Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 946, Zenas Bliss, Vt.

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SERVICE                            NUMBER
Vt.                                         R. 946.

Bliss, Zenas (or Zenas G)
Hannah

War of 1812
CONTENTS

This soldier was allowed Bounty Land Wt. 86938-40-50 for his service War of 1812, but said warrant was cancelled. see within

Also see pension and bounty land claim of Dorcas widow of Edmund Whedon, N.Y. W. 4855 and B.L. Wt. 26614-160-55  she also applied for bounty land as former widow of Zenas Bliss, War 1812, and it was rejected.

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[verso]

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6. April 1838 from 4 Sept 1838 to 4th March 1839. Agt notified 28 Decr 1839.
[obscured]ded
[obscured]ded a New Certificate issued 25 May 1847. and Sent to Pensioner Weuckesha (Waukesha) Waukesha County. Wisconsin
Letter to Geo. S. West ['9' crossed out] 11th Oct '47
[obscured]um,

[recto]

New Yor 14639.
Zenas Bliss of Onondaga in the State of N. Y. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Lovell of the Rgt. commanded by Vt. in the Militia line for 9 months. 
______
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30. Dollars 00 Centers per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 6. day of June 1833. and sent to R Cosit. Onondaga, N. Y. 
______
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. 60. [obscured]
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. "  15 [obscured]
______
$75. [obscured]
{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by T. T. Franciosi Clerk 
Book E. Vol. 4. Page 45.

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[recto]

Zenas Bliss
Pension Papers
R. Cossit agent

adm'd
9. mo pri
30$

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At a Court of Chancery held at the house of Jonathan Stanley Junior im the town and County of onondaga and State of New York. on the 14 day of September 1832. 
Present the Hon. Daniel Moseley Vice Chancellor of the 7th Circuit of the State of New York.
On this 14 day of September 1832 personally appeared in Open Court, before the Hon. Daniel Moseley Vice Chancellor of the Seventh  Circuit of the State of New York, now Sitting. Zenas Bliss a resident of the term and County of onondaga & State of New York aged Sixty five years on the 13th day of August last, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress. passed June 7th 1832. 
That he was born the 13th day of August 1767 at Old Canaan in the State of Connecticut. He has no record of his age. That he inlisted in the town of Fairlie in the State of Vermont, in the month of February 1783 and joined the company of Captain Nehemiah Lovewell, a resident of the Town of Newbury in the State of Vermont Henry Lowell of the same place, was Lieutenant.
That he marched from the town of Fairlie where he then resided about the first of May, ['1783' crossed out] under Sergeant Samuel Eaton, and united with the Company of Said Nehemiah Lovewell ['at' crossed out] in the town of Peacham, in said State of Vermont, where the company was stationed

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together with two other companies one under the command of Captain Stearns, and the other under the command of Lieutenant Israel Morey, where they remained during the Summer & fall until discharged, which was about the last day of November of first of December following his enlistment when the army was disbanded. He belonged to a detachment called rangers: their service consisted in ranging the woods from Lake Champlain to Connecticut river, Keeping a lookout for cowboys and Indians. The detachment was commanded by Colonel Wait of Bennington. 
He had no written discharge from the service Samuel Bronson and ['Ezra Bryant' crossed out] Alonsa Webster of the town & County of onondaga live in my neighborhood, and who can testify to my character. He hereby relinquished every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & 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' crossed out] that he knows no person living who can testify to his services
['We Samuel Bronson and Ezra Bryant of the town and county of onondaga - Hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Zenas Bliss who has Subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Sixty five years of age; that he is reputed & believe, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. We also certify that he is a man of veracity, and the said Samuel for himself says that he has often hear his brother Bronson say that he was a tent mate of the said Bliss which he believes' crossed out]

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['reputed & believe, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. We also certify that he is a man of veracity, and the said Samuel for himself says. that he has often hear his brother Bronson say that he was a tent mate of the said Bliss which he believes' crossed out] 
In the month of March 1784 he moved from Fairlie to Lansingburg in the state of New York and remained there about two years, from there he move to the town of New Canaan Columbia County in the states aforesaid and remained there five or six years, then he moved to the town of Northumberland Saratoga County in New York, from there he moved about thirty years ago, to the town & county of onondaga where he ever since & does now reside - 
/s/Zenas Bliss
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid
/s/Daniel Moseley 
Circuit Judge & Vice Chancellor

Mr Samuel Bronson & ['Ezra Bryant both' crossed out] of the town & county of onondaga hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Zenas Bliss who has subscribed & sworn

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to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Sixty five years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. We also certify that he is a man of truth and veracity. 
['/s/Ezra Bryan' crossed out]
/s/Sam'l Bronson
Subscribed and sworn the day & year aforesaid
/s/Daniel Moseley Circuit Judge}

Onondaga County ss I Alonzo Webster of the town and County of Onondaga being duly sworn do certify that I am well acquainted with Zenas Bliss who has subscribed and sworn to the above or foregoing declaration that I believe him to be Six five years of age that is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolutio and that I concur in that opinion I also certify that he is a man of truth and veracity 
/s/Alonzo Webster
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court this 17th day of September 1832
/s/Daniel Moseley Circuit Judge}

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and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a Revolutionary soldier did served as he states
/s/Daniel Moseley
Vice Chancellor

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State of New York
Onondaga County} ss: Personally appeared in open Court before Daniel Moseley Vice Chancellor of the Seventh Circuit at onondaga - Zenas Bliss, a resident of the town & County of Onondaga, who being duly sworn, depose and Saith, that by Reason of old age and 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 period mentioned below and in the following grade: For Nine Months, Commencing in February 1783 and ending in November or December following I served as a private soldier. For the above services I claim a pension. - 
The reason, I did not obtain the evidence of a Clergyman, as to his belief of my age and the general belief in my neighborhood, relative to my revolutionary Services: as that there is no Clergyman residing in my neighborhood - 
There is no person living within my knowledge whose testimony I can procure as to my Services - I had not written discharge & have no documentary evidence of my Services - 
There was no Continental officer with the troops where I served according to the best of my recollection - I was Stationed - in the Northern Pat of Vermont, and there were no troops in that part of Vermont except the regiment to which I belonged - according to my recollection 
/s/Zenas Bliss
Subscribed and Sworn this 29th day of January 1833 before me
/s/Daniel Moseley
Vice Chancellor

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Zenas Bliss 
Pension papers - Rufus Cossit agent 
['I do hereby certify that Samuel Bronson who Subscribed & Sworn to the foregoing affidavit before me is a man of veracity & that his Statement is entitled to credit. Dated January 1833' crossed out]
And the said Court doth hereby certify that it appears to the said Court that Samuel Bronson & Alonzo Webster who have subscribed & sworn to the foregoing certificates are residents of Onondaga and that their statement is entitled to credit and that they are credible person.
/s/Daniel Moseley
Vice Chancellor 

I Daniel Moseley Deputy Clerk of the Court of Chancery of the Seventh Circuit for the state of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the sid Court in the matter of the application of Zenas Bliss for a pension And also the subsequent proceedings of the said Court on a supplementary declaration made this 29th day of January 1833 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th day of January 1833
/s/Daniel T. Moseley
Deputy Clerk.

