Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,985, for Stephen Powell, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE                                NUMBER
Conn.    Powell, Stephen     W. 21,985
N.H. (?) [illegible] (?)   Lurany
CONTENTS
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[illegible] to 4. P. At Aug. 28
{illegible] A. Bradner, Sept. 18.
[illegible] to any persons Sept. 30,
[illegible] N.Y. & Alb. P. Agts
[illegible] 5. 1835.
24B32
New York
Stephen Powell
A Danville in the State of NYork
He was a  private in the Cont. comm
[illegible] Parliament of the Rep commander
Col Whitcomb in the NYork
2 Yearly
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York
at the rate of 80 Dollars ___Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Aug.
1833 and [illegible] N0 one Danville
Arrears to the 4th of Ma. '71                $160
Semi-ans. allowance ending 4 Sep 71   40 
                                                                 $200 
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.  }
Recorded by Jo. C.Stiles Clerk,
Book C. Vol. 4. Pate 72 (?12)
Page 3

In the matter of the application
of Stephen Powell for a 
pension   Act June 1832
14813
aomd'
24 m of 2u
80$
In reply direct to
Isaac L. Endrep
Dansville, Livingston Cy
New York
"Amended by enclosed affidavit"
Steuben County
Page 4

State of New York
Steuben County, Ss:
On this sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of common please now sitting Stephen Powell a resident of the Town of Dansville County of Steuben State of New York aged sixty nine who being duty sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832- 
That he the said Stephen Powell was born on the second day of May in the year seventeen hundred and sixty three in the State of Connecticut, from whence his father moved (this deponent being three years of age ) to the Town of Sharon County of Windsor State of Vermont- a record of his age taken down from the information of his father, was neglected and lost after having been transcribed into a new Bible for better preservation which Bible and his own testimony are the only evidence which he can now produce- That he was residing at the said Town of Sharon immediately before he entered into the service of the United States- that on the first day of April in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy nine he entered into the service as a Volunteer and served the following nine (9) months as a private in the State Troops of Vermont- his particular service was to follow the Indians as a scout on the frontiers- Ebenezer Parkhurst, Captain- Daniel Gibbs 1st Lieut- Benjamin Waite, Major- the companies were called minute men- headquarters at Royalton- As proof of his service in this campaign this Deponent offers the affidavits of Calvin & Elisha Powell and of Jo Harris- on the first of January in the year Seventeen hundred & eighty (1780) This deponent was enlisted into the State Troops of Vermont for the Term of one year- Jesse Safford Captain- Calvin Partkurst- 1st Lieut during winter campaign- Joseph Evans 1st Lieutenant during remainder of year- Zebulon Lyon 2nd Lieut- Benjamin Waite Major- Benjamin Whitcomb- Col- The particular service of his company was to defend the frontiers against the Indians as Rangers- was stationed through the winter at Royalton
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about the fifteenth (15th) of June moved quarters to Bethel and there built a fort- continued there till the fifteenth (15th) of December following as near as he can recollect when the company was dismissed by the order of the Mayor- Sometime about the middle of July a party of Indians came into Barnard, Vermont- this Deponent followed them three days with a party and returned to the Fort- was present in defence of the fort where Royalton was burnt the sixteenth of October- followed the party of Indians who committed the Act to their encampment- a small skirmish took place between the picket guards after midnight when the Indians fled- leaving two of our neighbours hill's and scalp'd, Gibbs & healand- was  in the service until the close of the year as above mentioned- The fact of this service in Captain Safford's company of Rangers is further established by the affidavit of Jo Harris- Sometime in April in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty one this Deponent volunteer'd in the Militia of Connecticut whither he had gone during the winter on a visit to his Father's relations, and made a campaign of six months acting as a minute man- Daniel Abels, Captain- Daniel Clark & Ichabod Bozzard Lieutenants- Daniel Tilden Colonel- was called out several times unto the sea-board and in the month of September (day forgotten) was called out at the time the British under Arnold invaded Connecticut & burnt and destroyed New London and Grattan- was marched to their relief, arrived as the British were retreating- this was the time when Majjor Ledyard and his men were massacred at Fort Grattan [Groton]; was called out at the news of Arnold's invasion to impede his operations - He has no other testimony whatever of this his last campaign's service that his own affidavit and knows of no person whom he can procure to testify as to his service- Has no old documents in his possession to offer as evidence, except a recommendatatory specifying his general services and character as old as the year besides the affidavits allready mentioned and the certificate of
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gentlemen residing at the village of Dansville at the distance of three miles and a half from his residence- 
His service in the army of the Revolution amounted all together to twenty seven months-
After the revolution he returned to his home in Sharon Vermont, and continued there some eight or ten years, from whence he removed into [from crossed out] Sheldon Franklin to same State and resided twenty five years- in June 1814 moved in the State of NYork [from thence in 1829 into crossed out] Alleghany County- from thence he moved a distance of twenty six miles in the 1829 into Dansville, Steuben County his present place of residence- This deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity other than the present, and declares that his name is not on the roll of the agency of any state- Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid- before me-
Stephen Powell
We Robert Hubbard clergyman resided in the village of Dansville Livingston County NYork Sate and Moses Van Campen residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Stephen Powell who has signed the above declaration- we believe him to be sixty nine years of age as he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he lives to be a soldier of the revolution & we concur in that opinion
Mr. S. Rumsey, Dep Clerk   Robert Hubbard
Steuben County                   Moses Van Campen
And the said Court do hereby certify that they are of opinion after the investigation of the matter and after pulling the interrogatories prescribed by the war-department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states- And the Court further certified that it appears to them that Robert Hubbard who's has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Village of Dansville in the County of Livingston & that Moses
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Van Campen who has also signed the same is a resident in the aforesaid Village of Dansville in Livingston County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Martin S Rumsey Deputy   Clerk of the 
Court of Common  Pleas in and for the County of Steuben State of New York do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Levi Doty for a pension- 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 16th day of October in the year eighteen hundred & thirty two-
 MS Rumsey Clerk
Steuben Clerk
"Amended by enclosed affidavit-"
Page 8

to Hon W.S.Hubbell
April 23:44
to J.E. Hassler, June 14/52
JDBurdick Nov 9 1853
1875 Feb 23 R.L.May- Widow paid
to Mch 4, 1846 & the amt accruing to date
of death can only be paid according
Sect 4718 revised Statistics copy sent of it
-June 5 RL May - Stating his [illegible]  & that
it is doubtful if entitled to a pension at all
as he was mistaken in length of Service in the
Company of Rangers & "Minute Man" Service 
not recognized except when called in the field
by competent authority- in there a child
under 16 yrs to receive correcting
1875 June 25. RL May & returning a small book with 2 certificates of memberships in a Masonica
Lodge & a benevolent society & 2 letters Mrs. HL Purdy not being applicable to any question presented & if retained might be lost- letter of 16th [illegible] & requires no answer in addition to what is written in previous letters
1875 Aug 21. RLMay- That rate to soldier was 
clearly erroneous & anxiety of Mrs. Purdy to furnish evidence of high character of her father unnecessary & therefore of no benefit to protect correspondence on this point
If claim is presented for arrears is insufficient  [illegible] to pay expenses of [illegible] , of parties furnishing the articles should be filed, as far as possible
Albany 4816
Lurany Powell 
widow of Stephen Powell
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
20 Dollars
[Cents crossed out] per annum, to commence oon the 4th day of March 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
2d day of Feb. 1844
and sent to Hon W.S.Hubbell
House of Representatives
[illegible] Act of March 3, 184_
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V3601
Lurany Powell
Hon J. T. Andrews
H.R.
Page 10

STATE OF NEW YORK 
Steuben County} ss
I, WILLIAM H. BULL, CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF STEUBEN
Do Hereby Certify That Ziba A. Leland Esquire whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the annexed Declaration and affidavit and thereon written was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment First  Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas in and for the said County, and duly authorized to take the same. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Ziba A. Leland and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgement, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Please of said County, at Bath, this 10th day of December 1838.
W.H.Bull
Page 11

State of New York
Steuben County 
On the twentieth day of November 1828 personally approved before the Subscriber Ziba A. Leland Esq first Judge of the Court of Common Please in & for said County of Steuben Lurany Powell a resident of the town of Bath in said County of Steuben aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit If this provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled. "An act granting half pay and Pensions (to certain widows". That she is the widow of Stephen Powell who was a soldier in the revolutionary war (as will appear from his certificate of a pension now on file in the pension Office granted under the (act of Congress passed 7th June 1832) She further declares that she was married to the said Stephen Powell on the eighth day of July in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty four and that her husband the aforesaid Stephen Powell died on the thirty first day of July one thousand eight hundred thirty four. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January one thousand Seven hundred & ninety four Viz, as above stated
           his  
Lurany X Powell
             mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before
Z. A. Leland
I Ziba A. Leland the officer before whom the foregoing declaration was made do hereby certify that the said applicant Lurany Powell cannot from bodily infirmity attend a Court of Record to make the above declaration in open Court. Given under my hand the day and year above written, 
ZALeland
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State of New York
Steuben County 
I Charles Purdy of the village of Bath in said County being duly sworn saith that he is well acquainted with Lurany Powell the person described in the annexed declaration and has been acquainted with her for about the period of Eight years. that the said Lurany Powell now resides with the deponent. that he was well acquainted with Stephen Powell late of the town of Dansville in said County now deceased that he  knew said Stephen Powell to be a Revolutionary pensioner and that he died on or about the 31 July 1834 leaving the said Lurany Powell his widow him surviving who has remained a widow since the death of her said husband - That this Deponent has made diligent enquiry and cannot obtain any other or better proof of the mariage of the said Stephen Powell and Lurany Powell than is hereto annexed-
Charles Purdy
Sworn before me this 20 Nobember 1838
Z.ALeland Sint
Judge Steuben Co
Page 13

