Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3,608, Silas Fletcher, Vt.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE Vt.
Fletcher, Silas Avice
NUMBER R. 3,608
CONTENTS
Page 2

18,303 [handwritten and underlined]
14,328
New York
Silas Fletcher
of N. York in the State of N. York
who was a Private in the [?] commanded 
by Captain Allen of the A.P. commanded by Col. Allen on the [?] out 
line for 10 months ___ ___ . ___

Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of May 1833 and [???]

Arrears to the 4th of Mar: '33 $66.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept:'33 16.67
===
$83.33

{Revolutionary Claim, [?] June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Geo C Stiles Cleark, Book E, Vol. S, Page 19

Ower to pay Sce letter to N.Y. & all. ag.
May 23, 1836.
Page 3

FLETCHER, SILAS
(VT.) R-3608
Page 4

THESE are to certify, that on the sixteenth day
of July 1795
Mr. Silas Fletcher
and Miss Avice Phelps
both of New York wre joined together 
in lawful Marriage, by me,
Benjamin Foster
Page 5

State of New York City
and County of New York ⎬ On this twenty first day of September
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before
the Judges of the Court of Common pleas
of the City and County of New York now sitting Silas
Fletcher a resident of the City and County of New York
in the State of New York who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on his oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress passed June 7. 1831.
That he entered the army in the fall of 1779. at
the age of seventeen years, he was born in the year 1762
and is now aged Seventy one years, he entered by
enlisting in the State troops of the State of Vermont in
Captain Parmely Allen's Company, Colonel Ebenezer
Allen's Regiment, for the term of nine months; he was
discharged late in the ensuing fall, in the following
year in the summer he went to Castleton in the State of
Vermont, and was in the fort at that place for
one month, he refers to the annexed papers to shew
the periods of his service and declares that his name
is not on the pension list of the agency of any State
and he relinquishes all claim to any pension except
the present has no record of his age or
Silas Fletcher
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid          ⎬

Glen Astin Clerk of the Court
of Com. Pleas for City & County of
New York
Page 6

State of New York City
and County of New York I William G Miller
a Clergyman residing in the City of New York 
and I Adam W Turnbull
a resident in said City do
hereby certify that we are acquainted with Silas 
Fletcher who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and we believe him
 to be seventy-one years of age
and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides
 to have been a soldier in the Revolution
and we concur in that opinion
sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid in Open Court
Alem Aden Clerk Com Pleas
W. Miller
City & County of New York
Adam W. Turnbull
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 Silas Fletcher was a 
revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court
further certifies that William G. Miller
who has signed the preceding certificate is a 
Clergyman resident in the City of New York and that Adam W. Turnbull
who has also signed the same is a resident of the city of New York and is a
 credible person and that their
statements are entitled to credit
Jno F Wine
Judge of the Court of
Com Pleas for the City
County of N York
Page 7

No 18303
Silas Fletcher New York County
New York
John M Lewis New York
Page 8

Sir:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a
statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. 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.

[Following is a printed columnar table with handwritten information added]

[Table header] A statement, shewing the Service of Silas Fletcher County of New York N. York

[Column headings are written below]

Period when the service was rendered.┃ 
Duration of the claimant's service. [subheaders] 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┃
.
[added information is written below]
[line 1] [illegible] Fall 1779 ┃ ┃ 9 ┃ private ┃ Cap Allen ┃ Col Allen ┃ ┃ ┃ 71 years State of Vermont ┃traditionary two witnesses certified credible; clergiman certificate. papers correct
[line 2] [illegible] 1780 ┃  ┃ 1 ┃ private ┃ ┃ ┃ ┃ ┃ ┃ ┃ ┃

I am, rsepectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 9

2 REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies. As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance , make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory District of County of On this ---day of --- personally appeared (a) before ----- A. B. a resident (b) of ----- in the county of ---- and State, Territory or District of ----- aged (c) --- years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ----, with ---- and served in the ---- (e) regiment of the ---- line, under the following named officers (Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I -------------------- of the Court of ----------------------------- do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of --------------- for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ------- day of ------------------ & c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ------------- and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ---------------- , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be -------- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. ------ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ------- and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, -----------Clerk of the Court of ---------------- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this --- of ---- & c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 10

