Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9451, Benjamin Gleason, Mass.
Page 1

SERVICE NUMBER
Mass. Gleason, Benjamin W 9451
Sarah B.L Wt. 71108-160-55
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33408 
Vermont --- Bradford 
Benjamin Gleason decd
of [blank] in the State of [blank]
who was a private in the [blank] commanded 
by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolution 
line for 11 months & 23 days 
Inscribed on the Roll of Bradford at the rate of 39 Dollars 55 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 and end 28th December 1831 - Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Sept 1857 and sent to 
C. W. Bennett 
Present 
Revolutionary Claim, 
Act Jun 7, 1832. 
Recorded by L. G. Getty Clerk,
Book 36 Vol. 1 Page 64
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6211 
Vermont Bradford 
Sarah Gleason, 
widow of Benjamin Gleason
Mass 
who served in the Revolutionary 
war , as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 39 dollars 55 
cents per annum, to commence 
on the 3d February, 1853. 

Certificate of Pension issued 
5th day of Sept 1857. 
and sent to
C.W. Bennett, 
Present 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 178 Vol. [illegible]
Page 4

[page 1]
End P
En S.G. Mead Aug 1/56
Val G. 80

[page 2]
204647 Act March 3/85
Aug 23/53
_____
Sarah Gleason
Widow of Benjamin Gleason
priv
_______
Cap. Nathan Leavet.
Col. Wade.
Enl
Dis.
Private
5 mos & 7 days 
in 1780
Rev war.
_____
Svs Feby 53
_____
Ad. 160 ac's. Aug. 27, 1857
Dodge
JLecial
B.
_____
L.G. Mead
Battleboro, VT

[down the center of the page]
71.108 Issued
Augt. 28th, 57
Page 5

[678]

FAMILY RECORD.

BIRTHS. 

Benjamin Gleason Born April 29th 1734 
Dolley Gleason consort of Benj Gleason Born 
March 15th 1737 

Benjamin Gleason Son of the above named Benjamin & Dolley Gleason Born 
July 26th 1761 
Elisha Gleason Born December 14th 1762 Josiah Gleason Born July 27th 1765 
Phineas Gleason Born the June 5th 1767 
Polley Gleason Daughter of the above named Benjamin & Dolley Gleason Born March 31th 1769 
Dolley Gleason Born [illegible] 1770
John Gleeson Born August 16th 1772 

Rebeckah Gleason Born April 21th 1774
[crossed out Sarah Gleason Born October 18th 1777]  
Samuel Gleason Born October 31th 1775 
Sarah Gleason Born August 12th 1777 
Samuel Gleason Born May 8th 1779
Sarah Gleason Born May 25th 1781
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[677]
FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES. | MARRIAGES
Page 7

State of Vermont
Windham County

       On this 16th? day of August AD
1855, before the Court of Probate for the District of Marlboro in said County, being a Court of  record personally appeared  Sarah Gleason a resident of Stratton in said county aged 70 years who first being duly sworn according by law did on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the bendfits of the pension made by the Act of Congess passes? on the  3 February 1854 grantong pensios to  widow? of persons who served during the revolutionary  war that she is the widow of Benjamin Gleason, late of Jamaica said County [  ?  ] town of Spencer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts deceases who was a soldier of the army {?} who served in {alarm} of April 14, 1775, 12 days as a private - Also in Captain Nathan Daniel Company - Col Nathan [?] from June 18, 1778 to Sept 1 1779 ALso who went to reforce the Continental Army for the town of spencer in the year 1780 5 months & 11 days.
She further declared she was  the married to said Benjamin GLeason on the 23rd day of March AD 1828. Her name before marriage was Sarah Hager that the said husband kied at said Jamaica in the 28th day of December AD 1881
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that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred but at the time above stated - she further declares that she is still a widow - Sarah Gleason
Sworn to & subscribed on the day [illegible] herein first before written before witness my hand the seal of said Court [illegible] in said county the day + year first above written
Royall Tyler, Judge of Probate for the district of Marlboro in the County of
Page 9

I Cyrus Gleason of Brattleboro in the County of WIndham and State of Vermont aged fifty years depose and say that I am son of Benjamin Gleason late of Jamaica in said County of Windham deceased. The said Benjamin my father resided in Spencer in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War. My grandfather whose name was also Benjamin Gleason also resided in said Spencer during said war and died there. My father moved to said Jamaica about the year 1786. I was born in said Jamaica and resided mostly my said father's family until I was twenty six years old. I know from many a time hearing it from my said father and from old people in said Spencer that my said father served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. I have often heard my father say that he went when very young as a waiter to Lieut Abijah Livermore of said Spencer to fortify at Dorchester near Boston. that at the age of seventeen years he enlisted and went as a soldier under General Sullivan and I have often heard my said father say that he served under said Sullivan six months in Rhode Island. He told me that while
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in Rhode Island his infantry were encamped in an orchard at one time and when they marched off they left their axe that on encamping again near by they found their flour was frozen and he was sent back after the axe to cut it out - that while in  the orchard after the axe, the British fired at him and struck an apple tree over his head and that he sized the axe and escaped unhurt. 
He has often told me that at the age of nineteen he enlisted into the Continental Army and was a soldier at West Point, that he had stood as a sentinel at the tent of General Washington. He seemed to speak of this service with pride saying it was something worth telling of to belong to the Continental Army when so young and that he served at that time six months more. 
I recalled my father applied to Judge White of Putney in the County of Windham and again for obtaining Pensions under the Act of 1818 and he was told that he could not obtain one unless he could show nine months service at one time. I recalled hearing him complain about the injustice of the decision under the Act of 1818 - that although he could show twelve months service at two times, he could not draw, while his neighbor Mr. Chase drew on a service of just nine months which
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happened to be at one time
Amongst all my Relatives both at said Jamaica and at said Spencer this history of his services has been commonly Reported and taken over and I never heard the truth of it doubtless. My Fathers first wife who was my mother died at said Jamaica about thirty years ago. My Father then married Sarah Hager, who is now his widow and resides in Stratton in said county of Windham, 
The said Sarah who I understand has applied for a Pension & Bounty Land does not live with me - never has - and I am under no obligation to contribute to her support.
Cyrus Gleason

State of Vermont
Windham County Ss} Brattleboro, January 4th at 1856
Then by me Gleason of Brattleboro in the County and State aforesaid personally appearing and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned by him subscribed contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
Before me
Rausline W. Clarke
Justice of the Peace,
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State of Vermont,
WINDHAM, S.S.
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Rauslein W. Clarke
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature on the certificate thereon written is genuine; that the said paper writing are executed & acknowledged according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this fourth day of January Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
Royall Tyler Clerk.
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204647
Sarah Gleason
Declaration
For evidence of marriage &
see pension papers set Feby 3/33
Address
S G Mca [illegible]
Page 14

State of Vermont - County of [illegible]
On this 16th day of july A. D 1855 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the county and state offices and Sarah Gleason aged twenty years a resident of Stratton in said county who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Gleason late of Jamaica in said county deceased who was a private in the company commanded by Capt Nathan Learned Col Ward's Regiment & served therein six
months & that he also served or was of the men who went
from the town Spencer Mass in the year 1780 to inforce the Continental Army & served in that year in said Army 5 mos & 11 days-- & was honorably discharged. She further states that she was married
to the said Gleason in Jamaica aforesaid or the 23 day
of March
A.D. 1828
by one Philip Spaulding
Minister & the Gospel and that before said marriage
her name was Sarah Hager
that
her said Husband died at said Jamaica
on the 28th day of December 1836
and that she is still a widow. She makes
this Declaration
for the purpose of obtaining
the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled
under the act approved March 3. 1855. The
Proofs necessary to surdain this Declaration, and filed in the
office, with my application for Pension, made this day including proof
of service
Sarah Gleason
Glean
Page 15

