Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25960, Oliver Wells, Vt.
Page 1

Vt. Wells, Oliver W.25960
          Rebecca
Page 2


[handwritten on pre-printed form]
2697.
Vermont Burlington
Rebecca Wells widow of Oliver Wells who was a Private in the Mass line for 6 mos & 15 dy
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 21 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of Nov. 1843 and sent to Joseph Wells Underhill Vt.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 32.

[illegible] Nov. 10
Let to V. Thomas May 9 44
" to Honbl. Upham June 4. '44
" to Wm [Watson crossed out] Weston July 14. '45
Page 3

[handwritten on pre-printed form]
17404 -
Vermont
Oliver Wells.
Chittendon Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the company commanded by Captain -- of the regt; commanded by Col Herrick in the Massma line for 6 1/2 mos. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Augt 1833 and sent to N B Howell - Burlington

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $ 43.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 10.83
$54.15

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk
Book 2 Vol. 3 Page 97
Page 4

children of Rebecca Wells of Vermont widow of Oliver - Act March 3 1843.
(admitted case) Power.

J. D. Woodward Atty,
Page 5

[handwritten on pre-printed form]
State of Vermont County of Chittenden. ss
On this 29th day of November 1855 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Joseph Wells a resident of the town of Underhill in said County aged sixty six years and made oath according to law that he is directly interested in a claim against the United States for certain arrears or increase of pension, supposed 10 be due to Oliver Wells,  who died Aug 16, 1837 & his widow Rebecca Wells who died  at a subsequent period and he hereby appoints J. DOUGLAS WOODWARD, Counsellor at Law, of Plattsburg, N.Y., his Attorney to prosecute said claim, and all papers and documents in relation thereto, on file in any of the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere, and to receive from the officer authorised to issue the same, a certificate for any arrears or increase of pension to which Deponent may be entitled, and to do all other acts and things in and about obtaining such arrears or increase of pension Deponent might or could do, were he personally present at the doing thereof; and he hereby revokes all former powers if any inconsistent with the above, and authorizes his said Attorney to appoint Attorneys, one or more, under him, for any or all the purposes aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever Deponent's said Attorney or those appointed under him shall lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises. In witness whereof the said Deponent has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written.
In the presence of [signed] A J [illegible] }
[signed] Joseph Wells

Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged, before me, on the day and year first above mentioned, and I believe the Deponent to be directly interested in the claim above mentioned, and the identical person therein alleged and described, and I have no interest in the result of said claim and am not concerned in its prosecution.
[signed] Z W Church Justice Peace.

State of Vermont County of Chittenden ss. I, the subscriber, Clerk of said County, certify that Z. W. Church before whom the above affidavit and Power
was sworn and acknowledged on the 29th day of in November 1855 was at said time a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified, and that I verily believe his signature above written to be genuine ; and I have no interest in the result of the claim to which the foregoing paper relates, and am not concerned in its prosecution. Witness my hand and official seal at Burlington in  said County this First day of December 1855
[signed] J. S. Adams Clerk

[round piece with zig zag edges attached to left margin]
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117 7156
Page 7

State of Vermont}
Chittenden County ss.}
On this eighteenth day of February A. D. 1845, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace within and for said county of Chittenden, Joseph Wells of Underhill, in said county of Chittenden who is administrator of the estate of Rebecca Wells, deceased, who was in her lifetime a resident of said Underhill and died on the twentieth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and forty four, and the said Joseph Wells being duly sworn according to law, doth, on this oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of congress passed on the third day of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, and the subsequent act of congress continuing said pensions, -- That Rebecca Wells was, at the time of her death, the widow of Oliver Wells who was a private during the revolutionary war; that the said Rebecca Wells, was a pensioner of the United States under the act of July 7, 1838, inscribed on the Burlington, Vermont, roll at the rate of Twenty one dollars and sixty six cents per annum And the said Joseph Wells
further declares that the said Rebecca Wells died at said Underhill on the twentieth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and forty four, and that at the time of her death she was the widow of the said Oliver Wells deceased.
[signed] Joseph Wells