3 will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 1. Where and in what year were you born? 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. To a Soldier Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. {a] the declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] the declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served [e] Every Continental officer or soldier must give the name of the colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly worn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----days, I served as a ----- and for such service I claim a pension." it is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite , and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the miliia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit, [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which in can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. Mode of authenticating papers. in every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying once, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. Proof of Service. [j] in a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service and the time and manner of his leaving the same as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibly of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. the notes [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of militia men, volunteers, and state troops The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensible in militia cases [l] if a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 11

No 684
Fletcher
Alice Fletcher
Wid.
of Silas Fletcher
Florida

July 29, 1848.
Page 12

State of Florida
County of Escambia

On this 10 day of October
A.D. 1849 personally appeared in open
Court before the Honorable George J Hawkins
Judge of Western Circuit of the State of Florida
sitting at Pensacola, Avice Fletcher
a resident of the County of Escambia in 
said State aged 84 years who being
duly sworn according to law doth on
her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions 
made by the act of Congress passed
29th of July 1848. That she is the widows
Silas Fletcher who was a private in
the Revolutionary Army- that he was
enlisted sometime in the year 1778, 1779, or
1780 and served eight months and was
regularly discharged from the same on the
expiration of the term of his enlistment - that the
said Silas belonged to the State of New York
that the said Silas was a pensioner
of the United States as appears by the
annexed certificate of Pension signed
by Lewis Cole Secretary of War and bearing 
date 20th day of May 1833-
She further declares that she was married
to the said Silas Fletcher on the sixteenth
day of July 1795 that her husband the 
aforesaid his died on the 25th day of May
1837 - that she was not married to
him previous to his having the service
but the marriage took place previous to the
second of January Eighteen hundred
Page 13

at the time above stated.
She further swears that she is
now a widow and that she has never
before made any application for a pension.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day
and year above written in open Court
Avice X Fletcher her mark
Sworn to & subscribed 
in open Court this 10th day
of October A.D. 1849
[illegible]
Clerk 6th Court

George S. Hawkins
Judge of the Western District
of Florida
Page 14

State of Texas
County of Leon
Know all men by these presents that I
William H Fletcher of the County & State
aforesaid, the son of Silas Fletcher & his
wife Avis Fletcher now deceased, and the administrator of
the Estates of the said Silas & Avis, the former being a revolutionary
pensioner at the time of his death which occurred
on the 25th day of May 1837 in the County of Conecuh State of
Alabama, and the latter being the widow of said Silas up to the
time of her death which occurred on the 29 day of July 1852
in the County of Leon and State of Texas, and I do by these
presents appoint empower and constitute Charles C Tucker
of the City of Washington D.C. my true and lawful agent
and attorney in fact, for me, and in my name to obtain
from the United States the arrears of pension due the said
Silas Fletcher at the time of his death, also to obtain from
the United States the arrears of pension due the said widow
Avis Fletcher from the time of the death of her husband until
her own demise hereinbefore mentioned, and for all the
lawful acts of my aforenamed Agent and attorney, I do
hereby bind myself my heirs executors and assigns as
fully as if I were present and doing the same myself
countermanding and revoking all former authority that
may have been given. Witness my hand and seall for
seal this 29th day of April AD 1854 In the Town of Con-
North County of Leon State of Texas
William H. Fletcher
Son of Silas & Avis Fletcher decd and
administrator of said Estate
Attest
John H Potts
Tho V Mortimer
State of Texas
County of Leon

Be it known, that before me William
Keigwin a Justice of the Peace in and for
the County aforesaid, duly authorized by
law to administer oaths, personally appeared William H
Fletcher of the aforesaid County & State and to me well known
and made oath in due form of law that he is the survi-
Page 15

-ving Son, and administrator of the deceased Silas & Avis
Fletcher, and which were the identical persons who was pensioners
and is now dead, and to whom a certificate of pension was
issued which is now on file in the Pension Office and that the
said William H Fletcher acknowledged he signed sealed and
delivered the within and foregoing power of Attorney for
the purposes and consideration therein contained and Expressed
and I do hereby certify that I the said William Keigwin
Justice of the Peace and not interested in the claim or concerned 
in its prosecution.
William H. Fletcher
Son of Silas & Avis Fletcher
decd and Administrator of
said Intestates Estates

Sworn to and subscribed before 
me this 29th day of April A D
1854.
Wm Keigwin
Justice of the Peace
Leon County

