Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21391, Robert Holley, Conn.
Page 1


(3-1776)
SERVICE
Conn.      

Holley, Robert    
Hannah

NUMBER
 W. 21391

CONTENTS
Page 2

478
Vermont
Robert Holly
of Addison Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Brewster of the regt commanded by Col Parsons in the Connecticut line for two years from 1775.

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 110 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of September 1832 and sent to Samuel Swift, Middlebury, Vt.

Arrears to 4th of September 1832  $165
Semi-annl. allowance ending 4 March 
"   55
 ----------------------
  $220.

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7th, 1832}

Recorded by Wm S Allison Clerk, Book D, Vol. 4, Page 62


Let to Hon Wm Slade
[illegible] Dec 7 1838
Page 3

No 1587
Vermont
Hannah Holley
widow of Robert Holley decd Conn who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 18 April 1836 of Addison Co in the State of Vermont who was a priv & sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Brewster of the Regt commanded by Col Parsons in the Connecticut line for 2 years from 1775.

Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 110 Dollars --- cents per annum, to commence on the 19th day of April 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Jany: 1839 and sent to Hon Wm Slade, Ho of Reps

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838  $261.20
Semi-annl allowance ending 4 Mar '39  
55.00
------------------
$316.20

{Act July 7, 1838}

Recorded by Wm M Stewart Clerk,
Book A, Vol. 2, Page 41
Page 4

Family record

(Column 1)
BIRTHS
Robert Holley was born February the first day AD 1759
Hannah Holley was born Nov 12 day 1760
his children births
Samuel H Holley was born December 14 1783
Samantha Holley was born March 26 1786
Robert Holley was born October 31 1788 desert
Robert Holley was born January the 3d 1791
John D Holley was born May 21 day 1793
Paul P Holley was born April the 6 day 1796
Winter H Holley was born June the 15 day 1798
Mandanie Holley was born May 15 day 1803
Abraham V Holley was born December 11 day 1804

(Column 2)
BIRTHS



A page 678
(over)
Page 5

FAMILY RECORD

(column 1)
MARRIAGES
Robert Holley was
married to
Hannah Hewit
March 27 1782

(Column 2)
Page 6

State of Vermont
Madison County

I Harvey Munsill Judge of Probate within & for the District of New Haven in said County of Addison do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matters in the application of Hannah Holley for a pension on account of the Revolutionary Services of her late husband Robert Holley. That the above named applicant is the widow of Robert Holley deceased who was a soldier ofdthe revolution and served as she states. That she was married to the said Robert Holley at the time she states. That he was a pensioner of the United States and died at Bristol at the time stated by her and I further certify that it is made to appear to me that Hannah Holley who has made her declaration & Samuel H Holley, Winter H Holley, & Samanthia Nudham who has each made their affidavit on credible witness and that their statements are entitled to credit.

Harvey Munsill Judge

I Harvey Munsill Judge of Probate within & for the District of New Haven in said Addison County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original precedings of the said Judge in the matter of the application of Hannah Holley for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 21st day of November 1838.

Harvey Munsill Judge
Page 7

State of Vermont
Addison County}

I John Peirpoint Register of the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven in said Addison County do hereby certify that Harvey Munsill who has certified the within proceedings is a Judge of said Court & his name subscribed to the certificate thereto annexed is his signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 23 day of November AD 1838.

J Peirpoint Register
Page 8

Stateof Vermont
Addison County} 

On this 21st day of November AD 1838 personally appeared before me Harvey Munsill Judge of Probate within and for the District of New Haven in said County, Hannah Holley a resident of Bristol in the county of Addison aforesaid aged seventy eight years & upwards, 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 pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Robert Holley late of Bristol aforesaid deceased who was a private soldier and sergeant in the continental line during the Revolutionary War. That she is not  able to state the names of the officers under whom he served nor the places where he served. But that he did faithfully serve his country as a soldier as aforesaid. That she has no documentary evidence of his service in her possession but that in consequence of his faithful services as a soldier as aforesaid there was granted unto him a pension under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832. That he was placed on the pension Roll of the State of Vermont September 7, 1832. That the evidence of his services as a soldier as aforesaid and of his having had granted to him a pension as aforesaid and now in the pension office at Washington, a reference to which will more fully & particularly shows. She further declares that she was married to the said Robert Holley on the 27 day of March seventeen hundred & eighty two at Stonnington in the State of Connecticut by Euler Eleazer Brown then of Stonnington aforesaid minister of the Gospel
Page 9

That previous to his marriage her name was Hannah Hewitt
that her husband the aforesaid Robert Holley died on the
18th day of April 1836 at Bristol aforesaid - That she
was not married to him prior to his leaving the service
agreeable to the constructions put upon his services by the War
Department as it was privateer service. But the marriage
took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred
& ninety four - To wit at the time above stated his
Hannah X Holley her mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day  
and year above written
Before Harvey Munsill Judge

