Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9397, John Crossett, Mass.
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Mass.  Crossett, John W9397
    Esther B.L. Wt. 67615-160-55
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Vermont
Esther Crossett,
widow of
Maj. John Crossett
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 80 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence
on the 3rd February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued
11th day of June 1857
and sent to
John H. Edwards
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[left side:]
Seth O Billings Feb. 7/57
End P
Vol C2-120.

[right side:]
Act Mar 3
266.602
Jan. 2/57
--------------
Esther Crossett
widow of 
John Crossett
----------
Capt Barnes
Col. Nixon
Mass. Mil.
Ent. Mar 3 1777
Dis. Mar 2, 1780
Revolutionary War
----------
[illegible] 53-6143
No: 160 Ac July 6/57
[illegible signature]
-----------
Oel Billings
Woodstock
VT

[written sideways on left:]
67.612 [illegible]
July 9th/57

[written at angle on left"]
Special
R.
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No 266.602
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Form of Widow's Declaration for [crossed out: Additional] Bounty Land.
State of Vermont }
County of Windham } ss.
On this 18th day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peach within and for the county and State aforesaid, Esther Crossett, aged 90 years a resident of Jamaica in the State of Vermont, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John Crossett, deceased, who as a Private in the Company Commanded by Capt. Barnes, in the Continental Regiment of Massachusetts, commanded by Col. Nixon in the war with Great Britain [crossed out: declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812] in the Revolution ; that her husband enlisted at New Brantree [Braintree] in the state of Massachusetts, on or about the 2d day of March A. D., 1777 for the term of three years, and continued in actual service in said war for the term of three years and was honorably discharged same where the place I canot say on the second day of March, A. D. 1780 as will appear by the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts in the pension department at Washington on her application for a pension, under Act of February 3d 1853 to which the pension department for evidence is referred.
She further states that she was married to the said John Crossett in the town of Wardsboro Vermont, on the 14th day of April A. D., 1807 by one James Tufts Minister, and that her name before her said marriage was Esther Kendall, that her said husband died at said Wradsboro on the seventeenth day of October, A. D., 1815 and that she is now a widow, and she would again refer the pension department to the said pension files for the evidence of her marriage and husbands death. [illegible - initials?]
[block of text crossed out]
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855.
She requests this certificate when issued forwarded to Oel Billings Esq of Woodstock Vermont
Esther her X mark Crossett
We Ebenezer Holland and Cordelia S. Holland residents of Jamaica in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the forgoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Ester Crossett in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that she is now a widow of said John Crossett not having married since his death.
Ebenezer Holland
Cordelia Skinier Holland

The forgoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written ; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons ; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
S. T. R. Cheney Justice Peace.
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State of Vermont, }
Windham, S.S. }
I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that S. T. R. Cheney was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the Certificate Herein Written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleboro, this 22d day of December Anno Domini, on thousand eight hundred and fifty six
Royall Tyler Clerk.
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State of Vermont }
Westminster District Ss }
On this 21st day of July One thousand Eight hundred and fifty four: personally appeared before the Honr. The Probate Court of the District of Westminster in the County of Windham and State of Vermont; Esther Crossett a resident of Jamacia in said District aged 88 years, who being first sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress of the 3d of February AD 1853, granting pensions to certain widows whose husbands served in the War of the Revolution;
That she is the widow of John Crossett deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and Enlisted from the town of New Brantree [Braintree] in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts as private for the term of three years in Capt. Barn's [Barnes?] Company in Col Nixon's Regement and remained in said service the full time of his enlistment (as he always declared) in the continental line.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Crossett on the fourteenth day of April 1807, by James Tufts Minister; that her name before said marriage was Esther Kendall, that her said husband John Crossett died at Wardsboro, VT on the 7th day of October 1815, that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January AD 1800, but at the time above stated.
She further declares that she is now a widow.
Witnesses }
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written.
Esther her X mark Crossett
Witnesses -
J. H. Phelps
Mary E. Skinner

Abishai Stoddard Judge of Probate
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State of Vermont }
Westminster District Ss}
I Benjamin W. Dean Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Westminster aforesaid; do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ester Crossett for a Pension ; and I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, by the affidavits of John Davidson and Horatio N. Crossett that Ester Crossett, the signer of said declaration, is the widow of said John Crossett (late of [?] Wardsboro [crossed out: in said District] deceased, and that he died at Wardsboro on the 17th day of October AD 1816.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & Seal of office at Grafton this 21st day of July AD 1854.
Benj. W. Dean Register
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State of Vermont.
Windham ss.
I, Royall Tyler Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windham aforesaid hereby certify that James H. Phelps was at the date of the paper writing hereto attached a Master in Chancery in aforesaid County, that his signatures to the seven certificates herein [?] written are genuine & that as such officer he is duly authorised by the law of this State to administer oaths, take acknowledgments of deeds, take depositions, &c.
In testimony whereof I have set my hand & affix the Seal of said Court at Brattleboro in said County this 7th day of July AD 1854.
Royall Tyler, County Clerk
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State of Vermont }
Windham County ss }
Be it remembered that at Wardsboro S.D. [S.D. stands for South District] in said County of Windham on the fourteenth day of April Eighteen Hundred and Seven that John Crossett and Ester Kendal of Wardsboro S.D. afored. were duly joined in marriage by me 
James Tufts Minister

