Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,518, William Goold, Vt.
Page 1

[PAGE COLUMN HEADING] SERVICE NUMBER 
Vt.    Goold, Willam or Gould Abigail  W.19.518 B.L.Wt.27640-160-55
Page 2

[LEFT PAGE]
Cer H. Chalker Nov 14/55

Vol G. 97

[RIGHT PAGE]
85754/ [illegible] 8/55
April 20/55

Abigail Goold wife of William Goold Pri
Capt Blalee

Revolutionary War

Revolutionary Pensioner
NW Kely 48-2519

Signatures [illegible]

Signature H. Chalker

[DIAGONAL ACROSS PAGE]
27640 ifs May 24/56
Page 3

[LEFT PAGE]
Reported 
Dec: 20/48

[RIGHT PAGE]
New York Albany
Abigail Goold widow of William Goold
V
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 dollars 0 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of dec: 1848 and sent to Hon. T. [illegible]

Recorded on Roll of Pensions under act February 2, 1848, Page 75 Vol. 4.
Page 4

[LEFT PAGE]
24.578
NEW YORK
William Goold of Allegany in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp. command by Captain Blakesly of the Reg. command by Col. Marham in the Vermont line for 6 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of New Yor at te rate of 20 Dollrs 00 cents per annum to commend on the 4th day of March 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Jany. 1833 and [illegible] signature of A.S. Chew signature]

Angelica

Arrears to the 4th of [illegible] '33
Semi-and allowance ending 4 [illegible] '34

$50
 10
$60

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Geo. C[illegible] Cler
Book E Vol 4 Page 102

[RIGHT PAGE]
See letter to Hon. D.C. Pec
Aug 1, 1839
Page 5

[handwritten] 
23225
William Goold
Allegany Co
New York
L.M.
Admitted
Po[illegible letter]ute G[illegible]thy

Anthony S. Chew.
Angelica
Azel Fitch Esq. [crossed out]
Postage [crossed out]
Allegany Co
New York
Page 6

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 31, 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is neccfsary [necessary] to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, ( this: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of William Goold. Allegany Co New York

[column heading] Period when the service was rendered
July 1777
[column heading] Duration of the claimant's service. Years. ""
Months. 6
Days.
[column heading] Rand of the claimant. Priv
[column heading] Names and Rank of the Company officers under who he served.
Cap B[illegable] kesley - Markum
[column heading] Names and Rank of the General and Field Officers
Gen. G. Clinton
[column heading] Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Saratoga
[column heading] Country through which he marched.
Vermont
N. York
[column heading] Place of adobe when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
76 years
Windham
Co.
Vermont
[column heading] Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary
I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commission of Pensions.
Page 7

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As roll3 of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of } ss.
On this [blank space] day of [blank space] personally appeared (a) before [blank space] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank space] in the county of [blank space] and State, Territory or District of [blank space] aged (c) [blank space] 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 space], with [blank space] and served in the [blank space] (e) regiment of the [blank space] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [picture of hand with finger pointing to the right] 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 space]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank space] 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 solider, and served as he states. 
I [blank space] of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank space] day of [blank space] &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:
9k) We, A.B., A Clergyman, residing in the [blank space] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank space] 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, 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 space] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank space] Clerk of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank space] of office, this [blank space] day of [blank space] &C.
Every application will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; bit 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 declarations (l) and he wilt also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department, A very full account of the services of each person
Page 8

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, were 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 as it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom as 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 believe of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the trust of the statement of the applicants.
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 person's, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not 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 office or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under who 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 the language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grade: - For [blank line] year [blank line] months, and [blank line] days, I served as a [blank line]. For [blank line] months and [blank line] days, I served as a [blank line]; 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 [in italics three or four months end italics], is to indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must 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 paper 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 provide his service by 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 creditability of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal office.
[l] The notes form [a] and  [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.

[written signature] Joseph Rowen Esc. clk

[braces around Mode of authentication papers and Proof of Service. section [m]
Page 9

23223
William Goold
Allegany Co
New York
L.M.
Admitted
Powute Guiv[illegible]thy
Anthony S. Chew.
Angelica
Azel Fitch Esq [stricken through]
Postage [stricken through]
Allegany Co
New York
Page 10

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As roll3 of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of } ss.
On this [blank space] day of [blank space] personally appeared (a) before [blank space] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank space] in the county of [blank space] and State, Territory or District of [blank space] aged (c) [blank space] 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 space], with [blank space] and served in the [blank space] (e) regiment of the [blank space] line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [picture of hand with finger pointing to the right] 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 space]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank space] 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 solider, and served as he states.
I [blank space] of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank space] day of [blank space] &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:
9k) We, A.B., A Clergyman, residing in the [blank space] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank space] 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, 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 space] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank space] Clerk of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank space] of office, this [blank space] day of [blank space] &C.
Every application will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; bit 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 declarations (l) and he wilt also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department, A very full account of the services of each person
Page 11

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, were 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 as it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom as 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 believe of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the trust of the statement of the applicants.
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 person's, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not 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 office or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under who 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 the language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grade: - For [blank line] year [blank line] months, and [blank line] days, I served as a [blank line]. For [blank line] months and [blank line] days, I served as a [blank line]; 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 [in italics three or four months end italics], is to indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must 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 paper 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 provide his service by 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 creditability of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal office.
[l] The notes form [a] and [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.