State of Texas
Leon County
I John H Potts Clerk of the County Court
County of Leon in and for County of Zion and State above mentioned,
do hereby certify that William Keigwin
Esq, before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who
has thereunto signed his name was at the time of so doing
a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Leon and
State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, and that
all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and
credit, and that his signature thereto is genuine-
In testimony whereof I have here
unto signed my name and affixed
my Official seal this Twenty Ninth
day of April AD 1854 at Office in
The Town of Centreville County &
State aforesaid-
John H Potts
Clerk C of C Leon Co
Page 16

State of Texas
County of Leon 
County Court Leon County
November Term A D 1853
Certificate of Admission [written in left margin]] 

To William H Fletcher Greeting:
I Zoraster Roberson Chief Justice of the County of
Leon and State aforesaid reposing special confidence
in your integrity and ability do hereby commit unto 
you the said William H Fletcher the administration
of the Estate of Silas & Avis Fletcher wife of said Silas
both deceased, and by virtue of the authority vested in
me by law, I the said Zoraster Robinson Chief Justice
as aforesaid do hereby invest you the said William
H Fletcher with full power to collect, recover, and receive
and take into your possession all the Lands & [illegible]
goods & chattels rights & credits of the said Silas & Avis
hereby investing you with all the powers over the property
of the said Estate of Silas & Avis Fletcher, as they
owned and possessed at the time of their demise or
in expectancy, and enjoining upon you the performance
of all the duties by Law devolving upon
such administrators under the penalties and liabilities
by Law annexed thereto. In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & caused to be affixed
the seal of our County Court, for said Leon County
by the Clerk thereof this 28 day of November AD 1853
Zoraster Robinson Chief Justice Leon Co

In testimony of the above I hereunto set my hand
and affix the seal of said County Court in office
at the Court House in the Town of Centreville County
& State aforesaid  John H Potts Clerk CoC Leon Co
Official Seal

State of Texas        I John H Potts Clerk of the County
County of Leon  ⎬ Court in and for the County of Lion
Page 17

and State of Texas, do hereby certify that the within
Letter of administration granted to William H Fletcher
of the aforesaid County & State by the Chief Justice
of the County & State aforesaid on the 28th of November
AD 1853 is a true and correct copy from the Records
of the proceedings in said administration in Book
pages 398 & 399 of the Records of said County Court
In testimony whereof I hereunto
subscribe my name and affix the
seal of my Office, at the Court or
In the Town of Centreville County
State aforesaid, this 29th day of April
A D 1854

John H Potts Clerk Co Leon C
Page 18

January 26, 1937
Silas Fletcher
R. 3608
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. H. H. Durham 
c/o Durham Bros.
Comanche
Texas 
Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you 
request information in regard to Silas Fletcher, born
July 20, 1762 in Concord, Massachusetts, and was a
"Green Mountain Boy" during the Revolutionary War.

The data furnished herein were obtained from
papers in pension claim, R. 3608, based upon the
service of Silas Fletcher in the Revolutionary War.

Silas Fletcher was born in the year 1762, place
not given, nor were the names of his parents stated.

While a resident of Poultney, Rutland County,
Vermont, Silas Fletcher enlisted in 1780 and served
about nine months as a private in Captain Parmelee
Allen's company, Colonel Ebenezer Allen's Vermont
regiment. The following summer he was stationed in
the fort at Castleton, Vermont, about one month, no
officers given.

He was allowed pension on his application executed,
September 21, 1832, at which time he was living in
New York City.

Silas Fletcher married July 16, 1795, Miss Avice
Phelps; they were both then of New York.

Silas Fletcher moved in 1833 to Indian Key, East
Page 19

Florida, he he was still living in 1836. He died
May 25, 1837 in Conecuh County, Alabama.

His widow, Avice Fletcher, was eighty-seven years
old in 1849, and a resident of Escambia County, Florida.
She died July 29, 1852 in Leon County, Texas.

Reference was made in 1854 to William H. Fletcher,
their only surviving son and descendant, then a resident
of Leon County, Texas.

