Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20573, Aaron Adams, Mass Vt
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Service 
Mass
Vt
Adams, Aaron 
Lydia
Number W.20573

Contents
B. July 20, 1761 in New Marlborough, Berkshire Co. Mass
res. during Rev. Lenox, Berkshire Co Mass & Manchester Bennington Co. Vt.
in 1833 res. Geneseo Livingston Co. N.Y. & and there died July 24, 1843
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Aaron Adams. Albany $24- Act 7 June '32
las  ??
Died 24th July 1843. Paid to his death. [signature]
BSB
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Let. to Hon. C. H. Carroll
April 9, 1845
______
New York 24.843


Aaron Adams
of Livingston Co. in the State of New York.
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Ford of the Reg. commanded
by Col. Brown in the Mass. Ma. 
line for 7 months 46 days

____
Inscribed in the Roll of New York.
at the rate of 24 Dollars -- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
___
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of March 
1834 and sent Hon. P.C. Fullr
Ho. of Reps. Ms.
____
Arrears to the 4th of March '34              $72.00
semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. 34    $12.00
                                                                $84.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Ele Brown    Clerk
Book E. Vol. 4 Page 42
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C.K. Bryan, Geneseo
Livingston Co.
NY
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State of New York
Geneseo County 
Jairus Cruttenden of the house
of Covington County of Geneseo and State of New York being first duly sworn according to law
doth on his path say that he is well acquainted with Aaron Adams of the Town of Geneseo County of Livingston and State of New York aforesaid, that he believes the said Aaron to be aged Seventy One years and upwards, and that this deponent has been acquainted with the said Aaron fifty five or six years and that he resided in the same family with the said Aaron Adams, before and at the time the said Aaron was in the service of the United States, as a Revolutionary soldier. 

That this deponent and the said Aaron resided in the town of Lenox County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts, when the said Aaron went into the service of the United States and that this deponent well recollects the hire and thinks the said Aaron was about Eighteen years of age that he well recollects the time that the said Aaron returned to Lenox aforesaid after he had been a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and thinks it was from a tour to New Haven in Connecticut. 

The deponent also well recollects that the said Aaron Adams was again in the service of the United States, and this deponent thinks the said Aaron entered the said service the second time about the year 1780 as a soldier in the Mowhawk River and state of New York.
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(A part of nine lines in this affidavit stricken out before signing 13 of August) 

This deponent further saith that from his intimate knowledge of the said Aaron's character, which for truth and veracity is unquestionable, and from the tradition in the family and neighborhood of the said Aaron this deponent understands and believes the said Aaron to have been in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution for the space of several months sworn and subscribed
this 14th day of September Jairus Cruttenden
1833 Before me
Chauncey Potter Justice

State of New York
Genesee County  I Chauncy Potter
a Justice of the peace in the town of Middlebury
county of Genesee state of New York do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jairus Cruttdenden of the tours of Covington who has sworn and subscribed the above affidavit, that he is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit

Chaunesy Potter Justice
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State of New York
County of Genesee
I, Timothy Fitch, Clerke of said county, certify that Chauncey Potter before whom the foregoing affidavit purportz to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verify believe his signature subscribed to the foregoing affidavit and certificate to be genuine

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and seal of office this second day of October 1833. 

Timothy Fitch Clerk
By B. Pringle Dep. Clk
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State of New York
Livingston County
On this First day of October 1833 personally
appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of Common Pleas now sitting in and for said county Aaron Adams a resident of Geneseo in the county of Livingston and State of New York aforesaid, aged Seventy-Two Years and upwards who being first 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 p assed June 7th 1832

That on the Eighth day of August according to the recollection of this Declarant in the year 1779, the said declarant being then a resident of the Town of Lenox in the county of Berkshire and state of Massachusetts he entered the army of the United States as a substitute for a man by the name of Hall, but whose Christian name this declarant does not recollect. That his Captain's  name was Samuel Goodrich of the same town of Lenox and whose company was attached to the Regiment under command of Colonel John Collar of New Marlborough and county of Berkshire aforesaid that the Regiment to which this declarant was embodied was marched shortly after his enlistment as aforesaid to New Haven in Connecticut for the purpose of Guarding that place from the invasion of the British and this declarant thinks it was about Two weeks subsequent to the time New Haven was taken and plundered by the Enemy
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That while yet in New Haven the month for which this declarant was a substitute expired and he was dismissed without any written discharge and returned to the town of Lenox aforesaid.

