Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26258, for Lewis Mead, New York

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SERVICE
New York

Mead, Lewis
Sarah

NUMBER
W. 26258

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7582
New York

Sarah Mead, widow of Lewis Mead, who was a private, in the N. York line.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Jany (January) 1846, and sent to Hm: J. H. Anderson, H. R

--
Act of March 3, 1843
and 17, June, 1844

Recorded in Book: A
Vol. 2 Page 82

---
Date of death noted  AB

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20761
New York
Lewis Mead of Tioga Co. in the State of N. York who was a private in the comp commanded by Captain Livingston of the Rep. commanded by Col. Phelps in the N. York time for 13 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of Aug. 1833 and sent to W. Bacon Canaan
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. ' [year illegible]                $108.33
Semi-anl, allowance ending 4th Feb       21.66
                                                               $129.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act Jun 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Go. C. Stily Clerk,
Book E. Vol 4, Page 69 
Letter to Perin 25 April 1840
cir: to agt. May 28, 1840-
To New York City from 4 Sept 1839. {crossed out wording} 6th June 1840. Modification to Pension Kent New York.
Paid at Treasury, under act 6 April 1838, from 4 Sept. 1841 to 15 Jany 1842. Agent notified 2 April, 1846.

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Lewis Mead's Declaration
Answer to be given to Wm Bacon
Candor Tioga County N. Y
19839
No certain and positive evidence can be given - that applicant knows or believes can be obtained - some corroborative testimony is added.

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Mead of the ["then" crossed out] now county of Putnam N. York that this deponent understood at the time, and from the same source - and knows the same fact, that is stated in the preceding deposition of Ezekiel Mead - and he verily believes - and has no doubt that the said Lewis Mead served 4 months in the year 1781 and 9 months in the year 1782 as he has stated 
[signature:] Joseph Mead 
Sworn to and subscribed this 15th day of June A D 1833 before me [signature:] William Bacon Comr of Deeds 

State of New York County of Tioga } 
On this 15th day of June 1833 before me William Bacon a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said county personally appeared George Lane to me well known - of the town of Candor in the county aforesaid who being first duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say - that he is sixty four years of age - that in the year 1780 he was living in Milford PA that he then and there knew Lewis Mead who has sworn to and described the foregoing declaration that he knew said Lewis from this deponents earliest recollection to that time - that he was born and lived within a half mile of him till then - that in the spring of said year he knew that the said Lewis went to live with his Uncle Jacob Mead of the now county of Putnam - that the two succeeding years he understood (at this time) that the said Lewis served in the army of the United States, that in the summer of the year 1782

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he knew that Lewis Mead senior 9the father of the aforesaid Lewis) went to Putnam county and on his return he heard the said Lewis Senior say that he had received the bounty money to which his said son was entitled; and that this deponent is married to the sister of the aforesaid applicant 
[signature:] George Lane 
Sworn to and subscribed this 15th day of June AD 1833 [signature:] William Bacon Comr of Deeds 

State of New York County of Tioga SS I certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Mead, Ezekiel Mead and George Lane who have severalty subscribed and sworn to the proceeding depositions, that they are all of them residents of the town of Candor aforesaid that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
[signature:] William Bacon Comr of Deeds

State of New York County of Tioga I Green M. Tuthill Clerk of said county do certify that William Bacon Esq. - before whom the preceeding affidavits purports to have been sworn and certificate given was at the date of the same one of the Commissioners of Deeds in and for said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature 
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 17th day of June AD 1833 [signature:] {signed by}
G M Tuthill Clk

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County of Putnam N. Y. that this deponent understood at the time that the next year thereafter to wit in the year 1781 the said Lewis enlisted a soldier in the Army- and that he served therein that year for the term of four months, which this deponent verily believes to be true- this deponent further saith that he understood at the time and verily believes that in the year 1782 the said Lewis enlisted and served in the army for the space of Nine months- that he has often heard his father speak of the circumstance of the said Lewis being in the army. That in the summer of the year 1781 he knew that his father went to visit Lewis- and on his return home heard him say that he had been seen the said Lewis in the army of Fishkills- that he also knew that his father went to visit the aforesaid Jacob Mead in Putnam in the summer of the year 1782- and on his return heard him say that the said Lewis was there serving in the Army That he knows the time that the said Lewis left for Putnam County was in the Spring of 1780. from the circumstance that it was the spring succeeding the hard winter- [signature:] Ezekiel Mead 
Sworn to and Subscribed this 15th day of June A D 1833 before me [signature:] William Bacon Comr of Deeds 

State of New York County of TIoga } On the 15th day of June A D 1833 before me William Bacon a Commissioner of Deed in and for said county personally appeared Joseph Mead to me well known who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say. that he is 57 years of age, that is a brother of Lewis Mead who subscribed and swore to the foregoing declaration- that he and the said Lewis visited together in their fathers family from his earliest recollection till the Spring of the year AD 1780- at which time the said Lewis left his fathers family (who resided at that time at Milford Pa on the Delaware River) to go and live with his uncle Jacob