The papers in this claim contain no further data
relative to family.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 20

1925 Jan 26 Hist to
Mrs. H.H. Durham

REJECTED
3608
P.O.
Avice Fletcher
Service:  
widow of Silas
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
Recognized.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for
Page 21

Avis Fletcher
Wid. Silas

C.C. Tucker
Atty
25 May 54
Page 22

No.684
Avice Fletcher
Florida
[two lines crossed out]
[illegible] May 31/50
same Dec 6 /1851
July 28 1848
Page 23

3 -
Marriage Certificate
Avis Fletcher

FLETCHER, SILAS
(VT) R-3608
Page 24

THESE are to certify, that on the sixteenth day
of JUly 1775 Mr. Silas Fletcher
and Miss Avice Phelps.
both of New York were joined together
in lawful marriage, by me Benjamin Foster
Page 25

Avis Fletcher
29 Aug 1852
-
Wm H Fletcher
[illegible] child

Andrew Justin &
Reuben B Vest
Page 26

To what time has Silas Fletcher
who was a Pensioner on the new York
Roll under the act of
June 7, 1832, at the rate of
$33 & 33 Cents per annum
been paid 
W.C.
Pension Office
May 31, 1850 ⎬

Ans. March 4, 1836,
Page 27

February 5, 1851
Walker Anderson, Esq., Sir:
Pensacola, Florida
I herewith return the testimony forwarded by you to
establish the date of Silas Fletcher's death, that the
official character and signature of the Magistrate
before whom it was taken may be certified by the
proper officer under his seal of office.
F. S. Evans
for Commissioner.
Copied by AWF, January 23, 1937.
Page 28

Silas Fletcher
Page 29

N. York 184 Allen Street January 12th 1833
To all Baptist Churches, individual brethren and
others, whom this may concern-
The Bearers Mr & Mrs Silas Fletcher
are members of the Bethel Baptist Church in
the City of N. York, under the care of Elder
W. Geo. Miller;-- it is our pleasure to state
that they are worthy members of honorable
standing in full communion with the church,
as such we recommend them to the respect
and notice of christian friends; while absent
from us we shall endeavour to remember
them before the throne, bearing them with
affection before God, while removed from beyond
our notice we pray the great head of the Church
to keep them, and when they shall deem
it prudent to unite with a Sister Church
by being informed of their request, their letter
of dismission to unite with such church will be
granted
David Preston
Ch. Clerk
Page 30

Mr. S. Fletcher
to the care of
Wm. Howe
Deputy Collector of Customs
Indian Key
Florida

Identity of 
Silas and Avice Fletcher

Please acknowledge the receipt of this
I shall [illegible]
Page 31

New York Jany 20th 1836
Mr Silas Fletcher

My Dear Sir
On yesterday I received your favour
through the hands of Capt Weston, which is the first received since
my departure from Indian Key, I had considerable trouble with
Mr. Lewis, he would not, and never has given me any satisfactory
information in relation to his proceedings in your matter with the
pension office
Immediately on my receiving your letter on yesterday I
made up my mind to wait no longer for his promises, but proceeded 
in person to the pension office-- They informed me your name was recorded as
entitled to pension from March 1831, and that no payment 
had been made thereon to any person, by a rule of
the office no payment is made on a power of attorney to receive
money, unless called for within Sixty days after the date of
the power, which you will please to remember
The enclosed Blanks I got at the office, and the 
magistrate must be very carefull & particular in filling them up
and in noting in due form erasures and interlineations
I advise your immediately going to Key West, with friends who
are able to give the Magistrate satisfactory proof of your being
the person, and also take your original certificate with
you, and also state that you gave a power of attorney to
Mr. Lewis of New York, and have been expecting him to
Page 32

remit the money, up to the time of your causing enquiry to be
made to know if the money had been paid him - it is necessary
to state this, as the reason why you had not applied
to them before for it. - ask also by letter for permission to 
receive it hereafter in Charleston as being nearest your place
of residence - any further aid I can give you in this matter
will be very cheerfully done, and promptly - as I have
received pay already in your services in our revolutionary struggles
& feel degraded to think that my country has so poorly
rewarded the actors in that memorable conflict
My respects to Mr. Honn & family & tell him I shall
always feel grateful for his kindness to me, & should he visit
NYork my house I hope he will make a home, & I trust
he will find the same kind hospitality I found under his
roof. also my respects to Captain Houseman, and be
pleased to accept the same from sir
very respectfully
Your friend
Jno. Harris
Office No 132
Nassau St
N. York