Mr. Cyrus Gleeson and Sarkin G. Mead Jr. Residents of Brattleboro in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed [and] acknowledged by Sarah Gleeson in our presence - and that we believe in the appearance [and] statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
   Larkin G. Mead Jr.
   Cyrus G. Gleeson

The foregoing declaration [and] affidavit were known to [and] subscribed before me on the day and year herein before written - and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents [the rest of the document is obscured by an overlay of the following printed document with signature:]
State of Vermont
Windham, S.S.
I Royall Ryler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that [signature:] Sarkin G. Mead was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached and now is a [the rest is covered or blank]
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[This appears to be a slightly better photocopy of the previous page without the attached official document]


We Cyrus Gleeson [Gleason?] and Larkin G. Mead Jr. Residents of Brattleboro in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the foregoing Declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Gleeson in our presence - and that we believe in the appearance [and] statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Larkin G. Mead Jr.
Cyrus G. Gleeson

The foregoing Declaration [and] affidavit were sworn to [and] subscribed before me on the day and year herein before written - and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim (one interlineation made before signing)
S. G. Mead Just [Justice of the] Peace

[below this is a from-the-back back view of an official document, unreadable]
Page 17

State of Vermont
Windham County  [it appears that 'at Jamaica' is meant to be inserted here]
Best remembered that in the County aforesaid on this twenty third day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, Lieut. Benjamin Gleason of Jamaica in the County of Windham [and] State of Vermont [and] Miss Sarah Hoges of Jamaica in this County were duly joined in marriage.
By me Philip Spaulding - Minister

I certify that the above is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the year in the date, which is expressed in the Record in fair legible date [and] figure as follows "1828"

S.T.R. Cheney Clerk of the town of Jamaica

I Samuel T. R. Cheney above named depose [and] say
[the remainder of the declaration is obscured by the superimposition of the following printed form with handwritten insertions]
State of Vermont,
Windham, S.S.
I Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Henry H. Felton
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to this certificate [two handwritten words obscured by a fold in the paper] is genuine;  that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, [etc.]
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court at Brattleborough this 28th day of August Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Royall Tyler Clerk
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State Vermont 
Wingham County: Be it remembered that
at Jamesin in the County aforesaid on
this twenty third day of March in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twenty eight, Lieut. Benjamin Gleason of Jamesin in the County of Windham & State Vermont a Miss Sarah Hager of Jamesin in said Countywere duly joined to marriage
By nie - Philip Spaulding - Minister
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the year and the date, which is expressed in the Record in fair legible date & figures as follows "1828"
G. T. R. Cheney Clerk of the town of Jamesin --
I Samuel J. R. Cheney above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County, State & town aforesaid & that the above is a true and honest from the Records of said Jamesin, with the exception above named as verified by me
G.T. R. Cheney Clerk of Jamesin 
before me
H.H. Felton Just. Peace
Page 19

[a printed form filled in in cursive]
Revy [Revised?] WIDOW, &c [etc.]

File No. 9451 [Looks like a 6 was overwritten to make the 5 or the other way around]
Sarah Gleason
Wid [widow]
Benjamin Gleason
Priv [private] Rev. [Revolutionary] War

Act: Febry. [February] 3d 1853
Index: - Vol. A, Page 276

[the form has brackets around the following] [Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

71.108

160 Acres.
Page 21

[An envelope]

Additional Evidence

[sideways on left side]
Sarah Gleason wid [widow]
Benj. Gleason
Benjamin

[upside down round stamp to right of sideways writing above]
West [can't read second word] NY
Aug [August] 20

[also sidewise, written over the addressee]
Boynton
Act. 83[?]

Commissioner of Prisons
Washington
D.C.

[sideways on the right side of the envelope, a stamp might say] FREE
Page 22

5,982
Sarah Gleason, Widow of Benjamin, Vermont
L. G. Mead August 23, 
1853, do [ditto?] August 27
1855, do [ditto? ] Oct. [October] 18, 1855
do [ditto?] Nov. [November] 16, 1855 - do [ditto?]
 Dec [December] 7, 1855 - do [ditto] Jany [January]
15, 1856 - [the following in a different hand:] C.W. Bennett
March 19, 1857 -
Same, June 18 1857
Same July 21, 1857

[in original hand:] Act. Feby [February] 3, 1853
Page 23

[a printed form, filled in in cursive; form is all in the singular and all plurals are additions or substitutions in cursive]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Worcester County, ss, 

I, Joseph Mason Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, which is a court of record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that James Draper, Esquire, whose signatures are affixed to the Certificates on the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the acknowledgment of deeds and administer oaths, that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that his SIGNATURES to said CERTIFICATES are genuine [the following printed text  is crossed out] and that said [section obscured by seal] and acknowledged according to the laws of this Commonwealth.

[A bit more obscured by seal] under my hand and the seal of said Court this eighth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
Jo. [Joseph] Mason Clerk.
Page 24

Brattleboro
Nov. [November] 6 1855

DF
In answer to your letter of October. [October] 18th I have to say - I have written to the Town Clerk of Spencer [?] for an answer to your query as to whether there is on the Record Books of Spencer the name of more than one Benjamin Gleason - He answers that Benjamin Gleason's name occurs frequently as Selectman of Spencer - There is also the Record of the Marriage of Benjamin Gleason Jr. I am instructed to say by the [can't read] of Benjamin Gleason, Jr. - who by the way is the husband of Sarah the applicant who moved to Jamaica Vt. [Vermont] + ]and] died there - that both Benjamin Gleason the Grandfather + [and] Benjamin Jr. the Father, were in the Revolutionary War - and both performed one tour of service, at the same time - that Benjamin Sen. [Senior] was deranged in the latter part of his life and one service [can't read] 5 months was performed by the Jun [Junior] after the derangement, from which he never recovered - On applying to the office of the Secretary of State
Page 25

In Boston - He replies that the name of Benjamin Jr. does not appear in the returns - Altho [although] two serving [can't read] the same time are credited to Benjamin Gleason - This is accounted for by the old town Clerk of Spencer on the ground that the former being a minor, the whole service was credited to the Father, who was legally entitled to receive the pay - and adds that cases of this kind have come to his knowledge before - I would ask if parole [?] testimony may not be allowed to explain which portions of this service was rendered of the Father + [and] what of the son? There is no doubt of the fact that the Husband of Sarah Gleason performed two tours of Service standing in the name of Benjamin Gleason of between 5 + [and] 6 months each - His children - who are not interested in this application have often heard him tell the particulars of those two campaigns - one of which was performed whilst his Father did service for the same period - the other after his Father became deranged - Herewith [?] please say how far this [can't read] evidence will be received as it may be impossible to find any one who actually served with either of them at this late day -
Page 26

I believe parole [?] testimony may always be admitted to prove ambiguity in a Deed - For instance, if a man deeds a piece of land called "Black Acre" + [and] it be shown he has two lots of that name, he may show, by parole [?] which is intended.