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that he did duty as a scout & guard at Marbletown Stone Ridge & parts adjacent, till on or near the 1st day of Decr of the same year when he with his Regt was dismissed having served this tour nine months & the first tour four months. that this last tour he acted with no other Regt to his recollection; that he was never in any battle; that he never had any written discharge; that he was born in the town of Philipstown (Now) Putnam County New York, as he has always been informed and verily believes on the 10th day of May A D 1764- at which place he lived for sixty Four years except fortwo & a half years that he lived in New Jersey- & that for the last Four years he has resided in the town of Candor aforesaid, that he knows of no person living whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service- and that the above enumerated particulars of his service on his solemn oath is the best evidence that his case admits 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. [signature:] Lewis Mead 
Sworn to and Subscribed the [illegilble digit] day and year first aforesaid [signature] Green M Tuthill Clk of Oyer & Terminor 

We Caleb Nelson a clergyman, residing in the town of Candor aforesaid and William Bacon residing in the same place bereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Lewis Mead, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be sixty Eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion 
[signature:] Caleb Nelson 
[signature:] William Bacon 
Sworn and Subscribed this day & year aforesaid [signature:] Green M Tuthill Clk

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State of New York Tioga County } SS On this nineteenth day of November A D 1832 Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Circuit Court And Court of Oyer & Terminer of the county of Tioga now sitting Lewis Mead a resident of Candor in the county of Tioga aforesaid and State of New York aged Sixty Eight years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Passed June 7. A D 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated That on or near the 1st day of June A D 1781. he lived in the (now) town of Kent Putnam County & State of New York and did then and there enlist a private soldier in a company of Militia commanded by Captain - Livingston whose Lieutenants name was (as he believes) Steward - in Col. Wyson Phelps Regt. That he has forgotten the names of the rest of the field officers - That he cantoned with the Regiment at Fishkills Ridge went from thence to West Point, lay near there a few days, from thence he went down the west side of the Hudson River near the bridge that he there acted with continental Regiments and then knew some of the Continental officers but cannot now recollect any of their names, from thence he marched back to Peekskill, and there took shipping and went to Albany N. Y. lay there a short time in the barracks from thence he went Saratoga N Y. where he was with his Regt dismissed on or near the 1st day of October of the same year and that he served this tour four months 2nd Tour That on or near the 1st day of March A D 1782 in the town of Kent aforesaid he enlisted a private soldier in a company of Militia commanded by Captain White- whose Lieut's name was Steward- in Col Wyson Phelps' Regt.- that he has forgotten the names of the Remainder of the Officers but remembers that the Major was a Welchman; that he rendezvoused with his Regt. at Fishkill N. Y. and went with it from thence to the then frontier near Esopus N. Y. That the Regt was billeted out there as a guard and scouts to go back into the woody

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No . 19839 Lewis Mead Triogoa [Tioga] Co N. York Proof required 
Admitted Private 13 months 
Wm Bacon agt Canaan N. York

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WAR DEPARTMENT. Pension Office, 183
Sir: The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
Period when the service was rendered. 
Enlisted 1781 
Duration of the claimant's service. [blank] Years. 4 Months. [blank] Days. 
Rank of the claimant. Private 
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap Livingston 
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Phelps Regt 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. [blank] 
Country through which the applicant was engaged. Fishkill West Point Hudson Peekskill Albany Saratoga Fishkill Esopus Marbletown Stone Ridge 
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. aged 68 Town of Kent Putnam Co N. York 
Evidence by which the declaration is supported traditionary 

Period when the service was rendered. Enlisted 1782 
Duration of the claimant's service. [blank] Years. 0  Months. [blank] Days. 
Rank of the claimant. Private 
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap White 
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.   "   [Col Phelps Regt] 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. [blank] 

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Proof of service required - every applicant is expected to furnish the best evidence he came to the Department.

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

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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. {To a Soldier.{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 
{To an Officer.{ Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If 
one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination
of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly 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 [blank] year [blank]  months, and 
for such service I claim a p[blank]  days, I served as a [blank]  For [blank]  months and [blank]  days, I served as a [blank] ; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the 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 shown under what officers the applicant served; the during 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. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must affix his his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers  is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service. 
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's 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. [j2] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

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State of New York Putnam County SS: on this ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before me Azor. B. Crane one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county of Putnam Sarah Mead resident of the town of Kent, county of Putnam and state of New York aged about Eighty one years of age who being duly sworn according to law, doeth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 4. 1846 or any other Act or Acts of Congress whereby widows of deceased soldiers of the Revolutionary War are entitled to receive Pensions that she is the widow of Lewis Mead who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army and a Pensioner of the United States, as her Certificate of John Robb Acting Secretary of War. Given at the War Office of the United States the second day of October, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and Examined and Countersigned by J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions, and said certificate was recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol 4. Page 69 by Go. C Stiles Clerk. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Lewis Mead on the Thirtieth day of August one thousand seven hundred and eighty four by the Rev Nathan Cole at the House of Joseph Northrup in Fredrick town and county of Dutchess now the Town of Kent and county of Putnam and state of New York, who has now been dead about forty years: and she further declares that strict search and due