State of New York
Livingston County} SS
Affidavit of Calvin Powell and Eunice Powell these Deponents Depose and say that they were both acquainted with Stephen Powell and Lurana his wife and were Booth present at their Marriage they were Married some time Previous to the year seventeen hundred and ninety four according to the best of these Deponents recollection they were married in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four they further State that they know Lurana to be the widow of Stephen Powell and that she's the identical person who made application for and received the arrearages of pension due to the said Stephen Powell at the time of his Death
Sworn and Subscribed before me this thirtyeth Day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
Warren, Wheeler Justice of the Peace
Calvin Powell
Eunis Powell
I certify that I am well acquainted with Calvin Powell & Eunice Powell above named that they are entitled to full credit as witnesses- Warren, Wheeler, J.P.
State of New York
Livingston County} Ss   I William H Stanley Clerk of Said County and of the Common Please Court in Said County do hereby certify that Warren Wheeler before whom the above affidavit was taken is ad was at the time of taking the Said affidavit a Justice of the Peace in & for Said County duly Commissioned and qualified to act as Such and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the Seal of Said County this fourth day of September AD 1838
W H Stanley
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Papers in case of Stephen and Lurana Powell
Revolutionary Pensioners
New York
Act 1832.& 1844
F E Hassler
Attny.
 July 27- 1857
Page 15

State of New York
Steuben County} Ss
Harriet L Purdy being sworn says she is one of the Heirs of Stephen Powell and Lurany Powell Deceased that her Father was in the Revolutionary Sevice and Recd. a Pension, at his Death her mother Lurany Powell received a Pension under the acts of the 7 June 1844. 7 July 1838 & 3 March 1843. That She appoints F. E. Hapler  Genl. Agt.  at Washington City D.C. to examine the files for the purpose of ascertaining if the Estate is entitled to Public Land as back pay from Government
Harriet L Purdy
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 7 day of July 1857
A. Sawyer
Justice of the Peace
Stephen Powell a Lurana Powell married 8 July 1784.Stephen Powell died 31 July 1834 & Lurana Powell died 14 Nov. 1846
Mrs. Purdy informed me her Father Served two years & was notable to prover over 6 months, a number of years pay was lost She says in consequence Look at the old vouchers
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14813
Stephen Powell
e.j.
aomd
Claimant
Dansville
Livingston County
N.Y.
Page 17

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office, 183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7,, 1832,  has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim,
Statement, showing the Service of Stephen Powell of Danville, Steuben County- New York
Period when the service was rendered
1 Apl. 1779
1 Jan. 1780
1781
Duration of the claimants service
9 Months Minute Men
11 Months .15 Days
6 Months
Rank of the Claimant
Minute Man
  ""  *{a ranger]
  "
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served 
Capt. Parkhurst
Safford
Abels
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers
Cole
Whitcomb
Telden
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
Country through which he marched
Defending the frontier
Marched to Royalton
Bethel
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period
Sharon
Windsor County
Vermont
aged 69 years
Evidence by which the declaration is supported
Traditionary & a witness
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
* a ranger
J. L. Endress
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, "1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service
4. Indian Spies
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of} ss.
On this    day of     personally appeared (a) before    
     A.R. a resident (b) of     in the county of      
and State, Territory or District of          aged (c)      
years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the benefit of the provion [sic] made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)       , with      and served in the          (e) regiment of the        line, under the following named officers:  
    [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of the officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.   This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons, who belonged to the Militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f)  whatever to a pension or  an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of  
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.               A. B.
[And] then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                       of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                  for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this        day of   
&c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, Viz: 
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman residing in the         and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with              , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be          years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court,]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states-. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.         who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergymen, resident in the           and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the          and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.    
I,         Clerk of the Court of           do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of              for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this       day of       &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light up on the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the service of each person
Page 19

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford on of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. {To a Soldier.{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{ did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons- one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these Persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Courts is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record or by a Juice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the service of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the County where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war where he served. 
[e] Every Continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:
For    year   months, and      days, I served as a    
. For      months, and     days, I served as a     , and for each service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grades of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such a qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c.,without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars regarding their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of service; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corp called into service by a competent authority-; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, that the applicant he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[I] the Clerk must offer his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached hereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, as to prevent say paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service.
 [j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
The notes from [illegible] are all equally applicable in the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to Continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in Militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

[
Page 20

August 30, 1933
BA-J/EEL
Stephen Powell-W.21985
Mrs. L.E.Weber
1329 North Central Avenue
Topeka, Kansas
Dear Madam:
The date furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claims, W.21935, based upon the military services of Stephen Powell in that war.
Stephen Powell was born May 2, 1763, in the state of Connecticut, and when three years of age, moved with his father to Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont. The names of his parents are not shown. While residing in Sharon, Vermont, in 1779, Stephan Powell was a minute Man and belonged to the company of Captain Ebenezer Parkhurst,: he rendered the following actual service: from April 1, 1779, he served at various times in Captain Ebenezer Parkhurst's Company under Colonel Benjamin Whitcomb and under Colonels Joel Marsh and Hasen: length of service, nine months: from January 1, 1780, he served at various times in Captain Jesse Safford's Company of Rangers under Colonel Benjamin Whitcomb, was at the burning of Fort Royalton  was discharged December 15, 178_: in the winter of 1781, the soldier went to Connecticut to visit his father's relatives and in April, 1781, enlisted in that state, and served at various times on alarms in Captain Daniel Abel's Company. Captain Daniel Tilden's Connecticut Regiment, and was at the burning of New London and Groton: length of this service six months. He stated that while at Lebanon, his grandfather died: the name of his grandfather was not given.
After the termination of the last named service, he returned to his home in Sharon, Vermont, where he resided about eight years: then moved to Sheldon, Franklin County, that state and resided twenty-five years; in June 1814, moved to Allegany County, New York and in 1829, to Dansville, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832, while residing in Dansville, Steuben County, New York.
[Notes written in side margins]:
Col Benj Whitcomb is given in Heitman as NH., so did not use state.
Mrs. F. dictated this sen
David Tilden has a comm. Capt Could not find him as Colonel & could not identify Capt Daniel Abel
Page 21

Stephen Powell died July 31, 1834, in Dansville, New York. [Note in margin states: a witness stated he died in Aug- but as widow gave only one date July 31 & as daughter gave it several times as July 31, 1834 did not use August]
He was referred to as Stephen Powell, Junior, and it was stated that he was a selectman of the town of Dansville, a Justice of the Peace and a Mason. 
The soldier married July 8, 1784, in Hartford, Vermont, Lurany, whose maiden name was Powell also; no relationship of the soldier to his wife was shown. She was of Hartford, Vermont.
Soldier's widow, Lurany, was allowed pension on her application executed Novermber 30, 1838, at which time he was aged seventy years and resided in Bath, Steuben County, New York. 
She died November 14, 1846, at Bath, New York, and was buried at Dansville, New York.
The only name of a child that is given is daughter Harriet L., the wife of Charles Purdy, In 1876, she and her husband were residing in Bath, New York.
In 1831, Calvin and Elisha Powell made affidavit in Livonia, Livingston County, New York, and in 1838, one Eunice Powell made affidavit in Livingston County, New York; no relationship of the above named persons with surname Powell to the soldier was shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator. 
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 22

3607
Lurana Powell 
act. July 7. 1838
Married 8 July 1784
Husband died 31 July 1834
Col Harrich
Capt. Safford} Vermont Militia
Addmitted
Private 6 months
$20
R. Campbell Jr Esq
Bath
N.Y
Page 23

Your of 24 inst is not relative to the claim of Mrs. Purdy in right of the military services of Stephen Powell in the Revy war. The rate per annum at which his pension was originally allowed as she has been before advised, was clearly erroneous and upon the [illegible] detection of this error by the state authority of not showing the error, the further payt of his pension was suspended Aug 28 1834 before information of his death, July 31 1834, had reached this office-
The anxiety of Mrs. Purdy to furnishes the evidence of parties to the high character & of her father & of herself is entirely unnecessary as it could not be recd to establish nor would it effect either way, his military services or that his [would crossed out] widow was entitled to more pension than she has recd- In fact [the crossed out] Sect 4742 of the Revised Statutes, precludes the consideration of new evidence to increase the widow's pension after her decease, [illegible] therefore unnecessary to protract the correspondence
Should Mrs. Purdy present a claim under Sect 4718 for the un which may be due up to date of the widows decease it will be considered, [ but the appended crossed out] if then no estate left by her sufficient to meet these     but the bill of expenses should
Page 24

from the parties furnishing them in her last sickness & burial
Page 25

21985
Page 26

Pension Office
Feb 2/76
Mr Powell
Chg Dr
Cancel Certif and
redir papers to Mr Mun
[illegible]
Page 27

Pension Office
Mr Mum
Chf Burr of Pen
I respectfully return 
this can and call
your attention to the
opinion of the Brand
of April and [illegible] 
AWulz
over
July 2/76
Page 28

illegible] letter to Atty for [illegible] of Payment to widow White.
1933 Aug 30- Hist to
Mrs L. E. Weber EES
Lester to Record
Division.
Rev 21985
WIDOW, &c.
File No 21985
Lurany Powell
Widow of 
Stephen Powell
Priv. Rev. War
Act Mar. 3d 1843
Index: Vol. M, Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 29

