Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6418, Oliver Watkins, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass,
Watkins, Oliver Lucy
W 6418
B. L. Wt. 26457-160-55.
CONTENTS

875 Indiana Madison
Lucy Watkins widow of Oliver Watkins Maj who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Nov r 1837 and sent to
R. H. Martin, Oswego New York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 191. Vol. A.

14473 2282 New York
Oliver Watkins
of Annetego Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Watkins of the Regt: commanded by Col Eason in the Mass s militia line for 14 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 35 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of May 1833 and sent to R. H. Martin
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $71.50 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept r 17.87 $89.37
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 37
19 July 33 Letter to New York Agent

Feb 6, 04 - Com. Is. L. O.
No area sect. Letter ret. L.S.S.
Vol W. page 15.
James
91.036 act Mar 3/55
Dept 23/55
Lucy Watkins wid Oliver Watkins Ohio
General Gits
16 Oct May 24/55
6 in March 10/56
Mr. Hudson
Rev. D. W. 18
Name of Capt required
Claimant must state the name of his Captain in order to ascertain the service
3rd Auditor's Office February 21 st 1856
Not for publication
Auditor
C. W. Bennett
Present

Paper in application of Lucy Watkins for Pension under act of July 29 1848.
Handwriting with Mr " " "

State of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire
Cyrus Stowell and Hervey Stowell each now living in the town of Peru in the county of Berkshire and state of Massachusetts each being duly sworn says that he the said Cyrus Stowell is eighty three years of age and the said Hervey Stowell that he is seventy six years of age And the said deponents say that they were well acquainted with Oliver Watkins deceased a pensioner of the United States and with Lucy Watkins his widow now a resident of Hobart Lake county, State of Indiana and an applicant for the benefit of the act of Congress of the 29 th of July 1848 and that the name of the said Lucy Watkins before she was married and when they first became acquainted with her was Lucy Loomer.
Deponents further state that said marriage took place in the town of Partridgefield (now said town of Peru) in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight. That they were not present at the marriage of the said Oliver Watkins and the said Lucy Loomer, but that said marriage was a matter of public repute at the time. That deponents know that the said Oliver Watkins and the said Lucy Watkins lived together in the town of Partridgefield (now Peru) in the county of Berkshire aforesaid as husband and wife from the time of their said marriage in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight until the year one thousand eight hundred and six; and that there were several children of the said Oliver Watkins and the said Lucy his wife born during that time.
Cyrus Stowell Hervey Stowell
The words "in the town of Partridgefield (now in said town of Peru) between the sixteenth & seventeenth lines from

the top of the preceding page intitled.
Subscribed and sworn before me this eighth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. And I hereby certify that the said Cyrus Stowell and the said Hervey Stowell are credible witnesses.
Milo Stowell, Justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire }
Milo Stowell of the town of Peru in said county of Berkshire aforesaid being duly sworn says that he is clerk of the town of Peru. That he has examined the records of said town and that he there finds a record of the intention of marriage of Oliver Watkins late a pensioner of the United States and Lucy Soomer which record is in the following words viz
"This certifies that the intentions of marriage betwixt Mr Oliver Watkins and Miss Lucy Soomer both of Partridge field are lawfully published by me Zechariah Watkins junr Town Clerk"
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows viz
Partridge field (now Peru) August 1 st 1788
Deponent further certifies that there is a record of the birth of a child of the said parties in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine which record is as follows.
"Mr Oliver Watkins and Lucy his wife their

son when born, Orastus Watkins was born December the sixth 1799." _____ and of another in the year 1802 which is as follows viz "Mr Oliver Watkins and Lucy his wife their daughter when born Lucinda Watkins was born May 2 nd 1802"
I Milo Stowell above named depose and say that I hold the office of town clerk in the town county and state aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named as certified by me. Deponent further says that he has made diligent inquiry and search in the town and church records for records of marriages which were solemnized in said town at that period but this deponent has been unable to find any such record or registry and believes that no such record or registry was ever made, and that there is no record of marriages solemnized at that time in existence.
Milo Stowell
The words "records of" in 18 th line of this page interlined Subscribed and sworn before me this eighth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. And I hereby certify that the said Milo Stowell is a credible witness.
E. Haskell, Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire. do certify that E. Haskell Esq and Milo Stowell Esq whose signatures are affixed

to the Certificates on this Sheet, were at the date thereof two justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth: and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to their acts and attestations done in that capacity: And that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Stowell and Haskell and believe their signatures to said certificates are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth the ninth day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fiftyone
Charles Sewg with  the " " "