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diligence has been made, to find the record kept by the said Rev. Nathan Cole of the marriages he celebrated, but it cannot be found, by reason of the great space of time that has intervened and the neglect and carlessness [carelessness] of the keepers of said Record, and believes that it is lost or destroyed.
And she further declares that the witnesses present at said marriage who were or have since become known to her, are all dead, and she further declares that her said husband, the said Lewis Mead the afore-named, died on the fifteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty two, that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband the said Lewis Mead, and is now a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed. Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me 
her X mark Sarah Mead 
Azor. B Crane Witness present Benjn Baily. } 

State of New York Putnam County SS ninth of June A D 1840 - I Azor B. Crane Judge as aforesaid certify that I have the most satisfactory evidenced, by affidavits of respectable person to wit of Phebe Brown & Peter Robinson that the said Sarah Mead who has this day appeared before me and made the above declaration is a woman of irreproachable character for truth & veracity. Given under my hand at Carmel on the day & year above written [signature:] Azor B Crane 
see 4 page

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Pension Department In the matter of Mrs Sarah Mead widow of Lewis Mead deceased Testimony 
James. D Stevenson Attorney for Mrs Mead Carmel Put [Putnam} Co N Y

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United States of America State of New York Putnam County SS. } 
Be it remembered that on the eleventh day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before the undersigned Peter Robinson of the town of Kent in the said County of Putnam and who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he was eighty four years of age last March That Lewis Mead deceased formerly of the said town of Kent & Sarah Mead his wife were children with this deponent. that he has known them since his first recollection. that the said Lewis Mead & Sarah Mead were reputed to have been married at about the time this deponent was married, and were ever regarded by all who knew them up to the time of the decease of the said Lewis Mead as man & wife & that they cohabited and lived together as such. that this deponent had a son named James Robinson who was born in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty five; And that the said Lewis Mead & Sarah Mead had a son born named Stephen Mead with a few weeks of the birth of the said James Robinson. and that at the time of the birth of the said James Robinson & Stephen Mead the said Lewis Mead & Sarah Mead lived in the neighbourhood of this deponent, and lived and cohabited together as man and wife and were esteemed and regarded as such by their neighbors and all who knew them. 
[signature:] Peter Robinson 
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year first above mentioned [signature:] W H Stout Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Putnam 
over

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Putnam County SS: I do hereby certify that I have known the within deponant Peter Robinson for several years and know him to be a man of credibility, and that he is entitled to full credit and belief. Dated December 11th. 1845 [signature:] W H Stout Justice of the Peace in and for Putnam County

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United States of America State of New York Putnam County SS. } 
Be it remembered that on the eleventh day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before the subscriber Jerimiah Mead of the town of Kent in the county of Putnam and state of New York and who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is the second child of Lewis Mead are [?] and Sarah Mead and that he was born as he is informed and verily believes such information to be true on the fourteenth day of August A D 1787 and that the said Lewis Mead deceased and Sarah Mead had nine children all of whom are now living excepting one who has died, and that this deponent has always believed and still does believe that the said Lewis Mead deceased and Sarah Mead were man and wife and were married, and that they were always considered as such by all who knew them, and that the first child of the said Lewis Mead deceased and Sarah Mead was born according to the information of this deponent on the Thirty first day of March A D 1785, and at the age of six years one year prior to the year 1794 this deponent distinctly recollects, that the said Lewis Mead deceased and Sarah Mead lived and cohabited together as man and wife and were considered as such by all who knew them 
[signature:] Jeremiah Mead 
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year first above mentioned } [signature:] M H Stout a Justice of the peace in and for Putnam County over

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Putnam County SS. I do hereby certify that I have known the within deponant Jerimiah Mead for several years and know him to be a man of credibility, and that he is entitled to full credit and belief. Dated December 11th 1845 [signature:] M H Stout a Justice of the peace in and for Putnam County

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United States of America State of New York Putnam County SS. } 
I Reuben. D. Barnum clerk of the said county of Putnam certify that William H. Stout is one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county of Putnam and duly qualified to perform its duties, and that the signatures to the papers hereto attached purporting to be his are genuine 
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 11th day of December A D 1845 
[signature:] R D Barnum Clerk

Page 22

May 24. 40 
Wm Stewart 
Kent N Y May 22 
Pension Office Washington City District of Columbia 
["1844" or "7844" is crossed out]

