Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7579, Amos Graves, Conn. Mass.
Page 1

SERVICE
Conn.
Mass.

Graves, Amos
Hannah

NUMBER
W. 7579
B.L. Wt. 26067-160-55
Page 2

Civ. R. W. Bates Aug 17/55
Penn

Netz 48 - nr 3645

Vol. G. 131.


33.501. Act March 3/55.
March 31./55.

Hannah Graves - Widow
of Amos Graves -  Pri & Regt

Capt.                Pensioners of
Col.                  the Revolution
                        Certif No. 3695
                        Philadelphia 
                        Penn.

Eut.
Dis.

War of Rev.

Penn  [illegible] 48   3645

[illegible] 

Boyton

[written diagonally across document] 
No. 26067 ss May 17/56
Page 3

[left column]
over to pay
See letter 18 Aug 1836 to G. N. Tatham & P. Agt

[right column]
22699
Pennsylvania

Amos Graves of Erie Co in the State of Penn who was a Pr. & Sgt. in the Co commanded by Captain Gaylord of the Regt commanded
by Shelton Conn line for eight months 
2 mo. Private, 6.67.
6 Mo Sergeant. 30.
____
36.67.

Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of 36 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Dec 1833 and sent to  Thos H Sill  Erie Penn

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1833. 91.67
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 18.33
____
$110.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by R. Palmer Clerk,
Book E Vol. five, Page 21.
Page 4

3645
Pennsylvania  Phila 

Hannah Graves widow of Amos Graves Conn, who served in the Revolutionary as a Pri and Sgt

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Feby 1849 and sent to Geo. Kellogg
Erie Pa

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 223 Vol2

[right column]
Reported
Feby 3/49
Page 5

4080  4662
Hannah Graves of Amos Pennsylvania

Admitted
Pri & sgt $36.67/100

died 29 April 1856

Act 7 July '38

Thos Van Horne Meadville Pa
Page 6

State of Pennsylvania
Crawford County

On this eighth day of November A.D. 1838, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Hannah Graves a resident in the County & State aforesaid aged 72 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836

That she is the widow of Amos Graves who was a private and Sergeant in the army of the revolution that the said Amos was a pensioner as will more fully appear by a reference to the proof hereunto annexed. She further declares that she was married to the said Amos Graves on the 19th day of January A.D. 1786, that her husband, the aforesaid Amos Graves died on the 29th day of April A.D. 1836 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Hannah Graves [signature]

Sworn and subscribed on the on the day and year above written before
John Tiffany J. P.
Page 7

I further certify that Hannah Graves the within named applicant is by reason of bodily infirmity unable to attend in open court.

Witness my hand the day & year within named
John Tiffany J.P.

Crawford Ss
Joel C. Haynes being duly sworn, says that for a number of years he has been intimately acquainted with Hannah Graves that he believes that her character as to truth & veracity is unimpeachable that her statement of the death of Amos Graves is true according to the best of his knowledge & belief
Joel C. Haynes [signature]

sworn & subscribed this 8th day of November A.D. 1838
John Tiffany J. P.

State of Pennsylvania
Crawford County ⎬ SS
I James Cochran Clerk of the court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John Tiffany my before whom the above affidavits purport to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 23rd June A.D. 1836 and continues during good behavior & that his signature above written is 
genuine Given under my hand & seal of the said County this 14th day of November A.D. 1838
James Cochran Clerk
Page 8

Amos Graves application
Page 9

State of Pennsylvania
Erie County Ss

On this tenth  day of November 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the proper of the time of common in the said County of Erie being a Court of Record and now sitting, James Graves, a resident of the Town of Concord in the said County of Erie, State of Pennsylvania aged Seventy years, who being fine duly sworn according to Law doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and
and as herein stated. - At the time he entered the said service he was a resident of the town 
of New Fairfield (now called Sherman) in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut

In the winter of the year 1776 I enlisted as a sergeant in the company commanded by
Captain Gaylord Hubbard to serve for the period of three months-- Our company was marched from New Fairfield to the City of New York, we were stationed what was called the upper Barracks. The "Asia" a British vessel of
Page 10

War, was lying off the Battery at New York The New Jersey troops were lying at the lower Barracks near the wharf. The New York troops were also there. Lord Stirling was there, whether he had the command in chief I do not recollect - We lay there during the winter, and until the term of my enlistment had expired. When our term of service was about to expire General Lee came to us and requested us to remain longer till
the troops from Boston should arrive - some of the troops went away as soon as the term of service had expired, but I remained sometime after. I received a sergeants warrant from a field officer I think it was Major Beardsley - I think that Colonel Waterbury of the Connecticut troops was there. - I cannot say with certainty what description of troops I belonged to, but believe we were what was called the State troops - I remained a few days after my time had expired, when I was discharged and went home - while we were then we were marched to the East River to remove the Cannon Balls and shells further back so that the enemy might not get them. We also removed the Cannon further back from the lower battery near the up river in the city so as to be out of the way of the enemy

The next sure that I performed was in the winter of 1776-77 after the British had
taken New York. He then enlisted as an
Page 11

orderly Sergeant, in the company command by Captain Dan Towner of New Fairfield to serve for another period of three months. Our Lieutenant name was Keeler, and the name of our Ensign was Cross-- I believe that these were also called State troops. We were marched [illegible] towards New York. We were station some time at Delancy Mills which I believe were twenty or thirty miles from New York. Our head quarters were at William's house near Valentine Hill then - There were some old breast work there. We were also
at New Rochelle a part of the time. While we were at Delanceys Mills, a party of the enemy from a Tory Battery came upon us, and drove us from one quarters to Williams House,
where one headquarters were. When we arrived there, Colonel Sheldon, who was there, fired on them with a field piece and drove them back.

I received a Sergeant warrant from a field officer but cant called his name Colonel Delaney was then in New York, but had left a part of his forces at the Mills, Captain Griswold, from Connecticut, with his company was also with as at that place. - The officer that commanded the enemy was named Fairchild I believe he was a Colonel. - I served my time
Page 12

of Enlistment out, and was then discharged and went home-- In the first mentioned 
term of service our Majors name was Nehemiah Beardsley. -He belonged to New Fairfield-

The next summer, (1777) I was Frequently  called out in the Militia on tours of service. 
In the autumn of the same year before Burgoyne was taken, I volunteered in the militia in a company commanded by Captain Hubbell, in the regiment commanded by 
Major (then) Colonel Beardsley  - This was at the time the British sailed up the North
to aid Burgoyne. We went up as far as Red Hook - this was as far up as the British fleet went - our object was to protect the Inhabitants from the [illegible] of the British fleet- 
the British vessels turned back at Red Hook, and we then turned back, and marched
down the river by the side of them - We marched down the River as far as Poughkeepsie and below that place, and then went home and were discharged.  I was
about one month out on this tour -

I recollect being out one term of the Militia on the North River, at the time one
Palmer, called a Cow Boy, was hung
Page 13

by the order General Putnam I was present at the execution and saw the said
Palmer executed - But I cant tell the particular time of this campaign.

I was also out on a tour of duty at the time Danbury, in Connecticut was burned by the British. I was of a few days out at that time.

In the Summer of 1778, I removed into the Town of New Providence {now called 
Cheshire) in the State of Massachusetts. I was that same summer called out in the militia to go to Castleton in the State of Vermont. I went in a company commanded by Captain Low of the same town. The Vermont troops were
there. When we arrived there we were placed under the command of Colonel Allen. The Tories and Indians had made an incursion into the country from Canada - after we arrived at Castleton, the enemy withdrew, and we returned back without coming to any engagement. I was absent from home on this term about one month and then returned home and was discharged
Page 14

He herby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present,
and he declares that his name is not in the Pension roll of any agency in any State

Was born at East Haddam Connecticut in the year 1753 - Has a record of his age in his Bible
He kept his warrants as Sergeant for a member of years, but they as well as his past discharges have been lost for some years.  