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70785, Feby 11/51.
Zenas Bliss
Application for Bounty Land N Y Mil,

Act Sept 28/50;

1812 Land.

claimant, 
Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co, Wisconsin,

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State of Wisconsin
County of Waukesha} SS On this 20th day of January AD 1837 personally appeared before me D H Rockwell a Notary Public in & for the County & State aforesaid Zenas Bliss aged Eighty Five years a resident Oconomowoc Waukesha County Wisconsin who being duly Sworn according to Law, declares that he is the identical Zenas Bliss who was a Private (Musician in - Regiment of Militia Commanded by Col Dopkins + Company Commanded by Capt Moore in the War of 1812. Between the United States + Great Brittain that he Enlisted or was Substituted at Lewiston N.Y. on the [blank] day of April A. D. one thousand Eight Hundred + Twelve for the term of five months. and was Honorably discharged at Lewiston N.Y. aforesaid on the [blank] day January following A.D. One thousand Eight hundred + thirteen 
He further says that he has lost his discharge + consequently cannot determine the exact time of Enlistment + discharge nor the [illegible] of his regiment.
he makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty Land to which he may be entitled under the act granting bounty land to certain officers + Soldiers who have been enjoyed in the Military Service of the United States passed Sept 28th 1850. And he further begs leave to refer you to the Records of the Pension Office Book, E. Vol 4 & Page 45 in order the more perfectly to establish the amt + Line &c of his Services where you will find records his pension papers of the 25th May A.D. 1847 in Lieu of Some that were lost.
/s/Zenas Bliss
Subscribed & Sworn to before me the day + year above written and I hereby certify that I believe the Said Zenas Bliss to be the identical man who served as aforesaid and that he is of the age above Stated 
/s/D. H. Rockwell
Notary Public

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To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C. 
Sir: I have to request that you will forward my certificate or warrant for bounty land (Should I be entitled to any) to D.H. Rockwell Oconomowoc Waukesha Co Wisconsin} 
/s/Zenas Bliss by DH Rockwell

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State of Wisconsin
Dodge County, ss. 
On this 23d day of March in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and Fifty-nine. personally appeared before me the Judge of the Circuit Court for the Third Judicial Circuit at a Term of the Court held at the Court House in the Village of Juneau in said County of Dodge, in Open Court, Hannah Bliss, a resident of Rubicon in said County of Dodge in the State of Wisconsin, aged sixty three years, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Eight. and amended by the second section of Act of Congress, Approved the third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight Hundred and fifty-Three, That she is the widow of Zenas Bliss, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution (a more particular description of which service she is unable to give) - She further declares that She was married to said Zenas Bliss on the Thirteenth day of August in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred

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And Sixteen, and that she said Zenas Bliss died in town of Delafield in the County of Waukesha in the State of Wisconsin, on the first day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and fifty Three.
She further swears that she is now a Widow and has never been married since the decease of her said husband, and that she has never before made any application for a pension.
She further said that her said husband held a pension Certificate, a Copy of which is here Given, To wit, 
War Department 
Revolutionary Claim. 
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, Zenas Bliss of the State of New York who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive thirty dollars per annum, during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March, 1831 and payable Semi Annually, om the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year.  Issued in Lieu of one that has been lost or destroyed.
[facsimile seal affixed: Seal] Given at the War Office of the United States, this Twenty Fifth day of May one Thousand eight hundred and forty-seven 
(signed) /s/W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned}
(signed) J L Edwards commissioner of pensions

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On which He drew a pension at the rate sixty dollars per annum up to the time of his death and for proof of his services. She refers The Hon. commissioner of Pensions to declarations and affidavits of her said Husband forwarded to the Department from Onadaga in the State of New York about twenty or twenty Five years ago
She further says that she claims a pension at the rate allowed her said Husband, commencing on the Second day of April in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Three
/s/X her mark Hannah Bliss
Subscribed and Sworn to before me on the year and day aforesaid And I certify that I believe from the proofs Exhibited that the foregoing statements are True} 
/s/A Scott Sloan
Judge 3d Judicial Circuit 
Wisconsin

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State of Wisconsin 
Dodge County ss.
Be it known, that before me, a Judge of the Circuit Court, fo the Third Judicial Circuit, at a Circuit Court, begun and holden at the Court House in the Village of Juneau, in the County of Dodge, personally appeared before me, in open Court Hannah Bliss of Rubicon in the County and State aforesaid and under Oath in due form of Law declares that she is the Widow of Zenas G. Bliss deceased, the Identical person who was a pensioner, and is now dead, and to whom a certificate of pension was Issued under the Act of June Seventh in the Year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two which is herewith surrendered; That said Zenas G. Bliss resided in the Town ['of Dearfield' crossed out] of Delafield in the County of Waukesha in the State of Wisconsin, and that he died at said Town of Delafield, on the first day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty Three, and that she makes this Affidavit for the purpose of obtaining the pension due her said husband at the time of his decease To wit, from the fourth day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-Two. to the first day of April, in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty-Three.

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/s/X her mark Hannah Bliss
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23d day of March A. D. 1859: And I certify that I am satisfied from the proofs exhibited to me that the Affiant is the identical person that she represents herself to be
/s/A Scott Sloan 
Judge 3d Circuit
Wisconsin

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Know all men by these Presents, that I Hannah Bliss of Rubicon in the County of Dodge in the State of Wisconsin, Widow of Zenas Bliss who was a pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute Dighton Corson Esq'r of State of Wisconsin, my Town and Lawful Attorney for and in my name, to receive from the United States, or from it Authorized Agent, the balance of the pension due to the said Zenas Bliss, my last Husband, from the fourth day of March in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and fifty Two, to the first day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty Three being the day of his death. 
Witness my hand and Seal this 23d day of March A.D. 1859
Sealed and delivered in presence of 
A Scott Sloan Judge 3d Judicial Circuit Wis. 
/s/X her mark Hannah Bliss

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State of Wisconsin,
Dodge COUNTY,} ss.
On this Eighth day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid, Hannah Bliss aged Sixty-three years, resident of Rubicon in the State of Wisconsin, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Zenas G. Bliss deceased, who was a musician in the company commanded by Captain Moore + Mcclure in the [blank] Regiment of New York [illegible] commanded by [blank] in actual Service in the War declared June 18, 1812 that her said husband volunteered or enlisted at [blank], in State of [blank] on or about the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. [blank], for the term of [blank], and continued in actual service in said was for the term of [blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on or about the [blank] day of [blank] A. D. [blank]. [margin note: 298.835]
She further states that she was married to the said Zenas G. Bliss in Rome in State of New York on or about the thirteenth day of August A. D. 1816, by one - Hull, a Justice of the Peace, and that her name before her marriage was Hannah Collins; that her husband died at Delafield, in the State of Wisconsin on or about the first day of April A. D. 1853 - , and that she is now a widow. 
She further declares that ['she' crossed out] her said Husband has [blank] heretofore made application for Bounty Land under the [blank] act approved September 28, 1850, and obtain a Land Warrant for Forty acres, No. 86.938, which she herewith retains ['has legally disposed of, and it cannot now be returned.' crossed out] And for further proof of her said husband's services she refers the Honorable Commissioner of Pensions to his declaration, affidavits and discharge forwarded to the department by Rufus Parks Esq of Summit in the State of Wisconsin on or about [blank] A. D. 1852, and to the muster rolls of said Company now on file in the Department of Washington 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855." She further says that there is no record of her marriage in Washington to her knowledge - 
/s/X Her mark Hannah Bliss
We, Amos G. Bliss and Sophronia Carter, residents of Rubicon in the State of Wisconsin upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Hannah Bliss - in our presence and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
/s/Amos G. Bliss
/s/Sophronia Carter
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have interest in this claim.
/s/A W Thomas JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

