Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9486, for Jonathan Shepherd, New Hampshire
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(3--1776)

SERVICE
N.H. [New Hampshire]

Shepherd, Jonathan, 3rd.

NUMBER
R. 9486

CONTENTS
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S Lawrence
Moira NY
Recd [Received] March 24th 1834
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State of New York
Franklin County ss.
Be it known that before me Sidney Lawrence a Justice of the Peace in & for said County personally appeared Arunah M. Shepherd who being duly sworn according to Law deposed & said that he is one of the surviving Children of Jonathan Shepherd who was a revolutionary soldier and applied for a pension as near as deponant can recollect several years before his death & that deponent supposes his papers are on file in the pension office which will show the date of his application & the case more fully than deponent can do. Deponent further states that sd Jonathan Shepherd died at the house of deponent on the 17th day of December 1844. That he left no widow surviving him, his only wife, deponents mother, died also at deponents house on or about the 1st of Oct 1842 and that said Jonathan Shepherd left him surviving the following named children Viz Arunah M. Shepherd (deponant) Ester A. Taylor, Hannah Wright, Clarinda Doe & Matilda Stafford. Deponent always understood from his Father
that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary army & further saith not. 
[signature] Aruna M. Shepard
Sworn & subscribed before me this 17 day of March 1854.
[signature] Sidney Lawrence Justice Peace
#Do2
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State of New York
Franklin County County[sic] ss.
I, Francis D. Flanders, Clerks [sic] of said Court, do hereby certify that satisfactory proof has been made in this Court that Jonathan Shepherd, who is described in the annexed affidavit, died on the 17th day of December, 1844, and that he left no widow surviving him, but left the following named children only, who still survive him viz Arunah M. Shepherd, Esther A. Taylor, Hannah Wright, Clarinda Doe & Matilda Stafford.

Witness my hand and the seal of said Court this 18th day of March, 1854.
[signature] F. D. Flanders, Clerk
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State of New York
COUNTY OF Franklin ss.

It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me the Clerk of the said County and of the Courts held therein being Courts of Record 
that Jonathan Shepherd who as is reputed was a Revolutionary Soldier of the United States died on the Seventeenth day of December eighteen hundred and forty four. leaving surviving no widow
and that he left surviving him Aruna M. Shepard,  Esther Taylor, Matilda Stafford, Clarinda Doe, Hannah Wright the only surviving children of the aforesaid deceased.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this Twelfth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
[signature] F D Flanders, Clerk
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State of New York
County of Franklin ss.
On this 13th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the said County of Franklin now sitting Jonathan Shepherd 3d a resident of Chateaugay in said County of Franklin State of New York, aged Sixty Eight years and about Six months, who being first duly sworn according to Laws, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the Service of the United States
in the New Hampshire Line, was drafted for three months commencing in the month of May 1779. He then resided in the town of Alstead in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire.
He served the three months under the command
of Capt Amos Shepherd, Lieut Reuben Hatch and Ensign Kingsbury. They were called out on what was then called an alarm and were marched to the State of Massachusetts do not recollect the towns they marched through, were not attached to any larger Divission of Troops being young at the time did not know to what Regiment Brigade or divission his company belonged at the end of their term. They were marched to Alstead aforesaid and there discharged. Did not receive any written discharge; his Company was employed in repelling the indians and tories during said three months.
He was drafted again in the month of May 1780 and continued in service three months.
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was stationed in and near the neighborhoods of Alstead aforesaid were commanded by the same officers as before, was employed as before in repelling the Indians and Tories and discharged at the end of the three months at said town of Alstead. Was not attached to any other troops during that term, received no written discharge.
That he volunteered and enlisted in the month of April 1781 in a company of Rangers belonging as he believes to the New Hampshire Line under the command of Capt Ebenezer Kingsbury, Lieut Phineas Hatch and Ensign Kingsbury. Was ordered for Pitsford in the State of Vermont. Halted at Rutland when his company was divided
and he marched under the command of his Lieut to Pitsford when they continued to keep garrison till the expiration of six months when they were marched back to Alstead and discharged. Had no written discharge, does not know whether his company belonged to the New Hampshire or Continental line but thinks the former. Was called the Hampshire Rangers.
Was armed with arms said to have been brought over by La Faite. [Lafayette]
Was born in the year 1764 on the 23 day of April
east Hartford, County of Hartford State of Connecticut and believes his birth is there Recorded.
Has no documentary evidence and knows of no person who can testify to his Service.
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Resided with his father at Alstad aforesaid at the close of the Revolution. Removed from there to Tinmouth in the State of Vermont and then about eighteen months, moved to Alburgh in Vermont. Staid there about ten months and returned to Tinmouth aforesaid, resided there about five years and then moved to New Huntington in Vermont Chittenden County. Resided there about five years and moved to Williston State & County last mentioned, Resided there about three years, & moved to Alburgh aforesaid. Resided there about three years and moved to Chateaugay County of Franklin State of New York. Resided there about three years and moved to Peru Clinton County State of New York. Resided there about twenty four years and removed to Chateaugay aforesaid where he has continued to reside till this time he refers to Isaiah Thayer & Aaron Beman.
He hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any State.
[signature] Jona Shephard 3rd
Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
[signature] Saml S. Clark Clk

We Isreal Thayer and Beeman Jr residing in the town of Chateaugay County of Franklin and State of New York, Hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Shepherd who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be about Sixty Eight years of age, that he is reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
[signature] Aaron Beman
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Israel Thayer

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
[signature] Saml S. Clark Clk
N. B. On the 1st Page the words" November of the same year" erased, on the 2nd page the word "he" and the words "in the year 1764 on the 23d day of April" interlined and the word "Pittsford" erased and on the last page the word "moved" and the word "Peru" written partly on an erasure.
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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 certify, that
it appears to them that Israel Thayer and Aaron Beeman who have signed the preceeding certificate are residents in the Town of Chateaugay in the County of Franklin aforesaid, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I John H Russell Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Franklin do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Shepherd for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this Seventeenth day of October, one thousand eight
hundred and thirty two.
[signature] John H Russell Dep. Clerk