Since the war lived in New Providence then moved to Fairfield in State of N York then moved to Chenango County N York then moved to Monroe County near to Rochester then moved to Canisteo in Steuben County and thence moved to Erie County Penna about nine years ago when he has continue to reside ever since.

Loton Aikens, and Elder Gildersleeves can prove his character
Amos Graves [signature]

Sworn and subscribed in open court Jun 0th 1833
Edwin J. Kelso
Page 15

Erie County Ss

I, Simeon Steward of the Township of Concord in the County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania and William Gray of the same Township County and State being severally sworn in open Court as the Law directs, do severally depose and say, that they are well acquainted with Amos Graves of the said Township, that they believe him to be Seventy Eight years of age as he represents, that he is reputed and believe the neighborhood where he resides to have been
Soldier of the Revolution and that they concur in that opinion they further State
that the said Graves is a person of give moral character
Simeon Stewart 
William Gray  {signatures]

Sworn and subscribed in open court Nov 10th 1832
Edwin J Kelso Pro
Page 16

And the said Court of Erie County do declare their opinion after examination of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories required by the war department - and on the Testimony of Uriel Hungerford and Ezra Graves taken in Connecticut; that the said applicant Amos Graves was a soldier of the Revolutionary war & served as he states. - And they further certify that Wm Gray Esqr & Simeon Stewart Jr who have been sworn to the foregoing Certificate are citizens of Erie County of Respectability & veracity on whose testimony reliance may be placed. And that the said Amos Graves is a known to the Court as a man of high respectably & veracity
Certified Feb 8th 1833
Henry Shippen Clerk
Page 17

Revolutionary Bounty Land
Act March 3. 1853

Claim of Hannah Graves, widow of Amos

Filed March 29. 1855
by R W Bates
Present
Page 18

Declaration for a Revolutionary Widow
State of Pennsylvania 
Erie County  

On this 26 day of March A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hannah Graves, aged eighty nine years a resident of the above named County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to Law, declares that she is the identical Hannah Graves widow of Amos Graves a Revolutionary Soldier, that deponent has been pensioned as the widow of the said Amos Graves under the Act of Feb 2d 1848 and has now in her possession her certificate of Pension No 3695 payable at the Philadelphia Agency for paying Pensions, and that
she is still a widow

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which may be entitled under the act Approved March 3. 1855, never having received Bounty Land under this or any other Act of Congress nor made application for the same, and I hereby authorize R W Bates of Washington City D.C. to prosecute this my claim and to receive any warrant that may be issued thereon
Hannah Graves [signature]
Seal

We Phillip D. Bryant and Zelmon Lawrence residents of Erie County & State of Pennsylvania upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration signed and acknowledged by the above Hannah Graves, in our presence, and we believe from the appearance, and  statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be

And we further declare that we are well acquainted with said Hannah Graves, and that she is the widow of the above named Revolutionary soldier, and that she now holds
Page 19

a Certificate of Pension Numbered 3695 for 3667 and payable at the Philadelphia Agency for paying Pensions and that she is still a widow, and that they have no interest in this claim
Philip D Bryant seal
Zelmon Laurence seal [signatures]

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year before written, and I certify that I know that affiants to be credible persons, that the
affiant is the person that she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim
Ira Sherwin Justice of the Peace

State of Pennsylvania
Erie County

I hereby certify that Ira Sherwin Esq before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is and was at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature above is genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office on this 26th day of March One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty five
A. King Proth,y
Page 20

Canaan Albany County State of New York
January 19th A.D. 1786 this may certify that Amos Graves of Adams, was this day married to Hannah Candon of this place per me
John Camp
Page 21

I hereby certify that Hannah Graves presented this certificate as of her Marriage with Amos Graves. Witness my hand this eighth day of November A.D. 1838
John Tiffany J.P.
Page 22

22.690
A
23.543
Amos Graves
Erie County
New York [crossed out]
Penn

Adm 8 months 6 Months thereof
as Serg.