P. Matthews Cur
949
Lucy Watkins,
W. of Olver,
New York
Aug 25. 1898.
Jefferson St
R.R. chart.
Osage.
NY.

State of Indiana } Lake County }
Personally appeared before me George Earle a justice of the peace of the said County William Watkins who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and says that Oliver Watkins late of Oswego New York died on the 11 th day of February 1833, and that Lucy Watkins his widow is now alive and has continued up to the present time the widow of the said Oliver Watkins, that the said Oliver Watkins was the father of said deponent, and that the said Lucy Watkins is the Mother of said deponent. and further saith not
William Watkins
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10 th day of March 1851 and I certify that the said William Watkins is entitled to credit — George Earle J.P.
State of Indiana } Lake County }
I David R. Pettibone clerk of the Lake Circuit Court do certify that George Earle Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at the date of making the same, and now is, an acting Justice of the peace within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law, that I am acquainted with his hand writing and his signature to the same is genuine and entitled to full faith and credit by all persons therein concerned
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand as clerk and affixed the seal of the Lake Circuit Court this Seventeenth day of March 1851
David R. Pettibone } Clerk }

I George Earle the sustainer of the peace before whom the foregoing affidavit was made. Do hereby Certify that I have been acquainted with the said William Watkins for Fourteen Years and that he is a man of good Moral character,
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 21 st day of March 1857
Geo Earle J.P.

State of New York } Onondaga County } ss
Yersham Wheelock of Pompey in the County of Onondaga aforesaid being duly sworn says that he was acquainted with Lucy Watkins now of Lake County in the State of Indiana, widow of Oliver Watkins deceased a citizen of the United States, from the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety three to the year one thousand eight hundred and one. That during that time the said Lucy Watkins resided in the town of Hensdale in the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts. And that deponent resided within one fourth of a mile of the said Lucy Watkins. That the said Lucy Watkins was married to her said husband Oliver Watkins in the fall of the year one thousand seven hun- dred and ninety eight. That the name of the said Lucy Watkins before her marriage was Lucy Loomer. That deponent was not present at her marriage, but knew that after her said marriage, the said Oliver Watkins and the said Lucy Watkins lived together as husband and wife have so reported. Yersham B. Wheelock
Subscribed and sworn before me this fourth day of April A D one

thousand eight hundred and fifty one and I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the said Gersham Wheelock, and that he is a credible witness — Joseph Baker Justice of the Peace
State of New York Onondaga County } ss I Rufus Cossit Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Joseph Baker Esquire whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate was on the date of the same a justici of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized by law to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said justice and only believe his signature to the said Certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said County the Seventh day of April 1857. Rufus Cossit

State of New York Oscega County } ss
Robert H. Martin of the City of Oscega in said County of Oscega, being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Lucy Watkins a resident of North Township in Lake County State of Indiana. That she is the widow of Oliver Watkins deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States. That deponent was acquainted with the said Lucy Watkins before the death of the said Oliver Watkins, & knew that they lived together as husband & wife until the death of the said Oliver Watkins.
That deponent was well acquainted with the said Oliver Watkins & knows that he drew a pension from the United States for services in the war of the revolution and that the said Lucy Watkins is the identical Lucy Watkins described in the annexed papers, & who is an applicant for a pension.
Robert H. Martin
Subscribed and sworn before me this Eighth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one and I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the said Robert H. Martin and that he is a credible witness.
J. M. C. Higgins
Notary Public

State of New York Queens County } ss I Philander Rathbun Clerk of said County of Queens do hereby certify that James M Polices whose name is subscribed to the within certificate to the affidavit of Robert H. Martin, was on the date of the same a justice of the peace in and for said County of Queens duly authorized by law to take affidavits. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said justice and truly believe his signature to the said certificate is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said County this eighth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fiftyone
RD
P. Rathbun Clerk

