Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,526, Oliver Goss, New York Vt.
Page 1

(3-1776) 

SERVICE 
New York 
Vt.

Goss, Oliver  
Rachel 

NUMBER
W. 19,526

CONTENTS
Page 2

(left side written vertically)
Let. to Aden Bartlett, May 4th, '47

(right side)
Vermont --31,633
Oliver Goss
of Essex in the State of Vermont, who was a Pri in the Compy commanded by Captain Bridgeman of the Regt. commanded by Patterson on the Vermont & N.Y line for 8 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of July '39 and sent to claimant, Guildhall, Vermont

Arrears  to the 4th of March - $213.28
Semi-anl. allowance ending      13.33
(total)  $226.61

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by R Burdine Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 3 Page 70
Page 3

[left column]
Let to Pensioner July 23, 1834 
Let to Pens Agt July 23, 1834 
To Montpelier Vt 4 March 1830
Rept
Augt 21 1854
See letter same date

Right column]
Vermont Montpelier
[crossed out] New Hampshire Concord

Rachel Goss, widow of Oliver Goss, who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private NY

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on
he 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of Sept 1848 and sent to Joshua Marshall
Stratford N. H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 72 Vol. 1
Page 4

State of Vermont
County of Essex ⎬ 
On this 13th day of December AD 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before the Hon William Gates Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont now sitting Oliver Goss a resident of Canaan in the County of Essex in the district of Essex and State of Vermont aged seventy two 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 act of Congress passed June 7th 1832-

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, that he entered a company New York militia or State troops in the town of Hinsdale the State of New York (now called Vernon in the State of Vermont, in the forepart of the year 1777. Sd Company was commanded by Capt Bridgman & belonged to Col Pattersons Regt and that he continued in said Company being almost constantly on duty
for the defence of the State, and was compelled to be in constant readiness to march when ordered, and was frequently called on for short tours of duty when there was any alarm, and at any time was marched as far up Connecticut River as Hartland upon an alarm that the Indians were advancing and destroying the inhabitants and at the time of the battle at Bennington he was ordered to march for that place but did not reach there until after the battle was over, and he continued to serve in sd Company until the first of June AD 1780 when he enlisted at sd Hinsdale in a company commanded by Capt Nathaniel Blakely & Lieut Jonas Rice and marched to Fish Kill on the North River and Joined Col Malcomb's Regt and marched to West Point where he remained but two weeks then recrossed the River and marched down to Kings ferry and crossed over to Stony Point
Page 5

and in to the State of New Jersey to a fort (but cannot now recollect the name of it), and staid there a few days and then marched back to Stony Point and there took shipping and went up to Albany and after staying these same days marched to Schenectady up the Mohawk River and from thence to fort Hunter and to fort Herkimer and there staid for same
the defending the Inhabitants against the Indians and tories then he was detached with a guard of three hundred men under Col Livingston and marched to fort Plank and took a draw of one hundred head of cattle and drove them to Fort Stanwin and there staid and was engaged in defending that place from the Indians until the first of December when he was dismissed (never had any discharge) and returned home having been in the service six months (but whether under one or more enlistment he cannot recollect). He then joined again the said Company of Militia of State troops at sd Hinsdale then commanded by Capt Reuben Field and Subsequently by Capt Arad Hunt and Col John Sargent high in Gen Fletcher Brigade and continued to do duty in said company until the close of the War, he was born in Shrewsbury in Worcester County Massachusetts in AD 1760 has no record of his age. He lived in sd Hinsdale N.Y. (now Vernon in the State of Vermont) when called in to the service and lived there until sixteen years ago when he moved to Canaan in the County of Essex, where he has since resided and now resides.

He has no documentary evidence except an old warrant from Capt Hunt and he knows of no
person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service-

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and
declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Oliver Goss [signature]
Page 6

44-589
Declaration of
Rachel Goss wid of Oliver
NH
Act 17 June 1844

adm 8 mo pri he
$26.66 per an
Act 4 Apl 1844

Joshua Marshall
Stratford NH
Page 7

State of New Hampshire
Coos County

On this twenty eighth day of June, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty-seven, personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Coos aforesaid, Rachael Goss a resident of
Stuartstown in the County of Coos & State of New Hampshire aged Seventy eight years; who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 17th 1844 entitled an act to continue the pensions of certain Widows. That she is the widow of Oliver Goss late of Canaan in the County of Essex & State of Vermont deceased, who was a Fifer or Musician in the army of the Revolution, (and was a pensioner at the time of his death on the Pension Roll of the State of Vermont at the rate of twenty six dollars & Sixty six cents per annum) that he served under the command of Capt Nathaniel Blakesley of Brattleborough
in said State of Vermont in the year 1780 as she believes that she had heard him say in his lifetime that he was preparing to go into the service when the dark day took place, that he started for the army the next day that he served eight months before he returned. 