B. You had better take a copy
of the printed papers, as you
will require them every time
to draw your money
if drawn by an agent
Page 33

C. C. Tucker
Feb 9/35
Page 34

Pension Office
9th Feby. 1855.
Sir,
The claim of Avice Fletcher decd
widow of Silas of Texas, has been examined

Upon a review of this case I find
the evidence incomplete in several 
particulars. In the Power of Attorney given
by William H. Fletcher to C. C. Tucker, it is
stated that Silas died on 25th May 1837.
while the report of the Third Auditon
shows that he was last paid on 4th
March 1836. The evidence is insufficient
to fix the true date. The witnesses do not
say how they know that Avice died on
29th July 1852. How do they know that
William is the only surviving child.
Had they any acquaintance with the
Fletcher family prior to their removal
to Texas
C.C. Tucker Esqr.
Present.
Page 35

Avice Fletcher
Silas Flo sus [illegible] '48
Page 36

Washington D. C. Feb. 3. 1853.
Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed
please find additional evidence for the Claim
under the Act of July 29, 1848 of Avis Fletcher
widow of Silas, as required by the letter from your
office of May 29. 1854.
An early examination of said claim is
respectfully requested
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Chas.C. Tucker
Page 37

C.C. Tucker
May 29/34
Page 38

Pension Office
29th May 1854
The additional evidence in the
case of Alice Fletcher decd widow of
Silas of Florida, has been received
The proof is insufficient to
shew who are the surviving children.
Charles C. Tucker Esqr
Present
Page 39

Washington City 25th May 1854

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose
herewith, certain papers to sustain and identify the claim of Avis
Fletcher,decd, Widow of Silas, under the Act of 29 July 1848, viz:
1st Certificate of the County Court of Leon Co. Texas, that Wm H.
Fletcher is the Administrator of said Silas and Avis Fletcher, dec
with his power of Attorney to me, and his Affidavit that he is
their son, dated 29th April last.
2nd-- A letter from Walker Anderson Esq. to me, dated 4 Nov. 53
stating that he sent you Mrs Fletcher's application, with her Husband
Certificate of Pension (Act 1832, at $33.33) and other papers
3rd A printed Certificate of their Marriage, filled up, 16 July 1795,
of which I believe a copy has been before sent you.
4th by way of showing their Identity. A Certificate of David
Preston, Clerk of the Bethel Baptist Church, New York City, dated
12. January 1833, that the said Mr and Mrs Silas Fletcher
were "worthy members of honorable standing "in said Church;-
also, a letter from John M. Lewes to Silas Fletcher, 24. May 1833
and one from J. Harris to said Fletcher, 20 Jany 1836, both
written in New York City, to him in Florida, relative to collecting
his Pension
From the letter of Walker Anderson Esq. (No.2) it would
Page 40

seem that some of the papers which he sent may have
miscarried, as he cannot hear of their having reached you.
Please cause a search to be made for the
papers which he mentions, and inform me what further
is necessary to the admission of the claim
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully, Sir
Your Obt Servt

Chas. C. Tucker -
Attorney.
It appears that the Pensioner died 25 May 1837,
and the Widow died 28 Novr 1853, the first in
Florida, and the latter in Texas
C.C.T.
Page 41

2
Walker Anderson Nov 10, 53
Pensacola Fla
Let to F. M. An 4th [crossed out]
has filed pension
claim of
Avis Fletcher,
Wid. Silas
Act 29 July 1848
Wash. D.C.
25. May 54.
C.C. Tucker
Atty
Present.
Page 42

Pensacola Novr 4th 1883
Charles C Tucker Esq
Washington
Dr Sir
I address you at the
request of Thos J Mortimer Esq of Texas for the
purpose of giving you the following information.
Some four years ago I made application to
the Court of Pensions in behalf of Avice Fletcher
widow of Silas Fletcher & forwarded to him the
Pension certificate of Silas Fletcher himself & also
the Marriage certificate between the said Silas &
his wife and I furnished also proof of the
death of Silas. The papers were acknowledged
and by the court & the affidavits proves the
death of Silas were returned to me to have them
certified to  a prescribed from & mailed
This I had done at once & returned them to
the Court. I had understand that this attestation 
was all that was wanting to the allowance
of the pension
Since then, though I have several times
written I have not been able to receive
any further communication on the subject.
I am respectfully
Your obt sevt
Walker Anderson
Page 43