Page 23

State of New York Putnam County SS. } On this 21st day of May 1840 Before me the Subscriber First Judge of Putnam County Personally appeared Lewis Mead who on his Oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company Commanded by Captain White and a Company Commanded by Capt Livingston in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Weyson Phelps in the Service of the United States That his name was placed on the pension Roll of the State of New York Payable in the City of New York afterwards mad payable at Albany from whence he has lately removed from that section That he now resided in the State of New York Town of Kent County of Putnam Where he intends to remain and wishes his Pension to be there payable in future And that his reasons for removing to Putnam County is that he has sold his Property situate in the County of Tioga State of New York and moved to this place with and intention of Living with his famy [??] [signature:] Lewis Mead Sworn and Subscribed to before me the day and Year aforesaid [signature:] Bennet Boyd First Judge of Said County

Page 24

State of New York Putnam County } SS 
James D Hyatt of the Town of Kent County aforesaid being duly Sworn deposeth and saith that he is acquainted with Lewis Mead and Knows him to be the same person who on a pension Certificate was Granted and dated 2d October 1833 And that he knows him to be the same person described in and who subscribed the within affidavit 
[signature:] James D Hyatt 
Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 21st day of May 1840 And I Certify that I am acquainted with the above named James D Hyatt and that he is a person of veracity [signature:] Bennet Boyd First Judge of Said County 

Putnam County State of New York } I William H Stout Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Bennet Boyd Esquire before whom the foregoing Affidavit an purported to have been take was at the time of taking such Affidavit A Judge in and for said County residing in said County duly commissioned & authorized to take the same - And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of Said Judge and verily believe his signature thereunto Subscribed is genuine- - In testimony whereof - I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 22 day of May 1840- [signature:] W H Stout clk

Page 25

April 23, 1934 
BA-J/EEL Own [??] 
Lewis Mead-W. 26258 
Mr. James S. Elston
The Travelers Insurance Co
Hartford, Connecticut
Dear Sirs
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Richard Strode, Stephen and Lewis Mead, Abraham and Thomas Elston and other Elstons.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained rom claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States based upon the military service of soldiers of that war. 
A careful search of the records has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Stephen Mead, who died during the Revolutionary War or of Richard Strode, Abraham Elston or Thomas Elston. In order to identify special records the full names of the soldiers are essential, also, any data in your possession will aid in identification. The record of only one Lewis Mead has been found. His record is given herein as found in pension claim, W. 28358, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. 
[note in right margin:] By M M H 7. 
Lewis Mead, the son of Lewis, was born May 10, 1764, in Philipstown, New York. The name of his mother is not shown. In the spring of 1780, he left his father and family, who were then living at Milford, Pennsylvania, on the Delaware River, and went to live with his uncle, Jacob Mead, in Putnam County, New York. 
While residing in said Putnam County in what was afterward the town of Kent), he enlisted June 1, 1781, served as a private in Captains Andrew White's and Gilbert I Livingston's Companies, Colonel Frederick Weissenfels' New York Regiment and was discharged about October 1, 1781, he again enlisted about March 1, 1782, served as a private in Captain White's Company, Colonel Weissenfels' New York Regiment and was discharged December 1, 1782. 
[note in the right margin:] Found col. under name of Lewis Mead in NY book page 72. 
After the Revolution, he resided at Philipstown, New York,

Page 26

until about 1838, except two and one-half years that he resided in the state of New Jersey, then moved to Candor, Tioga County, New York, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed November 19, 1832. In 1840, he was living at Kent, New York. .
Lewis Mead died January 15, 1842, place not shown. 
The soldier married August 30, 1794, Sarah, whose maiden name was not shown. They were married in Fredricktown (afterward Kent), Dutchess County, New York. 
Soldier's widow, Sarah, was allowed pension on her application executed June 9, 1845, at which time she was aged eighty-one years and resided in Kent, New York. 
It was stated that soldier and his wife had nine children, all of whom were living in 1845 except one. The only names of children that are given are Stephen, the eldest born March 31, 1785 Jeremiah " [born] August 14, 1787. He was living in Kent, New York, in 1845. 
In 1833, soldier's brothers Ezekiel, aged sixty years and Joseph, aged fifty-seven years were residents of Candor, New York, and in same year, George Lane, aged sixty-four years and a resident of Candor, New York, stated that he married a sister of the soldier, but did not give
the name of his wife. 
There are no further family data. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator.