[postmark]
Department [illegible]
Dec 22 18[illegible]
[illegible]
Page 30

(B)   .
Bath, N.. Y.
Mrs. H. S. Purdy
To Jacob Billington Dr.
Nov. 1846 For expenses incurred at funeral
of Mrs. S. Powell (six doll) $6.00
Received payment, 
Jacob Billington
[illegible]
Page 31

Nov. 4, 1853
Inquiry in case
N Lurana
Powell, ai co.,
(postmark: [LIVONIA
NOV illegible])
L. P. Waldo, Esq
Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 32

V N. YorM
Lurany Powell
widow of Stephen
let to Hon. J. T. Andrews 8, Jan'. 39.
to Hon. M Mallory 4. Jany. 1840.
to same 30. Jan. 1840
to same 18. April 1840
Act. 7. July 1838
Page 33

Albany 5570
Lurany Powell
widow of Stephen Powell

who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832
and who died on 31. July 1834
of Steuben Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Safford    of the regt.    commanded
by Col. Herrick     in the Vermont mil.
line for 6 months
 Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of  20 Dollars    Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of June
1840 and sent to R. Campbell, Jr.
Bath, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1840                80.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Sep        10.00
                                                                         $90.00
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. Brown         Clerk,
Book  A.   Vol   2.     Page 98
Page 34

Pension Office
Jan. 8. 1839
Mrs. Lurany Powell

1st Case

Hon M Mallory
HR
Page 35

(Copy.)
War Department 
Pension office
January 8. 1839
Sir,
The papers of Mrs. Lurana Powell, widow of Stephen Powell, have been examined and filed. The claimant is required to give, in a supplemental affidavit, her name before marriage, the name of the clergyman who officiated on that occasion, and the name of the town in which she then resided, and to show that there is no record evidence of it there. If no record of the marriage can be formed, the witnesses should, in supplemental affidavit, give the name of the clergyman, the name of the town in which it took place, and the maiden name of the claimant.
Since the claim of the applicants husband was allowed, it has been discovered that there are rolls of the Vermont Militia in the Archive, of that state. By application t o the Secretary of State, C. L. Knapp, Esp, Montpelier, record evidence of his service may be obtained.        
 I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt Sevt.
J.L.Edwards
Hon J.T. Andrews
House of Reps
Page 36

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Oct 5.
[illegible] 13 Jenes Hortic
& Stephen Powell
NY

[postmark is illegible]
Page 37

Mechanics Bank.
New York October 2d 1835.
Sir.
In reply to letter of 30th.
Ultimo I have to State that Stephen Powell private
at $80 residing in Steuben County was transferred
from this Agency to that of Albany.
Allow me to enquire whether
I am to understand by your Letter of 25th. Ultimo
that the suspension of Jeremiah Horton is ultimo
gather removed?
I am very respectfully
Sir.
Your obd. Serv.
Jn. Fleming Presd[illegible]

J. L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 38

3601
[illegible]
Ny.
7 July '38
Luremy Powell

Hon J T Andrews. NY
House Rep
Washington

Hon. J. T. Andrews
HR
Page 39

Bath 10 December 1838 
Hon J T Andrews
Dear Sir
Will you please present the enclosed pension papers in behalf of Lurany Powell to the Comm of Pensions and if possible get her pension without delay-
Enquiries into the cases of [illegible] Louis Palmer I think her papers are correct. Press her claim she ought to have a pension
I have rec'd the Presidents Message, it is well received by all parties.
Will unto you soon
Yrs
RCampbell Jr
Page 40

Dansville Livingston Co
New York Sept. 25. 1835.
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Commiss of Pension
Sir
Your under date of Sept. 18th was duly received, in reply to my letter in the case of Stephen Powell- I herewith enclose the affidavit of the Hon Moses Van Campen who was an officer in Army of the Revolution and obtained a pension as such, who assisted Powell in making out the declaration on file at the War Department- also of William S Lemon, who was in Court when Powell made his declaration and lived on the adjoining farm, with said Powell up to the time of his death was present when he executed the Power of attorney, making me his attorney in September 1833 and in March 1834. I presume the enclosed affidavits are sufficient to place his name upon the Roll again, - also the certificate of the Justice who executed the same at both dates, - W Powell had been in early life an active business man but for the last year he failed very fast. he used liquor to excess and when he excited by it was much debilitated and would not consequently write his name very uniform- If the enclosed certificates are not satisfactory please inform me- what more is required to do away the suspicion of any thing of a fraudulent character 
Respectfully Yours
Alonzo Bradner
Page 41

[postmark: DANSVILLE NY]
Select 
FREE
Hon J L Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 42

Dansville Livingston Co N.Y.
Sept. 13. 1835
Hon J.L. Edwards
Com. Pensions
Sir
In March 1835, I received a letter from the pension office of New York City giving me notice that the pension of Stephen Powell has been stopped and that the power of attorney given me to draw his pension up to Sept 1833, had been returned to the New York office to be made Satisfactory, on receipt of said letter  I called upon the Hon Moses [of crossed out] Van Campen a pensioner of the U.S. to see him execute the said Power and upon the Magistrate who executed the Same and procured their affidavit, which was perfectly satisfactory to the New York office. the pension of 4th March 1834 was drawn by me I think, in Augt. 1834 said Powell died and at the next sitting of the County Court Mrs Powell made the necessary proof of her being the widow, executed a Power of Attorney to obtain the Same, but as the name of the husband is not on the roll in Albany as being entitled to pay. she is anxious that as soon as the affidavits are sent from New York office to the department something may be done (if the papers are sent to me I will cheerfully attend to it for her as she is very needy and dependant upon the charity of her neighbors)- to reinstate him the necessary affidavits can be furnished
Respectfully Your Ob Servt
Alonzo Bradner
Page 43

[postmark] Montpelier
May 16

R. Campbell Jr Esq
Bath
Steuben Co.
New York
Page 44

State of Vermont
Sect of State's Office
Montpelier May 25, 1840
R. Campbell Jr. Esq
Sir
In compliance with your request I have made a thorough examination of the pay rolls in this office in relation to the service of Stephen Powell, and regret to say that I can find no additional services. These Pay Rolls are unquestionably incomplete- their existence not being known to the Secy of State five years ago, they having before that time been boxes up in the Treasurer's office. In consideration of the poverty of Mrs Powell no further charge will be made.
Respectfully, Sir,
Your Obt. Servt
F. F. Merrill
Dep. Secy. State
Page 45

OF MARITIME [illegible] INTERIOR
JAN 13 1876
PENSION OFFICE
Page 46

All Official Letters to this Office must be addressed to the "Third Auditor of the Treasury," and in replying to Letters from this Office the initials on the upper left-hand corner should be referred to.
WD
Treasury Department,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
Washington, D.C., January 11th, 1876.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 6th inst. herewith returned, relative to the date to which Lurany Powell, widow of Stephen, was last paid, I would state that per the last voucher on file in this Office she is paid to 4" Mch. 1846 at the rate of $20.00 per annum.
Very respectfully,
AMGanjewer
Acting Auditor.
Hon Comm's of Pensions,

L.
Page 47

Date of Payment

Stamped:
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
JAN 13 1876
PENSION OFFICE
Page 48

L. C. W. 210                                                    R
Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. January 6th, 1876.
Sir:
In the claim of the heirs of Lurany Powell
for arrears of pension as widow of Stephen Powell, Revolutionary War, you are requested to inform this office as to the date to which Mrs. Powell was paid pension on the roll of Albany New York, she having died November 14th, 1846.
Please return this letter with your answer.
Very respectfully
H. M. Atkinson
Commissioner

The Hon. Third Auditor,
Present.
Page 49

M
[Certificate Division.]             [A.A.]
Department of the Interior
Restoration         PENSION OFFICE,
Washington, D.C. January 26th, 1876.
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that Pension Certificate No 4.816 has been issued in favor of
Lurany Powell (deceased)
Widow of Stephen Powell 
who was a Private Revolutionary War
Rate of pension $20 per annum [month crossed out], commencing 4 March 1846
Pension ending November 14th 1846, the date of Claimants death.  Act of July 7' 1838 and March 3" 1843
Payable at the Pension Agency in Albany N.Y.
Very respectfully,
H.M Atkinson
Commissioner.
To the 3rd AUDITOR OF THE U.S. TREASURY
Page 50

M.
Order to inscribe.    Certificate No 4.816   [A.]
Restoration
Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE,
Washington, D.C. January 26", 1876
Sir:
 Be pleased to restore and subscribe on your roll the name of Lurany Powell (deceased)
Widow of Stephen Powell, who was
a Private, Revolutionary War,
volunteers, at the rate of Twenty dollars per annum, [month crossed out] commencing on the Fourth day of March, 1846,
and ending November 14, 1846, the date of Claimants death.
In accordance with the accompanying certificate, signed by
Secretary of the Interior, and Commissioner of Pensions
Act of July 7 1838 and March 3" 1843
Post office address, Bath, county of Steuben, State of N. Y.
Respectfully,
H.M Atkinson
Commissioner
S. H. H. Parsons
U.S. Pension Agent,
Albany
N. Y.
Page 51

I N. O.
INO 
Clipping attached:
REVISED STATUTES- Sec. 4718. If any pensioner has died or shall hereafter die; or if any person entitled to a pension, having an application therefore pending, has died, or shall hereafter die, his widow, or if there is no widow, the child or children of such person under the age of sixteen years , shall be entitled to receive the accrued pension to the date of the death of such person. Such accrued pension shall not be considered as a part of the assets of the estate of deceased, nor liable to be applied to the payment of the debts of said estate in any case whatever, but shall inure to the sole and executive benefit of the widow or children; and if no widow or children survive, no payment whatsoever of the accrued pension shall be made or allowed,except so much as may be necessary to re-imburse the person who bore the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the decedent, in cases where he did not leave sufficient asserts to meet such expenses.
Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE
Washington D.C. August 25 1845
Sir:
Your letter of 24th ult. relative to the claim of Mrs. Harriet L. Purdy in right of the military services of Stephen Powell in the Revolutionary War is received. The rate per annum at which he was pensioned, was clearly erroneous, as she has been previously advised, and the evidence  which she desires to furnish as to his high character, is entirely unnecessary and would have no bearing on the case. Mrs. Purdy could only claim under Sec. 4718. Revised Statutes , copy herewith, for the expenses of last illness and burial of pensioner, provided he did not leave sufficient assets for that purpose.Should she wish to make such claim, the enclosed blank may be used, with which should be filed receipted bills of the items of expenditure, as far as it is possible 
(over
Page 52

Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C.       18
to obtain them.
Very respectfully
H.M. Atkinson
Commissioner
R. S. May Esq.
Bath
N. Y. 