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I Hannah Bliss do hereby appoint Dighton Corson Esq of City and County of Milwaukee, my true and lawful attorney to prosecute my claim for Bounty Land, and to receive any warrant or warrants that may be issued to me therefor. 
/s/X Her mark Hannah Bliss
ATTEST, A. W. Thomas

State of Wisconsin, 
Dodge COUNTY, } SS
I, James Thorn Clerk of the Circuit Court in said County, do hereby certify that A. W. Thomas Esq Esq., whose name appears as above, and before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to Was, at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly elected and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths. Further, I am acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice, and verily believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine. having compared it with his autograph now on file in my office
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this 1th day of March A. D. 1859
/s/James Thorn CLERK.

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[typewritten letter]

January 10, 1933

BA-J/EEL [initialed: own]
xxxxxxxxxx
Zenas Bliss-R.946

Helen Campbell
215 S. Chestnut Street
Lansing, Michigan

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Zenis Bliss, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.946, based upon the military service of Zenas (the name also appears as Zenas G.) Bliss in that war.
Zenas Bliss  was born August 13, 1767, in "old Canaan," Connecticut. [handwritten margin note: I did not use  "age 93" as given in his 2nd application for b. l. as he had given his date of birth when he ap for pension + several times his age as given corresponded to birth date] 
While residing at Fairlee, Vermont, he enlisted in February, 1783, served as a private in Captain Nehemiah Lovewell's Company of Rangers, Colonel Wait's Vermont Regiment, and was discharged in November or December following, having served nine months. His service consisted in ranging the woods from Lake Champlain to the Connecticut River, protecting the inhabitants against the Indians and cowboys.
Zenas Bliss also served in the War of 1812. He enlisted  at Lewistown, New York, and served from July 1, 1812 to October 1, 1812, as a private in Captain McClure's Company of New York Militia. The soldier stated that he was transferred from Captain McClure's served as fifer, that he was in the battle of Queenstown and served nine months in all.
In March, 1784, he moved from Fairlee, Vermont, Lansingburgh, New York, lived there about two years; then moved to New Canaan, Columbia County, New York and lived for five or six years; thence to Northumberland, Saratoga County, New York, and about 1802 to Onondaga,

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[typewritten letter]

Onondaga County, New York.
Zenas Bliss was allowed pension on account of his services in the War of the Revolution on his application executed September 14, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Onondaga, New York.
Sometime afterward, date not given, he moved to Scriba, New York, and from there in the fall of 1846, to Wisconsin Territory: in 1851, he was residing in Oconomowoc, Waukesha County, Wisconsin; and in 1852, he was living in Summit, Wisconsin. 
He died April 1, 1853, at Delafield, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, and was buried in the burying ground at that place.
The soldier married August 13, 1816, in Rome, New York, Hannah Collins. She was born and reared in New York State, the date of her birth is not given. In 1859, she was aged sixty-three years and resided with her son, Amos G. Bliss, in Rubicon, Dodge County, Wisconsin.
It was stated that Zenas and Hannah Bliss had  eight children, six of whom were still living in 1859. The only name given is the above noted Amos G. Bliss, who was aged thirty-two years in 1859.
The foregoing is the history of the only soldier named Zenas Bliss that is found on the Revolutionary  War records of this office.
Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to  Administrator.

-2-

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1933 - Jan 10 - History to Helen Campbell - GES

Ex'r.  INVALID.
No. 946

REJECTED
['Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.' crossed out]

Hannah Bliss
P. O. widow of Zenas

Service: [blank]
Enlisted: [blank] , 18 [blank]
Discharged: [blank] , 18 [blank]
Application filed: [blank] , 18 [blank]
Alleges: [blank]
Re-enlisted: [blank] 
Attorney: [blank]
P. O. [blank]

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No 7306
Hannah Bliss, widow of Zenas Bliss - Wisconsin

['Let. D. Corson Aug 5/59' crossed out]

946
Act Feb; 3, 1853

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[handwritten letter]

Pension Office, Aug. 5, 1859.

Sir, 
In relation to the claim of Hannah Bliss, widow of Zenas Bliss, an applicant for pension under act of February 3. 1853, I have & state that an application is now pending before this office of Dorcas Whedon of New York who claims to have been formerly the wife and widow of Zenas Bliss, who performed the service in ['illegible]' crossed out] the War of 1812 for which a land warrant was issued to Zenas Bliss who was the husband of your client. The claims of the latter are therefore suspended until the whole matter shall have been ['examined' crossed out] fully investigated. 

/s/Dighton Corson Esqr
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. }

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No. 298,835

[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE DEC 10 1860.]

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[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee - Wisconsin
December 6, 1860

Sir, 
I am obliged to trouble for once more in reference to the claim of Hannah Bliss (widow of Zenas Bliss.) No 298,835. and who is also a claimant for Pension under the act of February 3. 1853. Aug. 5. 1859. I received a letter from the  Dept informing me that one Dorcas Wheden, claimed as widow of Zenas Bliss. - and that claim of Hannah Bliss had been suspended  for a full investigation As Mrs Bliss could only furnish cumulative proof of cohabition with Mr Bliss for 30 years prior to his death and the birth of children &c. I conclude

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[handwritten letter]

to wait  until I heard from you in relation to the action of your Dept on Mrs. Whedens claim. 
Mrs. Bliss has no knowledge of this pretended claimant, who she is, or where she resides + consequently we could not investigate her claim. If you have not passed upon she claims. + can consistantly with your duty do to. I wish you would give me the place of residence of this Mrs. Wheden has not claim to either pension or land. by virtue of Hannah the wife of Zenas Bliss. the late husband of our client. 
Mrs. Bliss is in very destitute circumstances are unable to bear any expense & her friends

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[handwritten letter]

are obliged to assist her, I therefore desire to make her as little expense as possible. I enclose a note from Mrs Bliss showing what she can prove + if you desire it I will procure the depositions or affidavits of these persons and forward to you.
This being a peculiar case I will esteen it a great favor if you will intimate what further testimony you will require - 

I remain Yours &c
/s/Dighton Corson

Com'r of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Page 31

[handwritten letter]

