Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18310, Jacob Wheeler, New York Vt.
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SERVICE 
New York
Vt.   | 

Wheeler, Jacob
Wentworth, Sophia
Former widow |

NUMBER W. 18310 

============= 

CONTENTS
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5276
New York, Albany

===================

Sophia Wentworth, deceased, widow of Jacob Wheeler of --- in the State of New York who was a Private and Sergeant in the ---- commanded by Captain ---- of the ------ commanded by N.Y. in the Revolution for 
1 mo 17 days - Sergeant
4 mos 22 days - Private

====================

Subscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 23 Dollars 94 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831; Enoq. 30 Oct. 1858

====================

Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of March 1830 and [illegible] Arad Joy

====================

Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semi-annual allowance ending
 
{Revolutionary Claim,}

Recorded by : [illegible signature]
Book D., Vol. 2

(right side image)

New Certificate (cancelling former one) issued May 15 of 54 & sent to Arad Joy

Orio, N.Y.

'54 June 14 to Jo Savage
(Pen Sgt notified)
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6147

Sophia Wentworth
formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler
N.Y.

Act July 4, '36
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Declaration. In order to obtain the benefit of the Third Section of the Act of Congress of July 4th 1838

State of New York  }
Onondaga County  } s.s.

On this seventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, personally appeared before the Subscriber, First Judge of the County of Onondaga aforesaid - Sophia Wentworth - a resident of the village of Syracuse, County of Onondaga and State of New York, aged eighty eight years and upwards - 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 July 4th 1838. That (as she has presented the recollection of her age) she was born in Preston, Connecticut, on the 14th day of June 1755.  That at about the age of fifteen, she was married to Jacob Wheeler, at the house of Joshua Galusha at the Town of Shaftsbury, in the State of Vermont - by the Reverend Mr. Willoughby - called Elder Willoughby of the Baptist Church at Shaftsbury.  That she well recollects the time of said marriage from the first, that Declarant's father, Daniel Starkweather, was opposed to the declarant's marrying said Jacob Wheeler, and declarant &said Wheeler went
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to the house of Galusha without the knowledge of the father of the declarant, & there were married. And within a few minutes after the conclusion of the ceremony of marriage, Roger Starkweather, a brother of Declarant - came to the house to forbid the marriage in the name of the Declarant's said father.  Said Willoughby died within a few years after said marriage & was succeeded by Reverend Mr. Blood to Declarant's present recollection.  [sentence crossed out] 

There were very few persons present at said marriage & the principal persons were the family of said Galusha most of whom are dead. but declarant has been informed that one of said Galusha's [illegible] is still living.  The said marriage took place in the summer or early in the fall after Declarant was fifteen years of age -- but the particular month and day she does not now recollect.  Declarant's father forbade her return to his house in consequence of the marriage aforesaid.  Declarant said Jacob Wheeler went to board at the house of Mr. Jones in Shaftsbury & after boarding a short time, removed into what was then called Spencertown - in the Easter part of the State of New York what is now the town of Austerlitz in the County of Columbia.
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and resided there until the Summer of 1775 when said Jacob Wheeler (as deponent was informed by him) enlisted into the army of the Revolution.  Declarant had her oldest child a daughter born, on the twenty second day of August next after the Battle of Bunker's Hill -- at the house of a brother in law of declarant - Nicholas Groat a Spencertown aforesaid.  Declarant was then twenty years old when her first child was born, as aforesaid - said daughter is not the wife of Roger Haggerty & reside in Syracuse aforesaid.  During the Summer or fall of 1775, said Jacob Wheeler left Spencertown to go into Service against the Tories & Indians - under the command of Lieutenant Phelps - but declarant does not recollect the names of any other officers under whom he then served.  On the occasion last mentioned, Declarant's recollection is that since Jacob went to Johnstown, he returned home & took Declarant and his infant daughter to Shaftsbury in Vermont, when she was about four months old, according to Declarant's best recollection and soon after, & the same season, that General Montgomery was Filled in Quebec, the said Jacob Wheeler was called away into service.  He was not at Quebec when Montgomery was killed, but he went to Canada about that time
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And as she understood from him.

Declarant's said husband was engaged in [illegible] in Canada for considerable time after the said siege of Quebec & attack upon that place by Montgomery. and was finally captured together with the whole force with which he was in service at the placed called the "Cedars".  According to declarant's understanding & recollection, her said husband Wheeler was permitted to return home through the influence of his officers - after having taken an oath which prevented in his being called out into actual service again until after the Battle of Bennington when he was exchanged at the "Cedars" he was made prisoner by the Indians & on that tour of duty, Declarant has heard him say that he suffered severely. Declarant is unable to specify the names of her said Husband's officers while absent in Canada. She has formerly remembered the names of some, but cannot now recall them to mind.  Declarant further states that her said husband remained at Shaftsbury, after his being taken prisoner at the Cedars, until after Bennington Battle & then but the particular date she does not remember.  He was again called into actual service & as she now believes (but cannot be positive at this late day) he went into
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(but cannot be positive at this late day) he went into service at Skenesborough accompanied by Declarant's brother Billings Starkweather. But as declarant had five brothers in the way, it is possible that some one of them went with Billings at that time last mentioned, instead of her husband.  Billings Starkweather at one time performed service under Simeon Prentice who was at first an Ensign and afterwards a Lieutenant but under what Captain he cannot state.  Declarant's two brothers Roger Starkweather and Elisha Starkweather were in Colonel Herrick's party at Saratoga Battle, but Declarant said husband was not in that battle. Declarant has a distinct recollection at this time of an anecdote told her by her said husband of Major Skene, after whom Skenesborough was named.  It was this said Skene's wife (who belonged to the English nobility) had died some seven years prior to Declarant's said husband's going into service at that place. And her body has been embalmed & placed in a led coffin, and kept above ground, or without burial, for about seven years, for the purpose of securing an annuity or pension which have ceased on the interment of her body.  Major Skeen being opposed to the Whig cause, his wife's body was taken and buried by the Americans. And declarant's said husband Jacob Wheeler assisted at the burial.  And her recollection is that Billings Starkweather also
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assisted at the same time.

Declarant further states that her said husband continued in actual service after reentering it as aforesaid until about the close of the Revolutionary War.  When he was discharged at Whitehall, & returned home to Shaftsbury.  he was home on furlough, occasionally during the war, but on such occasions remains but a shirt time.  Declarant further states that she has no documentary evidence to prove her own marriage, nor the services of her said husband, nor is now able to give a more definite statement of his services or the officers under whom he performed services.

Declarant further states that after the war was over, she and said Jacob removed to the Heldorburg ( so called) about fifteen miles west of Albany & resided there a short time. And afterwards resided at Galway in Saratoga County, at Palatine in Montgomery County - at Coopers Town & other places, until the month of November 1797, when her said husband Jacob Wheeler left home (Palatine) and soon after [illegible] (but at what date in particular she cannot now distinctly recollect) she was informed that said Jacob Wheeler was dead & declarant never say him after his departure as aforesaid, & she verily believes that his death occurred about the time above indicated.
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Declarant further states that after the death of her aforesaid husband Jacob Wheeler - to wit on or about the 23rd of February one thousand eight hundred, she intermarried with John Wentworth at Palatine aforesaid, and that her last named husband died at Port Gibson in the County of Ontario, New York on the first day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. And that she has remained a widow ever since the last named period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed.
Sophia Wentworth
Her mark X

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of March AD 1844 }
N.B. "5.5 in date on first page "brother in law" on third page
Sixth page written on erasures and about tow lines on second page and a word before "Phelps" on that page erased before signing.  Also March in two placed written on erasure.
Daniel Pratt, First Judge of Onondaga County

State of New York  }
County of Onondaga  } s.s. 

I, Daniel Pratt, First Judge of Onondaga County Courts - before whom the foregoing declaration of Sophia Wentworth was taken, do hereby certify that I have made inquiry as to the character of said Declarant for truth & veracity.  I am fully satisfied that she is a credible person.
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I further certify that I interrogated said Declarant as to the facts set forth in the said declaration & from her answers to such interrogatories, I am fully satisfied that said Declarant was married to Jacob Wheeler as therein specified & that said Wheeler was a Revolutionary solider & served in the manner stated in said declaration.  I further certify that I am fully of opinion that all the facts stated in said declaration are substantially correct & are entitled to credit.

I further certify that said Sophia Wentworth, on account of age, infirmity and sickness is wholly unable to attend the courts of which I am Judge & from present appearances that she will not be able to attend such Courts at the next term thereof.  

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at the village of Syracuse this seventh day of March, AD 1844.  "all being interlined.

Daniel Pratt, First Judge of Onondaga County
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State of New York  }
Onondaga  } s.s. 

Elizabeth Lord of Syracuse in said county being duly sworn says that she is aged fifty five years and upwards.  That she is a daughter of Jacob Wheeler deceased and Sophia Wentworth whose declaration is hereto annexed.  That deponent well recollects her said father - before his departure from home and [illegible] as stated in said declaration.  Deponent further says that when a small girl she has heard [blurred image] further relate anecdotes of his being taken by Indians during the Revolutionary War. One in particular is the following. He was taken and was required to run the gauntlet between two rows of Indians. And he was told by a Squaw to clasp his hands over the top of his head and run through with all possible speed.  That he followed her directors & succeeded so well that he received but a very few blows.

Deponent further says that she has heard her said father state that he had suffered very much & endured a great many hardships while engaged in service during the Revolutionary War, & further says not.
Elizabeth Lord
Her mark  X

Subscribed and sworn before he this 19th day of March 1844 }
John H. Johnson, Justice of the Peace
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State of New York  }
County of Onondaga  } s.s.

Mary Haggerty of the village of Syracuse in said County of Onondaga being duly sworn says that she is aged sixty eight years & upwards.  That she is the daughter of Jacob Wheeler deceased & Sophia Wentworth formerly Sophia Starkweather. Said Sophia is now proceeding to procure a pension on account of the services of said Jacob Wheeler in the Revolutionary War. Her declaration for that purpose is prefixed on this affidavit.