Edwin J. Kelso, Clk
Erie County Penn
Page 23

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 shew 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.

A statement, showing the service of Amos Graves, Erie County Penn.

Period when the service was rendered
Enlisted 1775 or 1776.
Enlisted 1776 or 1777
Drafted --
Drafted 1778

Duration of the claimant's service.
years months days
3 months
3 months
1 month
1 month

Rank of the claimant.
Sergeant
orderly
private

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Capt Gaylord Hubbell
Capt Towner
Capt Hubbell
Capt Low

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. 
Major Bradley 
Col Shelton 
Col Madley
Col Allen

Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Delancy Mills.

Country through which he marched.
New York
Delancy Mills
Red Hook 
Castleton

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
78
Fairfield County Conn

Evidence by which the declaration is supported
tradition
two witnesses prove most of the service of the of the applicant as stated

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 
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 District of County of On this ---day of --- personally appeared (a) before ----- A. B. 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 pension 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 his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered 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. [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 clergyman, 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 --- 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 upon 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 services of each person
Page 25

3 will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one 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 Court 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 Justice 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 services 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 were 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 when 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 clamant 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 worn, deposes 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 persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----days, I served as a ----- and for such 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 grade 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 qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the miliia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, 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 affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which in 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 thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying once, so as to prevent any 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 claimants 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 credibly 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 [a] to [i] are equally applicable to 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 26

O. W. and N. Division.
3-525.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.,
I.S.C.[?]
Mil. file 7579
Rev. War
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Amos Graves, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (+ his widow's) applications for pension on file in this Bureau.
[Columns]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. 
Winter 75 + 6 | 3 mos. | Sergt.
Winter 76 + 7 | 3 mos. | Ord[?] Sgt.
Autumn 77[?] | 1 mo. | _
Summ 78 | 1 mo. | _
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE.
CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE.
Gilead Hubbel | Maj Nehemiah Crombsley | Conn
Dan Towner | _ | Conn.
Hubbel | Col. Beardsly | Conn.
Low | _ | Mass.
Battles engaged in, none mentioned.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn.
Date of application for pension, Nov. 10, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Concord, Erie Co. Pa.
 Age at date of application, B. East Haddam, Conn. 1753
Remarks: Sol mar [soldier married] Jany 19, 1786, Hannah Canaan
H d. Apl. 29, 1836
Mi Appln. [Military application] Nov. 8, 1838 Res. Crawford Co., Pa. al[?] 72
Res. Harbor Creek Ms[?] Erie Co. Pa. 1948
 Very respectfully,
_
Commissioner.
20581B3m11-05
Page 27

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS

160 ACRES
Bounty Land

This hereby Certified that under the act of March 3d 1855 entitled "An claim addition to contain Acts granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States."

Hannah Graves widow of Amos Graves
Sergeant
Revolutionary War

is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES, at any Land Office of the United States, in one body, and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands upon any of the public lands "subject to sale at either the minimum or lower graduated prices"

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Department this 17th day of May 1856
No. 26.067 
J Minot Commissioner
D.T. Jenks [title or department underneath is illegible]

Note. You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it with your request to that effect endorsed therein specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it full up and sign the following application.

To the Register of the Land Office at _______________
Locate this Certificate in the _____________________ quarter of section ______________________________ in Township ____________________________ of Range

-------------18    .  Attest _________Register
Page 28

[Written top right corner] Rec'd. Bounty Land [illegible] for 160 acres
A+N Due CW 
HR 
[Letterhead] 
J. M. Sherwin.
Attorney & Counselor at Law.
Erie, Penna.
Erie, Pa., Sept. 5, 1917.
[To]
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir:
I am enclosing you herewith an old certificate for Bounty Land issued for the widow of a Sergeant in the Revolutionary War. I do not kow whether it is of any service to any one but I am sending it to you thinking that perhaps it should be in your files rather than floating around.
Yours very truly,
J. M. Sherwin
Page 29