Pensacta Sept 27th 1881
To the Commissioner
of Pensions Washington
Sir
In the month of April last I
forwarded to you the testimony establishing
the right of Avice Fletcher widow of
Silas Fletcher to a pension, authenticated
in the mode you directed. you had informed
me in your letter that this authentication 
was all that was wanting to her case.
As this lady is very aged and in great
need and may I ask your early attention
to her claim
I am Sir, respectfully
your obt servt
Walker Anderson
Page 44

Pensacola Oct 26th 1850
To
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Sir,
In your last letter on the subject of
the claim of Avice Fletcher as the widows
of Silas Fletcher, you directed that evidence
and should be exhibited of the date of
Silas Fletcher's death
I send herewith the testimony of
to witnesses upon that point
When the pension is allowed it is
the desire of Mrs Fletcher to have it
payable at the agency in this city
I return the pension certificate of
Silas Fletcher
I am Sir, respectfully
Your obt and
Walker Anderson
Page 45

Walker Anderson June 5/50

Walker Anderson Esq
Pensacola, Florida
Page 46

Pension Office  100
June 5th 1850
Sir,
The application of Avis Fletcher
widow of Silas Fletcher, for the
benefit of the act of July 29, 1848 has
has examined and filed. The proof
that she was married before 1800
is satisfactory; but the the date of
Silas Fletcher death is not established 
as required by the Rules. The
affidavit of the minister who performed
formed the funeral obsequies 
or the coffinmaker who made
the coffin, & the testimony of
respectable and credible person
who witnessed the interment
would be deemed sufficient
The Pension certificate of Silas
Fletcher is herein the returned.
his pension was not paid to the [illegible]
of his death, the amount due to him
was paid to his widow through at the
office of the Third Auditor of the Treasury
in presenting that proof as
an required by the instruction
Page 47

Payments to be made at New York

by Pres. U.S.B. B.
Agent for paying Pensionors
in the Agency of

New York

Recorded in the Pension 
Office, in Book C. Vol. 4
Page 18 by G.C. Stiles
Clerk
Page 48

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States
of the 7th June, 1832, Silas Fletcher
of the State of New York
who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army
is entitled to receive Thirty Three - dollars and
Thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually on the
4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this 20th day of
May one thousand
eight hundred and thirty three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.
Examined and
Countersigned.}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 49

Mechanics Bank
Sir
New York 19th May 1836
I enclose for your examination the papers in the case
of Silas Fletcher a Private at $33.33 per Annum Under the
act of 7th June 1832, who resides at Indian Key East
Florida, and who has applied in person for his pension
from the 4th of March 1831,
Mr Fletcher moved to Indian Key in January
1833, previous to his pension certificate being issued, that
soon after he received his certificate, he executed a power
of Attorney in favor of John Lewis of this City, in
order to draw his pension, but it was informal and
rejected, the original Certificate was also forwarded to
Lewis with the power, and has remained in his possession
until this time, which has prevented the pensioner from executing
other powers of attorney,
Mr Fletcher place of residence not being
upon our Books, his name was inserted in the List made at
this Bank for the Albany Agency, will you be pleased to
retransfer his name to the roll of this Agency
I am my Respectfully

Your Obt Sert
Jno Fleming President pens agy
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 50

Pensacola January 23 1850
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Sir
I send enclosed the application
& affidavit of Avis Fletcher the 
widow of Silas Fletcher, a revolutionary
pensioner to obtain the benefit
of the act of July 29th 1848
Beside her affidavit I send the
magistrates certificate of her mar
riage and the pension certificate of
her deceased husband
The very advanced age of the
applicant + her infirmities render
this a case worthy of the [illegible due fold]
sible attention in your office
I am Sir respectfully
Your obt servt
Walker Anderson
Page 51

Application of
Silas Fletcher
for a pension-
18303
admd
One pre
$3.33
Page 52

I, Abraham Aston Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
of the City and County of New York do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
in the said Court in the matter of the application 
of Silas Fletcher for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand, and the Seal of the said Court the
day of September in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Abm Asten Clerk
the Court of Com Pleas of the City
County of New York
Page 53