March the  19 1800
Rubicon Station

Mr Corson Dear sir
after some delay I have this day inscribed a line frome New York which I hearin inclose none I will give you the names of 6 persons that have known me and Mr. Bliss for some 25 or 30 years as frome their boyhood untill we left their for Wisconsin which was in the fall of 1840 so fair as my children is concerned they knew them all frome their information This was five of them and [illegible] so brought up in that place and those men knew them frome this birth the ames of the six that I shall examined to your is Samuel, Beebe ['Alonzd' crossed out] Alonzo Webster, Morgan Beebe Lucius H Webester

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[handwritten letter]

Thomas Dorbwin and [' J J' crossed out] Jeremiah Huntington
theirs all except the last is onondaga. Rilly I should come to the citty but my helth will not admit of it - the two names that you want from Waukesha I give them to you before but I will give them a [illegible] 
C. B. Brown and DAvis, Fisher both off Oconomowoc the have known me as Mrs. Bliss frome the first fall that we came into the store and were their neighbors
Yours Respectfully
/s/Hannah Bliss

Page 33

[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee Wisconsin
Oct 19th 1839

Sir.
In August lst I sent you letter of Mrs. Hannah Bliss in claim No 298,835  with a request that you would intimate to me what further proof, if any, you would require to substantiate her claim as the widow of Zenas G. Bliss, not having received my reply I take the liberty of again asking you to say what further proof, if any, you will require to prove her the real widow. + I hope you will not

Page 34

[handwritten letter]

decide adversely to her claim without giving her an opportunity of furnishing further proof. - She is in such indigent  circumstances that I feel unwilling to put her to further expense unless it is necessary  - 
Yours Truly
/s/D. Corson

to Hon Geo. C. Whiting
Com'r of Pensions
Washington

Page 35

[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee - Wisconsin
Dec'r 12, 1859

Dear Sir,
Will you please inform me what disposition has been made of the claims, for Pension + Bounty Land, of Hannah Bliss. Widow of - Zenah Bliss deceased? -
The claims for Bounty Land is No. 298.835
By giving me some information in relation to these claims you will confer a great favor. - 
Yours Truly,
/s/D. Corson

To Hon Com'r of Pensions}

Page 36

298.835

Page 37

[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee - Wisconsin
March 12th 1859 - 

Sir.
I herein enclose to you the declaration + affidavit of Hannah Bliss - widow of Zenas G. Bliss late of Delafield in the State of Wisconsin deceased made for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act of March 3. 1855. I also return the land warrants issued to Zenas G. Bliss as it was issued, as you will notice, about 21 days after his death. I did not fill up the blanks in the declaration, as to when + where of - Mr Bliss served as she cannot

Page 38

[handwritten letter]

give these facts + she does not know of my person living of whom she can ascertain these facts.
She has furnished the best proof that she can of her marriage. She knows of no person living who ['attended' crossed out] was present at her marriage or would know, more about if then the two witnesses whose affidavits are herein enclosed. - Perhaps I ought to say in Justice to myself that the old lady is very illiterate and her memory much impaired by ill health.
Yours &c
/s/Dighton Corson

To the Hon Com'r of Pensions
Washington. D.C.

Page 39

General Land Office,
August 2nd 1839.

Sir:
In compliance with the request in your letter of the 27th ultimo Military Bounty Land Warrant No 86.938 for 40 acres, issued under the Act of September 28 1830 in the name of Zenas Bliss, has been suspended from patenting

I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
/s/Jos Joulson Acting Commissioner

Hon George C Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 40

298.835
Zenas G. Bliss

[partially obscured remittance:Note You can locate to that effect endorsed thereun
To the Register of the 
at]

Page 41

40 UN[obscured] CA 40
Departme[obscured]the Interior 40
Office o[obscured]ensions.
It is hereby [obscured] of September 28th is[obscured] entitled "An act granting [obscured] to certain Officers and Soldiers [obscured] have been engaged in THE MILITARY SERVICE of the United Sta [obscured]
BOUNTY LAND 40 ACRES
Zenas G. Bliss Musician [illeg] Captain Moore & McClure, & Companies New York Militia War of 1812
is entitled to locate ((FORTY ACRES)) at any Land Office, [obscured] the United States, in one body in conformity to the lega[obscured] set divisions of the public lands, upon any of the public lands subject to entry at private sale, Given under my Hand and the Seal of the Department this  22nd day of April 1833
No. 86938
[overwritten: cancelled Aug 22/64 annulled]
Note. You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request to that effect endorsed thereon, specifying the State and Land, & District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it, fill up and sign the following application.
To the Register of the Land Office at [blank] 18 [blank] { Locate this Certificate in the [blank] quarter of section in Township [blank] of Range [blank] 
Attest [blank] Register [blank]

Page 42

Territory of Wisconsin
Waukesha County ss} 
I George S West clerk of the District court for the county and Territory aforesaid, do Hereby Certify that Roderick Morrison Esqr whose name is subscribed to the oaths or afidavits of Zenas Bliss and Amos G Bliss and hereunto anexed was at the time of administering such oaths, an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county of Waukesha (and lately a part of Milwaukee County) duly elected and qualified, and authorised to take the same, and further that I verily believe his signature to the same to be genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said District Court this tenth day of May AD 1847
/s/Geo S West Clerk

Page 43

In the matter of Zenas Bliss a pensioner of the US. } applic'n for new certificate

State of New York
Onondaga County } Arthur Pattison of the town + county of Onondaga being duly sworn deposes & says, the he well knows Zenas Bliss of the above named pensioner, who formerly lived in the town + county of Onondaga, but left that place some time last fall to go to Summit, Wisconsin Territory. -- That he this deponent assisted the said Bliss a member of times in drawing the pension & had the pension certificate of said Bliss, some time in his possession; & that the said certificate was left in the possession of this deponent by said Bliss, when he went to Wisconsin as aforesaid. - That after the arrival of said Bliss in Wisconsin he wrote the deponent requesting him to enclose said certificate to him by mail, directed to Summit Milwaukie County Wisconsin Territory. - That the said certificate was enclosed by this deponent directed to said Bliss at the place designated & dispatched from the post office at Onondaga Hollow some time in the latter part of November last; this deponent then & now being deputy post master there. - That this deponent has since received a number of letters from said Bliss informing him that said certificate was not received & could not be found. 
/s/Arthur Pattison
Subscribed & Sworn this 22 day of March A.D. 1847 before me
/s/Horace Frizelle Justice of the Peace

Territory of Wisconsin
County of ['Milwaukie' crossed out] Waukesha } ss: On this Fourteenth day of April 1847. before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the said county of ['Milwaukie' crossed out] Waukesha personally appeared Zenas Bliss, who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Nehemiah Lovell in the regiment commanded by Colonel Wait in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont. That he received a certificate of that fact under the signature + seal of the Secretary of War; - which certificate of the said Bliss left some time in the summer of this year eighteen hundred & forty six in the possession of Arthur Pattison of Onondaga Hollow in the State of New York. - That he the said Bliss formerly resided at Onondaga Hollow in the State of New York from whence he removed to this county some time last fall. - That after his arrival here having ascertained that he had left the said certificate with said Pattison, he wrote him requesting him to enclose said certificate to him by mail directed to Summit, Milwaukie County Wisconsin; & has since been informed by said Pattison by letter that he had done so; that he has not received the same altho he has made frequent enquiry at the post office