State of New York
Oswego County ss On this Twelfth day of
December in the year one thousand eight Hun- dred and and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before Joel Tuller first Judge Samuel Freeman & John Reynolds Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting Oliver Watkins a resident of the Town of Oswego in the County and State afore- said aged Seventy two years who being first sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the fol- lowing declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he was born in the Town of Holliston in the County of Middlesex in the State of Massachusetts on the 29th day of November In the Year one thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty, that he has no record of his age. That he entered the service of the U- nited States on the twelfth day of August in the Year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy, Seven at the Town of Latchford (now called Hild- dale) in the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts, that he volunteered to serve for the term of Three months in a Company of which William Watkins was Captain. Samuel Tice Lieutenant and Joseph Clark rank Sergeant; that the Militia were called at this time to oppose the army of Burgoyne and this applicant with five others including the rank Sergeant above na- med were directed to march to Barnington. On their way to Barnington they halted at Pittsfield where the Militia were collecting in great numbers; that they proceeded immediately on to Barnington and arrived on the Battle ground at about four O'clock in the afternoon of the fifteenth day of August. That the regiment to which this ap- plicant belonged was commanded by Colonel Easton; That this applicant was engaged in the Battle till sunset, and was occupied with others on the following day in burying the dead and guarding prisoners. That on the next day Captain Watkins Company with a portion of the Berkshire

Militia forming a guard proceeded with prisoners to Pittsfield: That the Company of Captain Nathan continued with the guard till it arrived at Patridgefield, when the Company of Captain Nathan halted and the remainder of the guard proceeded on with the prisoners: After remaining four or five days at Patridgefield this applicant pursuant to orders with five others returned to Punnington where they met others of the Berkshire Militia, and proceeded with them to a place called Tull's Mills situated about seven miles from Scheticoke where they formed into a company under Captain Hull; that this applicant was a stranger in this company and cannot recollect the names of the other officers of the Company - that they belonged to a regiment commanded by Colonel Moseley of Westfield in the County of Hampshire: that they remained at Tull's Mills about three weeks were constantly engaged erecting breastworks: That they moved from thence up the river to a place called Difts Mills, about three miles east from Saratoga where they continued erecting breastworks and crossed the River at Saratoga the day of the Battle at Stillwater: on the following day they recrossed the River and marched to Fort Edward: the next day they returned to Saratoga where they remained on the east side of the River until Burgoyne surrendered, and this applicant with the rest of the Berkshire Militia was discharged, and returned home having served about two months and ten days
That he continued to reside in Patridgefield when in the month of September in the year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy nine he volunteered to serve for the term of three months in a Company commanded by Captain Asa Barnes of Lansborough: that the Company formed at Barnes House and marched from

thence to Great Barrington South from Lanesborough forty miles and passed thro the towns of Pittsfield Lenox and Stockbridge. at Great Barrington they joined another company, whose Captain this Applicant cannot name: that the two companies marched to Claverack, (now the City of Hudson) on the North River. leaving Hudson they marched up the river to Greenbush, where they crossed the River and entered the Barracks at Albany where they formed the Regiment of Colonel Chapins and continued there till they were discharged in the latter part of October and returned home. this applicant having served six weeks. that they were called out, in the last mentioned expedition to protect the inhabitants on the Mohawk River in the State of New York. that they received intelligence at Albany, of the retreat of the In- dians and the expedition was abandoned. That in the latter part of June of the following year he again volunteered to enter the service and on the ninth day of July (then) next, in com- pany with five others, viz Amasa Rockwell Amos Thayer Ephraim White, James Sawyer & Elijah Beman proceeded to Stockbridge where this applicant turned out as aforesaid with the others above mentioned to supply vacancies in the Continental Army. then at West Point, at Stockbridge a particular description of their persons were taken and they marched forthwith to West Point, where they were enrol- led in a company commanded by Captain Park, Lieutenant Taylor, orderly Sergeant Wilder, and belonged to the tenth regiment commanded by Colonel Marshall of Boston of the third Brigade commanded by General Sullivan. that they remained at West Point about a month, when crossing the River at West Point they proceeded down the River & crossed over the River to Stony Point. from thence to Orangeburg: thence to English neigh- borhood. thence back to Orange Town.
Col Marshall 10 Regt