State of Vermont
Rutland County John Howe Esquire
of Poultney in said County of Rutland
doth on his oath dispose and say that in
the year A.D. 1779 or 1780 he was
acquainted with one Silas Fletcher
who at the above mentioned time resided
in said Paultney; that the said Fletcher enlisted
as Soldier in the revolutionary war
In Colonel Ebenezer Allen's regiment.
that he and Captain Parmely Allen's Company
and this deponent further States
at the same time served as a fellow
soldier with the said Silas Fletcher in
said company during a term of more than
eight months and further this
deponent saith not John Have
Subscribed and
Sworn to before me
this 2d day of May 1831
James S. Carres Justice of the
Peace
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with
the above named John Hawes
and that he is a creditable witness-
James S. Harris Justice of the Peace
Page 54

State of Vermont
Rutland County
Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County
Court for the County of Rutland
do certify that James S. Harris
is a Justice of the peace for
said County duly commission
and that the foregoing signature
is his proper handwriting
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said Court
at Rutland this 4th day of May 1881
Pierpoint
Page 55

State of New York
Washington County
Jeremiah Adams of the
town of Whitehall in the County
of Washington and State of New York
being duly sworn says about the year of our
Lord one thousand six hundred and seventy-nine
or eighty this deponent was acquainted with
Silas Fletcher who then resided in the
town of Poultney in the State of Vermont
And this deponent further saith that said
Fletcher and Isaac Aldin Colleton
in said State of Vermont and enlisted as
service in the Army of the revolutionary war
Col Alliins regiment and last Allens company
as this deponent was informed and believes
true that a short time after this deponent
saw his brother and said Fletcher at Littleton
they were then in the uniform of Soldiers
and act as such and this deponent has no
doubt but that they were soldier this depo-
ents brother was gone from home about
one year and this deponent understood
that said Fletcher was with his brother
during the time and verally believes that it
was so saw said Fletcher after his return
all which are true calling to
the best of this deponent's recollection and
belief and further saith not
Subscribed & sworn this
23d day of March 1831
Jeremiah Adams
before me Wm H. Parker Supreme Court
Commissioner
Page 56

Copy of a Letter from
John M. Lewis Esq
New York
May 24, 1833
Page 57

New York City
May 24, 1833
my dear Sir
have pension certificate is enclosed
your letter of the 24 April has been duly rec'd
I have applied to the officer of pensions
in the City of New York who considers the
power of Attorney which you have given
me insufficient now forward you
a new power to enable me to receive your
pension. You will please swear and
acknowledge this paper before the Clerk of
your County, if there be one-- if not
before your nearest notary public
shall request you to fill out the blanks
in what company and regiment, you served
be careful that everything is done correctly or
we may be months before your money and
be obtained
I shall forward you a draft for the amount
and negotiate with the war department
for the transfer of your certificate to Charleston
the mean time it must be paid here
Do this immediately, and
return me hath the power
Your friend
Signed John M. Lewis
23 Nassau Street
of all & your certificate
Munro County
I Henry Waterhouse, a
Justice of the peace for said Territory & County duly commissioned
 and Sworn do hereby certify that the
Page 58

annexed letter from John Lewis of No 23 Masson
Street in the City of New York, and addressed to
Silas Fletcher
 of this Territory and County is a true
of the Original as examined by me in Witness
whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name as
Justice of said Territory & County this Sixteenth
day of August One thousand Eight hundred and thirty
Henry S. Waterhouse
J.P.
Page 59

State of Texas
Be it known, that before me
County of Leon Alfred S Gardner Chief Justice
in and for the County aforesaid duly
authorized by law to administer oaths, 
personally appeared Andrew Lester and Reuben B best both
of the aforesaid County & State and to me well
known, who being by me first sworn according 
to law solemnly deposed and says that they were
well acquainted with his Fletcher (widow of Silas
Fletcher, since her Arial in the State of Texas, from
the State of Florida, and they further deposed and say
that they never knew or heard of her being married
to any person since the death of her aforesaid 
 her and Silas Fletcher, and that she remained a widow
up to the time of her death which occurred on 
twenty ninth day of July AD Eighteen Hundred
fifty-two
in the aforesaid County of Leon
and State of Texas and left William H Fletcher
as the only surviving son, and descendent of 
said Silas and Avis Fletcher, as within the knowledge of said affiants
Andrew Jessey
Reuben P. Vest
Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty
Eight day of August Eighteen Hundred and fifty
four, in open Court in the Town of Centreville
County of Leon State of Texas. In testimony
whereof I hereunto set my hand, and cause the
Seal of our said County Court to be affixed hereto
As Gardner
Chief Justice &
Ex Officio Judge of Probate Court
Son
Attest
John H Potts
Clerk Co 6th
Zion Co
Page 60


