him I can
and write you in ten Days Norman Shepard
Page 92

Mr. Oliver will not write to
you unless it is necessary you
can write to me and I will
Endeavor to answer
I will see Curtis Smith before
I write again
N Shepard
---
Page 93

Curtis Smith
Recd 18 Sept 1821
Page 94

Court of Com. Pleas
Genesee County
the state of New York of the Term of Sept. 1821
from the Testimony adduced to this Hon.
Court. I am directed to state that the Land
mentioned in the Schedule signed by Curtis
Smith presented to this Court at the November 
Term AD. 1820 is in this possession
of the sd Curtis Smith by an article of
agreement or contract for the purchase of
the same and for which there is now due
the Original owners Three hundred and
fourteen dollars, and that the Lot of said Land
is not worth more than the sum due for the same
or at most not more than forty or fifty
Dollars, that the said Curtis Smith is considerably
involved and is in quite indigent
circumstances.
In Testimony whereof I have
hereto set my hand and seal
of the sd Court Sept. 5 1821
C L Sheldon Clk
Page 95

Batavia
NY Aug 2

Hon. J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washungton City
Page 96

Batavia New York
August 26th 1822
Sir,
I again trouble you with enquiries
concerning the claim of Curtis Smith a
Revolutionary pensioner, his claim was
Suspended, and on my enquiries, I was
informed "There would be no difficulty
in deciding his claim when the copies of
the Mortgage given for his farm should
be forwarded to the war Department"
the 10th of Sept 1821 I mailed a certificate
of the Court in regard to the value of his
Land in possession when he made out his
first Schedule. M. Tracy called last winter
several times but could not obtain a final
discision, in consequence of a pressure of business

Yours respectfully
Saml Lake

Hon. J.C. Calhoun
Secy of War-
Page 97

Ovid July 8 18455
Dear Sir
I take the liberty of addressing you
(I pay the postage) I know not to whom to
write, except yourself, & I shall be much obliged
if you will please forward, by some neighbor
this letter of enquiry viz. To Perley Green
or a son of Mr Oaks, my object is to ask 
information relating to Abijah Smith & his wife
Betsy Smith, I wish to ascertain whether they
are either or both now living, if so, where they
reside, I am informed that the did reside
at Pittsford. are they living & do they still
reside at Pittsford -
Obly Your Obt Sert
Arad Joy

Post Master
Caledonia
Livingston Co.
New York
Page 98

Ovid April 8th 1845
Dear Sir, 
May I be allowed respectfully
ask you to please to do me a favor -
viz - of forwarding this letter to Augustus
Hodgkin, by some neighbor, I address it to
you, least he should not be in the habit of
calling at your post office & consequently
it would cause great delay-- I have 2
letters from Judge Saml Seldon of South
Jackson Michigan, in his last he asks
me & write to the Hodgkin & ask him to
forward to me, the letter from Judge S.
him giving a history of a pension
case of her Mary Smith please to
re direct that letter to me single, [illegible]
off the former direction, as I have the
pension case in charge & need the
history contained in that letter. Pardon
me for thus troubling you
Yours Very Respectfully 
Arad Joy
Post master 
Caledonia
Livingstone Co
Page 99

[right hand side of page is cut off.}
Ovid Seneca Co New York
June 28 [illegible]
Dear Sir,
pardon me for troubling you I write in
of a Revolutionary widow widow, viz, Mary Smith
I ask you respectfully as a deed of charity to her to
inform me if her marriage is on your town or
records viz - Married Curtis Smith & Mary Will
April 10th 1787- married by a brother  of Curtis
John Smith Esq - the place  was then called Whitingt
Rutland Co., (it may be Addison now) John S
Esq [illegible] Leicester, his family or descendent 
have a record of the marriage, Thankful St
sister of the husband Curtis Smith -if my
letter should not reach the [illegible]
place where the marriage took place please
forward it to the most likely & give me
[illegible] information you will be doing
good deed of charity to a poor old woman
Yours most respectfully
Arad Joy

