Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,461, Joseph Curtis, N.H.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.H.

Curtis, Joseph
..............Sarah

NUMBER
W. 25461

CONTENTS
Page 2

No 18420
Vermont
Joseph Curtis
of Orleans Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Pr. Sugh & Lt. in the
commanded
by Captain Freeman of the Rgt
commanded
by Col. Chase in the N. Hamp. Mil
line for 1 month Pr. - 3.33
21 days Sergt. - 3.50
16 months & 14 days - 213.33
[total of] $220.16
Inscribed in the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 220 Dollars 16 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of August 1833 and sent to George Nye
Irasburgh Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 1833
440.32
110.08
[total of] $550.40
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
recorded by D. Brown 
Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 57

Let to applicant Aug 8, 1834
Let. to Robert Gallt, ("O.C") August 28, 1840
[margin]Let. A. Galt 28 Aug. 1840 - applies to his service
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see let 16th March [crossed out illegible] 1841
to A. G. Miller. 
to S. Swift  [illegible] 1842
to A. French Jr. Jan 26, 1843
Letter to Vernon Tichenor and Pension Agent
at Wisconsin 18 Nov. 1863
1885 Mch. 16 History to Hanover NH

6085
Wisconsin Ter.

Sarah Curtis, Dead
widow of Jospeh Curtis, dec'd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832,
and who died on the 20 December 1833,
of Racine Co. in the spring of [crossed out] Wisconsin Tery
who was a priv. & sergt in the compy. commanded 
by Captain Underhill of the regt commanded 
by Col. Paul in the Vermont
line for 10 months & 22 days.

Inscribed on the Roll of Wisconsin Tery
at the rate of 51 Dollars 30 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of March
1841 & sent to Andrew G. Miller,
Milwaukie, Wisconsin, Terry

Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $256.50

Semi=annual allowance ending [crossed out]

{Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by D. M. Curdy, Clerk
Book A. Vol. 2. page 228
Page 4

78
Joseph Curtiss
declaration for pension
21571
Page 5

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss}

At a regular [illegible] of Orleans County
Court began and 
holden at Irasburgh
within and for said County on the Third
Tusday of December AD 1832 personally
appeared in open court. Joseph Curtis
a resident of Irasburgh in the County + [and]
state  aforesaid aged Eighty one years, 
who being first duly sworne according
to law doth on his oath make the folllowing
declaration, in order to obtain
the benefit of the act of Congress passed
June 7 1832. That he entered the service
of the United States under the following
named Officers and served as is herein
stated. 

At the commencement of the Revolutionary War
I was twenty five years of age and lived in Hanover
Grafton County + [and] State of New Hampshire
and belonged to the New Hampshire Militia 
was  Orderly Sergent served also as Ensign and 
Lieutenat  had a Commission under which I [illegible]
duty but cannot now tell what became of it
Page 6

In the year 1775 I went to Newbury Vermont as a private soldier where I remained three weeks & in the same year I went to Cavendish also as a private where I staid (stayed) one week in the remainder of the year 1775 & the two following years 1776 & 1777. I was called out five different times to go to Ticotderga (Ticonderoga) generally volunteered was drafted once or twice. Capt. Edmund Freeman of the same company went once or more we were under Col. Jonathan Chase and belonged to his Regiment. Major Francis Smith was one of our Officers in some of these expiditions (expeditions) we sometimes went to Cornish N.H. to join the Regiment and passed through Windsor & Rutland Vermont and at other times we went across the more uninhabited part of the country leaving Windsor at the South. and at one time we meet the Army at Otter Creek. The time spent in the five expiditions (expeditions) was not less than three months. The Company to which I belonged were considered as Minuet (Minute) men and at this time I held a Lieuts. (Lieutenant's) Commission and served in these expiditions (expeditions) as such. I cannot tell the names of all the different officers under which I served, when orders were received for us to join
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the Army or defend against the Indians every man belonging to the company made the best of his way to the place where we were ordered and as the individuals arrived were attached to companies and Regiments as became most convenient, and frequently men belonging to the same companies at home, did not meet each other until they were discharged. In 1776 the company to which I belonged were ordered to Royalton Vermont about 20 or 25 miles from Hanover as it was decided to be necessary to build a Fort at that place and station an armed force to protect the country. It was necessary to raise a part of the force at Lebanon and other Towns adjoining in consequence of which arrangement it was thought best to take a Lieut, (Lieutenant) from Lebanon, supposing that the men there would be better satisfied than they would to have all the Officers from Hanover but some of the company to which I belonged were unwilling to go unless I went on with them. I consented to go as Orderly Sargent. I received orders for enlisting and enlisted several men for six months which was the time we
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we engaged for and took them on with me. Captain David Woodward from Hanover and Lieutenant Abel Lyman from Lebanon were the Officers who at first commanded at Royalton we were under the necessity of sending to Newbury for the Provisions necessary to sustain the troops at Royalton. Capt. Woodman (Woodward) & Lieut. Lyman were strangers to the owners of the provision & failed to procure it. I went with Mr. Davis and by given our obligations procured the necessary supplies. After staying at Royalton three weeks, the Captain and acting Lieut. were called to Newbury still farther North the command at Royalton then devolved on me. I proceeded with building the Fort and in the meantime kept out scouting parties to reconnoiter the surrounding country & continued in command until the six months expired. The Inhabitants had not then secured their crops and at their solicitation I staide (stayed) with part of the force two weeks longer making in all a tour of six months & two weeks. One week of the time only I was absent and Experience Trescot acted as a substitute for me in my absence after which
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time Trescot remained untill (until) we left Royalton on his own account. In 1777 I went in the New Hampshire militia to Saratoga and was there at the surrender of Burgoyns (Burgoyne's) Army. Capt. Edmund Freeman commanded the company and Jon (Jonathan) Chase was our Colonel. I went to Charlestown New Hampshire thence across the mountains to Manchester Vermont & was out not less than two months, lost my Horse saddle & bridle and returned home on foot. I was detained on my way home by sickness. In the years of 1776 1777 and 1778 I went three times on alarms to Newbury Village and twice to Wells River Vermont in these five expiditions (expeditions) I spent not less than three months & I think 16 weeks. A line of defence (defense) was established from Wells River Vt. to Cavendish and I was out to defend different parts at various times. I was at Cavendish and Rutland not less than five weeks and at Corinth not less than three weeks. At the same time Royalton was burned I pursued the Indians under the command of Col. John House (so called)  who had been a Captain in the Continental service. I was one of a Committee
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of safety and frequently went out with several men with me not enrolled in any company when the inhabitants became suddenly alarmed but I am unable to reckollect (recollect) how many times as the precise amount of time spent in these expiditions (expeditions) as alarms were so frequent some seasons as to almost entirely prevent other business and I must have certainly spent as much as three months in tours which seperately (separately) occupied but a few days. In all expiditions (expeditions) excepting at Royalton I went with my own horse. I also released a young man (who was bound to me untill (until) of lawful age) from my service eighteen months before his term of service expired on condition that he would enlist in the service of the United States for that term of time & he did so enlist and served in the Continental Army one year & a half before he was twenty one years of age, and I never received any pay for his services from any source.
I served at least in all one month as a Private, 3 weeks as Orderly Sargent, Five months & 2 weeks as commandant, Eleven months as Lieutenant
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one week by a substitute exclusive of the 18 months service of the young [man] who was sent by me, making in all a period of Eighteen months and 2 weeks service under the different grades as is herein before stated for which I claim a Pension.

Their (there) is but few of the persons who could have testified as to my services, now living and of those that remain and have given their affidavits by reason of the length of time which has elapsed & their infirmity by old age are utterly unable to reckollect (recollect) many of the facts. I have also been deprived of some important testimony by recent sickness & death of those who could have testified.

(signature) Joseph Curtis
Page 12

I was born in Mansfield Connecticut 
I resided in Hanover New Hampshire at the time of the Revolution. I resided at Hanover untill (until) May 1831, since which time I have resided at Craftsbury and Irasburgh (Irasburg) Vermont in  Orleans County. I hereby relinquish all claim to any pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed this 28th day of Dec 1832.
(signature) Joseph Curtis

We William A. Chapin a Clergyman residing in Craftsbury and George Nye residing in Irasburgh (Irasburg) Orleans County Vermont hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Curtis who has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration and that he is reputed and believed to have been a Soldier of the Revolution by the Inhabitants of the neighborhood where he resides.
Page 13

and that we fully concur in that opinion Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(signatures)
Wm. A Chapin
Geo. Nye

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the investigations prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that William A. Chapin who has signed the above certificate is a clergyman residing in Craftsbury aforesaid and that George Nye who has signed the same is a resident in the Town of Irasburgh (Irasburg) aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Ira H. Allen Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Curtis for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 31 day of December 1832.
Ira H. Allen Clerk
Page 14

Declaration
In order to attain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th July 1838 " An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" -

Territory of Wisconsin}
Milwaukee County} JB

On this second day of December AD one thousand eight hundred and forty personally appeared before me one Andrew G. Miller one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the territory of Wisconsin and Presiding Judge of the District Court for the County of Milwaukee aforesaid Sarah Curtiss (Curtis) a Resident of Prairieville in the said County of Milwaukee aged seventy six years, who being 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 Joseph Curtis who was a citizen of Vermont and was a pensioner of the United States for his services in the war of the revolution that the said pension was granted to him the beginning of the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three - The particular services of her said husband she cannot subscribe but, she refers to
Page 15

the proof of the same and the papers and records
relating thereto in the office of the Commissioner
of pensions at Washington.
She further declares that she was
married to the said Joseph Curtiss by a Justice
of the Peace she thinks named Johnathan Freemon
in [illegible] State of Newhampshire shortly before the
first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four
but she cannot now recollect the precise time or
day but refers to the certificate of said Justice
submitted to the pension office and the accompanying
papers. That her said husband the foresaid
Joseph Curtiss died in Berlin Vermont on the
twentyeth day of December one thousand eight
hundred and thirty three; that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service
but the marriage took place previous to the
first of January seventeen hundred and ninety
four viz at the time above stated- and that she
remained and still continues his widow unmarried
Sworn to and subscribed
on the day and year aforesaid
before
Andw. G. Miller
Sarah Curtiss her mark
Page 16

I Andrew G Miller the Judge aforesaid
do certify that the aforesaid Sarah Curtiss is now
a resident of Prairieville Milwaukee County aforesaid
and that she cannot from bodily infirmity attend
the Court - being now confined to her room
and nearly blind -  [illegible] 2, 1840
Andw. G. Miller

Territory of Wisconsin
Milwaukee County Ss.
I Cyrus Hawley Clerk of the District
Court for the County and Territory aforesaid do hereby certify
that the Honorable Andrew G Miller is one of the Judges of the
Supreme Court of the Territory of Wisconsin and presiding Judge
of the District Court for the County of Milwaukee aforesaid and
that his signature annexed to the aforesaid Declaration and Certificate
genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said District Court this
third day of December in the year of our Lord
one thousand Eight hundred and forty
Cyrus Hawley Clerk
Page 17

Prairieville Wisconsin Terr'y October 26th 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions-
Your attention to the following pension case is respectfully
Requested--
Joseph Curtis, a soldier of the Revolution, was a pensioner
of the U.S.- He lived many years in Vermont-- there received
his pension & there died in 1833-
Sarah Curtis, his widow, was an applicant for a pension
from Wisconsin Territory. A pension was granted
to her, and a certificate sent on in 1840 (perhaps 1841.)
The certificate was sent to one ____ Knapp, then
the Cashier of the Mineral point Bank, in said Territory
& a Pension agent. The money was not obtained
on account of some informality. An agent
of the said Pensioner (her son) then went to draw the
money. But when he got to Mineral Point, The Mineral
Point Bank had blown up - and all the papers
(including said Certificate) had been siezed &
placed in the hands of another person. At least
Mr. Knapp alledged [sic] the certificate was among the
papers taken. The agent went to the other
person who denied having received said certificate.
The agent of pensioner, then proceeded
to the Bank Commissioners - every effort to
find the said certificate was ineffectual.
Page 18

The case was then presented to the Pension office
at Washington & a form sent on for the Pensioner
to sign to obtain a new certificate - But when 
it arrived, she was dead.  This was in the fall 
of 1840 (or 1841).- She left no property but her
son (Rev. Otis F. Curtis) took out letters of administration
in order to obtain her pension money.
- Since then the time has been wasted in vain
efforts to get the old certificate - And now
I am authorized, as the attorney of the Administrator, to
again present the case to the Pension office.-
 - Can a new certificate be issued, without
further proceedings? If not, what proceedings
are necessary to be had?
It will be most convenient to draw the money
(if to had) at Milwaukie.- W.I.
Reply to the undersigned - Prairieville
Milwaukie Co. W.I.
Very Respectfully &c.
Vernon Tichenor
Page 19

21.571

Dec'd Joseph Curtiss

Orleans Co

Verm't


Adm'd

16 mo 1408  Lieut
1         private
2108  O. Serg't.

George Nye
Irasburgh
V't.
Page 20

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
June 5 1833
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 tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, 
before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done.  These points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus } ).  You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
[Table]
A Statement, showing the service of Joseph Curtiss
Period when the service was rendered. - Periods & duration of service not particularly stated - nor the names of the officers under whom he served - 1776
Duration of the claimant's service.
[blank] Years. 6 Months. 14 Days.
Rank of the claimant. [blank]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. - Capt. Woodward [illegible]
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. [blank]
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. [blank]
Country through which he marched. Boyalston
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 31 years, Grafton Co. N Hamp.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. By living witnesses, A clergyman
[End of Table]
The deponent states - "I served at least in all one month as a private, 3 weeks as orderly Sergt, five months & 2 weeks as commendant, Eleven months as Lieutenant- one week by a substitute- are inclusive of the 18 months service of the young man who was sent by me. Making in all a period of eighteen months & two weeks service, under the different grades as it herein before states for which I claim a pension."

I am respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
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 in
stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of 
County of } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank]
A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and
served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] 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 entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of [blank]
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 [blank] of the Court of [blank]
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
[blank] day of [blank] & 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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [bank]
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 [blank]
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] & 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 22

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 rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war 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 claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:- For -- year -- months, and -- days, I served as a --. 
For -- months and -- days, I served as a--- and for 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 militia, &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 he 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 it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attained thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass 
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, 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 record
of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses,
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must
be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes are all 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 23

September 29, 1938.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. Ray W. Perkins
Route 1, Box 130
Puyallup, Washington.

BA-J/CC
Joseph Curtis
W. 25461

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of Joseph Curtiss, born in Mansfield,
Connecticut, June, 1751, went to Hanover, New Hampshire in 1765,
and died in Berlin, Vermont, December 20, 1833.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in
pension claim, W.25461, based upon service of Joseph Curtis in
the Revolutionary War.
Joseph Curtis was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, date of
his birth and names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Hanover, Grafton County, New Hampshire,
Joseph Curtis enlisted in 1775, served at various times until
sometime in 1779, amounting in all to about one year, seven and
one half months, twenty-eight days of which he served as private,
twenty-one days as orderly sergeant, and the remainder of the time
as ensign and lieutenant. He served under Captain Edmund Freeman
and David Woodward, Colonels Jonathan Chase and John House in the
New Hampshire troops, was in the expedition to Ticonderoga, was
at the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga and at the burning of
Royalton.
Vermont.
Joseph Curtis was an early settler in Hanover, Grafton County,
New Hampshire where he resided until 1831, he was a moderator of
the town meetings for many years, a selectman for nine years, a
representative in the general court of New Hampshire for four years
in succession, was a deacon in the First Congregational Church of
that town for more than forty years, and also a moderator for that
church. He moved to Graftsbury, then to Irasburg, Orleans County,
Craftsbury
Ok on orig.
Page 24

The officer was allowed pension on his application executed
December 28, 1832, at which time he was aged eighty-one years and
a resident of Irasburg, Orleans County, Vermont.
He died December 20, 1833, in Berlin, Washington County, Vermont,
Joseph Curtis married March 13, 1791, at Hanover, New Hampshire,
Miss Sarah Davis, who was born in October, 1765. The day and place
of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.
the officer's widow, Sarah Curtis applied for pension December
2, 1840, at which time she was a resident of Prairieville, Milwaukee
County, Wisconsin Territory, pension was allowed. In May of that
year her address was given as Southport, Racine County, Wisconsin
Territory. She died about February 18, 1841.
In 1833 reference was made to their daughter, a widow, her name
not shown. In 1839, their son, Reverend Otis F. Curtis was residing
in Pleasant Prairie, Racine County, Wisconsin Territory. No reference
was made to other children.
In 1832, one Jonathan Curtis stated in Craftsburg, Orleans
County, Vermont, that during the Revolutionary War he lived in
Hanover, New Hampshire. In the same year one Benjamin Davis was
residing in Hanover, New Hampshire and stated that he served with
Joseph Curtis in the Revolutionary War, their relationship to the
family not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 25

1939 - Sept 29 - Hist to
Mrs Ray W. (Jean) Perkins
cc
Ray
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25,461
Sarah Curtis
Widow of
Joseph Curtis
Sergt. Rev. War
Act July 7th 1838
Index: Vol. A, Page 163
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 26

Sarah Curtifs  rec'd the
benefit of the proofs in the
case of Joseph Curtifs of
Bennington Co whose widow
is added in Certifs of Ver't
instead of Joseph Curtifs of
Orleans Co who was not
entitled  See Letter of 28.
Aug. 1840 to R. Galt Esqr
Page 27

Sarah Curtis
of Joseph
Wisconsin
Suspended
[crossed out] See let. 2d June 1840
Nov. I.D. Doty
Let. 15 Sept 1840 to
I.C. Knapp
Act 7 July 1838
Page 28

5136
Sarah Curtis
of Joseph
Wisconsin
admitted
Pr. & Sergt. 10 mos. 22 $51.30
Cap. Underhill Col. Paul &c.
died 20 December 1833
Act 7th July 1838.
Andrew G. Miller
Milwaukee
Wis. Terr.
Page 29

Sarah Curtis, widow of Joseph--Wisconsin Roll.
Act of July 7, 1838, at $51.30 per annum.

Be pleased to say to whom the pension
was paid, if paid.

Pension Office  )  no payments reported
Jan 25, 1843.    )     JH
Page 30

State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss.
I George Woodward clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas for the county of Grafton do certify that Jonathan
Freeman, Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within &
for said county duly qualified to take affidavits &
that I believe his name on the fore annexed papers are
his genuine signatures.
Witness my hand & the seal of said
court hereunto affixed this 30th day of
Nov'r 1832
Geo. Woodward Clerk
Page 31

V 5736
Sarah Curtis
of Joseph
Wisconsin
Declaration of
Sarah Curtiss in order
to obtain a pension
under Act of 7th July
1838
Hon. J.D. Doty
H. Rep.
Page 32

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled An act
granting half pay and pensions to certain widows-
Territory of Wisconsin
Racine County B
On this sixteenth day of
May AD one thousand eight hundred and forty
personally appeared before me Andrew G Miller
presiding Judge of the District Court of the County
of Racine aforesaid Sarah Curtiss a resident
of the Town of Southport in Racine County
said aged seventy years last October 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 Joseph
Curtiss who was out in the war of the revolution and
for which he was granted a pension a short
time before his death by the Government of the United States
which will appears together with his papers
and declaration filed in the pension office of the United
Page 33

States which is to be refered [sic] to. He was granted
pension about the year 1834 when he was a citizen of
the State of Vermont. He was a volunteer in the militia-
she further declares that she was married to
the said Joseph Curtis on the thirteenth day of
March one thousand seven hundred and ninety one by
Jonathan Freeman Esq then a Justice of the Peace in
the Town of Hanover in the County of Grafton in the
State of New Hampshire and that her husband
the aforesaid Joseph Curtis died in the month of
December one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
in Berlin Washington County State of Vermont, that
she was not married to him prior to his leaving
the service, but the marriage took place previous
to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety
four viz at the time above stated - and she
still continues his widow.
Sworn to and subscribed by [illegible]
on the day and year above written
before the Judge of aforesaid
And. G Miller
I do certify that Sarah Curtiss the
above declarant is unable to attend court
from bodily infirmity and blindness-
May 16th 1838
And. G. Miller
Page 34

Territory of Wisconsin
Racine County Ss.
I Henry F. Cox Jr Clerk of the 
District Court for the County of Racine Do hereby
Certify that Andrew G Miller before whom the foregoing
Declaration was made & by whom the annexed Certifice
was made, is presiding Judge of the District Court
of the County of Racine aforesaid & that his signature
thereto is genuine-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & affixed the seal of our County this
Nineteenth day of May AD 1843
Henry F Cox Jr.
Clk D.C.
Page 35

Irasburgh (Irasburg) 2nd July 1833

Hon. Lewis Cass

Dear Sir

I have herewith found the Pension papers of J. Curtis, with a suppliment (supplement) to the declaration. You will see that the time specified in the additional declaration rather exceeds that of the first, his reason for the difference is that in the first, he must consider himself as saying under oath that he knew he had served so long & he would not state he be more than what he absolutely knew it to be, and at the same time he verry (very) believed it to have been more. he now swears to what he believes it to have been -
For myself I do not suppose from my acquaintance with Mr. Curtis that the whole City of Washington would tempt him knowingly to make a misstatement relative to it.
Your obed (obedient) svt (servant)-Geo. Nye
Page 36

By your early attention to Joseph Curtis claim you will incur a great favor on a highly deserving & kneedy (needy) old Vetran (Veteran) & one for (illegible-smeared), but little more can be done than what he may receive from Government at his drawing of a Pension - as he is close on the borders of the Grave dependant (dependent) [on] the earning of a widoed (widowed) daughter for subsistance (subsistence) for himself and aged companion. 

Yours Verry (Very) Respectfully,
Geo. Nye
Page 37

To the Commissioner of Pensions
     Sir
        In order to give effect to the late law of Congress in relation to the millions of deceased Revolutionary soldiers, is the case of Mrs. Sarah Curtis widow of Mr. Joseph Curtis late a revolutionary pensioner is necessary to obtain record evidence which is only to be found in your office. The pension certificate of Mr. Curtis was returned to the Pension office after the death of Mr. Curtis, his wife having made due claim to the arranger of his pension at the Probate office of the County of Orleans Vermont-we would like to obtain such evidence as would be satisfactory to the Department; at present the widow does not know of any other evidence (of record) except such as within the control of your office.
     Will you do the applicant, Mrs. Curtis, the favor to send me such evidence within and among the files of the Pension office as will enable her to comply with the third and fourth rules of your office in relation the the Act of July 7th, 1838-Mr. Joseph Curtis, the pensioner drew his pension while residing in the town of Irasburgh in Orleans County Vermont, and the heir also obtained the last instalment of his pension through proof made at the Probate Office of said County. 
          Very Rep'y yours,
Southport Wisconsin Jan'y. 20th, 1840       F.S. Lovell
Page 38

Territory of Wisconsin  [?]
Before me Andrew G Miller Presiding Judge of the district Court of the County of Racine in said Territory personally appeared Joseph C Knapp who being duly sworn doth say that he had known Joseph Curtiss & Sarah Curtiss his wife for many years that they resided together as husband & wife in the State of Vermont where he died in Dec. 1833. and that the said Sarah removed to Wiskonsin Territory Racine County since his death and still continues to be his widow & has not since been married--
sworn & subscribed the 16th May 1840
Joseph C Knapp
Andrew G Miller

I do certify that Joseph C Knapp the above affiant is a respectable person and he statements are entitled to full credit -- witness my hand the 7th July 1840
Andrew G. Miller
Page 39

Territory of Wisconsin}
Racine County
I Henry F. Cox Jr.  Clerk of the District Court for the County of Racine aforesaid do hereby certify that Andrew G. Miller whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Affidavit & Certificate is and was at the time of making the same, acting Judge of the Third Judicial District of the Territory of Wisconsin, duly Commissioned & sworn -
I testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of said County this 4th day of August AD 1840.

Henry F. Cox Jr.
Clk (Clerk) of D.C. (District Court)
Page 40

Wiskonsan Territory
Milwaukee 1 December 1842

James L Edwards Esq
Sir --
Sarah Curtis Widow of Joseph Curtis a Pensioner -- had a pension certificate payable at the office of Samuel B. Knapp pension agent of this Territory -- about 18 months since she forwarded the same to said Knapp at Mineral Point, but he did not pay it, nor would he give it up alledging that he had lost the same & could not find it.

Now Sir the object of this communication is to ascertain, whether Knapp returned the certificate as paid, & if he has not whether, a new certificate can issue from the proper department & what the necessary steps are for the procureing a new certificate.  Your attention to this matter will confer a great favor upon those interested in the premises and upon
Your Obt
Humble Servt
A Finch Jr
Page 41

A. Finch Jr.
Jan 26, 1843
Page 42

423
Pension Office,
Jan 26, 1843

Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 18th ulto. I have to inform you that on application at the office of the Third Auditor, it appears that the pension of Mrs. Sarah Curtis has not been paid.  The amount having been unpaid for more than fourteen months must, agreeably to law, now be paid by the Third Auditor.  Enclosed herewith are printed instructions for her guidance.  If however the original pension certificate has been lost, the papers cannot be drawn up until she obtains a duplicate certificate; and to justify us in issuing one, she will be required to furnish such evidence as the enclosed printed sheet marked A points out.  The form was prepared for male pensioners, but it can be so altered as to apply to her case.
A. Finch Jr. Esq
Milwaukee
Wisconsin Ter.
Page 43

Milwaukee W.I.
July 27, 1841

Sir,
In December last I enclosed to you an amended declaration of Sarah Curtiss an applicant for a pension.  The itteration necessary as required by your letter being merely with regard to a date I was in hopes there would be no delay in granting the pension and forwarding the certificate. I have understood that the old lady died about the 18th of this month.
You will please answer this as may be right under the all the circumstances.  The testimony was taken before me as the Judge of the Court of this district and I was desired to forward the papers to you.
Respectfully Sir
- Yours etc.
A. G. Miller

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Page 44

June 2, 1840
O.C. [Orleans County]
Page 45

26
Pen Offices
June 2, 1840
Sir
The papers in the case of Mrs.
Sarah Curtis widow of Joseph
Curtis, decd. have been examined
and filed excepting the affidavits
of Joseph C. Knapp and Otis F.
Curtis which are herewith returned
in order that the credibility
of the
witnesses may be certified as the [illegible 2 words inserted above the word 'regulations']
regulations
require, and authenticated as
required in rule 6. Therein contained
It is stated
by the claimant and the
witnesses that her husband died in 1834.
It is believed that he died in 1833 and
if so,
their statements in this respect should
be amended
Hon. J. D. Doty
N. R
O.C
5136
Out '38
Page 46

J. C. Knapp
Sept 15 '40
OC [Orleans County]
Page 47

150
Pen. Office
Sep 15, 1840

Sir
The papers in the case
of Mrs Sarah Curtis widow of
Joseph Curtis decd. as amended
have been examined and filed
with suspended cases. Before a
final decision can be had the
claimant should make an
amended statement showing the correct
period of her husbands death.
J.C. Knapp Esq
1
Racine
Wisconsin Tery.
OC
5136
at '38
Page 48

Robert Gallt,
August 28, 1840
O.C.
Page 49

326
Gen: off
Aug 28 1840
Sir
In the case of Mrs Addelia Curtis
the date of the marriage or the relation of husband
& wife prior to Jany 94 should be [should be is struck through] is not established
by that grade of proof which is so universally
afforded by the Books and Registers of Towns
Churches
& families as well in relation
to births &
baptism as to Marriages
The Town & Church officers should have given their
certificate, and if no evidence is found
the witnesses relied upon should have furnished the data by
which they are enabled to as certain
the date with the necessary certainty
to swear to it. But if this difficully did not exist
an examination of his papers under the act of June '32 is conclusion
that he was improperly allowed a pension - with a more perfect knowledge
of that service and after a thorough search of the rolls, it is perfectly clear that 17 out
of the 19th tours of alleged service as Sergt & Lieut have no foundation
In the other tours which he computed at 1 mo. 4D & 2 mo asa a Lieut [Lieut underlined] the
first was 11 days private [private underlined] and the other
but 15 days private- 
Her claim is therefore
disallowed
upon the ground that her
late husbands services were less
than 6 months-
Robt Gallt Esq
Weedsport NY
Page 50

Jos. (Joseph) Curtis
Aug 6, 1834

GC

Recorded Vol. 24 - Page 313
G.C.
Page 51

Department of War
Pension Office
Aug 6 1834
Sir
An error having been discovered in the
compalation of your pension,
you will collect your certificate
to the officer inside that it my be corrected

Yours Respectfully
Mr Jos Curtis
Care of Geo Nye Esq
Washington
Page 52

State of Vermont
District of Randolph
I Calvin Blodgett Judge of the
Probate Court in & for the district
of Randolph, Certify that it has been proved to the
satisfaction of said Court that Deacon Joseph Curtis
a Revolutionary Pensioner of Hanover N.H. died on
the 20th day of December AD. 1833 in the town of Berlin
in this State
It has been also further proved to this Court
that Sarah Curtis now residing in Racine in the
Territory of Wisconsin is his widow
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand
and the seal of this Court at Chelsea in
said district, this 16th day of July AD 1840
Calvin Blodgett Judge

[Illegible seal affixed bottom left of page]
Page 53

State of Vermont
Orleans County     At Irasburgh this 1st day of July, 1833. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orleans aforesaid Joseph Curtis who being duely (duly) sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to the best of his reckollection (recollection) he said not less than the periods and in the manner stated below

[TABLE OF SERVICE]
Year/Duration of Service/Rank of Claimant/Names & Rank of Company Officers/Name & Rank of Field Officers/Battles/County Through which we passed/Place of Abode

1775 21 Days & 7 days Private Under Capt Edmund Freeman and Col Jonathan Chase. No Battles. Lebanon, Lyme New Hampshire to Newbury & Cavendish Vt. Abode is Hanover NH. * DO in Rev times stood for "Ditto"

Close of 1775 1 Month 14 days. Lieut. under Edmund Freeman. Col. J. Chase. Battle of Ticonderoga. Windsor.

1776 20 Days Lieut. DITTO Officers/Battle. March to Rutland Vt.

1776 14 Days Lieut. DITTO Officers. Marched to Reading, Vt.

1777 9 Days Lieut. DITTO for Officers. Went to Cavendish Vt

1777 1 Month 4 days Lieut. Capt Freeman. Major Francis Smith. Battle of Saratoga NY where Burgoyne surrendered. Met the Army at Otter Creek.

1776 20 Days as Orderly Sargent under Capt Woodward and Lieut. Lyman and Col Jon Chase. Royalton Raid. Marched to Windsor and Barnard Vt.

1776 5 Months and 21 days as Lieut. Commandant. Under Col. Chase. Ditto battle and movement. 

1776 14  Days as Lieut. under Capt. Freeman and Col. Chase. Went to Newbury, Vt.  Passed through to Lebanon NH and then Oxford NH

1777 20 Days as Lieut under same officers. Moved back to Newbury Vermont

1777 2 Months as Lieut. under Capt Freeman and Major F. Smith. Battle of Saratoga. Moved through to Charlestown NH

1777 1 Month as Lieut. under Capt. Freeman and Col. Chase. Battle Newbury. Passed through Bennington and Manchester Vt.

1777 21 Days as a Lieut. under Capt E. Freeman and Major F. Smith. Battle at Wells River. Passed through Windsor, Rutland and Newbury Vt. 

1778 19 Days as Lieut. under Capt E. Freeman and  Col. Chase. Ditto areas as above.

1778 20 Days as a Lieut./Commandant under Col. Chase. Battle in Cavendish.

1778 16 Days as Lieut./Commandant under Col. Chase. Battle in Rutland.

1778 1 Month 7 days as Lieut./Command under Col. Chase. Battle in Corinth Vt.

1779 10 Days as a Lieut. under Col. John House. Battle at Burning of Royalton Village.
Page 54

***COMPLETE TABLE OF JOSEPH CURTIS'S SERVICE LOCATED ON PREVIOUS PAGE. THE TOP PORTION OF THIS PAGE CONTAINS A DUPLICATE OF THAT SAME TABLE.


For 28 days I served as a private for [crossed out words] & 21 days I served as Orderly Sargent
 for 12 months & 8 days I served as Lieutenant, for 5 months & 27 days I served as commandant of Garrison under a Lieut's commission for which services I claim a Pension. I held a Lieutenant's commission Signed by John Taylor Gilman, Gov of New Hampshire, but cannot tell what has become of it.
*under the head of Battles, is given the name of the place to which I was ordered in the expeditions (signature) Joseph Curtis
Sworn & subscribed before this 1day of July 1833
Before me Joseph Wiggins Justice [of the] Peace
Page 55

State of Vermont          )
Orleans County fs.        )

I Ira H. Allen Clerk of Orleans County  Court do hereby certify that Joseph Wiggins, who has affixed his name to the within is a magistrate duly qualified and I believe the same to be his genuine signature.  In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Irasburgh this 1 day of July AD. 1833.
Ira H. Allen Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 56

Racine Wisconsin T'y  Aug. 4th / 48

Sir

Enclosed I return the two Affadavits that were returned to the Hon J.D. Doty from your office with the alterations and additions required.  Also, One other affadavit of C. Blodget Judge of Probate Dist. of Randolph in regard to the claim of the death of Joseph Curtis--the Two Affiants of F. Curtis & J.C. Knapp were in error as to the year in which the said Joseph Curtis died they have corrected their testimony--Hoping that the testimony will prove sufficient  I remain
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
J.C. Knapp.

Hon J.L. Edwards
Pension Office.
Page 57

"Mr. Joseph Curtifs & Mifs Sarah Davis were joined in marriage by Jon'a Freeman Just. Peace"

I Jonathan Freeman 2d Town Clerk of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire hereby certify that the foregoing extract from the record of marriages in said town of Hanover is a true copy of the record of the marriage of Joseph Curtifs and Sarah Davis as therein recorded with the exception of the date which is exprefsed on the record in fair legible figures as follows--

March thirteenth Seventeen Hundred and ninety one [entire date underlined]--the whold record of their marriage as therein recorded being in words and figures as follows--
"March 13th 1791  Mr. Joseph Curtifs & Mifs Sarah Davis were joined in marriage--
by Jon'a Freeman  Just. Peace"

I further certify that said marriage appears from the record to have been solemnized by Jon'a Freeman Esquire a Justice of the Peace then of Hanover in the county of Grafton and State of New Hampshire--
Attest  Jonathan Freeman 2d  Town Clerk

Hanover  July 18, 1839---

I Jonathan Freeman 2d above named depose and say that I am Town Clerk of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Hanover with the exception above named as certified by me--
Jon'a Freeman 2d

State of New Hampshire
Grafton fs.   Hanover  July 18, 1839--

Then personally appearing the above named Jonathan Freeman 2d whom I certify to be a witnefs entitled to full credit made solemn oath that the above certificate and affidavit by him subscribed in my presence are just and true--
Before me   Mills Olcott  Just. Peace
Page 58

State of New Hampshire
Grafton ["fst"" stricken out]  County  sct.

I nathan B. Felton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Mills Olcott is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated the 21st day of May 1839, and will expire on the 21st day of May 1844, and that his signature within written is genuine

Given under my hand and the seal of said County the 18th day of July 1839
N.B. Felton  Clerk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 59

Craftsbury  June 29, 1832.

I the subscriber testify & say that during the revolutionary war I lived at Hanover New Hampshire & that I was acquainted with Joseph Curtifs; that he spent some part or all the summer of 1776 at Royalton Vt. as a soldier in the service of N.H.   I also know that he had a young man bound to him till he was 21 years of age & that the said Joseph Curtifs released this young man for one year & a half before his term of service expired on condition that he would enlist & spend that time in the continental army & that the young man did so & spent that year & a half in the continental service.

Hanover being then near the frontiers was subjecated to frequent alarms for our Indian depredations.  I remember that the said Joseph Curtifs was often called out for a few days or a few weeks at a time to guard the frontiers or to quell the invations of the Indians & that he must have incurred the lofs of much time & property in consequence of these harrafsing calls.
Jonathan Curtis

State of Vermont    )        Craftsbury
Orleans County      ) fs.     June 29, 1832

Then personally appeared the under signed to the above Certificate jonathan Curtis & made oath that the statement in above s'd Certificate contains the truth before me
Royal Corbin  Jus. Peace
Page 60

State of Vermont           )
Orleans County  fs.        )

I Ira H Allen Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Royal Corbin before whom the within affidavit was sworn is a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Orleans and the signature purporting to be his I believe to be genuine.

In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court this 31 day of July 1832--
Ira H. Allen  Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the 1st above paragraph]
Page 61

State of Vermont     )
Orleans County  fs.  )

I hereby Certify that Jonathan Curtis who has subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit is a credible person & a competant witnefs
Royal Corbin   Just. of Peace

State of Vermont       )
Orleans County fs.     )

I Ira H. Allen Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Royal Corbin who makes the above certificate is a Justice of Peace duly qualified and I believe his name thereto subscribed to be his proper signature--

In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Irasburgh this 31 day of December 1832.
Ira H. Allen  Clerk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]

[written vertically on the left side of page]
Jonathan Curtis
Affidavit
Page 62

Wisconsin Territory
Racine County  fs.

Otis F Curtis of Pleasant Prairie in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is the son of Joseph Curtis late of Irasburgh in the County of Orleans ["county" stricken out] and State of Vermont deceased a pensioner of the Revolutionary Army of the United States--And of Sarah Curtis his wife and his now widow; And this  deponent further saith that he is informed and verily believes that the said Joseph Curtis and Sarah Curtis were married in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety and further that the said Joseph Curtis died in the month of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and up to the time of his decease drew his pension while residing in the town of Irasburgh aforesaid; And this deponent further saith that the said Sarah Curtis hath remained the widow of the said pensioner Joseph Curtis since his decease as aforesaid.  And further this deponent saith not.
Otis F. Curtis.

Subscribed & Sworn to this 11th day of April 1839
before me   F.S. Lovell
Notary Public

I Frederic S. Lovell Notary Public &c do hereby certify that Otis F. Curtis the above affiant is a respectable person and his statements are entitled to full credit
Witnefs my hand this 7th July 1840
F.S. Lovell
Notary Public
Page 63

Territory of Wisconsin     )
Racine County                 )

I Henry F Cox Jr  Clerk of the District court in & for the County aforesaid Do hereby Certify that F.S. Lovell whose name is annexed to the foregoing affidavit is & was at the time of taking such an acting Notary Public in & for said County aforesaid duly commifsioned & sworn & authorised to take the same & that his signature hereto is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 13th day of April AD 1839.
Henry F. Cox Jr.
Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 64

I David Tenny of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire of Lawful age testify & say that I was well acquainted with Deacon Joseph Curtis of Hanover during the most of the time of the revolutionary War.  and I was with him in the expidition at Saratoga when Gen'l Burgoin surrendered to the American Army, and know that he was frequently called out into the service on account of the depredations of the Indians on the frontiers in which we then lived and I have no doubt but that he served more than six months but owing to the length of time that has elapsed and the state of the country at the time of his service I am unable to state more particular relative to the time, but believe that he served considerable more than the time mentioned, and fully believe the statement of the said Joseph Curtis of the time he served and further say not.
David Tenny

State of Newhampshire          )
Grafton fs.  Nov'r 14th 1832   )

Then David Tenny appeared and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me  Jon'a Freeman 2d  Just. Peace

I hereby Certify that David Tenny the signer of the above affidavit is a competant witnefs & entitled to credit
Jon'a Freeman 2d   Justice of Peace
Page 65

I Benjamin Davis of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire of lawful age testify and say that Deacon joseph Curtifs enlisted in a volunteer Company with me to go to Royalton about the first of the month of May in the year 1776 and that said Curtifs remained with me about three months and that that he engaged Experrinic Fescott as a substitute who remained in said expedition untill about the first of November of the same year making a tour of about six months as near as I recollect--and that said Joseph Curtifs was out in the militia of New Hampshire at the taking of Burgoyne about four or five weeks in the year 1777 and I also testify and say that said Joseph Curtifs was out in frequent alarms on the frontiers but could not testify to the exact tie spent on account of the depredations of the Indians--and further say not--
Benj-- Davis
Hanover July 16, 1832.

State of New Hampshire
Grafton fs.  July 16, 1832  Then Benjamin Davis made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me  Jon'a Freeman 2d  Just. Peace

I hereby certify that Benjamin Davis who has subscribed the above affidavit is a competent witnefs & entitled to credit--
Jon'a Freeman 2d  Just. Peace
Page 66

State of New Hampshire
Grafton fs.

I, George Woodward Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said county of Grafton do certify that Jon'a Freeman 2d Esqr is a Justice of the peace within & for said county, duly qualified to take affidavits; & that I believe the within to be his genuine signature

Witnefs my hand & the seal of said Court which I have hereunto affixed this 28th day of July 1832
Geo Woodward  Clerk.
Page 67

I Otis Freeman of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire of lawful age testify and say that I have been intimately acquainted with Deacon Joseph Curtifs now resident in Irasburgh, Vermont, an early settler & inhabitant of said Hanover that according to the best of my recollection he is about eighty one years of age, that I have been acquainted with him in Hanover fifty two years that he has been esteemed a man of undoubted veracity and had the confidence of the inhabitants of said Hanover and served as a Moderator of town meetings many years & as Selectman nine years as a Representative in the General Court of new Hampshire four years in succefsion--said Curtifs was chosen a Deacon in the first Congregational Church in Hanover more than forty years ago and at the dismifsion of the first settled minister of Hanover Dr. Burroughs said Curtifs was appointed Moderator of said Church during four years.  I am able to testify to terms of service of said Curtifs in said Hanover by being familiar with the town records which have kept in my house more than twenty years past--and I further testify and say that I verily believe that said Curtifs served in the revolutionary war more than six months ["and further saith not" stricken out]---and the mental faculties of s'd Curtifs remain unimpaired as much as in almost any person of his age--I further saith not.
Otis Freeman
Hanover  July 18, 1832

State of New Hampshire
Grafton fs.   July 18th 1832
Then Otis Freeman made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true--
Before me  Josiah Freeman 2d  Justice of the Peace

I hereby Certify that Otis Freeman the signer of the above affidavit is a competant witnefs & entitled to credit
Jon'a Freeman 2d  Justice Peace
Page 68

I Josiah Towne of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire of lawful age testify and say that I was ordained as pastor of the first Congregational church in said Hanover 18 years last past and that I have been acquainted with Deacon Joseph Curtifs during said term that he has sustained a good christian & moral character, that his intellectual powers are unimpaired, perhaps lefs than most of people of his age and that from the acquaintance I have had with him and those who have testified relative to his Services in the revolutionary war I believe that he will be entitled to a pension according to the late act relative to that subject--I would further testify that I should believe his testimony to be true, and further saith not
Josiah Towne

Hanover  July 18, 1832--

State of New Hampshire
Grafton fs.   July 18, 1832

Then Rev. Josiah Towne made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true--
Before me  Josiah Towne an 2d Just of the Peace

I hereby Certify that Josiah Town who has subscribed & sworne to the above affidavit is a competant witnefs & entitled to full credit
Jon'a Freeman  Just. Peace
Page 69

7589 [stricken out]
Sa 5136

Dec 21, 1840

Wis:
Act July 7, 1838.

Sarah Curtis
papers

[written vertically]
25 [stricken out]

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Commifsioner of Pensions
City of Washington
D.C.
Page 70

Milwaukee N.J.
Dec. 5, 1860

Sir,

Enclosed I forward to you a declaration of Mrs Sarah Curtifs taken before me for the purpose of obtaining a pension.  And was made by her in May last but she having made a mistake in the year of the death of her husband it seemed necefsary to make this one.  The old lady is very infirm and nearly blind, and could not when I was to see her recollect distinctly the time of her marriage, but refers to other papers and her former declaration, which I hope will be satisfactory.  As she is now very feeble and poor you will be pleased to rush out the certificate as soon as pofsible and forward it ["soon" stricken out] to me, and I will transmit it to him without delay.  A copy of the record of her marriage accompanies the papers forwarded in the summer.--
Respectfully Sir
Yours  &c
And'w G. Miller

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Com of Pensions &c.
Page 71

Route 1  Box 130
Puyallup, Washington
August 30, 1939.

[stamp]
RECEIVED
SEP 5 1939
[illegible]
Reader No.
VETS [illegible]

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

I am seeking information about Capt. or Lieut. Joseph Curtiss [underlined] born in Mansfield Conn. June 1751, went to Hanover, N.H. in 1765, died at Berlin Vermont Dec. 20, 1833.  His third wife was Sarah Davis.  If you have any information about Joseph Curtiss or his family from Revolutionary records it will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs Ray W (Jean) Perkins.