Mis. Vol. P.348.
Page 53

Stamp:
 Department of [illegible]
JUL 26 1876
PENSION OFFICE
Page 54

68
W. H. PURDY,
DEALER IN
Pianos and Organs
PURDY OPERA HOUSE BLOCK
INSTRUMENTS TO RENT
Bath, N. Y. July 15" 1875.
To the commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
The books and papers received.I will send you ten (10) or more names as vouchers for the character of my self and father, if required as to respectability Said names of good standing and will testify that Mrs. Lurany Powell was an invalid and a great sufferer ever since I lived in Bath, dating from 1834. Mr H. W. Perine, of this place a Merchant of high standing and his father William Perine of Dansville N. Y. lived neighbour to my father and they will certify that Capt Stephen Powell was a man of high honor and entitled to belief in whatever he should say.
Very truly HLP
P.S. Please inform me if Wm. L. Hubbell, drew that pension under false pretense
Harriet X Purdy
Page 55

INO
Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. June  1875
Sir,
Yours of 27th ult. is received claiming arrears in behalf of the heirs of Lurany Powell, widow of Stephen, of N. Y. a revolutionary pensioner, arising from the difference between $80.00 per annum which was allowed to him, and the $20.00 per annum to which, it is claimed, she was improperly reduced [illegible] 
There is hardly a doubt that the rate allowed the soldier, was erroneous, and it may be seriously questioned whether [crossed out: from the testimony on file] he was properly entitled to a pension at all. In support of his application, only hard evidence was filed, as no other could, at that time, be found. The pay roll of the company of Rangers in which he was enrolled was accidentally discovered in 1835 (about the time of his decease) from which it appeared that that organization was from Jany 18. 1780 and [crossed out: the members paid] covered payment to the members from that date to Dec.1 1780 but to Mr. Powell [crossed out: was paid] only from Augt 1.1780   His only other service He evidently was mistaken in representating of the length of  his service in that corps- His only other military Service was as a "minute Man" which was not recognized for pension except when they were called into the filed by competent authority-. Even if their claim was admitted the question still presents itself under Section 4718 Revised Statutes is there a child surviving under 16 years of age to receive it
Page 56

Bill of Expenses from
Mrs. Purdy-
Case of Lurany Powell

Stamp: 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
May 17 1875
Page 57

expenses of last sickness and burial of Surany Powell, mother of Mrs. Purdy.
Bath, Steubin Co. N. Y. 
May 12, 1875
Pension Office,
Interiort Department,
To Harriet S. Purdy              Dr.
1840
Nov. 14 To 4 mos. confined to bed @ $6 per week
                                                                     $96.00
"              " Coffin $9, grave $2, Shroud & cap $3.25                                                             14.25
"                 " Removing to Dansville, N.Y.     7.25
"                " Doct. Higgins Bill                       10.00
"                " Doct. Blanch's Bill                      20.00
"                 " and pd. Billington_ traveling expenses 6.00
                                                                         153.50

I hereby certify that the above bill of expenses is correct    Harriet L Purdy
Certified, signed and sworn to upon me this 15th day of May, 1875, at Bath, Steuben Co. N.Y.
James Lindsay Justice
of the Peace
Page 58

Stamp:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MAY 17, 1875
PENSION OFFICE
Page 59

BATH LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Incorporated August 14, 1869
Bath, N. Y.   May 13th 1875
Sir,
I send at the request of Mrs. Purdy certain documents_ng, a statement, copy of agreement of W. S. Stubbell, Recommendation, and a Bill of final expenses in the case of her mother, Lurany Powell. She thinks the law allows her something.
Please let me know if anything [illegible] is necessary.
If you could in your reply state what was actually paid on [illegible] of Mrs. Powell it would be a satisfaction.
Very re
R.L.May.
To Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 60

Copy of agreement of
W.S. Stubbell-
Case of Mrs H. L. Purdy
on afe Lurany Powell

Stamp:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MAY 17 1875
PENSION OFFICE
Page 61

 (a copy of agreement of W.S.Hubbell)
"This is to certify that I have this day undertaken to [illegible] a Pension for Charles Purdy on the estate of Surany Powell deceased, that said Purdy shall not be at any expense should I fail in obtaining said pension, but in case I succeed I am to have one half of the pension, and said Purdy is to pay the Surrogate charges if any made: said Purdy applies as administrator.
Bath, 5 Feb.1846.
(sig'd) Wm. S. Stubbell."
True copy:
R.L.May    {Charles Purdy crossed out]
I certify that the above is a true copy- Bath, N.Y. May 15, 1875.
APPROVED at          Charles Purdy
DOLLARS 
Sworn to and subscribed before this 15th day of May, 1875 at Bath, N.Y.
James Lindsay
Justice of the Peace
Page 62

L.Y
 [illegible Centre
October the 31st, 1853
Levi P. Waldo, Esq.,
Washington City,  D.C.
Dear Sir
I take this opportunity by request of the heirs of Stephen Powell, who was a Pensioner on the New York Rolls under act of Congress, payment June 7th, 1839, at the rate of $[illegible] per annum, and of Lurana Powell, wife of the said pensioner Stephen Powell who was a pensioner at the rate of $20.00 per annum on the New York Rolls, to inquire of you why the Lurana did not draw the same pension as her husband in whose behalf or on whose account she does
Page 63

$21.00 per annum under act of June 7th 1838
Sir if you would please answer this inquiry at the first Convienient opportunity you you will confer a favor upon the [the crossed out] heirs above Said and oblige your obd Servt
J.D.Burdick

L.P. Waldo, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 64

Feb 26/1852
Rel: to case of Stephen & Susannah Powell

F E Hapler
Present
Page 65

Washington City DC
Feby, 26th 1852
Honorable J E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
As attorney of & for & in behalf of the heirs of Stephen & Lurama Powell who were revolutionary pensioners on the rolls of the State of New York, I would remark that Stephen Powell was admitted to a full pension upon what then was considered good, full, & legitimate proof, and, I now submit the question whether it was proper, right, usual, & customary to refuse the validity of the testimony( unless impeached ) received in the husbands case & reiterated in behalf of the widow, and by this means in lieu of giving her an annual, pension of $80.00, establishing hers at $20.00 per annum? I hope the Department will decide favorably to the heirs & cause a certificate to issue 
Yours respectfully
F. EHassler
Attorney
Page 66

Veterans Administration
Washington        August 30th, 1933 
                             xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PA-J/MMHF/ eel
Mrs. LE. Weber
1329 North Central Avenue
Topeka, Kansas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War Record of Stephen Powell, of Vermont, the Mexican War record of Stephen Benjamin Powell, the Civil War record of Stephen Rowland Powell and the World War record of your son, Howard Hawthorne Robinson.

The record of Stephen Powell, the Revolutionary War Soldier, is furnished you herewith.

Your letter has been referred to the proper division of the Veterans Administration for further reply in regard to the other soldiers named above.

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 67

Application for arrears
by Com. [All crossed out] She
of claimant informed 
White.
Letter to Mazguiny
of rejection
White.
Letter to C. W. Camp
that $13 is due
can be paid as
child survives,
White.
X Restoration       [checkmark]
No. 4.816.
New-York
get
  "
Lurany Powell
(Deceased}
Widow of
Stephen Powell
Rank Private-\
Company
Regiment Rev. War
Rate per annum [month crossed out] $20."
Commencing 4 " March 1846
Ending 14" Nov 1846. date of claimants death.
Certificate dated 26" Jan  1876
and sent         18  .
Payable at Albany Agency
Cause
                                 Attorney
Acts of July 7 1838, Mar, 3d 1843,
Act 14th July,1862.
Book      Vol           Page
        "[illegible] Clerk
Feby. 5/16
rejected
husband
by letter
Feby 25/76
Cause
May 26/76
bell Esq
but noth
M Minor
Page 68

State of New York
Livingston Courts Wm S. Lemon of Dansville Steuben County State of New York. a pensioner of the United States under the act of 7" June 1832 being duly Sworn, doth depose & say, that I was acquainted with Stephen Powell late of Dansville Steuben Co & State aforesaid (deceased) that the Said Powell did apply for a Pension under the act of 7" June 1832 and obtained a pension certificate under Said act  at the rate of eighty dollars per year, that the Said Powell did appoint Alonzo Bradner, Merchant of Dansville Village town of Sparter County of Livingston & State aforesaid his attorney to obtain from the agent for paying pension, in the City of New York his pension in September 1833 & March 1834. that this Deponent lived within three fourths of a mile of [illegible] Said Powell and see him almost daily and know that Said Powell was the identical person he represented himself to be.
William J Lemon
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 25th day of September 1835.
S. Sharman Com. of Deeds
State of New York Livingston County}
J. Samuel Shannon Commissioner of Deeds in and for Said County do certify, that William S. Lemon who subscribed the foregoing affidavit is a man of good Character and that full confidence can be placed in the above Statement-
S. Shannon Com. of Deeds
Page 69