That during their occupation of the last mentioned place. Major General of the British Army was hung: from thence they marched to Tortuga and from thence to West Point at Martinique when they arrived about the first December, & remained till the eighteenth day of January Seventeen Hundred and eighty one when they were discharged, and returned home. have served the full term of six months. that this last discharge was in writing not now in the possession of this applicant. That he continued to live in Patridgefield till he attained the age of forty when he moved to Trenton in the County of Onida where he lived till the fourth of March, Eighteen Hundred and forty eight when he moved to his present place of Residence where he has resided ever since. That this applicant has no documentary evidence of his service aforesaid or any part thereof and that he knows of no person who can testify to his service.
That he has written letters and sought evidence from Hunsdale in Massachusetts from the personal knowledge of Amasa Rockwell who this applicant understood was living but has been unable to procure any return or answer That Sylvanus Bishop and Daniel Pease of the Town of Oswego County of Onida aforesaid reside in his neighbourhood and will testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. That Deches of the City of Utica will likewise testify to his character for truth & his belief of his service as aforesaid. from an acquaintance during the residence of this applicant at Trenton in the County of Onida aforesaid
That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except

the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State Sworn to & subscribed. Oliver W. Williams the day & year aforesaid D. McPherson Dep. Clk. of Oswego Co. —
We Sylvanus Bishop and Daniel Pease residing in the Town and County of Oswego, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Oliver Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the above de- claration, that we believe him to be Seventy two 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. Sylvanus Bishop Sworn & subscribed the Daniel Pease day & year aforesaid
D. McPherson Dep. Clk. of Elisha Bacheus of the City of Utica in the County of Oneida Being duly sworn say that he was well acquainted with the above named applicant during his residence in Trenton in the County of Oneida aforesaid. that said applicant was esteemed a man of truth and that this depo- nent concurs in the opinion expressed in the preceding affidavit. Elisha Bacheus Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid D. McPherson Dep. Clk.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opin- ion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served at the States. And the Court further certifies, that it

appears to them that there is no clergyman residing in the neighborhood of this applicant That it appears to them that Sylvanus Bishop Daniel Pease and Eliza Beecher, who have certified in the preceding Certificate, are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
J Turrill J Reynolds Saml Freeman
Judges of the court of Common pleas of Allegany County
State of New York Albany County. ss At Erie Poor Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Albany County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the Matter of the application of Oliver Watkins for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Twelfth day of December A D 1832
Erie Poor Clerk By D McPherson Dep. Clk
In the Matter of Oliver Watkins a Pension applicant
20282

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire Co.
I Sylvania Cole wife of William Cole of Lee in the State of Massachusetts do depose & say that I am the daughter of Oliver Watkins formerly of Patskeepsfield (now Peru) in said State; late of Oswego in the State of New York deceased - that my own mother (whose maiden name was Margaret M c Nall) died at Patskeepsfield in July 1794 - that I was then 9 years old - that he was married to Lucy Loomer about 4 years after the death of my mother - as nearly as I can now remember in 1798 - that I distinctly remember their living together as husband & wife prior to the year 1800 - I lived in my father's family at that time - I recognized the said Lucy as my mother & she recognized & treated me as her daughter - during the time that I knew them to live together as husband & wife as aforesaid 9. Children were born to them - one prior to the year 1800 & the remaining 8. subsequently - that Lucy Watkins now of Lake County in the State of Ind. a is the surviving widow of my said father - & is the same woman whose maiden name was Lucy Loomer as aforesaid & who was married as aforesaid my father & further this deponent saith not - Dated at Lee this

eighth day of February A.D 1857
Sylvina Cole
Berkshire ss.
See February 8 th 1857
Then personally appeared the above named Sylvina Cole & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her subscription —
Before me
H. Champlin Notary Public