Page 27

State of New York Putnam County SS: Be it known that before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county of Putnam personally appeared Phebe Brown of the town of Kent and county of Putnam and made oath in due form of law and says that she knew Lewis Mead deceased and Sarah Mead widow of said Lewis Mead before and after their said marriage to wit: before and after the Thirtieth day of August, seventeen hundred and eighty four, and that she understood that about that time and ever since, that the said Lewis Mead, and Sarah Mead were married on the said Thirtieth day of August, seventeen hundred and eighty four, at the house of Joseph Nortrup [Northrup], there in Fredrickstown, county of Dutchess, and now Kent, county of Putnam, and that she nursed the said Sarah Mead during her confinement with her first child, which was at the house of said Joseph Northrup, and that she often heard it said by the said Joseph Northrup and his family that the said Lewis Mead and Sarah Mead were married on the said Thirtieth day of August seventeen hundred and eight four at the house of the said Joseph Northrup, by the Rev Nathan Cole, and that they there lived, and have ever since lived and cohabited together as man and wife and she has had frequent opportunities from visiting the said Lewis Mead and Sarah Mead to be satisfied that they are man and wife, and has not ever heard anything to the contary [contrary], and that the said Lewis Mead died on the fifteenth day of January A D 1841, and that the said Sarah Mead has remained a widow ever since, and is so now, and that

Page 28

she was well acquainted with the said Rev Nathan Cole and that he has been dead about forty years. Sworn and subscribed before me this ninth day of June A D 1845 [signature:] Azor B Crane } 
her X mark Phebe Brown 
Witness present [signature} Benjn Baily 
I certify that the above named Phebe Brown is a woman of irreproachable character for truth & veracity, which has been proven to my satisfaction by the affidavits of Peter Robinson. Sworn under my hand at Carmel on this ninth day of June A D 1845 [signature:] Azor B Crane

Page 29

1910 Nov. 1 Hist. to Hon. L. Fletcher. V. Lak [??] 
1911 Jan'y 25 Hist. to Mrs. C. D. Eastman V. L. M [??] 
1911 Dec. 19. Hon. L. Fletcher c 
1934 - apr 23 - Hist. to James S. Elston - Eret [??] 
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 26.258 
Sarah Mead wid. of Lewis Mead Priv N. Y. line 
Act July 3rd. 1843 
Index : Vol M , Page 44 
[ Arrangement of 1870. ]

Page 30

cl V Sarah Mead 12344 
widow of Lewis New Y(ork. 
Act. 7 July 1838 
Letter to Benj. Bailey 9. July 1865 
" [Letter] to Stevinson & Mead Nov. 25. ' 45 [or 48?]

Page 31

Carmel N Y Jan 23th 10 
Jan 28. 1846 
Adal tes case 
Sarah Mead. 
Hon. J. L. Edwards Washington D. C.

Page 32

I Azor B Crane one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Putnam and state of New York, do hereby certify that the copy of a certificate of Lewis Mead now deceased hereunto attached is a true copy of the original. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of June A D 1845. [signature:] Azor B Crane 

I Azor B Crane one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Putnam and state of New York, and the Judge aforenamed, do hereby certify that the said Sarah Mead s incapable from bodily infirmity to attend in open court. Given under my hand this ninth day of June A D 1845. [signature:] Azor B Crane

Page 33

12349 
New YOrk 
Sarah Mead 17 July 1838 
1781, 82 } 12 mos 
husband decd 1842 rejected - 
Acts 43 & 44 
admd 
12 mo pri 
40. 
Hon. J H Anderson H. R 
Pension 13.218 
In matter of Pension of Mrs Sarah Mead widow of Lewis Mead deceased

Page 34

State of New York Putnam County SS: 
I Reuben. D. Barnum clerk of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Putnam, in state of New. York, certifys [sic] that Azor B. Crane is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county and that the foregoing signatures purporting to [blacked out word] his, are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this ninth - day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five [signature:] R D Barnum Clerk

Page 35

Payments to be made at New York by PresMSBcBk [??] Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York 
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Vol 6 Page 69 by Go C. Stiles Clerk

Page 36

War Department Revolutionary Claim 
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Lewis Mead of the State of New York who was a private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Forty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year 
Given at the War Office of the United States this 2 day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty Three (signed) John Robb Acting Secretary of War 
{LP} 
Examined and Countersigned } (signed) J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 37

State of new York Putnam County SS: Be it known that before me the subscriber on of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Putnam personally appeared Peter Robinson of the town of Kent, county and state aforesaid, a Revolutionary Pensioner, and made oath in due form of law that he was acquainted with Sarah Mead afore-named in the declaration and has been acquainted with the said Lewis Mead deceased and Sarah Mead both before and after their said marriage, to wit: before the Thirtieth day of August one thousand seven hundred and eighty four and has ever since been acquainted with them, and that heh has lived a neighbour to them and has always believed them to be man and wife, and they have always to his knowledge cohabited together as such: and lived as man and wife as long as he has been acquainted with them, and that since the death of the said Lewis Mead deceased, the said Sarah Mead has remained a widow, and is so now 
Sworn and subscribed before me this ninth day of June A D 1845 [signature:] Azor B Crane } 
[signature:] Peter Robinson 
Witness present [signature:] Benjn Baily 
I certify that the said Peter Robinson above named is a man of irreproachable character for truth & veracity from my own personal knowledge: Given under my hand at Carmel on the ninth of June A D 1845 [signature:] Azor B Crane