The foregoing is a true copy of the Record
[crossed out: Attest] Asa Wheelock Town Clerk

The above is a true and literal copy of the record in the town Clerks office of the Town of Wardsboro the dates in the record being written out in full
[crossed out: Attest] J. G. Higgins town Clerk

I J. G. Higgins of Wardsboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont testify and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk for the town of Wardsboro aforesaid and the foregoing is a true extract from the record of said town.
J. G. Higgins Town Clerk

State of Vermont }
Windham County ss }
At Wardsboro in said county personally appeared J. G. Higgins and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed in [illegible] form of law this 20th day of June 1854.
Before me James H. Phelps Master in Chancery
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Revy. Widow, &c.
File No. 9397
Crossett
Wid
John Crossett
Privt Rev. War
Act: Feby 3d 1863
Index: Vol. A, Page 153
(Arrangement of 1870.)
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Washington D.C.
Feby 5 1856
Sir
Upon a careful examination of the papers in the case of Est [smudged ink] Crosset widow of John Crosset a soldier in the Revolutionary War for pension I think his identity is sufficiently made out with the certificate of the Secy of Massachusetts of his service, in this papers. All the old Revolutionary Soldiers who would have known about his service are dead & gone, so no other evidence as to his identity can be had but his sayings while living & the general opinion of his neighbors as to his having been in the service during the Revolution - you will observe that the said John Crosset died in 1815 before any pension law was passed so that he would have applied & established his identity at an early date when it might easily have been done, & he was married to this Kendall the present applicant in 1807 so she would not have applied for a pension until after 3 [smudged ink] 1853. hence having witnesses is the only evidence she can now produce to prove the identity of her husband with the service alleged under these circumstances I must ask you to so examine the case - if the witnesses such as in-
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-troduced in this case under the circumstances is not admitted to prove identity, I do not see that any case of a similar character can be admitted, but the service be so clearly established.
Respectfully
John L. Edwards

Hon. I. Minot
Comm of Pensions
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Pension Office
March 19th 1855
Sir:
The evidence filed in support of the claim of Mrs. Esther Crossett, does not identify her husband with the service for which she claims, with any degree of distinctness or certainty.
This office must be satisfied that the John Crossett, whose revolutionary service was certified to by the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, at the instance of said Esther, was  the husband of the applicant.
I am, respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
L P Waldo
Commissioner

Oel Billings, Esq. }
Woodstock, Vt. }

Woodstock Vt. December 18th 1855
I hereby request that John S. Edwards Esq Atty at Law of Washington City D.C. may be recognized as my Agent to appear and prosecute said Claim of Esther Crossett for a pension at the Pension office at Washington aforesaid.
Oel Billings

Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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add evidence
Esther Crossett widow
of John Crossett

John L Edwards
Page 16

I Amasa Turner of Wardsboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont age Eighty years depose and say that I was well acquainted with John Crossett late of Wardsboro deceased, and that he died at said Wardsboro some time in the month of October 1815 and that at the time of his death he was something more than sixty eight years of age but do not know his exact age and left a widow by the name of Esther Crossett formerly widow Esther Kindall who now resides in the town of Jamaica in said county aged about ninety years.
Amasa Turner

Sworn and subscribed to this 5th day of March 1857 Before 
Erasmus Plimpton Notary of Public
I further certify that the above named Amasa Turner is a credable witness and a man of good character and that I have no interest in said claim nor am I conserned in its prosecution
Erasmus Plimpton Notary of Public.
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State of Vermont, }
Windham, S. S. }

I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Erasmus Plimpton was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Notary Public, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified ; that his signature to the certificates [illegible] written are genuine ; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form ; and that as such officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleboro, this thirteenth day of April Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
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I Lucy Eddy of Jamaica in the County of Windham and State of Vermont sixty one years old next I sure depose and say that I was well acquainted with John Crossett late of said Wardsboro deceased, that I went to live with him in the month of December 1806 and lived with him between three and four years. he married my mother for his last wife now widow Esther Crossett formerly widow Esther Kendall before marriage to said Crossett who now resides in said Jamaica. I have often heard him tell of being out in the Revolutionary service. he died in the month of October 1815 and at the time of his death he was between sixty eight and seventy years old
Lucy Eddy

Sworn and subscribed on the 6th day of March 1857
S.T. R. Cheney Justice of the Peace

I further certify that the above named Lucy Eddy is a credible witness and a woman of good character and that I have no interest in said claim nor am I concerned in its prosecution
S. T. R. Cheney Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont, }
Windham, S. S. }
I Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached, do certify that 
S. T. R. Cheney
was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified ; that his signatures to the certificates therein [?] written are genuine ; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of the State, and are in due form ; and that as such officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of the State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer oaths, &c.