She further declares that she was married to the said Oliver Goss on the Eighth day of July in the year seventeen hundred & ninety-one, at what was then called the town
Page 8

of Hinsdale in the State of Vermont now called Vernon in said State of Vermont, by John Bridgeman Esquire a Justice of the Peace, in said Hinsdale now Vernon in the County of Windham in the State of Vermont aforesaid, and that her husband the aforesaid Oliver Goss died on the fourth day of April in the year Eighteen hundred & forty four in the town of
Canaan in the State of Vermont,

She further declares that the applied to Wm Heywood Esquire in July 1844 who was then Judge of Probate as she understood and he made her declaration before him & as she supposed he had made an application to the War Department for her Pension but she was informed last May that her application had not been received, (by Aden Burkett Esquire
of Bloomfield Vt) which is the reason that she has made this declaration & the cause why it was not made before this time.
Rachel X Goss her mark [signature]

In presence of us
Russel Laughton
Phebe S. Chamberling

Sworn & subscribed to on the day and year first within written, before me,
Mr. Joshua Marshall a Justice of the Count of Common Pleas for said
County of Coos

I further certify that from bodily infirmity the within named applicant cannot attend Court.
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Court
C. Pleas for said County of Coos.
Page 9

I, James M. Rix, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Coos as within and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine

In witness whereof I have here unto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court, this
19th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven,

James M Rix Clerk.
Page 10

Certificate of the Town Clerk of Vernon
Page 11

Town of Vernon, in the County of Windham, in the State of Vermont

The following are extracts from the Records of the Births and Deaths in the Town of Vernon aforesaid (to wit) -
"Fanny daughter of Oliver & Rachel Goss, was born March twenty ninth, in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety two
Esther daughter of Oliver & Rachel Goss, was born August nineteenth Seventeen hundred and ninety three.-
Jonathan Son of Oliver & Rachel Goss, was born July Sixteenth seventeen hundred and ninety five".
I certify that the above is a true copy from the records of said Town of Vernon, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in legible figures, as follows
Fanny, daughter of Oliver & Rachel Goss, was born March 29th A.D. 1892.
Esther, daughter of Do & do was born August 19th 1793
Jonathan son of Do Do - was born July 16th 1795.
Marshall Whithed, Town Clerk of Vernon

I, Marshall Whithed, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Vernon in County & State aforesaid & that the above are true extracts from the Records of said Town of Vernon, with exception above named, as certified by me.-
Marshall Whithed, Clerk of sd Town of Vernon
Page 12

State of Vermont
Windham County Brattleboro Sept 25. 1847
Subscribed by the above named Marshall Whithed & sworn to before me
Ara Keyes Justice of the peace

I further certify that the above named Marshall Whithead is a person of veracity & a credible witness
Asa Keyes Justice of the peace

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
New Fane October 29. 1847

I, Marshall Miller Clerk of said Court certify that Asa Keyes is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission bears date October 30th 1846 and will expire on the 30th day of November 1847, and that his Signature above written is genuine-

In testimony whereof, & hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court the day and year above written
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk
Page 13

21,599
Oliver Goss
Essex Co
Vermont

obj E,

Clamaint
E Canaan Vt
Page 14

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 5th 1832
Sir,
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the service of Oliver Goss

Period when the service was rendered
Forepart of 1777 to [illegible] 1780
Joined a Militia Com & served until the close of the war

Duration of the claimant's service.
Time not stated militia service
6 months

Rank of the claimant.
Private

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Capt Bridgman
Capt Blakely
Capt Field
Capt Hart

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. ┃
Col  Patterson
Col Malcomb & Livingston
Col Sargent 
Genl Fletcher

Battles in which the applicant was engaged
[none listed]

Country through which he marched
marched to Fishkill to Kingsbury to Stony Point to New Jersey to Fort Plank

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
72 years old
Hinsdale N York

Evidence by which the declaration is supported
Traditionary an Elder of the Ch , a Letter the late [illegible]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Page 15

2 REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies. As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance , make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory District of County of On this ---day of --- personally appeared (a) before ----- A. B. a resident (b) of ----- in the county of ---- and State, Territory or District of ----- aged (c) --- years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ----, with ---- and served in the ---- (e) regiment of the ---- line, under the following named officers (Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I -------------------- of the Court of ----------------------------- do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of --------------- for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ------- day of ------------------ & c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ------------- and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ---------------- , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be -------- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. ------ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ------- and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, -----------Clerk of the Court of ---------------- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this --- of ---- & c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 16

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

[Footnote [e] in handwritten brackets]
Page 17

O. W. & N. Div.
W. 19526
L. W. B.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 21, 1896.

Madam:
Replying to you  correspondence information concerning the military record of Oliver Goss, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made application for pension December 13, 1832, at which time he was residing in Canaan, Vt, and 72 years
of age, and his pension was allowed for eight months' actual service as a private in the Vermont troops, Revolutionary War, A part of the time he served under Capt. Bridgeman and Col. Paterson

In his declaration he states that he entered a company of NewYork Militia or State troops in the town of Hinsdale, then State of New York, now called Vernon, in the State of Vermont. In the fore part of the year 1777 his widow, Rachel, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Miss Harriet L. Mack
42 Hanover Street,
Lynn, Mass.
Page 18