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 30

26.067


Rev Army
Page 31

[Written sideways] 35601
Washington City
March 29, 1855
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commr of Pensions
Sir
I enclose therewith the application of Mrs. Hannah Graves widow of Amos, a Revolutionary Pensioner under Act of March 2, 1848, for Bounty Land under Act of March 3, 1855.
I am Sir, Very respectfully Yours
R W Bates
Page 32

Revy.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7579
Hannah Graves Widow
Amos Graves
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Feby, 2nd, 1848
Index: - Vol. A, Page 287
[Arrangement of 1870.]
His. to Toledo Ohio
Page 33

June 1, 1904
Mrs. T. F. Haffner [Hoffner]
May 18, 1906 [Sent] History to
Mrs. Julie McC.Tiran
Page 34

[Written on left side] Res[?] July 31, '44
4780
Philadelphia, Pa.
Hannah Graves 
widow of Amos Graves
who was a Pri + Sergt
in the New York line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of January 1844 and sent to 
Thos. Van Horne
Meadville Pennsylvania
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 132
Page 35

2 columns

first column

Pennsylvania 3456
===================
Hannah Graves
widow of Amos Graves
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7th 1832 and who died on the 29th April 1836 of Crawford in the State of Pennsylvania who was a Privt & Sergt in the Company commanded by Captain ___________ of the Regt commanded by Shelton in the New York line for eight months.
=========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia
at the rate of 36 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 30th April 1836.
==========================
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of July 139 and sent to Thomas Van Horne Meadville PA
==============================
Arrears to the 4th of March $104.45
Semi-annual allowance ending   18.33
                                                 $122.78

{Act July 7,}
{1838.}

Recorded by Rezin Orme Clerk
Book A Vol 2 Page 152


second column

see letter to Tho Van Horne 7 Aug. 1839 and __do to Jame Aug. 20 1839
Letter to Thomas Van Horn Esq and 3d Auditor Nove 1st 1842
___________________________________________
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 5th April 1838 & 20 Aug 42 from 4th Sept 1839 to 30 Apr 211.
Agt modified 23 Dec 1842
Page 36

Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me the military history of Amos Graves of Revolutionary War-Enlisted from Conn.
Thanking you for favor
I am,
Mrs. Julie McC. Tiran
749 South Quin St. 
York, Pa.
Page 37

[Stamped] U.S. P.B. NAVY [illegible] MAY 21 1904
2109 Cherry St.
Toledo Ohio
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Can you give me any information concerning the war history and service of Amos Graves, Revolutionay war. 
He [illegible] from the State of New York. I think Shenango County, His widow received[?] a pension the last years of her life at Erie, Pa. Thanking you for [illegible] [illegible and time for may [illegible] [illegible] for me.
I am
Most Respectfully
Mrs. T. F. Hoffner
May 18th 1904
Page 38

7579
3-066
(Old No. 3-649)
Bureau of Pensions.
Amos Graves
______________________
Nov. 10 1832 - 78
Enl Ar Pa
_______________________
volunteer Fairfield Conn
75 + 76
Capt Gaylord Hubbell
Cvl
Sergt 3m
_________________________
76 or 77 Capt Towner
Col Sheldon
Sgt 3m
_________________________
75 Capt Hubbell
Pvt 1m
____________________________
Bat Delancey Mills
____________________________
Mar. Hannah Canaan\Jany 19, 1786
D. Apl 29, 1836
Page 39

V
Hannah Graves
Pennsylvania
   _______
Suspended
     _____
See letr 31st Dec
1838 Hon A Pulmer



Act 4 July 1836
Page 40

Caw      Aug 20

[begin stamp] MEADVILLE Pa. AUG 11 [end stamp]