State of Vermont 
Addison County ⎬ 
I Harry Munsill Judge of Probate
within & for the District of New Haven
aforesaid do hereby certify that the above named Hannah
Holley the applicant cannot from Bodily infirmity attend
the Court and I further certify that the said Hannah
Halley is a credible witness & that full faith and credit
may be given to her statement
Harvey Munsill Judge

[at bottom, sideways]
3458
Hannah Holly
widow of Robert
Vt
Act 7 July 38
Married 1782
Died 1836
Allow $110. per ann
from Apr 18 1836

Hon Wm Slade
H.R.
Page 10


State of Vermont  Be it known that before me
Addison County ⎬Harvey Munsill Judge of Probate within & for the District of New Haven in said County of Addison personally appeared Semantha Needham a resident of Bristol in the County of Addison aforesaid
who being first duly sworn according to Law deposes and says, that Robert Holley late of Bristol aforesaid deceased was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 and that the said Robert Holley died at Bristol in said Addison County on the 18th day of April 1836 and that Hannah Holley the widow of the said Robert Holley is now living in Bristol aforesaid and that she has not been married since the death of his husband Robert Halley but has remained a widow ever since his decease - and I further say that I find upon a leaf in said Robert Holley family Bible an entry in these words. Robert Holley was married to Hannah Howell March 27, 1782 in the hand writing of the said Robert Holley Deceased - but at what
time said entry was made this deponant has no knowledge
Semantha Needham
Sworn and Subscribed this
21st day of November AD 1838
Harvey Munsill Judge
Page 11

State of Vermont
Addison County ss  Be it known that before me
Harvey Munsill Judge of Probate
within & for the District of New Haven in said Addison
County Personally appeared Winter H. Holley a resident
of Bristol in said County of Addison who being
first duly sworn according to Law Deposes & says that
Robert Holley late of Bristol aforesaid Deceased was a 
Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of Congress passed
June 7 1832 & that the said Robert Holley Died at
Bristol in said Addison County on the 18th day of
April 1836 and that Hannah Holley the widow of
said Robert Holley is now living in Bristol aforesaid 
& that she has not been married since the death
of her husband Robert Holley but has remained a widow
ever since his decease - And I further say that I find
upon a leaf in the family Bible of the said Robert
Holley Deceased an entry in these words Robert Holley
Married to Hannah Howell March 27th 1782 said entry
is in the hand writing of the said Robert Holley Deceased
but at what time said entry was made this deponent
has no knowledge
Winter H. Halley
Sworn and Subscribed this
21th day of November AD 1838
Harvey Munsill Judge
Page 12

State of Vermont
Addison County
Be it Known that before me Harvey Munsill Judge of Probate within & for the District of New Haven in said County of Addison Personally appeared Samuel H Holley a
resident of Bristol in the County of Addison aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law deposes and says that Robert Holley late of Bristol aforesaid
Deceased was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of Congress passed June 7 1832 and that the said Robert Holley died at Bristol in said Addison County on the 18th day of April 1836 and that Hannah Holley the widow of the said Robert Holley is now living in Bristol aforesaid, and that she has not been married since the death of his husband Robert Holley but has remained a widow ever since his decease and further say that I find upon a leaf in said Robert Holleys family Bible an entry in these words Robert Holley was married to Hannah Howell March 27, 1782
in the hand writing of the said Robert Holley deceased but at what time said entry was made this deponent has no knowledge
Sam H. Holley
Sworn and subscribed this 
21st day of November AD 1838
Harvey Munsill Judge
Page 13

State of Vermont
Addison County
On this 26th day of July 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court for the said District of Addison being a Court of record now sitting, Robert Holley a resident in Bristol in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, aged seventy three years the first day of last February, who being first 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 officer, and served as herein stated.- In the year 1776 in the month of May, at Preston New London County, Connecticut, where I then resided, I enlisted for eight months, in a company commanded by Lieut. Colonel John Tyler, in a regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel H. Parsons of Lyme Connecticut in the line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental Establishment - I went immediately to Roxbury in the neighbourhood of Boston, where I served until the expiration of my enlistment. Before that enlistment expired I enlisted into the same regiment, in a company commanded
by Captain Ebenezer Brewster, for the term of one year to commence on the first day of January 1776 - I continued to serve at Roxbury until the following March we then removed to Dorchester Hill, and threw up a fascine fort, and drove the British out of Boston. General Washington
commanded the troops in that neighbourhood  [neighborhood] in person
- After the British had left Boston, we were marched by land
to New London, thence we took shipping and sailed through
the sound to New York. We remained at & in the neighborhood
of New York until a short time after the declaration of
Independence, when we crossed over to Long Island. the British
had a day or two before landed on the Island, - and soon after
we landed we had an engagement with them, and come
near to being then and escaped only by wading through
a march [marsh] up to our chins in water-- Col Parsons, before
Page 14