State of New York
Livingston County} 
I Moses Van Campen of the town of Sparta County and State aforesaid, being duly Sworn doth depose and say- 'that I was well acquainted with Stephen Powell late of Dansville Steuben County New York (deceased) that said Powell made application for a pension under the act of the 7th June 1832, and did submit the application and the proof of his services to this deponent before sending the Same to the War Department and on which said Powell obtained his pension certificate at the rate of eighty dollars per year, that said Powell informed said deponent that he had executed power of Attorney to Alonzo Bradner of Dansville Village. Town of Sparta County & State aforesaid  To draw his pension from the agent in New York City from the 4th March 1831. to the 4th September 1833. and that at various times, afterwards he declared that he had continued to make said Bradner his attorney in March 1834. that this Deponent is a Pensioner of the United States under the act of 1828. at the rate of three hundred and twenty dollars per year and has for a number of years generally been present at the store of said Bradner on the 4th March & 4 September in each year and has seen said Powell whom he well knows to be the same person who obtained a pension as above. stated with Stated with other pensioners in the act of making out the necessary paper to draw then pension, and is well Satisfied that said Powell did execute a power of Attorney on the 4th Sept 1833 died 4th March 1834 to said Bradner
Moses Van Campen
Sworn and Subscribed before me
this 20th day of September 1835.
Rupel Day J.P.
I further certify that the above Moses Van Campen who Subscribed the foregoing affidavit is highly respectable and full confidence can be placed in the foregoing statement  I further certify that the said Stephen Powell did appear before me and took the oath of identity and did appoint Alonzo Bradner his attorney as above stated
Rupel Day J.P
Page 70

stamp:
DEPARTMENT [illegible]
FEB 23 1876
PENSION OFFICE
Page 71

Bath. N.Y. Feb.21, 1876
C. R. Gill, esq.
Sir,
Yours of the 12th inst. has been re'd by Mrs. Purdy announcing the rejection of her claim for arrears of pension in the case of her mother Lurany Powell. She has requested me to reply.
It appears that her father drew a pension of $8 per month up to the time of his death in 1834; but his widow, being required to prove service again, could only prove 9 months: she drew $20 per annum up to March, 1846, and died in Nov. 1846.
the Pension Officer came across some pay-roll which indicated that Mrs. Powell was not entitled to the full pension, but it does not appear that the widow was not entitled to the small pension she drew.           If the pay-roll evidence is conclusive, 
notwithstanding all Mr. Powell and his widow had furnished from living witnesses, then the actual accrued pension was only that from March to Nov. 1846.         We supposed from your letter of Feb. 23, 1873 (Mis. Vol P. 158) and Aug. 25, 1875 (Mis. Vol. p. 348) that this at least would be allowed- if not all of the moderate bill for last sickness and burial expenses lately presented. Hence she went to the trouble of taking out letters of administration so as to [allow crossed out] enable Judge Spencer to sign the blank form furnished by the Pension Office_ the fact that the form was finished indicating [that crossed out] the probability that the arrears or bill would be paid. With this explanation, she trusts that something will be allowed.
Very respectfully, 
R. L. May
Page 72

[stamp]:
DEPARTMENT [illegible] INTERIOR
DEC 23 1875
[illegible]
Page 73

Bath, N.Y. Dec.20, '75
Sir,
I send herewith the formal application for the claim of Mrs. H. L. Purdy for expenses of last sickness and burial of her mother, Lurany Powell. Only one receipted bill was available (that of Mr. Billington) -the others having been destroyed and parties deceased. Mrs Purdy has been obliged to take out letters of administration in due form in order to enable Judge Spencer to sign the document. Hence the delay.
As the pension was not drawn from March to Nov. 14, 1846, ( the date of death), Mrs. Purdy would like to be allowed that, in addition to the bill, if allowable.
Be pleased to return any papers in the case that the Pension Office may not want.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obedt servt
R. L. May

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Page 74

Bath, N.Y. July 24, '75.
Sir, I regret to be obliged to trouble you once more in the Stephen Powell case. 
Mrs Purdy says she made the application in view of Secs. 4718, & 4743 of Rev. Stat.- the latter providing that the evidence upon which the husband's pension was granted shall be conclusive of the service in the application of the widow, & the former allowing funeral expenses.      The original application was made by Mr. P. in good faith according to the existing law= his character being duly vouched for. But his widow was obliged to prove service again & could prove but 9 months.      The pay-roll (which was found) only indicated 4 or 5 mos. under pay. This ends  the  matter, if you consider this conclusive evidence. But the family & friends knew at the time that he had served longer most of the time under Col. Seth G. Warner with troops he raised in N.H. & Vermont. 
Mrs. Purdy is anxious to produce evidence that her father was not a man who would be at all likely to have sworn falsely in order to see a small pension. And while doing this, she would like to know if such certificates of character would satisfy the Pension Office that the father"s pension was legally paid. If so, the widow's accrued pension should suffice to pay the last sickness & funeral expenses_ the point Mrs. Purdy seems to be aiming at.       If not too much trouble
Page 75

Mrs. Purdy would like to know the part Mr. W. S. Stubbell took in the matter. I enclose a letter at the request of Mrs. Purdy.
Very respectfully,
R. L. May
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 76

[stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
JUN 21 .875
PENSION OFFICE
Page 77

Bath, N.Y. June 18, 1875.
Sir, At the request of Mrs. H. L. Purdy I send a letter from her in indication of the character of her father Stephen Powell which she hears was somewhat damaged by your recent reply to her application for arrears of pension.  She says there was more than one of the same name in her father's regiment and perhaps they have become somewhat mixed, as she feels certain her father would not attempt deception.   She has heard her father speak of Purcells who served with him. Some  County land was once entered in the name of Stephen Powell and they employed an agent to hunt him up, when they found said Powell had been a soldier and had lost  a leg in service.
Mrs. P. sends some documents to show respectability- two will indicate efforts she made to recover certain commissions from Mr. Hassler, now deceased. Her father was a Selectman of the town, a mason, Justice of the Peace, and enjoyed a fair repute amount those who knew in this region. If she cannot recover any accrued Pension, she hopes at last to collect something for the last expenses of the widow, her mother.
Very respectfully,
Your obedt servt.
R. L. May
Hon. H. M. Atkinson,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 78

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
JUN 21 .875
PENSION OFFICE
Page 79

Bath N.Y. June 16th, 1875
Mr. Atchinson
Dear Sir
I will inform you that there two named Stephen Powell in the regiment to which my Father belonged and you have got the wrong man     My Father [bellonged crossed out] was one of the Green Mountain boys.      The soldiers from Vermont so celebrated for bravery were denominated      "Green Mountain Boys" 
My father served five years in the Revolutionary war, two years with the Rangers; served also with the Dragoons helped build forts, which is recorded in the pay roll of pensions
He was honorably discharged, his discharge papers were lost at the time of the war of 1812, and many other valuable papers a raft of lumber taken from him by the British.
Now my father did prove three lines of service in his declaration, amounting to 27 months. The two years required, and sworn to 
He would have sworn to the five years if he could have found living witnesses.     I am happy to say that my father, Capt Stephen Powell was a gentleman who had very many friends.     I will send you his commission, and wish you to send them back when you are done with them.
If you require any more evidence in regard to my father's character, I will refer you to living witnesses     Respectfully Harriet L Purdy
Page 80

stamp:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MAY 31 1875
PENSION OFFICE
Page 81

B7                Bath, Steuben Co. N.Y.
May 27, 1875,
Sir,   Your reply of the 19th to Mrs. Purdy in which you say "there is no provision of law giving Pensions to children of revolutionary soldiers unless the soldiers or the widows of said soldiers established their claim to a pension before their death", has been received and I am requested by Mrs. Purdy to reply. There is evidently some misapprehension on the point of the person who prepared the reply, as the pension had been drawn by her father Stephen Powell and a reduced pension by her mother Lurany Powell  ($20 per an) until her death.     She thinks herself entitled to the difference between $20 per an. and the full pension as allowed her father,, in accordance with Sec. 4743 [illegible], 4711 [illegible], 4712 [illegible], of the Revised Statutes.     In 1857 a Wash. Lawyer named L. G. Brandenburg wrote as follows: "Your father designated 3 tours of service in his [designation crossed out] application, amounting to 27 months- the two years required- and sworn to it. Upon this he received a full pay pension. When your mother applied, the officer required record proof of your father's services and Vermont furnished proof of 9 months  service, & the Secty of State stated that their records were incomplete and defective and that was all he could find. The office then allowed her but $20 per year.
On the 7th of May 1846 Congress passed an act that no widow entitled to a pension under existing laws and claiming a pension, whose husband was drawing a pension at the time of his decease, shall be required in any case, to furnish any further evidence that said husband was entitled to pension:...Provided, That upon a mission of the testimony in the case of the deceased husband. the Commissioner be satisfied that the
Page 82