Page 44

& is informed by the post master of Summit that no such package has come to that office; + that he the said Bliss verily believes the said certificate to be lost.
/s/Zenas Bliss
Sworn & Subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid} /s/Roderick Morrison Justice of the Peace
Territory of Wisconsin
County of ['Milwaukie' crossed out] Waukesha} ss: Be it known, that before me, Roderick Morrison a justice of the peace in & for said county personally appeared Amos G. Bloss and made oath in due form of law that he well knows Zenas Bliss to be the same person described in the above affidavits; that said Zenas Bliss formerly resided in the town & county of Onondaga & State of New York whence he moved to this place n company with the deponent some time last fall. - That he knows that said Zenas Bliss is a pensioner of the United States & has received a pension for some years past: - & has seen his pension certificate frequently in his possession. - That he knows that letters were written to Mr Arthur Pattison, & answers received to the purport in the above declaration of said Zenas Bliss set forth: - And that deponent verily believes said certificate to be lost. - And I certify that the deponent is a person of veracity
/s/Amos G Bliss
Sworn & subscribed before me this 14th day of April AD 1847} 
/s/Roderick Morrison, Justice of the Peace

I [blank] Clerk of the Court of Milwaukie County certify that Roderick Morrison is a magistrate as above [obscured] the foregoing certificates purporting to be his are genuine 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my this [blank] day of [blank] AD. Eighteen hundred & forty seven. - 
Clerk of the Court of Milwaukie County

Page 45

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Second Comptroller's Office, December 9th, 1839.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Zenas Bliss. - a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars ['and Cents' crossed out] per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1838, to the 4th March, 1839.
Respectfully, yours, 
/s/ Albion K. Parris
Comptroller

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Page 46

Payment to be made at Albany by Thomas W. Olcott Esqr Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York. 

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol. 4. Page 45 by F. S. Evans. Clerk.

Page 47

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United Staes, of the 7th June, 1832, Zenas Bliss of the State of New York. who was a private in the Army of the Revolution. is entitled to receive Thirty - dollars and ['cents' crossed out] per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year. Issued in lieu of one that has been lost or destroyed.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty fifty day of May one thousand eight hundred and ['thirty' crossed out] forty seven.
/s/W. L. Marcy.
Secretary of War. 
[official seal affixed]

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

Page 48

[handwritten letter]

Waukesha, Waukesha County Wis. Terr.
August 27th 1847}

Hon William L. Marcy
Secretary of War}

Dr Sir
In May last I forwarded to the War Department the papers relative to a pension for Zenas Bliss last of New York now of the Territory. I have been informed on behalf of Mr Bliss that he has not yet heard any thing relative to his said application also that his family is at present in a distressing situation, and by request I now on his behalf respectfully ask for information as to what has been done with his application Any information relative thereto would be thankfully received addressed to him at Summit Waukesha County W. T. or to myself at this place
I am Sir Respectfully your &c
/s/Geo S. West

Page 49

[handwritten letter]

Waukesha Waukesha County W. T. May 11, 1847

Sir
By request I forward to you the enclosed application &c. with a request that the department "designate some place as near and convenient to Summit Waukesha County W. T. as payable when the said Bliss shall receive his pension" also to direct lany communication on this subject to the said Bliss at the same place.
Respectfully yours &c. /s/Geo S. West

Hon'l William L Macy
Secretary of War

Page 50

[handwritten letter]

Onondaga Hollow
29th May 1845

Hon Secretary of War

Dr Sir
Mr Zenas Bliss an old Pensioner has lost his papers on which he has recd his pension for several years all of which he can show by his affidavit - Can he have new papers or a certified copy from the records in your office to enable him to draw his pension as if the original were not lost - 
Please inform me at your earliest convenience
Respectfully yours
/s/Horace Frizelle

Page 51

[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
April 11th 1859

Hon. G. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C. 

Dear Sir
Please find enclosed the Declaration and accompanying papers of Hannah Bliss, widow of Zenas Bliss, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, deceased, made for the purpose of obtaining the balance of pension due her Said husband at his decease, to wit, for one year ad twenty six days. - 
Also Declaration and accompanying affidavits of said Hannah Bliss, made for the purpose of obtaining the Pension to which she is entitled as the widow of Said Zenas Bliss.
She has given the best proof, in her power, of her marriage, with Said Bliss, She can give more proof of the death of Mr. Bliss is necessary though I supposed the accompanying proof, sufficient.
The clerk of the Circuit Court enclosed the papers + has attached his certificate to them all in one.
Respectfully Yours, 
/s/Dighton Corson

Page 52

[handwritten letter]

Treasury Department
Thirds Auditor's Office
April 22nd 1859

Sir,
I return the papers in the case of Zenas Bliss, + in answer to the inquiry contained in your letter of the 20th last, have to inform you, that the last payment in the case was made at the Albany, N.Y. Agency, to the 4th March 1853, And he does not appear to have ever been transferred from that role. 
Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Servt:
/s/R J Morrison
Auditor

Geo: C. Whiting Esq
Commr: of Pensions

Page 53

[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee - Wisconsin
July 12, 1859 - 

Sir.
I sent you in March last an application of Hannah Bliss widow of Zenas Bliss. who was a revolutionary Pensioner, for Bounty Land + pension. The application for Bounty Land is No. 298.835
As I have received no tidings from either application except that the same was received I have taken the liberty - to call your attention to them - 
Truly Yours, 
/s/Dighton Corson

To Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Page 54

[handwritten letter]
Rubicon Station Aug 15 1859

[receipt stamp: PENSION OFFICE SEP 1 1859]

Sir
I did not resive your letter untill this morning but I hasten to reply and will see by the Commissioners letter that their is a nother clament but I want say in regards to that, that well know knothing a bout any other Clament
I do not know that he has any other wife but she and I think that this must be some ['mistake' crossed out] mistake for I am well saddisfide that the clame is frodgtant
Yours With respect /s/Hannah Bliss
As Is Bliss
I will say that I was born and brought up in the State of New York and was acquainted with many pepol that has known my father for ['may' crossed out] ['my' crossed out] many years but never hurd that he had any other wife so we cannot give you any information in regards to the matter
Please let us know the result as soon as you can assistane.

Page 55

[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee Wisconsin
Aug 26th 1859

Sir.
Your answer to my inquiries in relation to the claim of Hannah Bliss widow of Zenas Bliss camt to hand + I at once transmitted it to Mrs Bliss for explanation + his answer + that of her son is herein enclosed. - 
As Mr Bliss had by his present widow Hannah Bliss - Six children the oldest of which is about 35 years of age + as they lived in the State of New York until about ten years ago. I must conclude the other claim of a pretended widow is a fiction - 
If you Honor will indicate to me what kind of

Page 56

[handwritten letter]

evidence will be required I will endeavor to procure it from the State of New York. until them 
I remain Your Obt Servt
/s/D. Corson

Hon Geo. C. Whiting
Com'r of Pensions
Washington

Page 57

[handwritten letter]

Milwaukee - Wisconsin
Dec'r 26, 1860

Sir: I received your reply to my Communication in relation to the claim of Hannah Bliss, widow of Zenas Bliss deceased. for Bounty Land. When I enclosed that application to you, which was No. 298.835, I also enclosed claim or application of Mrs Hannah Bliss for a pension, as the widow of Zenas G. Bliss, who served in the revolutionary war, + who was receiving a pension at the time of his decease. - I at that time enclosed his pension certificate, upon which he had received a pension for a Number of years. - As I do not understand from your letter in relation to the Bounty Land claim that you have passed on the Pension Claim also. I beg to be advised what, if ay, is the decision of your department relative to her claim for Pension
Yours &c
/s/D. Corson. 