Justice of Peace
Whiting
[illegible]
VT
Page 100

Ovid Seneca Co. N. York
April 18th 1845
Dear Sir
I am employed to procure a pension for
widow Mary Smith, I am informed that your
wife is his daughter & that he had formerly
a family record that belong to her father & mother
I ask respectfully that of the has such record
please forward it of it is half worn out
Still forward it, I want the original word,
the record of the marriage & of the children -  if you
have not it, please inform me what record you
have & if you have a copy of it, how long has 
that copy been made what is your wife's age
& has she a record of her age if so how long
has that been in use - where did her father die
the case was sent to me by Judge Selden of South
Jackson Michigan
Yours Respectfully
Arad Joy
Mr. James Spencer
Wilson

Will the P.M. please forward this letter
neighbor to Mr. Spencer oblige
Page 101

South
Jackson
May 5th 1848
Sir I send you herewith the application
and declaration of Mary Smith the widow
of Curtis Smith, for a pension under the late
act of Congress. The widow is now eighty
three years of age and is dependent on the
charity of her friends for support
should the application be successful it
will be a relief to the widow to receive
the certificate as soon as may be consistent
with convenience

Please send it to me direct to South
Jackson, County of Jackson Michigan
yours Respectfully
Samuel Selden
Page 102

State of Michigan
County of Jackson
I James A Dyer Clerk of
said County do hereby certify that Samuel
Selden the person before whom the anexed
affidavit was taken was at the time of taking
the same a Justice of the Peace in and for
said County duly authorized and qualified
by the laws of this State to take affidavits,
and further that I am personally acquainted with
said Justices hand writing and
know his signature to the annexed affidavit to be genuine
In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of my office this 5th day
of September A.D. 1848
James A. Dyer
Clerk
Page 103

State of Michigan
Jackson County
On this fourth day of September AD 1848 personally
appeared before the undersgined or Justicse of the
Peace in and for said County duly authorised by Law
administer oaths, Mrs Mary Smith a resident
Spring Arbor in said County of Jackson and
State of Michigan aged eighty three years, who
being first duly sworn according to Law, doth
on her oath make the following declaration in
order to obtain the benefits of the provision made
by an act of congress passed the 2d February
1848 granting pensions to the widows of persons
who served during the revolutionary war; that
she is the widow of Curtis Smith, who was a
private in the New Hampshire line in the war
of the revolution, and that she has drawn a
pnsion at the rate of eighty dollars per an
annum under the act of 17th June 1844. She further
declares that she is still a widow
Mary X Smith her mark
In presence of
Samuel Selden
Electa Hotchkiss

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written
before me Samuel Selden Justice of the Peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me
and that she is the same individual she represent
herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
Samuel Selden Justice of the Peace
Page 104

I hereby certify that the said Mary Smith 
cannot write her name for want of practice
and by reason of old age
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand the day & year above written
Samuel Selden
Justice of the Peace
Page 105

Widow Mary Smith
History ?
Jackson Co Michigan
March 10. 1845

Samuel Seldon
wrote you apl 25 45
wrote  S. Selden Apl 2.46

Wrote S.  Seldon
Nov 15.45 I was obliged
to get more proof & to send for it
it too find it all
wait takes 3 mo.
but a pension [illegible]

write on March 26.45
copy
wrote P.M. Caledonia to 
hand letter to Mr. Hodgkins &
to said Clay & John Oaks
April 9 45 C
wrote  Jos Spencer wife for 
family record
Page 106

South Jackson March 18th 1845
Sir,  your forward of the 13th of Febr last [illegible] 
to the Post Master of Jackson has just been put
into my hands-- I answer I have to inform
you that Mrs Dibble died about two or
three months after the receipt of her second
pension certificate. It was payable in
September and she died in May or June
before. On her death I delivered the papers in
the case to her son, and of course have not the
data to enable me to state when her pension ended
, but believe in May or Jun 1843
of her death I suppose you were not informed