we crossed over to the Island was made a brigadier General
and Colonel Tyler commanded our regiment - General Sullivan
who commanded the army on the Island and Lord Sterling
were both to her prisoner in the above mentioned engagement.
We then returned back to York Island and after a few days
we moved to Harlem Heights and thence to West Chester 
-and then to near White Plains, and we were within about two
miles of that place, when the battle took place there- thence
we moved to Peekskill. & thence into New Jersey where we
remained until December, and then returned to Peekskill and
there went into winter quarter & remained until the expiration
of our time, the first day of January, when I was discharged
and returned home to Preston. -
I enlisted at said Preston the same winter - soon after I returned
home - into a company commanded by Capt. Asahel Kinne, in
Colonel Durkee's regiment, of Connecticut State troops and was
sent to Bristol Rhode Island - where I continue in the service
for three months, the term for which I enlisted
After that service had expired, in the spring of 1777 I enlisted
into the State troops of Rhode Island, in a regiment commanded
by Colonel Stanton, in company commanded by Capt Benjamin
West,-- this regiment was enlisted for fifteen months 
and when I enlisted about three months of the time
had expired, and I enlisted and served until their term
expired making about one year: This service was
performed at Tiverton Rhode Island
-
In the spring of the year 1778, after the expiration of the next
preceding enlistment- I again enlisted, as a Sergeant, into
the same company, under the command of the same Capt.
West & in the same regiment, then commanded by John
Topham, Colonel, and had a Sergeants warrant signed by
the said Colonel Topham which I have since lost. This
enlistment was for one year; and the service was performed
until the expiration of my enlistment at the same place - 
Tiverton, on the east side of Rhode Island
Page 15

After the expiration of that service in the spring of 1779,
I again enlisted, as a Sergeant, for the term of one year,
into the same regiment, under the command of Colonel Topham, 
in the company commanded by Capt. William
Whipple during that season, or volunteered, in company 
with 90 or so others the others being chiefly from the
troops stationed at Providence, Gen Glover's Brigade to
go on board a small sloop to go out & attack a British
guardship, which lay down the east side of the Island,
about three miles below Forlond Ferry, which interrupted
the passage of the American vessels. I commanded the
men on the quarterdeck. We boarded & took the guardship 
and carried her into Stonington, and marched the 
prisoners by land to Providence. We remained at the same
place, except that at the time of Sullivans expedition 
we crossed over on to the Island, where we remained
about three weeks. I served in this corps to the end of the
year for which I enlisted
In the spring of the year 1781, I enlisted at Preston aforesaid,
into a regiment commanded by Colonel Christopher Green,
in a company commanded by Capt. Cole, in the line of
the State of Rhode Island, on the Continental Establishment,
for the term of one year and served in Rhode Island
until the month of January following - when I was discharged
with the rest of regiment, except the negroes, who were
enlisted for during the war. - the troops not being any
longer needed in that quarter, and Colonel Green being
ordered to go to the South. Not recollecting the exact time
of my enlistment, I cannot ascertain the exact length
of this service, but it was not less than six months
I do not recollect whether I had any written discharge
at any time- but if I had they are lost - and I have no
documentary evidence, nor do I know of any other
Page 16

person, except Benjamin Holley, my brother, who can
testify to my service. His affidavit is annexed.
As soon as I joined the army, under the last enlistment,
I was appointed, and served as a Sergeant, until I was discharged
I was placed on the pension roll, under the act of the 18th
March 1818, and received a pension certificate No 14, 190
dated 6th September 1819 - on account of my service in the
U. States army for the year 1776- and I did not in my
application, at that time, state my appointment or a
sergeant; because I did not serve in that capacity
on the continental Establishment, for so long a period as
nine months: the period, which was necessary, under one
enlistment, to procure a pension. 
I was born, at Preston, County of New London, State of Connecticut,
on the first day of February 1759. There is a record of
my birth in the town clerks office of Preston, which I have
seen. & took a copy of it, but am
not certain whether it is preserved. I resided in Preston
aforesaid during the war, and until the year 1784. Then moved
to Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington Vermont where
I remained about two years - thence I removed to Washington
County N. York town of Hebron there I remained about
ten years - and then removed to Bristol County of Addison
Vermont. where I have ever since resided. I refer to
Elder David Hendee, a clergyman, Abraham Gage, Noble Manson
and many other in my present neighborhood, who can testify 
as to my character for veracity, and their belief of my service
as a soldier in the Revolution - and the said Robert Holly hereby relinquishes
every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the
present, and declares that his name is not on the pension
roll of the agency of any State.
Robert Holley
Sworn & subscribed the day
& year aforesaid,
Saml Swift Judge
Page 17

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21391
Hannah Holley
Widow of
Robert Holley
Sergt Rev War
---
Act July 7 1838
Index: Vol. A Page 358
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 18

14.190 R
Vermont
Robert Holley
of Bristol in the state of Vermont
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Parson of the Connecticut
line, for the term of 1 year
inscribed on the roll of Vermont
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 14th of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th of Sep, 1819
and sent to Joel Doolittle Esqr
Middlebury Vermont
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819 -125, 76
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1820 48
15 mo 18/31 4/30  $173.10
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.