[written signature] Joseph Rowen Esc. clk

[braces around Mode of authentication papers and Proof of Service. section [m]
Page 12

William Goold
Pension Papers
23225
Page 13

State of New York
Allegany County
On this 1st day of October One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty two personally affirmed before me Azel Fitch a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of this said County of Allegany William Goold, a resident of the town of hinda County and state aforesaid aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, oath, on his oath make the following declaration, in Order to obtain his benefit of the [illegible] of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he Entered the service of the United States under the following names Officers, and served as herein stated, that he enlisted on the 24th day of July 1777 at the Town of Westminster County of Windham State of Vermont, there is place of residence, and the day that he was twenty one years old, he enlisted under Capt. Blakesley for six months and as he was informed and understood from Capt Blakesley at the time he so enlisted to join the New York State troops at Albany in the State of New York and received a bounty from Capt Blakesley at the time he enlisted of Forty Shillings and all that he ever did receive for his service That he immediately marched with the Company Enlisted at Westminster under Capt. Blakesley, to Bennington in Vermont and joined a Regiment, Commanded by Collonel Markum the Christian names of Capt. Blakesley & Col. Markum as well as the name of his lieutenant he cannot now remember. Immediately after joining the regiment Bennington marched to Albany in the State of New York and joined the Troops under the Command of General George Clinton and was immediately sent down the Hudson River to West Point Halted at West Point two or three weeks, from West Point was sent down the river to Haverstraw, daubes ferry and Stoney Point Halted a few days at each of the above mentioned places the exact number of days at each place he cannot remember
Page 14

from Stouney Point moved down the river on the west side and was stationed at a block house in sight and a  little above New York name of the place forgotten was there about one weeak, was then sent up the river by the way of West Point to Albany, Halted at Albany two or three days was there sent up the Mohawk River and stationed at a Jonall Fort Called Fort Hawk at a place called Stone Arabia on the Mohawk River, after remaining at For Hawk a few days was sent farther up the river with a drove of cattle for the troops at Fort Stanwix, on their way at the Little Falls their [lined through] their front guard discovered a party of Indians in Ambush they had a scirmish with the Indians drove there, and he was wounded [underlined] by a Ball passing through the Calf of his left leg, was from there Carried in a waggon to Fort Stanwix where he remained some weeaks until he was Able to march, Can not remember how long, from Fort Sstanwix they was marched down the Mohawk to Albany and from Albany to Saratoga, was at the Battle of Saratoga [underlined] with the detached troops that guarded the Army Baggage during the Battle and at the time Busgoyne Surrendered to Genl. Gates, soon after the surrender of Busgoyne the Company Commanded by Capt. Blakesley to which he belonged with some other crossed the river and was Encamped on the East Bank of the river where they remained for some weeks Can not now remember the exact time, from there was marched to Bennington Vermont when this time of Enlistment Expired, Capt. Blakesley then told his men their time of service having Expired they was discharged, and requested them all to go home with him & would bare their Expenses to his House as many as would go with him that this deponent with several other others of the Company went home with their [illegible] to this house the Greene Mount

[handwritten]
Page 15

The name of the town where Capt. Blakesley resided he has forgotten When they arrived at Capt. Blakesley he killed a beef filled their knapsacks with provisions filled their Canteens with rums and they parted was under Capt. Blakesley during the whole time of his service which was a few days over six months before he arrived at home, Capt. Blakesley told his men when they left his house that he would go to Albany in a few days and try to get the pay for their services and write them on his return Soon after this deponent was informed that Capt. Blakesley started to go to Albany and was found froze to death on the Green Mountain.
That he was born on the 26th day of July 1756 in the Town of Munson near Boston as informed by his parents has no word of his age only knows his age as informed by his parents, that his Father removed with his Family ['removed' crossed out] from Munson to Westminster in Vermont when this deponent was Eight years old from that time his place of residence until the Summer of 1778 when he removed to Skeensborough now White Hall in the State of New York where he resided until February 1806 where he removed to Scipio Cayuga County New York where he resided until December 1814 when he removed to Nunda Allegany County New York his present place of Residence, that he knows of no person whole testimony he can procure to testify to his Service that he is acquainted with the reverend Samuel Messenger a Resident of the Town of Portage an adjoining Towne and nearest Clergyman to his Place of residence and Lindsey Joslyn Esq. a resident of this Town of [illegible] residents in the neighborhood where he now resides, who can testify to his Character for Veracity and their belief of his having enlisted the Service, he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the 

[handwritten]
Page 16

Pension roll of the agency of any State
/s/X his mark William Goold

Sworn + Subscribed the day and year aforesaid}

Azel Fitch

State of New York
Allegany County ss} We Samuel Messenger a Clergyman residing in the Town of Portage Allegany County and Lindsey Joslyn residing in the Town of Nunda County and State aforesaid do Certify that we are well acquainted with William Goold who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy six years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood ['to' crossed out] where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
/s/Sam'l Messenger
/s/Lindsey Joslyn

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
/s/Azel Fitch

State of New York
Allegany County ss
I Azel Fitch one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Allegany do hereby certify that from the age and also from the bodily infirmity of William Goold the the above applicant for a pension he is unable to attend the Court of Common Pleas which sits at Angelica about twenty miles from the residence of the said William Goold and I do further certify and declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after Putting the interrogatories prescribed by the Secretary of war that the above named William Goold the applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
Page 17

and I do further certify that it appears to me that Samuel Messenger who signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman residing in the Town of Portage and that Lindsey Joslyn Esq'r who also signed the same is a resident of the Town of Nunda aforesaid + are creditable persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
/s/Azel Fitch

State of New York
Allegany County SS.
[court seal affixed] I Judson W. Sherman Clerk of the County of Allegany and state of New York do hereby certify that Azel Fitch Esq'r before whom the above affidavits and certificate purport to have been taken was at the time of the taking of the Same a Judge of this Court of Common Pleas in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the above to be in his own hand writing and signature.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said county this first day of November AD 1832 = 
/s/JW Sherman
Page 18

I Daniel Gould of Springfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged sixty six years depose, testify and say, that William Gould now of Nunda valley in the State of New York is my elder Brother, and in the time of the Revolutionary war was both resided at our Father's in Westminster in the State of Vermont, I have also a cousin named Seth Gould then + now residing in said Westminster. - I well remember that in the year that my brother William was twenty one years old, he and my cousin Seth Gould enlisted into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war as private soldiers - I well remember they both joined the company at Westminster and marched, and I went with them as far as Putney - I understood, they marched to Bennington + Albany - and according to my best recollection they both served, or were gone from home, at least, nine months, and I recollect perfectly their return home after the service. - 
According to my best recollection they enlisted during the war, and that the war had ceased when they returned home.
/s/Daniel Goold

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss.} Springfield September 30, 1833
Then Daniel Gould, personally appeared, and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned, made oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth, + nothing but the truth.
Before me, /s/Nomlas Cobb Justice Peace

I further certify that the said Daniel Gould is a credible witness
/s/Nomlas Cobb Justice Peace
Page 19

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss} I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court, do hereby certify that Nomlas Cobb is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & qualified, and that his signatures within written are genuine given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court at Woodstock the first of October 1833
[court seal affixed]
/s/Benj'n Swan Clerk
Page 20

William Goold, Pension Papers - 23225.