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleboro, this thirteenth day of April Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
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I Jonathan Nye of New Braintree in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 80 years depose & say, that I am one of the oldest persons now living, born in this town, and I have heard my parents say, that there was a person living in this town by the name of John or Jonathan Crossett, who resided here about the time of my birth which was in June 1777. I have my parents & others relate this circumstance in relation to him, viz that he was charged by a girl with being pregnant of child by him, born in this town in the year 1775 which child when born was a a son, raking the maiden name of the mother, which was Nichols. Said son lived in this town till I was 19 years old, and it was a common remark among people as I often heard them state, that his name should have been Crossett instead of Nichols. I have further heard my parents say, that the birth of the child produced an excitement in town in consequence of said Crossett denying the charge. The aforesaid Crossett is the only person of that name
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that I have ever heard spoken of as having resided in this town. I am confident that I am correct in the foregoing statement, it having made a strong impression on my mind at the time.
Jonathan Nye

Commonwealth of Massachusetts }
Worcester County Ss. }
New Braintree April 4th 1857
Personally appeared Jonathan Nye the signer above and made oath to the truth of the forgoing affidavit by him subscribed ; and I further certify that said deponent  I know to be a man of good character, with a very retentive [me]mory, remarkably so, and a credible witness
Henry A. Delano Justice of the Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 6th 1857
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Henry A Delano
Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted ; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony of which, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
F D Will
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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Add evidence
Esther Crossett
wid John Crossett
For Rev Pension
act July 1853

Cole

Filed by John S Edwards
17 Apr 1857
Page 24

Washington D.C.
April 17, 1857
Sir
Enclosed I send you more additional evidence in case of Esther Crossett widow of John Crossett for Rev. Pension under act 3 Feby 1853 which with the other evidence on file establishes his identity as given by the [illegible] beyond question.
Respy yours
John L. Edwards

Geo C. Whiting Esq
Comr of Pensions

1815
    68
-------
4747
     77
-------
     30.
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add. evidence
Esther wid
John Crossett
for Rev Pension
[illegible] act 3 Feby 1853

Triplett

filed by
John L Edwards
30 Decr. 1856
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Washington D.C.
Decr. 301856
Sir
Enclosed I send you additional evidence in the case of Esther widow of John Crossett for Revolutionary Pension under Act 2 Feby 1853 consisting of her affidavit & that of the agent who prepared her declaration that they were not aware of the service as given by the Secretary of State of Massachusetts when the declaration was made - & as the service as given by Mrs Crossett which she states she got from her husband compounds with the record of Massachusetts, it is conclusive evidence of her identity - that she is the widow of John Crossett whose service is proved by the certificate of the Secy of State of Massachusetts. There are also the affidavits of Davidson & Turner going to corroborate her identity It will also be observed that the said John Crossett died in 1815 before the first pension law of 1818 was passed or he would have applied
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for a pension then & that his widow Esther was married to him in 1807 so she was not entitled to a pensions until Feby 5, 1853 - so no better proof could be had under the circumstances to prove identity - the magistrate not only certifies to his good character but to his remarkably retentive memory - as to Mr. Oel Billings the agent who prepared his case, I know him to be a man of unimpeachable character for truth & integrity - & Judge Collamer of the U. States Senate knows him well & will thus [illegible] him
Respectfully
John L. Edwards

Geo C. Whiting Esqr
Comr. of Pensions
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             Wordstock Vt.  March 2d 1855
Sir
 I received your favor of Nov 18th last, in relation to the claim of Ester Crossett,  widow of John Crossett, a soldier of the War of the Revolution, in which the said widow is seeking a pension. 

In answer to which, I now enclose the additional evidence of Asa Turner of Templeton Mass, sustaining the service of said Crossett in said war, and of his marriage to a second wife &c. in Westborough,  in Windham County Vermont. 

I am Respectfully your Obt. Ser.
Oel Billings

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
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Brief in the case of Esther Crossett, widow of John Crossett
Windham County and State of Vermont -
act February 3, 1853

Claim, ("original," [crossed out: for increase."])
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband of Claimant served three years as private of Infantry in the Continental line, as shown by Certificate of Secretary of State of Massachusetts. That he performed the certified service is shown by his residence in Braintree in 1777, when and where the soldier entered the army and abundent evidence that he was reputed to have so served. He died in 1816 as proved by parol.
Marriage, in 1807, proved by verified transcript from Town Record, present widowhood proved by usual witnesses.
Allowance accordingly