[right column]
See letter 18 Feb. 1829 to Hon. W.
Marks, Senate U.S.
Page 19

Rejected
See let to Isaiah
Scott June 15, 1837
To Hon W. Slade
Aug 2 '38 - do to 
same Aug 11. '38
Page 20

Robert Holley Burlington Agency
Vt Act 1832 when paid?
H H S

Died 18th April 1836 - arrearages paid
S. S. Hill
Page 21

State of Vermont
Addison County
Personally appeared
Jonathan Raynolds
and made oath that he was in the Company of
Ebenezer Bruster Capt and in Col Samuel W.
Parsons Regiment for one year in 1776 with
Robert Holley and was knowing to his
being Discharged at the Peekskills in the
State of New York - at the Expiration of
the term of time enlisted for
Jonathan Raynolds
Before me
Amos Eastman Just Peace

Bristol June 22nd 1814
and I certify that the above deponent Jonathan
Raynolds is a credible witness
Amos Eastman J Peace
Page 22

State of Vermont, 
Addison County 
I, Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County
of Addison aforesaid do certify, that
Amos Eastman, within named was at the time of the within
mentioned date a Justice of the peace for said County
and his name written is his own proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
said County this 21 day of July 1819
Saml Swift Clerk
Page 23

I Benjamin Holley of Lincoln in the County
of Addison and State of Vermont depose and say
that in the spring of 1775 Robert Holley of Bristol
in said County inlisted into Lt. Col. John Tylers
company in Samuel H. Parsons Regt in the
United States service and that he continued in service
about Eight months the term for which he inlisted
and there as I was informed and believe enlisted
into Captain Ebenezer Brewster Company in Col.
Saml H. Parsons Regt for the term of one year
and served the term for which he last inlisted [enlisted] and
was discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York
and further not
Lincoln July 20th 1819
Benjamin Holley

Bristol July 20th 1819
the above Affidavit sworn to before me
Sam'l H. Holley Just Peace

and I certify that the above named deponent
is a credible witness
Samuel H. Holley Just Peace
Page 24

State of Vermont
Addison County
i, Saml Swift, Clerk of the County of Addison aforesaid, do
hereby certify that the within named Samuel H. Holley
is a Justice of the peace for said County, acting under the
authority of this State, and that his name there written is
his own proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said County this 21 day of July
A.D. 1819.
Saml Swift Clerk

[sideways]
Benj Holley
Affidavit
Page 25

Hannah Holey
Act July -1838

Hon W Slade
Middlebury
Vt
July 10. 1838.
Page 26

Mr Edwards
Sir
Hannah Holley widow of Robert
Holley late a pensioner, on the
Vermont Roll under the act of
1818, has sent a declaration to the
Pension office, to obtain a pension
under the act of July 4. 1836, but 
it appears that she was married
a short time subsequent to his
final discharge, as that appears
in his pension papers
Mrs H. will be entitled to
5 years pension under the late
law. If the form already
furnished by her and sufficient
under the new law, please make
out her certificate & send it to
me. If not pleas inform
me & send the necessary forms
William Slade
July 10. 1838.
Page 27

Middlebury, Vt. Augt 1838
Sir,
Yours of the 2nd is received, in which you
refer to the case of Hannah Holley widow of
Robert Holley, and suggests the perplexity &
difficulty of getting a claim under both
acts - those of July 4.36 & July 7.38. I am
unable to feel the perplexity, or see the
difficulty. She has, indeed, made a claim
under the act of 1836, and sworn that
he marriage was before the expiration
of her husbands service, which she
alledges continued beyond March 1782.
She has failed to prove that her husband
served beyond that time, the papers in
your office showing service only to Jany
1782. How can the fact of having made
this claim, preclude her from making one
under the late law, upon a withdrawal
of her former papers? Is it to be taken
that her husband really served subsequent
to March 1822, in the absence of all proof
of such service, so as to preclude her from
Page 28

now declaring that the Service terminated
previous to the marriage ought
it not rather to be taken that she was
mistaken in supposing such subsequent
service? The Department has decided that
he did not serve subsequent to the marriage,
and her claim has, upon that ground
been refused. Why is it now to be presumed
he did serve? Or an I to understand
that his having declared, under oath, that
he did serve after the marriage is
operate as a sort of estoppel to her
now declaring that he did not? This
would be giving an effect to her mistake
on this point, which would clearly defeat
the purpose of the late law
I suppose the fact to be that Robert
Holley did serve subsequent to march
82, the time when she declares & proves
she was married; but that service
was probably on board a privateer
which would not be accounted service
under the law of 1832
It seems to me that all the
difficulty may be obviated by Mrs Holley's
Page 29

withdrawing her claim, (with the papers) under the
act of 1836, and making a new declaration
setting forth that his service terminated
in July 1782 - that is the service contemplated
in the act of 1832. If this cannot be
done the worst injustice will be done
her,  by turning her over to the endless
delays of special legislation, which she
cannot be expected to survive and
that in a case which the late
law evidently makes provision
I will thank you to send me half
a dozen copies of the act of 7th [illegible] &
regulations
I am respectfully
Your obedient servant
William Slade
---
J. L Edwards Esq
Page 30