Respectfully,
Mrs. Sarah Gleason 
By L.G. Mead
Page 27

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
December 26th 1855.
Certificate additioned for Benjn Gleason
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the
Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the
War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department,
it appears that the name of Benjamin
Gleason is borne [illegible] roll of Capt.
Josiah Whites Comp. Col Cushing's Regt. from Sept 22 to Nov. 29 1777 2 mos 17 days as Lieutenant.
Also on pay roll of Capt Jesse Wyman's Comp.
Comp Col. Jacob Gerrish's Regt from Feby.
23, 1778 2 mos 25 days, as private.
Also on pay roll of Capt. John Cutter's
Comp Col. Nathl Wudis Rgt from
June 18. 1778 6 mos. 18 days as private.
mas 18 days, as private
also on pay roll of Capt. David Goodwin's
Comp. Col. Cogswell's Regt. Entered Sept. 24
(year not given) 3 mos 9 days as private.
(yea not given) 3 mos. 9 days, as private
detached for the purpose of guarding and
fortifying the post at and near Boston.
Download
of 80
1
2
3
4
Page 28

And I further Certify, That before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears : that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Depty Chas W Swett
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 29

Brattleboro
Nov. 21, 1855
R. Mc Ree Esq
Sir
Your  letter of 16th [illegible] in
relation to case of Sarah Gleason has
been received. I have submitted it to
the applicant.  
In it you say paid testimony
will be received to apply the service named
in the recent &  Benjm Gleason  for the Husband of the
Appellant-- but it must be [underlined] very clear.
after receipt of your former letter I wrote
to the Secy [illegible] it is certain if any since
stood in the name of Benjm Gleason [illegible] and
I send you his reply-- Mrs. Gleason has also
sent her for Spencer to see what can be
found there - the old Lady has already incurred
considerable expense & having ascertained in Spencer
just what she can [illegible], she is unwilling to 
any further expense without [?] knowing whether the facts
when shown would be deemed satisfactory to the [illegible]
In the first place the town Book [illegible] show no  service
They [illegible] show Benj Gleeson a Selectmen several years
a  record of his death as Lieut. Benjamin Gleason
There is a record of the Marriage of Benjm Gleeson Jr
to his first wife - the applicant being his second wife-
Page 30

This is all he can prove from the Town Books
Her Husband has brother now living in Spencer.
He was born but the case of the War - of course
knows nothing personally  of the service. He lived
with his Father, till his death - the Brother being about
40 yrs old at the old mans decease
He will
swear that he had always & often heard his father & his
Brother (Benj G. Jr.) relate the history of 
their service in the war. That the old man we Lieut. That the
Service in Capt Learners Company [illegible] & 12 days
[illegible] Capt Goodwin Co were performed by B. G. Jr.  
She can further show that Capts White & Cutter [illegible]
were officers well known to have  gone from Spencer
& that both of the Gleesons were often heard say
Bjm Gleason Jr. served further  terms as
mentioned in the Certificate-
There is abundant 
proof of the general reputation in Spencer, that both
the Bjm & B Jr. were soldiers of
Revolution. The children of [illegible] can all
testify to the repeated declaration of the father
as to his serving
three-- (I believe) of the terms [illegible]
[illegible] in the Secretary's certificate. But the
for [illegible] visiting Spencer no one living
who was in the service with them-- all
have died.
She bids me state her case
just as she knows it will appear in [illegible]
& should the Department be of opinion that
proof when made is insufficent.  She
Page 31

must abandon the claim although he knows it to be just.
You will perceive the service under Capt. Larned [(illegible)] and under Capt. Cutter [(illegible)] cover the [illegible] time-and the well known [illegible] in the family & [illegible] is that they were both out at this same time.
Yours Truly
[illegible]
A.g. Mead for Sarah Gleason
Page 32

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
[Seal faded] Secretary’s Office, Boston, July 24th. 1855. I HEREBY CERTIFY, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Gleason is borne on roll of Capt. Ebenezer Mason’s Comp.[Company]. Col. Jonathan Warner’s Regt.[Regiment] on [illegible]of April 18.1775.  12 days as private, from Spencer. Also on pay roll of Capt. Nathan Leonard’s Comp.[Company] Col. Nathanial Wade’s Regt.[Regiment] from June 18, 1778 to Jany.[January] 1. 1779. 11 months 12 days, from Spencer.  Also on muster roll of men who went to reinforce the Continental Army from the Town of Spencer in the year 1780. 5 mos.[months] 11 days and allowed in [illegible] February.[February ]21.1782.
Page 33

                       Brattleboro
                                Jny 7, 1855
Sir
   Benjamin Gleason was a soldier of the Revolution -serving under Gen Sullivan in R. Island & West Point year or more in all
He lived in Spencer, Mass- The Town of Spencer paid him in part for his services
Could you furnish me with any Records of Service in your office - I cannot give the name of his Captain = Spencer Records if you have them with you   (illegible)
                                        Yrs. 
  (illegible)                                  L. G. Mead
Page 34

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case. In Testimony hereto, I have hereto affixed the Seal of Commonwealth, the date above written. 
[signature illegible] Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 35

Benjamin Gleason decd [deceased]
Act June 7, 1832
and
Sarah Gleason, widow of Benjamin
2d [second] Sec Act Feb. 3d, 1853

Brief
Page 36

[a printed form, filled in in cursive]

Brief in the case o Benjamin Gleason, deceased, Vermont act 1832 and 2d [second] sec. [section?] act July 4, 1836 - and Sarah Gleason, decd [deceased] of Windham County and State of Vermont 2d [second] sec. [section] act February 3, 1853

Claim ("original," [crossed out:] or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service Proved by Map rolls and records, and by parol - Private 11 months 23 days
Marriage - March 3d 1828, Proved by record.
Death of Benjamin - Dec. [December] 28, 1832, Proved by parol
Widowhood and identity - proved by parol

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim: If so, what?

[blank]


Name and residence of Agent
C.W. Bennett
Present.

S.G. Dodge
Examining Clerk.
Page 37

No. 39.125
Benjamin Gleason, decd [deceased] Vermont, Windham Co. [County] Act June 7, 1832 (and 2d [second] sec [section] Act of July 4, 1836
Admitted Private 11 months 23 days at $39 55/100 per annum - from Mar. [March] 4, 1831 to Decr [December] 23, 1831, when he died

Sarah Gleason, widow of Benjamin
Vermont Windham Co. [County] Act of Feby [February] 3d 1853 - 2d [second] sec. [section]
Admitted
Private, at $39 55/100 per annum from February 3d 1853

Atty [Attorney]
C.W. Bennett
Present.
Page 38

Washington
July 16, 1857

Hon. [Honorable] Geo. [George] C. Whiting
Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions.  Sir

  I have the honor to enclose additional evidence in the suspended case of Sarah Gleason widow of Benjm [Benjamin] of Vt. [Vermont] claiming benefits of Act 3 Feby. [February] 1853.
  I beg to call attention to the following points proven by the enclosed testimony viz:
  That the signature of Benjm [Benjamin] Gleason Lieu. [Lieutenant] appear signed to the warrants calling Town Meetings for nearly every month of the "fighting season" of the year, as I believe that the soldiers of 1780 were hired for the Spring, summer, + [and] fall months of that year. The signatures to the warrants must have been made by the selectmen actually present, as it is presumed that the business could not be done by proxy for the reason that had he not been present a majority of the board could have called the meeting without fixing his name to the notice. The record shows that the old [?] name was Lieutenant Gleason which I believe is confirmed by the testimony.
   The record shows that the Leut. [Lieutenant] Gleason to have been 46 years of age, and his son to have been 19 years of age in that year, an age competent to bear arms.
   Very Respectfully Your Obt Svt [Obedient Servant?]
   C.W. Bennett
Page 39

Washington
August 26, 1857

Hon. [Honorable] Geo. [George] C. Whiting
Comr. [Commissioner] of Pensions   Sir,
    I have the honor to enclose herewith addition evidence in support of the suspended claim of Sarah Gleason for benefit of Act of 3d February 1853.
    Very Respectfully Your Obt. Svt. [Obedient Servant]
    C.W., Bennett
Page 40

Washington
Feby [February] 26, 1857

Hon. [Honorable] Geo. [George] C. Whiting
Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions.  Sir

   I have the honor to enclose herewith additional evidence in support of the claim of Sarah Gleason, widow of Benjamin for benefits of Act 3d Feby. [February] 1853, with authority to prosecute the cause.
    The claim was suspended 15th Jany. [January] 1856 by letter to L.G. Mead, Esq.
    I would also request a re-examination of her suspended claim no. 204,647 for land under act of 3d March 1855.
    Very Respectfully
    Your Obt. Svt. [Obedient Servant]
     C.W. Bennett
Page 41

                           PENSION OFFICE,
                                     Aug 23, 1855
Sir:

    The claim of Sarah ,wid Ben. Gleason No. 204,647 for Bounty Land under the act of March 3, 1855, has been received, and will be attended to in its turn.  It is therefore respectfully  requested that every applicant will wait a reasonable time before making application to know what has been done in relation to his or her claim.  All applications will be disposed of as fast as the nature of the business will admit, and immediate notice given to the parties, or their agents, who are requested to furnish the No of the application, and the act of Congress under which the claim arises, in all their communications. 
          I am, very respectfully,
                  Your obedient servant,
                       J. Minot
                                 Commissioner.