Deponent further says that as she has always understood from her parents from her earliest recollection she was born on the twenty second day of August 1775 at the house of her uncle Nicholas Groat at Spencertown, & that within about four months after her birth she was removed by her said parents to the house of her grandfather Daniel Starkweather at Shaftsbury in Vermont.  Deponent further says that she has always retained a lively recollection of the Revolutionary War, & of the fact that her father above named was absent from home as a soldier in that war, & she has a perfect recollection of his return home the last time when his service was ended.  Deponent was then
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saw her said father Jacob Wheeler approaching and instantly dropped her pail and ran to meet him.   This incident occurred upon a Sunday & she further never went from home again to go into the army.  But us deponent then understood & well recollects the war was then over and at an end & within a short time afterwards the father & mother of Deponent removed from Shaftsbury to the State of New York.  Deponent further says that he has often heard her aforesaid father relate incident in his revolutionary history and among others that he was taken prisoner at the "Cedars" in Canada by the British and Indians, and that he was a prisoner of war for several months among the Indians and that at last he was sent home on parole. That he was afterwards exchanged and again entered the service.  That he was a soldier about seven years.  That he was in service as Skenesborough, and other places & suffered a great many hardships, privations & injuries while in service. 
Deponent further says that she was married to Philipp Smith her first husband when she was eighteen years old (1793) at the house of her father and mother in the Town of Charlton County of Saratoga & State of New York.  That her first child was born 5th February 1796 & her second daughter was born August 11, 1791, and in the month of
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November 1797 (being November next after the birth of her 2nd daughter)  Deponent's father Jacob Wheeler left home but to what place he went deponent was & is ignorant.  And in a short time afterwards information of his death was received by his family, & deponent never saw him afterwards & verily believes that he died about the time above stated.
Deponent further says that afterwards & about the month of February or March one thousand eight hundred, her said mother intermarried with John Wentworth, at the  Town of Palatine County of Montgomery & State of New York.  Deponent was present at the last named married & witnessed the ceremony, at the house of Henry Keyser, a Justice of the Peace, who performed the ceremony.  That said John Wentworth died at Port Gibson in Ontario County New York on or about the first day of June 1838
Mary Haggerty
Her mark X

Sworn before me this 20 day of March AD 1844
John H. Johnson, Justice of the Peace

State of New York  }
Onondaga County } s.s.

I, John H. Johnson
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a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, before whom the foregoing affidavit of Mary Haggerty was taken, do hereby certify, that I am personally well acquainted with Sophia Wentworth whose declaration is hereto prefixed & have been so acquainted with her for the space of about ten years last past and that she sustains an unimpeachable character for truth and veracity, & that I have full confidence in her honesty, integrity and strict record for truth in all her statements, & that her statements made in said declaration are entitled to full confidence and credit. I further certify that I have been personally well acquainted with said Marry Haggerty for the space of about ten years last and that she is a credible person and that the statements made by her in the foregoing affidavit are entitled to full confidence and credit.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 20th day of March 1844. N.B. "past' first intertwined.
John H. Johnson, Justice of the Peace

I further certify that Elizabeth Lord who made the above affidavit subscribed by her and made known to me she is a credible person & that I have full confidence in her statements
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hereunto made  by him in said affidavit.
Sated, Syracuse, March 20th 1844
John H. Johnson, Justice
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Image is extremely light, rendering proper transcription difficult.
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learning to [illegible]. And while there formed an acquaintance with said Wheeler & on one occasion which deponent very distinctly recollects. Said Jacob Wheeler came to ask the [illegible] of Deponent's father to marry said Sophia. That Deponent's father was strongly opposed to the proposed marriage & forbid said Wheeler from [illegible] to the house. & also became exceedingly angry & threw an axe at said Jacob Wheeler & said Wheeler ran & jumped over a board fence and escaped. At this interview said Jacob [illegible] to Deponents further that he would have Sophia & Deponent further says that [illegible] time after the above mentioned occurrence but precisely how said deponent could not state.  She understood that said Sophia had gone off with said Wheeler to be married. & shortly afterwards understood that they were married by Elder Willoughby of deponent's father.  Deponent did not again see her aforesaid sister Sophie, after said marriage, until her husband (Wheeler) brought her home to deponent's father in Shaftsbury after the [illegible] of the Revolutionary War.
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When she came with a daughter a [illegible] a few months old - who was named Mary & with newborn deponent has been acquainted from that day to this, & who is now the wife of Roger Haggerty, a resident of the village of Syracuse county of Onondaga & state of New York. Said Mary Haggerty is at this present moment in the same room with deponent at Syracuse aforesaid.
Deponent further says that another incident which [illegible] for her to recollect the time of said Sophia's marriage is that Deponent's father was very much against the marriage & threatened to kill said Wheeler if her ever came to the house. And Deponent also recollects of the circumstances of seeing her said father cry and manifest great feeling on account of said marriage.  Deponent further says that she is not able to tell the year of such marriage, but she has always understood that her said sister Sophia was aged about fifteen years when she was married. And it was before the beginning of the Revolutionary war.
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Deponent further says that she well recollects of seeing said Jacob shoulder his pack and leave the house of Deponent's father in Shaftsbury to go into the army. & also remembers of his firing his gun on his return out of doors, to have clean clothes brought to him, before entering the house on account of being lousy.  I understood that he was at home at the time stationed at Rutland. But have no distinct recollection of hearing where he actually served, nor under what officers.  But Deponent well recollects of his being [illegible] on furlough occasionally during the year, & of his return at the close of the war.  Deponent further says that she was well acquainted with said Wheeler for several years after the war and she well knows of the cohabitation of said Wheeler and said Sophia as husband and wife & of their raising a family of children.
Deponent further says that she had five brothers who served during the said Revolutionary War, [illegible] Asa, Roger, Elisha, Thomas & Billings Starkweather - of of whom are dead except Billings Starkweather - who
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now resides in the Town of [illegible] in the county of Alleghany &  State of New York & is a pensioner.
Deponent further says that she has an impression on her mind that both Billings Starkweather & Jacob Wheeler served under Simeon Prentice who was an Ensign or Lieutenant, the she will not be positive upon this point, and further says not.
Zephra Kenyon
Her mark  X

Sworn before me this 19th day of February 1844}
John H. Johnson, Justice of the Peace  }

State of New York  }
Onondaga County  } s.s.
I, John J. Johnson, the Justice of the Peace before whom the above affidavit of Zephra Kenyon was taken, do hereby certify that on the first page of this affidavit, the word "town of" & "at" were interlined and "the" erased on the fourth line from the bottom.  On 2nd page "escaped" written in part of an erasure "understood" interlined & "I found out" and "as I understood" erased.
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on third page "hearing" erased & "hearing" & "years" interlined.

I further certify that I am not personally well acquainted with said Zephra Kenyon, but from evidence produced before me as to her good character for truth, honesty and integrity, I am fully of the opinion that she is a credible person and that her statements made in the foregoing affidavit are entitled to full confidence and credit.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of March 1844.
John H. Johnson, 
Justice of the Peace

State of New York }
Onondaga County  } s.s.
I hereby certify that Daniel Pratt, before whom the foregoing declaration of Sophia Wentworth was taken on the seventh day of March 1844, was on that day [illegible], Judge of Onondaga County Courts, held in and for the County of Onondaga and State of New York
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York aforesaid, and that the signatures of said declaration and the certificate thereto attached purporting to be the signatures of the said Daniel Pratt are his genuine signatures.
I further certify that John H. Johnson before whom the foregoing affidavits of Mary Haggerty & Elizabeth Lord & Zephar Kenyon were sworn to respectively, was, at the dates of said affidavits respectively, & Still is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Onondaga aforesaid & the signatures to said affidavits & to the three several certificates annexed thereto, purporting to be the signatures of said John H. Johnson, are his genuine signatures.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county of Onondaga at the Village of Syracuse this 25th day of March AD 1844.
Chas. T. Hicks, Clerk
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Sophia Wentworth
Law of 1836, N.Y.
Admitted 
for our Arad, J. of P.
Page 26


State of New York  }
County of Onondaga  } s.s. 

L.H. Hiscock, Surrogate of in and for said county, do hereby certify that as a Surrogate Court holder before me in my office in the City of Syracuse, satisfactory evidence was then and there exhibited to the satisfaction of the said Court, that Sophia Wentworth an applicant for a pension as the former widow of Jacob Wheeler died a widow in the City of Syracuse on the 30th day of October 1845 leaving at her death, & who still survive her the following married children, being her only children surviving her, and that each of them is over the age of twenty one years, to with, Elizabeth Brimstool, David Wheeler, William Wheeler, Eunice Lyman.

The proof that was satisfactory to the Court, was the attached affidavit of John Smit & Polly Smith.

I further certify that the said John Smith & Polly Smith are respectable persons, residents of the City of Syracuse N.Y. I further certify that I have no part or hand in the agency of the above named case, nor any interest in it.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 14th day of February 1854.
L.H. Hiscock, Surrogate
Page 27

State of New York  }
County of Onondaga  } s.s.

I, John Smith and Polly Smith of Syracuse City being first duly sworn, depose and say that Sophia Wentworth, late the widow of Jacob Wheeler, died in the City of Syracuse, and died a widow on the 30th day of October 1845, that she was the identical person that had made application for a pension, that she left the following married children who still survive her, being her only children her surviving and that each of them is over the age of twenty one years to wit, Elizabeth Brimstool, Eunice Lyman, Daniel Wheeler, and William Wheeler, that these deponent received their letters at the Post Office at Syracuse City, State of the New York.
John Smith, His mark  X
Polly Smith, Her mark  X

Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of February 1854  }
L.J. Hiscock, Surrogate of said County

I certify that the above named John Smith & Polly Smith his wife are respectable persons. I further certify that I have no part or hand in the agency of this case.
L.J. Hiscock, Surrogate of Onondaga County, N.Y.
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Sophia Wentworth
Suspended
Law 1836
New York

from Arad Joy
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STATE OF VERMONT 

Office of the Secretary of State,
Montpelier, January 26, 1853

I hereby certify that there is on file in this office "A Pay Roll of Capt. Biglow Lawrence's Company in Col. Walbridge's Regiment for service done in the alarm at  "Cambridge and Saratoga in July 1782"; on which Roll is the name of "Jacob Wheeler" with an allowance for three days service as a private.