pension was properly granted". This Act was passed 8 months before your mother died. 
Then on the act of July 1848 Congress passed a joint resolution as follow: "That in all cases when a pension may have been granted to any officer or soldier of the Revolution in his life time, the evidence upon which such pension was granted shall be conclusive of the service of such officer or soldier, in the application of any widow or woman who may have been the widow, of such  or soldier, for a pension; and upon proof by her that she was married to any such officer or soldier prior to January 1, 1794 and that she is a widow, she shall thereupon be placed upon the pension roll at the same rate such officer or soldier received during her life time."
By the 2d Sec. of the Act of June 19, 1840, it is provided: "That in case any pensioner who is a widow, shall die leaving children, the amount of pension due at the time of her death, shall be paid to the executor or a administrator, for the benefit of her children", &c  The 3rd sec. allows it to be paid to any one of the children for the benefit of the others without the intervention of an Executor or Admn as they may prefer.
The first two resolutions I have named regulate the evidence upon which the widow shall be placed on the pension roll, and while the first seemingly gives the Commissioner a discretionary right to be satisfied with the evidence, the act of 1848 makes
Page 83

the evidence conclusive, without the right of any one to gainsay it.    The provision [of crossed out] in the first act, giving the law the right to control the evidence is clearly inconsistent with the design and body of the act. But he has availed himself of it to require your mother to prove all the service over again, and a failure to furnish proof of more than 9 months service, cut her down to $20 per year.
The arrears justly due your mother would be $60 per year from 4 Mar. 1834, to 14 Nov. 1846- 10 yrs 8 mos & 10 days amounting to $641.67."
It would seem to be a clear case if all the above is true. The calculations of the lawyer may be defective- as the difference should be $76 per an. and the time from 1834 when Stephen Powell died until Nov. 14.1846 when the widow died.
If the law does not allow this difference perhaps it will allow the final expenses as designated in Sec.4718 of Rev. Stat.    A detailed statement of the final expenses was sent you recently duly certified.
I hope you will give the case a thorough and final overhauling and let us know the decision and the law upon which it is based. I trust it may go into the hands of one of the oldest officials so that there may be no more trouble with the case.
Very Respectfully,
R. L. May.
To Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 84

Recommendation
Mrs. H. L. Purdy
Case Lurany Powell

stamp:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MAY 17 1875
PENSION OFFICE

stamp:
FINANCE DIVISION
MAY
1875
Page 85

Recommendations
We the subscribers hereto, inhabitants of the Village of Bath, in the County of Steuben & State of New York, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Mrs. Harriet S. Purdy, the daughter of Stephen and Surany Powell, whose name is subscribed to the annexed application for a pension, and that she is a person of the highest respectability and entitled to full credit and belief in all her statements.
And we further certify that we are acquainted with Mrs. Surany Powell, the mother of the said Mrs. Harriet S. Purdy, & that the said Mrs. Surany Powell was in bad health and an invalid for some years before her death.
Bath, Steuben Col N.Y. May 15, 1875.

L. L. May
Mrs. S. S. May
N. W. Perine
Mrs. L W Perine
Page 86

Bath N. Y. May 2. '76

Dear Sirs- I write to request a favor. In accordance
with the suggestion contained in the inclosed letter, the blank sent with it was filled out in due form and duly signed by all the parties required- by Mrs. Purdy,  Squire Lindsay, Cer. Clerk Baxter, witnesses Elden Green & E. Aber, and by Judge Spencer- the latter requiring us to take out letters of administration to enable him to sign it. The claims was for $153- the final sickness & funeral expenses of her mother , the pensioner.   Attached to the document are receipts for the amount which was duly signed by Mrs. Purdy and a witness.
The Claim thus formally prepared, was presented last fall but its receipt was not acknowledged by the Pension Office.     In reply to our request for its decision, the P. Office informs us there is no law under which the children of a Revolutionary Pensioner can draw a pension- whereas her claim is for the final expenses of the decedent under Section 4718, Revised Statutes.
Mrs. Purdy would thank you to make inquiries and satisfy
Page 87

yourself that the claim has not been paid to any one since it was presented- going to Secretary Chandler if necessary.
She cannot understand why it has not been allowed or at least why no direct answer has been given to her inquiries.
She would therefore be under obligations to you if you would color the mystery.
Yours very truly,
R. L. May.
G. W. Campbell Esq.
Washington,
D. C.
P.S. Mrs. P. would thank you to write as soon as convenient.
Page 88

Washington City D.C.
House of Rept.
29 Feb. 1844
My dear Sir,
In order to show you what my correspond wants, I enclose his letter, which you may enclose to me
With Great Respect
Yr. Mo. Obt. St.
Wm. Hubbell
Col. J. L. Edwards
Page 89

Washington City D.C
26 Jan 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dr. Sir
In this I hand you an application Lurany Powell's pension, I also hand you a letter making some enquiries, which to abbreviate the Subject with me I hand the Letter, which you can return me with your answer
With Great Respect,
Yr. Mo. Obt Sr.
Wm. L. Hubbell
Page 90

Feb. 17. 1840

stamp:
BATH 
FEB
N.Y.

FREE

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 91

Bath Feb 6.1840
J. L. Edwards Esq
Dr Sir
In compliance with the directions of a letter from your department I send you the  additional evidence in the case of the application of Mrs. Lurany Powell widow of Stephen Powell. The enclosed paper contains all the evidence in the archives of Vermont of the services of aforesaid Stephen, which together with his original certificate which I believe is in your office, will no doubt be sufficient to substantiate the claim of the applicant  A speedy attention to the examination of this application, is most respectfully solicited
Very Respectfully
Yours 
RCampbell Jr
P.S. If the original pension certificate of Stephen Powell is not in your office (and I think it certainly is) I presume that there is other evidence of his revolutionary services, in your possession sufficiently satisfactory if  not equally so
Yours
R Campbell Jr
J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 92

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier Jany 30. 1840
I hereby certify that there is on file in this office a paper purporting to be a "Pay Roll of Capt Jesse Safford's Company of Rangers Maj: Ebenezer Allen's Detachment raised for the defence of the State of Vermont commencing January ye 18 and ending ye 1 of December AD 1780 both days included," on which Roll is the name of "Stephen Powell", with an allowance as a private for four months service, commencing August [4- in margin]1st and ending December 1st.
Also a paper purporting to be "An Account of labor of men and oxen done in building Fort Fortitude in Bethel by Capt Jo Parkhurst's Company of Militia in Royalton by order of Capt Jesse Safford Commander of said Fort agreeable to a resolve of the Board of War 1780 said men finding their own provision and to be allowed five shillings per day agreeable to said resolve," on which paper is the name of "Stephen Powell" with an allowance for six days service.
[.6/4.6 written in margin] 
I further certify that said papers appear to have been duly approved by the official authorities and payment to have been made accordingly.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office this 30th day of January A.D. 1840.
Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State
Page 93

State of Newyork
Livingston County
Jo Havery of the town of Livonia in said County being duly sworn before the undersigned  a Judge of Livingston county deposes and says that he is eighty one years of age that he knows Stephen Powell [illegible] known since a child and had no doubt but he is about seventy years old- that in [the crossed out] 1779 the said said Stephen, volunteered to going the frontier in the state of Vermont head quarterly at Royalton & Bethel into a company commanded by Captain Ebenezer Parkhurst Daniel Gilbert was a Lieutenant in the same Company Benjamin Waite was a Major in a Regiment Commanded by Colonel Benjamin Whitcomb as this deponents believes as he this deponent was in a company commanded by Captain Jo [illegible] both companies in the immediate Commission of Maj. Waite was in said command at least nine months of the said year of 1779- as well the said Stephen as this deponent
That in the year 1780 the said Stephen Powell (then Stephen Powell Jr.) enlisted in the month of January as a private into Captain Jesse Safford Company of Rangers- Calvin Parkhurst & Zebulon Lyon were Lieutenants in said Company- and that the said Stephen served in said Company as a part of the army of the Revolution until the 16th day of October after enlistment and how much longer this Deponent has no means of knowing as he this Deponent was on that day taken prisoner by the Indians & carried to Canada and further said saith not- 
Sworn & subscribed this 4th day of July 1832 Before me- 
Simon Gibbs- Judge R[illegible]
               his
   Jo        X    Havery
             mark
The reason why the said Havery made his mark he is an old [illegible] cannot write  Simon Gibbs













Simon Gibbs
Page 94

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Jo Havery upwards of twenty five years and that he is a man of unimpeachable character for integrity truth and veracity-
24 July 1832      Simon Gibb a Judge [illegible]


State of New York
Livingston County} Ss:
I Chauncey R. Bond   Clerk of Said County do certify that Simon Gibbs Esqre before whom the two foregoing affidavits, and by whom the above certificates appear to have been made, was at the respective dates of same affidavits & certificates one of the Judges of the County Court in & for said County duly empowered to administer oaths and that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavits & certificates to be his proper hand-writing & signature- Witness my hand seal of office this Twenty Seventh day of May A.D. 1833
Chauncey R. Bond Clerk
By S. G. Haven Dep Clk
Page 95