John L. Edwards, Esqr
Washington, D.C.
Name and residence of Agent

R Geddes
Examining Clerk.
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I John Davidson of Townsend in the County of Windham and State of Vermont do depose, testify and say that I am seventy two years of age and that I have heretofore given an affidavit in the case of the widow Esther Crossets application for a pension on account of the services of her husband John Crossett in the Revolutionary war and I now make this affidavit in addition to the former one. I do not know what certificate if any the Secretary of State of Massachusetts has given in relation to the application of the said widow Crosset or in relation to the service or discharge of the said John Crosset and when I gave my former deposition I did not recollect distinctly what the said Crosset had told were the names of the officers he served under, but I do now recollect that the said Crosset in his life time frequently told me that he enlisted for three years service in the Revolutionary war and that the name of his Colonel was NIxon and that he enlisted from New Braintree Massachusetts and that he served out his time of enlistment and I have also heard the said Crosset say that when he came to Vermont to reside he came from Massachusetts either from New Braintree or some of the adjacent towns [illegible] I recollect of hearing him tell of working in Braintree and the adjoining towns of Hardwick [Harwich?], Barne [Bourne?] and Templeton.  I do further depose and say that I have been acquainted with the widow of the said John Crosset ever since the decease of the said John and that her maiden name was Esther and that she has never been married since the decease of said John Crosset and that she is now living in Jamaica and that she is the same Esther Crosset who is now endeavoring to obtain a pension and Oel Billings of Woodstock Vermont is her agent in the Business.
John Davidson

Sworn to this 18th day of October
A.D. 1854 Before me Richard W. Smith Justice of the Peace
I certify that John Davidson the signer of the above deposition is a credible witness and personally known to me to be a man of truth & that I have no interest in mor am I concerned in the prosecution of the said Esther Crossets application.
Richard W. Smith Justice of the Peace.
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I Amasa Turner of Wardsboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont do depose testify and say that I am seventy eight years of age that I have heretofore given a deposition in the case of the widow Esther Crossett's application for a pension and I now make this deposition in addition to the former one, and I do depose and say that the said Esther Crossett mentioned in my former Deposition is now the widow of the said John Crossett mentioned in my former deposition as the soldier who served in General in Colonel Nixons regiment, and that she now lives in Jamaica and that she is now prosecuting her application for a pension through her agent Oel Billings Esquire who resides in Woodstock Vermont. and further this deponent saith not
Amasa Turner

Sworn to this 18th day of October A.D. 1854
Before me Richard W. Smith Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named Amasa Turner is a credible witness and a man of truth, and that I have no interest in nor am I concerned in the prosecution of the said Esther Crossetts application for a pension
Richard W. Smith Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont, }
Windham, S. S. }
I Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached, do certify that
Richard W. Smith
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified ; that his signatures to the certificates therein [?] written are genuine ; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of the State, and are in due form ; and that as such officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of the State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer oaths, &c.

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleboro, this eleventh day of November Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
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I Horatio N. Orcutt of Wardsboro in the County of Windham and Sate of Vermont depose and say that I am fifty five years of age and have always lived in said Wardsboro -- that I was well acquainted with John Crossett of this town in his lifetime - that said Crossett died in said Wardsboro between thirty five and forty years ago according to my best recollection and left a widow by the name of Esther Crossett whose name previous to her marriage with said John was Esther Kendall - I am well acquainted with said widow and she now resides in the town of Jamaica Vermont - I had an uncle by the name of Elisha Orcutt who lived in the town of Reading Vermont - When said uncle came to visit my father in Wardsboro he always used to go and visit said John Crossett and on inquiring the reason of this, I was told that the said Elisha and John were play mates in their youth - My uncle there lived in the County of Worcester Massachusetts-
Horatio N. Orcutt

State of Vermont }
Windham Count Ss. } 
At Wardsboro in said County this 20th day of June 1854 personally appeared Horatio N. Orcutt and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed.
Before me James H. Phelps Master in Chancery. 
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with said Horatio N. Orcutt and know him to be a man of good character for truth and a credible witness. Also that I am not interested in the result of this claim nor am I concerned in its prosecution
James H. Phelps Master in Chancery
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Amasa Turner of Wardsboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age on oath deposes and says that he shall be seventy eight years of age the first day of December 1854. That he was well acquainted with John Crossett who died in said Wardsboro some time in the month of October 1815: Said Crossett came to live in said Wardsboro from Worcester County in the State of Massachusetts the latter part of the year 1785 ; as I have always understood - My Father lived in the town of Templeton and the Father of the said John Crossett lived also in the same town and has two sons named John and William Crossett - John Crossett till his marriage used to work out in the neighboring towns for a living - I recollect of hearing the said John Crossett say that he was out in the revolutionary service for the period of three months and their enlisted but I can not tell for how long a time - I have often heard the said John say with great pride to himself that he served in the regiment of Genl. or Col Nixon and he also told me the names of his company officers but they have escaped my recollection. He has further told me that he enlisted in the County of Worcester Massachusetts and the name of the town also but I do not remember it - I recollect of his saying that he was in the battle of White Plains but was not taken prisoner. I have always understood that said John lived in various towns in the County of Worcester Massachusetts before he came to live in Vermont - I am the Executor of the said John Crossett - His will is dated the 7th day of Sept. 1813 and was proved before the Probate Court for the District of Marlboro the 22d day of Novr. 1813:
My Father lived in the town of Templeton County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts - The said John Crossett left a widow by the
Page 35

name of Esther Crossett who now resides in the tow of Jamaica Vermont.
Amasa Turner