To Geo C. Whiting
Com'r of Pen.

Page 58

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Zenas Bliss 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? [blank]
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 amout of pension he is entitled? No
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 59

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
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 has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? [blank]
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? [blank]
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? [blank]
XVI. ↕ARe the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No No 
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 5th, 5

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______; and for such service I claim a pension."

Page 60

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. 
+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 papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Page 61

addl
referred to 3 Audr for reexamination for service of Claim't

Page 62

State of Wisconsin
Waukesha County ss} Oconomowoc Feby 3d 1852
I Zenas Bliss being duly sworn depose + say that in the war of 1812 I was a substitute under Capt McClure that I served under him Eight or Ten days when Capt Moore ( alluded to in your communication of Dec 2d 1851) Proposed to Capt McClure that I should join his company because of the experience I had had as a Continental fifer To which Capt McClure acceded to on condition that Capt Moore would substitute a private in my stead which was done I accordingly became a member of Cap Moores Company as fifer under whom I served that I was in the battle of Queenstown that I have never received any Land under the act 28" Sept 1850. And that the facts annexed with services in the army alluded to in my first application are substantially true
Subscribed & Sworn to this third day of February AD 1852
/s/Zenas Bliss

Before me
/s/D H Rockwell
Notary Public}

Page 63

[handwritten letter]

Oconomowoc Feby 3d 1852

To the Commissioner of Pension
Sir
On the behalf of Zenas Bliss who has made application for bounty Land under the act of 28" Sept 1850 and in reply to said application your letter of Dec 2d 1851 was this day presented to him that a further explanation of the facts by Zenas Bliss the applicant might enable him to procure what is legally his fundersaid act. and would suggest that by reference to the Pension list of which he has been a member for the last sixteen years. ['his' crossed out] would determine his right to Bounty Land. The statement refered to is hereunto annexed
yours very respectfully
/s/D. H. Rockwell

To the Commissioner of Pension
J. E. Heath

Page 64

State of Wisconsin
County of Waukesha } ss. 
On this sixth day of September A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty two personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Zenas G. Bliss aged Ninety three years  a resident of the town of Summit in the county of Waukesha in the state of Wisconsin who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical Zenas G. Bliss who was a private in the company commanded by Captain McClure in the Regiment of New York Militia commanded by Colonel Dopkins in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June 1812 that he volunteered to supply the place of a drafted man whose name he does not now remember on or about the month of April or May A.D. 1813 to the best of the his recollection, and was in a few days changed to the company commanded by Captain Moore or Moores in the same Regiment to act as a Fifer, and continued in actual service in said War for the term of nine months or more and was honorably discharged ['which' crossed out] and that his written discharge lost by being thrown overboard from Steamboat Nile in his trunk in Sept'r 1846 as will appear by the Muster rolls of said Company. he makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the "act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States passed September 28th 1850
/s/Zenas G. Bliss

Page 65

WAUKESHA DEMOCRAT, PRINT.

State of Wisconsin,
County of Waukesha, ss.} I, WILLIAM S. HASCALL, Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Edward Powell Esq., whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument, and therein written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Waukesha, duly elected and qualified, and authorized to take the same; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice, and verily believe that the signature of said Certificate is genuine.
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Circuit Court this fourteenth day of October A. D. 1852
/s/Wm. S. Hascall CLERK.

Page 66

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify, that I believe the said Zenas G. Bliss to be the identical man who served as aforesaid and that he is of the age above stated.
/s/Edward Powell
Justice of the Peace

Page 67

[addressed envelope]
Zenas G. Bliss
Wisconsin
[postmark: WAUKESHA WIS. OCT 27]
FREE

Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D. C. 

Acknowledged

[notes: Not on File Nov 13 5/3 Nov 18/52]

Page 68

[handwritten letter]

Delafield Waukesha County
Wisconsin October 25. 1852

Sir
Enclosed I send you the application of Zenas G. Bliss for Land bounty under the acct of Sept'er 28. 1850, Mr Bliss is very aged and very infirm both in body and mind, he served in the Revolutionary War and his name stand on those rolls, ['Zenas' crossed out] as Zenas Bliss and he applied for bounty land for services in the War of 1812 under the same name, but he tells me that in middle life he always used his middle name or rather the letter G. and thinks ['his' crossed out] no doubt but his name will be found on the rolls as Zenas G. Bliss, in answer to his first application I have your letter marked (No. 1). 70.785, at the line of that application he lived in Oconomowock in this county Mr Bliss is very aged infirm and poor, he receives a Pension for Revolutionary services of only Thirty Dollars a year why does he not receive more as others do for services in that War
Please allow me to ask your particular and early attention to this case as anything to be of any service to him must be done quick
Your obedient Servant
/s/Rufus Parks

Page 69

Cap. McClure
N. Y. 
55a H. Weed
143 Allen
367   "

1 July, 1812
1 Jan 1813 - absent


O L. Jenkins
1 Oct, 1812

Page 70

[handwritten letter]

70785

Pension Office,
February 19, 1853.

Sir, 
The enclosed Bounty Land case of Zenas G. Bliss is returned, for examination of Cap. MClure's rolls, to whose company the states that he was attached before being transferred to Cap. Moore's Co. as fifer. 

Respectfully
/s/P. C. Johnston
for Com'r

[margin note: Enclosure]

Jno. S. Gallaher
3d Auditor  ✓

Page 71

[handwritten letter]

3d Auditor's Office
April 18, 1853.

Zenas Bliss served under Captain McClure from 1 July, 1812 to October 1, 1812, he is paid up to this time. The company was in service from 1 July to 1 January 1813, but the mark "absent" stands 
opposite his name, and he is not paid after the 1st October, 1812. 