Brattleboro   Sept 28, 1857
C. W. Bennet Esq, is required to take charge of the applications of Sarah Gleason for Bounty Land & Pension        
                          L. G. Mead
     L G Mead
Page 42

                   Brattleboro
                      May 18, 1857.
My dear Sir,
    Yrs of March 29. accompanying the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions in one Application of Sarah Gleason is received but fails wholly to satisfy the Applicant. _  The Commissioner disposes of the fact that the name of Benjamin  Gleason appears on two Rolls at one and the same time - by saying "that the same thing Applies to part of the officers"__nor does this apply to any  officers except Regimental Officers."  The Father & Son served in the same Regiment under same Colonel & Major but in different Companies _ under different Captains (different Captains is underlined) Find this strange they should have same Regimental Officers = He says their serviced commenced the same say. (the same day is underlined)  In true they both turned out June 18, 1778, one under Capt. Butl;er - the other under Capt Larnard _ one served 6 mos. & 12 days the other 6 mos. & 18 days _ This is the Record. (this is the record is underlined) and this is the family tradition. _
The Commissioner asks if (illegible) served, is it not more probable that the father (father  is underlined) served than the son _ Applicant says no (no is underlined)_ as the Father was then over 50 years old_
Page 43

The service of [illegible] in 1780 is by the young man and we can show by the Town Records of Spencer-that the old man, then selectman of the town, was at home doing business as Selectman-such as [illegible] of the laying out [illegible] & the official acts [illegible] date while this service was [illegible] performed by the son.
I would not, even at the [illegible] solicitation of the applicant, write you again on this subject. did I not [illegible] believe the service was honestly recorded by B.G. Jr.
If the claim will be allowed on showing from the Record of Spencer, that [illegible] was performing official act at home when the service in 1780 was [illegible] and applicant [illegible] [illegible] that [illegible].
Very Truly
[illegible][illegible]
L.G. Mead
If the Commission will [illegible] [illegible] hoped he will do it soon-as the applicant is very [illegible]
Page 44

                                        Pension Office
                                         August 23, 1855
Sir
  The application of Sarah Gleason widow of Benjamin of Vermont has been examined and filed under the act of Feby 3, 1853.
     She does not furnish any evidence of the service of her husband.
            I am respectfully,
               Your Obt. Servt
                  Grinot
                      Commission.

L. G. Mead, Esq
    Brattleboro,
       Vermont

I ascertained after the Declaration was finished that I had committed the trifling [trifling is underlined]  mistake of not sending the evidence of service.   I forwarded it, some days since & hope it is safely arrived.
                 Yr 
                    Respctly
                      L G Mead
Page 45

Brattleboro August 22, 1855
D Sir,
I sent to your department a few days ago since, the Declaration of Sarah Gleason of Stratton in this grant for a pension under the Act of [illegible] 1853.  Application for Bounty Land under Act of March 1855.
I have just discovered that the proof of the husbands service, herewith forwards, was by mistake, not sent.
You will please place this important paper with the declaration confirming part of the proof.
[illegible] [illegible] 
L. G. Mead
Page 46

Washington May 23, 1837
Ho. Geo. C. Whiting
Comm. of Pensions

Sir, I am requested to ask for a re-examination of the suspended claim of Mrs. Sarah Gleason, widow of Benjn for Pension Act 1853.  The points [illegible] which such examination is desired, will be found in the letter of my correspondence herewith enclosed and to which I beg to refer.
Very Respectfully 
Your [illegible]
C. W. Bennett
Page 47

Commission of Pensions
Page 48

Brattleboro Aug 19, 1855
Sir, 
I herewith send the application of Sarah Gleason for Bounty Land under Act 2 Mar 1855.
Also Application for Pension under the Act of [illegible] 3, 1853.
As the proof of marriage and of the death of husband must be used in both cases- you will please so file them that they [illegible] [illegible] so used-
[illegible] [illegible] L. G. Mead
Page 49

Brattleboro  Oct. 11, 1855

Sir,
In obedience to your directions of Sept. 27, I sent to the Clerk of Spencer for evidence from [illegible] of Spencer of evidence of service of Benj A Gleason in Revolutionary War.  I now have the [illegible] to send you his [illegible] [illegible] affidavit
Yrs [illegible]
L G Mead
for Sarah Gleason
Page 50


W. [illegible] 647
Brattelboro
Jany. 4 1856
Sir,
I now send supplementary
evidence in case of Mrs Sarah
Gleason which with that already
filed in hopes will make a satifactory
claim to the Pension  and Bounty  Land due my
late Husband - You will readily see the
difficulty in this case an impossibility to find
any living who served at there [illegible] Husband
did. No such person is now living-
The [illegible] the evidence that she has
been able to obtain.  Since the date you 
[illegible] by order of Senate dated July 9, 1849.
containing [illegible] of the  several Pension acts & Remarks for preparation of Cases & with
which I presume you are familiar [illegible]
in having [illegible] in the  43. The traditionary evidence is deemed [illegible] any direct 
[illegible] the Declaration of the Party.  To require from the Appellant positive proof of service 
from a contemporary survivor [illegible] office
then lays eyes on many years be to depose[?]
except Declintenth part
foregine
for the Applicant partive proof same
from a lepray now held after
the lessessoman your be to depose
Page 51

many of them of the benefit after saw
If this were true in 1809 'tis more so in
1856.
James Draper Esq many years as town
Clerk fee of Spencer stated  Mrs. Gleason
case for her [pension?] the
being the last testimony at Spencer what
she has handed me. And as
he has done it better than I could myself do
I take the liberty of forwarding it. He hope it may aid your [illegible]
of this case.
Very Respectfully Yours
S.G.. Mead
Page 52

I Edward C. Dyer of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, depose and say that I hold the office of Town clerk of said town of Spencer and have the custody of the records belonging to said town, and I find in those records the name of Benjamin Gleason as one of the selectmen for each of the years of 1775, 1777, and 1780.  Also, as on of the.. Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety,, for each of the years of 1776, 1777, and 1779.  I find also, the name of Benjamin Gleazon Jun, only once, which in the year 1787 relative to some transaction with the military stores of said town then is no other person by the name of Benjamin Gleazon in those records and I have good 

[another document was placed over this document and it reads:]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Worcester County, SS.
   I William A. Smith, Assistant Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, which is a court of record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that James Draper Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the Certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the acknowledgement of deeds and administer oaths, that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that his signature to said CERTIFICATE  is genuine.
 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this third day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.   
                          Wm. Smith   Asst  Clerk

[the image of a ribbon and sunburst seal is visible on lower left corner]
Page 53

I Edward C. Dyer of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of said town of Spencer and have the custody of the records belonging to said town and I find in those records the name of Benjamin Gleason as one of the Selectmen for each of the years of 1775, 1777, and 1780. Also as on of the ,,Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and Safety,, for each of the years of 1776, 1777, and 1779.  I find also the name of Benjamin Gleazon Jun only once which is in the year 1787, relative to some transaction with the military stores of said town then is no other person by the name of Benjamin Gleazon in those records, and I have good reason to believe that there never has been any other name of Benjamin Gleazon living in said Spencer or any other town in this vicinity, excepting the said Benjamin Gleazon and Benjamin Gleazon Jun, his son, and tradition informs us that both father and son were soldiers in the war of the Revolution, the father also, a Lieutenant in the same service.
             Edward C Dyer Town Clerk of Spencer

