Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,376, for John Stanley, New Hampshire
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(3-1776)
SERVICE                       NUMBER
N.H.    Stanley, John    W. 15,376
                          Sarah
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New Hampshire 1764
Sarah Stanley 
widow of John Stanley
who died on the [blank] of Nov 1768
of Merrimack in the State of N.H.
who was a private in the compy commanded
by captain Hule of the regmnt commanded
by Col. Stank in the N.H. Militia
line for N.H. 8 months, as private

Inscribed on the Roll of Concord N.H.
at the rate of 26 dollars 66 cents, per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Feby
1838 and sent to Ho
race Chase, Hopkinton, N.H.

Arrears to the 4th of Septr. 1838 $173.33
Semi=annual allowance ending 4Mar '38 13.33

$186.66

{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3@}

Recorded by D.M. McGindy, Clerk
Book A, Vol 2, Page 31
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{State of New Hampshire}
Merrimack Ss}

On this twenty fifth day of October Anno Domini 1837 
personally appeared before me Horace Chase Judge 
of the Court of Probate for said County of Merrimack 
Sarah Stanley a resident of Hopkinton in the County 
of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire aged eighty 
eight years the seventeenth of December 
past who being duly sworn according to the 
law doth on her oath make the following dec
laration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision 
made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.

That she is the Widow of John Stanley who 
was a soldier in the Revolutionary Service- That 
said John Stanley in the Spring of the of the same 
year in which the Battle of Bunker Hill hap
pened which she believes was in the year 1775, 
enlisted and [illegible] three small children
Then residing in said Hopkinton, went to 
Charlestown in Massachusetts and at Winter 
Hill & in the vicinity served out the term of 
his enlistment- That she cannot tell the month 
or day of month he left home, the time or term 
of his enlistment but can only state that he 
left home and enlisted the Spring of the year and 
was absent all the summer and fall and 
returned in December or January following- 

That for further particulars of the time and 
period of his service she must refer to the 
affidavit of Thomas Eastman hereto annexed 
who says that he served with the said 
John Stanley in the Company commanded 
by Captain Baldwin and Hale in the Regiment 
of Col John Stark, that his enlistment was for 
the term of eight months all which statement 
by the said Thomas Eastman she has no reason 
to doubt. That she has no documentary 
evidence of the aforesaid services, nor does she know 
of any other services by him than the one before 
specified, nor does she know of think that this 
said Stanley served in any other capacity than 
as a private soldier.

She further declares that she was married 
to the said John Stanley as she thinks and 
believes in the month of November before she
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was nineteen years of age which by 
calculation was November 1768, in said 
Hopkinton, by the Rev. Mr. Seales, then 
Minister of said Hopkinton. That she knows 
now of no person living who was present at 
said marriage, that she lived with her 
said husband until the time of his death and 
by him had twelve children, ten of whom are 
now living as she believes- That her eldest child 
by her said husband (Rebecca Stanley) is now 
about sixty seven years of age-- That her husband the aforesaid John Stanley 
died at said Hopkinton on the sixteenth day 
of December 1825 very suddenly after only a 
few hours illness- and that she has remained 
a Widow ever since that period as will more 
fully appear by reference to the proof documents 
annexed.

Sarah Stanley
Witness
Horace Chase

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written before me Horace Chase
I certify that by reason of advanced age and badly infirmity the above named Sarah Stanley could not attend Court and this declaration for that reason was taken out of Court.

Horace Chase Judge of Probate
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I Thomas Eastman of Holderness
in the County of Grafton and the State of New
Hampshire in the eighty fourth year of my
age depose and say that I was born in
Hopkinton there in the County of Hillsborough
now in the County of Merrimack in said State;
that I was for many year acquainted with
Johns Stanley late of said Hopkinton deceased;
that in the spring of the yerar 1775 I enlisted
for the term of eight months in the revolutionary
service went to Winter Hill near Boston; served in the Company commanded by Captain
Baldwin until the Battle of Bunker Hoill where
Baldwin was killed after which Captain Hale
commanded said company, said Company 
was attached to the Regiment commanded by
Col John Star; that the said John Stan
ley enlisted into the same Company for the same term of eight months, served in he
same companyt with me, the full tertm of 
enlistment ane we were dischared at the
same time at the last of November or first
of December of the same year.

At the time of the aforesaid enlist-
ment I was a resident of said Hopkinton,
and for many years after I resided at said
Hopkinton, and was well acquainted with the said
John Stanley and his family that at the 
time of the aforesaid service said John Stanley
was a married man that he married Sarah
Davis with whom I was well acquainted both
before and after her marriage with said Stanley;
that said John Stanley lived with his said 
wife Sarah, had several children, till the time
of his death, which was as I am informed
twelve or thirteen years since; that 
his widow, Sarah Stanley, who was the said Sarah Davis, is now living with her son
[illegible] Stanley in Hopkinton and unmarried
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I further depose and say that I am not able to state the month or year of the marriage of the said John Stanley with the said Sarah but am certain it was some years before the aforesaid service, for they had at the time of the aforesaid service two or three children; that Rebecca Stanley, the eldest child of the said John and Sarah is now living in said Hopkinton, and she now calls her age sixty seven years.
Thomas Eastman
Witness Horace Chase
State of New Hampshire  Merrimack }
October 20 1837
Personally appearing Thomas Eastman subscribed and made oath that the above affidavit is true.
Before me Horace Chase Judge of the Probate
I certify that not having been personally acquainted with the above named Thomas Eastman, I took some pains to ascertain from persons, in whom I could confide, who were personally acquainted with his, his reputation for truth and veracity and was informed that it stood fair and unimpeached and that his statement was entitled to full credit.
Horace Chase Judge of Probate
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I Thomas Burnham of Hopkinton in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire, Town Clerk of said Town of Hopkinton of lawful age depose and say that I have examined the records of the said Town of Hopkinton of Marriages and Births in said Town & that I am not able to find the marriage of John Stanley with Sarah Davis, or the birth of any of their children from the Town Records. I further testify that the first Statute of New Hampshire requiring Marriages and Births to be recorded in the town records was as late as  the 15th Feb. 1791. That since the passage of that law, which has always been since its passage and now is in force it has not been generally regarded. That many families have neglected and still neglect to record the births of their children. I further testify and say that I was born in, and have always lived in Hopkinton and fore some years before the death of John Stanley I lived in the immediate neighborhood of said Stanley I was well acquainted with him. That said Stanley was regarded and reputed to be a very honest upright and industrious man, a man of regular and temperate habits, and for truth and veracity no man in the town or neighborhood sustained a better reputation.
That his widow, a daughter named Rebecca, and a son named Moses now reside in my neighborhood with whom I am acquainted and whose statements are regarded and entitled to full evidence.
Thomas Burnham Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire Merrimack }
October 25, 1837  There personally appeared Thomas Burnham subscribed to and made oath that the above affidavit was true; before me Horace Chase Judge of Probate  I certify that the above named Thomas Burnham sustains a good character and that his statement is entitled to full credit.  
Horace Chase  Judge of Probate
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I Jonathan Fowler of Hopkinton in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire aged seventy three years depose and say that I was born in said Hopkinton and have always lived there, that I have always since my remembrance been acquainted with John Stanley late of said Hopkinton deceased and for [illegible] than thirty years previous to his death I lived a near neighbor to the said John Stanley. That at the time of the Bunker Hill Battle in June 1775 I was about twelve years of age and distinctly recollect that the said John Stanley that season was absent and it was then said and believed that he was in the revolutionary service. what time he enlisted, for what term of time, when he left home or when he returned, I could not state, all I can with certainty say is that during the season of 1775
I recollect he was some months absent and that it was said he was in the service. I have also frequently heard him speak of his services and relate circumstances that transpired while in the service and from my own recollection and what I have repeatedly heard him say I have no doubt but he was in the service as testified to by Thomas Eastman whose affidavit is hereunto annexed.
I further depose and say that it is strongly impressed on my mind that he said John Stanley was a married man and at the time of his service aforesaid His wife's name before marriage was Sarah Davis, and she is now living a near neighbor to me where she has resided ever since the death of her husband the said John Stanley which was for about twelve years since. I further depose and say that the said John Stanley and his wife Sarah lived together till the time of his death, had and
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and brought up a large family of children two of whom to wit Rebecca and Moses reside in town and near neighbors to me in the house where their father died.  I further depose and say that the said John Stanley and his wife Sarah were peaceable, honest, industrious and respected citizens esteemed by all their neighbors and townspeople and their representations entitled to full credit.  I further depose and say that I am well acquainted with Thomas Eastman whose affidavit is hereto annexed and that his character for truth and veracity is unimpeached and that full credit may be given to his statement.
Jonathan Fowler
Witness  Horace Chase
State of New Hampshire Merrimack }
October 23, 1837   Then personally appearing Jonathan Fowler subscribed to, and solemnly affirmed that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me Horace Chase Judge of Probate
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Jonathan Fowler, that he is Deacon in the Freewill Baptist Church in Hopkinton in good standing and that full credit my and ought to be given to his statement.
Horace Chase   Judge of Probate
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We Rebecca Stanley aged sixty seven years and Moses Stanley aged forty eight years both of Hopkinton in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire do personally depose and say that our father John Stanley died at Hopkinton on the sixteenth day of December 1825, the cause of his death unknown. That he had through the day been in his usual health, late in the evening complained of a violent pain in his stomach and in a few hours expired and that our Mother, and widow of our father, the aforesaid John Stanley, Sarah Stanley, who was before her marriage, Sarah Davis and who has this day made the declaration hereto annexed is still living and unmarried and has remained unmarried ever since the decease of our Father.
Rebecca Stanley
Moses Stanley
Witness Horace Chase

State of New Hampshire Merrimack }
October 25, 1837 Personally appearing Rebecca Stanley and Moses Stanley severally made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subsided is true, and I certify that, being well acquainted with the said Rebecca Stanley and Moses Stanley, full evidence may and ought to be given to their statement Before me Horace Chase Judge of Probate.
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2910
Sarah Stanley
widow of [illegible]
W H
Mar  1768  died 1825
Allan 8 mo.  private
$26.66 per ann
[illegible] 4 March [illegible]
W N Miller
Capt. Hale
Cl Stark
Horace Chase Esq
Hopkinton
WN
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State of New Hampshire.
Merrimack County
The subscriber Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Merrimack, hereby certifies and declares that Horace Chase, Esquire is Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Merrimack that full faith and confidence may and ought to be given to his acts as such, and that his signature to the affidavits and declaration hereto annexed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this eight day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
H.B. Chase. } Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Merrimack
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October 28, 1939
BA-J/AWF
John Stanley
W 15376

Edith Johannassen
173 Longfellow Street
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Stanley, who probably enlisted near Bennington, Vermont.
The date furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W.15376, based upon service of John Stanley in the War of the Revolution. This is the record of the only John Stanley, under any spelling of the name. found on file in the Revolutionary War pension records of this office.
The date and place of birth of John Stanley  and names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Hopkinton, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, John Stanley enlisted in the spring of 1775, served 8 months as private in Captain Baldwin's company, Colonel John Stark's New Hampshire regiment, at the battle of Bunker Hill, Captain Baldwin was killed, and Captain Hale commanded the company for the remainder of his enlistment.
John Stanley married in the month of November 1768, in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, Sarah Davis. She was born December 17, 1748, place not stated, nor are
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the names of her parents shown.
The soldier, John Stanley, died December 16, 1825, in Hopkinton, New Hampshire.
The widow, Sarah Stanley, was allowed pension on her application executed October 25, 1837, at which time she was living in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, with her son, Moses Stanley, who was at that time aged about forty-eight years.
John Stanley and his wife, Sarah, had twelve children, ten of whom were alive in 1837. Their eldest child, Rebecca Stanley, was sixty-seven years old in 1836, then a resident of Hopkinton, New Hampshire.
The names of other children were not stated, and the papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the widow, Sarah Stanley, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:
Sarah Stanley, widow of John Stanley
Certificate # 1764
Issued February 8, 1838
Rated $26.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of July 4, 1836
New Hampshire Agency.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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(Circular Stamp with words inside: Pension Office U.S. A Dec 9  1925)

Joliet Ill Dec 7th
104 2nd Ave
Com. of Pensions
Dept of Interior
Dear Sir
My great grandfather John Stanley lived at the time my grandfather Asa Stanley was born in Reading Vermont. John's wife was named Sarah. I wish to know whether John was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. The record of my grandfather's (Asa) birth
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in vital records of Reading Vt. show that Asa Stanley was the son of John & Sarah Stanley and was born in Reading Vt. about July 30 or 31st 1787 and that birth of his brother John is also recorded there as having been born in Rindge New Hampshire Feb 3d 1779. I have given you there [their] records that it might be easier to identify my great grandfather & find if he was in the Revolutionary War.
Respectfully
Angela Stanley Donaldson (Mrs W.H.)
Enclosed find stamps for reply.
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If any fee is connected with this, please let me know.
Angela Stanley Donaldson
107 2nd Ave
Joliet, Ill.

Stamps returned  Jan 22  - 26
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1926 Jan 22 [illegible] to Mrs W.H. Donaldsen 
1939 Oct 28   "    "    " to Edith Johannesen


Rev
Widow, & c.
File No. 15376
Sarah Stanley Widow of John Stanley  Pri Rev War
Act: July 4, 36
Index:  Vol M, Page 240

[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Idaho Falls, Ida.
Oct 6, 39
Dear sir,

Can you give me any copy of pension records of John Stanley, a soldier of the Revolution who lost a right leg in the war. He probably enlisted at or near Bennington, Vermont as his daughter, Mary, my grandmother, was born there. He owned property also in New York State.
Thanking you sincerely, 
Edith Johannesen 178 Longfellow St
Idaho Falls, Idaho
(written notation above start of body of letter: "only one.")
(written notation down right side of letter: "not on Invalid 1835? or O.W. cards.)
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Circular Stamp with the following words inside:
Received Oct 10 1939
Mail SUB-DIV
Reader No. 2
VETS ADM
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Rev. and 1812 War Section

January 22, 1926
Mrs. W.H. Donaldson
104 2d Ave
Joliet, Ill
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 15376, it appears that John Stanley, while a resident of Hopkinton, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, enlisted in the spring of 1775 and served eight months as a private in Captain Baldwin's Company, Colonel John Stark's New Hampshire Regiment, at the battle of Bunker Hill, Captain Baldwin was killed and Captain Hale commanded the company.
He died December 16, 1825 at Hopkinton, New Hampshire.
Soldier married November 1768 at said Hopkinton, Sarah Davis, who was born December 17, 1748. She was
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allowed pension on her application executed October 25, 1837, at which time she was living in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, with her son Moses, who was then forty-eight years old.
Widow stated that she had twelve children, ten of whom were alive in 1837, only names given, being Rebecca, who was sixty-seven years old in 1837, and the above mentioned Moses.
The above noted John Stanley is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau, under any spelling of that name.
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
Commissioner