Han Graves
pa No 3450
Page 41

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 42

Meadville Augt 13th 1829

Dr Sir

In compliance with your request received this morning, I return the certificate of Hannah Graves And would suggest that I have understood, that Hannah Graves is entitled to the arrears of pension due on the decease of her husband I also understood of you that the original certificate should accompany the widows power of Attorney. You will perhaps remember the conversation between us whilst I was in
Washington concerning this subject

Yours very
Respectfully
Thos. Van Horne
Page 43

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 44

Erie, Penn,   Nov 5 1833

Sir,

The pension papers of Amos Graves are herewith returned, it is [illegible] that the deputy existing in the former application one supplied and that a favorable answer to the afforementioned may be [illegible]
It is requested that the answer may be sent to me, as soon as is confirmed. 

I remain (?)
Very respectfully,
Your most obd Svt
Thomas W.91. Sill

J.L Edwards Esq.
Comm of Pension

(written horizontally along the bottom left edge corner of paper)
36.672 1/2
____________
73.34
18.33
____________
91.67
Page 45

(written horizontally on folded sheet of paper)
Aug 18
Amos Graves
Penn (avow)

(on opposite side of paper)

J.L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C
Page 46

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 47

Philadelphia August 16. 1886

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir, 
I have just received from Erie the inclosed [sic] power of attorney from Amos Graves to draw the (illegible) of this pensions for him. $36.67. I am informed by the Guard Bank that it is all correct only that it is not insisted within ninety day, after date, and they cannot pay it without (illegible) from you.
To send the paper back 400 miles for (rexecution?) would only subject a (poor man?) to double charge for postages and fees. It is of no interest to me. I would respectfully ask for your discretionary interpretation in his favor.

I am respectfully
Your obd. Sevnt.
George N. Tatham
Page 48

$36:67 per an
Thos Van Horn
Meadville Penn
Edward CP
Washington City
DC
3220
Page 49

Meadville Dec 27 1843
Dr Sir
I herewith enclose to you the declaration of Hannah Graves for a pension under the Act of Congress passed March 3 1843 You will perceive that her certificate for a pension granted under the Act of July 7 1838 was returned with her last letter of Attorney consequently she is not able to state in the enclosed declaration the amount she received per annum
Thos Van Horn
JL Edwards CP
Page 50

Gideon Printer
Treasury Department
Second Comptroller s Office
Dec 8th 1842
Sir
Under the act of the 6th of April 1838 entitled An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States and the 3d section of the Act of August 23 1842 extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents Hannah Graves a five years Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia Pa Agency at the rate of Thirty Six Dollars and 67 cents per annum, under the law of the 4th July 1838 has been paid at this Department from the 4th of Sept 1839 to the 30th April 1861
Respectfully yours
[unable to transcribe name]
Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 51

Amos Graves Pa. Act of June 1832
to what time paid?
Pen. Offices
Dec. 30, 1838
Lo. 4 March 1836
L.H.H
Page 52

J.S. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 53

Cri. Erie County Pa. Oct. 27, 1848

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir,
I herewith send you the application of Hannah Graves, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 Feby 1848 entitled "an act making further provision for surviving widows of soldiers of the Revolution"
I do this at her request and in her behalf- I am not acquainted with the Rules of the (illegible) in relation to these matters, but (pensions) the papers are all correct, and that a new certificate issued- any returns may be directed to me at Erie, Erie County, Penn, -
Your attention to this is respectfully solicited at your earliest convenience.
Very Respectfully 
Your Obd Srvt
George Kellogg
Page 54

CW sent 4080
Pa Nov 20
4 July 1836

James
Edwards
Commissioners
Pensionry
Washington City
DC
Page 55

James L. Edwards
Commissioner 
Pensionary
Washington City
D.C.
Page 56

Please direct to Thomas Van Horne
Atty for Applicant Meadville Pa
Page 57

Meadville
Aug 2 [illegible]
J. L. Edwards
C. P. 
Washington City
D C
Page 58

Meadville August 1 and 8  1839

Br Sir
The Power of Attorney in
the case of Hannah Graves
widow of Amos Graves do
drawn in accordance with
her certificate has this day been
returned. The reason assigned, is that the
agent is instructed to
pay from
30th of April 1836 instead of the 4th of
March 1836 the time specified in
the certificate of pension.
Please inform me how this matter
may be adjusted &
oblige
Yours Respectfully
Thos Van Horne
Please
return me the original certificate of Amos Graves
as
I understood
by you that the 
widow might have it
after the examination of
her Case. T.V.
J. L. Edwars C.P.
Page 59