State of Vermont }
Windham County SS }
At Wardsboro in said County this third day of July 1854 personally appeared before me the above named Amasa Turner and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed - and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with said Amasa Turner and know him to be a man of good character for truth and a credible witness
James H. Phelps Master in Chancery

I further certify that I am not interested in the result of the claim mor am I concerned in its prosecution
James H. Phelps Master in Chancery
Page 36

I John Davidson of Townshend in the County of Windham and State of Vermont depose and say that I am seventy two years of age - that on the fifth day of June 1805 I was married to Sally Pond the daughter of Esther Pond, who was married to John Crossett the 14th day of April 1807 then bearing the name of Esther Kendall - the said Esther having three husbands, two before her marriage with said Crossett - After my marriage I lived in the town of Jamaica and the said John Crossett lived in Wardsboro an adjoining town and about five miles distant from my house - Our families were intimate and used to visit back and forth frequently - During our visits as above related I recollect of hearing said Crossett frequently talk of having been out in the revolutionary service and according to my best recollection he told me that he enlisted from New Braintree or its vicinity in the County of Worcester Massachusetts and was in the service three years commencing with 1776 or 1777 - I have lost the recollection of the names of any of his officers. I recollect of hearing the old gentleman say that at the time the British occupied the City of New York his regiment was ordered to march for that place - that they started in the afternoon marched all night and till the next afternoon without having had anything to eat when they halted and while the rations were being distributed the British came upon them and their Colonel told them all to take care of themselves. the men then run and he the said Crossett was pursued by one of the cavalry or mounted men and escaped through a marsh having ditches across it and which would not bear up the pursuer. I further recollect of hearing him state that he was at Peekskill and in the Jerseys during his time of service - I well recollect of his telling me that he performed duty during the whole period of his said three years enlistment with the exception of a short time when he was at home on furlough.
The said John Crossett died at Wardsboro in the fall of the year 1815 or 1816. I was temporarily absent from home at the time but my wife attended his funeral. He left a widow who resided in said town of Jamaica and is now a widow not having been married since said Crossett's death.
John Davidson
Page 37

State of Vermont } 
Windham County SS}
At Townshend in said County this 20th day of June
1854 personally appeared before me the above named
John Davidson and made oath in due form of law
that the above statement by him subscribed is true and I further certify
that I am personally acquainted with said John Davidson and know
him to be a man of good character for truth and a credible witness
James H. Phelps Master in Chancery
I further certify that same not interested in the result of this claims or
and I concerned in its prosecution
James H. Phelps Master in Chancery
Page 38

I Lucy Eddy of Jamaica in the County of Windham and State of
Vermont aged 61 years depose and say that I gave my
affidavit on the 6th day of March last in relation to John
Crossett late husband of Esther Crossett as to his age at his death see
I know further depose and say on the same subject as I said
in my former affidavit that I went to live with said John Crossett
in December 1806 and resided with him between three and four years
during the time in the year 1807 said John Crossett married my
mother then widow Esther Kindall who is now the widow of said
John Crossett - I further depose and say that during my
residence with said John Crossett before named- I frequently
heard said John Crossett say in conversation with my mother
now the widow of said Crossett and in conversation with myself [and?]
others where he had previously lived and relate some of the
incidents which had accrued during said time and among the
things which he often spoke of was about his being in the Revolutionary war
for a long time and how much he suffered while in the service
and that at the time of going into said service which was in 1776
or 1777 he was living in New Brantree Wocester County Mass.
and when he returned from said service he was very poor and was
obliged to obtain his living by his daly labour as the pay he received
for his servises while in the army was worthless its being in the old
continental money and that he settled in Templeton Wocester County
Mass. where he remained untill he removed to Wardsboro
Vermont where he married my said mother as before stated
I have no pecuniary interest in said claim
Lucy Eddy

State of Vermont }
Windham County ss}
Jamaica May 22d 1857 personally
appeared Lucy Eddy to me well known as of good character and
credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the
foregoing affidavit by her subscribed
S. T. R. Cheney
Justice of the Peace
Page 39

I Esther Crossett of Jamaica in the County of
Windham and State of Vermont aged 91 years depose
and say that I am the widow of John Crossett late of
Wardsboro in said County deceased and have made
application for a pension for my late husbands service
in the Revolutionary war, in which I stated that said
John Crossett served in Col Nixon's Regiment three
years and enlisted at New Brantree in the County of
Wocester and State of Massachusetts
I now further depose and say that my said husband
always told me that in 1776 that he was living in
said New Brantree and in 1777 he enlisted in to the
Revolutionary war, there at said New Brantee and he
has frequently related how he suffered while in the service
and he came out of the war poor, being under the necessity
of obtaining his living by days labour as the pay he received
for his servises while in the war was worthless, it being the
old continental money and he finally settled down in
Templeton Wocester County Mass. where he continued to
live untill he removed to Wardsboro Vermont at which
place we were married
Esther her X mark Crossett