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. Thomas Barney's Company in Col. Ira Allen's Regiment of Militia for service done this State in the alarm on the 21st day of October 1781"; on which roll is the name of "Jacob Wheeler" with an allowance for eleven days service, commencing October 21st.

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. Abraham Maderhill's Company and Col. Warren's Regiment of Militia for service done to guard the frontiers, by order of the Governor and Council"; on which Roll is the name of "Jacob Wheeler" with an allowance for eight days service, commencing November 7th 1778.
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Also, a "Time List of (the names and sums of) Capt. John Stark's Company's Pay Roll of services in the State of Vermont, from the beginning of the campaign 1781 to the 30th day of June in said year, inclusive, taken from the original in the Pay Master's office"; on which roll is the name of "Sergt. Jacob Wheeler" with an allowance of L4.3.11 for services as sergeant.  The time is not otherwise stated. 42 days.

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Stark's Company in the Battalion commanded by Col. Samuel Fletcher in the service of the State of Vermont 1781"; on which Roll is the name of "Jacob Wheeler," with an allowance for 142 days service as a private, commencing July 1 and ending November 22nd.

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. William Hutchin's Company of Provincial Troops in the service of the United States of America, commencing May 1, ending November 30, 1778"; on which Roll is the name of "Jacob Wheeler", with an allowance for seven months service as a private. 

Given under my hand the seal of this office this 26th day of January AD 1833
Ferrand F. Merrill, Secretary of State
Page 31

State of New York  }
County of Onondaga  } s.s.

John H. Wheeler, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that he is a child of Sophia Wentworth (formerly Wheeler) deceased to whom a pension was probably due & who was an applicant for a pension from the State of New York that this deponent is directly interested as one of the claimants of said claim.
John Wheeler

Sworn and subscribed before me this 5th day of January 1853 and I do hereby certify that the said John Wheeler is a respectable person, and that I have full faith in the truth of the above statement sworn to by him as being directly interested in said claim.
J. Hurst, Justice of the Peace

Know all Men by These Presents, That I John Wheeler, a child of Sophia Wentworth, deceased, to whom a pension was probably due & who was an applicant for a pension from the State of New York, do hereby constitute and appoint Arad Joy of Ovid, N.Y., my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name as one directly and personally interested, as also for and in behalf of all others interested in the claim or application for a pension as above mentioned.
Witness my hand and seal this ___ day of January 1853
John H. Wheeler

SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCT OF J. Hurst and Jos Savage

State of New York  }
County of Onondaga  }
Be it know that on the 5th day of January 1853 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, duly authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgments, personally appeared John J. Wheeler, above signed, and duly acknowledged the above Power of Attorney and affidavits to be his act and deed.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and date above mentioned.
J. Hurst, Justice of the Peace
Page 32

Washington D.C. January 31, 1853

Rev & Dear Sir, will you please oblige a poor family by doing them a favor to wit - Jacob Wheeler was married to Sophia Starkweather between 1769 and 1779 by Rev. Willoughby

Have you the old church records, & do you find a record of such marriage, or a record of the birth of any of their children, if to please give me a copy of marriage record, & of dates of the birth of the children.

If you have no such record, please get this letter into the hands of the Town Clerk & I ask him to answer it, answer on the page directed to me here, much oblige Rev. Minister

Your obedient servant, Arad Joy

Dear Sir, I have made diligent inquire but can learn nothing on the point of your inquiries. The oldest inhabitants can give no information and there are no words either of the Church or Town [illegible] so far back to be found.
Yours, S. N. Steele, Pastor
Page 33

Washington, January 22, 1853

Rev. & Dear Sir,
Will you, or the Town Clerk please furnish me with a record of marriage of Jacob Wheeler to Sophie Starkweather, married by elder Galucia, from 1770 to 1719 - also give the date of the birth of such of their children as is on record.
Please answer me here, & as soon as you can oblige me.
Obliged Most Respectfully Yours, 
Arad Joy

Rev. Minister & Town Clerk - Shaftsbury - please give answer on this page [illegible] this half [illegible]

State of Newhurst  }
Bennington County s.s.  }
Town Clerk's Office, Shaftsbury
January 26th AD 1853

I certify that upon search of the Records of said Town, I do not find any record of marriage of Jacob Wheeler to Sophia Starkweather therein and further the first marriage of record in said town bears date June 28th 1781 - and on further search of said Records, I do not find a record of the birth of any children of the same Jacob Wheeler & Sophia, therein.
Hiram Barton, Town Clerk
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Rev. 
Widow, &c.

File No. 18310
Sophia Wentworth
widow of Jacob Wheeler
Sergt. Rev. War

Act: July 4th, 1836
Index: ___  Vol. M, Page 322

[Arrangement of 1870]
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[stamp]
Syracuse, N.Y.
Jun 12

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, 
District of Columbia
Page 36


Sophia Wentworth
N.Y. 36
[stamp]
OVID N.Y.
May 9

FREE

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 37

[overlapping writings]
Oct. 5, 1801
[stamp] 
JAMESTOWN, N.Y.

Samuel E. Brown
Jamestown, N.Y.

Hon. J.E. Heath
[illegible]
Page 38


6147
Sophia Wentworth
formerly widow of
Jacob Wheeler
---------

Suspended 
Lit. to E. A. Brown, Sept 26, 1844
H.H. Sylvester, April 17th / 45

Lit. to E.A. Brown, July 23, '45
[torn portion] J.S. & A.T. Smith August 16, '45
Page 39

Lit. to E.A. Brown Sept 25, '45
to same Oct. 4, '45
to N. Locke, May 28, '46

Hon. H. Wheaton, July 16, 1860
Arad Joy 3rd January 1850
4 July 1836
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No. 6147
Sophia Wentworth formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler, deceased
N.Y.

Letters to
E.A. Brown  25 Sept 1844
H.H. Sylvester  17 Sept. 1845.
E.A. Brown  23rd July 1845
A.L. & A.T. Smith  16th August 1845
E.A. Brown  25th Sept. 1845
Same  4th October 1845
N. Leake  23rd May 1846
Hon. H. Wheton  16th July 1846
Arad Joy  3rd January 1850
Arad Joy  8th June 1853
Arad Joy  1 Sept. 1853
Arad Joy  23 Sept. 1853
Arad Joy  12 Octo. 1853

Ach 4th July 1836
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[letter envelope]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official Business
Commissioner

FREE

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

[stamp]
OVID, N.Y.
Jun 20
Page 42


Feb. 17, 1853

Additional evidence in case of Sophia Wentworth deceased formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler

Arad Joy
Ovid, New York

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Pension Office, Official Business
Commissioner

Hon. J.E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 43

Sophia Wentworth deceased
formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler
New York

Act July 4, 1836
Admitted

Sergt, 1 mo 17 days             $  8.17
Private 4 mo, 22 days           $15.77
                                       ------------
                at                          $ 23.94

per annum, from March 4, 1831 to October 30, 1845 when she died.

Certificate payable to 
Elizabeth Brimmistool
Daniel Wheeler
William Wheeler, and
Eunice Lyman, her only surviving children

Agent
Arad Joy, presently 
Ovid, N.Y.
Page 44

Brief in the case of Sophia Wentworth, deceased, formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler of Onondaga County and State of New York.
Act. July 4, 1836

Claim, ("original,")

Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary or supported by rolls?  if either, state the substance.
Service Record evidence - Vt. rolls
Marriage Parol - no record
Death of widow, widowhood & surviving children - Parol proof certified

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Page 45


February 13, 1845

Sir,
I enclose a paper to be used in the case of Sophia Wentworth, of N.Y. with a letter of  E.A. Brown addressed to the Hon. Wheaton.

I am very respectfully
H.H. Sylvester
Page 46


Brief in case Sophia Wentworth, formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler N.Y.

S. Wentworth (7th March 1844 before County Judge) declares she was born 14th June 1755 - that at about the age of 15 years she was married to Jacob Wheeler at the house of Joshua Galusha in Shaftsbury, Vermont by Rev. Mr. Willoughby - well recollects date of said marriage because her father was opposed to it - & a few minutes after the marriage her brother came to house to forbit marriage - few persons present at marriage - & the principal ones were Galusha's family, most of whom are dead.  informed one of them is living - marriage took place in summer or fall.  does not recollect day or month. Jacob informed Dept that in 1775 he enlisted into army. - Dept's eldest daughter born 22 Aug [illegible] after battle Bunker's Hill. & was 20 years old when it was born.  In 1775, Jacob when out under Lt. Phelps against the Tories & Indians - soon after Jacob was called into service, was [illegible] Quebec when Montgomery was killed, but went to Canada about that time. & as she understood from him.  After war resided in Saratoga Co.
Page 47


& in 1797 her said husband left home & soon afterwards she was informed he was dead.  She never saw him again & believes he died in 1797 - married John Wentworth on or about 23rd February 1800. He died 1st June 1838 & she has remained a widow ever since (omitted.). Deponent says her husband after re-entering army continued in actual service till close of war & was discharged at Whitehall - has no documentary proof of marriage or services of Jacob (certificate of Judge that deponent is too inform to appear in Court.)

Elizabeth Lord - says she is Jacob's daughter & heard her father speak of his capture by Indians - & suffering in war.