/s/M. Gallaher
For 3d Aud

Page 72

[handwritten letter]

No 70785

Treasury Department
3 Auditors Office
June 22/52

The name of Zenas Bliss is not on the Rolls of Captain Jehiel Moores Co,
Rolls 4 July 1812
31 Dec 1812}
Not on Captain John McClures Rolls
1st Sep}
30 Nov} 1812

2 Sept}
3 Dec} 1814

/s/B. F. Gallaher
For 3d Auditor

[illegible]

Page 73

State of Wisconsin
Dodge County ss

Sophrenia Carter being duly sworn deposes and says that she is a resident of Rubicon in the State of Wisconsin; that she has been well acquainted with Zenas G. Bliss and Hannah Bliss, bow his widow, for about Thirty years that they formerly resided in the Town Scriba from which place they removed to the town of Summit in the State of Wisconsin about Eleven years ago - that she resided near said Zenas G. Bliss + Hannah Bliss, both in the State of New York and in the State of Wisconsin and has been in the habit of visiting the family very frequently. - that during the thirty years that she has known them they lived & cohabited together as husband and wife until the death of Zenas G. Bliss in April in the year A. D. 1853. - that the said Hannah Bliss had by her said husband Zenas G. Bliss eight children six of whom are now living + was always known + recognized as his wife. - She further says that said Zenas G. Bliss died

Page 74

in Delafield in the State of Wisconsin on the first day of April A. D. 1853 - that several members of her own family attended his funeral and further that said Hannah Bliss is now a widow
/s/Sophronia Carter

Subscribed and Sworn to before me this 8th day of March A.D. 1859; and I certify that I know the affiants to be a creditable person whose statements are entitled to full credit - 
/s/ A. W. Thomas Justice of the peace

State of Wisconsin
County of Dodge ss} I James Thorn Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said county do hereby certify that A. W. Thomas Esq whose name appears as above, and before whom the foregoing affidavits of Sophronia Carter & Amos G. Bliss were taken, was at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly elected & qualified & authorized to administer oaths. Further, that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and having compared the signature to the foregoing affidavits with his autograph now on file in my office verily believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Juneau this 11th day of March 1859
/s/James Thorn Clerk

Page 75

James Thorn clerk

State of Wisconsin
Dodge County -ss
Amos G. Bliss being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a resident of Rubicon in the State of Wisconsin: - that he is a son of Zenas G. Bliss - deceased, and Hannah Bliss his widow: that he is now Thirty Two years of age - 
that said Zenas G. Bliss and Hannah Bliss lived and cohabited together as husband and wife since his first recollection up to the time of death of his father in April A.D. 1853. - that during the time his said father and mother lived together his mother Hannah Bliss had eight children six of whom are now living - that said Zenas G. Bliss and Hannah Bliss have always been recognized by their friends and neighbors as husband and wife. - He further says that said Zenas G. Bliss died in the town of Delafield in the State of Wisconsin on the first day of April A. D. 1853. and was buried in the burial grounds of that place. - He further says that she is now widow

Page 76

and has not married since the death of Zenas G.  Bliss. - He further says that he has no interest in the claim of said Hannah Bliss for Bounty Land for which this affidavit is made other than the filial affection he entertains for her as his mother - 
/s/Amos G. Bliss

Subscribed and sworn to before me this eighth day of March A.D. 1859; and I certify that the affiant is well known to me and is a credable person whose statements are entitled to full credit
/s/A. W. Thomas
Justice of the peace

298.835

Page 77

[handwritten letter]

Pension Office
Sept. 22 1858

Sir
Herewith you will receive the bounty land application of Dorcas Whedon formerly widow of Zenas Bliss dec'd No 291,294 act of 1855 - for alleged service in Capt Jehiel Moores Co, Col Dobbins Regt. N Y Mil war of 1812, and the family bible sent as evidence in the [margin note: no family bible on file in 1912. aw] case but which is evidently not record evidence of the events recorded, the entries having been made long subsequent to the events recorded - 
I also send you the bounty land papers on which Zenas Bliss obtained 40 acre warrant no 86938

Page 78

April 22 1853 - This claimant is evidently the person who was pensioned under the act of June 7. 1832. whose papers under that act are also sent
The claim of Dorcas Whedon was sent us by Charles N Tuttle "for LYG" in 1858. but the papers appear to be in the hand writing of Bostwick - claimant is said to reside in Auburn so that you will easily satisfy yourself whether it is a genuine claim or not. 
I need not enumerate the points which have excited my suspicions - by examining all the papers they will at once manifest themselves to you - 
I wish you would

Page 79

[handwritten letter]

look into this claim while at Auburn, and let me know the result, or take what action in the premises the facts when sufficiently known shall call for
I am Sir Very respectfully &c, 
/s/Geo. C. Whiting

Charles H. Rhett Esq
Auburn NY

Page 80

[typewritten letter]

215 S. Chestnut St.
Lansing, Michigan
January 12, 1933

Mr. A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
I am in receipt of your letter of January 10th, regarding Zenas Bliss, R.946, Revolutionary soldier. 
I appreciated very much this detailed information. I realize this history must have taken a great amount of effort. 
As I understand, this information is free. If I am mistaken, please forward bill. 

Yours truly, 
/s/Helen Campbell

[receipt stamp: RECEIVED JAN 14 1933 MAIL SUB DIV U.S.V.A. READER 24]

Page 81

[typewritten letter]

215 S. Chestnut Street
Lansing, Michigan
December 19, 1932

Pension Department
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sirs:
I am interested in tracing the genealogy of Zenis Bliss, [margin note: 2] a Revolutionary soldier from New York. [margin note: C5]
Would there be a charge for any information you could send me regarding his birthplace, birth day, and marriage;
If there is a charge for this information, please do not forward same. 

Very truly yours,
/s/Helen Campbell

[receipt stamp: RECEIVED DEC 21 1932 MAIL SUB.-DIV. VETS. ADM. PENSION #3]

Page 82

[verso]

298.835 act mar 3/55
Mar 17/59
Hannah Bliss wid. of Zenas G. Bliss Dec'd musician

Capts Moon & McClure Col - N. Y. mili

See 26614 - 160 - 55
of Edmund Whedon. N.Y. Rev
War of 1812
Rec'd & Returns Warrant
No. 86.938 for 40 acres
Dighton Corson Esq
Milwaukee Wis

[recto]

291.294 - [illegible] 29/59
Warrant No 86938 - 40 Acres Act of '50 filed with Dr. Jenkins March 25 AD 1859
Dec. 22/59 Letter agt. claim sus'd DPP
Dec. 17/60. Letter agt Disallowed.
died in Wis in 1853

Page 83

[verso]

298.835 act mar 3/55
Mar 17/59
Hannah Bliss wid. of Zenas G. Bliss Dec'd musician

Capts Moon & McClure Col - N. Y. mili

See 26614 - 160 - 55
of Edmund Whedon. N.Y. Rev
War of 1812
Rec'd & Returns Warrant
No. 86.938 for 40 acres
Dighton Corson Esq
Milwaukee Wis

[recto]

291.294 - [illegible] 29/59
Warrant No 86938 - 40 Acres Act of '50 filed with Dr. Jenkins March 25 AD 1859
Dec. 22/59 Letter agt. claim sus'd DPP
Dec. 17/60. Letter agt Disallowed.
died in Wis in 1853

Page 84

[verso]

Capt. Jno. McClure NY
H Weed 55 125
Not on 2 Sep 3& } 14
Cap Jehial Moore
N Allan 138  365
Not on 4 July 1812
31 Dec 1812

Cap J McClure
L Jenkins 6 
Not on 15 Sep
30 Nov} 12

July 27/59. [illegible] filed - D.P.P.
Aug. 22/ "  Let. to [illegible] of [illegible] Land D.P.P.
Nine
[annotated: Not on War roll]
Vol. 93 fr. 21

[recto]