Amended return - 

Anthony J. Chew, Atty.
Angelica, Alleg. Co, New York
Page 21

State of Vermont
Windham County ss.} Westminster Sept. 6th, 1833
Here Seth Gould personally appeared and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 
Before me /s/Josiah Willard Justice Peace

I further certify that the said Seth Gould is a credible witness /s/Josiah Willard Justice Peace
['State of Vermont' crossed out]

State of Vermont - 
Windham County Court Clerk's Office, New Fane; September 12, A.D. 1833.
I certify that Josiah Willard, Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the above are his signatures - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on the day and year above written - 
/s/James Elliot, Clerk. 
[court seal affixed]
Page 22

Westminster
Windham Co. ss} I, Seth Gould, of Westminster in the County of Windham, and State of Vermont do testify and say that in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven I enlisted in the revolutionary service in the New York State Troops in the company of Capt. Blakesly and that William Gould, the of the aforesaid Westminster and now of Nunda Valley in the State of New York, enlisted into the same company, on the same day, and that we marched together on the same day, first to Bennington then to Albany, and that we were called the moving party. And I do further testify that I was nine months in that service, under that enlistment, and according to my best recollection and belief the said William continued in the service during the aforesaid term of nine months. 
And I do further testify that the said William was honorably discharged.
(Signed) [blank] his mark Seth Gould
Page 23

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 Entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of New York
County of Allegany ss. O this fifteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Allegany, Abagail Goold, a resident of the Town of Nunda in the County of Allegany and State of New York aged Sixty eight years on the twenty fourth day of December last, who being first duly sworn and according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, Entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows-" That she is the widow of William Goold, who was a private in the Revolutionary Army-: That said William Goold was a pensioner and drew a pension of Twenty dollars per annum under the act of 7. June 1832 - That the Pension Certificate of the said William Goold bear date the 13th day of January one thousand eight-hundred + thirty four is numbered 24.578 and is Endorsed on the back "Recorded in the Pension Office in Book e. Vol. 4. Page 102. by Geo. C. Stiles Clerk"-: That she cannot State the exact time during which, or the troop or company, regiment or corps in which Said William Goold Served; but that as she has been informed by Said William Goold and believes, he served during the Revolutionary War as a private a period of at least six months, and that the evidence showing said service is now on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington, having been forwarded to and filed with the officer aforesaid upon the said William Goold obtaining his said pension certificate. She also declares that she was married to the said William Goold on the Twenty fifth day of December Severteen hundred and ninety two. - that her husband the said William Goold died on the twenty fourth day of November Eighteen hundred and fifty two at the Town of Nunda in the County and State aforesaid; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four:viz: at the time above stated; that there is no record proof of her said marriage.+ that she still remains and is now the widow of said William Goold. 
/s/X her mark Abagail Goold
Sworn + subscribed on the day and year above  written before me
/s/e. Horton Judge Allegany Co Courts one of the Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas
State of New York
Allegany County ss: I, Elijah Horton, the Judge aforesaid do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Abagail Goold the applicant in the foregoing declaration named, and who has this Subscribed and Sworn to the same before me, and that the Said applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Said Court of Common Pleas or any other Court of Record in  Said County. Dated March 15th 1843
/s/E. Horton Judge Allegany Co Courts
Page 24

State of New York
Allegany County
Clerks Office} ss:
I, William Windsor Clerk of the Said County, and of the Court of Common Pleas of the Said County of Allegany do hereby certify that Elijah Horton was at the time when the foregoing declaration purports to have been sworn to before him and the foregoing certificate Subscribed and given by him, + is now, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Said County, and that his signature "E. Horton" above written is his genuine handwriting and Signature. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office at the Clerks office in Angelica in Said County this seventeenth day of March in the year one thousand Eight hundred + forty three. 
[court seal affixed]
/s/William Windsor Clerk
Page 25

State of New York
Allegany County ss. On this fifteenth day of March in the Year one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally came before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the peace of Said County, Nathaniel Corthell (whom I certify to be a credible person, and worthy of confidence and belief) and being by me duly sworn doth depose and say, that he, Said deponent is a brother of Abagail Goold described in the declaration hereto annexed, and that he knows the fact that She was married as therein stated to said William Goold on the Twenty fifth day of December Seventeen hundred + ninety two, that he this deponent was present at the marriage of Said Abagail and remembers the circumstances attending the same distinctly. That the marriage ceremony was performed by a Justice of the peace by the name of Seth Sherrod then residing at Whitehall inn the County of Washington and State of New York - at which last mentioned place the said marriage took place, and the parties then resided there. This deponent remembers that said parties stood up together on the floor, and that the said justice propounded to each, the Said Abagail + William, the question of they did then + there each take the other for husband + wife to which they both answered in the affirmative - and that the said Justice of the Peace then said to the parties "I pronounce you husband and wife". And deponent further Saith that at the time of said marriage ceremony he was of the age of ten years wanting to and one half months. that he this deponent was Sixty Years of age on the tenth day of March instant. Deponent further Says that he has known Said William Goold and Abagail his wife ever since said marriage up to the death of the said William Goold which occurred on the twenty day of November last. and that during all that time they lived together as husband and wife - and that the Said Abagail is the same person described in the declaration hereto annexed - has not since the  death of Said William Goold been married to any other person but still remains a widow and now resides at the town of Nunda in Said County. and deponent further Saith that he has never known that there was or has been any record or written memorandum of any kind of said marriage + believes that no such record or written memorandum has ever been made. And further saith not.
/s/ X his mark Nathaniel Corthell
Subscribed and Sworn this 15th day of March 1843 before me
/s/Nathaniel Coe
A Justice of the peace in and for said County}
Page 26