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me, and I certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Joseph Wells, and that he is a man of truth and veracity.
[signed] Wm Weston, Justice Peace.
Page 8

[illegible]
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss.
I, Edward A. Stansbury, Deputy Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Wm Weston, before whom the within declaration was taken and sworn to, was at the time of taking the same and still is a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Chittenden duly commissioned and sworn, and that the signature to the certificate thereto, purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I do hereunto affix the seal of said court and subscribe my name this 18th day of February A. D. 1845, at Burlington in said County -
[signed] E. A. Stansbury -
Page 9

State of Vermont}
District of Chittenden ss.}
I, William Weston, Register of the Probate Court within and for said district of Chittenden, do hereby certify that it has been satisfactorily proved to said court that Rebecca Wells, late of Underhill in said district, died at said Underhill on the twentieth day of December, A. D. 1844; - that, at the time of her death, she was the widow of Oliver Wells, who was in his lifetime, a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832, and that the said Rebecca was also a pensioner under the act of July 7,1838: and I further certify that Joseph Wells who has made the foregoing declaration, hath been appointed by said court, and is administrator of the estate of the said Rebecca, deceased.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto affix the seal of said court and subscribe my name at Burlington in said district this Eighteenth day of February A.D. 1845.
[signed] Wm. Weston, Register
Page 10

Revolutionary Claims.}
Chittenden County, ss.}
ON this 24th [seventeenth crossed out] day of August A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable County Court for the County of Chittenden, now sitting, Oliver Wells a resident of Underhill in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, That  he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. three months and over in the vicinity of Ticondaroga and on the Borders of other [illegible] in the State of Vermont under the Command of Lt Colonel Barrel but Mon Immediately under the Command of Captain Powers and the name of the Major was I Teossandeson being a detachment of State troops In enter the [illegible] in August 1776, and served three months-- and that he Served Mon three months as [illegible] as he believes as a [illegible] as or drafted Minit man in the State troops of Vermont at or near [illegible]  aga and at Barrington and in the vicinity of Burlington Vermont in the year AD 1777 under Immediate Command of Lietennant Jabez Parrey and that Fought in Barrington Battle on the 16th of August under Col Hamish and Lt Parry that he well Reccolects General Starke Walbridge & Colonells Warren & Hunter being at Barrington at the same time that I was our in this and in the Service above Stationed over Simmontton it is not in my power to [illegible] any documentary proof of my Service I [illegible crossed out] born in Harwicke Massachusetts November 18th 1757 when I Entered the Service I lived in Westminster Vermont Since the revolutionary wear I have lived in Salisbury [illegible] & Underhill Vermont I never have Received any Pension for the last Sixteen years for my Services and I claime a pension under the act of June 7th for Six months
Page 11

8450
[State of Vermont }
Chittenden County ss} at Burlington crossed out]

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed}
the day and year aforesaid,}
Before [signed] Oliver Wells
[signed] Nathan Barnswell Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states,-And the Court further certify, that it appears to them, that Phineas Kingsley Wm Barney Timothy Bliss and Luther Dixon
who have signed the annexed certificate and who are residents of the town of Underhill & [illegible] are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. and that Phineas Kingsly is a Citizen in good standing
Attest
[signed] El Brownson}
[signed] John Nansickland} Judges of Chittenden County Court
STATE OF VERMONT,}
Chittenden County, ss.}
I Nathan B Maswell Clerk of the Chittenden County Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Wells for a  Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 30th day of August A. D. 1832
[signed] Nathan Maswell
[illegible] No. 2
The words in [illegible] 
[signed] Nathan B Maswell Clerk
Page 12