Page 38

Pension Department 
In the matters of Mrs Sarah Mead widow of Lewis Mead pri 
Janus. D. Stevenson & Benjamin Baily Attys for Mrs Mead Carmel Putnam Co N Y.  
P [blacked out area]

Page 39

State of New York. Putnam County SS: Be it remembered that on the eighteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and Forty Five, personally appeared before me James Cole a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid county James D. Stevenson known to me, who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he has made, strict and dilligent [sic] search for the record of marriages kept by the Rev. Nathan Cole deceased and that after such a strict and dilligent search he is not be enabled to find said record, and that in answer to his enquiries after said record, and whether the said Reverend Nathan Cole deceased ever kept a record he has received the answer from persons, relatives of the said Reverand Nathan Cole deceased, and other persons who knew the Reverand Nathan Cole deceased in his life time that they never knew, or ever heard that the said Reverand Nathan Cole deceased ever kept a record of marriages and that in their opinion there is no record of marriages, and further this deponent saith not. 
Subscribed and sworn before me on the day and year first above mentioned } [signature:] James. D. Stevenson } 
[signature:] James Cole 

State of New York Putnam County SS: Be it remembered that on the eighteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and Forty Five personally appeared before me James Cole a Justice of the peace in and for aforesaid county Rev. Jonathan Cole Known to me, who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is a relative of the Rev Nathan Cole deceased and that he never has

Page 40

heard of the existance of any record of marriages kept by the said Rev Nathan Cole and to the best of this deponant knowledge and belief there is no record in existance. and further this deponant saith not Sworn and subscribed on the day & year first above mentioned before me [signature:] James Cole } 
[signature:] Jonathan Cole

Page 41

State of New York Putnam County SS: I, Reuben. D. Barnum clerk of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that James. Cole is one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this eighteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five. [signature:] R D Barnum Clerk

Page 42

State of New York Secretary's Office } I certify that it appears by the minutes of the Council of Appointment of this State in this office that on the 10th day of April 1782 Frederick Weissenfels was appointed and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of a Regiment of Levies for the Defence of the State: And that on the 10th day of July 1782 Andrew White and Gilbert L. Livingston were respectively appointed Captains in the said Regiment. ][signature:] Archd. Campbell Dep. Sec. of State Albany Oct. 21. 1845

Page 43

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent. per annum, viz: 
1st Dec. 1781. Lewis Mead Priv 
31st Dec. 1782 Di  Di [presumed 'ditto' = Lewis Mead Priv 
$10 13 4 
21  6  8 
32  -  -  
$80- 
12 mo. pri. 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, Oct. 21st. 1845. } 
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 1. - now remaining in this office, adn that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz: 
First-under Capt. Andrew White in Col. Fredk. Weissenfels Regt. 
Second "  " [under Capt.] Gilbert S Livingston "  "   Di   " [in Col. Fredk. Weissenfels Regt.] 
Third  "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] " 
Fourth   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] " 
Fifth   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] " 
Sixth   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] "  
Seventh   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] " 
Eighth   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] "  
NInth   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] "  
Tenth   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] " 
Eleventh  "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] " 
Twelfth   "  "  [blank]  "  "  blank] "  
Pensioned for 1 June 1781 Livingston - 4 mos. 
1 March 1782 White 9 mos 
Col Weissenfels Commissioned Lt Col. 10 Apl 1782 
[signature:] Philp Phelps Dep Commr.

Page 44

Carmel line 11 / 45 
Benj Bailey 
Pension papers of Sarah Mead 
13.218 declare 14 / 45 
Pension Office 
free. 
Hon- Wm L. Marcy Sec. of War Washington D. C.

Page 45

Carmel June 11th 1845. 
Dear Sir- From a partial acquaintance with you formed at Albany [??] previous to your departure for Washington, I take the liberty of forwarding you the enclosed papers, and of requesting you to hand them to the Commissioner. Not having much practice in this kind of business I may have made some mistake notwithstanding I have Endeavored to avoid it, from my own acquaince [sic] with the person interested, and the witnesses I have no doubt of its being a meritorious clam. And I shall feel myself under many obligations if you will give it as far as assistant your personal attention. If there is any mistake in the papers I should be pleased if the department will inform me in what particulars they are deficient. I trust heaven they are all sufficient. Yours Truly [signature:] Benjn Baily 
Hon W. L. Marcy

Page 46

[circular stamp:] PEEKSKILL N. Y. DEC 13 

FREE 
free 
Hon Joseph H. Anderson M. C. Washington D. C 
Mr J. H. Anderson ITM [??] 
Dec 23 1845 
Revol Sarah Mead

Page 47

Carmel Dec. 11th 1845 
Friend Anderson These are papers on file in the Pension Department Entitled "In the matter of Sarah Mead An applicant for a pension". All the proof the department requires as they have written to us will be forwarded per the present mail. And my object in writing to you on this subject is that you will do me the favor to call upon the pension agent and press upon him the necessity of early action upon the papers. It is a meritorious case as the witnesses and the applicant are well known here and are entitled to full credit and belief- The message of President Polk is very popular here with all classes. I called on Gov. Wright the other day. and he spoke in favor of the message in the warmest Terms. And even went so far as to say there was not a sentence to which he could take any exception- I should be please to hear from you during the winter on matters & things in general whenever you can make it convenient. Yours Truly [signature:] Benjn Baily 
Hon Joseph H. Anderson.