Oliver Goss
W19526
Page 19

[same as last page turned upside down]
For Corporal Ol. Goss
Page 20

Sir, in Obedience to orders just Rec'd from from General Fletcher I am under obligation to require you forthwith to call on & have your company in the most finished readiness to march in the shortest notice. well provided with arm ammunition & accoutrement & six
Days Provision for the Defence of this State at Vt. exigence of affairs may Require 

Dated at Brattleboro the 22 of December 1791 John Sergant Cor. to Capt Hart at Hinsdale  an Exact Coppy

thereon by above the orders I require you forthwith to call the men of said Company south of the Alarm. Post to meet off to meet at the alarm Fest [illegible] on Wednesday
the 26 day of December at One of the Clock afternoon Given under my hand this 24 Day of December
Arad Hunt Captain

[stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 21

[letterhead]
HENRY A. PEVEAR, PRES.
WALTER O FAULKNER, TREAS.
CHARLES H. CHASE, SECT. 
JOHN C. HOUGHTON, LIBRARIAN.
Lynn Free Public Library [end letterhead]
Lynn, Mass. July 14 1896

Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir:-- I have a copy of a pension grant given Rachel Goss, widow of Oliver Goss, Revolutionary soldier Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 72. Vol. 1. Given at the War Office Sept. 9. 1848.-

Is it possible for me to learn any particulars concerning the War Record of the said Oliver Goss
When and where enlisted
Length of service
any thing relating to his Regiment during service, etc., and if so, what
Page 22

[letterhead]
HENRY A. PEVEAR, PRES.
WALTER O FAULKNER, TREAS.
CHARLES H. CHASE, SECT.
JOHN C. HOUGHTON, LIBRARIAN.
Lynn Free Public Library [end letterhead]
Lynn, Mass.  ____ 189__

would be the expense attending thereto. - I have not been able thus far to find his name upon the Roll of Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Vermont

Any information pertaining to the said Oliver will be gratefully received, and oblige

Yours respectfully,
Harriet L. Matthews
42 Hanover St.
Lynn.
Massachusetts
Page 23

[left side]
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19526
Rachel Goss widow of Oliver Goss
Pri Rev War

Act Feb 2d 48
Index Vol. A, Page 281
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side]
July 21 96 Sol
to Miss Harriet L
Lynn Mass
Page 24

[left side]
reported

[right side]
-
Rachel
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Husband
---
570
Concord
New Hampshire
---
Rachel Goss widow of Oliver Goss who was a Private in the Revolution
Husband died 4th April 1844

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1844.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of July 1848 and sent to Joshua Marshall
Stratford N. H.
{Act of JUNE 17, 1844.}

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2. page 16
Page 25

No 411
Rachel Goss
NH
Let. to Joshua Marshall
August 16th '47

Act 17 June 1844
Page 26

Rev:
Vermont
Oliver Goss
Suspended
See letter to clt.
25 Sept 1833
do. to same Nov. 6, 1833

Let claimant 25 Aug 1834
do. to claimant Oct. 11, 1834
Page 27

Washington Feby 14 180

Oliver Goss

Sir
I have received Your letter of the 10th inst have read it with much attention and can assure you it would afford me much pleasure to be of any service to one of my old Townsmen
whom I shall always remember with much satisfaction

It is very certain that you performed important services & endured such fatigue for which you are honestly entitled to compensation-- But as the law now stands you cannot obtain
any compensation from Government

The act of 18th of March 1818 makes no
Page 28

provision only for those who enlisted and served nine months Many meritorious soldiers & officers who are situated like yourself, have not been able to obtain any just compensation, altho they have frequently made application to Congress for that purpose

I am Sir
Respectfully Yours
Jonathan Hunt

Letter from the late Jona Hunt member of Congress from Vermont
Page 29

War Department,
Pension Office
17th May 1823.

Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 2nd instant, I have to inform you, that the service stated therein, does not intitle you to a pension. You state that you enlisted under Capt. Black, who was commissioned by the Governor of New York. The service performed under that enlistment, was not on the continental establishment; and even if it had been, as you did not serve nine months it would not entitle you to a pension. The law of the 18th of
March 1818, provides for those only who served at least nine months, under one enlistment, on the continental establishment
I am, respectfully,
Yr Obt Sert
J.L. Edwards


Mr Oliver Goss
Canaan, Vt
Page 30

Oliver Goss
Vt.
Act 7 June '32
Capt Blakeley
Col Malcolm

Admd
8 mo pri
$26.66/100

Claimant
Guildhall
Vt
Page 31

We Caleb Ingalls Elder of the Baptist Church residing in the town of Canaan in the County of Essex and State of Vermont and Oliver Ingham residing in the same Canaan hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Oliver Goss who we understand has made his declaration before the Probate Court in sd County for the purpose of obtaining a pension that we believe him to seventy two years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Caleb Ingalls
Oliver Ingham [signatures]

State of Vermont Essex County ss Canaan Decr 18th AD 1832 Personally appeared Caleb Ingalls and Oliver Ingham who have subscribed the above certificate and made oath to the truth of the same before me
Oliver Ingham Jr Just of Peace