Holley

Hon. W. Slade
HR
Page 31

House of Reps Dec 29 1838
I return herewith the Declaration of Hannah
Holley with affidavits connected therewith which
were returned to me for the purpose of having
the papers properly connected together by the
certifying officer. I have just rec'd the papers
from him, but I perceive that he has not connected
a certificate with that impression of the seal
under which the ribbon is secured, as this
however, is evidently the identical Seal that
made the impression with which his
certificate is connected, I presume it will be
satisfactory 
I send also the family record with
accompanying affidavits 
The speedy action of your Department on
this case is very desirable
Respectfully William Slade

J L Edwards  Esq.
There are one or two affidavits
in your office proving the
marriage.
Page 32

State of Vermont Addison County ss⎬ On this 4 day of April AD 1837 personally appeared before the Probate Court of the District of New Haven Hannah Holley a resident of Bristol in the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy Seven 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 4, 1836 That she is the Widow of Robert Holley who was a private and Sargent in the Army of the Revolution and entered the service of the United States in May 1775 and served during the War at different enlistments and the said Robert Holley was taken prisoner after our marriage?? and put on board the Jersey prison Ship and their remained untill [until] the news of peace discharged him
 She further declares that she was married to the said Robert Halley on the 27 day of March 1782 and that her husband the aforesaid Robert Holley died on the 18 day of April 1836 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by referance [reference] to the proff [proof] hereto anexed [annexed]
 Hannah Holley 
Sworn to and Subscribed on the Day and year above written Before Harvey Munsill Judge
Page 33

State of Vermont New Haven District ss⎬ I John Pierpoint Register of the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Harvey Munsil is the Judge of said Probate Court & that his signature annexed to the foregoing declaration of Hannah Holley is his genuine signature
 In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & annexed the seal of Office of the Register of Court. at Vergennes this 14 day of April 1837. Jn Pierpoint Register
Page 34

I Horatio Needham of Bristol in the County of Addison & State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn depose & say that I was well acquainted with Robert Holley late of said Bristol deceased he was a pentioner when he died, he died the 18th day of April A D 1836, at said Bristol, I am well acquainted with " Hannah Holley, Widow of the said Robert Holley, she is now living in said Bristol, & is Widow of the said Robert as opd, I further say that I have understood both from the said Robert previous to his decease & from the said Hannah that they were married while the said Robert was in the service in the Revolutionary war & previous to the said Robert being a prisoner on board the Jersey Prison ship 
Horatio Needham 
State of Vermont Addison County ss} Bristol April 8th 1837 Then personally appeared Horatio Needham the signer of the above affidavit and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth & Nothing but the truth and I further certify that I am now and have been for the last 15 years acquainted with the said Horatio Needham and know him to be considered a man of truth and of good moral character Before me Harvey Munsill Justice of the peace
Page 35

State of Vermont Addison County ss} I, George W. Rogers Clerk of the Court of the City of Vergennes do hereby certify that Henry Munsill who has subscribed his name to the within certificate, is a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid; and  that his  signature within is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixing the seal of said Court, at Vergennes this 14th day of April, A.D. 1837. Geo W Rogers Clerk
Page 36

Vergennes April 14th 1837
Sir, I enclose the application of Hannah Holley, widow of Robert Holley who was a pensioner under the law of 7 June 1832, and to whose application, and evidence I beg to refer you, should any further particulars be required.
I am, very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, Isaiah Scott
J.S.Edwards, Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Page 37

State of Vermont
Addison County 
personally appeared Benjamin Holley
Late of Huntington in the County of Chittenden
now of Bristol in the County of Addison and State of Vermont
of Lawful age depose and say that in the Spring of AD 1782
I was at Stonington in the State of Connecticut and there witnessed
the marriage of Robert Holley late of Bristol deceased to Hannah
Hewitt.  and I further say that the said Robert Holley during the
same year and subsequent to his marriage was in the service of
the United States and while in the service of the United States was
taken prison and put on board the Jersey prison ship where he
remained about five months and was not discharged untill after
the news of peace. I am enabled to State more particularly from the
fact of the said Robert Holley deceased being an older Brother of
mine and at the time of his marriage both remaining in the same town
and the wife of said Robert Holley remaining at my fathers during
his confinement on Board said Jersey prison ship. I further say that
on the application of the said Robert Halley deceased for a pension
my testimony was taken as to a portion of his services in the Revolutionary War
and was as I supposed forwarded to the war office
Benjamin Holley

State of Vermont
Addison County Ss Bristol April 4th AD 1837. Then personally appeared
Benjamin Holley the Signer of the above affidavit and made Solemn
Oath that the same contains the truth & nothing but the truth, and I
further certify that I am now & have for the last Twenty years been well
acquainted with the said Benjamin Holley & I know him to be a man who
has at all times sustained a good moral character & is a man of truth &
veracity
Before Me, Horatio Needham Justice of the Peace
Page 38

State of Vermont
Addison County ss
I Isaiah Scott a Notary
Public in and for the State of Vermont 