In presences of }
Ebenezer Holland }
Lyman C. Lindsey }
State of Vermont }
Windham County SS }
Jamaica May 22d AD 1857
personally appeared Esther Crossett to me
well known as of good character and a
Credable witness and made solemn oath to the
truth of the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed
S. T. R. Cheney
Justice of the Peace
Page 40

[text below is copy from the preceding page]
was good,
of obtaining his living by days labour as the pay the
for his services while in the war was worthless, it being the ┃
old continental money and he finally settled down in
Templeton Wocester County Mass.
where he continued to
live untill he removed to Wardsboro Vermont at which
place we were married
Esther her X [mark] Crossett

[new copy:]
State of Vermont, }
Windham, S.S. }
I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, hereto attached, do certify that
S. T. R. Cheney
was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a
Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified ; that his signatures to the two Certificates
thereon written are genuine ; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form ; and that as such officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take Acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Brattleboro, this 26th day of May Anno Domini, one thousand
eight hundred and fifty seven.
Royall Tyler clerk.
Page 41

add evidence
Esther widow
of John Crossett
for Rev Pension
2 [?] act 3 Feby 1853

filed by
John S Edwards
30 Decr.1856
Page 42

I Esther Crossett of Jamaica in the County of Windham and State of Vermont aged 90 years depose and say, that I am the widow of John Crossett late of Wardsboro in said county deceased who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War from Massachusetts in Col. Nixon's Regiment and served three years, as stated in my declaration for a pension, made and executed on the 21st day of July 1854 before the Hon the Probate Court of the district of Westminster: claiming a pension under Act of February 3rd 1853 -
I further depose and say that when I made application to the Secretary of State of Massachusetts for a certificate of the service of my said husband as aforesaid, I had not seen and did not know what the records of Massachusetts bore, of my husbands service, and the knowledge of my husbands service as given in my said declaration, was derived from my said husband in his lifetime, and what has since been communication to me by  Oel Billings, Esqr. my original Agent. 
Witnesses }
Ebenezer Holland 
Cadelia Skinner Holland
Esther Crossett her X mark

State of Vermont } 
Windham County ss }
Jamaica December 18th 1856
Personally appeared Esther Crossett to me well known and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed: and further certify that said Esther Crossett retains her memory & mental faculties in a measurable degree, is cheerful and communicative in conversation and is of good character and a credible witness. 
S.T.R. Cheney, Justice of the Peace
Page 43

State of Vermont, }
Windham, S. S. }
I Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached, do certify that
S. T. R. Cheney
was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified ; that his signature to the certificate thereon written are genuine ; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of the State, and are in due form ; and that as such officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of the State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer oaths, &c.

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleboro, this 22d day of December Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty six.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
Page 44

Woodstock, Vermont Nov. 14, 1854
Sir, 
In answer to yours of Sept 18, 1854. I herewith enclose the testimony required, in the case of Esther Crossett, widow of John Crossett (a soldier of the War of the Revolution) in order to obtain said widow a pension. 
I am Respectfully your Obt. Ser.
Oel Billings

Hon L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 45

Woodstock Vt August 18, 1854

Sir,
    I herewith forward the Declaration of Mrs. Esther Crossett, widow of John Crossett a soldier of the Revolutionary War with other necessary papers in order to obtain for said widow a pension under the Act of February 3rd 1854.
    I hope for a reply at your earliest convenience
    I am Respectfully your Obt. Ser.
    Oel Billings


Hon. Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 46

I, Asa Turner of Templeten in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eighty Six years do testify and declare, that I am a native of Templeten, and have always resided here.  That I was when a boy about ten or twelve years of age I was acquainted with and new a man of the name of John Crossett it was said was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and since that time have heard others who are now dead, say that he was a soldier in that war a considerable length of time, but how long cannot say and it was a general saying among revolutionary soldiers of that time that said Crossett was a revolutionary soldier a aforesaid.  Crossett was not a native of this Town, but I do not know where he came from.  I think he did  not belong to my fathers company who went from this town as a Lieutenant in the army. My fathers name was Ebenezer Turner.  This same John Crossett [illegible] from this Town to the town of Wardsborough, in the County of Windham in the sate of Vermont where he died a great many years ago - where I have understood that he married a second wife. I do not remember what officers he served under.
Asa Turner
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County
ps, Be it known that on this twenty second day of February 1855 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for said County, Asa Turner and made solemn oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is just and true. I also certify that he is a man of good moral Character and full faith and credit ought to be given to his testimony.  I also certify that I am not concerned in the prosecution of this, nor am I interested in the results.
Samuel Lee Justice of the Peace
Page 47

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Secretary's Office, Boston, February 24th 1855
I hereby certify that at the date of the attribution hereto annexed Samuel Lee was a Justice of the peace for the County of Worcester.
in the Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, as date above written.