Mary Haggerty - says she is daughter of Jacob - understood from parents she was born on 22nd day, 1775. Always retained a lively recollection of rev. war - her father was absent from home as a soldier & recollects his return home last time his service ended. Deponent was then 7 or 8 years old. war then over. Heard Jacob relate incidents of war, etc. and that he was a solider about 7 years. Deponent's mother marriage again in February 1800 to John Wentworth. John died on or around 1st June 1838.
Page 48

Zephra Kenyon - says she is youngest sister of Sophia - was well acquainted with Jacob many years; heard of Jacob's marriage with Sophia by Elder Willoughbly - Sophia was about 15 years age when she married & before beginning rev. war; well recollects seeing deceased Jacob shoulder his pack & leave home for the army - Jacob & Sophia lived and cohabited as man & wife - Deponent's brother Billings Starkweather is a pensioner etc. 

Billings Starkweather, says he knew Jacob before his marriage with Sophia - Sophia and Jacob met privately at Galusha's house & were married, as was believed by Deponent's family & whole neighborhood. lived with Jacob as his wife. Marriage took place several years before beginning of revolutionary war. does not recollect particular year. was informed that for several years after, Sophia's return home, Jacob was absent in Continental service. near close of war, in spring of year, Deponent & Jacob enlisted at Shaftsbury for 1 year under Capt. Stark - under this enlistment Deponent & Jacob served together the whole time for 9 mos & 9 days & discharged. No written discharge given.  discharged because hostilities had ceased.  Sophia then intermarried with John Wentworth, who is not dead.
Page 49

John Starkweather, says same as Billings
Lurwina Percy - same as John & Billings

Sophie Wentworth - says (10 May 1845) she knew Col. H.H. Van Renssellaer and Jacob was in service same period of ware and in him. heard Jacob speak of him as such - knew personally Capt. [illegible] Starkweather - Jacob served with Billings Starkweather served and in same officers - they came home in Company according to her best recollection Jacob was mustered into service in summer of 1775

Town Clerks in Towns of Shaftsbury & of Baptist Church testify no marriage record is to be found

John J. Wheelers, says he will remembers his father Jacob Deponent lived at home he was 7 or 8 years age. [illegible] he has always heard & understood was born in 1775. In March 1799 or thereabouts.  Jacob came to Waybridge after short stay left from [illegible] & to return in a fortnight.  got news of his sickness. he and his sister went to NY - Jacob was dead 2 or 3 days. she his grave.  took possession of his clothing.  Heard him speak of services.
Understood his father to say he was in service on and as Col. Ethan Allen.  understood said Jacob served to end of war. & thinks he has seen his discharge - [illegible] a revolutionary soldier -- Sophia married J. Wentworth who died five or six years ago (vis 1838)
Page 50


Brief in case
Sophia Wentworth
died  N.Y.
Page 51


Sergeant        47 days
 Private        4.22
----------------------
                    6.09
----------------------


I think the above all that is sufficiently identified
Evans
Aug. 31,'53
Page 52

Suspended Revolutionary
Heirs claim of N.Y.
[illegible] of 1836

Heirs case

Ovid  June 18th 1853

Sir

I inclose Secretary of War cert for 184 days, this service to be well identified.  In her declaration, as I have it, & mine is intended to be a copy, she neither calls him a private, Sergeant, or Corporal, but as the service found in 1887 exactly agrees with her allegation, I cannot see why that service in months or more should be allowed to have she serves to allege that very service.

Here would be 7 months and 6 months making 13 months. The 1 1/3 month in New York, serves to agree with her declaration making about 14 1/2 months in all.

Most respectfully, 
Your obliged servant
Arad Joy
Page 53

Office of the Secretary of State
Montpelier, June 15th 1853

I certify that there is on file in this office a true list of (the names and sums) of Capt. John Stark's company's Pay Roll of services in the State of Vermont, from the beginning of the campaign 1781 to the 30th of June in said year, inclusive, taken from the original in the Paymasters Office"; on which roll appear the names of Sergt. Elisha Wolds, Sergt. Josh Lawrence, "Sergt. Jacob Wheeler [underlined]", and Sergt. Samson Marble, also Lt. Alexander Brush and Lt. Simeon Prentice.  "Sergt. Jacob Wheeler" has an allowance of $4.3.11 for service in said company until the 30th day of June.

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Stark's Company in the Battalion commanded by Col. Samuel Fletcher in the service of the State of Vermont - 1781"; on which Roll appear the names of Elisha Wold Sergt., Jos. Lawrence Sergt., Marshall Smith Sergt., David Roberts, Sergt; also Alexander Brush Lt. & Simeon Prentice, Lt., and Sampson Marbel & "Jacob Wheeler", private.  "Jacob Wheeler" has an allowance of one hundred & forty two days service as private in said company, commencing July 1st, 1781 & ending Nov. 22nd of the same year; and an allowance of fifty miles travel, & 9.17.8 (nine, seventeen, eight) total amount to pay. It appears from the said Roll that the pay per diem
Page 54


of a Sergt, is one shilling & seven pence; & the rate of travel per mile two pence.

Allowing the same number of miles travel previous to June 30th 1781, as are shown by the Roll to have been made after that date to wit: fifty; and the travel fee of Jacob Wheeler amounts to 0.8.6; this deducted from the total amount of his pay, to wit: 4.3.11, leaves 3.15.5, for days service. This is at one shilling seven pence per day, gives forty seven days & 12/19 of a day's service.

The total amount of pay, as appears by the Roll is made up of the two items, days service & miles travel, for each officer & private.

The names cited with that of "Jacob Wheeler," occur but once in each Roll. The unbroken time, and the names of the officers in each Roll being the same, seem to prove the identity of all the persons mentioned in this certificate.

There is nothing on the Rolls showing whether or not the seven months service of Jacob Wheeler in Capt. Hutchins Company in 1778 was by the same Jacob Wheeler above named.

Given under my hand & seal of this office this fifteenth day of June AD 1853.

Ferrand. F. Merrill
Secretary of State
Page 55

Admitted claim

Ovid, Sept 29, 1853

Sir

I have received yours of the 23rd in the case of Sophia Wentworth, please return the Surrogates certificate, that I may get prepared as your letter requires

Much obliged
Most respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Arad Joy

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner
Page 56


Syracuse, N.Y. June 12th 1854

Loring T. Waldo, Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir

Please inform me what the amount is, annually, which Elizabeth Wentworth is entitled to, as one of the children of Sophia Wentworth, to whom the Department lately granted pension, and whom it [illegible] to draw.

Her agent is Arad Joy, Esqr.

On behalf of Mrs. Brimmistool

and by her request --

I am very respectfully yours
Joseph Savage
Page 57

Aug. 7, '45

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commission of Pensions

Sophia Wentworth
Act 36
Page 58

Washington DC
5 August 1845

Sir,

In the matter of the claim of Sophia Wentworth, formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler, under the Act of 1836, we are employed to prosecute for her pensions, and as the matter has been long at hand, to urge a speedy settlement of it.  We are informed that the rolls in the Department of State will probably show the service of Wheeler who belonged to the New York line, supposed to have been in Patterson's regiment. He was in the Canada service in 1775 & 1776 and was taken prisoner.  Will you be pleased to cause an examination to be made of the rolls in that Department for the services of Wheeler. The rolls of the New York prisoners will probably show the name.

We are very respectfully yours
T/L/ & A Tho Smith

J.L. Edwards Esqu
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 59


Oct. 26 1850
Revolutionary Claim
Sophia Wentworth

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 60


Ovid, N.Y. Oct. 23rd 1850

Sir

I am the acting agent for the children of Sophia Wentworth.  Sophia Wentworth was formerly the widow of Jacob Wheeler. She made application for a pension from New York under the law of 1836, please inform me the objection to granting this pension.

Much obliged
Your Obedient Servant
Arad Joy

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 61


Edward A. Brown
July 2 1846

Per N. Locke Esq

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Washington DC
Page 62


Syracuse, January 23rd, 1846

Sir,

I have entrusted the pension case of Mrs. Sophia Wentworth (formerly Wheeler) to Nathan Locke Esq. & requested him to state to me among other things, a list of the [illegible] & papers in the case - as I am well satisfied some of the papers I have sent have not been received at the pension office.

You will oblige me by communicating with him, for me, in this case & in the case of Joseph Winn.

I am respectfully 
Your obedient servant
E.A. Brown

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions
Washington
Page 63

Mr. Brown of Syracuse N.Y. informs me in a late communication that he is under the impression that some affidavits, sent by him to the pension office in the case of Sophia Wentworth, of that state have not been received by the office or have been overlooked in the examinations of that case & he requests me to examine the papers to ascertain the fact with reference to said papers.  have the kindness to permit the examination & oblige
Your most faithful servant
Nathan Leake

Feb. 10, 1846
The claim of Joseph Winne of N.Y. is named in his letter as you will observe. May I also examine his papers.  February 4

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 64


March 4, 1846
[illegible] to case
Sophia Wentworth

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 65

Washington, March 3rd 1846

Sir,

I enclose herewith the Comptroller's [illegible] (of New York) and a part of the service performed by Jacob Wheeler of that State whose widow Ms. Sophia Wentworth of N.Y. is an applicant for pension under the law of 4th July 1846.  It is hoped that this in connection with the affidavit already filed in the case will prove satisfactory to the department and her claim allowed, from the affidavits of her brothers the Starkweathers & others it verily appears that the marriage took place before the commencement of the service & it also appears from the same that much more service was performed that is shown by the Comptroller's books. This records are very imperfect indeed, hoping this case will [illegible] & favorable consideration it is herewith submitted.

Very Respectfully 
Your Obedient Servant
Nathan Leake

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 66

[stamp]
Syracuse N.Y.
Jan. 16

Hon. H. Wheaton
M.C.
Washington City
D.C. 

[Computation]
Page 67


[stamp]
Syracuse N.Y.
Jan. 16

Hon. H. Wheaton
M.C.
Washington City
D.C.