State of Vermont
Addison County ss.
I, George W. Rogers Clerk of Vergennes
City, Court do hereby certify that
Horatio Needham is a Justice of the peace in and for said 
County, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature 
within is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto
Subscribed my name and affixed
the seal of said Court at Vergennes 
this 14th day of April A.D. 1834.
Geo. W Rogers Clerk
Page 39

Hon J. C. Calhoun
Sec'y War Dept.
Page 40

Middlebury Vt July 30 1819
Sir,
I return the declaration &c of Robert
Holley for pension, at his request
under a full persuasion, in his mind,
that the years service under Capt. Brewster
in Col. Parsons Regt in 1776 - 
and on which he relied for establishing
his claim was not noticed, the 
examination, - and he is led to this 
conclusion from the endorsement
made on the [illegible] at the War Dept
herewith transmitted - also accompanying 
on the affidavit of Jon
Reynolds & Benj Holley - going
to prove the above mentioned service
I am Sir, very respectfully &c
Joel Doolittle

Hon. J. C. Calhoun Secy War Dept
Page 41

Payable semi-annually. The first
payment on this Certificate will be
made on the 4th of March
next in Burlington Vt
by Herman Allen Esq
Agent for paying U.S.
Pensioners

Recorded
Page 42

War Department
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United
States, of the 18th March, 1818,
Robert Holley late a private
in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed
on the Pension List, Roll of the Vermont
Agency, at the rate of Eight dollars per month, to commence
on the 14th day of May one thousand
eight hundred and eighteen

GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, 
this Sixth day of
September one thousand eight
hundred and nineteen
J C Calhoun
Secretary of War.
Page 43

I Sam H. Holley of Bristol in the County
of Addison & State of Vermont of Lawful age
depose and say that something more than
Twenty years since I frequently saw among
the papers of Robert Holley a Sergeants warrant
Signed by Col. John Topham by which it
appeared that my father Robert Holley had been
appointed a Sergeant in his Tophams Regt &
that Warrant I have not seen for the last
Twenty years & further say not
Bristol June 11. 1832
Sam H Holley

State of Vermont
Addison County Bristol June 7 1832
Personally appeared Sam H. Holley the Signer
of the above affidavit and made oath that the same
contains the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth
before Horatio Needham Just Peace
Page 44

State of Vermont
Addison County I. Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County 
for the said County of Addison do hereby certify that the
within named Horatio Needham, before whom the within
affidavit of Samuel H. Holley was sworn was at the time
a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name subscribed
thereto is his own signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my have, and affixed the seal of said
Court at Middlebury this 24th day of July
1832,
Saml Swift Clerk

[sideways]
Samuel H. Holley's
Affidavit
Page 45

State of Vermont
On this 14th day of May 1818 before me the subscriber
one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of
the State of Vermont, personally appears, Robert
Holley, aged sixty years, resident in Bristol
in the County of Addison and State aforesaid
who being by me first duly sworn according to
law, doth on his oath make the following declaration 
in order to obtain the provision made by
the late act of Congress entitled "an act to provide
for certain persons engaged in the land and naval 
service of the United States in the Revolutionary 
war", that he the said Robert Holley 
enlisted into the continental service, in the
month of May 1775 in the State of Connecticut
in a company commanded by Lt. Col. Tyler in
Regiment commanded by Col. Parsons, for the
term of (as he believes) Eight months, and continued
to serve in said corps, at Roxbury near Boston &
at the expiration of this period of his enlistment he
again enlisted at said Roxbury. (without leaving the army) 
in the same Regiment, in a company
commanded by Capt. Brewster for the term of one year
and continued to serve in said corps at Roxbury
and Dorchester near Boston, and at New York and
Long Island, and at White Plains, and at Peekskill
Page 46

and was discharged at the last mentioned place
in January 1777
And again in April 1777 he enlisted into said service
in Connecticut, and joined a company commanded
by Capt Benjamin West, in Rhode Island for the
term of nine months, and continued to serve
in said corps in Col. Stanton Regiment, the full
period of his enlistment, in Rhode Island, and was
discharged at Tivertown in sd State in January 1778
and immediately, that is, in January 1778 he again
enlisted into said service in the State of Rhode Island
in a company commanded by Capt Whipple
in a Regiment commanded by Col. Topham, for
the term of fifteen months, and continued to serve
in said corps, the full period of fifteen months, in
the State of Rhode Island, and chiefly at Tivertown
and was discharged at that place in April 1779
that, besides the before mentioned services, and subsequent thereto he served
six months, in Capt. Cowles Company and Col:
C. Greene, Regiment, in the State of Rhode Island
and six months in the State of Connecticut at Fort
Griswold in Capt. Latham company in Col. Ledyard
Regiment 
that he was in the battle at Flatbush on Long
Island in the year 1776 and in a battle that
took place in New York between an advanced detachment
Page 47

of the enemy, and some American troops commanded 
by Col. Knowlton and Maj. Leitch who both
fell in the action - and also in sharp skirmish on the
retreat of the American troops from New York, the day
before the last mentioned engagement
and also while in the service in 1778 he volunteered with
others, and went out in a stoop, and took and brought
in a Brittish Guard ship, which lay the east side
of Rhode Island and also in a battle on Rhode Island
the same year, between the American army under Genl
Sullivan, and the enemy
That he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in
need of the assistance of his country for support.
and that he has no other evidence now in his
power of his said services