That subsequent to this time to with the 12th of August 1780 as near as this declarant recollects this declaratnt again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer under command of one Captain Ford the Regiment being commanded by Colonel Brown of Pittsfield in the county of Berkshire aforesaid - that at the time he volunteered this declarant understood his destination to be West Point in the State of New York, that after marching to the town of Claverack near what is now the city of Hudson in said state of New York the place of Rendezvous the Regiment to which this declarant was attached received orders to March up the Mowhawk River and accordingly this declarant went with them as was stationed at a Fort in the town of Stone Arabia commonly called Stone Robbie where the said Declarant remained until his regiment was ordered out to what was called Sprakers Ferry where they were commanded by General Van Rensselaer to assist a Regiment to crop the River under the command of Col Dubois but that Dubois' Regiment did not come as expected and Col Brown's Regiment to which this declarant belonged was ordered to return to the Fort. That they had not proceeded over
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a mile on their return when they were ambushed by a Party of Indians and Tories supposed to be about 800 in number. Col. Brown was killed in the early part of the engagement and the command devolved upon Major Root who ordered the Regiment to make the best escape they could. This declarant effected a return to the for after encountering many perils. About one hundred of the Regiment were killed

After this engagement the Declarant returned to Lenox aforesaid having before he left however served out the period of his Enlistment A being for three months

Soon after his return to Lenox this declarant moved to Manchester in the county of  Bennington and state of Vermont where he this declarant resided when he entered the service of the United States the third time which was on or about the fifteenth day of July 1781. The he, this declarant enlisted under command of one Theodore Blanchard a Lieutenant, but that the Captain's name this declarant does not recollect as immediately after arriving at the place of Rendezvous to unit, near what is now called White Hall in Washington County and state of New York but was then called Skeensborough, this declarant was selected as a waiter for the commanding officer which name was Walbridge, from the town of Bennington in the state of Vermont  That the Request under command of Col Walbridge aforesaid built a Picket fort about three miles from Skeensborough
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where they were stationed until the three months for which this declarant enlisted expired, that nothing important occurred during their stay this Fort except that he went as waiter with Ira Allen, and Isaac Tichenor in the interval on board the enemy's fleet for the purpose, as this deponent understood of making arrangements for the Exchange of Prisoners  This declarant further saith that the while time he was int he service of the United States as a Revolutionary soldier amounts to Seven months as above stated. That he has no documentary evidence of his service and that he knows of no person living who can testify to his service except the facts and circumstances testified to by James Cruttenden who has been an intimate who has been an intimate acquaintance of this declarant from his earliest recollection  That shortly after the British abandoned the city of New York this declarant resided there about a year after that he removed to Saratoga in the state of New York when he married and resided some six or seven years then he removed to Montgomery county in the state of New York where he remained some six years where he removed to Cayuga county in the same state where he remained eight years and from thence he came to the county where he now resides and has since remained there. 

And in answer to the Interrogations put to him by the said court this declarant
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says, That he was born in the town of New Marlborough in the county of Berkshire and state of Massachusetts on the 20th day of July 1761. That he presumes there is a record of his birth in the town of New Marlborough aforesaid but whether the same is kept by the town Clerk or what officer he cannot say. That he resided in said town of New Marlborough until he was about ten years of age, then he removed to the town of Lenox in the county of Berkshire and state of Massachusetts aforesaid where he lived when he this declarant first entered the service of the United States as a soldier in the war of the Revolution that service he was of the Revolution he has resided about one year in the city of New York from thence he removed to Seratoga county and town of Milton where he remained six or seven years. From thence he removed to Palatine in Montgomery Count and state of New York aforesaid where he resided six years from thence he removed to Scipio in Cayuga County and state of New York, aforesaid where he remained about eight years, from thence he went to Lima in the present county of Livingston where remained a year and thence to Geneseo in the same county where he now resides and has so resided for the last thirteen years.