State of New York
County of Allegany ss: On this 15th day of March 1843 personally came before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for Said County Addison M. Crane Esqr, attorney at Law and Clark B. Adams Esqr. and being each duly sworn depose and say that they reside at the town of Nunda in Said County and know Abagail Goold described in the declaration hereto annexed, and that she is now a widow residing in Said Town and that her Said husband William Goold died as stated in said declaration on the 24th day of November 1842. And this deponent Addison M. Crane says that he knew Said William Goold in his lifetime to have been a pensioner as described in said declaration, and that he this deponent for four or five years past has procured by virtue of said certificate, the semiannual payments of his pension from the agent at Albany - And further say not.
(And I the said Justice certify that said Addison M. Crane and Clark B. Adams are credible persona + worthy of belief + confidence)
/s/Addison M. Crane
/s/Clark B. Adams
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 15th day of March 1843
/s/Nathaniel Coe
A Justice of the peace for said County}

State of New York
Allegany County Clerks Office}ss. I William Windsor Clerk of the Said County hereby certify that at the time the two foregoing affidavits purport to have been taken + sworn to Nathaniel Coe was a Justice of the peace in and for Said County + that the Signature to each of Said affidavits, purporting to his, is genuine.
[margin note] 8819
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office + subscribed my name this Seventeenth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
/s/William Windsor Clerk
[court seal affixed]

V 8819
Abigail Goold NY
Act 7-July '35
____
declaration in 1843 - adm'd 6 mos per
____
$20
______
also. act 3 march '43
/s/A. J Lyon Rushford Esqr N. Y.
Page 27

State of New York
County of Allegany ss: On this 15th day of March 1843 personally came before me the subscribed a Justice of the peace in and for Said County Addison M. Crane Esqr. attorney at Law and Clark B. Adams Esqr. and being each duly sworn depose and say that they reside at the town of Nunda in Said County, and know Abagail Goold described in the declaration hereto annexed, ad hat she is now a widow residing in Said Town and that her said husband William Goold died as stated in said declaration on the 24th day of November 1842. And this deponent Addison M. Crane says that he knew Said William Goold in his lifetime to have been a pensioner as described in said declaration, and that he this deponent for four or five years past has procured by virtue of said certificate - the Semi annual payments of his pension from the agent at Albany. And further say not.
(And I then said Justice certify that said Addison M. Crane and Clark B. Adams are credible persons + worthy of belief + confidence.)
/s/Addison M. Crane
/s/Clark B. Adams
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 15th day of March 1843
/s/Nathaniel Coe
A Justice of the peace for said County}
[margin note] 8819
State of New York
Allegany County Clerks Office}ss. I William Windsor Clerk of the Said County hereby certify that at the time the two foregoing affidavits purport to have been taken + sworn to Nathaniel Coe was a Justice of the peace in and for Said County + that the Signature to each of Said affidavits, purporting to his, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office + subscribed my name this Seventeenth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
/s/William Windsor Clerk
[court seal affixed]

V 8819
Abigail Goold NY
Act 7-July '35
____
declaration in 1843 - adm'd 6 mos per
____
$20
______
also. act 3 march '43
/s/A. J Lyon Rushford Esqr N. Y.
Page 28

Application of Abigail Goold for bounty land under Act of Mch. 3, 1855
88954
H, Chalker atty.
Nunda N. Y. }
Page 29

State of New York
Livingston County ss.}
On this 13th day of April AD 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within & for the County & State aforesaid Abigail Goold aged 80 years, a resident of Nunda in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Widow of William Goold deceased who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Blakeslee, but of what troops whether State or United States or in what Regiment & who was the colonel thereof,  whether her said husband volunteered enlisted or was drafted, at what place or time, for how long, or how long he served, where where or how he was discharged. this applicant has not sufficient knowledge or recollection to state & is therefore unable to say - that her said husband served in the Revolutionary War & that proof all the above facts is on file in the Pension Department at Washington, or in the War Office. - that this applicant is a pensioner of the United States & on the said proof filed at Washington ['filed' crossed out] as aforesaid she obtained as the Widow of the said William Goold & now holds a pension certificate of which the following is a copy, to wit. - 
" War Department Widow's Pension
I certify that in conformity with the Act of
Page 30

February 2d, 1848 Abigail Goold widow of William Goold who was a private in the revolutionary War is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum commencing on the 4th of March 1848 and continuing for life unless she should again marry in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage - Given at the War Office of the United States this 20th day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty eight - 
/s/W. L. Marcy Secretary of War"
L. S. U. S. War Office

Examined & countersigned
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions}

(Endorsed) - 
"Payment to be made at Albany by Thos. W. Olcott Esq, agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York - 
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March - 
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2nd 1848 page 75 vol. 4.
/s/Lee J. Witkins Clerk"

She further states that she has regularly
Page 31

drawn her pension upon the said Certificate from the 4th March 1848 hitherto at the pension agency in Albany State of New York - that her said husband was in the service at Fort Stanwix in the State of New York, that she was married to the said William Goold at a place called Fort Ann in the Town of Westfield in the said State of New York about 60 years ago last December, but on what precise day she cannot state, by one Seth Shelden a Justice of the peace, that her name before her said marriage was Abigail Cottrell, that her said husband died at said Nunda about 12 years ago last November but on what precise day she cannot state, & that proof of all said facts is on file at Washington wherein her said pension certificate was granted - & that she is now a Widow - 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she maybe entitled under the Act approved March 3, 1855 - & hereby appoints H. Chalker of said Nunda to procure & receive her Warrant. - 
/s/X her mark Abigail Goold
Witness 
Francis W. Gibbs

We Francis H. Gibbs & Hiram C. Grover residents of Nunda in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by
Page 32

Abigail Goold in our presence, that we have been acquainted with the said Abigail Goold from the death of William Goold her husband hitherto & know that she is still his widow having never married again since his death, & that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
/s/Francis. H. Gibbs
/s/H. C. Grover

The foregoing Declaration & affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written, & I certify that I know the affiants to 
[remainder covered]
State of New York,
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.} I Jos. S. Octon Clerk of said County Court thereof, Do Hereby Certify that Wm D. Hammond Esquire, was at the date of the foregoing or annexed Affidavit and Declaration, a Justice of the peace in and for said county, duly qualified and authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature of said Justice subscribed thereto, is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court and County, this 16 day of April A. D. 1855. 
/s/Jos. S. Octon Clerk.
GEO. A. SANDERS & Co, Printers, Office of the [illegible]