Sworn to and declared before me the day and year
aforesaid
Joel Doolittle

State of Vermont
Joel Doolittle
Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of
Vermont do certify that it appears to my satisfaction 
that the said Robert Holley did serve in the
Revolutionary War as stated in the preceeding declaration, 
against the common enemy; and I now transmit 
the proceedings and testimony had and taken before
me, to the Secretary of the Department of War pursuant 
to the directions of the aforesaid act of Congress
Joel Doolittle
Page 48

And I the said Judge, on full & satisfactory
proof, do certify that the said Robert Holley
is in reduced circumstance, and stands in
need of the assistance of his country for
support
Joel Doolittle


State of Vermont
Addison  ss 
I Darius Matthews Clerk of the
Supreme Court of the state of
Vermont within and for the
County of Addison Do certify
that the Hon Joel Doolittle is a
Judge of the said Supreme Court
and that the foregoing is his
Signature.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of the said supreme
Court this 14th day of Novr A.D. 1818.
Darius Matthews
[sideways]
Robert Holley
Declaration
Private
Col Topham's Regiment
Rhode Island line
1778-15 months

Rejected
Not on the continental
rolls [illegible]
8 June 1819
Page 49

House of Reps
December 6. 1838
Sir
I send herewith, the Declaration of Hannah
Holley with accompanying testimony for the purpose
of obtaining a pension under the law of
7th
July 1838. A reference to your letter to me of the
11th of August last will explain the peculiarity
which appears in the closing part of the 
Declaration.
Testimony proving the marriage is,
I believe, among the papers sent you some
time ago, for the purpose of obtaining a
pension for Mrs. H. under the act of July 4.
1836.
Please examine the case as soon
as convenient & report to
Your obedient servant
William Slade
J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 50

Family Record
case of Hannah Holley
Page 51

 Samanth Needham of Bristol in the County
of Addison and State of Vermont of Lawful age being duly sworn--
depose and say that I am the Daughter of Robert Holley late of said Bristol
deceased and Hannah Holley now of said Bristol the late Wife of & now
the widow of the said Robert Holly-- I was born the 26 day of March
AD 1785, I lived steadily with my said Father & mother until I was
married to [illegible] Joseph Needham which was June 2d AD 1814= &
my said Husband Joseph Needham Deceased March 13=AD 1838. I am
& was the second child of my said Father & mother my Brother, Samuel H.
Holley was the first & eldest of my said Father & Mothers Children he
was born as I have been told by my Father & Mother the 14 day of December
AD 1783- I further say that the leaf or family record Markd [marked] A page 678
was at this time & in my presence taken & cut out of my said Fathers Bible
which is now in my possession and hereto attached. I have known the said
Family Bible to have been owned by & in possession of my Father in AD 1809
or 1810 - I know that the records & memorandum made & written on said
leaf or record hereto attached is & are in the proper hand writing of my said
Father & I should think as long ago as 1810 - I remember that previous to
AD 1809 - My said Father had a small family Bible in which were kept the
family records and which was going to decay & my father Transcribed the
family records from the old to the new or present bible the old Bible which
was much decayed is gone & is not now in exhistonce [existence?]. I would not state
that the said Family record was transcribed [illegible]as long ago as 1810 - I have
no doubt but it was previous to my marriage in 1814. I have always heard
& understood from my said Father & Mother when I was young not 15 years
old that my said Father & Mother was married about the year AD 1782.=
Samanthe Needham,
[illegible]
State of Vermont Addison County [illegible] Bristol December 17= AD 1838 there
personally appeared Before me Horatio Needham one of the Justices of the peace within & for
the said County of Addison & Samantha Needham the signer of the above affidavit & made
solemn oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the
truth & I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Samantha & she is a woman
of truth and verasity [veracity]-
Before me Horatio Needham Justice of the peace
Page 52

I certify that Horatio Needham is, and has long been a Justice of the peace acting under the Authority of the State of Vermont, and that this signatures of her name on this sheet are in his own proper hand writing
William Slade, M.[illegible]
Dec. 24, 1838
Page 53