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Caleb Ingalls who has signed the preceding certificate is an Elder of the Baptist Church resident in the town of Canaan and that Oliver Ingham who has also signed the same is also resident in said Canaan and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit-
Wm Gates Judge

I William Heywood Junr Register of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Goss for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal   of office this 23th day of December
Wm Heywood Jun Register
Page 32

State of Vermont
Essex County

I William Gate Clerk of the County Court of Essex do hereby certify that Wm Gates Esqr before 
whom the foregoing declaration of Oliver Goss was taken and Sworn to is the Judge of the Court of Probate in and for County of Essex, and that his name thereto subscribed is his genuine signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of sd Court
at Lunenburg this 21st day of Decr 1832
WM Gates Clerk
Page 33

I Nathan Frizzel of Lemington in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do testify and say that when I was about fourteen years of age I lived in the town of Hinsdale in the State of New York (now Vernon in the State of Vermont), near to Oliver Goss who now resides in Canaan in Essex County and do well remember that he was engaged as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. I further say that I believe him to be seventy two years of age and he has always sustained a fair character for truth and veracity 
Nathan Frizzel [signature]

State of Vermont 
Essex County
Lemington Decr 18th 1832

Personally appeared Nathan Frizzel  who has subscribed the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true
Before me Oliver Ingham Junr Justice of Peace

I further certify that I am well acquainted with the sd Nathan Frizzel and he is considered a man of truth and veracity
Oliver Ingham Junr Just of Peace

State of Vermont
Essex County SS
I, William Cates Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Essex certify that the
above affidavit of Nathan Frizzel and the preceding certificate of Caleb Ingalls & Oliver Ingham was sworn to is as a Justice of the Peace in sd County duly qualified and I believe his name there to subscribed in his genuine signature,

In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of sd Court
at Limeburg this 21st day of Decr AD 1832
WM Gates Clerk
Page 34

State of Vermont
District & County of Essex ss 
On this 29th day of June A.D. 1833 Personally appeared before the Hon William Gates Judge of the Court of Probate for the District aforesaid now sitting Oliver Goss named in the foregoing Declaration and on oath make the following additional and explanatory
Declaration to wit:

that the first of June A.D. 1777 he belonged to and joined a company of the New York Militia as a private at Hinsdale in the State of New York (now Vernon in the State of Vermont) commanded by Capt Bridgeman in Col Pattersons Regiment and that he served, and did duty in said Company and regiment, as stated in his former Declaration from said first of June A.D. 1777 to the first of June A.D. 1778 being for the term of three years. That during the above period of time he was obliged to be in constant readiness to march upon the shortest notice for the defence of the State against the incursions of Indians, tories and the enemies of the Country and that he verily believes that during said period he was absent on duty full one third of the time making one year of actual service. That during said period when not in actual service he was employed in civil pursuits.

That the first of June A.D. 1780 he enlisted as a private at said Hinsdale in a Company of New York Militia or State troops in a Company commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Blakely and Lieut Jonas Rice and that he immediately marched to Fishkill on the North River and joined
Col Malcomb's Regiment and that he served as stated in his former Declaration until the first
of December A.D. 1780 when he was dismissed at Fort Stanwix in the State of New York having served under this enlistment the full period of six months of actual service.
Page 35

That the first of January A.D. 1781 he again entered the militia of the State of New York at said Hinsdale in a company commanded by Capt Reuben Field and Lieut. Orvis and in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Sargent in Gen. Fletcher Brigade and continued to serve as a private in said company till the first of June A.D. 1781 when
Capt Hunt took the command of said Company and he the said Goss was then chosen as Corporal in said company and that he continued to serve as corporal in said company until the last of December A.D. 1782. That this last period of service was similar to the first stated in this Declaration and that he was during this period, called out on duty for the defense of the inhabitants of the state. that he verily believes that during said last mentioned term of two years he served at least one eighth of the time making three months actual service. That for the remainder of said period he was employed in civil pursuits
Oliver Goss [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
WM Gates Judge of Probate

I William Heyward Register of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Goss for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th day of
June A.D. 1833-
Wm Heywood J Probate Register
Page 36

State of Vermont Essex County ss
I William Gates Clerk of the County Court within and for the county of Essex and state of Vermont do hereby certify that William Gates Esq before whom the the foregoing declaration of Oliver Goss was taken and sworn to is the Judge of the court of Probate within and for said county of Essex and that his name thereto subscribed is his genuine signature - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county at Lunenburg in said county this 29th day of June A.D. 1833.
Wm Gates Clerk
Page 37