[Computation]
Page 68


Syracuse, January 16, 1845

Dear Sir - 

Allow me to trouble you to cause investigation to be made at the Pension Office for evidence of the Revolutionary Services of Jacob Wheeler who I am informed served in the N.Y. troops in Canada in 1775 - 1776 - & was taken prisoner at the Battle of the "cedars". I presume he served under Capt. John McKinstry.  at any rate in the same service - a Lieut. or Ensign was named Phelps under whom he left for the service in 1775.  Supposed to be under Col. Patterson. Col. Bedel was one of the officers at the Cedars - There is a list of these prisoners together with the duration of their imprisonment at the office and also pay rolls of the N.Y. troops in 1775 & 1776.  This fact is not generally know & the Clerk's or Court deny it.
Page 69


Please address a note to Col. H.H. Sylvester at Washington who has acted as agent for Wheeler H. Clark Esq of Hudson.  I ask him either to investigate the matter for me - or give you directions where to find these Rolls.  And the list of prisoners - McKintry & Wheeler were both prisoners.  I don't know whether Phelps was or not.

This evidence is to sustain the application of Sophia Wentworth - the widow of said Jacob Wheeler - which is pending before the Department - & is in a state of suspense for lack of proof.

I am willing to pay Mr. Sylvester reasonably for his services.

But if Mr. Le Drew Brown is still a clerk in the P.O. Department he will take this burden from you. He was dangerously ill the last I know of him & suppose he is dead.

I am anxious to receive an answer as to this matter soon in order to look elsewhere if proof cannot be found there.
Page 70

I would not trouble you with this issue were it not that my client will probably die before I could get a word directly from the Department.

I am Respectfully yours
E.A. Brown

Hon. H. Wheaton

If Brown is living & at Washington, if you will send him this letter. He will attend to it for me.

Yours, E.A.B.
Page 71


[Stamp]
Syracuse, N.Y.

Hon. Horace Wheaton, M.R.
Washington City, D.C.
Page 72


Syracuse, January 23rd 1845

Dear Sir,

I sent you a memorandum a few days since relative to the pension claim of Sophie Wentworth on account of the Revolutionary Services of Jacob Wheeler.  Since then, I have applied to the Comptroller at Albany & have received the enclosed. Please cause it to be placed in the hands of the [illegible] so that I may have the benefit of it when he [illegible] further searches in his office - or if some other one is aiding hand it him.

Yours truly
Edward A. Brown

Hon. H. Wheaton
Page 73


[Stamp]
Syracuse, N.Y.
March 11

Hon. D.S. Dickson
U.S. Senate
Washington City
D.C.
Page 74

Syracuse  March 13, 1845

Sir,

Permit me to trouble you with the enclosed paper which is intended for the pension Department but is first to be placed in the hands of Col. H.H. Sylvester of Washington to whom Hon. Mr. Wheaton - handed some papers for me to investigate the claim of Mrs. Sophia Wentworth for a pension on account of Jacob Wheeler's Revolutionary Services.  I think the facts stated in the enclosed will aid in the investigation.

Wheelers enlistment at [illegible] & Lieut. Phelps being an officer of his in 1775 & his having served with Billings Starkweather who [illegible] a pensioner - towards the last of the war - & their being discharged together at Whitehall are strong circumstances & a reference to Starkweather's papers who I believe served under Simeon Prentice, might furnish the evidence of that part of Wheeler's services.  Will you communicate this paper to Mr. Sylvester and ask him to inform me of his progress
Page 75


as speedily as possible. You will much oblige Respectfully yours

E.A. Brown

Hon. D.S. Dickenson
Senate
Page 76


{On official business]

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

July 23, 1845
Received by
Sarah Warren

Sophia Wentworth
Page 77


{On official business]

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

July 23, 1845
Received by
Sarah Warren

Sophia Wentworth
Page 78

Syracuse Onondaga County, N.Y.
July 19, 1845

Dear Sir,

In April 1844 (April 29th, I think) some clause was inserted in the appropriation bills which had the effect to deprive a class of widows, who were applicants for pensions, of a portion of the stipend which were allowed to them under the laws as administered at the time of presenting their declarations.

I now recollect of having two such cases, Mrs. Sarah Warner of this County and Mrs. Hannah Stowe of Evie County Pennsylvania. 

I see by an act approved February 1845, that widows, whose declarations were not made out on or before April 30, '44 or presented to the department before some day in January '45, are not to receive any pension during the time for which their husbands received pensions. This last Act I suppose takes the place of & is a substitute for the somewhat irregular provision of 29th April 1844.  I therefore as agent for and in behalf of said Sarah Warner and said Hannah Stowe whose applications
Page 79


according to my recollection, were made before 29th April 1844, respectfully request that they may receive the residue of the pension - which they would have had but for the statute of April 29th, 1844.  i can see no other object of the act of February '45 but to explain, qualify or repeat the act of April, '44.

I wish to add one more word, relative to the pending claim of Mrs. Sophia Wentworth, formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler for a pension under the Act of 1836 on account of Wheeler's services.  As yet I have not been able to discover his captain's name at the time of his (Wheeler's) going to Canada from the eastern part of this State in 1775.  The Lieut I believe was Phelps.  There was a regiment resided near Wheeler's neighborhood, called the Congress "Regiment".  I expected to find out the names of the officers soon. But I wish to call your attention to the Canada service and Wheeler's imprisonment while there & after the Battle or "affair" at the Cedars in 1776.  I am informed that there is a complete list of those prisoners now in your office.  My informant says he ha seen
Page 80


it several times & proved claims by it. If this is so,, your Clerk who looked into Mrs. Wentworth's papers must have been ignorant of it, or he would have have failed to examine it. Although the claimant is not able to give the Captain's name.

I also understand that the New York Pay Rolls for 1775 - 75 are at your office.  Is it because it is inconvenient to search these Rolls - that it is not done in this case?  The claimant has slept night after night in the woods and cornfields, along with her child - hid away from the public enemy, while her husband was in the field of fighters for the liberty of the country.  She thinks, and I think, that a little extra labor may properly be bestowed on her application at the public expense - now after she has reached the age of more than ninety years - to find the evidence which will establish her most righteous claim to a pittance sufficient to relieve her from grinding poverty, during the brief remainder of her days. These papers being there, they can be examined & ought they not to be?

The word more - reference is made in your
Page 81


letter to a Roll or statement of the men before Quebec I believe in 1776. where is that Roll - I have furnished evidence from the [illegible] of this State as to some service. is that entitled to no weight?

A speedy reply will oblige.  

Yours truly
E.A. Brown

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Page 82

Sophia Wentword [Wentworth]

[stamp]
Syracuse, N.Y.

May 10, 1845
Re. Case
Mrs. Wheeler

Hon. J.S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 83

Syracuse May 7, 1845

Dear Sir

I have just received your letter to H.H. Sylvester of date April 17, 1845.

From it I infer that I failed to procure certificates of the Town Clerk of Shaftsbury, Vermont & of the Parish Clerk of the Baptist Clerk where Elders Willoughby and Blok formerly preached. [illegible] that there was no Record of Jacob Wheeler's marriage. I don't now fully remember but it seems to me, I procured certificates from those Clerks showing that no marriages were recorded in the Town or Church until long after the war. This was in Mrs. Zephra Kenyon's case. I believe I made the inquiry of your whether I could not be excused in this case from again procuring certificates exactly similar to Mrs. Kenyon's.

I have just received some further and more definite testimony in this case but may not forward until I am informed whether in this case I must be at the expense of sending to
Page 84


Vermont for certificates. (if I have not furnished them)

The old lady is not worth cent in the world and has no children or other friends in this country able to pay a dollar for her.  I am sure Mrs. Kenyon's certificates prove that no record of marriages of so early a date as that was ever kept.

I suppose your letter was written before the last evidence I sent was examined.

I have thoroughly examined and am confident there is no sort of record, public or private, of the marriage in question.

If you will look at Mrs. Kenyon's certificate from Vermont & they are not satisfactory in this case, inform me you will much oblige.

Yours truly,
E.A. Brown

J.L. Edward
Commissioner
Page 85


Department of State
Washington  Aug 14th 1845

Sir

In reply to your letter of the 11th, I have to say that upon examination of the Washington Papers, no evidence is found of the service of Jacob Wheeler, as a private in the New York line of the Continental army.

Very Respectfully,

I am obliged
James Buchanan

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 86


May 23, 1854

The within mentioned affidavit of Daniel Wheeler which included a power of attorney to S.P. Jamen returned this day to Arad Joy, Ovid, N.Y.

R.McRae

[stamp]
Ovid, N.Y.
May 19

L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 87


Ovid, N.Y. May 19, 1854

Sir,

I have to day received the amended pension certificate in the case of Sophia Wentworth of N.Y. under the law of 1836 but you omit to return a power of attorney of Daniel Wheeler that I inclosed to you with the original pension certificate.  please return the said power of attorney to draw his share.

Most Respectfully 
Your Obliged Servant
Arad Joy

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner
Page 88

Ovid, N.Y. May 9, 1854

Sir,

I return a pension certificate for correction, one of the children is called "David Wheeler" where it is "Daniel Wheeler". This may have been a mistake of name if I write the Surrogates certificate, or possibly it may be a mistake of the clerk who filled up the pension certificate, at any rate the name is Daniel. my appointment is from Daniel, my letters are signed Daniel & I never had received a letter from David, I never have understood that there was a child named David.

I inclose 2 letters from Daniel Wheeler

I inclose a few lines from Mr. Jenkins  

I inclose the power of attorney executed by Daniel and his explanation in an affidavit. You will see it will require ordering of the power paid, or the alteration of David to Daniel, before it will be paid at Albany. Please direct in such a matter that it will be paid.

Most Respectfully 
Your Obliged Servant
Arad Joy

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner
Page 89


Albany May 8, 1854

Arad Joy Esq

Dear Sir,

I do not think the enclosed affidavit of the Claimant David or Daniel Wheeler is considered sufficient.  I enclose a printed form which is a proper one to be used in such cases.

I should wish pay Daniel Wheeler when the name in the last is David. Why not get the pension certificate corrected in respect to his name?