Jonathan Shepherd
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I Hannah Jenkins of Fort Covington in the County of Franklin and State of New York, Do certify that for more than twenty years I have been acquainted with Jonathan Shepherd 3d who subscribed the declaration hereunto attached. That he is about seventy years of age that he is reputed and ever has been reputed by those who have been acquainted with him, to have been a Souldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion.
[signature]
Subscribed and sworn to on the 5th June 1833. before me
[signature] Samuel H Payne
Justice of the peace

I Phillip Bryant of Chateaugay in the County of Franklin and State of New York, Do certify that for Twenty years I have been acquainted with Jonathan Shepherd 3d the person who has subscribed the declaration hereunto attached, that I do believe him to be about seventy years of age, that he is reputed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution. That I concur in that opinion and that there is no Clergyman in the Town where the said Jonathan now resides.
[signature] Philip Bryant
Subscribed & sworn to on the 5th day of June 1833. before me 
{signature] Samuel H Payne
Justice of the peace
over
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I certify that I am personally acquainted with Hannah Jenkins and Phillip Bryant, the persons who have subscribed the within certificate and that they are persons of credibility.
Fort Covington 5th June 1833.
[signature] S. H. Payne
Justice of the peace

State of New York 
Franklin County ss.
I, John H. Russell Deputy Clerk of the County of Franklin aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Samuel H. Payne whose name is subscribed to the above certificate, and before whom the within affidavits of Hannah B. Jenkins and Philip Bryant purport to
have been taken, was on the fifth day of June AD 1833 and now is a Justice of the Peace in for the said County of Franklin duly appointed and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signatures to the above certificate and the within affidavits above mentioned are the proper hand writing of the said Justice and genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County the 10th day of June AD 1833.
[signature] John H. Russell Dep Clerk
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State of New York
Franklin County ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned Judge of Franklin County Common Plea Court Jonathan Shepherd 3. Who being duly sworn deposes and says that he is the identical Jonathan Shepherd named in the declaration made by him before the Court of the County aforesaid on the 12th day of October 1832, for the purpose obtaining a pension under the act of Congress passed 7th of June 1832, and this deponant further says That the Colonel under whom he served during the first three months of the service set forth in the declaration aforesaid which is herein attached was a man of the name of Weber of Walpole Cheshire County in the State of New Hampshire. This deponent thinks Colonel Webers Christian name was Samuel but is not positive. The next three months mentioned
in said declaration this deponent served
under Colonel Benjamin Bellows of Walpole
aforesaid and during that part of the six months
Service mentioned in said declaration which he
served at Pittsford in the State of Vermont, he
was under the command of Colonel Isaac
Clark. This deponent thinks Colonel Clark was a 
Vermont officer but does not know. This deponant never saw him untill his company was
marched to Pittsford in Vermont.
This deponant further says that the whole term of service stated in the Declaration amounting in all to twelve months he was on actual duty as a (over)
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Souldier being either on the march, in the fields or keeping Garrison at Pittsford aforesaid, and was not employed in any civil pursuits. That during the whole time he did duty he acted under the authority of the State of New Hampshire as he verily believes. This deponent further says that he has written to Alstead aforesaid mentioned in his declaration and has been informed in answer that all his old acquaintance were is ther dead or had left that part of the country.
This deponent further says that he is unable to procure any living witness of his services.
Sworn and subscribed before me on the 6th day of Feby 1834.
[signature] Jona Shepherd

Sidney Lawrence Judge of Franklin County Courts

State of New York 
Franklin County ss.
I, John H. Russell Deputy Clerk of the County of Franklin do hereby certify that Sidney Lawrence before whom the foregoing affidavit of Jonathan Shepherd 3d purports to have been taken and whose name is subscribed to the above certificate of the taking of the same; was on the day of the date of the said Certificate a Judge of Franklin County Courts duly commissioned and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of
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the said Judge, and verily believe that the said Signature subscribed to the said above certificate is the proper hand writing of the said Judge and genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the 7th day of February AD 1834.
[signature] John H Russell Dep. Clerk
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March 31
New York