Oliver Goss's Affidavit

Amended declaration
[illegible]
Page 38

I, Oliver Goss of Canaan in the County of Essex, and State of Vermont now in my Seventy fourth year of my age, Depose and say, that having made application for a pension under the act of Congress of June 1832 And having recently been notified by the Commissioner of pension that my declaration, was too vague, and not made agreeable to the demands of the office. that at the time I presented myself before Judge Gates who was the Court before whom I made my Declaration, I was exceedingly wearied, and fatigued, having rode more then forty three miles on horseback that day, and when I was question to state the time I was in service I believe, that I answer & him, "two years",-- But now on a due reflection and taking the subject in full consideration, I am fully convinced that I was in Error, without any improper motives, or designs at that at that time. Now I allude to the year 1777, my services were performed in such away, and manner, which is set forth in my former Declaration, that it now impossible for me to point out accurately, the particular period of time that I devoted to the service, and now from a thorough and full investigation of the subject, dictated by a good conscience, I now say that in that Campaign, I spent two months, that, together with the year 1780, which I am positive was six months or more - the whole time which I mean to be understood to claim the pension for, is eight months.
Oliver Goss [signature]

State of Vermont
Essex County ss
at Lemington this 4th day March 1834 Personally appeared before me, the above named
Oliver Goss, and made solemn Oath that the above affidavit subscribed by him, is just and true and the subscribed his name in my presence,
Comens Buffington Justice of the peace
Page 39

State of Vermont
Essex County
I William Gates Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that Comans Buffington Esqr who has subscribed his name to the within is and was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Essex duly commissioned and sworn and I believe the same to be his genuine signature

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 10th day of March AD 1834
Wm Gates Clerk
Page 40

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
City of Washington

Guildhall Vt
June 29

Jurat July 3
Page 41

J L Edwards Sir when I sent my first Declaration to your office your Hon Returned it to me again giving me the privilege of making a statement of my services in the
Militia I went before Judge Gates to give in my Declaration and when the Judge propose to me to state how much time I had spent in the war  or for that purpose this being a question I had never thought of and as the court was waiting for an answer and the war being uppermost in my mind & made the erroneous statement of one third&  if I remember right I therefore have no claim for any service done in the militia & only Claim the six months service in 1780 in Blakeley's company and Malcoms Regiment Malcom was Commander of the Brigade and I belong to his Regiment

Sir the last letter I received from your office was in Oct 1839 that Represented to me that the proof was not sufficient to remove the objection I had no thought of ever troubling your honor with any thing more of this matter but as their has not been
much objection made to my first declaration and knowing it to be my fault. Now I  have been induced to write this once more as to the evidence all that can produced is in your office I have got to be an old man about 79 years and if I should obtain it will be of no use to me and if the evidence should be satisfactory to you I make no doubt but that it shall and if it is not I do not expect it
this from me your Humble Servant
Oliver Goss [signature]
Canaan Vermont June 27, 1839

Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 42

Canaan Vt September 28 1839
Hon J L Edwards Comm of Pensions

Sir I Received yours of 26 of August 1839 by which I understand that I had stated in my declaration two years service in the militia this was a mistake in the writer as I did not write it my self neither did I make any such statement nothing to influence me to make such a statement but to contrary it must be exactly contrary to my statement in my second declaration the instrument was read to me I never read it my Self I had the confidence that it was according to what I had stated when it was read I did not observe the mistake made by the writer. since I received your letter I here conversed with the man that wrote the
interment he said he believes he made that statement and understood two years, but I cannot remember any conversation that allowed to any such statement [illegible fold]  the militia & don't know as I have any right to claim any part of [illegible] under such  circumstances [illegible] but often called together I dont think that I understood the law that was pointed out for the militia as to my service in the Troops I well remember I marched from Brattleboro New York State now in the State of Vermont under the command of Capt Blakeley and Lieut Jonas Rice and Lieut Joseph Hay two hundred miles to Fishkill in the State of New York their I joined Malcolm's Regiment Malcolm was commander in chief of the Brigade and I think the Brigade Majors name was
Benscouter there was Capt Livingston and Capt Drake I suppose belonged to the regiment Capt Drake after exercised the regiment whether Capt Drake ever made a return of his company I know not if he did. possibly he might return me as a as there was no fifer in the company. I often when not on duty fifed for the company this was not my duty. I listed as a private Soldier well acquainted with arms and accouterments I went from Hindsdale now called Vernon six miles then I joined the Company in Brattleboro & was to bear my own expences to where I joined the regiment and the government would pay me the money for the same some time after I joined the Regiment Capt Blakely procured for me between seventy and eighty Dollars ten of it I gave for one quart of Bread & milk and that was all
that ever I received for expence and wages whether their was any thing more allowed for that company I know not as I never saw one of my officers after I left fort Herkimer nor more than two or three of the soldiers from that time to this. their is another mistake Gen Hunt in answer to my letter titles me as Esq that was a mistake that was such an appointment but never excepted as knew my own inabilities to well I suppose Gen Hunt was knew the mistake as as we was for the most part of the time in an Indian Country without tents and almost with out provision it was impossible subsist on the scanty allowance we drew from government
Page 43

we were under the necessity of subsisting on Frozen pumpkins and squashes roasted on the fire but sir I suppose you are the gentlemen I stated these circumstances in a letter eight or nine years age and I thought I would inclose in this letter your answer when I left fort Stanwix I had more then two hundred miles to travel in the snow without money or provisions when we marched thru the words from fort plank to fort Stanwix  with hundred head of cattle we were set upon by a party of Indians, suppose they went to take the cattle but they found our party to strong for them and quickly fled leaving three or four dead this Scrimmage I think was skipped over and not stated in my first declaration as well as many other things the writer thought of no use