State of Vermont}
District of Chittenden, ss}
ON this 14th day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, before the Hon. the Probate Court within and for the District of Chittenden and State of Vermont Rebecca Wells of Underhill in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed in July A. D. 1838, granting half pay to widows &c.
That she is the widow of Oliver Wells late of Underhill, deceased, who was a private in the Army of the American Revolution during the Revolutionary war, and who was also a pensioner of the United States, under the Act (as this affiant now believes) of June 7th 1832, inscribed upon the roll of the Vermont Agency, and as she cannot state with certainty the duration of his services in the Army of the Revolution, and the officers
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under whom he served she refers to the original Declaration of said Oliver Wells deceased, made in order, to obtain the benefits of the Act of June 7th 1832. and to the proofs accompanying the same, which are supposed to remain on file in the Pension Office at Washington which declaration and evidence therewith she believes will show the whole of his services during the Revolutionary war.
She further declares that she was married to the said Oliver Wells at Westminster in the County of Windham & State of Vermont (as she verily believes) on the 13th day of January 1786 by a Rev. MR. Goodhue settled minister in Putney a town adjoining said Westminister and the time of her marriage she states the more definitely because she well recollects that she was married to said Oliver the January next after she was thirty years of age. She also states that she has been informed that at the time of her marriage no record
Page 14

of marriages was kept in said Westminister and that said Rev. Mr. Goodhue is dead and she is not able to obtain any information of his papers - She is therefore obliged to rely upon such parol testimony as is hereunto annexed to prove her said marriage - 
She further states that her husband the said Oliver Wells died at Underhill in the County of Chittenden aforesaid on the 16th day of August A.D. 1837. and that she has remained a widow ever since that period. She further states that she has had a family of six children three of whom are now living - and the eldest of which is now living would be 52 years old next February, having been born in February 1787- 
[signed] Rebekah Wells
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written And I hereby certify that Rebecca Wells the Above affiant is a person of good character and credibility "
Before me, [signed] Charles Russell Judge of Probate
Page 15

5783
Rebecca Wells
Vt
Act 7 July '38.
m 86 d 37 -
admd
6.15.00 pre
$21.66
Died 16 Aug 37
Pen: am: 17. Aug. 37

Wm Weston 
Burlington
Page 16

[illegible in upper right corner]
[dark circular mark in upper left portion]

State of Vermont
District of Chittenden ss
I William Weston, Register of the Probate Court for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify that Charles Russell before whom the foregoing declaration of Rebecca Wells was made and sworn to, was at the time of taking the same and still is Judge of said Probate Court, and that the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine, I also certify that Wm Weston before whom the affidavit of Joseph Wells was taken and sworn to was at the time of taking the same and still is a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Chittenden, duly commissioned, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereto affix the seal of said Court and subscribe my name at Burlington this second day of July AD 1839
[signed] Wm Weston Register
Page 17

I Joseph Wells of Underhill in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont son of Rebecca Wells of Underhill aforesaid of lawful age do testify and say that I have examined the words of the town of Westminster in the county of Windsor in this state, the town in which she was married to my deceased father, and cannot find any record of her marriage. 
Burlington June 20th 1839
[signed] Joseph Wells
Sworn to before me June 20th. 1839. and I certify [that crossed out[ that Joseph Wells, the affiant is a credible witness
[signed] Wm Weston Justice Peace
Page 18

a Rev. and 1812 Wars Section Marjorie Spaulding Phillipsburgh High School Phillipsburg, Kansas Madam: F April 18, 1925 I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 25960 it appears that Oliver Wells was born November 11, 1757 in Hardwick , Massachusetts. While a resident of Westminster, Windham County, Vermont he enlisted in August 1776 and served three months in Captain Powers' Company, Lieutenant Colonel Barret's Vermont Regiment. He enlisted in 1777 and served three and one half months as a private in Colonel Herrick's Vermont Regiment and was at the battle of Bennington. He was allowed pension on his application executed August 27, 1832 while living in Underhill, Chittenden County, Vermont. He died August 10, 1837 in said Underhill. Soldier married January 13, 1786 in Westminster A
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Vermont, Rebekah Ranney of said Westminster. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 14, 1838 while a resident of Underhill, Vermont aged eighty-three years. She died December 20, 1844 in said Underhill. They had six children, the eldest born in February 1787, not alive in 1838; only three of the children were living at that date. Joseph Wells a resident of Underhill in 1855 aged sixty-six years was their son and is the only name given. Respectfully, WILDER S. METCALF Commissioner.
Page 20