That he entered the said service as a volunteer substitute by the name of Hall for the term of one month the first time

The second time he entered the said service as a volunteer for the term of three
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months. And the third time he entered the said service as an enlisted soldier for the term of three months, that the whole of his service was performed in the Militia. 

That he cannot give any more particular description of the names of the officers who were with him or with the troopers where he served of the Regiments Continental and Militia or the General circumstances of his service than as he was before related
That he never received any written discharge

That Major William H. Spencer, Hon. William Finl,y and Charles H. Carroll and Calvin H. Bryan Esquire and many other persons, in Geneseo can testify to his veracity and character in General and also of their belief of his having served in the war of the Revolution.

That there is no clergyman in Geneseo, who has resided there for any considerable time consequently this declarant can procure the testimony of a clergyman without much expense, and delay as those with whom this deponent has been long acquainted have removed to a distance from the town of Genesee aforesaid.

That this declarant never received any commission or any discharge in writing from his revolutionary service as aforesaid and this declarant and this declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state. 
Sworn to and subscribed in open 
Court of the day and year aforesaid
S. G. Haven Dep. Clerk

Aaron Adams
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And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that Aaron Adams the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states

State of New York
Livingston County 

We Calvin H Bryan an attorney of the Supreme court of the state of New York and William Finley a Judge of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Livingston both residing in the neighborhood of Aaron Adams hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Aaron Adams who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy-Two years of age and upwards; 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 in open court the day and year aforesaid 
Calvin H Bryan
Wm Finley
S.G. Haven Dep Clerk

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 Calvin H Bryan who has subscribed the preceding certificate is an attorney of the Supreme Court of the state of New York resident
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in the town of Geneseo and in the neighborhood of the said Aaron Adams and that William Finley wo has also signed the same is a Judge of this court and a resident in the said town of Geneseo and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit


State of New York
Livingston County (word partially covered
I Chauncey R. Bond clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Livington do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Aaron Adams for a Pension. In testimony 
Whereof I have hereunto serving hand and seal of Office this fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Three

Chauncey R. Bond clerk 
By S. G. Haven Dep Clerk
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G. J.

Admitted 
Private 7 months ??



Hon. P.C Fuller
Home Rep
NY
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 29, 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 a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
___
A Statement, showing the Service of Aaron Adams Livingston County New York

[column headings: Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the Claimant's service - Years. Months. Days. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field Officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.]
1. August 1779 Substitute. ". 1. ". (blank). Capts Goodrich. Cols Collar. with the XXX near Ft. Stone. N Haven Connecticut. Lenox Berkshire Massachuetts. Living XX as to part
2. Augt 1780 Volunteer. ". 3. ". (blank). " Ford. "Brown " Gl Van Rensselaer. with the XX near Ft. Stone. Claversack. (blank). Living XX as to part.
3. July 1781. ". 3. ". Waiter.  Lt. Planchard. Gl Woolbridge.  with the XX near Ft. Stone. White Hall. Manchester Bennington Vermont Fractionary as to part.

Aged 71 years

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 Troopers, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of 
  County of     }ss.
On this           day of        personally appeared (a) before           A.B. a resident (b) of       in the county of       and State, Territory or District of         aged (c)      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)       , with     and served in the      (e) regiment of the        line, under the following named officers:
[Hereby 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        
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.   A.B.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 

I              of the Court of             do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of        for a pension. 
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this       day of      &c.