Jonathan Shepherd

Fort Covington
21st March 1834   Free

Honorable J. L. Edwards
Pension Office. Washington D. C.
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Fort Covington 21st March 1834
Sir
I have yours of the 10th Inst on the subject of the pension papers of Jonathan Shepherd 3d.
You say the Service Declared for in the Corps of Rangers is not supported by any evidence in the Department, that the Rolls and papers of that  Corps are at the Department and that name of the applicant is not then found &c &c.
If I recollect the old gentleman Stated distinctly  that he did not know to what Corps he belonged. That they were never embodied with a larger number than one company. That they were called Rangers.
I am informed by my mother (who Resided in Vermont at the time of Burgoins [Burgoynes]
invasion), that all the militia who were called out on this kind of duty of which Mr S. speaks viz going from place to place to repel the Indians
and Tories were in the habit of calling themselves
Rangers. My mother says she had two brothers 
who were out twice for Two or three months at each time and that they were called Rangers.
If this was the practice in Vermont it is probable it also prevailed in N. H. and it is not strange that the boy (who unless he has retrograded much in
mental ability was not very intelligent) should fall
into the error of supposing that the proper appelation for his Corps, when in fact they were in no way connected with the corps properly called Rangers.
Mr. S. resides about thirty miles from me. I cannot make further inquiry of him at present. It  was matter of accident that I had any thing to do with making and presenting his papers, but I now recollect he told me at the time, that he was drafted twice and when a third draft came his mother who was a widow told him to go and volunteer. That he did so and was mustered with others who had volunteered for a six months service and marched to Vermont.
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This shows that the boy was under a wrong impression as to the proper name of the corps to which he belonged. Again you say, "It does not
appear that Col. Bellows Regiment were in service so late as alleged in this case.
Here again I think the boy fell into the error of mistaking his local Co. for the Col under which he performed the service, it is highly probable that Col Bs Regt furnished a company or a part of a company other Regts the same untill the required compliment was obtained and those Cos when made out and embodied on paper would appear on the books at the War office as under the command of some Col Situated from a Brigs or division for that purpose in which case it would be very natural for an ignorant boy to suppose he was all the time under his Local Col especially as they were not embodied with any other Company and his own Col frequently appearing on parade or perhaps some times joining them for a short time.
I know of Such Instances in the late war.
Lastly you say " In order to a favorable decision, the claim should be supported by some proof. I am not a lawyer but supposed from reading the law that in the absence of all written or living witness or evidence, the Aft of the Declarent together with the traditionary evidence would be called proof.
It appears to me there is an abundance of this kind of proof accompanying the papers of Mr. S. 
I am satisfied from what Mr. S. told me that he
cannot procure any further or living evidence, he says there is two or three hundred dollars left him and his younger sister by a relative (Genl L Shepherd) who died at Alstead a few years since, which they cannot get without a suit in Chancery, as they are unable to identify themselves as General Shepherds heirs.
I am very little acquainted with the old man but am told by his neighbors he is a verry poor and 
verry honest old man. I will give the Language of 
one of his neighbors. Aaron Buman who is Sheriff
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of this County (and I think one of the men who certifies as Mr S. being reputed a soldier of the Revolution) on my inquiring of Mr Beman, he said, there is no doubt that the old man served every day he says he has for old Jock Shepherd would sooner beg than lie.
There is a simplicity in the old mans Story and a caution in his affidavit which does away any doubt in my mind.
I am aware Sir of the Responsibility of your situation and can redily perceive the necessity of great caution on your part to prevent pranks on the Government, but I am confident that granting this man a pension for the few days he will live will be an act of justice.
If it is not laxing your goodness to largely I would request that you refer to those papers once more together with the explanations contained in this letter and write me again before I send the old man your Ultimatum.
Verry respectfully Yours
[signature] S. H. Payne

Honorable J. L. Edwards

P.S. In your letter the name Bellows is written
Bedlows, perhaps some error has arrison from the Cols name not being distinctly written in the papers of Mr S.
Address S. H. Payne, Fort Covington
Franklin Coy N York
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Octob 28 1833
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. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will by compling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

Statement, shewing the Service of Jonathan Shepherd 3d
| Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. | Years. | Months. | Days. |Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported. |
| 1779 May - [illegible] | 3 [mos] | Private | Capt Shepherd / Col Weber | 18 years N. Hampshire | [blank] |
| May 1780 drafted | [3 mos ] | [Private] | Col Bellows | [blank] | [blank] |
| 1781 | 6 [mos] | [Private] | Kingsbury / Col Clark | | [blank] | [blank] |

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
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, mucicians 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 [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being 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, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] 
and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] 
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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alleged service, as they are known at the  Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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? 
6. 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 the 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 inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequence 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 [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days I served as a [blank], For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase 'about three or four months' is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers like 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 fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be 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, 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 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,
Page 23


State of New York
Town of Fort Covington
County Franklin ss. 
Personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of Franklin County Courts Elisha Shepherd of Berkshire County of Franklin and State of Vermont who being by me duly sworn deposes and says he is a younger brother of Jonathan Shepherd 3d now a resident of Chateaugay State and County first above written and as this deponent is informed an applicant for a pension.
That during the Revolutionary war this deponant and his brother Jonathan above mentioned resided in the town of Alstead County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire. This deponant has a perfect recollection that his brother Jonathan above mentioned was frequently out as an America soldier as a volunteer and on draft for service months at a time but this deponant is unable say what amount of time the said Jonathan served in all.
[signature] Elisha Shepard
Subscribed and sworn to on the 12th day of February 1835
before me at Fort Covington
Roswell Bates A Judge of Franklin County Courts

State of New York
Franklin County ss.
I U. D. Meeker Clerk of Franklin County and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Roswell Bates, is a Judge of said County duly commissioned and  sworn, that his commission is dated on the 6th day of February 1834, that he was appointed for the term limited by the Constitution and Laws of said State and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said County this 8th day of March 1835.
U. D. Meeker Clerk
Page 24

I certify that Elisha Shepard who has subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit it is a credible person and his statement entitled to credit.
[signature] Roswell Bates Judge of Frank. County
Courts
State of
Page 25

August 18, 1939
JONATHAN SHEPHERD, 3RD
R. 9486
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. L. Lee Dunlap
80 Ottawa Drive
Pontiac, Michigan
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you acknowledge receipt of the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Marvin and request, further, the record of Jonathan Shepherd, 3rd (R. 9486), who served in the Revolutionary War from New Hampshire and applied for pension while living in Chateaugay, New York.
Jonathan Shepherd, 3rd (as he signed) was born April 23, 1764. in East Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not shown. He was referred to in the claim as Jock Shepherd, also.
At the close of the Revolution, Jonathan Shepherd, 3rd, was residing with his father in Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, but moved from there, date not stated, to Tinmouth, Vermont, where he lived about eighteen months, then to Alburgh, Vermont, for ten months, then moved back to Tinmouth where he remained about five years; from there he moved to New Huntington, Chittenden County, Vermont, which was his place of residence about five years, then
moved to Williston, same county, where he lived about three years; from there to Alburgh, Vermont, for three years, then to Chateaugay, Franklin County, New York, where he remained about three years; from there to Peru, Clinton County, New York, for twenty-four years, then again to Chateaugay, New York.
While a resident of Chateaugay, Franklin County, New York, Jonathan Shepherd, 3rd, applied October 12, 1832, for pension which might have been due on account of his service in the Revolutionary War, and alleged that while he was living with his father in Alstead, New Hampshire, he enlisted in May, 1779, and served three months as private in Captain Amos Shepherd's company (relationship not shown), Colonel Samuel Weber's New Hampshire regiment, engaged in repelling
Page 26