While on the subject of Pensions, I ask how  to trouble
you little, but may in the end be to your benefit and do
to others Mary Smith the widow of Curtis Smith late
of Clarkson State of New York deceased, a pensioner applied
for a pension as his widow about one year
age. The answer of the Commissioner of Pensions, is
as follows. The proof of the service of her husband
is satisfactory, but the alledged date of the marriage
should be sustained by the best attainable evidence-
If there be no record or documentary evidence
the testimony of intelligent neighbors who knew the
parties as husband and wife at an ascertained
period prior to January 1794 may be deemed
sufficient"

I applied to Mary Smith who now lives in
Jackson in this County, and the informed me
that Thankful takes and John Oakes of Wheatland 
near Caledonia Village Livingston County
State of New york knew them before and
after their marriage - Marriage April 1787, and knew
that they lived as husband & wife untill his decease.
Eunice the daughter of Curtis & Mary Smith and wife of
James Spencer of Wilson, Niagara County State of New York
had the family bible in which the marriage
was entered, but the bible or the record in it has been
destroyed by time or accident but the record is probably
recollected by her and she can probably tell
Page 107

the manner and the fact that it is lost or destroyed
On the receipt of this information I mention
November  to Augusus Hodgkins of
Caledonia Village County County of Livingston 
N Y to take the evidence or testimony of
the persons above named and forward the
evidence when taken to the Commissioner
of Pensions at Washington and to give me
early information on the subject since
that time I have received no information
whatever on the subject from him-
The parties were married in Vermont in a town, then
new and no record of the marriage can be found
The widow has applied to me take the agency
of her case, and think him justified in
Engaging you to assist me but she is poor and
can pay nothing unless the pension should
obtained. It may be that the evidence
may have been taken and forwarded to 
Washington, but I have received no information of it
therefore, as you are nearer to Mr. Hotchkiss than
, you will correspond with him and that [illegible]
I should take it as a favour and in the Event
that the pension is obtained. I will see that a
liberal compensation is retained for you-

In my communication to Mr Hotchkiss, I gave
general history of the last, which if necessary
one can refer to - Perhaps if either of the persons
referred to, has deceased the survivor may [illegible] 
but others who can give the necessary information
should we fail in attaining the pension
will see your paid for all your disbursements
in postage of Letters & on the subject
I should like to hear from you soon after
receipt of this and any thing done on
the Subject
Direct to me at South Jackson
County of Jackson, Michigan
yours Respectfully
Samuel Selden
Page 108

PS should you send any communcation
to Washington please inform the department that
I wish it to inform me as soon as any determination
is had on the subject
Yours Rc
S Selden
Page 109

State of Vermont 
Addison County SS.
Whitfield Walker Esqr whom I
certify to be a highly respectable
person appeared before me & after being duly sworn
according to law deposes & says, that he was the officiating 
Justice in taking the deposition of Prudence
Walker, which was accompanied with the old family
record of said Pruidence Walker in favor of the
date of the Marriage of Curtiss Smith to Mary Smith
the present widow of said Curtiss Smith, that the
name of the deponent Prudence Walker was not written by
herself alone, but she held hold of the pen &  Whitfield
Walker helped to write her name - that the said Prudence
Walker who executed the affidavit above alluded to, in the
manner described, did so, not because she had no knowledge
of the art of writing; but on account of almost
total blindness occasioned by a paralysis of the Optic
nerve many years ago, since which she has been out of
the habit of writing. Although over Eighty years of age
& blind, such is her desire for knowledge, & strong powerof
memory very few females of her age possess an equal
amount of knowledge in relation to the affairs of the
world & things in general. that her last affidavit was executed
with her consent in the manner above described from the necessity of
circumstances & with her help, & is fully to be believed. That this
deponent is the oldest child of the said Prudence Walker, & that
he was born Jany 5th 1794
Whitfield Walker
Subscribed & sworn to before
me this 12th day of May 1847 ⎬ J B Walker Justice Peace
Page 110