Respectfully Yours
L. Jenkins
Page 90


Dansville  Sept. 11, 1852

A. Joy, Esquire

Dear Sir,

Your favor of Aug. 28 is duly received. I am very desirous to do whatever you may direct - but I am poo and unlike you or someone else can advance the means, I am not able to administer.  Counsel has advised me that it will be necessary to go to Syracuse in order to take out "letters".

Now I will meet you at Syracuse, or at Ovid or at any other place you may appoint. In fact I will do anything that you may direct. But I am a laboring man, and all my earnings are necessary to the support of my family.

Please write me immediately, and tell me what to do.

Yours Respectfully
Daniel Wheeler

My father died at Syracuse, and my mother died there, and they say that we must go before the surrogate of Onondaga to do the [illegible].
Page 91


Daniel Wheeler
Sept. 11, 1852
Page 92

Dansville, June 20, 1851

Arad Joy, Esquire

Dear Sir,

I have received your favor of June 3rd and am willing to employ you to obtain the pension which you mention. You will please write to me what your terms are, and send along any papers which it is necessary for me to sign.

Your communications at present you can address to Isaac L. Endress, Counselor at this place. 

Respectfully,
Daniel Wheeler
Page 93

Department of the Interior
Claim for Military Service

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 4th July 1836, Sophia Wentworth, deceased, formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler, who was a Private and Sergeant in the Revolution, was entitled to a pension and having died on the 30th October 1843, here only surviving children Elizabeth Brimmistool, David Wheeler, William Wheeler and Eunice Lyman are entitled to the amount at the rate of twenty three 94/100 dollars per annum, from 4 March 1831 to 30 October 1845, when she died.

Given at the Department of Interior 
this fifteenth day of March 
one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five

RM McClelland
Secretary of the Interior

Examined and }
Countersigned }

LP Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 94


Sophia Wentworth
$350.78

Payment to be made 
at Albany
by James M. French Esq
Agent for paying pensioners,
in the Agency of 
New York

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book D,  Volume 2,
Page 363, by
H.R. Weightman, Clerk
Page 95


March 17  '45

Sir,

I enclose some papers to be included in the case of Sophia Wentworth, formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler, a claimant under the Act of July 4 1836 of N.Y.  Of the truth of her statement I have no doubt  [illegible] facts of the times of which she speaks fully satisfy me as to her first husband's service.

Jacob Wheeler resided in 1775 on the backbone of the Green Mountain in Vermont, then Shaftsbury, and at that period New York had jurisdiction east to the Conn. River, near Vermont.

I hope you now have [illegible] one of that days to give this case a careful examination.

I am Yours Respectfully
H.H. Sylvester
Page 96


[stamp]
Syracuse, N.Y.
Aug 15

Arad Joy Esqr
Ovid, State, NY

Sophia Wentworth was formerly Wheeler.
She was the widow of Jacob Wheeler [illegible]
Page 97

Syracuse, August 14th 1849

Dear Sir

I [illegible] of the 31st of July inquiring why I did not answer your letter of the 14th Nov. last. The reason why I did not answer it is because I could not find Mr. Brown who has these letter, now i have found where Mr. Brown is. Mr. Brown resides at Lyonsdale Lewis County. I will now write immediately to Mr. Brown and get those letters and forward them to you as you think they are important in this case. Wentworth her 2nd husband died in [illegible] 1835, as near as I can trace. I am sure he died before his wife above 9 years. My father was in service after marriage, I am sure of.

I will get those letter sent from Washington as soon as I can and forward them to you as soon as possible.  If you [illegible] coming to the state fair at Syracuse the 11.12.13 of [illegible], please write to me. I live on Janus Street 40 from the fair grounds. I may have the papers by that time and could hand them to you, and talk with you about the whole matter.

Yours, John J. Wheeler

Mr. Arad Joy
Page 98

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five percent per annum, viz:

[Table]
[first line]
16th October 1780 | Jacob Wheeler  priv | 0 | 19 | 5
[second line]
4th April D  | D  D  | 1 | 7 | 9
[third line]
15th January  D |  D  Corporal  | 1 | 9 | 4

[sum]
  3 | .16 | 6
Tn/9
$ 9.07

STATE OF NEW YORK
Comptroller's Office, Albany, 18th February 1846 }

I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book 5, 6, & 9, now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, vix:

First - under Capt. WM Brown in Col. Lewis Van Woert Regi.
Second - under "D" in Col "D" Regt.
Third - under Capt. Levi Storkwell in Col. Henry K. Van Rensselan

Philip Phelps
Dept Commissioner
Page 99


Hon. Horace Wheaton,
N.C.

Washington City, D.C.
Page 100

Syracuse  January 27, 1895

Dear Sir

I took the liberty of enclosing to you an affidavit in the case of Mrs. Sophia Wentworth for a pension on account of the Revolutionary Services of Jacob Wheeler.

Having sent [illegible] papers in this case, I concluded to trouble you with the enclosed.

I would here suggest to the Commissioner that as there can be no reasonable doubt about of Wheeler's services in Canada in 1775 & 6. [image blotted] near when Montgomery [image blotted] -- that he might not have been at Cedars when the Fort was taken under Major Butterfield - but that he might have been one of Major Sherburne's 140 men who were sent to the relief of that Fort by [illegible] from Montreal, and which 140 men were captured on their way to Cedars. 

History abundantly bears out the statements made by the [illegible] & those witnesses who have testified.

Yours - E.A. Brown

Hon. H. Wheaton
Washington
Page 101


Sophia Wentworth
papers under act of 1836
Page 102


State of Vermont  }
Bennington County  }  s.s.

Hiram Barton being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he holds the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Shaftsbury, County of Bennington and State of Vermont and that he has made careful and diligent search among the records of said office for record evidence of the marriage of "Thomas Wheeler and Sophia Starkweather and that no record of such marriage is found. Deponent further says that said search extended from the earlier records in said office until after the years 1800.  I further say not.
Hiram Barton, Town Clerk

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 11th day of August, AD 1845}

N.B. "Starkweather" written on erasure before sworn to before me.  A. Sidney Olin, Justice of the Peace.


State of Vermont  }
Bennington County } s.s.
Nathan H. Bottum of Shaftsbury in said County and State being duly sworn says that he has the office of the Clerk in the Church called the Baptist Church in said Town of Shaftsbury and that this deponent has the custody of the records of said parish has made carefully and diligent search therein for evidence of the marriage of Jacob Wheeler and Sophia Starkweather and that no record of such marriage can be found among the records aforesaid.
Nathan Bottum, Clerk

Subscribed and sworn before me this 9th day of August 1845 }
Hiram Barton, Justice of Peace
Page 103


[4 lines blocked out]

State of Vermont  }
Bennington County  } s.s. 

I, Samuel H. Blackmer, County Clerk of said County hereby certify that the above named A. Sydney Olin & Hiram Barton before [illegible] the foregoing affidavits were [blotted out], are a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Bennington. And that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be them are genuine.

[seal]  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Bennington in said County this 16th day of August 1845

N.B. "Sworn to" from what blotters before signing and sealing and "July" erased and August inserted, & "Hiram Barton" inserted.

Samuel H. Blackmer, Clerk
Page 104



October 1, 1845
Record of
Sophia Wentworth

Official business, E.A.B.

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 105

Syracuse, Sept. 27, 1845

Dear Sir,

Yours of 25th just relative to the claim of Mrs. Sophia Wentworth for a pension, is received and I was much surprised to learn that the letters had been written some gentleman named Smith. No such persons have or even had everything to do with the case, unless they have been furnished with my papers by Mr. H.H. Sylvester of Washington City.  I have recalled no such letters and have no acquaintance with or knowledge of these gentlemen. Mrs. W.

There is a lot of perambulating scavengers stealing about the country hunting up pension business to do at the [illegible].  I have nothing to do with these scoundrels - nor have they anything to do with my business.

Mrs. Wentworth has not & never had any great [illegible]. I have sent papers to Mr. Wheaton, [illegible] indirectly to Mr. Sylvester.

Can you inform us who, what & where these [illegible] are.  I also [illegible phrases] the letter written to them in August last to which you refer me. I cannot be supplemented [illegible] have my clients rights interfered with these interlopers

In case this be answered without delay, the thing is inexplicable - I don't understand it. By writing soon you will oblige.

Yours most respectfully
Edward A. Brown
Page 106


[stamp]
Syracuse N.Y.
Aug 20

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Washington City, D.C.

Aug. 22, 1845
Ada [illegible]
Sophia Wentworth
Page 107


Syracuse Aug. 19, 1845

Dear Si,

I enclose herewith affidavits [illegible] the [illegible] of Record evidence of the marriage of Jacob Wheeler and Sophia Starkweather, now Mrs. Wentworth.

I don't know that I can [illegible] to the suggestions heretofore made & I recall look with interest to the final determination of your department, upon the evidence as it now stands. 

I wish to be informed whether the package of affidavits & sent sometime in June - enclosing affidavits of Billings & John Starkweather & one or two others.  [illegible] with a memorandum for Mr. Sylvester at Washington City - have been received at your offices - they were addressed to Gov. [illegible].

I believe I have before expressed the fervent hope that the pay rolls of the New York Regiment for 1775 and 1776 which are in your office, and also the list of prisoners which you have there, may be thoroughly examined in this case, and although the applicant is not more able to detail all the particulars of officer's name & the [illegible] detail the history of the Canadian expedition of 1775 ^ 6, with accuracy, so far as I am informed.

I believe I must if all the papers have been received by you, submit the matter to your best judgement and discretion in the case. Upon the evidence now before you - trusting hopefully and confidently for a result which shall be satisfactory to the applicant, and accordant with the spirit and intent of the laws of Congress upon this subject.

I remain respectfully your obliged servant
Edward A. Brown

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 108


1/14   March 28, 1844
N.Y.
S. Wentworth
4 July 1836

[stamp]
Syracuse, N.Y.
March 25

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 109


Syracuse  March 23, 1844

Sir

I enclose papers so far as they are prepared to substantiate the claim of Mrs. Sophia Wentworth of a pension on account of the services of Jacob Wheeler her first husband. The marriage was before the war, before there is a possibility that I can prove the fact of marriage by Mr. Galusha, or by a private record of Mr. Elder Willoughby. There is no Town or Church records in Shaftsbury so old by many years as the date of this marriage.