[handwritten on pre-printed form]
Vermont - 4,085
Rebecca Wells, widow of Oliver Wells, who was a pensioner under the Act of 7" June '32 and who died on the 16" Augt 1837, of Chittenden in the State of Vermont who was a Pri in the Compy commanded by Captain ~~ of the Regt. commanded by Herrick  in the Masts. line for 6 mos 15 dys.
Subscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the [4th day of March, 1836 crossed out] 17 Augt 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of Spt. 39, and sent to Wm Weston and Burlington, Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. - 0
Semi=annual allowance ending
0
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by R Bendine Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 61.
Page 21

State of Vermont}
Chittenden County}
Addendum
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for Chittenden County, Oliver Wells of Underhill to me known as the same person who made his [illegible] before the Honorable Chittenden County Court on the 21st day of August AD 1832 who being duly sworn, doth make the following additional declaration. that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades
For three months as a private in 1776
Fo three months and a half as a private in 1777
making in all six and a half months for which I claim a Pension -- that since he forwarded his first declaration he has obtained the deposition of Jessee Ide as to his services which accompanies this declaration -- when I first made my declaration I produced the Certificate of a Clergyman, stating his belief as to my age, and services, -- this Clergyman name was Phineas Kingsley, and the same accompanies this [illegible]
[signed] Oliver Wells

Sworn and subscribed this 6th day of June AD 1833, and I hereby Certify that the above named Oliver Wells is a Credible Person
Before me
[signed] Nathan B Maswell Justice of the Peace
Page 22

State of Vermont}
Chittenden County}
I Nathan B Maswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Nathan B Maswell Esqr before whom the within declaration was taken was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace duly qualified acting under the authority of this state, and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 10th day of June AD 1833
[signed] Nathan B Maswell
Page 23

I Esther Arnold of Westminster in the county of Windham and State of Vermont being of lawful age do depose and say (to wit that I am seventy four years of age) that I was married in the year seventeen hundred and eighty six and that sometime previous to my being married it may have ben in the same year I saw Oliver Wells united in marriage to Rebecca Ranney and I think by the Rev Mr Goodhue of Putney
Westminster June 6th 1839
Attest [signed] Olivia Arnold
her
Esther X Arnold
mark
Page 24

Burlington J
Sir, I forward herewith the application of Mrs Rebecca Wells for a pension. The declaration was made sometime since as you will perceive from its date. The reason of the delay in forwarding it is accounted for in not being able to procure evidence of the marriage until recently. If the evidence is satisfactory - please forward to me the pension certificate.
I am very respectfully Your obt Servt,
[signed] Wm Weston

James L Edward Esq
Comr of Pensions
Page 25

State of Vermont}
Chittenden County}
I hereby Certify that the papers hereto attached and marked A B & C & D are the original documents heretofore forwarded the Pension office, and that since their return from the Pension office the documents [illegible] additinal NO 1. 2. 3. & 4 have been added. In testimony whereof I [illegible] hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said. Court this 10th day of June AD 1833
[signed] Nathan B Maswell Clerk
[paper attached to left margin]
Page 26