Application of Abigail Goold for bounty land under Act of Mch. 3, 1855
88954
H. Chalker atty.
Nunda N.Y.}
Page 33

Abigail Goold in our presence, that we have been acquainted with the said Abigail Goold from the death of William Goold her husband hitherto & know that she is still his Widow having never married again since his death, & that We believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be - 
/s/Francis H. Gibbs
/s/H. C. Grover

The foregoing Declaration & affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me om the day & year above written, & I certify that I know a, & the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, & that I have no interest in this claim - 
/s/Wm. D. Hammond
Justice of the Peace
Page 34

7007 
Abigail Gould 
March 3d 1843 to Feb. 26. 1845.
Payments to be made at New York by Pres. [illegible] Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol 4. Page 102. by Go C. Stiles Clerk.
Page 35

WAR DEPARTMENT. REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, William Goold of the State of New York who was a private in the Revolutionary Army - is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and ['cents' crossed out] per annum, during his natural life, commencing om the 4th of March. 1831, and payable, semiannually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 13 day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
[seal affixed]
/s/Lew Cass

Examined and Countersigned.}
/s/J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 36

New York Roll
Wm. Gould Pen'r dec'd act 1832
Abigail Gould wid Pen'd act 2d Feby 1848
______
Filed Feby 7th 1852
Thos Ewing Jr
By Austin
Feb 19 - 1852
Page 37

William Gould dec Pensioner act of 1832
Abigail Gould Wid Pen " Feby 2d 1868
Washington D.C. Feby 7. 1852
J. g. Austin For Thos. Ewing Jr. atty
desires information to increase for the Wid
Page 38

[addressed envelope]
[postmark] NUNDA N. Y. APR 21
FREE
Hon. Com'r. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 39

[checkmark] 27,640
Geo Ames
Page 40

Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Official Business.
Mr. Boynton

[pencilled notes]
219162
Schudder Warring
85754 A. Goold
102155 A. Brinks
133108 C. Emmons
148437 D. Wilson
85754 Abigail Goulds 27640
27640/160
Page 41

Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Official Business.
Mr. Boynton

[pencilled notes]
219162
Schudder Warring
85754 A. Goold
102155 A. Brinks
133108 C. Emmons
148437 D. Wilson
85754 Abigail Goulds 27640
27640/160
Page 42

[addressed envelope]
[postmark] NUNDA N. Y. 18 APR.
FREE
Hon. Com'r of Pensions
Washington D. C. - 

[pencilled note: 85959]
Page 43

V No 8819
Abigail Goold NY

let to H. M. Crane April 26.43
 "    "   H.  "    "       June 29  "
"     "    "    "    "      Sep   5    "
 Act 7 July 1838
Page 44

9.301.

New York. Albany
Abigail Goold
widow of William Goold who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832. and who died on the 24th Nov'r 1842 of Allegany Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Blakesley of the Reg. commanded by Col. Markham the Vermont ['line for' crossed out] troops for 6. [remainder obscured]
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20. Dollars - [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of May 1845 and Sent to A. J. Lyon. Rushford, New York. 
Total amount, $ [blank]
______
[Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by F. S. Evans Clerk 
Book D. Vol. 1. Page 159.
Page 45

[verso]
6892
New York, Albany
Abigail Goold widow of William Goold who was a private in the Revolution
_______
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars - [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of May 1845 and sent to A. J. Lyon Esqr.
Rushford New York.
______
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. 2 Vol. 1. Page 76.

[recto]
Rep. 2 Certificates
Act 7th July 1838
  "    3 March 1843.
Page 46

Abigail Gould widow of Wm. Gould
______
Sep 17 - 1852
Ex by F. E. Hassler 
Present
[annotated in pencil] F is 8.3.75
Page 47

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pensions are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.*
State of New York
County of Livingston}
Be it known that before me WD Hammond a Justice of the Peace personally appeared Abigal(sic) Gould aged 77 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that She is the widow of William Gould who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of New York (Nunda and that he died on the 22nd day of November 1843 and that ['her mother named' crossed out] She is now living ['died on the' crossed out] 12 day of May 1842 and that they were married on the 25th day of December in the year 1792 and that they were residents of Whitehall on the state of New York, and that they resided there about 12 years, and that she resides in Nunda Livingston co. and that furthermore she BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints and fully empowers and authorizes irrevocably and with powers of substitution - F. E. Hassler, of Washington, D. C., as her true and lawful Attorney for her and in her name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U. S. Government Officers her rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due her as Widow of William Goold in who died leaving the same undrawn, as is right of law, custom, or equity, She is or may be entitled.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF She has on this 12.th day of May 1852 hereunto signed her name and affixed her seal.
/s/X her mark Abigal Gould (L. S.)
Witness: /s/WD Hammond
Witness: /s/L. Jackson
Signed, sealed, acknowledged and sworn to before me, on this 12th day of May 1852
/s/WD Hammond J. P. (L. S.)

At the same time personally appeared before me WD Hammond a Justice of the Peace two credible and disinterested witnesses named Sophia Newton and Esther Town residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for ['himself' crossed out] herself that she has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that William Gould was a Revolutionary Soldier, and that Abigal Gould was by him always treated as and is by the witnesses believed to be the wife (now widow) of the said Revolutionary Soldier.
/s/Sophia Newton (L. S.)
/s/Esther Towne (L. S.)
Sworn to before me the day and year first above written.
WD Hammond J.P. (L. S.)