Page 48

James L. Edwards Esquire Commissr. of Pensions War Dept. City of Washington. 
June 3 1840 
Mr Evans

Page 49

MECHANICS' & FARMERS' BANK, Albany Pension Agency June 1st. 1840./ 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir, In reply to your letter of the 28th ult. I have to state, that Lewis Mead a Pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1843 - at Twenty three 72/100 Dollars per annum was last paid to the 4 day of Sept. 1839- 
I am, Sir, Very respectfully, Your ob't serv't, [signature:] Thos. M. Olcott 

PRES'T AND PENSION AGENT. per [signature:] L Jenkins

Page 50

Hon. J. L. Edwards Sir. 
Enclosed I send you the additional testimony solicited in yours of November 25th 1845 and should this not prove satisfactory, please write me, and if satisfactory please send me the certificate. 
Please acknowledge the receipt of this And I have the honor to remain Yours Respectfully [signature:] James. D. Stevenson Carmel December 11th 1845

Page 51

Sir. I sent some few days ago the testimony in the case of Mrs. Sarah Mead widow of Lewis Mead deceased, and as some time has elapsed and no answer received to inform me that the same has been received by you, I write to request that you would inform me what ! if any disposal has been made of the matter ? and whether the last testimony has been received, taken in pursuance of a communication recd from you By giving me this information. You will oblige Respectfully Your se [signature:] James. D. Stevenson Carmel January 22d 1846 
To Hon J. L. Edwards Washington D. C

Page 52

Sir, Enclosed I send the testimony desired in the case of Mrs Sarah Mead widow of Lewis Mead deceased, in your letter to the Hon Benjamin Baily of [blank] It has been delayed from the repeated omissions and neglect of the Secretary of this state. Please acknowledge the receipt of this and send the certificate when made out. Yours Respectfully [signature:] James. D. Stevenson Carmel. Putnam County N Y. October 24th 1845 
To Hon J. L Edwards

Page 53

Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 20, 1910. 
Maj. Gen. F. C. Ainsworth 
War Department, Washington, D.C. 
My dear Sir: 
I am very desirous of obtaining the war record of one Lewis Mead and I know of no other way except through yourself to do so. 
Lewis Mead was born about 1763. He was a Revolutionary soldier and drew a pension until his death, which was about 1841. He lived in New Jersey up to about 1838 when he went to live with his son, Jeremiah Mead, in Putnam County, New York. His wife was Sarah Brown who was about the same age as her husband and may have drawn the pension after her husband's death. 
Any information you can give me on this subject will be greatly appreciated. If you cannot give it to me from your office, will you kindly advise me where I might be able to obtain the information as to the full war record of the said Lewis Mead & where his pension was sent to him 
Very truly yours, [signature:] L Fletcher Minneapolis Minn 
Hon Ex M. C. 
OCT 25 1910 
[circular stamp:] U. S. PENSION O OFFICE OCT 25 1910

Page 54


[stamped:] ADJUTANT GENERALS OFFICE OCTR 22 1910 
1700979 
WAR DEPARTMENT
Record 1706979 
WAR DEPARTMENT, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, October 24, 1910. 
Respectfully transmitted to the Commissioner of Pensions, and Hon. Loren Fletcher so informed. He has also been advised that no record has been found in this office of military service rendered by the man in question, but that, in view of the statement that the man in question was a pensioner, the desired information can possibly be supplied by the Commissioner. [signature:] F C Ainsworth The Adjutant General. RH 
[A G. O. 741]

Page 55

Minneapolis, Minn., November 1, 1910. 
Hon. James L. Davenport, 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: 
General Ainsworth transmitted a letter to you a few days ago in regard to the Revolutionary pension of one Lewis Mead. He informed me that you could probably find the record that I desired in your office. Kindly look over the letter referred to, which was addressed to him by myself, and give me if possible full information on the subject, and greatly oblige,
Yours very truly,[signature:] L Fletcher
ans. Nov. 1. 1910 see endorsement on Jaossah. ]Jaolseh??]