I Jesse Ide of West ford in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont aged Seventy Eight years depose and say that I resided in Westminster in the County of Windham in the State of Vermont at the time that Oliver Wells was Married to Rebecca Ranney both of said Westminster and a near neighbor to them both and was knowing by womens report of their being Married as I very believe in the latter part of the year 1785 or in the greatest part of the 1786 and have for the greatest part of the time ever since they were Married lived in the vicinity of Mr Wells and his wife and am further Knowing to their living together as Husband and wife and of their Raising a Family of Children and have no doubt of their being Lawfully Married and that the said Oliver Wells died in the Month of August 1837 and that the said Rebecca has remained a Widow ever since the [illegible] of her Husband Oliver Wells
Underhill August 17th 1838
[signed] Jesse Ide

sworn to and subscribed on the day and year a have written And I hereby Certify that Jesse Ide the above deponent is a person of good character and Credibility

Before me [signed] Arthur Bostwick Justice Peace
Page 27

State of Vermont}
Chittenden County}
[white paper with zigzag edges attached to left margin]
I William Noble Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Arthur Bostwick before whom the within deposition of Jesse Ide was taken, was, & is a Justice of the Peace with & for the County of Chittenden duly qualified acting under the authority of this State, & that his name there to subscribed is I believe his won proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington in said County this 19th day of September AD. 1838.
[signed] William Noble
Page 28

marriage
Page 29

I Charles Colton of Athens in the County of Windham and State of Vermont aged Seventy Seven years Depose and say that I was Married in December Seventeen hundred eighty six and that some time previous to my being Married it may have ben one year or nearly  that Length of time is Saw Oliver Wells Late of Underhill in the County of Chittenden and State afforesaid united in Marriage to Rebecca Ranney by A Reverend Mr Goodhu of Putney A Town adjoining said Westminster in said County
[signed] Charles Colton
Athens June 7th 1839

State of Vermont}
Windham County ss}
Athens [Westminster crossed out] June 7th 1839
Then Personally appeared Charles Colton and made Sollemn Oath that the above affidivit by him Subscribed is Just and true before me And I hereby Certify that the Said Deponent is A Person of good Marl Charecter and [illegible] I further Certify that the word Westminster in this Certificate was atened to Athens before signing
[signed] Thad Alexander Justice of the Peace [illegible]
Page 30

[white folded paper on left margin]
State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
New Fane June 8_c D. 1839
I Marshall Miler, Clerk of said County Court, do hereby certify, that Thaddeous Alexander is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature hereunto written is genuine--
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of the said County Court, the day and year above written
Attest [signed] Marshall Miller, Clerk
Page 31

Deposition of Jesse Ide
Page 32

D
I Jesse Ide of Wattford in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont of Lawfull age do [illegible] and Say that In Lived many years in Westminster in the State of Vermont in the time of the Revolutionary war [with crossed out] at the Same time time Oliver Wells [illegible] of Underhill I Lived in Westminister and that I was knowing to his going in those different times in a Campain with [illegible] to safe against the British [illegible] one in the year A 1776 and twice in the year [illegible] I will Remember his going and [illegible] I well remember the time him on [illegible] In sme at Wilmington Vt [illegible crossed out] Some [illegible] day after Bennington in Battle  and another [illegible] arising with him going the Battle which the Commissioned was in and gave [illegible] a 
Said Hill then told me he was in and gave me a description of the battle furth Saith not
his
Jesse X Ide
mark
[illegible]
State of Vermont Chittenden County ss}
At Underhill on the 10th day of September AD 1832 [illegible] Jesse Ide of Wis[illegible] in the afasd Said County & State Personally appeared and being Examined & duly carefully Court and Made Salemn Oath that the foregoing deposition by him Subscribed Contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth 
before me [signed] William Barney Justis of the peace
The above depostion of Jesse Ide Taken at the Request of Oliver Wells to [illegible] in Support of a [illegible] for a pension on application Made to The Joseph [illegible] under the act of June 7th AD 1832
[signed] William Barney Justice of the peace
[illegible] 
I hereby Certify that Jesse Ide who gave the foregoing deposition is a credible witness - Underhill June 6th 1833
[signed] William Barney Justice of the Peace
Page 33