70785 Feby 11/51
Zenas G. Bliss Mus'n 
Capt. Moore Cap. McClure
Reg. N. Y. Mil
Col. Dopkins
Enl. April 1812
war 1812 dis. Janry 1813
3d Aud'rs office Nov. 18/51
Bliss name is not on Capt. Moore's roll
3d aud oct 16/51
Let'r Dec 2/51 W
Lp Let must send as copy of his Pension Cert
Mar 3/52 W

B. F. Gallaher
For 3d Aud

Allowed 40 acres fr 1 July 15/52 [illegible
Rufus Parks Delafield
['Claimant Oconomowoc' crossed out] Wiscon
(Ad:)
Claimant 86.938
['2d April 22/53.' crossed out]
[overwritten: Cancelled feby 22/62 nullity

Page 85

State of Wisconsin
Dodge County ss. 
Sophronia Carter being duly sworn says, that she is a resident of Rubicon in the State of Wisconsin: That she was well acquainted with Zenas Bliss in his life time and with Hannah Bliss his widow: That she has been acquainted with them since about the year A.D. 1828: That said Zenas and Hannah Bliss formerly resided in the Town of Scriba in the State of New York, from which place the removed to the Town of Summit in the State of Wisconsin, about the year A.D. 1848: That she lived in the same Town with them in the State of New York, and was Intimate with their Family, visiting them frequently: That she has also resided within a few miles of them since they came to the State of Wisconsin, and that she has also visitem their family frequently in said State of Wisconsin. She further says that said Zenas Bliss and Hannah Bliss lived and cohabited together as Husband and Wife at the time she first knew them and continued so to live up to the time of his death in April A.D. 1853: That they had Eight Children - Six of whom she believes are now living: That said

Page 86

Zenas Bliss and Hannah Bliss were always regarded at Husband and Wife by their Friends and Acquaintances, both in the State of New York and the State of Wisconsin and the Legitimacy of the children who all took the name of Bliss was never questioned, to the knowledge of this affiant. 
She further says that said Zenas Bliss died at the Town Delafield State of Wisconsin on the first day of April A.D. 1853 that she did not attend the Funeral, but several members of her Family did: That Hannah Bliss, his widow has since resided with her son at the Town of Rubicon near this affiant.
She further says that said Hannah Bliss is now a Widow, and has not been married since the death of said Zenas Bliss, her late husband. This Affiant further says, that she is not a relative of said Hannah Bliss, and has no interest of any kind whatever in the result of her application for a pension, for which purpose this affidavit is to be used
(name) /s/Sophronia Carter
Subscribed and sworn to before me this twenty-first day of March A.D. 1859. and I certify that I am satisfied from the proofs exhibited to me. 
/s/A. W. Thomas
Justice of the peace

Page 87

That the affiant is the Identical person that she represents herself to be
/s/A. W. Thomas 
Justice of the peace

Page 88

State of Wisconsin
Dodge County ss.)
Hannah Bliss being duly sworn says that she is a resident of Rubicon in Dodge County, State of Wisconsin: The she is the widow of Zenas Bliss deceased: That she was married to said Zenas Bliss in the Town of Rome in the State of New York, on the thirteenth day of August A.D. 1816. :That there is not person living who was present when the marriage Cerimony was performed. That there is not Record Evidence of the marriage to her knowledge - That she had a Family Bible containing the Family Record which was last with a large part of Goods on the Lake when she and Her husband removed from the State of New York to the State of Wisconsin same time in the summer of A.D. 1848 
/s/X mark Hannah Bliss
Witness /s/A. W. Thomas
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of March, A.D. 1859, and I certify that I am satisfied from the proofs Exhibited to me that the Affiant is the Identical person that she represents herself to be}
/s/A. W. Thomas
Justice of the peace

Page 89

Know all men by these Present, that I Hannah Bliss of Rubicon in the State of Wisconsin, Widow of Zenas Bliss, late deceased do hereby constitute and appoint Dighton Corson, of the City and County of Milwaukee my True and Lawful attorney for me, and in my name place and stead to prosecute my claim for the pension to which I am entitled, and to receive any and all moneys that may be allowed me by the pension department. and to receipt for the same in my name, place, and stead. and to do all the acts and things nescessary and requisite in the premises to obtain said pension. - 
/s/X her mark Hannah Bliss
Witness my hand and seal this 23 day of March A.D. 1859.}
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of me}
/s/A Scott Sloan
Judge 3d Judicial Circuit Wis.

Page 90

State of Wisconsin
County of Dodge ss} I James Thorn clerk of the circuit court in and for said county do hereby certify that the Hon A Scott Sloan at the time of taken the acknowledgments and affidavits of the instrument hereto annexed, was the Judge of the third Judicial circuit of the State of Wisconsin duly appointed and qualified and acting as such, that by virtue of his said office he is duly authorized and empowered by the Laws of the State to take proofs of conveyance and acknowledgments of other instruments in writing & to administer oaths generally: that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and having compared the signatures to the instruments hereto annexed purporting to be his with his autograph now on file in my office, verily believe said signatures to be genuine.
And I do hereby further certify that A. W. Thomas Esq at the time of taking the affidavits & acknowledgments of the instruments hereto annexed was an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Dodge, duly elected and qualified as such according to law & duly empowered by the laws of this State to take proofs of conveyance and acknowledgments of other instruments in writing & to administer oaths generally: that having compared the signatures to the acknowledgments of the instruments hereto annexed purporting to be his with his autograph now on file in my office, verily believe said signatures to be genuine.
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Juneau this 26th day of March A.D. 1859.
/s/James Thorn
Clerk of Dodge Cir Court

Page 91

State of Wisconsin
Dodge County ss.
Amos G. Bliss, being duly sworn says, that He is a resident of Rubicon in the County and State aforesaid: that He is the son of Zenas Bliss. (sometimes called Zenas G. Bliss) and Hannah Bliss (now his widow): That He is now thirty two years of age - That said Zenas Bliss and Hannah Bliss lived and Cohabited together as husband and wife from the time of his earliest reccollection to the time of the death of the said Zenas Bliss: that during the time said Zenas and Hannah Bliss lived and cohabited together 
She had Eight Children, six of which he believes are now living: that the said Children were always recognized by said Zenas Bliss and Hannah Bliss as Legitimate, and that He never heard their Legitimacy questioned by any one, That said Zenas and Hannah Bliss, were always recognized by their Friends and Acquaintances as Husband and Wife while his said FAther lived: that said Zenas Bliss died in the Town of Delafield, in the State of Wisconsin, on the first day of April in the Year of Our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Three. - 
This affiant

Page 92

further says, that said Zenas Bliss aged [blank] years at the time of his death and that He had received a pension from about [blank] years before his death; and he further says that his said Father and Mother at the time they removed from the State of New York to the State of Wisconsin lost a part of their Goods upon the Lake, among which was the Family Bible, containing the Family Records. - This affiant further says that he has no pecuniary Interest in the result of the claim of said Hannah Bliss for a Pension, for which this Affidavit is so used
(name) /s/Amos G. Bliss

Subscribed and Sworn to before me this 21st day of March A.D. 1859. And I certify that the affiant  is a credible person, whose statements are entitled to full credit
/s/A. W. Thomas
Justice of the peace