Tories and Indians; that he enlisted again in May, 1780, and served a tour of three months as private in Captain Amos Shepherd's company, Colonel Benjamin Bellows' New Hampshire regiment, engaged in the same kind of service as his first tour; that his mother, then a widow, pursuaded him to volunteer in April, 1781, and  that he served a tour of six months as private in Captain Ebenezer Kingsbury's company of rangers, Colonel Isaac Clark's regiment.
The soldier's claim for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service in accordance with the requirements of the pension law.
The soldier's wife, whose name was not given, died about October 1, 1842, in Chateaugay, New York.
Jonathan Shepherd, 3rd, died December 17, 1844, survived by children named as follows:
Aruna M. Shepherd, a son, age not given at whose home in Chateaugay, New York, both soldier and his wife died, and in 1852 was still living in Chateaugay.
Esther A. Taylor, age, place of residence, or given name of husband not given. [all blank]
Matilda Stafford, [same stats as above]
Clarinda Doe, [same stats as above]
Hannah Wright, [same stats as above]
Soldier's younger brother, who signed Elisha Shepard was residing in Berkshire, Franklin County, Vermont, in 1835, his age not stated. Reference was made to a younger sister of the soldier, Jonathan Shepherd, 3rd, but her name is not shown, also to a relative, General L. Shepherd, who died in Alstead, New Hampshire, several years prior to 1834.
One H. Doe acted as witness to the signature of soldier's son, Aruna M. Shepard, in 1854, in Franklin County, New York; his relationship to Clarinda Doe, daughter of the soldier, was not stated.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
- 2 -
Page 27

Examd with orig. Rolls.
Aug 1854 CLP.
1939 Aug 18 - Hist to Mrs L Lee Dunlap MRB

REJECTED
9486
Jonathan Shepherd
1852 Printed Hist of Rejected & Suspended claims shows following cause of suspension:
"Suspended for further proof & specification
[card is blank except for pensioners name]
Page 28

Let to Hon J. Russell, Dec. 19, '46

New York
Act 7 June 1832
Jonathan Shepherd 3rd
Suspended
See letter to S. H. Payne Apl 22 '34
do 19 June
[illegible] did not draw

returned E. B. Smith's letter to Hon J. Russell H R. Jan 2 1847
Page 29

I will thank Mr Edwards to communicate to me on the subject refered to in the accompanying
letter after having reviewed the papers in connection with the affidavit herewith sent.
R. H. Gillet
H. R.
Jay 10 1835
Page 30

[illegible - cut off]
July 5/54
Page 31

Pension Office
July 5. 1854
The additional certificate of the Secretary of State of Vermont, filed in support of the claim of Jonathan Shepherd, deceased, of N. York, has been examined.
This certificate, while it shows that a man of the name served as much as six months, gives the names of the officers from Colonel to Corporal, and the claimant also gave the names of his officers of all grades; but neither of them is the same.
It is true that Shepherd stated that he served under a different Colonel after his arrival at garrison, but he also stated that he remained under his old Lieutenant. Not one of his Colonels is the same as mentioned in the certificate. I am constrained to conclude that the claimant is not
identified with the service certified.
A. H. Markland Esq.
Present
Page 32

Cole

A. H. Markland
Recd July 3d 1854
Page 33

STATE OF VERMONT,
Secretary of State's Office,
Montpelier, June 22' 1854
I hereby certify that there is on file in this Office "A payroll of Capt James Brookins Company of Infantry in Col Samuel Fletcher's Battalion in the service of this State A. D. 1781" on which Roll, after the names of "J.S Brookins Capt., Elias Hall, David Powers Lieuts, Alpheus Hall, Eleazer Marble, Elisha Smith, Salmon Cogsell, Sergt. Jeremiah Dewey, Fifer, Martin Adams Drummer, Oliver Wright, Timo Clark, Solas Brookins, Isaac Grant Corporals", occurs the name of Jona. Shepard with an allowance for 136 days service.  "commenced July 1. Ending Dec. 15th"
Also a
"Pay Roll of Capt. Ichabod Robinson's company of Militia in Clarendon in the State of Vermont for the year 1780" on which roll, after the names of Ichabod Robinson Capt., James Spooner Lt., Levi Colvin En., Silas Whitney clerk, James Rounds, Nathan Rice, Tho Pell ,Peter Tarbox, Sergts Eben Carley, Peter Powers, Stephen Robinson, Capts, there occurs among the privates the name of Jona. Shepard, with an allowance for 10 days service.
Also
"True List (of names and sums of) Capt James Brookins Pay Roll of himself and company in the service of the State of Vermont from the beginning of the campaign 1781 to the 30th day of June in said year, inclusive, taken from the original Voucher in the Pay-Mas office" on which roll, after the names of James Brookin, Capt. Elias Hall, David Powers Lieuts, Alpheus Hall, Eleazer Marble, Elisha Smith, Salmon Cogsell, Sergts.  Oliver Wright, Silas Brookins,
over
Page 34

Isaac Grant, Timo Clark, Corporals. There occurs among the privates the name of Jona. Shepard with an allowance of pay of L4.0.0.