E.M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 48

I Henry A Delano of New Braintree in the COunty of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts certify and say that I am Town Clerk of said New Braintree, and from records and evidence in said town, I find there was never a family of Crossetts that resided in said town but there was a young man by the name of John Crossett who was in this town for a while in 1776 and 1777, and he is the only person of that name that has ever resided in this town that I can find. 
Henry A. Delano

Worcester SS. April 4-1857 personally appeared that above named Henry A. Delano and made Oath that the above certificate by [illegible] is true.
    Before me Samuel Mixter Justice of the peace. And I further certify that the above named Henry A. Delano is the Clerk of the town of New Braintree to my [illegible] and a credible witness.
Samuel Mixter Just. peace.
Page 49

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary's Office, Boston, April 6th 1857

I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed, Saml. Mixter was a  Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of court. 

In Testimony of which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
F.D. Will
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 50

Add evidence
To go with papers
in case of Esther Crossett widow of 
John Crossett
for Rev Pension
act 3 Feby 1853

filed by John L. Edwards
31 Decr. 1856
Page 51

I, Oel Billings of Woodstock in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of Lawful Age, depose and say, that I have been agent in the pension business for more than twenty years past. and when I had the occasion to apply to the Secretary of Massachusetts for record evidence of persons in the Military Service of the U.S. during the Revolutionary War, - application by a declaration before the Probate Court had to be made, or an application agreeable to the printed forms, (which were furnished by said Secretary) established by Col J. L. Edwards formerly Commissioner of pensions; and said State Department, which were mutually agreed upon as I was informed, in which it was to be setforth, the length of service and the officers they served under &c. before the said Secretary would examine the records for such service and was to be done in all cases, and has been so done as far as I have the assurance, and was so in the Case of Esther Crossett widow of John Crossett deceased ; said widow now claiming a pension under Act of Feby. 3d 1853. and her declaration was made after said application had been presented and a certificate of service received after three years service in Col Nixon' Regiment. As she had stated in her application as will appear by the paper at the pension department; and I would further say that I was as ignorant as said Esther Crossett, of what was borne on the Massachusetts rolls of the service of said John Crossett in the Revolutionary War till I made her application.
Oel Billings

State of Vermont }
County of Windsor SS } Woodstock December 25, 1856
Said affidavit Sworn to Before me
Eleakim Johnson Just. of Peace
Page 52

State of Vermont, }
Windsor County ss. }
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Eliakim Johnson was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a 
Justice of the Peace
in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature foregoing is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 25 day of December A. D. 1856
Norman Williams, Clerk
Page 53

Woodstock Vt. July 1 1857

Sir,
    On the application of Esther Crossett widow of John Crossett ( a soldier in the Revolutionary War) for Bounty Land under Act of 3d March 1855_No 266 602. I received the following reply, to wit
                         "Pension Office Feby 7 1857

Sir. 
    " The bounty land Claim of Esther Crossett has been examined " and suspended.
     The same objections exist against the allowance of this "Claim that have been urged against her pension Claim.
     When evidence is furnished identifying the husband of " the applicant with the service certified to by the secretary of state" of Massachusetts then both Claims will be favorably considered.
       Yours Respectfully
       Geo. C. Whiting Commissioner

Oel Billings Esq
               Woodstock Vt.
Since receiving said Communications further evidence has been forwarded and the Claim for pension has been allowed. The certificate is in my possession, dated 18th day of June 1857 and I now request the land warrant may be forwarded at your earlyest conveniences pursuant to said communications.  
I am Respectfully your Obt Ser.
Oel Billings

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 54

add evidence 
Esther widow of John Crossett
Rev Pension
Act 3 July 1853


Cole
Page 55

Copy of Affidavit in the Esther Crossett case at Washington

I Asa Turner of Templeton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged 86 years, do testify and say, that I am a native of Templeton, and have always resided here.  That I was when a boy 10 or 12 years of age I was acquainted with an dknew a man of the name of John Crossett.  It was said was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and since that time have heard others who are now dead, say that he was a Soldier in that war a considerable length of time but how long long cannot say. and it was a general saying among Revolutionary Soldiers of that time. That said Crossett was Revolutionary soldier aforesaid.
     Crossett was not a native of this town but I do not know where he came from. I think he did not belong to my fathers Company who went from this town as a Lieut. in the army. my fathers name was Edward Turner.
     This same John Crossett removed from this town to the town of Wardsboro in the County of Windham in the state of Vermont where he died many years ago. where I have understood that he married a second wife.  I do not remember what officers he served under
Signed Asa Turner

Commonwealth of Massachusetts }
Worcester County SS }
Be it known that on this 25 day of February 1855 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County Asa Turner and made Solem Oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is just and true; and I also certify that he is a man of good character and full faith and credit ought to be given to his testimony.  I also certify that I am not concerned in the prosecution of this nor am I interested in the result - Signed Samuel Lee Justice of the Peace -
Certified under seal by Secretary of State that said S. Lee is Justice Peace
Feby 24 1855   Signed E. M. Wright Secretary
Page 56

Woodstock Vt. December 27 1856

Sir.
    I enclose the application of Esther Corssett Widow of John Crossett a Soldier in the Revolutionary War in the Col Nixson Regiment of Massachusetts for three years service, in order to obtain for said Widow Bounty Land under Act of March 3, 1855 and amendatory act of May 14 1856
I am Respectfully your Obt. Ser
Oel Billings

Hon. Geo C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 57

Esther Corssett,
Widow of John 
Windham Co. Vermont

Admitted Act Feby 3, 1853
at rate of $80 per annum commencing at date of said Act.