State of Vermont}
Chittenden County}
I Nathan B Maswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby Certify that William Barney Esqr before whom and at the time when the within deposition was taken was a Justice of the Peace duly qualified acting under the authority of this state and that his name [illegible] subscribed is his own proper signature. in testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Burlington this 6th day of June AD 1833
[signed] Nathan B Maswell
Page 34

3-595.
O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Searched by
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant Rebecca
Soldier wid. Oliver Wells
Service Rev.
Additional service
Remarks m'd pen at Vt.
send to
Mr. Walter H. Dixon,
839 Church St.
Beloit Wis.
Chief of Division.
15444b10m8-1900
Page 35

75,960
Oliver Wells
Aug 30 1832 - 75 Underhill Vt.
Aug 76 Westminster Vt. Capt. Powers Lt Col Barrett
77 Lt. Jabiez Torrey Col Herrick, pvt. 3 1/2 mos. But Bennington
Born Nov. 11, 1857 Hardwick Mass
Wid app. Aug 14, 1837 Underhill Vt - 83
Mer. Rebekah Ranney Jay  13, 1786 [Putney, Vt. crossed out] Westminster Vt
Died Aug 16 1837, Underhill Vt
She died Dec. 20, 1844
Page 36

Phillipsburg High School 
Department of English
Marjorie Spaulding
Phillipsburg, Kansas
Feb. 23, 1925.
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir:  
 I am very anxious to find out a little more about the family of Oliver Wells of Revolutionary Times, and the only way to do so seams to be through a copy of his pension application. He was placed on the pension roll of Chittenden County, Vt., Aug. 20, 1833, and served in the Mass. Militia. I will appreciate very much an abstract of his pension application, and will be glad to pay for it if you will send me a bill. 
Very truly yours, 
Marjorie Spaulding Regent Phebe Dustin Chapter D. A. R. 
I am particularly eager to know whether he had a son Samuel?
Page 37

Service
Vt. Wells, Oliver
Rebecca
Number W. 25960
Page 38

[handwritten on pre-printed form]
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No, 25,960
Rebecca Wells
wid of Oliver Wells
Pri Mass Line
Act: March 3d. 43
Index: -- Vol. W, Page 325
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 39

Apl 23 1902
Walter H. Dixon, Belong (partial word)
1925 Apr. 18 Hist to Marjorie A.
Spaulding - (illegible)
1928 -Aug. 27. Marjorie A. Spaulding
advised of cost of 1928
Nov. 22 Photos to
Marjorie A. Spaulding. (9 pgs?)
Page 40

STATE OF VERMONT,}
Chittenden County, ss.}
I Nathan Mansell Clerk of Chittenden County Court, do hereby certify that, Geo. B Manser Esqr. before whom the annexed affidavit is taken, was at the time thereof, a Justice of the Peace, duly qualified, acting under the authority of this State, and that I believe his name thereto subscribed, to be his own
proper signature.
In testimony whereof, I hare hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court, at Burlington, this 30th day of August - A. D. 1832.
[signed] Nathan B. Maswell
Page 41

We the undersignd inhabitants of [illegible] and Underhill do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Oliver Wells who has subscribed and Sworn to the anexed Declaration that we blieve him to be about seventy five years of age that he is reputed and blieved in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed this 29th day of Aughurst AD 1832 and I  hereby certify that the above persons are credible witnesses
Before me
[signed] Geo. B. Mander Justice of the Peace
[signed] Phinehass Kingsley Clergiman
[signed] William Bamey [illegible]
[signed] Timothy R Bliss
[signed] Luther Dixon
Page 42

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE. 1-681, PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 22735
for Duplicating, Addressograph Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
November 12, 1928.
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension; Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job: photostatic copies of 10 pages from Revolutionary
War pension claim of Oliver Wells, W. 25960, Vermont troops.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing?____days
For further information see M. M. H. Finch Rm.No. 5033; Phone No. 541.
Approved: (signature unreadable) Chief of Bureau.

NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph:  single or double space?  Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph: one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding: once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling: Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter: Fill in addresses? Dated?
Addressograph from lists (chart)
Envelopes, size: Cards, size
Proof list: Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample); Corrections
Fill in letters; Tabulation sheets

Photostat x;  Size actual; Official Use?  Repay - yes  $1.50
Blue Print (not filled in)

Remarks __________________
               (over)
(ureadable notations at the bottom)
Page 43

This is a typewritten form that is not filled out.  No cursive included.

NOTE:
Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of
bureaus.
( Date )
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.

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_________________________________

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Page 44

7-233  15822
BUREAU of PENSIONS
Finance Division

Nov. 10,1928
Chief Rev. and 1812 War Section
I have this day received from
Marjorie A. Spaulding
Money order in the amount
of $1.50, requesting
photostat copy as per letter herewith.
C. J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division. (initialed)

To: CC Nov.12
Photos mailed & Fin. Div. ntfd.
Nov. 22, 1928
A.D.Y.
Page 45

Marjorie A. Spaulding
Phillipsburg, Kansas
Nov. 5, 1928.
(DAR letterhead)
Chairman Kansas D. A. R.
Student Loan Committee
Member Daughters
of the American Colonists

MO. #169814-$1.50
(Stamp) dated NOV 10, 1928

Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I shall be very grateful if you will send me with
your bill a copy of information, given in the pension
application of Baltus Dillenback, or Tillebach or Tillapaugh
(He changed the name from Dillenback to Tillapaugh).
for pension for Revolutionary War service. The application
may have been made by his wife rather than by Baltus.

I know this concerning him and wish any additional
facts given in the application, and will be glad to pay
for the trouble incurred in copying, or if certain pages
of the application are particularly interesting for a
photo-stat picture of them. " Baltus Dillenback was born
at Stone Arabia, Montgomery, County, N.Y. date unknown,
son of Martin Dillenback. He married Mary Metzger, Aug.
5, 1763; served in the Revolutionary War with Tryon Co.
Militia from 1779 to 1783; buried at Stone Arabia, or at
Mexico, N.Y." Of his Revolutionary service I have this
Cert. #10761, for 1.3,7s 6d, (date burned), issued to
Baltus Dillenback for services as private in Capt. Jacob
Diffendorf's company of Lt. Col. Samuel Clyde's regiment
of Tryon Co. Militia (Canajoharie District). Cert. #10831,
Amount burned) Dated 1, November, 1780, issued to
Baltus Tillebach for services as private in Capt. Jacob
Diffendorf's Company of the above regiment. " Certificates
of Treasurer, (manuscript record), v. 3. New York Library.
Does his pension application give names and dates of
children? I have some but not all.

I enclose a check for $1.50 for which please send
me photostatic copies of the ten most interesting pages
of original papers on file in Revolutionary War pension
claim W. 25960, Oliver Wells and widow Rebecca.

Sincerely, Marjorie A. Spaulding.
(Handwritten notes)
Soldiers ap. 2 pages
1833-Jesse He office. 1 p.
Widow? Aug. 14, 1833 - 3 pgs.
Don's afed. -June 20, 1839 -1 pg.
1838-Jesse ? - 1p.
1839 Son's affed - February 1845-1 p.
Total: 10 pages
Page 46

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.  COPIED BY ADY

August 27, 1938.

Marjorie A. Spaulding,
Phillipsburg,
Kansas.

Madam:
I advise you that under the provisions of the Act of
August 24, 1912, photostatic copies of original papers on
file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 35960, Oliver
Wells and widow Rebecca, will be furnished you at the
rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra
for certification if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is thirty,
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau
by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the
Interior.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to
afford any information in regard to Captain James Bennett
of Ashby, Massachusetts or to Thomas Ranney, and the War
of 1812 records fail to show that pension was ever claimed
on account of the service of Major Jonathan Bailey of
Colonel Isaac Belknap's Orange County Regiment, New York
Militia.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 47

Marjorie A. Spaulding,
Reed Basketry,
Phillipsburg, Kansas.