Capt Blakeley's Son after he arrived home received a Major's commission and joined the northern army and then died and never returned.  Rice and Joy were young men and went to parts unknown  to me I labor under sum disadvantage by not hearing distinctly. I find it to be very troublesome what I have written is according to my best remembrance tho in a very broken manner

this from me your Humble Servant
Oliver Goss
Page 44

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
Newfane, February 20th 1846

I, Marshall Miller, Clerk of said Court certify that Cyrus Washburn is a Justice of the peace within & for said County duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission bears date November 5th 1845 & will expire on the 30th day of November 1846 and that his signatures within written are genuine

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of sd Court the day & year first above written
Attest Marshall Miller Clerk
Page 45

I, Nehemiah Houghton of Vernon in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age, depose and say, that during the Session of the County Court, in and for said County A. D. 1777, it was reported that the Dwelling house of Hon. John Bridgeman Esq. then attending said Court, was with many goods, and all the Records and papers belonging to the Town Clerk's Office of said town, were burnt and destroyed, which reports proved to be true.

I further depose and say that some eight or nine years previous to said burning, I the Deponent, in said town then called and known by the name of Hinsdale, attended the
marriage of Oliver Goss to Rachel Streeter by said Hon. John Bridgeman, then a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and Town Clerk of said Town. And further the Deponent saith not
Nehemiah Houghton [signature]

State of Vermont  
Windham County SS, ⎬
The above Deposition of Nehemiah Houghton, was taken, and after having been duly examined and cautioned, was by him subscribed and duly sworn to this 16th day of
January, in the year of our Lord, One thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Six. Taken at the request of Rachel Goss, residing more than 30 miles from the place of Caption, to be used in obtaining a pension of the United State, Before me,
Cyrus Washburn, Justice of the Peace

I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Nehemiah Houghton and that he is a credible witness
Cyrus Washburn, Justice of the peace
Page 46

I Jerijah Thayer of Vernon, in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age, depose and say, that during the session of the County Court for said County A.D. 1797. it was reported that, the house and goods, together with all the Records and papers pertaining to the town Clerk's Office of said Town were burnt and destroyed, which reports proved to be true. I further depose and say, that previous to said burning
I was, on or about the year 1788 or 1789. present at the marriage of Oliver Goss and Rachel Streeter, both residents of said Town and then in said Town, and married by Hon. John Bridgeman Esq. then a Justice of the Peace in and for said County.
And further the Deponent saith not.-
Jerijah Thayer

State of Vermont  
Windham County Ss.⎬ 
The above Deposition of Jerijah Thayer was taken, and after having been duly examined and cautioned, was by him subscribed and duly sworn to this 16th day of January, in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and forty six.- Taken at the request of Rachel Goss, residing more than 30 miles from the place of Caption, to be used in obtaining a Pension of the United States,
Before me,
Cyrus Washburn, Justice of the Peace

I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Jerijah Thayer and that he is a credible witness
Cyrus Washburn,
Justice of the peace
Page 47

I Marshall Whithed of Vernon in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, of lawful age, depose and say, that I am now and during many years past have been, Town Clerk of Vernon, Vermont, duly elected, and that I have at all times understood, that all the Records of said Town, were burnt, in June 1797 with dwelling house of the Hon. John Bridgeman, who was then Town Clerk of said Vernon, (alias Hinsdale ) and that on faithful search cannot find any Record of the Marriage of Oliver Goss and
Rachel Streeter
Marshall Whithed, Town Clerk


State of Vermont 
Windham County. SS. ⎬ 
The above Affidavit of Marshall Whithed, was taken, and after having been duly examined and cautioned was by him subscribed and sworn to, in due form of Law,
this 4th day of Feby A.D. 1846. And I further certify, that I am well acquainted with the above name Marshall Whithed, and that he is a credible witness. Taken at the request of Rachel Goss, to be used in obtaining a Pension of the United States
Before me, Cyrus Washburn, Justice of the Peace
Page 48

Columbia NH  Paid 10
Feby 16-

Hon J. L Edwards
Common of Pensions
Washington City
DC.