Steuben County Ss:
Personally appeared before me the Undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Stephen Powell a resident in the Town of Dansville county aforesaid, who being clearly sworn saith that in the Revolutionary War he served three separate terms 
one term in the year 1779- a second term in the year 1780- a third term in the year 1781- as  in & by a certain Declaration [in & by crossed out] made in writing before the County Court of said County bearing date October 16. 1832, sealed with the seal of said Court and transmitted to the Pension Office of the United State, is more fully and at large set forth_
In his first term of service (1779) he volunteered as a private in the Militia of the State of Vermont_ in the declaration above mentioned this deponent calls them the State troops, not intending thereby to signify any thing different from the Militia, but to distinguish between his service & the Continental line_ He acted as a minute-man_ His duty being [ever crossed out] to be ever ready at a minute's warning, at the call of his commander to go forth in defence of his country_ He then served in Captain Parkhurst's Company as a minute-man for nine months as is stated in the declaration afore-mentioned_ His father was a farmer in Sharon Vermont, and [with crossed out] this deponent assisted him when not engaged in the service as a foresaid_
There were two Colonels- a Colonel commandant & a Lieutenant colonel- their names were Joel Mash and       Hoyzensbut which was the superior officer this deponent does not recollect- Peter Allcott was the Brigadier General_
In his second term of service (1780) the troops in which he was, were called out by the State of Vermont, and were embodied to defend the frontiers & called the Rangers- this deponent enlisted for a year and except for a few weeks when he was sick in actual service all the time- and was engaged in no other employment whatever- was in garrison & barracks all the time [illegible] except when marching- explored from Connecticut River to Lake Champlain- up & down White River, Otter Creek & Onion River to Lake Champlain- at the ends of the year received a discharge which has been lost a long time ago-
Page 96

The third term of service (1781) was a volunteer private in the Militia of Connecticut_ he acted as a minute-man
 Head-quarters at Lebanon and this deponent was at Lebanon where his grand-father lived, for more particular statement he refers to afore-mentioned declaration- he served thus in the Militia of Connecticut as a minute-man six months according to the manner in which minute-men are understood to serve_
Stephen Powell
Subscribed to & sworn the 27th day of May 1833 before me
Peter Doty J. P.

I. Peter Doty_ Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Steuben aforesaid, and before whom the foregoing affidavit was made which I have subscribed do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Stephen Powell who hath subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit, that he is a respectable citizen of Dansville Steuben County and that I believe him to be a man of truth & veracity
Peter Doty J. P.

State of New York
Livingston County}Ss
I AC Switzer Deputy Clek of Said County do certify that Peter Doty before whom foregoing affidavit was made and by whom above certificate appears to have been made was at the date of making same Justice of the Peace in afor said County duly empowered to administer oaths- that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavit & certificate to be his proper hand-writing & signature [illegible] In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this tenth day of June A D 1833
A.D.Switzer es
Deputy Clerk Steuben Co.
In reply direct to J. L. Endres
Dansville. Livingston Co.
NYork
Page 97

In the matter of the 
Application of
 Mrs Lurany Powell for
 a Pension
Page 98

State of New York
Steuben County} Lurany Powell of Bath in said County widow of Stephen Powell late a pensioner of United States now deceased being duly sworn saith that she is a claimant for a pension as the widow of said Stephen Powell deceased. That her maiden name before marriage was the same as now Lurany Powell That she was married to said Stephen Powell by Joel Marsh Esq a Justice of Peace of Sharon in the State of Vermont That this deponent resided at the time of her said Marriage in the town of Hartford in said State of Vermont, at which place she was married _ That she has made diligent enquiry and cannot find any record evidence of her said Marriage-
           his
Lurany X Powell
          mark
Sworn before me this 9 September 1839}
Z A Lelands. First
Judge said County}
State of New York
Steuben County Ss} I, William Hamilton, Clerk of the said County do Certify that Ziba. A. Leland before whom the preceeding affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same. First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe this name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 21st day of November, A.D. 1839.
Wm Hamilton   Clerk
Page 99

State of New York
County of Steuben     On this 16th day of January 1844, personally appears before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Steuben Lurany Powell a widow of the town of Bath in said County aged seventy five years
Who being duly sworn according to Law doth under oath make  the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War_ That she is the widow of Stephen Powell who was a private in the Company of Militia Commanded by Captain Jesse Safford- That she has forgotten the Regiment to which such company was attached- that said Stephen Powell died on the 31st day of July 1834 and that she the said Lurany Powell drew as a pension the annual amount of twenty dollars under the act of July 7. 1838- She further declares she is still a widow
          her
Lurany X Powell
         mark
In Presence of
Charles Purdy
W.G. Mulhollon
Page 100

Sworn to & Subscriber on the day & year above written before WS Mulhollon Justice of Peace

State of New York
Steuben County Ss-
I William S Mullhollon a Justice of the peace residing in the town of Bath, in Said County of Steuben do hereby certify that Lurany Powell the declarant above named is to me personally known, and that she is unable to write her name being afflicted with the palsey-
WSMulhollon Justice Peace

State of New York, 
Steuben County Ss} I, William Hamilton, Clerk of said County. Certify That William Mulhollon Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit, purports to have been Sworn, was at the date of the same One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County; and that I am acquainted to & with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, and  also to the above Certificate to be his proper hand writing and Signature; Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 6th day of January in the year 1844.
Wm Hamilton Clerk
The work "believe" on the 8th line from top first interlined.}
Wm Hamilton Clk.
Page 101

State of New York
Livingston County}Ss
Calvin Powell & Elisha Powell being severally Sworn before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace of Livonia in said County respectively depose and say that they are acquainted with Stephen Powell and they were- severally knowing- that in the year 1780. that the said Stephen Powell was in the service of the United States in the State of Vermont-  under the command by Captain Jesse Safford in the command of Major Benjamin Wait and that the said Stephen Powell remained in said service the major part of the said year of 1780- and further these Deponents say not- 
Calvin Powell
Elisha Powell
Sworn & subscribed 
this 14 day of October
1831 Before me-
Simon Gibbs Justice of the Peace
Page 102

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Calvin & Elisha Powell the within named deponents for [illegible] a number of years, that they are respectively reputed to be [illegible] unimpeachable character for truth and veracity
Simon Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County
Courts
24 July 1832
Page 103

Revolutionary War.
INCREASE BRIEF
Certificate No. 4816
Soldier, Stephen Powell
Lewis C. White, Ex'r
Room No. 40
Submitted for [reclamation crossed out] Rejection
[Jan 15/76 crossed out]
Feby 4/76
Rejected
White.
Board of Appeal
Feb 8, 76
Rejection affirmed
 Leo Ewing
J.L. Penninan
JR JRyan
Page 104

Act July 7 1838. March 3/43
WAR OF THE [REBELLION crossed out] Revolution  
Acts of July 25, 1866, and Sec. 4718 and subsequent acts
R. S.
Restoration [INCREASE crossed out] OF Widows
PENSION.
AGENT, Albany
Lurany Powell [deceased] WIA
Stephen Powell
Rank, Private
Company
Regiment Rev. War
Present [illegible] Harriet S. Purdy.
Residence, Steuben
Post Office, Bath, Steuben C. N. Y.
Attorney, None
Fee, $ None
No contract, and no material evidence filed since July 8, 1870.
[illegible] year March 4th 1846 the date of last payment ending November 14 1846 date of claimants death. [illegible] commenced, and two dollars per month for each of the following children:
By former marriage. None
By last marriage. None
Former Guardian,
Payments on all former certificates covering any portion of the same time to be deducted.
Rejected Feby 5 1876
[Admitted January 15 crossed out], 1876 Lewis C. White, Examiner.
APPROVED Jan. 21, 1876  Menifield, Reviewer.
Rejected Feb 5. 76, Menifield, Reviewer
Rejected as there is no law by which any arrears can be allowed. Claimant so informed by letter.
DATES SHOWN BY PAPERS. 
Increase application filed, Dec. 22, 1875. Marriage of soldier to 1st wife, Juy 8, 1784
Death of the soldier, July 31, 1834
Marriage of soldier to 2nd wife,
Widow paid to Mar. 4, 1846  
Remarriage of widow
As appears by report of 3d. Aud.
Death of widow, Nov. 14" 1846
Page 105

INCIDENTAL MATTER
Pension was allowed to the soldier at $80 per annum which Mr. Price decides was erroneous. Pension was allowed to the widow at $20 per annum and the 3d Auditor reports that the same has been paid to March 4 1846.
The testimony of credible witnesses shows that the widow died Nov. 14 1846.
claim filed by heir and legal representative.
3d Aud reports payment to March 4 1846.
BOARD OF APPEAL    To Mr White
No. of Claim 4186     Restoration
Nature of Claim    
Soldier Stephen Powell  No. Rev War
Soldier Stephen Powell
Board of Review Feb 3, 1876
Feb 2 1876. Please see decision of the comm, and reject
Respectfully returned to in Weeks.
The name of the pensioner was dropped from the roll in accordance with law.
There is no minor child on whose behalf a claim for restoration can be made. We find therefore
that no allowance of pension can be made.
W
LEwing
JLFennison