County of Worcester}
State of Massachusetts} SS  January 26, 1857
   Sworn to before me and I certify that the above Edward C Dyer is a person of  truth and veracity.
            James Draper Justice of the Peace
Page 54

I Edward C. Dyer depose and say that I am town Clerk of the town of Spencer in the State of Massachusetts and hold the custody of the records of said town, and that on a careful examination of said records during the time of the Revolution and since I do not find any evidence of the names of the persons who served in the war of the Revolution from Spencer, or of any payments made from said town to any such soldier.  But I am informed and believe that all the payrolls and records of services of the soldiers belonging to said Spencer who served in said war are returned to the Office the Secretary of State of Massachusetts to enable their officer to draw their pay from the State, and that all such Records or Returns are now to be found in the said Secretaries office and no where else.
                      Edward C. Dyer { Town Clerk
                                                { of Spencer
Worcester Ss. October 2, 1855
Subscribed and sworn to 
Before me              James Draper Justice of the 
                                    Peace

[over this document is place another which reads:]

    COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

WORCESTER COUNTY,  SS.
I Joseph Mason Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, which is a court of record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that James Draper Esquires, whose signature is affixed to the Certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the acknowledgment of deeds and administer oaths, that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to  his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that his SIGNATURE to said CERTIFICATE is genuine.
     Given under my hand, and the seal of said Court, this Ninth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty - five.   
                     Jos  Mason     Clerk
[the imprint of a seal and ribbon are visible in bottom left corner]
Page 55

How the records came in our office, according to your inquiries, I know not, but I do not suppose they came by the way of either the Town Clerk or Selectmen of towns? but I conclude they came in their legitimate order, viz, each Capt. furnished his own roll, and swore to it,for the purpose of obtaining the money to pay his soldiers, from the State Government, and those rolls were the vouchers and the proper place for them was the Secretary's office.  Hence they are here.
   If the service could be found in Spencer, the matter in relation to it, might be found in both the Town Clerks books and also in the town Treasurer's books.
   Should you want a certificate of any thing found on this paper, you will please say what you want, giving the Capt. and the date of service, and send a fee of one dollar, and it will be forwarded forthwith.
                                      I am most cordially
L.G. Mead Esq.               Your obt. Servt.
Brattleboro, Vt.               N  Lyman Story
                                        Clerk of Pensions
                                          For the Secretary
N. B. You can return this marked with what you want, if you require any thing further or not. as you please.  My references are on this paper.
                                                       N.J. S.
Page 56

I Edmond C. Dyer of Spencer in the County of Worcester and the State of Massachusetts, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of said town of Spencer, that I have the custody of the Books and Records belonging to said town and that the following one time extract from the Records aforesaid 
"that a meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Spencer legally assembled on March
"6th, 1780, Made choice of Deacon John Risco, Lt. John White Capt. David Brouty, 
"Lt. Benjamin Gleazon & John Stebbings, for Selectmen.
"April 27, 1780, a warrant was drawn signed by Benjamin Gleazon and the other Selectmen aforesaid, for a meeting of said Inhabitants to be held May 22, 1780.
"to take in to consideration the form of a Constitution or town government composed
" by the Convention appointed by the people for the purpose and to give
"their votes for one against every article
"June 17, 1780, a warrant was drawn signed by said Gleazon and the other Selectmen for a meeting of said Inhabitant to be held June 20, 1780, as follows, "whereas there is a 
"number of men called for to fill up the Continental Army, and the committee
"for hiring might find it very hard and difficult to provide said men, therefore 
"to see what instructions the town will give to the above said Committee to enable
"them to provide said men,,
"July 8, 1780, a warrant was drawn signed by Gleazon and the other Selectmen for
"a meeting of said Inhabitants to be held July 11, 1780, to see if the town will reconsider
"a vote of the town for providing men to serve in the army by a vote as a town or otherwise
"to instruct the Committee for hiring men how to proceed to provide the men that are 
"now wanting & to grant a sum of money to be immediately assessed for the purpose of
Page 57

 " paying men that have engaged for six months and for those that are "wanting"
"August 14, 1780, a meeting was called by warrant drawn and signed by  said Gleazon and the other Selectmen for a meeting of said inhabitants to hold September 4, 1780,
"to give in their votes for a governor & Lieut. Governor for the State of Massachusetts
"to serve till the next election in May next and for Senators for the County of 
"Worcester to serve till the next election as aforesaid.  And secondly to see if the 
"town will empower the Selectmen to hire money to purchase clothing and 
"blankets for the Continental army as required by the general Courts'
"October 2, 1780, a warrant was drawn signed by said Gleazon and the other
"Selectmen for a meeting of said Inhabitants to be held October 12, 1780,, to vote
"for a suitable person to serve for a Representative in the Great and General 
"Court to be convenient at Boston on Wednesday the twenty fifth instant to serve 
"till May next, also, to grant a sum of money that may be thought sufficient
"for the payment of the two setts of soldiers that are gone out for six and three months.
"October 10, 1780, a warrant was drawn signed by Gleazon and the other selectmen 
"for a Meeting of said inhabitants to be held October 17,1780, to hear the Resolve of 
"the General Court for the requisition of Beef, and determine whether they will 
"supply the Beef or the money as set forth in said Revolve..
"December 19, 1780, a warrant was drawn signed by said Gleazon and the other Selectmen
"for a meeting of said Inhabitants to be held December 28, 1780, to hear the Resolve
"requiring the raising of fourteen men to fill up the Continental army for
"three years on during the war.. also, to see if the town will grant any money
"to compleat the payment of the six months and three months men.,,
"January 26, 1781..  a warrant was drawn signed by said Gleazon and the other selectmen for a meeting of said Inhabitants to be held January 6, 1781, ,, to 
"see what measure the town will come into as to the securities given to the 
"soldiers that went out the summer past for sixmonths and the the three months.,,
Page 58

stnd I further dipose and say that, at the several times when those warrants were drawn and signed to wit, April 27, May 16, June 17, July 8, August 13, October 3, October 10, December 19, 1780, and January 26, 1781, the said Benjamin

[at this point another document was placed on top and this document says:]

      COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Worcester County, SS.
I, Joseph Mason Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, which is a court of record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that James Draper Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the Certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and authorized the the laws of this Commonwealth to take the acknowledgement of deeds and administer oaths, that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that his signature to said CERTIFICATE is genuine.
Given under my and and the seal of said Court, this nineteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.  
                                       Jos. Mason Clerk

[the image of a round sun burst shaped seal and a ribbon are visible in the bottom left corner.]
Page 59

stnd I further dipose and say that, at the several times when those warrants were drawn and signed, to wit, April 27, May  16, June 17, July 8, August 13, October 2, October 10, December 19, 1780, and January 26, 1781, the said Benjamin Gleazon and the other Selectmen must have been personally present and signed their names to those warrants, as the Selectmen and all other officers in Massachusetts are not allowed to set their names to any warrants or other documents by proxy.
               Edward C. Dyer Town clerk of Spencer
State of Massachusetts}
County of Worcester}SS        August 18, 1857