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
     (k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the                   
       and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with       , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be        years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to hve been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concut in that opinion. 
     Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
[And then will follow the certificate of he 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. and that C.D., who has also signed the same is resident in the          and is a credible  person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
     I,        Clerk of the Court of        do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in t he matter of the applicacation of       for a pension.

     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal       of office, this    day of       &c.
     Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credilbe 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 fullaccount of the services of each person
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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 declaration above provided, according to the nature of the 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 live now?
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 confirming 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 services I claim a pension."


It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which 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, providing the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, as as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
 -- The notes from [a] to [i] 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.
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12824
8980
March 3rd 1843
1248 
Lydia Adams
N.Y.



Act 3 March 1843
and 1844  ???
7 mo 6 dy
_____
$24
_____
from 24 July 43
when her husband died
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State of New York
County of Livingston } ss
On this 28th day of May 1846. personally appeared before the County Court of said County of Livingston Lydia Adams, a resident of the town of Geneseo in said County of Livingston, Aged seventy-five 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 Acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 as well as all subsequent Acts passed by Congress, granting half-pay and pensions to certain Widows.
That she is the Widow of Aaron Adams, who was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution. She further declares that she was married to the said Aaron Adams on the the 24th day of June 1790. at the town of Milton, County of Saratoga and State of New York. That the marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Wm Schanck or Von Schanck, and I further certify that Israel Clapp was present at the said marriage, and further that my maiden name was Lydia Washburn. That her husband, the aforesaid Aaron Adams died at Geneseo on the 24th day of July 1843, and that at the time of his death he was a pensioner of the United States.
That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794. namely, at the time above stated. That since the death of the said Aaron Adams, she has remained his Widow, And I further certify that the said Town of Milton in which the marriage took place is now and has been, for a long time, called Ballston. 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before Willard H. Smith, first Judge and the associative Judge of Livingston County, now sitting and holding the Court of Common Pleas. 
/s/X her mark Lydia Adams
in presence of /s/D. H. Bissell
/s/Wm H Whiting Clerk of said & also Clerk of said County 
State of New York
Livingston County }ss I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was taken before me in open Court As Clerk of Livingston Common
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Pleas Court - now this day & in the year first above written 
[court seal affixed] In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court and County at Geneseo this 28th day of May 1846
/s/Wm H Whiting Clerk of said Court & County
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[typewritten letter]
[initials: AWF]
Rev. and 1812 War Section.

August 11, 1924.

Jessie Allin,
2215 Elizabeth St.,
Pueblo, Colo.

Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 20573, it appears that Aaron Adams was born July 20, 1761 at New Marlborough, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
While residing at Lenox, Massachusetts, he enlisted August 8, 1779 and served one month as a private in Captain Samuel Goodrich's Company, Colonel John Collar's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted August 15, 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain William Foord's (Ford) Company, Colonel John Brown's Massachusetts Regiment and was in the battle of Stone Arabia.
While residing at Manchester, Vermont, he enlisted July 15, 1781 and served as a private three months under
Page 24

[typewritten letter]
Lieutenant Theodore Blanchard, Colonel Walbridge's Vermont Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 1, 1833, while a resident of Geneseo, Livingston County, New York, and he died there July 2, 1823.
Soldier married in Milton, Saratoga County, New York, June 24, 1790, Lydia Washburn, she was allowed pension on her application executed May 28, 1846, while living in Geneseo, New York, aged seventy five years.
There is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
[blank]
Acting Commissioner.
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[verso]
1922 Nov. 7 History to Mrs. C. G. Nikirk-a.w.f.
1924-Aug.11-Hist to Jessie Allen Adams awf.
1928 July 20 Photos to E. V. Martindale. See Wm. Adair, W.9691 awf.
 