Suspended duty
Pension Claim
Act of
Avis Fletcher dec
widow of Silas of Ala.
Filed by W. Anderson Esq
of Pensacola Fla. in 1852
Power of Attorney
to examine claim
Col Anderson
3608
Chas. C. Tucker
Atty
Present
Page 61

Suspended Revolutionary
Pension Claim
Act of
Avis Fletcher dec
widow of Silas of Ala.
filed by W. Anderson esq
of Pensacola Fla. in 1852
Power of Attorney
to examine claim
Col Anderson
Chas. C. Tucker
Atty
Present
Page 62

State of Texas
Know all men by these presents: That
County of Leon
I William H Fletcher of Leon County
State of Texas, son of Silas and his
Fletcher do irrevocably constitute and appoint Charles
Tucker of Washington City D.C. my true and lawful
 agent and Attorney to prosecute the claim of Avis
Fletcher decd for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or
increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the act of
or any other act or
Resolution of Congress, and I hereby authorize my said
Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation
to said Claim on file in the Department at Washington
City, or elsewhere to file additional evidence or arguments,
and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said
Claims, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him
for the purposes herein expressed. and to do all things
that I might or could do, were I personally present. Hereby
ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may
lawfully do in the premises, and revoking all former
Power of Attorney - Witness my hand and seal this
Eleventh day of November A D 1853
Wm. H. Fletcher
In presence of
The Mortimer
Middleton
no
State of Texas. On this Eleventh Day of
November AD
Leon County 1853 before me a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County and State above
mentioned personally appeared William H Fletcher and
acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act
and deed for the purpose therein mentioned
William Keigwin
Justice of the Peace Leon Co
State of Texas
Leon County
On this Eleventh Day of November A D 1853
before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace
Page 63

Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally
appeared William H Fletcher, a resident of said County made
and oath according to law that he is the identical William
Fletcher who executed the foregoing power of
Attorney, and that he is directly interested in said claim the
and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional
 evidence or arguments as my said Attorney 
may use in prosecuting said claims
Wm. H. Fletcher
Sworn to and subscribed
before me the day and year
above written
William Keigwin
Justice of the Peace Leon
State of Texas
I John H Potts Clerk of the County
County of Zion
Court for the County of Leon in State of
Texas do hereby certify that William
Rigin Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit and
acknowledgment was made and who has thereunto
signed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice
of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid
duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official
acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and
that his signature thereto is genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
signed my name and affixed my officed
seal this Eleventh Day of November AD
1853. In office at the Town of Centreville
 County & State aforesaid
John W Potts Clerk C C Leon Co
Page 64

Supreme Court
John Vanderbelt
John Hare
Witnesses
Silas Fletcher
Affidavits
Page 65

State of New York
Richmond County
Ramond
County Ss. Silas
Fletcher now a prisoner in custody of the sheriff
 of the County of Richmond, being duly sworn
saith, that he this deponent is the person named
and referred to in the affidavit hereto
annexed mentioned and referred to as he verily
believes; And this deponent further saith, that
sometime in the year of 1778-1779 or 1780, he this
deponent enlisted as a solder in the militia
of the State of March, in Col. Ebenezer
Allen's Regiment, and that he this deponent
actually served as a soldier in the militia
of said State for the space of eight months
during the war of the revolution, and
was regularly discharged from the same
on the expiration of the term of his
enlistment
Sworn this 28th day
of March A.D. 1831.
Silas Fletcher
before me
Jacob Tysen First Judge
Page 66

Comanche Texas
Jan. 12, 1937.
Commisioner of Pensions,
Washington D.D.
Dear Sir
Please send me any record
or history of Silas Fletcher.
He was born July 20, 1762
in Concord Mass. and was a
"Green Mountain boy in
Vermont during the
American Revolution, But
did he fight in the war.
Respectfully yours
Mrs. W.H. Durham
Comanche, Texas.
of Durham Bros.