State of New York
County of Livingston} to wit:

I HEREBY CERTIFY, That William D. Hammond Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Livingston County Court, this seventeenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
/s/Israel D. Root Clerk.
[county seal affixed]
[obscured by seal] state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband."
Page 48

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving widows of the soldiers of the Revolution.
____
STATE OF New York
Livingston COUNTY.} ss. 
On this Twenty first day of July 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Mrs. Abigail Gould a resident of Nunda in the county of Livingston State of New York, aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of William Gould who was a Private soldier in the war of the Revolution, and that she has drawn a pension at the rate of - Twenty - dollars - [blank] cents, per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow. 
/s/X her mark Abigail Gould
In presence of 
/s/Kendra Gould
/s/William A. Dunn
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED on the day and year above written, before William D. Hammond Justice of the Peace. I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
STATE OF NEW YORK,
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,} ss. 
I Certify, that William D. Hammond Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this 14 day of Sept A. D. 1848.
/s/Wm H Whiting, Clerk.
[county seal affixed]

A. STRONG & CO., Printers, Rochester
Page 49

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Ac of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving widows of the soldiers of the Revolution,
____
STATE OF New York
Livingston COUNTY.} ss.
On this Twenty first day of July 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Mrs. Abigail Gould a resident of Nunda in the county of Livingston State of New York, aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of William Gould who was a Private soldier in the war of the Revolution, and that she has drawn a pension at the rate - Twenty dollars - [blank] cents, per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow. 
/s/X her mark Abigail Gould
In presence of 
/s/Kendra Gould
/s/William A. Dunn
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED on the day and year above written, before William D. Hammond Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
/s/William D. Hammond Justice of the Peace.
Page 50

State of New York
Allegany County ss} On this Fourteenth day of January in the year 1845 personally appeared before me A. J. Lyon one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County Abigail Gould a resident of the Town of Nunda in said County aged 70 years who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March 3d 1843 entitled "an act of granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" 
That she is the widow of William Gould, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution as she believes will appear by reference to his papers, now on file in the Pension Office, on which he drew his Pension. and that her husband drew a Pension under the act of the 7th of June 1832. and that he resided at the Town of Nunda in the County of Allegany and State of New York at the time he drew his Pension.
And she further declares that she was married to the said William Gould at the town of Westfield in the County of Washington in the State of New York on the 25th day of December in the year 1792. by Seth Sherrod a Justice of the Peace of said ['town' crossed out] County
And that her husband the said William Gould died at the town of Nunda in the County of Allegany and State of New York on the 24th day of November in the year 1842, and that she has no family Record of the marriage or the ages of her Eleven children which she had by her husband the said William Gould
And She further declares that her Brother Nathaniel Corthell and her Sister Anna Johnson were both present at her marriage.
Page 51

And she further declares that she is still the widow of the said William Gould, and has not since married. And further this deponent saith not.
/s/X her mark Abigail Gould
Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me. A JLyon one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegany County
I hereby certify that from personal examination I am fully satisfied that Abigail Gould is by reason of age and bodily infirmity unable to appear in open court or write her name.
/s/A JLyon Judge of Allegany County Courts
Page 52

State of New York
County of Allegany ss} Nathaniel Corthell of Mount Morris in the County of Livingston and State aforesaid, but now present at Nunda in the County of Allegany being duly sworn deposes and says that he is the same person who made an affidavit some two years since before Nathaniel Coe Esquire which he believes is now on file in the Pension office in which he swore and he now swears that he was present at the marriage of William Gould to Abigail Corthell at the Town of Westfield in the County of Washington in the State of New York on the 25th day of December in the year 1792 That they were married at the house of said Abigail's father in the town aforesaid by Seth Sherrod Esquire who was then a Justice of the Peace of said County of Washington And that he knows if the said marriage took place on the day above mentioned by his own age and the age of his Sister who was then married and the rest of the family. And this deponent further saith that the was well acquainted with the said William and Abigail before and at the time of said marriage + has known them both ever since until the death of said William. That they always lived together as husband and wife and raised a family of Eleven children. That said William Gould died about two years since. That this deponent will be Sixty two years old on the 10th day of March next. And this deponent further saith not.
/s/X his mark Nathaniel Corthell
Sworn + Subscribed before me this 14th day of January A.D. 1845
/s/AJLyon Judge of Allegany County Court
Page 53

[handwritten letter]
War Department,
Pension Office,
Aug. 1st, 1839

Sir, 
In answer to the enclosed letter I have to inform you that it appears from the evidence in this office in the case of William Goold, that he served only six months, and is therefore entitled to but $20. per annum.
The law of June, 7th. 1832, under which he was pensioned, gives to a private soldier, for the greatest length of service, no more than $80. per annum.
I have the honor to be, 
Very respectfully, Your obt. servt.
 /s/J. L. Edwards

Hon. L. C. Peck,
Pike, Allegany County, N. York.
Page 54

[handwritten letter]

Pike Allegany Co N.Y.
July 27, 1839

Sir
I have the honor to transmit hereunto a communication from AM Crane Esqr of this county who desires that the pension papers of William Gould now on the files of the Pension Office may be reviewed with a view to an Increase of his pension - Mr. C. supposed there was a mistake in computing this time &c
Your Early Attention to the same is respectfully solicited
Respectfully Your Obt Srvt
/s/LC Peck

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commr pensions}
Page 55

[handwritten letter]

Nunda Vally N.Y. May 18th 1843.

Sir, 
Your letter of the 26th ultimo in relation to the claim of Abagail Goold, widow of William Goold was duly received and in compliance with the intimation therein contained I addressed the Secretary of Vermont for the purpose of procuring evidence of the Services of William Goold. His answer to my communication is received, and he declines furnishing the evidence short of a fee of $5. The widow is poor and cannot furnish the requisite fee, and had no one that She can procure it from, and She wishes me as a finale to the business to call your attention to the enclosed letter from You dated Aug. 1. 1839, written on occasion of the application of her late husband for an increase of this Pension, by which it would seem that there was at that time sufficient evidence in the Pension office that he had served six months. In regards to the time of her marriage no better evidence can be adduced than already forwarded - no written family record ever haveing been kept, and so far as I am aware neither Parish nor Town register of Marriages until since 1830 have been kept in the State of New York. 
The amount of her claim, if allowed, is but a mere pittance, and she submits that sufficient evidence has been forwarded to entitle her to a pension.
You will please forward to me Your answer that I may finally inform her of the result of her claim.
I am with respect - 
Your Obt Servt. /s/A. M. Crane

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 56

[handwritten letter]

Nunda Valley N.Y.
11 July 1823

Sir
Yours of June 29th is duly received in which you insist (under the regulations of the This Department) upon being furnished with evidence of the Services of William Goold from the Secretary of Vermont. 
I have concluded on the whole to advance the necessary money to procure a search by that officer provid'd the Commr of Pensions is Satisfied with the proof of the Marriage of Abagail Goold already adduced. On that point it is out of the power of Mrs. Goold to produce any better evidence than has already been forwarded, and it would be in vain for her to be at expense in procuring evidence of her late husbands services and then have her claim rejected for want of sufficient evidence of her marriage.
Please return me an answer
Very Resp. Your Obt Sevt
/s/A.M. Crane

Hon J.L. Edwards
Com'r Pensions
Page 57

[addressed envelope]
7007 Feb 26. 1845.
bt. Abigail Gould
March 3d 1843. NY
[postmark] RUSHFORD NY FEB 17

Hon J. L. Edwards,
Com. of Pensions
Washington City D. C. 