U. S. Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:
Please send me with your bill a photostat copy of
the Pension claim, W25960, of Oliver Wells, Revolutionary
Soldier. I should also like photostat copies of the
following if you have them on file, and will remit
promptly on receipt of bill, Pension application of
Jonathan Bailey in war of 1812, Major in Col. Isaac
Belknap's Orange Co. Regiment, N.Y. Militia, served 1814.
and of Captain James Bennett, of Ashby, Mass, who served
in the Revolution, and of Thomas Ranney of Middletown,
Conn, who served in the Revolution.

I shall appreciate very much your assistance in this
matter.

Sincerely,
Marjorie A. Spaulding,

Stamped U.S. Pension Office Aug. 20, 1928
Page 48

8450
Oliver Wells
Admitted 6 1/2 mos
N B Harwell
Burlington Vt.
Page 49

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Oliver Wells of Underhill Vermont which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides ? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled ? No See given 5
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832 ? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed ? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal ? yes
Page 50

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service ? no Clergyman
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ? no
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ?
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? no no [illegible 16
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE v. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ___ year ___ months, and ___ days, I served as a ___ For ___ months and ___ days, I served as a ___ ; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 51

8
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served. and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served ; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison : and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers,
Page 52

Declaration
In order to obtain arrears of Pension due from March 4, 1836 under the act of July 7, 1838
State of Vermont}
Chittenden County}SS
on this 25th day of September 1843 Personally appeared before me William S. Hawkins a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid Rebecca Wells a resident of Under hill in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont aged 85 years who being duly Sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the amount of Pension which she claims from the 4th of March 1836 to the 16th day of August 1857 from which period she has been already paid under the act of July 7, 1838 and the declarant further alleges that she is Still the widow of Oliver Wells of said Underhill who was a Private during the Revolutionary war, that her Pension was allowed at the rate of Twenty one dollars and sixty six per annum and was paid to her at the agency in Burlington in the State of Vermont
And further she saith not
[signed] Rebecca Wels
Sworn to and Subscribed 
written before me and I further 
Personally known to me
[signed] Wm S Hawkins
Page 53

STATE OF VERMONT
Secretary of State's Office,}
Montpelier, September 30th 1843}

I certify that William S. Hawkins Esg whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Chittenden, duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 30th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
[signed] Ferrand F Merrill
Acting Secretary of State.
Page 54

Declaration of Rebecca Wells
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 2d March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7th 1838. 
State of Vermont}
Chittenden county ss}
On this first day of July AD 1843 Personally appeared Before the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for the said county of Chittenden Rebecca Wells a resident of the Town of Underhill in the county of Chittenden aged Eighty Seven years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That She is the widow of Oliver Wells who was a private in the revolutionary army and enrolled in the Vermont millitia Reference being had to the records now in the Secretary of Wars office and department at Washington And the annual amount of pension which she received under the act of July 7th 1838 was twenty one dollars and Sixty six cents she further declares that she is still a Widow late at Underhill in the county of Chittenden this first day of July AD 1843
[signed] Rebecca Wells
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me
[signed] William S Hawkins Justice Peace
This may certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid Rebecca Wells of Underhill and that she is personally known to me [signed] William S Hawkins Justice peace
Inscribed July 1st 1843
Page 55

State of Vermont,
Chittenden County Clerk's Office
Burlington July 25th 1843.
I hereby certify that William L. Hawkins Esq. whose name is subscribed to the within jurat and certificate was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County of Chittenden, duly commissioned and sworn, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and Know his signature within, to be genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, the day and year first above written.
[signed] E. A. Stansbury, Deputy Clerk
[white paper attached to left margin]

The reply to this application is requested to be directed to Joseph Wells, Underhill, Vermt.