I hope to be able to strengthen the case by procuring more definite statements from Billings & Starkweather, if he is still alive, as to Wheeler's service after the Battle of Bennington.  But I am persuaded that if full records are found in your office, you will be able to find evidence of at least two years service by reference to the rules of the corps which was taken at [illegible] and also by reference to the papers of Billings Starkweather.

Yours truly, Edward A. Brown

Hon. J.L. Edwards

P.S. Vide Near Malls's Life of Washington 2nd Edition, page 63. note - Cale Bedel & Major Butterfield commanded at the Cedars
Page 110


Jamestown, N.Y.
Sept. 18, 1851

Hon. J.E. Heath

Sir

On the 18th of August I wrote for an opinion in the Wentworth case. On the 24th of the same month, you reply and make mention of the receipt of my letter of the 18th, but mention no name, nor is the letter any answer to mine.

As there is a misconception somehow, I write again and will state, that the only question I intended to put was whether if a widow of a Revolutionary pensioner, who is clearly entitled to a pension in the remained single, should marry, could her children make an application and draw what their mother would be entitled to, provided she remained single, or not - you answered under the Act of 1850, you will see is not a reply to mine.

Be pleased to write and much obliged
Samuel A. Brown
Page 111


State of New York  }
Onondaga County } s.s.

Sophia Wentworth of the village of Syracuse being duly sworn says that she is an applicant under the Act of July 4th 1836 for a pension on account of the revolutionary services of Jacob Wheeler her former husband, that her declaration for that purpose has been heretofore forwarded to the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions.

Deponent further says that she is able to to state that she knew by reputation Captain John McKinstry who at the beginning of the war of the Revolution resided within a few miles of the residence of deponent and her said husband Jacob Wheeler not far from the city of Hudson on Hudson River in the State of New York.  That she has understood from said Jacob that he was acquainted with said Captain John McKinstry while in actual service in Canada in 1775 and 1776 and that said Jacob and said McKinstry were taken prisoners at the Cedars at the same time but deponent does not now distinctly recollect whether said Wheeler represented that he served under the command of said McKinstry or not.  Deponent further states that she also knew Col. H.K. Van Rensselaer during the war, and also knows the fact that said Jacob was in service at same period of the war, under the command of said Col. Van Rensselaer and that she frequently heard him speak of said Van Rensselaer as one of his offices.  Deponent further says that she knew personally
Page 112


Capt. Levi Stockwell who resided in the wartime near the residence of Deponents father in Shaftsbury in Vermont, and that said Jacob Wheeler was well acquainted with said Captain Levi Stockwell and as deponent verily believes he served under said Captain, but her recollection upon that point is not now distinct enough to enable her to swear positively upon the subject.

Deponent further says that said Jacob Wheeler served with Billings Starkweather under the same officers as the she then undertood and still believes towards the last of his services in the said war, and that they [illegible] their discharge together at Whitehall's and returned home to Shaftsbury in company together, about the final termination of the Revolutionary War, but the day or month deponent has not the means of stating. 

Deponent further says that according to her present recollection (and she has no doubt of the fact) her said husband Jacob Wheeler was mustered into actual service in the summer of seventeen hundred and seventy five at Kinderhook near the East [illegible] of Hudson River and only a few miles from Spencertown where deponent and said Jacob then resided.

Deponent is unable to state the names of the officers under whom he entered service in 1775 except Lieut. Phelps but she will remembers that said Jacob was in service with said Captain McKinstry as above state and in one of the New York Regiments during the years 1775 and 1776 until their being taken prisoners as aforesaid. Deponent further says she does not now recollect the length of time he was kept a prisoner before he returned home, but she well knows that
Page 113


he  returned and remained at home until after the Battle of Bennington, and that within a very short time after that Battle, he again joined the army as set forth in her original declaration.

Sophia Wentworth
[her mark  X]

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10th day of March 1845.  John H. Johnson, Justice of the Peace.

State of New York }
Onondaga County }  s.s.

I, John H. Johnson the above-named Justice, do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Sophia Wentworth and that in my opinion she is a credible person, and that her testaments made in the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed are entitled to full confidence and credit.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and [illegible] in said county this tenth day of March 1845.

John H. Johnson
Justice of the Peace
Page 114


State of New York  }
Genesee County  } s.s.

I, Billings Starkweather, late of Neume, Allegany County, aged Eighty four years and upwards, being duly sworn says that he was formerly well acquainted with Jacob Wheeler, the first husband of Sophia Starkweather - now Sophia Wentworth of Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York - who is now an applicant for a pension under the Act of July 4, 1836 as deponent has been informed.

Deponent further says that he knew said Jacob Wheeler before his marriage with said Sophia as hereafter stated and well remembers the first time and circumstances of his said marriage - that at and before the time of said marriage, Deponent's father manifested a determined hostility to the marriage of said Sophia to said Jacob Wheeler. That for some time said Sophia had resided at the house a Mr. Clark one of the neighbors of Deponent's father, and she and said Wheeler left home privately to get married without the knowledge of said Sophia's father. And met at the house of Mr. Galusha in Shaftsbury. And were there married by Rev. Mr. Willoughly as was universally understood at the time, but deponent, and his father's family, and the whole neighborhood.  Immediately after said marriage said Sophia ceased residing at her father's house and went to reside and did reside immediately and permanently with her said husband, Jacob Wheeler, as his wife.

That said marriage took place several years before the beginning of the Revolutionary War, but the particular
Page 115

year he does not now recollect.

Soon after said marriage said Wheeler and said Sophia left the Town of Shaftsbury and went somewhere into the State of New York and east of the Hudson River - where they resided for several years as deponent then understood and still believe. And said Sophia, soon after the beginning of the Revolutionary War, returned to Shaftsbury aforesaid and remained there until after the end of the war and brought with her one child.

Deponent further says that for a long tme after her return as aforesaid and for several years thereafter, he was informed and still believes that said Jacob Wheeler was absent in the Continental Service - but particulars deponent is not able definitely to state.

Deponent further says that near the close of the war and in the spring of the year, this deponent and said Jacob Wheeler enlisted as Shaftsbury aforesaid for one year - under Captain Stark - and Lieutenant Simeon Prentice.  The company mustered with their Regiment at Castleton in Vermont, and afterwards went to Whitehall (then called Skeensborough). During a considerable portion of the season after said enlistment, Deponent was engaged building up port and establishing pickets at and near Castleton.  The field officers were General Enoch (or Enocks), Col Fletcher, Adjutant Heth (or Heath). Under this enlistment this deponent and said Jacob Wheeler served together the whole time for nine months
Page 116


and nine days, and were then discharged from active service and returned home together to Shaftsbury aforesaid but did not then receive any written discharge.

The reason of our leaving service before the expiration of the year for which we had enlisted was that hostilities had ceased between the two countries and that our services were no longer needed.

Deponent further says that according to the best of his present recollection and believe said enlistment was in the spring of 1781 and our discharge in the winter of 1782 being about the same year that Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. 

That after the death of said Jacob Wheeler, said Sophia intermarried with John Wentworth and that said Wentworth is not dead.

Billings Starkweather
[his mark  X]

Subscribed and sworn before me this 3rd day of 1845.  N.B. "Shaftsbury" erased on first page before sworn to. 

W.M. Sprague, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County
Page 117


State of New York  }
Genesee County  } s.s.

I, John Starkweather, of Bethany in said county and state being duly sworn says that he is aged seventy seven years and upward. That he is a brother of Sophia Wentworth, formerly widow of Jacob Wheeler, who was a soldier in the Revolution.  That deponent recollects some of the circumstances of the marriage of said Wheeler and said Sophia.  That deponent well recollects the occasion of said marriage which was before the beginning of the Revolutionary War.  That the intention of said Sophia to marry said Wheeler, was known and on the day of the marriage, deponent's father sent this deponent's elder brother Elisha about to forbit the ministers and magistrates marrying said Wheeler and Sophia with a [illegible] to prevent the same. And that said marriage actually took place at the house of Mr. Galusha at Shaftsbury, in Vermont, that as was then well known, at the time.  And within a few minutes after the ceremony of marriage was concluded by Elder Willoughby, the clergyman who officiated - deponent's said brother Elisha Starkweather arrived at Galusha's to forbid the said marriage.  That from that time said Sophia and said Wheeler lived together as husband and wife, and raised a family of children.  That soon after said marriage they removed from Shaftsbury to New York and resided a few miles east of Hudson's River for three
Page 118

- 2 -

or four years and then returned to the house of deponent's father at Shaftsbury aforesaid. That such return was soon after the war broke out and said Sophia continued to reside in said Town of Shaftsbury until after the end of the said war.  

That said Wheeler was absent during the time of the war, but the particulars deponent is not now able to state, except as follows, viz
That near the close of the war and to the best of deponent's present recollection and believe early in the season (in the spring) of the year 1781, said Jacob Wheeler enlisted at Shaftsbury in the same company with Billings Starkweather, whose affidavit is hereto prefixed, for one year, and then left Shaftsbury in company with said Billings to go to Castleton into service.  That Simeon Prentice was Lieutenant in the same company that deponent's personally know of the departure of said Jacob Wheeler and said Billings Starkweather for the service in the spring of 1781 as aforesaid and knew of their continued absence from home for several months.  That while they were absent on this tour of service, deponent was at the house of said Sophia, who spoke of the absence of said Jacob, and particularly not more than a week or two before the return of said Jacob and Billings deponent stayed overnight at the house of said Sophia and talked with her about the return of her said husband Jacob Wheeler
Page 119


from service and his return was not then expected until the expiration of the year for which he had enlisted.  Said Jacob was then absent from home.  That this deponent well remembers the time when said Jacob and said Billings returned to Shaftsbury.  Deponent saw then when they came and is positive that their return was unexpected.  Said Jacob Wheeler and said Billings reached the house of deponent's said further at dark or a little after, and in consequence of the lateness of the hour the said Jacob did not go home to his own family that night, but stayed over night at the house of deponent's said father and left for his own house and family the next day.  Deponent further says that his recollection of the circumstances of said last named services is perfectly distinct and vivid.  She may not now state the precise year of said service but the fact of such enlistment and service is fresh in deponent's recollection, and he further recollects that the said tour of service was near the last part of the war, and he is of the believe, the last of said Jacob's service.