Feb 20 1847 case of Mr. Goss
Page 49

Bloomfield Vt. Feby 14th 1847

Respected Sir,
I write you at the request of the widow of Oliver Goss, late of Canaan, Essex County Vt. who states to me that she made her declaration about two years ago on order to procure a pension on account of the services of her late husband in the war of the Revolution and that she entrusted her declaration to Wm Heywood Esquire of Guildhall Vt. whom she employed to assist her in her application.
Since making her declaration, I am told that she has learned nothing difinite as to the state of her application, and very naturally feels a great anxiety to know the state of it; whether it is rejected or still open - 
No doubt full and sufficient evidence exists to entitle her to a pension, if the same is not now in the pension office, and the object in writing is to request information as to the stat e of the claim which she is very anxious to know - 
You will confer a favor on a poor widow by giving the desired information at your earliest convenience

I am respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Aden Bartlett

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 50

I Rosel Laughton of Stewartstown in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire aged fifty two years testify that I was present when Oliver Goss late of Canaan in the State of Vermont deceased, died and was at his funeral and recollect well that he died on the fourth day of April in the year 1844 and that his widow now resides in Stewartstown in the
State of New Hampshire

I also testify that the said Rachael Goss Widow of said deceased made application to Wm Heywood Esquire & her declaration was taken before said Heywood who was then as I supposed was Judge of Probate for the District of Essex in the State of Vermont, and as understood said Heywood was to forward the papers on to the War Department, that last May she the said Widow was informed by Elder Bartlett Esquire of Bloomfield Vt. that no application was received at the War Department, that the said Rachael has not intermarried
but still remains a widow. that I was requested to call on the said William Heywood Esquire by said Widow and I understood him to say that he had sent the application or & that she was as [illegible] to get it, the pension, if she lived, but we have not received any information from the Pension Office only that no application had been made by the Widow Goss
Rosel Laughton [signature]

Coos ss. June 28th 1847 Sworn & subscribed to Before me
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

I further certify that the above named Rosel Laughton is person of veracity & good moral character and
Page 51

Affidavit 
Rosel Laughton
Page 52

his statement entitled to full credit
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

I, James M Rix, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County as above, and that the signature purporting to be his is
genuine.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 19th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven
James M Rix Clerk.


Affidavit
Rosel Laughton
Page 53

Affidavit
Nathan Frizzle
Page 54

I Nathan Frizzle of Canaan in the County of Essex and State of Vermont aged Seventy one
years, do testify that I was acquainted with Oliver Goss as early as I can remember and up to the time of his death, I remember the time perfectly well when he went into the army I lived then half or three fourth of a mile from his residence in what is now called Vernon then called Hinsdale, that he went into the army in the Spring and returned the next winter after the was snow on the ground, I do not know how long he served only know this by what was said at the time, I recollect hearing my mother say that Oliver Goes never would come back again; but he did return and told where he had been in the army; that after his return he was married to Rachael Streeter in the town of Vernon in the State of Vermont, (then Hinsdale) by John Bridgeman Esquire of said Hinsdale now Vernon, that I was present at the
marriage and saw him married to the said Rachael Streeter who is now his widow and resides in Stewartstown in the State of New Hampshire, that the said Oliver Goss died in
Canaan Vt. in the month of April, that I was at his funeral and believe it was three years ago last April. I think it was in the forepart of April but can not tell the day of the month. I remember that it was in the summer that the said Rachael was married to the said Oliver Goss and that I was then fifteen years old and that was in the year Seventeen hundred hundred and ninety one
Nathan Frizzle
Page 55

State of New Hampshire
Coos County   Ss Stewartstown
June 28th 1847 Then the within affidavit was subscribed & Sworn to before me
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

I further certify that I have been acquainted with the within named Nathan Frizzle more than forty years past, that his character for truth is good, that he is a person of veracity and respectability and his statement may be relied upon
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Poor

I James M. Rix, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of the Peace as above, within and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 19th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven,
James M Rix Clerk.
Page 56

[envelope]
Way
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner Pensions, Pension Office
City of Washington D.C.

Aug 2 47
Rachel Goss widow of Oliver
NH
Act 7 Mar 44

[illegible postmark]
Page 57

Stratford July 24th 1847-

Respected Sir
By request of the Widow Rachael Goss, I enclose the application & proof in her case.

She is the Widow of Oliver Goss, late of Canaan in the State of Vermont, she now resides in
Stewartstown in the Countyof Coos & State of  New Hampshire

She has once made an application as she States, and supposed her papers were forwarded to the Pension Office at Washington

The proof of her marriage was taken a year ago last January as appears by its date. She wishes to have her application considered as soon as convenient and an answer returned of me.
I am very Respectfully yours
Joshua Marshall


Hon James L Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Page 58

Certificate 
Comptroller at
Albany NY
Page 59

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled ""An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned, the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:
[amounts in pounds]
31st July 1780,  Oliver Goss  Fifer  1.11.4
15th Oct. Do. ---Do. --------------  7.6.8

STATE OF NEW YORK
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, 23 Nov 1847.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 3 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following
officers, viz:
First-under Capt. James Blakely in Col. Malcom Regt
Second " "   Do. ---------------------Do.
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth
Tenth
Eleventh
Twelfth

Philip Phelps Dept Contr
Page 60

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Page 61

Stratford January 8th 1848.
Hon James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions

Respectful Sir
Enclosed herewith are the papers relating to the application of Rachel Goss, Widow of Oliver Goss late of Canaan deceased.

We do not know that we can furnish any further proof in her case, than herewith exhibited.

We had supposed, that all that was required, whose the deceased husband was a pensioner, at the time of his death, was satisfactory evidence of the marriage prior to January 1794, and the identity of the Widow making the application.