Written across document: 
approved H M Attinger
2/8/76
Page 106

FOR ALLOWANCE FROM ARREARS DUE A DECEASED PENSIONER TO DEFRAY EXPENSES OF LAST SICKNESS AND BURIAL
I, Harriet L. Purdy 
of Bath, Steuben Co. N.Y., do solemnly
swear that Lurany Powell, wid. of Step Powell died at Bath, county
of Steuben, State of New York, on the 14th day
of November, 1846 having certain arrears of pension due from the United States upon pension-certificate
No. ?, issued [illegible] Feb. 1844, and payable at the agency at
That the expenses of the last sickness and burial of said Lurany Powell were borne by me, and
that the accompanying bill therefore, to wit:
(A) Four mos. confined to bed , at $6 per week,  $96.00
Coffin $9 Cap & shroud $2.50 musling 75c  12.25
Digging grave $2  Dr. Higgins Bill $10           12.00
Dr. Blank's Bill $20 Mr. Billington's Bill $6    26.00
Removing remains to Dansville*, N.Y. 7.50   750
* where her husband had been buried. [written on side of document]
Amounting to...............................................$153.75
are true and correct in every particular and that the entire assets of the decedent [illegible] insufficient to pay the above expenses by the amount of $153 75/100- the illness being taken from my account book [illegible]
(Signature) Harriet L. Purdy
(P.O. address) Bath, Steuben for N.Y.
Edwin L. Green
Edward E. Aber
STATE OF New York, County of Steuben, Ss:
Subscribed and sworn to Before me this 13th day of September, 1875.
(Signature of magistrate) James Lindsay
(Official character) Justice of the Peace
CERTIFICATE OF PROBATE COURT AS TO DEATH, EXPENSES OF LAST SICKNESS AND BURIAL, ASSETS, ETC.
I, Geo T Skinner Surrogate, of the Surrogate Court, being the court having probate jurisdiction in Steuben county, New York, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been produced to said Court that Lurany Powell, the identical person alleged above to have been entitled to certain arrears of pension, died at Bath, county of Steuben, and State of New York, while the jurisdiction of the Court on the 14 day of November, 1946 [leaving no widow or minor crossed out] child, and without sufficient assets to DEFRAY the expenses of her last sickness and burial, and that the same was borne by Harriet L. Purdy and that the itemized accounts therefore herewith attached, marked A&B, are just and true, and that there is justly due said Harriet L. Purdy , above the assets of said decedents estate, the sum of $153 75/100 on account of the necessary expenses of her last sickness and burial.
Given under my hand and seal of said Court this 18 day of December, 1875
Geo T Skinner
Surrogate [clerk crossed out]
VOUCHER NO.
ORIGINAL
Paid by check No.
Dated    , 187 .
$___                 , 187 .
Received of          , U. S. Pension Agent
at            __/100 dollars,
being on account of arrears of pension due to       , deceased and in payment of the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the decedent, for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
(Witness) Edwin T. Green    Harriet L. Purdy
THE CLAIMANT WILL SIGN THESE RECEIPTS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE MAGISTRATE
[VO]UCHER NO.
DUPLICATE
by check No.
, 187 .
$         (00)             , 187 .
Received of           , U.S. Pension Agent
at          __/100 dollars,
being on account of arrears of pension due to      , deceased and in payment of the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the decedent, for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
(Witness) Edwin L Green     Harriet L Purdy
Page 107

Edward E. Aber
State of New York, County of Steuben, Ss:
Subscribed and sworn to Before me this 13th day of September, 1875.
(Signature of magistrate) James Lindsay
(Official character) Justice of the Peace
CERTIFICATE OF PROBATE COURT AS TO DEATH, EXPENSES OF LAST SICKNESS AND BURIAL, ASSETS, ETC.
I, Geo T Skinner Surrogate , of the Surrogate Court, being the court having probate jurisdiction in Steuben county, New York, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been produced to said Court that Lurany Powell, the identical person alleged above to have been entitled to certain arrears of pension, died at Bath, county of Steuben, and State of New York, within the jurisdiction of this Court, on the 14 day of November, 1846, [ leaving no widow or minor crossed out] child, and without sufficient assets to DEFRAY the expenses of her last sickness and burial, and the same were borne by Harriet L. Purdy and that the itemized accounts therefore herewith attached, marked A&B, are just and true, and that there is justly due said Harriet L. Purdy, above the assets of said decedents estate, the sum of $153 75/100 on account of the necessary expenses of her last sickness and burial.
GIVEN under my hand and seal of said Court this 18 day of December, 1875
Geo T Skinner
Surrogate [clerk crossed out]
VOUCHER NO.
ORIGINAL
Paid by clerk No.
Dated     , 187 .
$            , 187 .
Received of    , U. S. Pension Agent
of               __/100 dollars,
being on account of arrears of pension due to     , deceased and in payment of the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the decedent, for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
(Witness.) Edwin T. Green   Harriet L Purdy
THE CLAIMANT WILL SIGN THESE RECEIPTS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE MAGISTRATE
VOUCHER NO.
DUPLICATE
Paid by check No,
Date    , 187 .
$     (00)       , 187 .
Received of        , U. S. Pension Agent
at        __/100 dollars,
being on account of arrears of pension due to       , deceased and in payment of the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the decedent, for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
(Witness) Edwin T. Green     Harriet L Purdy
Page 108

Stamp: 
DEPARTMENT OF THE IN
DEC 22 18
PENSION OF

(00)    No__
___. deceased.
Act of ______
______, 187 .
$_____

STATE OF New York, COUNTY OF Steuben_____, Ss:
I, A. E. Baxter, Clerk of the County. Court of the 
County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that James Lindsay is a Justice of the Peace, duly Commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 14th day of January, 1875, and will expire on the 31st day of December, 1875 and that his signature within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 19th day of September, 1875,
A. E. Baxter
Clerk.

(Section 25, Page 8, Act of March 3, 1873.)
That if any pensioner, of any person, entitled to a pension, who during the pendency of his application therefore has died since March Fourth, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, or shall hereafter die, his widow, or, if no widow, his child or children under sixteen years of age at the time of his death shall be entitled to receive the accrued pension to the date of death; such accrued pension shall not be considered as a part of the assets of the estate of deceased, nor liable to be applied to the payments of the debts of said estate in any case whatever, but shall inure to the sole and exclusive benefit of the widow or children; and if no widow or child survives, no payment whatsoever of the accrued pension shall be made or allowed, except so much as may be necessary to reimburse the person who bore the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the decedent in cases where he did not leave sufficient assets to meet such a expenses.
Page 109

No. 4.816.
PENSION CERTIFICATE OF
Lurany Powell
(Deceased)
PAYABLE QUARTERLY
on the
4th of March, June, September & December,
of each year, by the
U. S. Pension Agent
at Albany 
New York
TRANSFERRED TO
___Agency
from ____
____ Commissioner
TRANSFERRED TO
_____Agency
from_____
_____Commissioner
NOTE- No sale, or transfer of any kind, of the whole or any part of the Pension payable by virtue of this Certificate is of any legal or binding force against either the Pensioner or the United States.
[illegible]
Clerk

Cancelled [written across document]
Page 110

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR
WIDOWS PENSION
Bureau Engraving & Printing
PENSION BUREAU
It is hereby certified That in conformity with the laws of the United States  Lurany Powell (Deceased)
Widow of Stephen Powell who was a Private Revolutionary Soldier in _____ is entitled to a pension at the rate of [illegible] dollars per month to commence on the [illegible] day of March [illegible] and to continue during his widowhood.
Given at the Department of the Interior this
[illegible] day of [illegible] one thousand eight hundred and seventy [illegible]
and of this independence of the United States
of America the [illegible]
[illegible] Secretary of the Interior
Countersigned
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 111

Statement of Mrs. Purdy
case of Lurany Powell
Death of widow
Page 112

 Bath, Steuben Co. N.Y.
May 12, 1875.
This is to certify that I, Harriet S. Purdy, never gave Wm. S. Hubbell a power of Attorney in Feb. 1844, nor did I know he had my mother's certificate.   When Congress passed an act to give the widows of Revolutionary soldiers half pay, it was for five years. My husband, Charles Purdy, employed Robert Campbell to collect the pay for my mother, Mrs.Lurany Powell. When the 5 years expired Mr. Campbell returned this certificate to the Pension Office. This must have been the one that Mr. Hubbell caused to be sent to him, for my mother was still living at that time. Then Congress extended the time two years. My husband employed Mr. Millholland, Esq. to collect this- @ $20 per an. When my mother died, Nov. 14, 1846, Esq. Millholland sent her certificate to the Pension Office. It will be seen from this that Mr. Hubbell's claim was illegal. I gave him a power of attorney on the 5th of Feb. 1846, at this place. I send a certified copy of the agreement. I have a witness to the signature. Mr. Hubbell would say he thought he could get the pension, after a while and thus kept me along from time to time, till I called for my power of Attorney, when he said he never had any power of Att. of Mr. H said this before a witness now living. He gave me a writing to show that if he had had any such power of Att'y he thus assigned it. 
The pension that I want is the full pay to widows of Revolutionary soldiers granted by act of Congress.   I was not aware of the passage of an Act in June, , giving the right to children or administrators to collect the fully amount due the soldier.      Harriet L. Purdy
I also certify that the claim presented by F. E. Hassler in 1850, and another by A. D. Burdick in 1853, was presented without my knowledge of authority   Harriet L. Purdy
Page 113

In view of Sections 4711, 4712, & 4743, Revised Statutes, I am unable to see why I am not entitled to additional pension in the case of my mother, Lurany Powell, who received on $20 per annum.
Record:
Capt. Stephen Powell died July 31, 1834 in the 72d year of his age at Dansville, Steuben Co. Steuben Co, N. Y. He drew a pension for nine (9) months service. Alonzo Bradner of Dansville transacted the business for him. 
Mrs. Lurany Powell, Capt. Powell's widow, died Nov. 14, 1846, in the 79th year of her age, at Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. and was buried at Dansville.
She was an Invalid Pensioner. The certificate of Pension can be found on the pension roll of pensions.    The amount due the widow at the time of her death was about $641.76
Capt. Stephen Powell & Lurany Powell are the parents of Mrs. H. S. Purdy of Bath, N. Y.
Harriet L Purdy
To the Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington, D.C.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of May, 1875, at Bath, Steuben Co. N.Y.
James Lindsay Justice
of the Peace
Page 114

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MAY 17 1875
PENSION OFFICE
Page 115

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-12-5-41


BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administrative Archives

NAME Powell, Stephen   GRADE Private   LINE New York

WARRANT NUMBER 7587    ACREAGE     LOG   
ISSUED Dec. 15, 1790
to___not shown

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the application for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. 
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.