Declaration In order to obtain the benefits of the
Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "an act
making further provision for surviving widows and
Soldiers of the revolution"
State of
Pennsylvania
Erie County ⎬
On this 25th day of September A.D. 1848, personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in
and for said County, Hannah Graves a resident of
Harbor Creek Township, in the County of Erie aforesaid
aged 82 years in March last. Who being duly sworn, according to
law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order
to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of
Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions
to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war,
That she is the widow of Amos Graves,
who was a Sergeant in the Connecticut Militia, in Capt
Towners Company, the name of the regiment or corps she
cannot recollect, that she drew a pension under the act
of 17 June 1844, at the rate of Thirty six dollars and sixty
seven cents per Annum,
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed
the
On the day and year above
Written
before me -
James Chambers
Justice peace ⎬
I certify that the declarent Hannah Graves, is personally
known to me - 
James Chambers
Justice peace
Page 60

State of Pennsylvania
Erie County:

I Wilsing King [illegible] notary of the Court of Common Please in and for said County do hereby certify that James Chambers Esquire who certifies to this Witness Proceeding.  Was at the date thereof and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Comm of [illegible] and qualified and that the the signature [illegible][illegible][illegible] to be her is genuine - Witness my hand and by the deed of said Court at Erie the 2d day of October AD  1848.
Wilsing King [Illegible]
Page 61

5220
Hannah Graves
Page 62

State of Pennsylvania
Mercer County: ss
Page 63

Amos Graves 23543
Page 64

State of Pennsylvania Erie County ss
I Edwin J. Kelso Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Erie do hereby certify that the foregoing — Continued on two sheets of paper attached by a red ribbon on which the seal is affixed — contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Amos Graves for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 14 day of February 1833 —
Edwin J. Kelso Clerk
Page 65

The deposition of Ezra Graves of Sherman in Fairfield County and State of Connecticut of lawful age testifies and say that I am in the 73 year of my age and that I am brother of Amos Graves of Concord in Erie County and state of Pennsylvania and am knowing to his serving in the revolutionary war, I remember that he enlisted into Capt Gaylord Hubbles company as a Sergt and they were called to New York and were gone several months, I should say three or four, I am not certain how many, it was a winter campaign I think the winter before the British took New York, I remember also that he enlisted as a Sergt into Capt Dan Towners company and they were called down towards New York to guard the frontier, the winter after the British took New York, I think this last campaign service was about the same length of time as the above under Capt Hubble, say three or four months, but am not certain as to the length of time of either, it was great while ago and I cannot remember every particular, The above Capt’s both of them belonged to the town of Sherman which at that time was a part of New fairfield, the above other commissioned officers I do not recollect except the major which was Nehemiah Beardsley and did belong to the town of New fairfield, I also recollect that the militia in those times was frequently called upon by drafting them and alarms to go into the service of our Country, I remember that when the British fleet sailed up the Hudson river under a view of meeting Burgoine [Burgoyne] and his army that said Amos Graves went out in the alarm with others from the quarter, but how long he was gone I do not recollect — Sherman the 3d day of October 1838
[signed] Ezra Graves
Fairfield County Ss. Sherman the 3d day of October 1833 personally appeared Ezra Graves the above subscribed deponent, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition, according to his best recollection and belief.
Subscribed and sworn to before me
Eli Beardsley Justice of Peace
Page 66