[center]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20,573
Lydia Adams widow of Aaron Adams
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 2d 48
Index: - Vol. A, Page 4
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
Gen. notis made by [illegible] Sept. 1883
Page 26

Rep'd
Page 27

New York 7985.
Lydia Adams widow of Aaron Adams who was a Private in the Mass. militia 
Husb'd died 24th July 1843
______
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 24 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 24th day of ['March' crossed out] July 1843.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of Octo. 1846, and sent to sent D. H. Bissell Genesseo, N. Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
and June 7. 1844.
Recorded in Book d. Vol. 2. Page 70 -
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V 12824 act 1838
8980 March 5/43
Lydia Adams. 
N. York
D. H. Bissell July 30 1846 to same Sept 12. 1846
July 7. 1838
Page 29

[illegible postmark]
NY 7985
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 30

[handwritten letter]
Geneseo May 29./46

Sir,
Enclosed on the papers in [illegible] case of Mrs Adams. - 
Will upon do me the kindness [illegible] acknowledge the receipt of them. 
Respectfully yours
/s/D. H. Bissell

J. L. Edwards
Com or Pensions
Page 31

ad
admitted
D. H. Bissell
Geneseo N. Y.
Page 32

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2nd February 1848. entitled an Act making further provision for surviving Widows and soldiers of the Revolution. 
State of New York
Livingston County. } ss
On this 19th day of August 1848 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace. Lydia Adams a resident of the town of Geneseo, County and State aforesaid aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2nd of February 1848. granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Aaron Adams who was a private in the Mass Militia, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the Act of 17th June 1844 was twenty-four dollars. She further declares that she is still a widow.
/s/Lydia Adams
/s/James H. Vail Justice of the Peace in & for LivCo
State of New York Livingston County Clerk's office ss. I. William H Whiting clerk of Said County hereby certify that James H. Vail Esqr before whom the above affidavit appears to have been taken and Subscribed was on the day the Same bears date a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly Elected Sworn & authorized to take the Same and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his Signature Subscribed to the foregoing affidavit to be genuine
Page 33

[court seal affixed] In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said county at Geneseo this 19th day of August 1848
/s/Wm H Whiting Clerk

State of New York
Livingston County } ss I certify that the within named Lydia Adams is personally known to me and that the statements made by her in the within instrument can be fully relied upon 
/s/J. H. Vail Justice of the peace in & for LivCo
Page 34

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Burlington Aug 13- 1846.

I. J. Mc M Shafter hereby certify that upon an original Pay roll of the revolutionary service of Capt. Thomas Barney's company on record in this office occurs the name [margin note: 2] of Aaron Adams with an allowance to him for two days service "in the month of March 1782, in an alarm to the westward after tories to retake Lieut Blanchard's Nine"
I also certify that upon a like recorded pay roll of Capt George Trains Co. is the name of Aaron Adams [margin note: 11] with an allowance to him for eleven days service in Oct. 1781.
I also certify that upon a like recorded pay roll of Capt John Spafford's company is the name of said Aaron Adams with an allowance to him for two [margin note: 2] days service on the 10th & 11th days of June 1781.
I also certify that upon a like recorded pay roll of Capt Eben'r Allen's Co'y is the name of the said Aaron Adams with an allowance to him for service from [margin note: 30] June 29 to July 29, 1776. Thirty days.
I also certify that upon a like recorded pay roll of Capt John Spafford's company in the name of Aaron Adams with an allowance to him for four [margin note: 4] days service from Oct 25.1780.
Page 35

I also certify that upon another like recorded pay roll of "Capt Allen Potter his officers and soldiers who served in Col Seth Warner's Regiment in the year 1775, in an Expedition to Canada" occurs the name of Aaron Adams with an allowance to him for "bounty, blanket & gun of £3-2-0. and that upon the same roll there is allowed for bounty 40/- for blanket 12/- & for gun 10/- £3-2-0
I also certify that upon another like recorded Pay roll of Capt John Spafford's Company occurs the name of Aaron Adams with an allowance to [margin note: 8] him for Eight days service from March 22 to Mar 29-1780. Also that upon another roll & of the same company Aaron Adams is allowed for seven days service from May 31-1780.
I also certify that upon a like recorded pay Roll of Capt George Saxton's company is the name of Aaron Adams with an allowance to him for one hundred and one [margin note: 101] days service from Aug't 12 to Nov 20. 1781.
I also certify that there appears upon record, an order dated July 20th 1779. signed by Tho's Chittenden, Governor of Vt. per the Treasurer of said state directing him to pay Serg't Aaron Adams £35-17
1 - guarding two deserters six days. 1 - wages, expenses & for himself, men & prisoners. And a receipt for a part of said sum by said Aaron Adams & of the remainder by Sarah Adams
Page 36

for Aaron Adams, said service appears to have commenced in July 1779.
[seal affixed: SECRETARY OF STATE VERMONT] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this office at Burlington this 13th day of August AD 1846.
/s/J. McM Shafter.
Fees $3.
Page 37

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: [illegible] MAR 3]
Free
Hon'ble P. C. Fuller M. C. 
Washington D. C.
Page 38

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, March 3'd 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Aaron Adams, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. William Foord's (Ford) Company, in Col. John Brown's Reg't where he is allowed from July 21st to October 27th 1780, three months and six days. m3 d6
Aaron Adams claims for services under Capt. Samuel Goodrich, in 1779, and under Lt. Theodore Blanchard, in 1781; but the rolls which he describes are not found in this Office. 
/s/Edward D Bangs, Secy
Page 39

State of New York.
Saratoga County ss:} I Certify that I am Town Clerk of the Town of Ballston, in the County of Saratoga and State of New York, and that the Town Books belonging to said Town, and town records are in my possession, and that I have carefully examined the same, and that in none of them o I find the entry of a marriage of Lydia Washburn to Aaron Adams.
/s/William H. Satterlee Town Clerk.
I. William H. Satterlee above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Ballston, County and State above named, and that the foregoing certificate signed by me is true in all respects, and further say not.
/s/William H Satterlee
Subscribed and sworn before me this 19 day of ['July' crossed out] September 1845.
/s/Anson Seely Justice of the Peace
And I the said Justice do certify that William H. Satterlee who subscribed and made oath to the foregoing is to me known to be the Town Clerk of the said Town of Ballston
STATE OF NEW YORK,
Saratoga County Clerk's Office. }ss. I, HORACE GOODRICH, Clerk of the County of Saratoga, Do Certify, That Anson Seely whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Saratoga, dwelling in said county; duly authorized to take such proof or acknowledgment. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine. 
[county seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my name and the seal of the said county, this 6 day of Oct 1845. 
/s/Horace Goodrich Clerk. By David Maxwell Deputy
Page 40

State of New York
Cayuga County Clerk's Office} I Philip Van Arsdale Clerk of Cayuga County, do hereby certify that Harley Huggins Esqr. by and before whom the within Affidavit was taken and sworn was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the peace in and for the Said County, duly Elected and Sworn and by the laws of this State authorized to take the same And That I believe the signature thereto attached to be his genuine signature 
[county seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said County and subscribed my name this 29th day of December AD 1845
/s/Philip Van Arsdale Clerk
Page 41

I Israel Clapp of the Town of Mentz in the County of Cayuga and State of New York being duly sworn do depose and say that I was present at the Marriage of Aaron Adams to Lydia Washburn which took place in the Year 1789 or 1790 at the Town of Milton and County of Saratoga State of New York that the ceremony was performed by the Rev Mr Van Schanck and that deponent understands and believe that the said Aaron Adams did at the Town of Geneseo County of Livingston State of New York That his Widow Lydia Adams now resides at the said Town of Geneseo.
Dated at Mentz Dec. 29th 1845 /s/Israel Clapp
Sworn before me this 29the day of December 1845
/s/Harley Huggins Justice of the peace
I do certify that I am acquainted with the above named Israel Clapp and that His statements are entitled to full credit and belief
/s/Harley Huggins Justice of the peace
Page 42

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Burlington Sept. 29. 1846.
I J. McM Shafter Secretary of State of Vermont hereby certify that the caption of a Pay-Roll from which a Revolutionary service of Aaron Adams is proved of one hundred and one days from Aug 12-1781 to Nov 20. in the same year is in the letter & figures following viz.
"A Pay Roll of Capt George Sexton's Company of Volunteers belonging to Col Eben. Walbridge's Regiment, raised for the defence of the Frontiers the State of Vermont, Manchester, Dec 20-1781."
And that the three first names in said pay roll are Capt George Saxton (Sexton) Lt John Forbes & Lt. Wm Blanchard-" ['the name recorded as last recited.' crossed out]
[official seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereto signed my name and affixed the seal of this office at Burlington this 26th day of Sept AD 1846
/s/J. Mc M Shafter
Page 43

State of New York
Saratoga County ss: 
I Certify that the Book containing the record of marriages of the First Presbyterian Church in the Town of Ballston in the County of Saratoga and State of New York over which the Rev William Shanck presided as Pastor is in my possession that I have carefully examined said Book a number of times to find an entry of the marriage of Lydia Washburn to Aaron Adams, and that no such entry is to be found in the Book. 
/s/Daniel K. Smith Clerk. 
I Daniel K Smith above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the first Presbyterian Church of the Town of Ballston County and State above named, and that the foregoing certificate signed by me is true in all respects, and further say not
/s/Daniel K. Smith
Subscribed and sworn Before me this 28th day of July 1845.
/s/William H Satterlee Justice of the Peace
And I the said Justice do Certify that Daniel K. Smith who subscribed and made oath to the foregoing is to me known to be the Clerk of the Church therein described.
/s/William H. Satterlee Justice of the Peace
Page 44

State of New York
Saratoga County Clerk's Office ss
I Horace Goodrich Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that William H. Satterlee was at the time of the execution of the within affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Saratoga duly elected & sworn, And that the Signatures of the said Justice to the jurat of said affidavit & the within certificate appear to be genuine. 
And I further certify or report that The Town of Ballston was organized by Act of 7th March 1788. That the Town of Milton was organized by act of 7th March 1792. and taken from Ballston. (See R. S. 2d Ed: 3d Vol: page 318.) Witness my hand & official Seal this 5th day of September Eighteen hundred & forty five
/s/Horace Goodrich Clerk
Page 45

Mr Adams Secy
['Hon Adams Cobb and Smith March 29 [illegible]' crossed out]

Hon C. H. Carroll H.R.
Page 46

[handwritten letter]
Pension office March 21st 46

Col J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir
Will you do me the favor to examine into the papers in the case of the Widow Adams (her Christian name I do not recollect) of the Town of Geneseo Livingston Co New York asking for a Pension for services performed by her husband in the Revolutionary war - The papers were forwarded to the Department last fall by D. H. Bissell of Geneseo as I am informed - 
I wish to know the situation of the claim and will thank you for an answer as soon as you conveniently can - 
Yrs Resp'lly
/s/C H. Carroll

Addl pff
Lyd Adams
NY-Jan 6 46
for W H Bissell
Page 47

[handwritten letter]
Geneseo March 24. /46

Sir,
Yours of the 17 inst is Received in which you Say "I return the proofs enclosed in your of the 10 jany purporting to relate to the claim of Lydia Adams Widow of Aaron Adams and would inform you that it does not appear that any such claim has been registered in this office,"
About ten months since I sent you the papers in her case, and you inform by letter that they were received but were deficient in the proofs establishing the marriage, I have now obtained them and forward to dept. If however the papers are lost or mislaid I will at our next court have the Old Lady make an other application. will you do me the favor to write her and say what had better be done in the matter. perhaps they will be found by an other search. 
Very Respectfully yours
/s/D. H. Bissell

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions
Page 48

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: GENESEO N.Y. AUG 20]
[margin notes: Aug 24,1846 B Addl to case Lydia Adams]
20
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 49

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: GENESEO N.Y. AUG 20]
[margin notes: Aug 24,1846 B Addl to case Lydia Adams]
20
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 50

[handwritten letter]
Geneseo 19th Aug/46

Sir,
Enclosed I send you the certified of the Sect'y of the State of Vermont in the case of Lydia Adams Widow of the Late Aaron Adams. deceased - 
Very Respectfully your Obt Servt
/s/D.H. Bissell

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Washington -
Page 51

[handwritten letter]
Geneseo N York
Oct 1st 1846

Sir,
Enclosed I send you the certificate of the Secty of State of Vermont required by your letter of the 12th Sept. in the case of Lydia Adams. I pray & trust that it is sufficient for which the Old Lady soon obtains it she will have to apply to the great Capt above - 
Respectfully Yours
/s/D.H. Bissell

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Page 52

[handwritten letter]
Geneseo New York 19th Aug 1848

Sir.
Herewith I send you the application of Lydia Adams for a pension under the act of February 1848.
Very Respectfully yours
/s/D. H. Bissell

J L Edwards Esqr
Com. of Pensions
Washington
Page 53

[handwritten letter]
2215 Elizabeth St.
Pueblo Colo. Oct 2" 1922

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,
I wish to learn the record of Aaron Adams of New Marlborough Mass. who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Also if he received a pension or grant of Land.
Any information regarding him or his father Joseph Adams of the same town will be gratefully received.
Yours truly
/s/Mrs. C. G. Nikirk
Page 54

[handwritten letter]
2215 Elizabeth St
Pueblo Colo. Oct 24th 1922 [margin note: Rev Sec]

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C. - 

Dear Sir - 
Will you kindly examine your Revolutionary War records for the service of Aaron Adams of New Marlboro Berkshire Co. Mass. I wish to know if he received a pension or grant of land. Also the name of town and date he married Lydia Washburn.
Any information you can give me regarding him will be greatly appreciated.
Yours truly
/s/Mrs. C. G. Nikirk
Page 55

[handwritten letter]
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE A JULY 17 1924]

Pueblo Colo, July 14/24

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: - Have you a record of Aaron Adams, a Revolutionary soldier, who was born in New Marlborough, Mass. and died at Geneseo, N. Y. - His wife was Lydia Washburn.
Page 56

[handwritten letter]
Kindly advise of his service pension or any information regarding him and his family.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
I am yours truly
/s/Jessie Allen
2215 Elizabeth St.
Pueblo, Colo
Page 57

3-525
RECORD DIVISION
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
awf
W.20573
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19[blank]

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Aaron Adams a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (['or' crossed out] and 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.|]
Aug. 8,1779|1 mo|Pvt|(Samuel Goodrich|John Collar)|Mass|
Aug. 15,1780|3 mos|[blank]|(Williams Foord (Ford)|John Brown)| " |
July 15,1781|3 mos|[blank]|(Lt. Theodore Blanchard|Eben Walbridge)|Vt.|
[end of columns]
Battles engaged in, Stone Arabia
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lenox ['Berkshire Co' crossed out] Mass. Manchester, ['Burlington' crossed out] Vt
Date of application for pension, Oct 1, 1833. His claim was allowed
Residence at date o application, Geneseo, Livingston Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born July 20, 1761 in New Marlborough, Berkshire Co. Mass
Remarks: He died July 24, 1843 at Geneseo, N.Y. Soldier married Lydia Washburn June 24, 1790 in Milton ['(Ballston)' crossed out] Saratoga Co. N.Y.
She was allowed pension on her application executed May 28, 1846 while living in Geneseo, N.Y. aged 75 yrs. There is no further data on file as to family
Respectfully,
[blank]
Commissioner. 
6-2856
Page 58

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME Adams, Aaron GRADE Private LINE New Hampshire
WARRANT NUMBER 2903 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Mar. 25 1790 to - not shown - 

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the 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.