State of Vermont
Addison County
Rev. Banna Allen whom I certify  to be a highly respectable minister
of the Gospel & highly respectable person, after being duly
sworn according to law deposes & says, that by the last five years he has lived
the nearest neighbor of Prudence Walker Mother of Whitfield
Walker Esq. that this deponent considers her to be a person
of sound mind & uncommonly strong mind & memory
& good ordinary education for a person of her age, & only
only an account of his blindness (which he understands
to be occasioned by a paralysis of the optic nerve) he has
every reason to believe could write her name, but that
under almost total blindness she cannot write it so as
to be intelligible. This deponent further says, that full
faith & credit is due to her veracity, & that any affidavit
executed by her is entitled to as much credit as
if her sight was good & his age did not exceed fifty
years - that as for as he knows & believes she has always
been a reliable person, subscribed & affirmed to
under the pains & penalties of perjury this 12th day
of May 1847
Banne Allen
Before me Whitfield Walker Just Peace
Page 111

Whitfield Walker
Whiting
Addison Co
Vt
History
Witnesses
Page 112

Whiting Sept 7th 1843
Dear Sir In answer to you, inquiries in relation 
to the ages place of residence &c of Mrs.
Prudence Walker & Mrs Jerusha Washburn I
proceed to answer - Prudence Walker was born
Jany 14th 1767 - Married March 14th 1793 and resides in Whiting with me & is my Mother - Mrs.
Washburn resides in Middlebury Addison Co
VT - was 95 years of age last month day not
recollected - was married in Rutland, as
Clarendon Rutland Co. some doz. or 15 years
previous. Both still retain their mental
faculties well. Should you wish to obtain
her affadavit write to Hon. Saml. Swift
Middlebury Vt of to Joseph Adams with
whom she resides-- Please pay the Portage
in your next. I remain your Obt Servt
Whitfield Walker

Arad Joy Esqr
Page 113

State of Vermont
Addison County ⎬ Personally appeared before the Subscriber 
a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Whitfield
Walker of Whiting in said County, after being duly sworn
according to law, deposes & says that he has examined
the town records of the town of Leicester & Whiting, where the marriage
of Curtis Smith, to Mary Williams in April 1787 is said to have
taken place, that he has not been able to find such record,
this deponent further says that he went to the County Clerks
office & there examined the Justices return, but could
not find the record of the marriage of the said parties
and that having made thorough & dilligent search for
the record of said marriage, he is satisfied that the
Justice who married them made no return of said
marriage to the town, or County Clerk & that none
of the to records of marriages of the Justice said to
have married them are to be found, this deponent is
satisfied that there is no record of their marriage to be found
Whitfield Walker

Sworn & Subscribed before
me this 4th day of October 1845
according to the best knowledge &
belief of deponent
Isaac Ives Justice Pace

I certify that the above named Whitfield Walker Esq
is a highly respectable person Isaac Ives Justice Peace
Page 114

State of Vermont
Addison County ss Personally appeared before the Subscriber 
a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Prudence
Walker of Whiting in said County, aged Seventy eight years
and upwards, after being duly sworn according to law
deposes & says, that she was personally acquainted with
Curtis Smith & Mary Williams, before the said Curtis
Smith married her that she well recollect the 
circumstances of their reputed marriage as having take place
in 1787 or 1788, that as a data by which this
deponent will recollect the date of the marriage of
Curtis Smith to the said Mary Williams, & by which the
governed in that date, is that this deponent was
herself married in March 1793 and that she well
recollect that the said Curtis Smith was as to
Mary Williams five or six years before this 
deponent was married, that she was for five or six
years before her own marriage, in the habit seeing
the said Curtis Smith & his wife Mary spoken of as husband
and wife, and verily believes they were, although
she resided previous to be marriage in Salisbury 8 miles distant
Prudence Walker her mark
sworn & Subscribed before
me this 6th day of Oct. 1845
according to best knowledge &
belief of deponent-
Whitfield Walker Just Peace
I certify that the above named Prudence Walker is a
highly respectable person
Ephraim Moulton Justice Peace
Page 115