Sworn to 
    Before me   James Draper  Justice of the Peace
Page 60

I, Edward C. Dyer of Spencer, in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, depose and say that I am Town Clerk of said town of Spencer.  That I have the custody of the books and words belonging to said town and that the following are true extracts from the records of said town of Spencer.
"At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Spencer  legally assembled on March the 6th, 1780."
"Made(?) choice of 
Dean(?) John Bisco
Lt. John White 
Capt. David Brouty
Lt. Benjamin Gleazon 
John Stebbings 
Selectmen"
"[Illegible] of the Constable of the town of Spencer within said County of Worcester greeting(?) ,you are hereby ordered forthwith to notify and warn all the male inhabitants within the town of Spencer, who are free and twenty one years of age, to meet at the meetinghouse in said town of Spencer on Monday, the twenty second day of May next, to take into consideration the form of a Constitution on [illegible] of government composed by the convention appointed by the people for that purpose and to give in their votes either for favor, or against given [illegible] our hand this twenty seventh day of April 1780.
John Bisco
John White
David Brouty
Benjamin Gleazon
John Stebbings
Selectmen"
Page 61

And I Edward C. Dyer, town Clerk as aforesaid do further depose and say that warrants for town Meetings of the Inhabitants of said Spencer were made and signed by the said Benjamin Gleazon and the other persons aforementioned as Selectmen of said Spencer to be held at the times and for the purposes following viz.
May 24, 1780; for purpose of choosing a Representative to serve in the Legislature in the same year
June 20, 1780. to see what instructions  the town will give their committee for hiring soldier to go out into the army.
July 11, 1780. to see if the town will raise money to pay the soldiers who have engaged for six months in the army, that is the continental army and those soldiers whom are to serve three months in the Militia.
September 4. 1780. to choose Governor, Lieutenant Governor for to serve until the next election, and to see if the town will empower the Selectmen to give money to purchase clothing and blankets for the Continental army.
October 12, 1780, to grant a sum of money to pay the soldiers that have gone out for six and three months.
October 17, 1780, to raise money to purchase beef for the use of the army.
December 28, 1780, to determine about raising fourteen men as required by government for the Continental army for three years or during the war.
           Edward C. Dyer Town Clerk of Spencer
State of Massachusetts}
County of Worcester}Ss   June 30, 1857
Sworn to before me and I certify that the above name deponant is a person of truth and veracity.
     James Draper Justice of the Peace
Page 62

I Samuel Gleazon of Spencer in the County of Worcester and the state of Massachusetts, being seventy eight years of age depose and say that I am son of Benjamin Gleazon who was born April 29, 1734, and brother of Benjamin Gleazon who was born July 26, 1761, as will appear by the family records herewith enclosed, and I further depose and say that the records as above stated one the same that have been kept in my father's family ever since I can remember that I have no doubt they are correct and have always been allowed to be correct by all our family, but I do not know by whom they were made. and I further certify  that I have often heard both my father and my said brother say that they were both in the war of the Revolution together at the same time in the same Regiment but in different companies, but I do not know at what time they were out or in what companies or under what officers, and I have heard my said brother say that he was out in said service one tour for six months after the above mentioned tour.                                                                                                                       S                                             Samuel Gleazon
State of Massachusetts }
County of Worcester }Ss             June 30, 1857
sworn to before me, and I certify that the above named deponent is a person of truth and veracity.
     James Draper Justice of the Peace
Page 63

In the case of the application of the widow of Benjamin Gleazen late of the State of Vermont, deceased for a pension & Bounty land
the certificate from the secretary of the State of Massachusetts
appears there were 7 tours of service performed in the war
Revolution by Benjamin Gleazen, to wit
1. In Capt. Mason's Company in 1775 as private 0 [mo] 12 [days]
2.[In Capt.] White's [Company in] 1777 as Lieutenant2 [mo] 17 D
3.[In Capt.] Wynam's's [Company in] 1778 as Private 2 [mo] 25 D
4. [In Capt.] Guthen's [Company in] 1778 as Private 
[totals] 12 [mo] 12 [days]
5. In Capt Goodwin's Company in 1776 probably as private 3 [mo] 7 D
6. [In Capt] Larnard's [Company in] 1778 probably as private 6 [mo] 12 D
7. Continental service in 1780
1780 5 [mo] 11 D
[Totals] 15 [mo] 0 [days]
It also appears by said certificate that Benjamin Glazen served under
Capt Larnard from June 18, 1778 to January 1, 1779-- 6 months & 12 days
and also, at the same time, that is from June 18, 1778 to January 6, 1779
being [illegible] & 18 days, under Capt Cutter. How as it must have been
impossible for one Benjn. Gleason to serve in two company at
the same time, of course there must have been two Benj Gleason
who served in said war which proves to be the fact, viz, Benj Gleazen
& Benj Gleazon Jun that there were  there two Benj Gleazon in Spencer
is proved by the Town Records in Spencer, Massachusetts, vs. George
Gleazen Jun, was married to Sarah Underwood February 24, 1785, and as
Lieut. Benjamin Gleazen departed this life October 15 1818 also, by
the dep. Samuel Gleazen & Nancy Gleazon, they had often heard
Page 64

both of the Benjm Gleazon's say that they had both been out in the Revolutionary War, and as the claims of the Widow is founded on the service of Benj. Gleazons of Vermont, who ought to have been designated as Benjamin Gleazon Junior it became necessary to designate and prove the services of the said husband, and as the (illegible) tours of service within mentioned were performed by Benjamin Gleazon Senior, and are not claimed by said widow it will be necessary to prove them, although that under Capt. White as Lieutenant would be difficult to prove that it belonged to the father and not to the son as the father was always designated by that title  while living in Spencer and so recorded at his death, while the son never had that title while in Spencer the proofs for the young man are as follows
1st the service of 3 months & 7 days in the company of Capt. Goodwin is claimed by said Widow, although the year is not given, it was probably as the troops left Boston that year in the year 1776 and although Benj'm Gleazon Jun, was born in 1761 and of course was only 15 years of age yet as testified by Cyrus Gleazon say that he had often heard his father say he was young and went as waiter [waiter is underlined] to Lieut. Abijah Livermore. The Secretary of States records say he was stationed at Dorchester near Boston fortifying the Forts and Samuel Gleazon, Nancy Gleazon and Cyrus Gleazon all testify that they had often heard him say that one town of his service was around Boston at Dorchester fortifying Dorchester Heights.
2d. The service also, of 6 months & 12 days in the Company of Capt. Livermore as claimed by said Widow, being from June 18, 1778 to January 1, 1779. when he was 17 years old, and Samuel Gleazon, Nancy Gleazon, Cyrus Gleazon & Sally G. Cochran, all testify of often hearing him say that he was out in the war both when he was 17 and when he was 19 years old.
[the last two lines are blacked out]
Page 65

[illegible] the service also, of 5 months & 11 days in 1780, in the army as stated in the [illegible], certificate is claimed by said widow when he was 19 years of age, as he had often been heard to say, as testified to by nearly all the [illegible], that he was out when he was 17 and 19 years old and our town was in the Continental Army and that he was at one time stationed at West Point.  Also, the records of the town of Spencer show that the town, at a legal meeting held in June 1780, voted to raise soldiers to go into the Continental Army & at a subsequent town meeting held in the month of July after, the town voted to raise the sum of Sixteen Thousand Pounds in part to pay those soldiers who had gone out into the army.  Besides, as corroborative proof, Benjamin Gleazen, Senior, was taken deranged in 1779 and therefore could not, and did not go into the Continental Army in 1780.  Therefore Mrs. Gleazen ought to receive a pension of $45 per annum commencing February 3, 1853 and also 160 acres of land.
James Draper Spencer (Mass) December 25, 1855
Page 66

I Sally Gleazen Cochran of Chickopee in the County of Hampden and State of Massachusetts aged sixty seven years depost and say that I am daughter of Benjamin Gleazon late of Jamaica in the County of Windham State of Vermont who formerly lived in the town of Spencer, Massachusetts I lived with my said father till I was forty years of age and was with him in his last sickness and at his death I recollect very distinctly of hearing relate the circumstances of his being out in the Revolutionary war as a soldier a great many times, and he often spoke of his being in the Continental army and serving about six months in the State of Rhode Island and six months at West Point, and that one of those [the next few words are covered. it continues:] when he was seventeen years old and