We can only refer your Honour for further proof to that which was furnished with the original application of the said Oliver Goss 

And then leave to your Honour to settle the case as you may think proper considering all the circumstances, She is poor & dependent on a son in law for her support, who is also poor, and has been to considerable expence to make & support this application

With due Respect & Esteem
I am Sir, your obt. Servt.
Joshua Marshall


Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 62

Oliver Goss, Vt. Act 7 June 1832 $26.66 p an
To what time was he last paid?
GCA

Pension Office
June 30 1848

Died 4 April 1844 paid to his death
W. Tyson
Page 63

Declaration 
Rachel Goss

ad S10-44

Admitted

Joshua Marshall
Stratford NH
Page 64

Declaration
State of New Hampshire Coos ss. 

On this twenty-Eighth day of July in the year of our Lord Eight hundred & forty Eight personally appeared before me Joshua Marshall one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Coos. Rachel Goss a resident of Stewartstown in the County of Coos aforesaid , aged Seventy Eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; that she is the Widow of Oliver Goss late of Canaan in the County of Essex & State of Vermont deceased, who was a Private & fifer in the Army, that she has heard her late husband say
he served under Capt. Nathaniel Blakeley, the only officer she recollects, she has heard him say he had been in the service more than he was allowed a pension for. That he had served
about a year including time going to and from the army, she thinks she should not have
recollected Capt. Blakeley had she not have been acquainted with him, at that time, and the circumstance of his Setting out from Vernon Vt. to go to the head quarters of the army, after his last term of service & crossing the Green Mountains in Vt, it was supposed he became weary and sat down by a tree, and there was found frozen to death, and her late said husband has often said that by reason of Capt Blakeley's death, who was then on his way to receive pay for himself & Company for their last term of service, he never was paid, for that last term of service

The annual amount of pension which she has received a certificate to draw dated the Eighth instant is twenty six dollars Sixty six cents under the act of 17th June 1844,
She further declares she is still a Widow.
Rachel X Goss her mark [signature]

In presence of us 
[illegible] Laughton
Rosel Laughton

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me Joshua Marshall
Justice of Court Common Pleas 
Joshua Marshall
Justice of C.C. Pleas
Page 65

I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named Rachel Goss & that she has received  a certificate of Pension, under the act of the 17th of June
1844 dated on the Eighth July 1848, the annual amount of Pension is twenty six dollars, sixty six cents
Joshua Marshall Justice of Court
Common Pleas

I also certify that the within interlineations were made by me before sworn to or subscribed
Joshua Marshall Justice of the C.C. Pleas

I James M Rix Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is Judge of said Court of Common Pleas and the signature above purporting to be his is genuine

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this first day of August, A.D. 1848
James M. Rix Clerk

Declaration
Rachel Goss-

Admitted


Joshua Marshall Stratford NH
Page 66

[envelope]

Colebrook NH   Free
July 13

Hon Geo. W. Crawford
Sec. of War
Washington D. C
Page 67

Canaan Vt. July 12. 1850

Dear Sir
Enclosed I hand you a Pension Certificate in my favor which I wish to have made payable in Vermont. At the time this certificate was issued I was a resident in New Hampshire, but now live in Vermont

Please therefore to send me a certificate payable in Vt. and oblige yours Truly .


Rachel X Goss her mark [signature]

Attest
Richard Morgan
Albert Luther

Hon G W Crawford
Sec. of War
Page 68

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.

County of Essex
On this thirteenth day of August 1850, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Essex personally appeared Rachel Goss  who, on her oath, declares that she is the widow of Oliver Goss late of Canaan Vermont deceased who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Blakely in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Malcomb in the service of the United States; that her name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Hampshire whence she has lately removed; that she now resides in the State (District, or Territory,) of Vermont where she intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The following are  her reasons for removing from Newhampshire to Vermont that she was then residing with her daughter
in Newhampshire whom removed to Vermont that she is still residing with her daughter
and intends so to do through life
Rachel X Goss her mark [signature]

Witnessed
Neman Nichols
Persel Laughton

Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Herman Nichols Justice of the Peace

The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The County Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.

The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity, and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.

Where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small 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.
Page 69

State of Vermont
Essex County 
I, Rosel Laughton of Canaan swear that I am personally acquainted with Rachel Goss that the person who has taken the (above or written) above or within oath is the person described in the affidavit

Rosel Laughton [signature]
Canaan August 13. 1850

Sworn to before me
Herman Nichols Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Rosel Laughton above named and
that he is a person of truth and veracity
Herman Nichols Justice of the Peace
Page 70

State of Vermont
Essex County
I William H. Hartshon Clerk of the County & Supreme Court within and for the County of Essex aforesaid, Do hereby certify that Herman Nichols is an acting Justice of the Peace within & for said Essex County duly commissioned & qualified to act in that capacity, that his commission was dated on the 30th day of November 1849 and will expire on the 30th day of November 1850. And that the aforesaid signatures purporting
to be his are genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Guildhall in said Essex County this 14th day of August A.D. 1850
Wm H. Hartshorne Clerk