Page 56

Plymouth, Wisconsin. Jan. 18, 1911. 
Commissioner of Pensions- Washington, D. C. 
MEad? 
Dear Sir: - My Gt-gt-grandfather, Lewis Mead was a Pensioner from the Revolutionary War= He enlisted from the town of Kent - New York State - Will you please be so kind as to send me his military record. Also - if the names of Samuel Carpenter negative ["negative" is a handwritten insert]  of Pomfret Conn - appears on your lists as a pensioner - I would like is record - as he is an ancestor of mine. and I want these records to use in the D. A. R - Respectfully - [signature:] Amy Mead Eastman ( Mrs. C. D. )

Page 57

The Travelers 
The Travelers Insurance Company 
L. Edmund Zacher, President 
Hartford, Connecticut 
April 16, 1934 
BENEDICT D. FLYNN VICE-PRESIDENT AND ACTUARY 
LIFE ACTUARIAL DEPARTMENT 
H. PIERSON HAMMOND, ACTUARY 
ASSISTANT ACTUARIES 
W. RULON WILLIAMSON 
JAMES S. ELSTON 
W. NELSON BAGLEY 
JAMES E. HOSKINS 
WILLIAM H. KELTON 
Division of Revolutionary War Records 
Bureau of Pensions 
Department of Interior 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 
Several years ago you were kind enough to answer a few individual questions of mine. I would like to know if you would kindly tell me just how requests should be made for information about men that may have been in the Revolutionary War. Is it sufficient to give just enough information to identify the person? Of course I can see difficulties in the case of men with common names but the men in whom I am now interested had practically unique names. 
One was Richard Strode of Chester County, Pennsylvania who served as a private in the 5th Company of East Bradford and the 1st Company of West Bradford, Pennsylvania according to the Pennsylvania Archives, Volume 23. These may have been different men. If by any chance there are any pension papers on them will you kindly give me any information of genealogical interest as well as the service record. 
For a number of years I have been searching for the date and place of birth and parentage of Stephen Mead who was killed in the Battle of Minisink. Have you any information about him? I just ran across a note that in 1840 Lewis only ["only" is a handwritten insert] 
Mead of Wantage, Sussex County, New Jersey was receiving a pension at age 75. Undoubtedly Lewis was a son of Stephen so there might be information in his pension papers that would help me materially. 
For upwards of twenty years several of us, off and on, have been trying to trace the Elston family. In fact I am now attempting to compile a genealogy. There were about a half a dozen Elstons in the Revolution according to different
records. I found a notebook, apparently written 50 or 75 years ago, to the effect that my direct ancestor Abraham Elston, was in the Revolution but without any details. Unfortunately he died about 1820 about the time the pension system was started. Could you give me any information about him? He lived near Westfield, New Jersey.

Page 58

Will it be necessary for me to write specially about other Elstons that I might suspect as having served in the Revolution such as Thomas Elston of Pennsylvania, or are your records in such shape and would you be kind enough to look up all of that family name as there are only about half a dozen. 
Very truly yours,
[signature:] James S. Elston JSE: LAK

Page 59

[note: the top of this page is missing] 
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau, Lewis Mead Wid File 26258 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. 
June 1781 . 
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 4 mos. 
RANK. Pvt. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. Gilbert Livingston COLONEL. Fredk Weisenfels 
STATE. N. Y. 

Mch. 1. 1782
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. 
Mch. 1. 1782 
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 9 mos. 
RANK.  " [Pvt.]  
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. Andrew White  COLONEL. Fredk Weisenfels 
STATE. [blank] 

Battles engaged in, [blank] 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Kent Putnam Co. N.Y. 
Date of application for pension, Nov 19, 1832. His cl. was al 
Residence at date of application, Candor, Tioga Co. N.Y. 
Age at date of application, {b at Philipstown Putnam Co N.Y. May 10, 1764. where he lived, 64 yrs. Except 2 1/2 yrs when he lived in N. J. died Jany 15, 1843. 
Remarks: Soldier was the Son of Lewis Mead who lived at Milford Penn. 
Soldier married at Fredericktown Dutchess Co, which was later Kent. Putnam Co. N. Y. Aug. 30 1784 Sarah . . . who was allowed pension on an application executed June 9. 1845 while a resident of Kent N. Y. aged 81 yrs. There were nine children all living except one in 1845; Stephen b. [born] Mch. 31. 1785 and Jeremiah b. Aug. 14 1787 are the only names stated.
Very respectfully, [blank] 
[note in left margin: ] Pensioned Jan. 28, 1911. 
tostar

Page 60

December 19, 1911. 
Hon. Loren Fletcher,  
1910 S Street, N. W. 
Washington, D.C. 
My dear Mr. Fletcher: In reply to your personal inquiry of this date, and the enclosed letter from Mr. George C. Bagley, relative to Lewis Mead who was a Private in the French and Indian War and was a captain during the Revolution, I have the honor to advise you that this Bureau has no record of services rendered
prior to the Revolution, and that a careful search of the Revolutionary War records fails to show that a claim was ever filed on account of the services of any other soldier named Lewis Mead than Lewis Mead Wid. File No. 26,256, whose history was furnished you under date of November 1, 1910, and the papers in said claim afford no further information relative to his father Lewis Senior, than that he resided at Milford, Pennsylvania, in 1780. 
Very respectfully,
Commissioner. 
Enclosure.