Given under my hand and the Seal of this office this 22 day of June A. D. 1854.
[signature] Daniel P Thompson
Secretary of State
Page 35

Certif showing that Cheshire Co. N. H. was considered as part of Vt in 1781.

addl case of
Jonathan Shepherd
NY 1832 Susp

A H Markland
Recd May 26th 1854
Page 36

State of Vermont
Sec. of States Office
Montpelier, Apr. 15th 1854
I hereby certify that it appears from the files and records in this office that a majority of the inhabitants of Cheshire County, were, in 1781, in favor of a union with the State of Vermont, and that many of the people of Vermont, claimed the said Cheshire County as belonging to the said State of Vermont.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this 15th day of April, A. D. 1854.
[signature] Geo. R. Thompson
Dep. Sec. of State

In Apl (12th) 1781 the Legislature of Vt provided for raising troops (310 men from the territory East & west of the Ct River confirmed by the Council in June Book marked & Mass & R. I. Miscel's or Capt Brookins &c commanded [illegible] of the troops at either Castleton or Pittsford 3 N. J. Miscells Rolls.  These troops were raised some on  [illegible [illegible] Feb [illegible] service continued under the [illegible] 81

[side] Jonathan Shepherd [illegible] the declaration in the [illegible] New Hampshire for [illegible] Archives
Page 37

Pension Office
Jany 19. 1854
Sir
The additional proof in support of the claim of Jonathan Shepherd 3d, deceased, of N. Y. under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined.
The service certified by the of State of Vermont, was rendered in that State and under its authority. The names of the officers mentioned in this certificate are not the same, in any instance, as those under whom the claimant declared he had served. He declared and his brother Elisha testified that he resided during the whole war in Alstead, Cheshire Co. New Hampshire; and he also declared that during the whole time with the exception of a portion of his last tour of six months, he served among the troops of that state. For the time excepted he stated that he served under a Vermont Colonel as he thought, named Isaac Clark; and that this three months service was under Lieut Phineas Hatch.
Page 38

The Secretary's certificate does not mention either of these names. The only evidence heretofore introduced to prove the alleged service is the testimony of Elisha Shepherd, who stated that Jonathan was frequently out as a soldier for several months at a time. This brother did not serve with the claimant, and therefore could only state the duration of his service from his recollection of the times he was out and  supposed to be in service.
The certificate of the Clerk of Franklin County is not the certificate of a Court of record on evidence submitted to it, nor does it state on what evidence it is based.
A. H. Markland Esq
Present
Page 39

A. H. Markland
Jany 19/54
Page 40

A. H. Markland
Mar 28/54
Page 41

Pension Office
March 28. 1854
Sir
The additional proofs in support of the application of Jonathan Shepherd, 3d decd. of New York, under the act of June 7, 1832. have been examined.
The certificate of the Secretary of State of Vermont now filed describes a services entirely different and under different officers from those mentioned by the claimant in his declaration. There were at least three contemporaries bearing the same name; and this circumstance confirms
the conclusion that the service certified was rendered by another person.
A. H. Markland Esq
Present
Page 42

Pension Office
May 29, 1854
Sir
In the case of Jonathan Shepherd, 3d deceased of New York under the act of June 7, 1832, the certificate of the Secretary of State of Vermont, showing that in 1781 a majority of the inhabitants of Cheshire Co. N. H. were in favor of a union with Vermont, has been filed. It also appears, that on the 12th of April of that year, and subsequently, the Legislature and authorities of Vt took measures for raising men from the territory on the east side of the Connt. River. Also that troops were stationed at Castleton & Pittsford, all in Rutland County at the time that the declarant claimed to have been in service there. The declarant is sustained as to the facts and history of the service, but there is nothing to show that his officers were at Pittsford. There were two or three persons of his name living at that time, and there is no certain proof that he was the person who served 136 days under Capt Brooks, nor is that fact negatived; as he alleged that he went there in a separate command, part
Page 43

of his company, only, having been stationed in garrison at Pittsford under his Lieut. It is pretty clear that the service he alleged in 1780 was not that certified to have been performed at Clarendon. The testimony of his brother Elisha does not fix the duration of his service; and it alone would not be sufficient to establish his service. The service certified, even if the claimant were identified with it, is of too short duration to be pensionable.
A. H. Markland Esq
Present.
Page 44

A. H. Markland
May 29/54
Page 45

A. M. Shepherd
Power of Atty
Page 46

Know all men by these presents that I
Arunah M. Shepherd of Chateaugay Franklin County New York do hereby constitute and appoint Sidney Lawrence my true &  Lawful Attorney for me & in my name to examine into & prosecute all claims I may have for a pension or arrears of Pension due me on account of the
services of my Father Jonathan Shepherd who was a soldier or officer in the revolutionary army hereby revoking all other powers given to any other person to prosecute my claim for a pension on account of my fathers service hereby ratifying & confirming all that my sd Attorney or agent shall lawfully or in the promises given under my hand at Chatteaugay this 20th day of Feb 1854.
[signature] Aruna M Shepard
Page 47

STATE OF VERMONT
Office of the Secretary of State,
Montpelier, February 25th 1854.
I hereby certify that there is on file in this office "A Pay Roll of Capt. James Brookins Company of Infantry, in Col. Samuel Fletcher battalion in the service of this State, A. D. 1781," on which roll occurs the name of "Jona Shephard" with an allowance for 126 days service as a private.
Also a "Pay Roll of Capt. Ichabod Robinson's Company of Militia in Clarendon, in the State of Vermont, for the year 1780" on which roll occurs the name of "Jona Shiphard' with an allowance for nine days service and for seventy miles travel.
Also, a "True list of names and sums of Capt. James Brookins Pay Roll of himself and company in the service of the State of Vermont, from the beginning of the campaign, 1781 to the 30th day of June, in said year, inclusive. Taken from the original voucher in the Paymaster's office, on which roll is the name of Jona. Shephard.
I also certify that the town of Alstead, in the State of New Hampshire, adjoins the State of Vermont.
Given under my hand & the seal of this office, this 25th day of February, A. D. 1834.
[signature] Danl P. Thompson
Secretary of State
per George R. Thompson
Deputy
Page 48