[penciled notation] 29,518
Page 58

[handwritten letter]

Rushford feb 17 1845

Sir
I was called a few days since to Nunda in this County to examin the Claim of Abigail Gould widow of William Gould for a pension under the act of the 3 of March 1843 and I come to the Conclusion that she was Entitled to the Bennifit of that Law A. M. Crain of that place has had her claim under his change but has abandoned it and gone West
I have thought but to remove the Claim and have collected the enclosed Evidence and new Declaration which is herewith transmitted and will wait your decision and directions in the case.
I have the honor to be your Obt Servant /s/AJLyon

Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 59

Abigail Gould wid of William Gould
Power of Atty to Thos Erving Jr.
______
Mrs Gould is a pensioner under Act 2nd Feb 1848.
New York roll

Ex by Mr. Erving Jr
Dec - 30 - 57
Page 60

Know all men by these present that I Abigail Gould widow of William Gould (late a pensioner of the United States, deceased) Believing my said late husband was Entitled to Receive a Larger pension for his services in the Revolution. And also Believing that as the widow of the paid William Gould. I am Entitled to Receive a Larger pension than I now received an account of my said late husbands services as aforesaid - Now therefore for the purpose of obtaining an increase of Pension for my said late husband, As well as to increase my present pension + for the purpose of Receiving my said husband papers as well as those of mine ow on file at the pension Office + to do and Receive all that shall be necessary in the premises. 
I do hereby appoint Thomas Erving Jun of Washington my true + lawful attorney for me and in my name place + stead to prosecute + attend to my said Claim above mentioned and to Do and Receive all and Everything in the premises which I might or could do in the premises. ever I personally present
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand + seal this 14th day of October 1851 - 
/s/ X her mark Abigail Gould

Sealed + Delivered in Presence of - Daniel Gould 
/s/D Stephenson J.P.
Page 61

State of New York
County of Ontario SS. On this 14th day of October 1851. Before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in + for said county, personally appeared Abigail Gould who I know to be the individual described in + who executed the foregoing Power Attorney. And acknowledged that the said forgoing power of attorney to be her at and Deed - And further that the Reason Mrs. Abigail Gould did not write her [remainder obscured]
State of New York, 
Ontario County Clerk's Office,}SS. I, Reuben Murray, Jr., Clerk of said County, Do Hereby certify, That the annexed Instrument is executed and proved or acknowledged, in due form according to the laws of the State of New York, to entitle it to be recorded therein:
Also, that Dolphin Stephenson Esquire, before whom the same was proved or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the Peace in ad for said County, duly elected, sworn and authorised to take the same. And I further certify, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Dolphin Stephenson Esqr and verily believe his signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this Fifteenth day of October A. D. 1851
/s/Reuben Murray Jr CLERK.
Page 62

State of New York
County of Ontario SS.
On this 14th day of October 1851 Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace on & for Said County personally appeared Abigail Gould who I know to be the individual described in & who Executed the forgoing Power Attorney. And acknowledged that [crossed out] the Said foregoing power of attorney to be her act and Deed _ And further that the Reason Mrs Abigail Gould Did not write her name to the foregoing is because she says she never learned to write -

Datell Phelps Ontario Co NY
Oct 14th 1851 -

Dolphin Stephenson Justice of the peace of Ontario Co N.Y.

[affixed seal appears to have been cut off]
Page 63

[handwritten letter]

Nunda Valley Allegany Co N.Y.
March 20th 1843.

Sir
Enclosed herewith I send you the Declaration and accompanying affidavits in case of [underlined] Abagail Goold, widow of William Goold a deceased pensioner.
I Suppose the papers show a case which entitles her to be placed on the list of Pensioners - and you will please forward her certificate to me
I am very Truly Yours
/s/A. M. Crane
Page 64

[addressed envelope]
[postmark] NUNDA VALLEY N.Y. JULY 11

July 15 '43
N.Y. Abigail Goold - 
free
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 65

[handwritten letter]
Nunda N. Y. Apl. 21, '56 - 

Sir - It may be out of place to make the inquiry I wish, which arises from this - 
To the many applications for Land Warrants I as attorney have made, I have received either a Warrant or a rejection or suspension down to Geo. W. Ames - I never have rec'd notice of the reception of his at the Department - Abigail Goold's just preceding that was numbered 85,754 - 
The one next after Ames was Joseph Edwards (No. 84,189) & I recieved(sic) a Warrant upon Edward's - 
The next application was Abram Brink (No. 102,155) & from this I've rec'd nothing since the notice of its reception - No. 102,156 was that of Mordan G. Wright & the Warrant on that has been recieved -
Page 66

[continuation of handwritten letter]
There was sent that of Geo. Emmons No. 133,108 from which I've had only a notice of its reception - after that was sent that of Decalreus Wilson No. 148,437 from which I've rec'd only notice of its reception - From application No. 148,438 I received the Warrant some weeks since - 
These applications are all under the Act of Mch. 3, 1855. - 
Whether I  have not recieved(sic) all that has been forwarded from the Department, or whether such is the course of business that subsequent applications are heard from often before prior ones, I am at a loss to conclude - The fact that I have recieved warrants from subsequent applications, & no word comes from those so long prior has induced this
Page 67

[continuation of handwritten letter]

interruption of your attention, which perhaps my better acquaintance with matters at the Department would have prevented me from making - 
Yours respectfully
/s/H. Chalker

Hon. Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 68

H. Chalker Nunda N.Y.
Geo. W. Ames - never rec'd ack - 
85,754 Abigail Goolds
Boynton Oct 25/35

102,155.
Abram Brink
N.Y. Ex. Jan3/56
133,108.
Geo. Emmons
N.Y. Ex. Apr 7/56
148,437
Decalreus Wilson
N.Y. Ex. Apr 7/56
Page 69

3-595.
______
O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Searched by ______
Claim No. ______
Certificate No. Wid 6892 - 43
Claimant Abigail
Soldier William Gould, 
Service Rev.
Additional Service ______
Pens + Remarks Died 1841 Cataraugus Co. N.Y. at 100 yrs.

Chief of Division.

15444b10m8-1930
Page 70

19518 [initialed]om
Wm Gould
______
Oct 1,1832 - 76/Rev jny 24 1756
Nunda N.Y./Marion Mars
______
July 4, 1771 - Westminster NY
Capt. Blakesley
Col Markham
Pvt - 6 mos
______
Skirmish at Little Falls with Indians, wounded in leg
['Saratoga' crossed out]
______
wid app Mch. 15, 1843
Nunda NY. 68
______
Mrs. Abigail Corthell 
Dec. 25, 1792 Whitehall N.Y.
D: Nunda NY. Nov. 24, 1842
Page 71

[initials(?) annotated in pencil] R. OWTU ECG

LAW OFFICES
JOHN M. CORBIN AND J. HERBERT COLE
315-316 HAMMOND BUILDING
DETROIT, MICH.

[receipt stamp] MAY 16 1902 [U. (upper left corner); P. (lower left corner); B. (lower right corner)]

May 12, 1902.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: - 
I am making application to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. I understand that my great grandfather David E. Corbin was a soldier in the [underlined in pencil] Revolutionary War and drew a pension, and that he died at Collins, Erie Co., N.Y. about the 10th day of May, 1845.
Also the father of my paternal grandmother, whose name was William Gould, was also a soldier in the war of the Revolution and drew a pension, and he died in Cataraugus County, N. Y. on or about the 9th day of February, 1841 at about the age of one hundred years. 
Now what I desire to know is whether these statements can be verified by the records at Washington, and what will it cost me for certified copies of sufficient of the the records to establish the fact that one or both of these were pensioners.
Yours respectfully, 
/s/John M. Corbin

[receipt stamp] 
U. S. PENSION OFFICE D MAY 14 1902
Page 72

Rev 19.518
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 19518
Abigail Goold
widow of William Goold
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 2d 48
Index: - Vol. A, Page 281
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 73

June 2 - 1902
J. M. Corbin - Detroit Mich
______
Page 74

State of New York
County of Allegany}ss. On this Eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace of Portage in said County Anna Johnson./whom I hereby certify to be a credible person and worthy of confidence and belief/who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith, that she is the Sister of Abigail Gould who maiden name was Abigail; Corthell/ the same person who made and subscribed the declaration hereunto annexed. That this deponent will be Seventy two years old on the Fourth day of February in the year 1845. That the said Abigail was Seventy years old on the Twenty fourth day of December in the year 1844. That she was present at the tie said Abigail her sister was married to William Gould, the husband of said Abigail, and that she was married to said William. That the said marriage was performed at Westfield in the County of Washington in the State of New York o the Twenty fifth day of December in the year 1792.
And this deponent further saith that the facts and circumstances that enable her to know that the said marriage took place at the time above mentioned are the following viz. That this deponent was married om the 12th day of May in the year 1789. That on the 9th day of February in the year 1792, the eldest child of the deponent was born. That the said child died on the 8th day of March in the year 1792. That the second child of this deponent was born on the Third day of June in the year 1793;  all of which facts appear by a record of the same, made at the time they occurred by the husband of this deponent, and ever since, and now, in the professions of this deponent, and which this deponent know to be correct. That she recollects that each of said facts happened of her own knowledge independent of any reference to said record; and upon the further fact that
Page 75

this deponent has a distinct and perfect recollection and knows positively that said Abigail was married on Christmas day, and that it was after the death of the oldest child of the deponent, and before the birth of this deponent's second child. 
And this deponent further saith that Seth Sherrod who then resided at Fort Edward in said County of Washington in the State aforesaid performed the marriage ceremony. That the same was filled with persons at the time, nearly all of whose names  this deponent cannot now recollect, excepting those of her own brothers and Sisters and other relatives. That this deponent saw the said William and Abigail just before the marriage sitting side by side. That she heard said Sherrod request them to rise up. That immediately thereupon this deponent passed round to such a position as to be unable to hear anything further, said said Sherrod to the said Couple of to see the said William and Abigail that she can now recollect. That the appearance of ['the' crossed out] all the company present, and all the circumstances that attended that occasion were such as to convince this deponent that the said William and Abigail were then married, but this deponent did not hear said Sherrod pronounce them husband and wife. That said William and Abigail always resided together as husband and wife, to the knowledge of this deponent until the death of said William which occurred sometime in the month of November in the year 1842. That said Abigail at the time of her marriage was eighteen years and one day old. That said Abigail, since the death of said William has remained a widow and is still unmarried and at the time of this death of said William resided at Nunda in said County of Allegany and State aforesaid and still resides at the same place. That there never was and is not now to the knowledge of this deponent any
Page 76

written evidence of the said marriage and believes no written memorandum or record of the same was ever made.

/s/ X her mark
Annie Johnson

Sworn and Subscribed before me this 11th day of January A.D. 1845
/s/W. Houghton jr Justice of the Peace
in & for Allegany County

I hearby certify that I am well acquainted
with Anna Johnson the same person who subscribed the foregoing affidavit in my presence, & that she is a person of truth & veracity & entitled to confidence & belief

/s/W Houghton jr Justice of the Peace
in & for the county of Allegany

State of New York
Allegany County Clerks Office ss.}  J. Wm Windsor Clerk of Said county do hereby certify
that Wm Houghton Jr before whom the preceeding Affidavits was taken was at the date of the same a Justice of Peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name
Subscribed thereto to be his proper
hand writing
Witness my hand & Seal of said county this 14th day of February AD 1845
/s/William Windsor Clerk