State of Vermont
Addison County Clerks Office
I, George Swift Deputy Clerk of the
County court for said county of Addison
hereby certify that Isaac Ives, was at the date
the Certificate attached to the first of
the within depositions is a justice of the
peace in said County duly commissioned
& qualified & that his
signature to the same to be genuine
-
And I further certify that Whitfield
Walker was at the date of the certificate
attached to the second of the within
depositions, a justice of the peace in
for said County duly commissioned and
qualified, and that I believe his signed the
to the same is genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said Court at Middleton County this 8 day
of October 1845
George F. Smith Deputy Clerk
Page 116

State of Vermont  Prudence Walker appeared before me whom
Addison County ⎬ I certify to be a highly respectable person of same
mind & good memory, possessing a strong & vigorous intellect unimpaired
by age to a very remarkable intent; & after being duly sworn
according to Law deposes & says that she was born in 1767 & is [illegible]
by Eighty years of age - that when a young woman 18 or 20 years of age
she was personally acquainted with Curtiss Smith & his first wife, which
continued up to the time of her death which this deponent well recollects
occurred at Whiting in 1786, 1787, that the then Mary Williams (with ┃
whom she was also acquainted principally from reputation, went to keep the house of the said
Curtiss immediately subsequent to the death of the said Curtis, first
wife, & that the said Curtiss was reputed to have been married
to the said Mary about six months afterwards-- that this deponent
frequently heard their marriage spoken of-- that it was a
matter of common public notoriety, & well accredited by all who
knew them, & that she verily believes they were married at or about
the time above stated, & that she is at this time the Widow Mary Smith
This deponent further says that she lived single 6 or 7 years after the
reputed marriage of the said Curtiss & Mary, & that she was herself
married in March 1793 Seventeen hundred ninety three, and
that the attached family record, is the original record of
the age of this deponent & his family which shows the birth of
this deponents first child in Jany 1794. The words "principally 
from reputation" interlined before signed
Prudence Walker
subscribed & sworn to before me this 1st day of
April 1847 after being duly cautioned as the law directs
Whitfield Walker Just Peace
Page 117

State of Vermont
Addison County
I Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court
for the said County of Addison, do hereby
certify, that Whitfield Walker, before whom
the within affidavit of Prudence Walker was
made, was at the time a Justice of the peace
for said County, and his name subscribed
to the within certificate is his own signature
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said Court this first day of April A.D. 1847
Saml Swift Clerk
Page 118

Michigan
Mary Smith
widow of Curtis Smith
who was a Private
in the N.H. Line
Husb. died Feby 1828

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

Certificate of Pension issued the
First day of June 1847
and sent to
Arad Joy, 
Ovid
NY
{Acts of March 3, 1843, and June
17, 1844.}
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2  Page 241-
Rev
2 certs
1838 & c
Page 119

Michigan
Mary Smith
widow of Curtis Smith
who served in the Revolutionary
private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars -----
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
4 day of Jany 1849
and sent to 
Samuel Selden
South Jackson
JacksonCo.  Mich
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 379 Vol. 2

Letter to Hon J. Calhoun
Jan 1849

Reported
Jany 4/49
Page 120

10.283-
Michigan
Mary Smith
Widow of Curtis Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died in the month of Feby. 1828.
of Jackson in the State of Michigan
who was a Pri in the Compy
commanded by Captain - of the
Reg. commanded by Col Warner in
the N.H. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Detroit
at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of
June 1847 and sent to Arad 
Joy Ovid, N.Y.
Total amount, $400.
(Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by J.H. Wood Clerk
Book D. Vol A Page 469.