Evidence of Service
& order of court
Jonathan Shepherd
New York 32 Sept

Dodge

A H Markland
Recds Jany 18th 1834
Page 49

Washington 18th 1832,
Hon L P Waldo
I herewith enclose evidence of service and order of Court in case Jonathan Shepherd of New York under act 7th June 1832 [illegible]
I am very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
[signature] A H Markland
Page 50

Hon H. S. Conger
June 19 '48
Page 51

185
Pension Office
June 19 1848
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th hist respecting the case of Jonathan Shepherd and to refer you to the enclosed Copy of my report to Hon J. B Spencer of 22 Sept 1837 for the objections to the admission of his claim.
No additional evidence has been recvd in support of his application since the date of that communication.
The claim of Jane Cerut has been admitted and her Certificates will be forwarded to you in a few days.
H. S. Conger
House Reps
Page 52

Hon H. S. Conger
May 15, 48
Page 53

Pension Office,
May 15, 1848,
Sir
In answer to the enquiry "if any person is drawing, or has drawn a pension for Jonathan Shepherd a Revolutionary soldier, and if so, by whom drawn and the length of time," I have the honor to inform you that Jonathan Shepherd, of New York made application for pension under the act of 7th June 1832 and that his claim is still suspended.
The letter of Mr Banton is herewith returned.
I have the honor
Hon H. S. Conger
H. of R.
Page 54

Hon. J. Russell
Dec. 19, '40
Page 55

Pension office,
Dec. 19, 1846.
Sir,
In relation to the case of Jonathan Shepherd, in which you left some papers at this office. I have the honor to state that it has been the subject of such correspondence and that the objections which exist to its admission have been again and again repeated to the several agents who have had it in charge, without any attempt upon their part, by the introduction of the necessary evidence to remove them. Were it thought at all likely that the claim could now be sustained a detail of these objections would be again given, but as they appear to be well understood by Mr Payne whose letter you enclose, it is not deemed necessary to repeat them. The copy of the declaration asked for by Mr. Smith cannot be furnished consistently with our regulations.
Hon. Joseph Russell
H. R.
Page 56

Hon J. B. Spencer
22d June 1837
O C
Page 57

War Department
Pension Office
Sept. 22d 1837
Sir 
The papers of Jonathan Shepherd whose claim
is referred to in the enclosed letter have again been examined. The claimant States that he was drafted in the month of May 1779 and served  three months in the State of Massachusetts in Captain Amos Shepherds Company Col Webers
New Hampshire Militia; that in 1780 he was drafted, name of his Captain not recollected and served three months in Col Bellows regt and in 1781 Six months at Pittsford Vermont in Capt Kingsburys Company Col Clarks regt. To the first tour it is objected that the applicant was not at that time subject to a draft; being no more than fifteen years of age. To the second that the name of the Captain essential in the investigation is not given; To the third and last that there is no evidence in the Department to justify the belief that there was a company of New Hampshire militia Stationed at Pittsford 1781. It may be added [illegible] that one company only seems to have been deemed sufficient by the state authorities sufficient for the defense at that time of both Pittsford & Castleton.
Page 58

Ogdensburgh April 7. 1835
Dr. Sir.
Your forum of yesterday came to me last night, but not in time be considered by that mail.
I now send you the letter refered to by Mr Edwards. By it you will see the difficulties in detail. As fast as one is removed, another is raised. This seems to have been so with all the cases the last winter. All members that I heard speak on the subject make the same statement. I did not hear of a single certificate being granted last winter, but doubtless there were many, on the contrary, hundreds were recalled.
Your Obt Servt
[signature] R. H. Gillet

S. H. Payne Esq
Page 59

S. H. Payne
21 March '35

O. C.

Recd Vol 33 Page 421.
Page 60

War Dept
Pension off
Mar 35
Sir
The deposition of Elisha Shepherd in support of the claim of his brother Jonathan Shepherd 3rd has been examined. It does not remove the objections communicated in nine of the 17 Jany last to Hon R. H. Gillett to which you are respectfully referred & to which I would add that upon further examination of the records of New Hampshire service it does not appear that the town of Alstead furnished a single man for Militia  duty in 79 & 80 and but 3 for the continental service. No officer of the name of Kingsbury or Hatch appears to have been in service at Pittsford in '87.
act 7 June
S. H. Payne Esq
Fort Covington
N. Y.
Page 61

Hon R H Gillett
17 Jany 1835
O C

Recd Vol 33 Page 331
Page 62

War Dept
Pension off
Jany 35
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Jonathan Shepherd 3rd has been again examined. He alleges that he was drafted May 79. under Capt Shepherd Col. Weber & served 3 mo in Masstts. Drafted again May 80 under Capt
Capt [blank] Col Bellows & served 3 mo at  Pittsford. Enlisted in 81 under Capt Kingsbury  Col Clark in company of Rangers so called & served 6 mo at Pittsford &c. The claimant appears by his declaration to have entered the service under the above officers as a New Hampshire militia man & under New Hampshire authority and it does not appear by the rolls such a service was rendered by any part of the New Hampshire Militia. The service at Castleton & Pittsford and neighboring country at that period of the war consisted of the Vermont men.
Act 7 Jun

Hon R. H. Gillett
Page 63

S. H. Payne
10 March 1834
O. C.
Page 64

War Department
Pension Office
March 10, 1834
Sir
The papers of Jonathan Shepherd have again
been examined. The period declared for in the corps of Rangers is not supported by any evidence in the Department, there on full rolls of officers and men who were in thus description of period, but the applicants name is not found thereon.
It does not appear that Col Bellows regiment was in service for late as alleged in this case. In order to a favorable decision the the claim should be supported by some proof.
The case is suspended and the papers placed on file.