Deponent further says that at the time of the return of said Jacob and Billings from service as aforesaid a conversation was had at the house of Deponent's father as to the time they had been absent, and the time of such absence was then computed
Page 120


by deponent's father and was stated and ascertained to be nine months and eight or nine days, and deponent is quite positive nine months and nine days is the exact time of their absence.  The time was talked about particularly because of their [illegible] for return before the end of the year for which they enlisted as above stated.

John Starkweather

Sworn and subscribed before me this 3rd day of May 1845. 
N.B. "Tavern of" erased "Town" interlines. A blot after "from and before "home".  A sight erasure after "fresh" '..tion of" erased after "recollects" a blot between "the" and "war".

W.M. Sprague, Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Genesee
Page 121


July 2, 1845

[illegible] case
Sophia Wentworth
Page 122

State of New York  }
Genesee County  } s.s.

I, [illegible] Perry of Pavillion in said county being duly sworn says that she is aged about eighty five years and upwards.  That she was a daughter of Daniel Starkweather, and was born in Preston in Connecticut.  That before the Revolutionary War, she removed with her father to Shaftsbury in Vermont.  That while living in Shaftsbury deponent became acquainted with Jacob Wheeler who married Sophia Starkweather, the elder sister of this deponent.  That said Jacob Wheeler and said Sophia were married at Shaftsbury by Elder Willoughby several years before the beginning of the Revolutionary war. Deponent was not present at the marriage but well remembers the circumstances of their being married, and that Sophia did not return home to her father's house for a long time after said marriage.

That soon after said marriage, said Jacob and Sophia left Shaftsbury for the neighborhood of Kinderhook, or not many miles from Kinderhook in Columbia County, New York.  That at the beginning of the war as deponent then understood, said Jacob enlisted at or near Kinderhook to serve in the Revolutionary war.  That in the same season they returned to Shaftsbury and said Sophia remained there in the Town of Shaftsbury until the end of the the war, but said Jacob, very soon after said Sophia, her child came to deponent's father's, left and went away into the army in pursuance of his enlistment as deponent then understood and believes.  Deponent further says that during the war and for most of the time during the continuance of the war said Wheeler was absent from home in the army. as deponent then understood and still believes.  That his wife and child
Page 123

remained mostly alone, or at the house of the father of Deponent during the said war.

Deponent further says that after the return of said Wheeler, she often heard him speak of his services and where he had travelled while in the army and especially that he was taken by the British and Indians, and that at one time he expected to be filled while a prisoner among the Indians but was saved.  the particulars of such services deponent had not treasured in her memory.

Deponent further says that the first said Jacob left for the army, the oldest daughter of said Jacob and Sophia was an infant only a few months old, but at the time he first returned home, she was quite a large child and between two and three years old to the best of deponent's recollection, and she quite positive that said Wheeler was then absent in service and a prisoner very nearly or quite two years.  Deponent was particularly fond of said child and this circumstance tends to strengthen her recollection of the time of said Wheeler's absence, and of his return home. 

Deponent further says that she verily believes said Wheeler was absent from home nearly all the time during the war, but is not now able to state all the particulars. Said Jacob and Sophia from the time of said marriage always continued to live together as husband and wife until the death or about the time of the death of said Jacob.  That she afterwards intermarried with John Wentworth who is now dead.

[illegible] Perry
[her mark  X]

Sworn before me this 3rd day of May 1846. N.B. "her" and "have" interlines and "time of" erased before sworn to
W.N. Sprague, a Justice of the Peace in and for Ovid [illegible]
Page 124


State of New York  }
Genesee County  }  s.s.

I, William M. Sprague, the Justice of the Peace before whom the foregoing affidavits of Billings Starkweather, John Starkweather and Survina Perry were sworn to do hereby certify that I am personally well acquainted with said John Starkweather, and that said John is a man of high an unimpeachable character for truth and veracity, and that in my opinion the states of said John in the several affidavits subscribed by him are fully entitled to confidence and credit.

I further certify that I am slightly acquainted with said Billings, and said Survina, but that I have taken proof as to their character and reputation for truth and veracity, and that from my [illegible] acquaintance and form such proof I am fully of the opinion that they are both persons of the best characters for truth and veracity, and that their statements contained in their several affidavits hereto prefixed respectively are fully entitled to confidence and credit. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand at Pavilion in said county, this third day of May 1845.
W.M. Sprague, a Justice of the Peace in the aforesaid county.
Page 125


State of New York  }
Genesee County  } s.s.
[seal]

I, M.G. Soper, Clerk of said County say William M. Sprague is a Justice of the Peace as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County and subscribed my name this 3 day of May in the year 1845.

M.G. Soper, Clerk of said County
Page 126

State of New York  }
Monroe County  }  s.s.

I, John Johnson Wheeler, being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he is aged fifty seven years 14 April next, that he is a resident of the Town of Ogden in said County and state, and is a son of Jacob Wheeler, who was a private in the Revolutionary war and Sophia Wentworth former widow of said Jacob Wheeler, is now a resident of the village and was spouse in the county of Onondaga and is making application for a pension on account of the revolutionary services of her former husband, the said Jacob Wheeler.  Deponent further says that he very well remembers his said father and that he lived at home with him until deponent was aged about seven years, and at that time deponent said father and mother resided together as husband and wife at the Town of Palatine, now Montgomery County in the state of New York.  That deponent had a sister named Mary Wheeler who married Phillip Smith about the year 1793, as he has been informed and verily believes to be true, and who is now the wife of Mr. Rasa Haggerty and resides as Syracuse aforesaid. That said sister as deponent has always understood from his parents and the family was born in the year 1775, and was the oldest child of said parents.

Deponent further says that when he was about seven or eight years of age he left his father's house at Palatine aforesaid and went to reside with an older sister married Sibyl Ward at Weybridge in
Page 127


Addison County Vermont, where deponent resided with his last named sister for the space of about seventeen years next following.

That, in the month of March Seventeen hundred and ninety nine (or thereabouts) deponent's father came to the said Town of Weybridge on a visit and after a short stsay at that place, he left for the town of Ogdensburgh (St. Lawrence County) New York on business, as he stated, when he left Weybridge aforesaid and expected to return to Weybridge aforesaid within a fortnight from the time of his leaving that place. 

That within two or three weeks after his leaving Weybridge for Ogdensburg as above noted. Deponent's said sister received a letter from said Town of Ogdensburgh stating his since father was sick and was not expected to recover - and as soon as possible after the receipt of said letter this deponent and his sister Sibyl Ward, started for Ogdensburgh, but learned whey they arrived there that their said father Jacob Wheeler had been dead for some days.  That they were shown his grave; that they took into their possession the clothes and some other property which he possessed at the time of his death, and then they returned to Weybridge aforesaid, and deponent verily believes that his said father died at Ogdensburgh aforesaid away from his home and among strangers, at the time aforesaid and which time he has no doubt was prior to the year 1800, perhaps 1797, 8 or 9.

Deponent further says that during the life time of his said father he several times heard him speak and recount his services in the
Page 128

Revolutionary war. That he has heard his said father state that he was taken captive at the Battle of the "Cedars" in Canada in 1776, by the British and Indians.  That he expected to be put to death by the indians while he was in captivity among them, and was threatened to be burnt to death at a [illegible] and was saved therefrom by the friendly interpositions of a Squaw who aided him in escaping for the time being.

That he was also taken by the Indians at another time, but particulars deponent does not recollect, nor in what may or at what time he ultimately escaped.

Deponent further says that he understood his said father to relate that he was in service in or near Canada in 1775 and 76 - a portion of the time either under or in the same service with Col. Ethan Allan, as he was personally acquainted with that officer. That said Jacob Wheeler was at one time in a company sent out by General Putman, but the names of officers of said Company are not recollected nor the particulars of the service.

Deponent further says that he understood that his said further served to the end of the war and was discharged, and had a written discharge, which discharge or a copy of it, deponent thinks he has seen, but is unable to say what has become of it.

Deponent further says that his said father claimed to be entitled to bounty land on account of his Revolutionary Services that he was always reputed among his
Page 129

neighbors to be a revolutionary soldier, and also that deponent has heard John Hawley speak of seeing and knowing said Jacob Wheeler while in actual service during the service  was that said Hawley is not dead.

Deponent further states that about forty years ago - or upwards - as nearly as he is now while to remember - his said Mother Sophia intermarried with John Wentworth and that said John Wentworth died at Port Gibson about five or six years ago as deponent has been informed and believes.

That his said mother is still alive and resides in Syracuse Onondaga County, New York, and further says not.

John J. Wheeler

Subscribed and swornt before me this 27th day of January 1846.
N.B. the word "and mother" were first interlined on first page
also the words (years and upwards) were erased before execution
A. Spencer Justice of Peace
State of New York  }
Monroe County  } s.s.

I, A. Spencer, the Justice of the Peace in and for said county before me  shows the foregoing affidavit of John Johnson Wheeler was this day sworn to do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with said Wheeler and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity and that in my opinion his statements made in said affidavit are fully entitled to confidence and credit.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 27th day of January 1845.
A. Spencer, J.P.
Page 130

State of New York  }
Monroe County  }  s.s.

I hereby certify that Austin Spencer, Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of John J. Wheeler was take and who subscribed in the foregoing certificate, is a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid; and that the signatures to the jurat to said affidavit and to said certificate purporting to be the signatures of said Justice are his genuine signatures.

[Court Seal]

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of said county at Rochester this twenty eighth day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Charles J. Hill, Clerk