This may certify that I was well acquainted with Amos Graves when he lived in Sherman then call New Fairfield and that he was always called a man of strict truth and veracity when he lived there and I am also knowing to him going into the service in the revolutionary war several times but how long the tour of services was I do not know one of the tours I went out with him & should think it was about one month & was when the British sailed up the North River to relieve Burgoyne the regiment we belonged to was commanded by Colonel Beardsley and the company by Capt. Hubble
I am now in the 78th year of my age and the transactions of the war so long ago that I cannot remember the particulars of the runsaotions of A. above is a true statement according to the best of my knowledge
Sherman the 3 October 1833
Uriel Hungerford

Fairfield County Ss Sherman October the 3rd day of 1833
personally appeared Urial Hungerford the above subscribed deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing statement an deposition, according to the best of his recollection & knowledge
Subscribed & sworn to before me Eli Beardsley Justice of Peace
Page 67

Sherman the 3 day of October 1833. I hereby certify to all concerned that the within subscribed deponent Ezra Graves resides in my neighborhood and may be depended upon as a man of truth & veracity
test Eli Beardsley Justice of Penn

State of Connecticut}
Fairfield County} Ss

I Thomas B Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Eli Beardsley Esquire is now & was on the 3rd day of Instant October a Justice of the Peace within and for the sd County of Fairfield duly commissioned and qualified & duly authorized to administer oaths & take depositions & I further certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Eli Beardsley Esquire and verily believe all the signatures to the certificates on the foregoing deposition of Ezra Graves & Urial Hungerford, purporting to be the signatures of the said Eli Beardsley, are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my name and the seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 11th day of October AD 1833.
Thomas B Osborne Clerk
of said County Court
Page 68

Sherman the 3 day of October 1833
I hereby certify to all concerned that the within subscribed deponent Ezra Graves resides in my neighborhood and may be depended upon as a man of truth & veracity
test Eli Beardsley Justice of Penn
Page 69

Feb 8, 1839
pa H662
7 Feby 1838
Ha Graves

J.L. Edwards, C. P.
Washington City
D..C.

round stamp
MEADVILLE
FEB
?
??
Page 70

State of Pennsylvania}
Crawford County}

On this twenty ninth day of January A.D. 1839 personally appeared before the subscriber a Judge of the court of Common Pleas in said County Hannah Graves, a resident of Greenwood Township in the county of Crawford State of Pennsylvania aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and services to certain widows. That she is the widow of Amos Graves who was a private in the army of the Revolution & received a certificate of services and will appear by a reference to applicable former application, she further declares that she was married to the said Amos Graves on the nineteenth day of January in the year seventeen hundred & eighty six that her husband the afsd (aforesaid) Amos Graves died on the twenty ninth day of April AD 1836 that she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz: at the time above stated
Hannah Graves
Sworn & subscribed on the day and year above written before
John H Work
Page 71

State of Pennsylvania}
Crawford County}
I further certify that Hannah Graves the afsd (aforesaid) applicant is by reason of bodily infirmity unable to appear in public court witness my hand this 29tth Jany 1839
John H. Work


I James Cochran Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County State of Pennsylvania certify that John H Work is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas as above & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my seal of office and subscribed my name this twenty ninth day of January AD 1839
James Cockran
[illegible word]
Page 72

Meadville Jany 31st 1839

To J L Edwards
vr=Lir

I herewith transmit to you the declaration of Hannah Graves made before John St. Work Judge of the Cort record of Crawford County & admin my mistake regards the declarations made before Justices of the Peace.
You will please to forward to me for further information if this be not satisfactory.
Yours very Respectfully
Thomas Van Horne
Atty for H Graves
Page 73

Payments to be made at Philadelphia by Br Mec Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Pennsylvania

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book # Vol. 5 Page 21
by Wm R Palmer, Clerk.
Page 74

WAR DEPARTMENT

REVOLUTONARY CLAIM

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832. Amos Graves of the State of Pennsylvania who was a Private, and Sergeant in the army of the Revolution, is entitled to receive Thirty six dollars and sixty seven cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this sixth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War


Examined and Countersigned.}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions