Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,609, Jonathan French, Continental Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Continental|French, Jonathan|W. 25.609|
Mass.|Elizabeth|B.L.Wt. 353-60-55|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
Page 2

[verso]
10.800
Albany R ['Vermont' crossed out]
Jonathan French of Windsor Co in the state of Vermont who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Henley of the Massachusetts line, for the term of 5 years 1778
_____
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 6 of April 1818.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 of May 1819 and sent to Judge Heald, Chester, Windsor Co Vt.
______
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 [computations obscured] 87.69
Semi-all'ce ending 4 Sep: 1819. 48 - 
$135.69
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
Sept. 19 Continued

[recto]
notice of pay to Pensioner 24 Feby 1835
Cir-Tra-Feby 11th 37
Lett. Chs. Roberts, Feby 15. '37
Transf'd to Albany from Windsor, fr. 4th September 1836 - March 9th 37
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838 to 4 of the 7 children from 4th Sept 1837 to 18 Decr 1837. The day of his death - Agent notified 19. June 1839.
Page 3

[verso]
6709
Vermont (Burlington)
Elizabeth French widow of Jonathan French NY who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 5th day of Oct. 1859. and sent to Reuben R. Thrall, Rutland, Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 178 Vol. H

[recto]
1859 Oct 24 Letter to Jacob Herrick Lewiston Falls, Maine requesting him to return Elizth French's certificate to this office - 
1859 Oct. 25. Certificate returned and sent to R. R. Thrall Rutland, Vt. 
1859-Decr 21st Let to Hon S. Foot U.S.S.
302424 & 246404
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[verso]
246404 Cols }
302,424 } Act 3 Mch/55
Elizabeth French ded
wid of Jonathan French Mass Line
Revo'y War
[overwritten: 353 [illegible] 22 Jun/59]
60 Acres
let. sent to Reuben R. Thrall. 6 Jany:60
Boynton.
Original brief inside
S. C. Boynton
Room 88. Pension Office

[recto]
R. R. Thrall, Jany: 3d/60
Hon: S. Foot, Jany: 16/60
R. R. Thrall, Jany: 24.60 -
Page 5

[verso]
246.404 Act. Mar. 3. '55
see cmd M May 27. '16
302424
Elizabeth French, wid. Jonathan French, pri.
[overwritten: 353, issd. Dec'r 22d/59]
Mass. Line.
W:60.ac, Dec. 21"/59
specl, B. Boynton.
Revy. War.
se Pen papers on file. 
W: No:4126 issued for 100 ac, Feb, 21" 1792, as Pri: in Mass: line, 
- wid ad53-6709
See who should be rec'd an agt. B. 
M How this Wt. to me, BOBoynton
['Henry H Smith Rutland Vt' crossed out]

[recto]
 Let:H. H. Smith Esq: [illegible] 1856
  "  "  " Sept:24/59
R. Thrall Oct: 4/59
Hon. S. Foot U.SS. Dec: 21.59
H. H. Smith,  "  "  "
30760
Page 6

Declaration of Jonathan French Soldier No. 4
ry 8 - War
Jackson's Mas'tts. Reg't 
Found on Col Henley's Roll 
Adm'd
Page 7

District of Vermont, Windsor County ss
At Chester in said County of Windsor, on the sixth day of April 1818, Before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Windsor aforesaid, Personally appears Jonathan French aged fifty Eight years. Resident in Plymouth in said County of Windsor who being by me first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provisions made by the late act of Congress entitled - "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War"; That he the said Jonathan French Enlisted in Billerica in the state of Massachusetts in the month of February 1778. in the company commanded by Capt. Joseph Fox, in the Regiment commanded by Col'o Henry Jackson of the Massachusetts line. That he continued to serve in said corps, or in the service of the United States having inlisted for the war until the 10th day of June 1783. When he was discharged from service, at NewBurgh or New Windsor in the State of New York that he was in the Battles of Monmouth & Rhode Island. 
And that he is in reduced circumstances, & stands in need of the Assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence of his services now in his power. Sworn to & declared before me, the day & year Afforesaid.
/s/Amos Heald Assistant Judge of Windsor County Court. -
Page 8

I Amos Heald Assistant Judge of Windsor County Court as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Jonathan French did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings & testimony taken & had therein before me to the Secretary for the department of War. pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. and that it appears to my satisfaction that the s'd French is in Reduced circumstances & needs the assistance of his country for support. 
Dated at Chester this Sixth day of April 1818. 
Certified By Amos Heald Assistance Judge of Windsor County Court. 
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss} Woodstock County Clerks Office June 11th AD 1818 - 
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Windsor, Do hereby Certify that Amos Heald is one of the assistant Judges of said County Court, and that the foregoing Signatures are in his own hand writing - 
[court seal affixed] In TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court the day above
/s/Benj'n Swan
Page 9

144
Jon'n French
10.800
Sept 1819
Page 10

STATE OF VERMONT
WINDSOR COUNTY....ss } At a special term of the Supreme Court of Judicature, begun and holden at Woodstock in the County of Windsor, on the last Monday in July, Anno Domini, eighteen hundred and twenty. 
ON this first day of August 1820, being the second day of said term, personally appeared in open Court, (the same Court being a Court of record agreeably to the laws of this State, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) Jonathan French aged sixty years, resident in Plymouth in said County of Windsor, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: that he enlisted in May 1776 in Capt Watkins Company Col Finneys Regiment Massachusetts Line Continental Army for one year and was honorably discharged in December 1776. In February 1778 enlisted for 3 Years into the company of Cap: Joseph Foot Col. Henley's Regiment in the Continental Army Massachusetts line. Was in the Battle of Monmouth, In the Battle of Rhode Island Aug't 24. 1778. The first of January 1780 reenlisted during the War in the same Company under Col. Jackson. was discharged the 10th June 1783. honorably by Gen'l Washington at Newburg or New Windsor in the State of New York. discharge was in writing and is lost
that he made his original declaration on the sixth day of April 1818 has received a Pension Certificate, No. 10.800 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an 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," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; - and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. The Schedule. 1. 5 pail Kettle 60. old Pot 25. .85
Dish Kettle 50. Iron Bar 1.50. Shoe Hammer, Pincers & Nippers 60. 2.60
other tools 50. Old Chest 75. 2 old do. 50. 2 old Wheels 1.50 2 old Tea kettles 15. 3.40
Spider 60. Crane 1.00. Tongs 50. 6 Chairs 50. 1 Plate 25. Pewter Platter 75. 3.60
 4 old Basons 75. small tin Ware 75. Milk Pan 17. 4 Glass Bottles 40. 2.07
3 Water pails 75. 7 Table Spoons 30. Old Iron one 10. 7 old Knives & forks 50. 1.65
Tea pot. 25. 4 Earthan plates. 16. 9 Tea Cups 50. Salt Mortar 40. 2 Earthen Mugs 75. 1.56
old Table 50. Saw 40. 2 Augers. 50. Debts Due 7.00 8.40 = $24.15
That ten Dollars in several small debts $10.00 
That his family consists of himself and Wife and one daughter aged eight years - his wife fifty two years old infirm not able to any work except thrifting Chores - he is a Farmer but can do little or no work 
/s/Jonathan French
Sworn to and declared on the first day of August 1820, before said Court
Attest, Benj'a Swan Clerk. 
STATE OF VERMONT,
WINDSOR COUNTY....ss. } I Benj Swan Clerk of the Supreme Court for the county of Windsor, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court: - And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Thirteen dollars. 92 Cts
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, this seventh day of August 1820.
/s/Benj'a Swan {Clerk of the Supreme Court for Windsor County.
Page 11

Elizabeth French's Declaration for a pension
Reuben R. Thrall 
Rutland Vermont
Atty for applicant. 
302424
3d Aud'r Sept 24.59
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE AUG 20 1859]
Page 12

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } On this 16. day of August A.D. 1859. personally appeared before me a Judge of the County Court for the county of Rutland afores'd Elizabeth French, a resident of Mountholly, in the county of Rutland afores'd aged Eighty 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 February third one thousand eight hundred and fifty three 
That she is the widow of Jonathan French, late of Bolton, in the County of Warren and state of New York, deceased, who was a private in the Massachusetts Continental line, in the army of the revolutionary war, That her said husband was a pentioner of the United States, at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum at the time of his decease, on account of his services in the war of the revolution, and for the evidence of his services, she refers to the proofs now in the pension office furnished by the s'd Jonathan French
Page 13

on his application for a pension. She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan French on the 12 day of April A.D. 1835. That her husband the afores'd Jonathan French died on the 18. day of December A.D. 1837. and that she has remained a widow ever since that  period, as will now fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed. - The applicant being unable to appear in court, on account of bodily infirmity makes this declaration at her residence in Mountholly in the county of Rutland afores'd 
/s/X Her mark Elisabeth French
Witness /s/Reuben R. Thrall,
Subscribed and sworn to before me the day & year above written
/s/Morris H. Cook. Judge of the Rutland County Court
Page 14

I. Catherine Howard of Mountholly in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont aged aged 58 years & upwards being duly sworn depose & say that I was well acquainted with Jonathan French formerly of Mountholly afores'd but late of Bolton in the County of Warren & State of New York deceased, and with Elisabeth French his widow who now lives in Mountholly afores'd. - I have known the s'd Elisabeth French long before & ever since the death of her said husband & know that she has not intermarried since the decease of her s'd husband, but has remained and still is his widow and that she now lives in Mountholly afores'd - The s'd Jonathan French was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum at the tie of his decease
/s/Catharine Howard
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } At Mountholly in the county of Rutland afores'd personally appeared before me Catherine Howard to me well known & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed is true & I certify that the affiant is a credible person - 16. Aug. 1859. 
/s/Morris H. Cook. Judge of Rutland Cty Court
Page 15

STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } RUTLAND, S.S.
[Vermont State seal affixed] I, ['Frederick W. Hopkins' crossed out] Ambrose L. Brown deputy Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Hon. Morris H. Cook ['Esq' crossed out] was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and is now an assistant Judge of the County Court in and for said County within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; and that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Rutland, this 17th day of August, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine
/s/A. L. Brown deputy CLERK.
Page 16

Elisabeth French's matter. Evidence of marriage 
Abijah Cole's affidavit Original 
302424
Page 17

I, Abijah Cole of Mountholly in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont being duly sworn depose & say that I hold the office of town clerk in the town of Mountholly afores'd and have the custody of the town records. I have inspected the records in my office and there find a record of which the following is a true copy except the dates upon the record is expressed in plain legible figures to wit; 
"State of Vermont
"Rutland County ss } Be it remembered that at Mountholly, county afores'd on the twelfth "(12) day of April one thousand eight hundred and "thirty five (1835.) Jonathan French and Elisabeth "Cole were duly joined in marriage by me 
"Daniel Packer. Minister of the Gospel
"Recorded April 17th 1835. Attest. Daniel Packer Town clerk 
And further say not.
/s/Abijah Cole
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } At Mountholly in s'd county on the Eighth day of September A.D. 1856. personally appeared Abijah Cole & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true & I certify that the affiant is well known to me & that he is a credible witness
/s/John Bryant Justice of the Peace
Page 18

STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } RUTLAND, S.S.
[Vermont State seal affixed] I, ['FREDERICK W. HOPKINS,' crossed out] Ambrose L. Brown deputy Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that John Bryand Esq was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, ['and is' crossed out] a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE within and for said County within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; and that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form, and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Rutland, this 17th day of August, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine
/s/A. L. Brown dep'y CLERK.
Page 19

Bounty Land claim Elisabeth French's Evidence of the death of her husband Jonathan French affidavit of Esther Shedd
No 246.404.
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE JUL 5 1859.]
Page 20

I, Ester Shedd of Bolton, in the County of Warren and State of New York aged seventy years being duly sworn depose and say that Jonathan French now deceased, was my father. He died at our house on the Eighteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. then in the seventy eighth year of his age.
My father was a revolutionary pensioner at the time of his death, he was buried in the common burying ground in Bolton, a grave stone was erected at his grave, which bears upon it the following inscription to wit, 
"Jonathan French
"Died Dec. 18th 1837.
"in the 78 year of his age
"a soldier of the Revolution. 
I was present at the  time of his death, I attended his funeral, and saw him interred. He left a widow; who I suppose now lives in Mountholly in the county of Rutland, and State of Vermont.
/s/Esther Shedd
Page 21

State of New York
Warren County ss } At Bolton, in the county of Warren afores'd personally appeared Esther Shedd to me well known, and made oath that the within affidavit by her subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth before me and I certify that the affiant is a credible person 30 June 1859.
/s/Stephen Pratt Justice of the Peace
Page 22

STATE OF NEW YORK,
Warren County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, THOMAS ARCHIBALD, Clerk of the County of Warren, do certify that Stephen Pratt Esq whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment, one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Warren, dwelling in said county, duly authorized to take proof or acknowledgment, and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Stephen Pratt, and verily believe his signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment to be genuine. - And that said INSTRUMENT is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
[county seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said County, this 20 day of June 1839.
/s/Thomas Archibald Clerk.
Page 23

346.404
BOUNTY LAND. 
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Claim of Elizabeth French
Widow of Jonathan French
PRESENTED BY Henry H. Smith 
['VERMONT [illegible]' crossed out]
Attorney, Hartland, Vt.
Page 24

FORM OF DECLARATION
TO BE MADE BY THE WIDOW OF A DECEASED PERSON WHO HAS NOT HAD A LAND WARRANT. 
State of Vermont
County of Rutland ss. } On this 7. day of June A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, Elizabeth French aged Eighty three years, a resident of Mountholly in the State of Vermont who being duly sworn, according to law, declares that she is the widow of Jonathan French deceased, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] Regiment of Massachusetts Cont. Line commanded by [blank] in the [blank] that he said husband [blank] at [blank] on or about the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 18[blank] for the term [blank] and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 18[blank]
She further states that she was married to the said Jonathan French in Mountholly on the 12. day of April A.D. 1835. by one Daniel Packer minister of the Gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Elizabeth Cole that her said husband died at Bolton N.Y. on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 18[blank] and that she is now a widow. 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855. That her said husband was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death on account of his services in the war of the Revolution - record for the evidence of his services in the war of the Revolution she refers to the evidence now in the pension office filed on his application for a pension. 
/s/X her mark Elizabeth French
We, Abram Hill and Catherine Howard residents of Mountholly in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Elizabeth French in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. 
/s/Abram Hill
/s/Catharine Howard
Page 25

Know all Men by these presents That I Elizabeth French of Mountholly County of Rutland and State of Vermont and widow of Jonathan French deceased, who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Henry H. Smith at Rutland Vt my true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the United States, under existing laws granting Bounty Lands to the officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs, for services rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney or attorneys under him, for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 7. day of June 1855.
/s/X Her mark Elizabeth French
Acknowledged and subscribed before me, a Notary Public in and for the County of Rutland and State of Vermont this 7. day of June 1855.
/s/Reuben R. Thrall Notary Public
['Justice of the Peace' crossed out] 
STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY OF Rutland }ss.
I F. W. Hopkins Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify, that Reuben R. Thrall whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration, affidavit and power of attorney is, and was at the time of signed the same a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction. 
[official seal affixed] GIVEN under my hand and seal of Office, at Rutland this 23 day of May 1856
/s/F. W. Hopkins Clerk.
Page 26

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME French, Jonathan GRADE Private LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 4126 and 353-60-55 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Feb. 21, 1792 Wt. 4126 to Elijah Austin, assignee
*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.
Page 27

[typewritten letter]
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section 
[initials: MMHF OWN]
December 14, 1923

Mrs. C. F. Robbins
3823 N. E. Jackson St.,
Minneapolis, Minn. 

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 25609 it appears that Jonathan French enlisted at Billerica, Massachusetts
in May 1778 and served as a private in Captain Watkins Company, Colonel Phinney's Massachusetts Regiment until in December 1776.
He enlisted in 1777 and served two months in Captain Minot's Company, and again enlisted in 1777 and served as a private six months in Captain Lakin's 
Massachusetts Company.
He enlisted in February 1778 and served as a private in Captain Joseph Fox's Company, Colonel Henry Jackson's Massachusetts Regiment, was transferred to Captain Henry Sewall's Company, Colonel Ebenezer Sprout's Massachusetts Regiment; was in the battles of Monmouth and Rhode Island, and was discharged
Page 28

[typewritten letter]
June 10, 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 6, 1818 while a resident of Plymouth, Windsor County, Vermont aged fifty-eight years.
In 1820 he referred to his wife aged fifty-two years and a daughter aged eight years, their names are not stated.
Soldier married at Mount Holly, Rutland County, Vermont April 12, 1835, Mrs. Elizabeth Cole (both then of said Mt. Holly). He died December 18, 1837 at Bolton, Warren County, New York, leaving seven children, the only name stated being that of his daughter Esther Shedd, a resident of said Bolton in 1837.
Soldier's widow Elizabeth was allowed pension on her application executed August 18, 1859 while a resident of Mount Holly, Vermont, aged eighty-seven years.

Respectfully,
[blank]
Commissioner.
Page 29

[verso]
Act Mar 3/55
302,424 see 246.404 Jany 20/59
CW. M
Elizabeth French wid of Jonathan French Pen'r 
Revolutionary Pensioner
Aug: 29/59
Charge this Out as pen:apl. act/53. when ad: if so, I will allow law. B-

[recto]
No 7339.
Elizabeth French widow of Jonathan, Vermont.
Let. Reuben R. Thrall, October 1, 1859
3d auditor Sept 24/59
same Oct 14/59
Act Feby 3. 1853
Page 30

353
60 Acres
Page 31

Rutland, Vt. 20. Oct. 1859
Dear Sir
The enclosed certificate was enclosed to me through mistake. It should have been sent to some one else, & very likely the one to Elisabeth French which is fully due to me may have been sent to Maine through mistake 
Please see to its connection
/s/Reuben R. Thrall
Elizabeth French widow of Jonathan French
Rutland Co. Vermont
Admitted Act Feby 3, 1853, at rate of $96 per annum, commencing at rate of said act 
Pay widow
Certificate to Reuben R. Thrall Esq.
Rutland, Vermont
Page 32

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } Be it known that before me Homer Earl justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeard Jonathan French and made oath in due form of law that he is the identical Jonathan French named in original certificate in his possession of which the following is a true copy " War department revolutionary  I certify claiming that in conformity with the law of the united states of the 18th of March 1818 Jonathan French 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 sixth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen given at the war office of the united states this sixth of May one thousand eight hundred and nineteen J. C. Calhoun Secretary of war that he is entitled to a pension of eight dollars per month on account of services rendered to the united states during the Revolutionary war that he served Capt Fox. company 9th Mass Regiment commanded by col Henry Jackson untill the latter part of the year 1782 when he was transfered to Capt Henry Sewall company 2nd Mass Regiment commanded by Lt Col. Ebenezer Sprout that he now resides in Mountholly and has resided there for the space of seven years and previously that he resided in Cavendish - 
/s/Jon'a French
Sworn and subscribed this 5 day of March 1832 before me } Homer Earl Justice peace
Know all men by these present that Jonathan French of Mountholly in the county of Rutland afs'd Revolutionary pensioner of the united states do hereby constitute and and appoint Benjamin F French of Mountholly my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the united states for paying pensions in the state of Vermont my pension from the fourth day of September 1831 to the fourth day of March 1832 
/s/Jon'a French
Signed and delivered in presence of } Homer Earl
Page 33

pensioner of the united states do hereby constitute and and appoint Benjamin F French of Mountholly my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the united states for paying pensions in the state of Vermont my pension from the fourth day of September 1831 to the fourth day of March 1832
/s/Jon'a French
Signed and delivered in presence of } 
/s/Homer Earl
/s/Alvan Wood
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it known that on the 5 day of March 1832 before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the said county personally appeared Jonathan French above named and acknowledge the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned. 
/s/Homer Earl Justice peace
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it known that on the 5 day of March 1832 before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the county afs'd personally appeared Benjamin F French the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any transfer or mortgage of the pensions there in authorized to be received by him 
/s/Benj'a F French
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me 
/s/Homer Earl Justice peace
Office Bank United States Burlington 1832 }
Received of Heman Allen President and Agent for paying pensions forty Eight dollars being for six months pension due to me from the fourth day of September 1831 to to the fourth day of March 1832 for which I have signed duplicate receipts 
/s/Jon'a French
$48.00
Office Bank United States Burlington 1832 } 
Received of Heman Allen President and agent for paying pensioners forty Eight dollars being for six months pension due to me from the forth day of September 1831 to the forth day of March 1832 for which I have signed duplicate receipts 
/s/Jon'a French 
$48.00
Page 34

[addressed envelope]
Vt Feb 21
Mt holly Vt ['25' crossed out]
Feb 14
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 35

[handwritten letter]
Mountholly Vt February 12th 1835

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir Agreeable to a note from you to the Hon Mr Slade I now communicate to you the substance of my claim for a pension as follows viz The name of my Capt in 1776 was Watkins Col Tenney, Reg - Mass Line died duty in Boston from there to Mt Independance - Ticonderoga Ft. George &c - 1777 I enlisted under Capt Minor for two months then under Captain Laken for six months in the Mass Militia = then enlisted in the Continental Service ['for' crossed out] those years under Capt Fox Col Henry Jackson's Regiment Mass troops I belonged to the State of Massachusetts when in the service = I did duty after the year 1776 at Rhode=Island at Boston Valley forge in Penn then at Philadelphia then to Newjersey then to Rhodeisland under Gen Sullivan thence to Boston thence to Portland thence again to Rhodeisland from thence to Morristown & joined Washingtons Army when my term of service expired. I reenlisted on the first day of January 1780 for during the war under the same officers in the Continental service. then by order of ['Maj' crossed out] Lt Col Cobb one of Gen Washingtons Aides de camp took care of a wounded officer by the name Phealon for about two and half years of Boston from thence I joined the Army at West Point and was discharged at a place call'd New Windsor on the Hudson River I was in the Battles of Rhode Island and Monmouth 
I was in the service about eight years. I resided in the town of Plymouth Windsor Co Vt when I made application for a pension and the officer before whom I made my declaration was Amos Heald then a judge of Windsor County Court The amount of my pension yearly is ninety six dollars and I received my last payment in September 1834
/s/Jon'a French
J L Edwards Esqr
Washington
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[addressed envelope]
[margin notes: Mar 6 [illegible]]
Caldwell NJ
Febry 28} Free
J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City DC
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[handwritten letter]
Caldwell 28 Feby 1837

J L Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions

Sir
Your of 11" inst. in Relation to the Transfer of Jonathan French from Vermont to the State N. York agency office for paying pensions, I enclose you the copy of a Power of Atty. - that he has formerly drawn his money while in Vermont. which gives the names of other officers. if any further information is required you will  please to direct me. 
Yours Respectfully
/s/Chas. Roberts
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[handwritten letter]
Bank of Windsor
Windsor Vt Feby 17. 1837

Sir,
Your fav'r of the 11th inst is rec'd, Jonathan French Pn &c has been paid by me, his pension to Sept 4,d 1836.
A voucher has been presented in fav'r of Mrs. Nelly Towle of Corinth Vt, founded on a certf from the War Office of U.S. dated Jany 26, 1837. shall I pay it. - 
Very respectfully Sir Your Ob't Servt
Mrs Nelley Towle lives a distance of 55 miles has sent the Second time for her money
/s/Thomas Emerson Pension Agent

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

[addressed envelope]
Jonathan French Windsor Vt to Alby
Caldwell NY
Feby 7" } free
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
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[handwritten letter]
Caldwell Warner County 
State of New York 6 Feby 1837

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions }
Sir. 
I enclose you Jonathan French's affidavit. he wishes to be placed on the Roll at Albany N. Y. to Receive his pay from that agency, as he has become a Resident of this State will you please to  give me Notice &c.
Yours Respectfully
/s/Chas. Roberts
Page 41

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
June 11th, 1839.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Four of the seven children of Jonathan French a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N. Y. Agency, at the rate of eight Dollars ['and [blank] Cents' crossed out] per ['annum' crossed out] month, under the law of the 18th March 1818, have been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837, to the 18th December 1837, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours, 
/s/Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
Page 42

I Elizabeth French of Mountholly in the county of Rutland and state of Vermont aged Eighty seven years being duly sworn depose and say that I am the Widow of Jonathan French late of Bolton, in the County of Warren, in the state of New York, that I was married to the s'd Jon'a French at Mountholly afores'd on the 12 day of April A.D. 1835. by the Rev. Daniel Packer, a minister of the Gospel and duly qualified to solemnize marriages in this state, that I lied with the s'd Jon'a French as husband & wife at Mountholly afores'd for the space of nearly one year when he became infirm and decriped (decrepit) from old age, and entirely incapable of performing any labor and he was poor and incapable of supporting himself and family, and at that time his children that were abundantly able to support their father & his family, manifested a willingness to support him provided he would remove to Bolton, New York, where they resided but they wholly refused to support me, or to
Page 43

permit me to live with him at Bolton, and consequently he was taken to Bolton, to live with his children, where he continued to reside untill his death, and I continued to reside with my children in Mountholly, from that time to the present, I knew my husband was a pensioner, but I had no knowledge that I was entitled to the pension that was due from the time he last drew untill the time of his death, untill I was informed of that fact a short time since. - In fact I did not know of his death untill within the last few years and long after his decease. - I have now made my power to Attorney to William B. Thrall of Rutland in the county of Rutland afores'd authorising him as my attorney to draw whatever may be my due for the arrears of pension due my last husband, up to the time of his decease. 
I never knew that his children in Bolton N.Y. ever attempted to get the pension that was lawfully due to me, untill I was informed of that fact this day. - They may have supposed I was dead when they made their affidavit that their father
Page 44

died leaving no widow - but if so they were misinformed, and the affidavit was not true. - I never had the possession of my husband's pension certificate. - 
/s/X Her mark Elizabeth French
Witness /s/Lydia Hill
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } At Mountholly in the county of Rutland on the 7 day of October A.D. 1859. personally appeared before me Elizabeth French to me well known and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed, is true, and I certify that this affiant is a credible person
/s/Reuben R. Thrall Notary Public
Page 45

I, Esther Shed of Bolton in the county of Warren and state of New York now at Mountholly Vermont aged seventy years being duly sworn depose & say that I am the daughter of Jonathan French late of Bolton deceased, that my father was a pensioner at the time of his death, he died at Bolton New York, on the 18. of Dec ['A.D.' crossed out] 1837. 
That previous to his death he made a contract with me and my husband to take care of me while he lived, for his pension, and I then supposed I was legally entitled to his pension up to the time of his death, and I made a power of attorney to Charles Roberts and he drew four sevenths of what was due him up to the time of his death and be paid the same to me after deducting his fees, I was not aware that his widow if he left one was entitled to that money - I supposed by own contract with my father that the money belonged us The figures 1838. erased before signing - 
/s/Esther Shedd
Page 46

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } At Mountholly in the county of Rutland afores'd on the 7. day of Oct. 1859. personally appeared before me Esther Shedd to me well known & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed is true and I certify that the affiant is a credible person
/s/Reuben R. Thrall Notary Public.
Page 47

I Abijah Cole of Mountholly in the county of Rutland and state of Vermont aged 71 years being duly sworn depose & say that I now held this office Town Clerk of s'd town of Mountholly and have held that office for the last thirteen years - That I am well acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth French now of Mountholly afores'd and have known her intimately for more than twenty years - I was also well acquainted with her late husband Jonathan French and know that they lived together after their marriage as husband & wife at Mountholly afores'd untill the s'd Jonathan French from age and infirmity was incapable of supporting his family and he then was taken by his children to Bolton New York where he continued to reside untill his death, His wife Elizabeth French went to live with her children in Mountholly after her s'd husband went to Bolton and has continued to live in Mountholly & still lives in my immediate neighborhood 
I know she has not intermarried since the death of her s'd husband the s'd Jon'a French but is now
Page 48

his widow, I further say that I was personally knowing to the fact that the s'd Jonathan French was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of ninety Six dollars per year at the time he was married to s'd Elizabeth
/s/Abijah Cole
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } At Mountholly in the county of Rutland afores'd on the seventh day of October A.D. 1859 personally appeared ['Daniel Packer' crossed out] Abijah Cole to me well known & made oath, that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true, and I certify that the affidavit is a credible person - 
The words "Daniel Packer" erased & the words Abijah Cole interlined before signing - 
/s/Reuben R. Thrall Notary Public
Page 49

I, Daniel Packer of Mountholly in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont aged seventy three years depose and say that I am a minister of the Gospel, of the denomination of Baptist, and have been settles over a parish in s'd Mountholly for the last 35 years, and during the whole of that time have been duly qualified by the laws of this state, to solemnize marriages, in this state, and I further testify that as such minister, I solemnized the marriage of Jonathan French & Elizabeth Cole, then both residents of s'd Mountholly on the 12. day of April A.D. 1835. That the s'd Jonathan French was a pensioner of the United States at the time of their marriage. - I was well acquainted with both of s'd parties, and have know them intimately ever since and long before their marriage I know they lived together as husband & wife after their marriage - The s'd Jonathan French became very infirm and incapable of supporting himself & went to Bolton New York to live with his children some years ago where he continued to reside untill his death - 
/s/Elizabeth French
Page 50

his wife and now his widow continued to reside in s'd Mountholly with her own children where she now resides - She has not intermarried since the death of the Jonathan French but is still his widow 
/s/Daniel Packer
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } At Mountholly in s'd County on the 7th day of October 1859. personally appeared before me Daniel Packer to me well known and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true and I certify that the affiant is a credible person.
/s/Reuben R. Thrall Notary Public
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE OCT 18 1859]
Page 51

STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } RUTLAND, SS. 
[Vermont state seal affixed] I, Frederick W. Hopkins, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a Court of Record and having a Seal as hereto attached, do certify that Reuben R. Thrall Esq., was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is, a NOTARY PUBLIC, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurats and certificates is genuine and that the said paper writings are executed acording to the laws of this State and are in due form, and that as  such Officer, he is duly authorised by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, this Eighth day of October Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine
/s/F. W. Hopkins Clerk.
Page 52

Elizabeth French's claim for a pension 
Proof of Identity, Widow hood &c. 
Emory H. Howard's affidavit original. 
302424
Page 53

I, Emery H Howard of Rutland, in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 38 years being duly sworn depose and say that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth French of Mountholly in the county of Rutland afores'd and know that the is the widow of Jonathan French, who was a pensioner of the United States on account of his services in the revolutionary war, Jonathan French her husband died, as I am informed and believed, in Bolton, in the State of New York, more than twenty years ago. 
Elizabeth French his widow, now lives in Mountholly afores'd and has not intermarried since the death of her said husband but is still his widow. 
/s/Emery H. Howard
State of Vermont Rutland County ss. At Rutland on the 17. day of August A.D. 1859. personally appeared before me Emery H. Howard, to me well known and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true, and I certify that the affiant is a credible person -
/s/Reuben R. Thrall, Notary Public,
Page 54

STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } RUTLAND, SS.
[Vermont state seal affixed] I, ['Frederick W. Hopkins' crossed out] Ambrose L. Brown deputy Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a Court of Record and having a Seal as hereto attached, do certify that Reuben R. Thrall Esq., was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is, a NOTARY PUBLIC, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine and that the said paper writings are executed acording to the laws of this State and are in due form, and that as such Officer, he is duly authorised by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, this 17th day of October Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine
/s/A. L. Brown deputy Clerk.
Page 55

302424
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE AUG 20 1859]
Page 56

[handwritten letter]
Rutland, Vt. 17. Aug 1859.

Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you the declaration of Elizabeth French for a pension under the act of the 3d of Feb. 1853. together with the affidavit of Abijah Cole to prove her marriage & of Esther Shedd to prove the death of her husband Jon'a French & of Catherine Howard & Emery H. Howard as proof of identity & widowhood - by reference to the evidence in the pension office the services of the late husband will be proved - 
Respectfully yours
/s/Reuben R. Thrall,
George C. Whiting Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 57

[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE OCT 12 1859]
Page 58

[handwritten letter]
Rutland Vt. 8. Oct. 1859.

Dear Sir.
Yours of the 1st inst. in relation to the claim of Elizabeth French widow of Jon'a French for a pension is rec'd and I now enclose the affidavits of Elizabeth French, Rev. Daniel Packer, Abijah Cole, Esq. & Esther Shedd, and the certificate of Hon. Solomon Foot, U.S. Senator which I trust will be entirely satisfactory & will entitle to Mrs. French to a pension certificate & Bounty Land Warranty - 
Truly yours
/s/Reuben R. Thrall,
Geo C. Whiting Esq.
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City
Page 59

The affidavits of Abijah Cole Esq & of Rev. Daniel Packer, in the application of Elizabeth French, widow of Jonathan French, have been submitted to me, & I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Cole & Packer & that they are persons of good character & certainly as men of integrity & truth, & their statements entitled to credit & confidence - 
/s/Solomon Foot
Rutland, Vermont
October 8 - 1859
Page 60

Brief in the case of Elizabeth French, widow of Jonathan French - Rutland County and State of Vermont.
act February 3. 1853.
Claim, ("original," ['or "for increase."' crossed out)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Jonathan French was a pensioner of the United States under act of March 18, 1818, at rate of $96 per annum, and died December 18, 1837, as is shown by 3d Auditor's Certificate. He is proved to have been the husband of this claimant buy the affidavits of several credible witnesses
['(If for increase.)' crossed out
['Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?' crossed out]
Marriage April 12, 1835, proved by verified Copy of Town Record - present widowhood by parol. 
/s/R. Geddes Examining Clerk. 
Reuben R. Thrall Esqr
Name and residence of agent Rutland, Vermont }
Page 61

In consequence of the absence of my attorney Henry H. Smith Esq. I hereby appoint Reuben R. Thrall of Rutland, Vt. my attorney, and request the Commissioner of pensions to sent to him the land warrant which I understand has been awarded to me, on account of the services of my late husband Jonathan French, in the war of the Revolution - The No. of my application is 246.404 - Mountholly Vermont 5. January 1860. 
/s/X Her Mark Elisabeth French
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of /s/Abijah Cook }
I am personally acquainted with Abijah Cole Justice of the Peace in Mountholly, Vt, & with his handwriting. I certify that the above is his genuine signature, & that he is a person of credibility. 
/s/Solomon Foot
Washington City 16 Jany 1860.
Page 62

[handwritten letter]
Rutland, Vt. 27. Dec. 1859.

Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 21. inst. directed to Henry H. Smith Esq. is rec'd and opened by me in his absence by his direction. - Mr. Smith is now absent in Georgia, where he has gone to spend the winter for his health. - Mrs. French lives in Mountholly nearly twenty miles from here away from the line of the rail road and is very difficult to communicate with her.
You may if you please enclose Mrs. Elisabeth French's warrant to Henry H. Smith Esq. Rutland, Vermont, and all will be right. In this matter In this matter I have only acted in his behalf 
Truly yours
/s/Reuben R. Thrall For Henry H. Smith
Geo. C. Whiting Esq.
Comr of Pensions
Washington City, D. C. 
Mrs. Elisabeth French Widow of Jonathan French whose application for bounty land is No. 246.404. -
Page 63

[handwritten letter]
Rutland, Vt. 27. Dec. 1859.

Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 21. inst. directed to Henry H. Smith Esq. is rec'd and opened by me in his absence by his direction. - Mr. Smith is now absent in Georgia, where he has gone to spend the winter for his health. - Mrs. French lives in Mountholly nearly twenty miles from here away from the line of the rail road and is very difficult to communicate with her.
You may if you please enclose Mrs. Elisabeth French's warrant to Henry H. Smith Esq. Rutland, Vermont, and all will be right. In this matter I have only acted in his behalf
Truly yours
/s/Reuben R. Thrall For Henry H. Smith
Geo. C. Whiting Esq.
Comr of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.
Mrs. Elisabeth French Widow of Jonathan French whose application for bounty land is No. 246.404. -
Page 64

[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFIC NOV 8 1859]
Page 65

[handwritten letter]
Rutland, Vt. 1 Nov. 1859.

Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 4. of Oct. '59 saying "The claim of Elizabeth French "for Bounty Land No 246.404, was "awaiting the action upon her claim "to a pension. - When definate action was "had upon the latter claim her claim to land "will be determined" I have just rec'd her pension certificate. - That claim having been established I trust there will be no further delay in the allowance of her claim to Bounty Land. - Will you permit me to request your early attention to this claim. - 
I am very truly yours
/s/Reuben R. Thrall, 
George C. Whiting, Esq
Washington City.
District of Columbia
Page 66

[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE SEP 30 1859]
Page 67

[handwritten letter]
Rutland Vt 27. Sept 1859 - 
Dear Sir,
I wrote you the 25 of August last in reference to a claim for bounty land filed by me as Attorney for Elizabeth French, widow of Jonathan French the receipt of which was acknowledged and the number given as 246.404 on the 25 August 1856. since which time no new claim for bounty land has been filed 
The evidence was required was transmitted early in July last. The 25 of August last a letter came directed to Reuben R. Thrall acknowledging the receipt of the claim of Elizabeth French for bounty land W.302.424 
There must be some mistake in the matter as no new claim has been filed for bounty land. Mr. Thrall recently filed a declaration for a pension for Elizabeth French which has been probably mistaken and filed as a bounty land claim No. 302.424. Will you please correct this mistake at your earliest convenience & much oblige - Yours Truly
/s/Henry H. Smith
Geo. C. Whiting
Com'r Pensions }
Page 68

[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE SEP 27 1859]
Page 69

[handwritten letter]
Rutland Vt. 24. Sept 1859.

Dear Sir,
On the 16. off Aug lst I enclosed to you Elizabeth French's declaration for a pension, soon after I rec'd your letter of the 20. of Aug. 59. acknowledging the receipt of Elizabeth French's declaration for bounty Land & No 302.424 - 
I am apprehensive this claim for a pension has been mistaken filed among the claims for bounty land, and it may be months before it may be reached and examined so as to correct the mistake. - Will you permit me to ask your immediate attention to this mistake in filing the papers, that they may be placed in the proper train for immediate examinations. - Will you please let me hear from you on the subject at your earliest convenience and 
Much oblige your &c
/s/Reuben R. Thrall
Geo. C. Whiting Esq. 
Com'r of pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 70

[receipt stamp: [PENSION OFFICE AUG 29 1859]
Page 71

[handwritten letter]
Rutland, Vt 25. Aug. 1859.

Dear Sir,
On the 28 of May 1856. I enclosed to the Com'r of Pensions the declaration of Elizabeth French Widow of Jon'a French for bounty land the receipt of which was duly acknowledged and number given as 246.404, on the 25. Aug. 1856. I rec'd a letter signed C. J. Plutt for com'r of pensions in which he says "the bounty "land claim of Elizabeth French as the widow "of Jonathan French will be favorably con-"sidered as soon as her marriage husbands "death & widowhood & identity is established"
The fore part of July last I perfected the evidence by the affidavit of Abijah Cole to prove the marriage - & of Esther Shedd to prove the Identity & Widowhood - I was daily expecting her warrant - I was this day surprised to see a letter directed to Reuben R. Thrall acknowledging the receipt of the claim of Elizabeth French for bounty land No 302424. There must be some mistake
Page 72

[handwritten letter]
in this matter as no new claim for bounty land has been forwarded since 1856. which is No. 246.464. the evidence in which was perfected & transmitted early in July last
Mr. Thrall has recently transmitted her declaration for a pension which I presume has been mistaken for a claim for bounty land & that is probably filed as a bounty land claim No. 302.424. by mistake - Will you please see that this matter is corrected at your earliest convenience & oblige yours &c
/s/Henry H. Smith
Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 73

Additional Evidence, Bounty Land claim of Elizabeth French No 246.404.
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE JULY 5 1859]
Page 74

[handwritten letter]
Rutland, Vt. 2d June 1859.

Dear Sir
I have at length succeeded in procuring the necessary additional evidence in the claim for Bounty Land of Elizabeth French No 246.404 I trust the evidence in this case will be entirely satisfactory - 
Yours &c
/s/Henry H. Smith,
George C. Whiting Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 75

Bounty Land claim of Elizabeth French's case Evidence of Widowhood & Identity - Emery H. Harris' affidavit - No. 246.404.
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE JULY 5 1859]
Page 76

I, Emery H. Howard of Rutland, in the county of Rutland, and State of Vermont aged 38 years being duly sworn depose and say that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth French of Mountholly in the county of Rutland and state of Vermont and know that she is the widow of Jonathan French, who was a pensioner of the United States, on account of his services in the revolutionary war, Jonathan French her husband, dec'd, in Bolton in the state of New York, more than twenty years ago. Elizabeth French his widow, now lives in Mountholly in the county of Rutland afores'd and has not intermarried since the death of her said husband and but is still his widow. - 
/s/Emery H. Howard
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } At Rutland, on the 1. day of July 1859. personally appeared before me Emery H. Howard and made oath, in due form of law, that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true and I certify that the affiant is well known to me and that he is a credible person 
/s/Reuben R. Thrall Notary Public
Page 77

STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } RUTLAND, SS.
[Vermont state seal affixed] I, frederick W. hopkins, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a Court of Record and having a Seal as hereto attached, do certify that Reuben R. Thrall Esq., was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is, a NOTARY PUBLIC, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine and that the said paper writings are executed acording to the laws of this State and are in due form, and that as such Officer, he is duly authorised by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, this Second day of July Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine
/s/F. W. Hopkins Clerk.
Page 78

[handwritten letter]
Senate Chambers
January 14 - 1860

Sir,
I herewith enclose a letter from R. R. Thrall of Rutland, & a written request of Mrs. Elizabeth French in relation to a land warrant awarded to her, &c.
I am with my great respect &c. &c. 
/s/Solomon Foot
Page 79

[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE JAN 23 1860.]
Page 80

[handwritten letter]
Rutland, Vt. 19 Jany. 1860.

Dear Sir, 
I have just rec'd a land Warrant for Sixty acres for Elizabeth French Widow of Jon'a French, No 353. I supposed she was entitled to 160. Did Jon'a French in his life time receive a warrant for 160 acres? if so that explains why she shall have only sixty. I would be glad to satisfy my client that all  is right, and give her the true reason why they warrant is not for the quantity she anticipated. Please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience and much oblige yours truly 
/s/Reuben R. Thrall
Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City.
Page 81

Elizabeth French's claim for a pension 
Proof of the death of her husband Jonathan French. - 
Esther Shedd's affidavit 302424
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE AUG 20 1859]
Page 82

I, Ester Shedd of Bolton in the County of Warren and state of New York aged seventy years being duly sworn depose & say that Jonathan French now deceased was my father. He died at our house on the 18. of Dec one thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven then in the seventy eighth year of his age, my father was a revolutionary pensioner at the time of his death, He was buried in the common burying ground in Bolton, a grave stone was erected at his grave which bears upon it the following inscription to wit, 
"Jonathan French
"Died Dec 18th 1837.
"in the 78. year of his age.
"a soldier of the Revolution"
I was present at the time of his death, I attended his funeral and saw him interred. - He left a widow who I suppose now lives in Mounty holly in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont. - 
/s/Esther Shedd
Page 83

State of New York
Warren County ss. } At Bolton, in the county of Warren afores'd personally appeared Esther Shedd, to me well known and made oath that the within affidavit by her subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before me and I certify that the affiant, is a credible person. 30th. - June 1859.
/s/Stephen Pratt Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Warren County ss } I hereby certify that Stephen Pratt Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was made is and was at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that his Signature above is genuine
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Said County this 30th day of June 1859
/s/Thomas Archibald Clerk
Page 84

County of Warren ss } On the nineteenth Day of January 1837 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace for the said county of Warren personally appeared Jonathan French who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Sewel (Sewall) in the Regiment commanded Colonel Ebenezer Sprout in the service  of the United States that his name was placed on the pention roll of the State of Vermont from whence he has lately removed, that he now resides in the State of New York, Where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The reason why I removed from Vermont to the State of New York is to live with my Daughter who lives in Bolton County of Warren and State of New York and further this deponant saith not
/s/Jon'a French
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid 
/s/Allen Anderson Justice of the peace
County of Warren ss } On the thirty first day of January 1837 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the said county of Warren personally appeared Samuel Shed a person to me well known who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Jonathan French the person named in the above affidavit and know him to be the same Jonathan French that was entered on the
Page 85

Pention Roll as above stated and further this deponant saith not 
/s/Samuel Shed
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid } 
/s/Allen Anderson Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Samuel Shed the person named in the above and last affidavit and considered him to a man of truth and veracity
/s/Allen Anderson Justice of peace
State of New York
Warren County ss I Thomas Archibald Clerk of the said County do certify that Allen Anderson before whom the written affidavit purports to have been shown was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said county and duly elected sworn and authorised to take affidavits in certain cased and further that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signatures 
[county seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said county this 6th day of February AD 1837
/s/Thomas Archibald Clerk
Jonathan French Affidavit
Page 86

Bounty Land Claim
Elizabeth French's matter - Evidence of marriage 
Abijah Coles affidavit
No 246.404.
[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE JUL 5 1859]
Page 87

I, Abijah Cole of Mountholly in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont being duly sworn depose & say that I  hold the office of town clerk in the town of Mountholly afores'd and have the custody of the town records  
I have inspected the records in my office and there find a record of which the following is a true copy except the dates upon the record is expressed in plain legible figures to wit, 
"State of Vermont
"Rutland County ss. }} Be it remembered that at "Mountholly County aforesaid on the twelfth (12)
"day of April, one thousand eight hundred and thirty
"five (1835.) Jonathan French and Elizabeth 
"Cole were duly joined in marriage by me
"Daniel Packer, Minister of the Gospel."
"Recorded April 17th 1835. Attest Daniel Packer Town Clerk." And further say not
/s/Abijah Cole
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss.} At  Mountholly in s'd county on the Eighth day of September AD 1856. personally appeared Abijah Cole & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true and I certify that the affiant is well known to me and that he is a credible witness. 
/s/John Bryant Justice of the Peace
Page 88

STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } RUTLAND, SS.
[Vermont state seal affixed] I, FREDERICK W. HOPKINS, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a Court of Record and having a Seal as hereto attached, do certify that John Bryant Esq., was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, ['and now is,' crossed out] a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine and that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State and are in due form, and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, this Second day of July Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine
/s/F. W. Hopkins Clerk.
Page 89

3-525
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS. 
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19[blank]
In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Jonathan French a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.|LENGTH OF SERVICE.|RANK.|OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.(CAPTAIN.|COLONEL.)|STATE.|]
4 Feb. 1778|to June 10.1783|Pvt|({Joseph Fox|Henry Jackson)|Mass|
[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|({Henry Sewall|Ebenezer Sprout)|[blank]|
1 May 1776|to Dec 1776|[blank]|(Watkins|Phinney)|[blank]|
2 1777|2 mos|[blank]|(Minot|[blank])|[blank]|
3 1777|6 mos|[blank]|(Lakin|[blank])|[blank]|
[end of columns]
It is not stated that he served during War of 1812
Battles engaged in, Monmouth Rhode Island
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enl at Billerica Mass.
Date of application for pension, Apr 6, 1818. His cl. was al
Residence at date of application, Plymouth, Windsor Co, Vt.
Age at date of application, 55.
Remarks: In 1820 sol. referred to his wife aged 52 yrs & a daughter aged 8 yrs their names are not stated. He mar at Mt Holly Rutland Co Vt. Apr. 12, 1830 Mrs Elizabeth Cole. He died at Bolton, Warren Co. N.Y. Dec. 18, 1837 leaving 7 children, the only name stated being daughter Mrs. Esther Shedd. His wid Elizabeth was al. purs. on her ap ex. Aug. 16, 1859, ae 87, res Mt Holly, Vt. 
Respectfully, 
[blank] Commissioner. 
[margin note: 1818-48=70]
6-2856
Page 90

[typewritten letter]
Minneapolis, Minn.
3823 N. E. Jackson St.,
Oct. 28, 1923

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: - 
Will you kindly send me a copy of the Pension record of Jonathan French who was born 1760 probably Dunstable, Mass. and died in Bolton, N. Y. in 1837. He married Huldah(?) Dwinnell and had son Davis. Also any information about his family would greatly oblige
Yours very truly, 
/s/Mrs. C. E. Robbins
Page 91

[handwritten letter]
Orland Calif.
Glenn Co.
Feb. 14, 1920.

Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: - Can you give me the military record of a Jonathan French who was in the Revolution from Mass. and also served in the War of 1812 from Reading Vermont? His second wife received a pension. He died about 1820 or 30 probably at Mt. Holly Vermont. He was a private in the War of 1812 under his son Capt. John French. Was a mere boy at the beginning of the Revolution and first went as officer's servant. 
I would like his military record for both wars - especially Revolution and any other data you may have as to his birthplace, dates of birth, death etc. 
Information will be gratefully received. 
Respectfully 
/s/Mrs. Wm. Chaney
[margin notes: This is Rev W25609 Jonathan French The Record Div reports no pension claim for this man war of 1812 service]
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE. D FEB 20 1920]
Page 92

[verso]
1920 Feb. 26. History to Mrs. Wm Chaney. AW.
1920. Dec. 14-Hist. to Mrs. C. E. Robbins MMHF.

[recto]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25,609
Elizabeth French Widow of Jonathan French Priv. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3" 1833
Index: - Vol. A, Page 255
[Arrangement of 1870.]