[another document is overlaid on the previous document. it says:]
     
                Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Worcester County, SS.
     I. Joseph Mason Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, which is a court of record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid do hereby certify that James Draper Esquire, whose signatures are affixed to the Certificates on the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the acknowledgement of deeds and administer oaths, that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in the capacity, and that his signatures to said certificates are genuine.
       Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this twenty fourth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.   
                              Jos. Mason   Clerk
[the imprint of a round seal and ribbons is visible on the bottom left corner]
Page 67

I Sally Gleazen Cochran of Chikopee in the County of Hampden and State of Massachusetts aged sixty seven years depose and say that I am daughter of Benjamin Gleazon late of Jamaica in the County of Windham State of Vermont who formerly lived in the town of Spencer, Massachusetts I lived with my said father till I was forty years of age and was with him in his last sickness and at his death I recollect very distinctly of hearing relate the circumstances of his being out in the Revolutionary war as a soldier a great many times, and he often spoke of his being in the Continental army and serving about six months in the State of Rhode Island and six months at West Point, and that one of those services was performed when he was seventeen years old and the other when he was nineteen years old and I well recollect of hearing him relate of at one time of being obliged to eat the entrails of a sheep and said it was the sweetest morsel he ever eat in his life.                      Sally  G. Cochran
State of Massachusetts}
County of Worcester}Ss December 22, 1855
Subscribed and sworn to Before me
                  James Draper Justice of the Peace
Page 68

                                        Washington 
Hon. Geo. C. Whitney            August 22, 1839
   Comr of Pensions  Sir.
                 I have been requested to call your attention to the suspended claim of Sarah Gleason of Vt for Bounty Land Act 1855, as widow of Benjamin Gleason a revolutionary Soldier.
    I have had charge of her claim for a pension under Act of 3rd Feby. 1833, which has also been suspended for evidence of six month service.  The claimant desires that the proof of service and identity with her claim for a pension may be examined in support of her claim for land.
      The land claim was suspended by letter (letter is underlined) of Aug. 1. 1856 addressed to L. G. Mead. Brattleboro, Vt.
                           Very Respectfully
                            Your Obt Sevt.
                            C. W. Bennett
Page 69

I Samuel Gleazen of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of  Massachusetts, aged seventy six years, do depose and say, that my fathers name was Benjamin Gleazen who lived in said Spencer, and my oldest brother, who was born July 26, AD 1761 was also named Benjamin and I have often heard my said father say that he was out as a private soldier in the war of the Revolution in the company commanded by Captain Ebenezer Mason of said Spencer, also, that he was out as Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain Josiah White of said Spencer also, as a private in the company commanded by Captain John Cutter of Brookfield, but the time when he enlisted and the duration of his services I do not now remember.  I also, state that my said father was taken deranged [?] sometime in the year 1779 and so continued during the remainder of his life and never went into the army afterwards and I further depose and say that I have often heard my said Brother Benjamin Gleazon Jun, say that he was out in the service  of the war aforesaid  once when he was seventeen and once when he was nineteen years of age once as private and was stationed at Dorchester near Boston and assisted in fortifying Dorchester Heights and once in the Company commanded by Captain Nathan Larned and I have heard both my father and my said brother say that they were both together at the same time when my father was in Captain Cutters company, and I have heard my said brother say that in one of his tours aforesaid he was stationed at West Point in New York when and where he was part of the time, nearly in a state of starvation, and that one of his tours of service was in the continental army.            Samuel Gleason
State of Massachusetts}
County of Worcester}Ss
Sworn and subscribed, before me.   
James Draper Justice of the Peace
Page 70

I Nancy Gleazen of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy two years and wife of Samuel Gleazen depose and say that I have lived in the family of Benjamin Gleazen nearly eight years and until his death in 1818 and that I have often heard Benjamin Gleazen  [illegible], say that he was out as a soldier in the war of the Revolution [illegible] when he was seventeen and once when he was nineteen years of age and I distinctly recollect of hearing him many times state the particulars and circumstances of his service as aforesaid and as stated by my said husband, Samuel Gleazen in his deposition within signed and sworn to by him to which deposition I hereby refer and to which deposition and to the truth of which I fully assent thereby affirming and confirming all that [illegible] is stated so far as it relates to the service of the said Benjamin Gleazen [illegible].
Nancy Gleazen
State of Massachusetts
Worcester County
December 21,1855
Sworn to and subscribed before me and I verify that in the letter[illegible] was [illegible] from another letter by me, also the word "say" was underlined before the signing thereof.
James Draper, Justice of the Peace
Page 71

I Edward C. Dyer of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, depose and say that the following are extracts from the records of said town of Spencer [illegible]
"February twenty fourth one thousand seven hundred and eighty five, Benjamin Gleazen [illegible] and Sarah Underwood both of Spencer "Lieut. Benjamin Gleazen departed this life October the fifteenth on thousand eight hundred and eighteen.  That they are true copies of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows: February 24, 1785, October 15, 1818"
I Edward C. Dyer above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk for the town County and state aforesaid and that the above are true extracts from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me and I further certify that in the records of said town, that a legal meeting of the [illegible] of said town hold June 20,1780, it was "voted that the committee be empowered to agree with [illegible] to engage to serve in the Continental Army for the term of six months from the time they arrive at Springfield and at a subsequent meeting as aforesaid held July 11, 1780.  It was voted to raise "the sum of sixteen thousand pounds in part to pay those soldiers who have gone into the army for six months, but the money of those soldiers who then went into the army are not recorded.
Edward C. Dyer, Town Clerk
State of Massachusetts
County of Worcester
December 22, 1[illegible]55
From and subscribed before me James Draper Justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts
Page 72

I Nathan White of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty three years depose and say that I have always from my youth and upwards known Benjamin Gleason and his son Benjamin Gleason Jun, as my family and theirs were near neighbors together our farms adjoined each other.  I had three brothers who were soldiers in the army of the revolution, and since their return from the army, Benjamin Gleason Jun. was frequently at the house of my father where my said brothers and Benjamin Gleason Jun used to converse together about their being retired the small town together and I understood both said Benjamin Gleason Jun and my brothers to say that they were all the revolutionary war as they related what suffering, they experienced in the army for want of food and shoes, and I remember in particular that they were obliged to eat old dead horses at one time.
                                        Nathan White
State of Massachusetts}
County of Worcester}Ss
December 22, 1855
Subscribed and sworn to . Before me
                 James Draper Justice of the Peace
Page 73

I James Muzzy of Jamaica Windham County Vermont aged sixty eight years depose & say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Gleason formerly of Spencer Massachusetts.  He moved from said Spencer to Jamaica in company with my father & his family when I was a boy.  My fathers family & said Gleason were very intimate & I have often heard the said Benjamin Gleason speak of being in the revolutionary war & serving as a Continental  soldier I further say it was a matter of common report that he was a revolutionary soldier not only in Jamaica after he came here to reside but also in said town of Spencer from which he moved.  After I became of age I returned to Spencer & worked about a year in the immediate neighborhood of said Benjamin Gleasons father whose name also was Benjamin.  I have frequently heard it said such was the common report in his neighborhhood that the said Benjamin Gleason senior was also a soldier in the revolutionary army & held the office of Lieutenant in the same company which I cannot remember the name of or was its captain.  The said Benjamin Gleason junior was a man much esteemed by all who knew him & had the confidence of the community  & held many town offices & I believe that what he said about being in the Revolutionary Army was true.  
  The said Benjamin Gleason jun. was the husband
 [near the bottom right hand corner is the image of a round stamp but it is illegible]
Page 74

& for further particulars upon this point reference is had to a former affidavit given by me which I suppose is now on file in the pension department.
  And further deponent saith not.
                              James Muzzy
State of Vermont}
Windham County Ss.}     At Jamaica in Said County of Windham this 14th day of January A. D. 1857 personally appeared the above subscribed James Murry to me well known & made oath that the above affidavit is true.
         Before me
                 B.L. Knowlton, Master in Chancery

State of Vermont}
Windham SS}   I, Royall Tyler,Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham hereby certify that Benjamin L. Knowlton was at the date of the foregoing Certificate a Master in Chancery in & for said County, and that his signature on the above certificate is genuine - and that as such officer he is duly authorised by the laws of this State to Administer oaths, take acknowledgment of deeds, &c.
         In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the Seal of Said Court at Brattleboro in Said County this 6th day of February AD 1857.
          Royall Tyler Clerk
[ there is the image of a round seal to the left of royall tyler's name.]

[under this appears the the bottom edge of another piece of paper which says:]

eight hundred and fifty seven.
             Royall Tyler
Page 75

I Susannah Pierce of Jamaica Windham County Vermont Aged Seventy Seven years depose and say that I was brought up in the family of Benjamin Gleason the late Husband of the applicant Sarah Gleason, from the time that I was eleven years old till I was eighteen years old and of course was well acquainted with him.
I have often heard him tell of being in the army and would seem to boast that he was a soldier of the continental army I have heard him tell of being at West Point and seeing the big chain across the river to present the enemy from passing I have heard him say that he was out as a Soldier at two different times six months each.
He said he went from the town of Spencer in Mass. into the army I have heard him speak of his officers among which was Capt. Larnard . It was always understood I think that he was a soldier in the Continental army.  I never heard it disputed and from the man's character for truth and veracity I have no doubt of that fact.  And further deponant saith not.
State of Vermont}             Susannah Pierce
Windham county Ss. }  At Jamaica in Said County of Windham this 15th day of January A.D. 1857.   
Personally appeared the above subscribed
[this is now overlaid with another pieceof paper which reads:]
STATE OF VERMONT }
     WINDHAM, S.S.}
I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached do certify that  David Eddy was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate therein written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such officer he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take depositions, administer oaths, &c.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleboro this sixth day of February Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.
                    Royall Tyler  Clerk
Page 76

I Susannah Pierce of Jamaica, Windham County Vermont Aged Seventy Seven years depose and say that I was Brought up in the Family of Benjamin Gleason the late Husband of the applicant Sarah Gleason, from the time that I was eleven years old till I was eighteen years old and of course was well acquainted with him.
I have often heard him tell of being in the army and would seem to boast that he was a soldier of the Continental army I have heard him tell of being at West Point and seeing the big chain across the River to prevent the enemy from passing.  I have heard him say that he was out as a soldier at two different times six month each.   He said he went from the town of Spender in Mass. into the army.  I have heard him speak of his officers among which was Capt. Larnard.  It was always understood I think that he was a soldier in the Continental army.  I never heard it disputed and from the man's character for truth and veracity I have no doubt of the fact.  And further deponant saith not.
State of Vermont}                  Susana Pierce
Windham County Ss.}  
At Jamaica in Said County of Windham this 15th day of January A.D. 1857.  Personally appeared the above subscribed Susannah Pierce to me well kown and made oath that the above affidavit is true
Before me           David Eddy  Justice of the Peace
Page 77

We Alpheus Kellogg & James Mzzry of Jamaica Windham County Vermont of lawful age depose & say that we have been acquainted with Benjamin Gleason late of Jamaica deceased for many years.
  He came from Spenser Massachusetts to this town as we have always understood and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War & we have frequently heard him tell of being in the army during that war.
The said Benjamin Gleason died as appears by the inscription on his tomb stone  which we have this day seen & a copy of which is hereby attached the 28th day of December AD 1831 & this time agrees with our recollection of the time of his decease.  He died & is burried in this town.
We also were well acquainted with Sarah Gleason the widow of said Benjamin  they were married about the year 1828 & lived together as man & wife till said Benjamin died as aforesaid & she still survives the said Benjamin & is now a widow.  
                              Alpheus Kellogg
                              James Muzzy

Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 14th day of August AD 1855  B.L. Knowlton Justice of the Peace .  
Copy of inscription on Benjamin Gleason's tombstone "In memory of Benjamin Gleason who died Dec. 26, 1831 in the 71st year of his age"
The above is a true copy of the inscription on said Gleason's tombstone 
Subscribed & sworn to before me} 
B.L. Knowlton Justice of the peace}
              Alpheus Kellogg
              James Muzzy
Page 78

State of Vermont, }
Windham,  S.s.      }
    I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached do certify that   B. L. Knowlton  
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature s to the two certificates therein written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed   according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take depositions, administer Oaths &c. 
  In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough this 16th day of August Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
                             Royall Tyler   Clerk
Page 79

Boston, Sept 7, 1855
Secretary's Office

Sir,
      Yours of Sept. 4 is received, and first I will give you all the service in this office of Benjamin Gleason.  Benjamin Gleason Jr.is not found in this office.
              Copy of Your Certificate of July 24.
12:188  The name of Benjamin Gleason is found on the roll of Capt. Ebenezer Munson's                                                      Comp. Col Jonathan Warner Comp on (illegible) of April 19. 1775.  12 days, as private 
                 from Spencer.
4:213       Also on pay roll of men used to reinforce the Continental Army from The 
                Town of Spencer in the year 1780. 5 mos. 11 days, and allowed in Council 
                 Feby. 21, 1782.
                         The above was your certificate and each service located at Spencer.  The 
                 following services are not located.
24:133.   The name of Benjamin Gleason is borne on pay roll of Capt. Joasiah White's 
                Comp. Col. Job Cushing's Regt. from Sept. 22 to Nov. 29. 1777. 2 mos. 17 
days as Lieutenant.
  24:7      Also on pay roll of Capt. Jesse Wyman's Comp. Col. Jacob Genish's Regiment
                of Guards doing duty on Bunker Hill from Feby. 23. to May 18.  2 mos 25 days
                as private. 
19:160.   Also on pay roll of Capt. David Goodwin's Comp. Col. Coggswill's Regt.
               detached for the purpose of guarding and fortifying the posts at and near Boston
               from Sept. 24. to Dec. 31. (year not given probably 1777) allowed in Council
                Jany. 7. 1779
1: 161     Also on pay roll of Capt. John Cutter's Comp. Col Nath'l Wade's Regt. from 
               June 18. 1778 6 mos. 18 days. as private, travel included.
               The service in your former certificate in Capt. Samuel's Comp. and the last
                service ( in Capt. Cutter's Comp) maybe be father and son, as there is a 
               discrepancy in the record.  (A part of the officers appear in both companies at 
                the same time.) and the latter seems possible.
Page 80

How the records come in our office, according to your inquiries, I know not, but I do not suppose they came by the way of either the Town Clerk or Selectmen of Towns? but I conclude they came in their legitimate order, viz. each Capt. furnished his own roll, and swore to it, for the purpose of obtaining the money to pay his soldiers, from the State government, and those rolls were vouchers, and the proper place for them was the Secretary's Office.  Hence they are here.   If the service could be found in Spenser, the matter in relation to it might be found in both the Town Clerks books and also in the Town Treasurer's books.
     Should you want a certificate of any thing found on this paper, you will please say what you want giving the Capt. and the date of service, and send a fee of one dollar, and it will be forwarded forthwith.        
                                  I am most cordially 
L. G. Mead Esq.              Your obt. Servt.                                 Brattleboro, Vt.               N. Lyman Stony
                                        Clerk of Pensions
                                         For the Secretary

N.B. j Your can return this marked with what you want, if you require any thing further or not, as you please.  My references are on this paper.                                      N.L. S.