Rept
Page 121

Curtis Smith
Inventory
Copy

June 1819
Page 122

At a Court of Common Pleas held at the Court House in the Village
of Batavia in and for the County of Genesee in the State of New York
on the sixteenth day of November of the term of November 1820 being
a Court of Record in pursuance of the 41st article of the Constitution
of the State of New York, which has unlimited Jurisdiction keeps
records of its proceedings and has immemorially exercised the power
of fine and imprisonment-- Present the Hon. Moses-
Hayden Richard Smith and Ralph Parker Judges
---
Genesee County SS-On this sixteenth day of November 1820 
personally appeared in open Court (being a court of Record) Curtis
Smith aged Sixty one years resident of the town of Clarkson in
said County who being first duly sworn according to law
doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war
as follows. Two years; served in Capt. Thomas Sees company
in Colonel Warners Regiment of the New Hampshire line
was discharged at Saratoga the last of December 1779. that his
declaration was dated the third day of February 1818 and his
certificate is numbered 11.955 - And I do solemnly swear
that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the eighteenth 
day of March One thousand eight hundred and eighteen 
and that I have have not since that time by gift, sale or in
any manner whatever disposed of my property or any part
thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself
within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to
provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service 
of the United States in the Revolutionary war" passed on
the eighteenth day of March One thousand eight hundred
and eighteen, and that I have not nor has any person in trust
for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to
me, nor have I any income other than what is contained
in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed
Inventory of Schedule
Real Estate I have none-- I am in possession of
Forty eight acres of land situate in the town of Clarkson
Page 123

in sd County, owned by Leroy Bayard & Co. on which there
are 10 acres improved and a small log house-- and on
which there is now due the owners of said Land six dollars
per acre or $330 in the whole - Personal property
1 year old heifer on which is
an execution levied-----------------$6.50
2. Small pigs ------------------------"1.50
1 Old plough share -----------------"1.50
1 Broken Iron shovel -----------------0.50
2 axes $1.75- 2 hoes -----------------2.00
1. 2nd sized Iron pot -----------------1.00
1. Bake Kettle -----------------------" 1.00
1. Iron Tea Kettle --------------------"0.75
1. Broken Iron Basin                          0. 12
4. Common old chairs--------------" 1.00
1.Common old low chest ----------" 50
4. Old barrels for meat & flour       "1.25
1 pail ---------------------------------0.18
2. Common Earthen bowls ----------0. 12
3, cups & 4 Saucers       ------------ "0. 12
3 Common Plates. ------------------"1.37
2, old worn out knives & forks, -----0.06
1. Broken earthern tea pot ---------"0.12
1" pewter plate. ---------------------0.13
1 Small Grind Stone -----------------0.50
I have a debt due me from Curtis Smith Jr $6.00 6.00
I am owing debts to the following persons, viz. $24.52
To Gustavus Clark of Clarkson - $61.75 for which "one
yoke of oxen and a Harrow, mentioned in my former
schedule not (included in this) are taken $62.00
To William Sheldon of Leroy in a Judgement about 60.00
To. C. Chappel of Clarkson  8.00
To D. Campbell of Caledonia 8.50
Over
Page 124

To Dr. Balcom of Parma, $4.00
To Dr. Bingham of Livonia "10.00
To Mr. Coleby of Gates in an Execution 11.50
To Samuel Lake of Batavia "8.00
To Dr. Patterson of Parma, an unsettled
account, perhaps about " 10.00
To Mr. Tayre of Clarkson for blacksmithing - 4.00
To D. McDonald of Caledonia (in an Execution ) 19.00
$205.00

And the deponent further says that his oxen cow and calf and
Harrow have been taken on an execution in favor of Gustavus
Clark for fifty dollars, and one other execution in favor of Mr.
Wadhams of Parma of thirty, and costs of suit, and are to be
sold to satisfy said Executions, the sum due for the land which
I have in possession is more than the land could be sold for
the contract having been made in better times-- and the deponent
further says his son Amasa Smith aged 18 years on
whom he depended for assistance was drowned the 9th of
July last, in other respects the situation of his family is
much as it was last June term of this Court -
Curtis Smith
Sworn and subscribed the 16 of
November 1820 - Before me in
Open Court. S. Cumings Ck

Genesee County
Clerks Office--
i, Simeon Cumings Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
in and for the County of Genesee, do hereby certify that the
foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly
copied from the record of the said Court
and I do further certify that it is the
opinion of the said Court that the total 
amount in value of property
exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is
Twenty four Dollars and fifty two Cents-- In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said Court at Batavia this twentieth day of November A.D. 1820-
S. Cumings Ck