I, Samuel H. Holley of Bristol in the County of Addison and State 
of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn depose and say that I am
the Reputed Son of Robert Holley late of said Bristol deceased & Hannah
Holley the late wife of & now the Widow of the said Robert= The family record
or leaf hereto attached marked A page 678 was written by & is in the proper
hand writing of my said Father the late Robert Holley what time the said
record was made I cannot say, I think previous to 1814= I have always
understood both by my Father & Mother that I was born in AD 1783, & they have
both of them old me many times & more than forty years ago that they were married
in the year AD 1782=
Saml H. Holley
State of Vermont Addison County ss.
Middlebury Dec 17th 1838 then personally appeared said H.
Holley the signer of the above affidavit & made solemn
oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed
contains the truth & nothing but the truth
before
Horatio Needham Justice peace
I Winter H. Holley of Bristol in the County of Addison & State of Vermont
lawful age being duly sworn depose & say that I am the reputed son of=
Robert Holley late of said Bristol deceased & Hannah Holley the late Wife of & now
the Widow of the said Robert = & that the family record or leaf hereto attached &
marked A page 678, was written by & is in the proper hand writing of my said
Father the late Robert Holley=  I do not know what time said work was written
by my said father but I think previous to 1814=  my said father & mother have
both told me I was born in the year 1798= I have heard my father & mother say I now [know] than Twenty years since that they were married about the year 1782=
& I further say that said leaf or family record was by me & in the presence of Samanth
Needham cut & taken from my said Fathers family Bible & attached hereto & marked
A page 678 as aforesaid
Winter H. Holley
State of Vermont Addison County Ss. Bristol December 17th AD 1838. Then
personally appeared
Winter H Holley the Signer of the above affidavit & made
sworn oath that the above affidavit by him & Subscribed contains the truth & nothing
but the truth-
Before Me Horatio Needham Justice of the peace
Page 54

State of Connecticut
District of Addison
On this 26th day of July 1832, personally
affirmed in open court before the Probate Court for said District of Addison, Benjamin Holley of Bristol in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, and being duly sworn in deposes and says - that I have [insert ^] heard read the declaration this day made by my brother Robert Holley of said Bristol before the Probate Court aforesaid, in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress of the 4th June 1832- And that I know his statement to be true so for predates his enlistment in the Spring of the year 1777 this service for about 1 year, in a company commanded by Capt. Benjamin West, in a Regiment of Rhode Island State troops commanded by Colonel Stanton:- I served in the same company regiment for the whole time he has stated, as a Sergeant, from the Spring of 1778 for the term afore year in the same company regiment- the regiment then being under the command of Colonel Lofham. I enlisted and served for the same period in the same company and regiment.- 
I know also that he enlisted & served, as he has stated, as a Sergeant for one year from the Spring of 1779, in the company commanded by Capt. Whipple- in Colonel Lofham’s regiment. I served for the same time, in the same regiment in a company commanded by Capt. West. I know also, that he enlisted and served as a sergeant, as he has stated, for six months or more, under an enlistment for one year, in a company commanded by Capt. Cole, in a regiment commanded by Colonel Gran, in the line of the State of Rhode Island, on the Continental Establishment. I served the same time in the same regiment, in a company commanded by Capt. Dexter.- Benjamin Holley
Sworn & verified? the day & year aforesaid,
S. Swift, Judge
Page 55

and the said Court do declare their opinion, after the investigation
of the matter, and after putting the interrogator's
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 the said applicant is a person of unquestionable veracity;
and that Samuel H. Holley Benjamin Holly, whose
affidavits are annexed are credible persons, and that
their statements are entitled to credit
Saml Swift Judge
Page 56

Read 6 Augt 1832
Robert Halley
Prs. 6.
Sergt 18.
$80 per ann
Samuel Swift Eqr
Agent
Middlebury
Vermont
Page 57

State of Vermont
District of Addison
I, Harvey Bell, Register of the Probate
Court for the said District of Addison do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of Robert Holley for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said Court
this 27th day of July 1832
Harvey Ben
Register
Page 58

Hannah Holley
Declaration & testimony
Hon. W Slade
H R
Page 59

Novington Novr 3d 1838
James of 4th Peteran a few days part
and on examination of the records of this town
I could not find the marriage of Robert Holly,
I also went to North Stonington and made
enquiry respecting the record of marriages which
might have been kept by Eld Eleazer Brown
and was informed by Latham Full Esq that
he had for some time past endeavoured to
find such record, but was satisfied that
no such record could now be found-
I have therefore forwarded to you my certificate
all to before a Justice of the peace which
I hope will be of use to you
Your Obt Sert
John D Royes
Page 60

affidavit of
John D. Noyes
No record of marriage of
Hannah Holley
Page 61

John D Noyes of Stonington in the County
of New London and State of Connecticut and
Clerk of town of Stonington do hereby certify
that I have carefully examined the records
of town for Marriages Births &c" to find the
Marriage of Robert Holly to Hannah Hewitt
and that I do not find the same interest
thereon
Stonington Novr 3. 1838
John D Noyes T. Clerk
New London County Symington Nov 3, 1838
personally appeared before me John D Noyes now Clerk of the town of Stonington and made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing certificate are true.
Geo. Hubbard Justice of Peace
I am well acquainted with the hand
writing of Geo. Hubbard Esq, and know
the above to be his own signation, and
further certify that for more than
one year last past he hath at sell
times heard a notice of the peace in
and for the County of New London Connt [Connecticut]
Decr 6. 1838
Samuel Nighan
[illegible]. C
Page 62

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12 - 5 - 41
NAME Holley, Samuel
WARRANT
NUMBER
7206
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
GRADE
ACREAGE
Private
*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 applications 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.
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
New York
ISSUED Oct 10 1791
to Ebenezer Owen, assignee