S. H. Payne Esqr
Fort Covington
Franklin Co
New York
Page 65

Jonathan Shepherd
3d N. Y. act June 7, 1832
Rejected a Suspended case

J. D. Woodward Atty
Page 66

Moira N. Y.  Nov 30 1855
Sir,
I hereby appoint J. D Wood ard of Plattsburg NY. my substitute as attorney for Jonathan Shepherd 3d of N. Y. act June 7, 1832, and wish of you
to correspond with in Mr Woodward on the subject.
Respectfully
[signature] Sidney Lawrence

Hon James Minot.
Comr of Pens.
Page 67

Jonathan Shepherd
Sus Act 1832 N York

A H Mackland
Filed by A H Mackland
Page 68

State of New York
County of Franklin ss.
Be it Known, That on this twenty seventh day of December A. D. 1852 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Aruna M. Shepherd resident of Chateaugay in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the legal heir of Jonathan Shepherd was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of [blank].
That he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint C. W. BENNETT, of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of Jonathan Shepherd for 
any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I thereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or 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 for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; 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 and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
[signature] Aruna M. Shepard
Sworn to, Subscribed, and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, I hereby certify that I believe the said Aruna M. Shepherd to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
[signature] Theodorus Douglas Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County of Franklin ss.
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me the Deputy Clerk of the County Court of said County that Arunah M. Shepherd the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney, is the person reputed aforesaid. I further certify that Theodorus Douglas Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this 28th day of December 1852.
[signature] M. D. Meeker Deputy Clerk

1. Claimant's name of names in full. - 2. Post Office address.
3. "That he is the identical man," or, "that she is the widow of the identical man," or "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c., &c.
4. Leave this line blank. - 5. "He is" or "they are."  - 6. Revolutionary soldier's full name. - 7. Claimant's signature. - 8. Claimant's name. - 9. Magistrate's signature.
10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of."  - 11. Magistrate's name." - 12. Clerk's signature.
N. B. -- Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.
Page 69

Virgil N. Y.
May 23

free

Hon. H. S. Conger M. C.
Washington D. C.
Page 70

Honorable H S Conger
Virgil May th 23 1848
Dear sir, by request of Mr Shepherd I shall trouble you with a few lines in regard to Jonathan Shepherd's pension. He wishes to know, why it is still suspended and for what and what is wanting for to draw the of pension and if you think you can obtain it for him and on what conditions please inform him and you will much oblige him.
[signature] Timothy Gre

Wahington June 4, 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq
Your letter of the 15th all in relation to the case of Jonathan Shepherd of N. H. was transmitted to my correspondent but it does not seem to have been sufficiently plain & explicit to put him in possession of the pension condition of the case may therefore [illegible] you to give me a further answer at your earliest convenience.
Yours &c
H. S. Conger
H. of Rep.
Page 71

Fort Covington 5th June 46
Leander Douglast Esqr
Dear Sir
In answer to yours of the 3d Inst I have to say that my old Correspondence have all been thrown away. I cannot find a letter on the subject of Jona Shepards pension. 
The case was this in his papers of application for a pension. He claimed to have done duty in the Hampshire Line on draft. In his aft he was obliged to set forth his age. Two difficulties arose. 1st The rolls of the Hampshire line were all at the war office and his name did not appear. This objection however was not fatal and would have been waived by the Department, but on examining they found by counting back from his given age to the time he dated his service, he would not have of sufficient age to have been liable to draft by the laws of N. H. This was fatal. On inquiry I found from his wife that he was in fact Two years older than he called himself and that instead of doing duty on his own draft he was a substitute for an other who was drafted. I then asked to have to withdraw
Page 72

his papers intending to correct these errors and send up his application again but was answered that the papers could not be withdrawn but that Mr S. might correct any errors which could be corrected consist with his present papers. So I gave it up. I do not know in what way we can come at it but you can try. They are less particular now than then as the number is so much decreased that it is not so burdensome on the Treasury.
If we attempt a new application when will we get the proofs of service identity &c. If we call up the old papers now on file how can we explain those errors without contradicting his first affidavit. Perhaps a traditionary affidavit from those acquainted with him seting forth his being dead, and that he had explained the seeming inconsistency of his former affidavit might obtain pension from the date of his application to the death of the applicant.
My opinion is that our best way is to write to our Member or to Honr P King Member from J. S. to take the trouble of learning at the office whether or not such an explanation will be sufficient to pass the old papers and if not we must abandon it for I cannot see any possible way to get up a new application and
Page 73

The necessary proofs and for this purpose You are at liberty to enclose this letter to Mr King, or Mr Russell with such further suggestions as may occur to you.
Yours Truly
[signature] J. H. Payne
Page 74

[stamp] FORT COVINGTON N. Y.
JUN 6

L. Douglast Esqrs
Atty. at Law
Chateaugay
Page 75

June 16

Fort Covington
10th June 35

Pension Papers &   Free
Honr J. L. Edwards
Pension Office. Washington. D. C.
Page 76