Husband was a private on Infantry 2 years

Pay widow

Certificate to 
John L. Edwards
Washington,
D.C.
Page 58

5030
esther Crossett
wid of 
John
Vt.
Set: to Oel Billings, Sept 10/04 [text torn]
        "          "          Nov. 18 ""
"     "     "      "         Mrch. 19/55.
Act /53
Page 59

67615


160 acres
Page 60

No. 5030
Esther [Elizabeth crossed out] Crossett
widow of John
Vermont
Let Oel Billings Sepr. 18/54
"      "          "Nov 18/54
"      "     " March 19 /55
 Let to John S. Edwards Jan 6/57
Act Feb 3, 1853
Page 61

Vt
Esther Crossett 266607
wid
John
Boynton
[cancellation stamp:]
Woodstock VT
July 1
Act 53 Rev

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

FREE
Page 62

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES.

made by the Widow of the party who rendered the service.
______________________
State of Vermont
County of Windham Town of Jamaica

    The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of John Crossett in the war of the Revolution.

He was a native of the Town of New Braintree in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts.

He enlisted from the Town of New Braintree in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts in the year 1777 or 78 as a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Barnes in Col Nixon's Regiment of Continental Troops and he served as follows, * viz: - He enlisted for the term of three years, then at New Braintree, as private and remained in said service the full time of his Enlistment, as he always declared.

My said Husband died on the 17th day of October Eighteen hundred and sixteen

We were married at Wardsboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont on the 14th day of April Eighteen hundred and seven, by James Tufts Minister
over
_________________________________________
* Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c,. of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.
Page 63

I am now Eight Eight years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.

Witness my hand, this twentieth day of June A.D. 1854

her
Ester X Crossett
mark

Signed by said Ester Crossett
in my prescence,

R. W. Smith Justice of the Peace
Witness also L.C. Lindsey
M. Skinner
Page 64

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

                                Secretary's Office, Boston
                                      18

Sir:
    Be pleased to file a declaration in this office, agreeably to the accompanying regulations, and search will be made for the revolutionary service of
and the result forward to your address.  Particular attention is called to the second regulation.

I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Page 65

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary's Office, Boston
July 1st 1854

I Hearby Certify. That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The name of John Crossett is born on Continental Army Books in Capt. Barnes Comp. Col. Nixon's Regt. from March 2 1777 to Dec. 31 1779 33 months and 29 days as private from New Braintree.
    Also on Continental Army Books in Capt. A. Holdens Comp. Col. Nixon's Regt. from Jan 1 to March 2nd 1780 2 mos 2 days a private from New Braintree.

     In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 66

Regulations, to be observed in the examination of the Revolutionary Rolls in this office, have been [illegible] the rules which are established in the Pension Department at Washington, viz:

[illegible] requiring search, or certificate, must be made to the Secretary, in writing, by the claimant, or by [illegible] the claimant; and the signature to the application must be attested by some magistrate.

[illegible] application is made by any person other than the claimant, a power of attorney, attested by a [illegible] person to act in the claimant's behalf, must accompany the application.

[illegible] must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence and service of the [illegible] of the officers under whom he served; and no search will be made until after the filing of such written
[illegible]

Regulations to be observed in the examination of the Massachusetts Revolutionary Papers in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

"The application must be made to the Secretary in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant, by a written power of attorney, attested by a magistrate.  The signature of the claimant must in all cases be attested in like manner.

" The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence of the soldier, &c., at the time of the service, and the names of the various officers under whom he served, as well as the nature of such service.

"The certificate of the Secretary must show that the search was made, after the filing of such application, by himself, or by one of his Clerks alone, and must be accompanied by the original application of the claimant, or of his attorney, and by a detailed statement, under the signature of the Secretary, and the Seal of the State, of the circumstances which satisfied that officer of the identity of the party described in the application, with the individual who rendered the service.

J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions"

    The following is an extract from a letter, received by the Secretary, from J. E. Heath, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions, dated March 19. 1852: -

"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3d inst., accompanied by a copy of the Regulations now in force in your office in the examination of your Revolutionary Rolls; and, in reply to your questions, have to state that, in my opinion, the said Regulations could not be relaxed in any particular, without serious injury to the Government and the rights of individuals justly entitled to the benefits of the Revolutionary Pension Laws.  Indeed, even with those guards around your Rolls, I am satisfied they are frequently used by unscrupulous individuals to sustain applications not embraced by the laws, and as a means of obtaining exorbitant fees. "