Fort Covington
Franklin Co. S. N. Y. June 10. 1835
Sir, absence from home and sickness prevented my acknowledging the receipt of yours of the 21st March last on the subject of Jonathan Shepherds pension.
Mr Gillet had favored me with yours of the 17th Jany last to which you referred me. I am unable to discover the analogy of the cases of Webster and Shepherd unless I am to understand that the  same rules of evidence are applied to the Hampshire troops as to the Continental line. If so, I regret that your clerks did so over see Mr  Shepards error and apprise him of it.
You say it does not appear from the N. H. records that the town of Alstead furnished a single man for Militia service and but therefor continental service during to the years 79 & 80.
Therefore I suppose it must be taken for granted that Jonathan and Elisha Shepard have sworn falsely and that the traditionary evidence is also false. Now with all due deference to your better judgment I mean he allowed to say that the absence of the record or that it does not show  that Alstead furnished men during those years is a Strong corroboration of the old mans story. It is  hardly possible that a frontier town having 60 or 70 familys should have been able to escape two years without furnishing a single militia man. If they had been disposed to do so and still more improbable that they should wish to do so, it is  this prima facie evidence in my mind that the record is not perfect.
You say no officer of the name of Kingsbury or Hatch appear to have been on duty at Pittsford during the year 80. I dont think the old mans affidavit alleges that they were. Kingsbury & Hatch raised the company and marched from Alstead N. H. to Pittsford Vt. when some of the boys and less hardy men were left while Kingsbury & Hatch with
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the residence were put on some other &  probably a more arduous duty than keeping garrison (again Elisha tells Jonathan he is mistaken in the year) this may be the case and Jonathans Statement time.
Shepherd says a man of the name of Clark commanded at Pittsford he thinks the claim that figured some what in our late war (Genl Clark) I dont know his Christian name nor does Mr Shepard. He was a Vermont man commonly called old Rifle.
I thought at the time of the old gentleman making his affidavit that his story had the simple impression of truth, and that think so still. I fear your apprehensions are so strongly awakened by the late fraud on your department, that you (or your clerks) an over acting on the side of caution and the vilainy of Temple & others will cause some deserving men to fail of receiving their just due. 
I enclose the letter of Mr Gillet simply to shew that I am not singular in my opinion.
I hope you will give this claim one more examination and send the old man his Certificate. If you cannot grant it without further evidence please state all that is now wanting. He has already put much expense and trouble and I am so fully satisfied of the Justice of his claim that I shall follow it up while there is the last chance left for him to succeed.
Yours
[signature] Saml H, Payme

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 78

N. Y. Mar 19
Jonathan Shepherd 3rd

Honr. J. L. Edwards
Pension Office Washington D. C.

I Harrington B [illegible]
9 Mar 1835
Page 79

Fort Covington, Franklin County
S. N. Y 
9th March 1835
Sir
I return the affidavit of Elisha Shepard in the case of Jonathan Shepherd an applicant for a pension, which aft was presented to you by Mr Gillet. Our member returned to me with the objection that Judge Bates had not certified as to the good character of the Deponant that Defut is now remedied and I hope Mr S. will no longer be kept in suspense.
Mr. Gillet thinks you will grant the pension on the certificate of Judge Bates. If however the papers are still defective in any respect that will admit of remedy please return the objections.
Address the Subscribe at the case above written.
Yours
[signature] S. H. Payne
 
Honr. J. L. Edwards
Page 80

State of New York
Franklin County ss.
Personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of Franklin County Courts, Samuel H. Payne of Fort Covington in the County aforesaid, who being duly sworn depose and says that at the request of Jonathan Shepherd he this deponent went to the town of Berkshire in the State of Vermont for the purpose of obtaining  the affidavit of one Elisha Shepherd in relation to the said Jonathan having served as an American Soldier in the Revolution, and this deponant further says that when at Berkshire aforesaid some time in the month of September last past  he was then informed by persons with whom the said Elisha had recently staid that he had left that place for the state of Massachusetts from whence it was understood he was going to the State of Ohio and Indiana from whence it was not expected he would ever return, and further this deponant Saith not.
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 20th day of January 7 1835. at Fort Covington
[signature] Samuel M. Payne

Roswell Bates a Judge of Franklin County Courts
Roswell Bates is a Judge of the County Courts in Franklin County New York & I believe the signature above to be the genuine signature of the said Roswell Bates. Jany 2 1835
[signature] R. H. Gillet
Page 81

Fort Covington Franklin
County S. N. Y. 10th Febt 1834
Honable J. L. & Edwards Commissioner &c.
Sir
The papers of Jona Shepherd are herewith returned. If they dont come with your rules, I hope you will do the old gentleman the favor to return them in time for him to appear before our next Court which sits some of the first days of April next.
From comparing the papers with the objects returned, I was of opinion that most of them grew out of the error of the County Clerk in not attaching his certificate properly. This I think is now remedied by the seal on the 3d page. The first objection noticed by you in the paper containing your regulations are 1st being  applicant will produce the best proof in his power and you further say no effort seems to have been made this case &c.
Letter E.
names of Colns must begin in of continentals. Mr. S. claims as N. Hampshire Souldier and again that the applicant was not engaged in civil pursuit &c.
All the above objections I think you will find removed by referring to the last aft certified and attached to the back of his Declaration or papers.
Traditionary evidence
This is contained in the afts of Aaron Beman  (now Sheriff of this County) and Isreal Thayer, which you will find at the foot of the 2d page and the certificate of the Court now properly attached on the 3d page.
Also the Supplemental aft of Hannah B Jenkins, and Philip Bryant taken before a Justice of the peace, the Clerks Certificate will be found on the back of the aft with the seal property attached, the aft of Bryant States that no Clergiman resides in the same town with the applicant
over
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again your Clerks have underscored the following item of your instructions.
The Declarant must State the periods of the war when he served.
It appears to me that this is very fully done in his original Declaration on the 1842 pages.
Then you have have passed upon his papers (whether he is allowed his pension or not) please write me at this place.
Yours
Saml H. Payne
address
S. H. Payne, Fort Covington
Franklin County, N. Y.
Page 83

MRS L LEE DONLAP
80 OTTAWA DR
PONTIAC MICHGAN
[STAMP] RECEIVED JUL 18 1939 
MAIL SUB DIV
Reader [illegible] VETS [illegible]
Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.
My dear Sir;
I should very much like a copy of the pension application made by Jonathan Shepherd 3rd. He first applied Oct 12. 1832 and again at a later date. His claim was rejected but the claim no doubt was filed I think the number of claim is 9486 and the application was based on service
in State of New Hampshire. At the time he applied he lived I think in Chateaugay New York.
I received a copy of Rev. War record of Benjamin Marvin, sent me July 10th which I appreciate very much.
Thanking you for your help in this matter.
I am Very truly
Hazel Hilton Dunlap
July 16, 1939.