State of Indiana Porter County ss
On the 4 th  1 th day of March in the year A.D. 1851, Personally appeared before me the Associate Judges of the North Judicial Circuit of the State of Indiana in open Court, now being held at the Court House in Valparaiso in the said County of Porter - Lucy Watkins a Resident of North Township in Lake County and State of Indiana Aforesaid Age 60 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Law of the United States passed on the 29 th day of July 1848
That she is the Widow of Oliver Watkins who was a prisoner of the United States That the said Oliver Watkins died at Oswego in the State of New York on the Eleventh (11) day of February in the year 1833, and at the time of his death received a pension for services performed in the War of the Revolution in the sum of Dollars and Cents pursuant to a certificate issued at the War Office of the United States which certificate was returned to the pension Agent by declarant upon declarant's receiving from said Agent the balance of pension money which accrues on said certificate from the last semi-annual payment thereof to the day of the death of the said Oliver Watkins That she was married to the said Oliver Watkins on the 30 day of October 1798 in the Town of Peru in the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts By the Rev John Leland and that her name before marriage was Lucy Goomer that her Goomer her Brother Roger Watkins and many others persons not now remembered by her were present at her marriage with the said Oliver Watkins That she knows of no person who was then present at the aforesaid marriage That at the time of her marriage she resided in Hinsdale in the County of Berkshire Aforesaid That she did not keep a family record That she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband Oliver Watkins as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed Declarant further states that at the time the said Oliver Watkins received his certificate as a prisoner

Her Residence in the Town of Oswego in the County of Oswego in the State of New York. That she has not before made any application for a pension. Lucy Watkins
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written in open court
Sworn and subscribed to in open court this 4 th day of March A.D. 1851 before
H. E. Woodruff } Asses. A B Price } Judges
State of Indiana Porter County ss
I William M. Jones Clerk of Porter County Circuit Court do hereby certify that Harvey E. Woodruff and Andrew B. Price before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to was at the time of taking said affidavit the associate judges of said court duly commissioned and qualified and duly authorized to administer oaths take depositions &c and that the foregoing was duly sworn to and subscribed in open court and that said court is a court of record
In Witness of which I hereunto set my name and affix the Seal of said Court this 4 th day of March 1851
Wm Jones Clerk

20282 4
Oliver Watkins Aswego City. New York
Rolls July 10. '80 - 6 mo.
admitted. 10 mo. 22. Private.
$3. 33 2.42 35.75
Robert H. Martin Aswego County New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjunctive 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.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Oliver Watkins Asvego toty. N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Aug. 1778 3 10 1st. Capt W. Watkins Col. Easton Berning Bern 72 Patrid gefield Mass Revolutionary   Sept. 1779 4 2 " Capt Barr — — N. York — —   June 1780 6 Cap Park Col. Marshall — — — —   19 22  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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. The 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 } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the 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 entered 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
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 of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &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 and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 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

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 traditional 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 _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; 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 duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[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 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [e] 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.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
R. Newman

81436
BOUNTY LAND. ACT OF 3 d March 1855 Claim (No. _____) OF Lucy Watkins.
C. W. BENNETT, ATTORNEY, H, Corner of 11th street, WASHINGTON, D. C.
Lucy Watkins

State of Indiana County of Lake } ss.
On this Sixth day of April A. D. 1855, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Lucy Watkins aged 77 years, a resident of North Township in the County of Lake and State of Indiana ; who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Oliver Watkins deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain General Gates in the War of 1812 .
That her husband entered the service at 10 about the day of A. D. 18 12 ; for the term of 6 months and continued in actual service in said War, for the term of Six months and was honorably discharged at 11 on the day of A. D. 18 13 .
And she further states that she is a pensioner which is payable on the 4th of March and the 4th day of September at Indianapolis Indiana
She further states that she was married to the said Oliver Watkins in Pern State of Massachusetts the 30th day of October A. D. 1848; by one John Sedan a pastor of the Presbyterian Church and that her name before her said marriage was Lucy Loomer ; that her husband died at Oswego on the Eleventh day of February A. D. 1833, and that she is still his widow.
And she further states that there is no public record of her marriage—and that there is no private record of her marriage. That she cannot file herewith his Certificate of discharge for the reason that it was lost as he never had any . In addition to the above described actual service she claims for 12 miles from at which he was enlisted, to where he was mustered into service, and for miles, from at which he was discharged, to the said place of his enrolment.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled on account of said service, and mileage under the Act passed March 3rd 1855 . She also declares that she has not received a Warrant for Bounty Land, under this or any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
She hereby appoints C. W. BENNETT , of Washington, D. C. her true and lawful Attorney, with power of substitution, to prosecute this her claim for land, to receive the Certificate or Warrant when issued, and to do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises. Witness: William Watkins  Lucy Watkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year first above mentioned, and I hereby certify that I know the said deponent Lucy Watkins and believe her to be as is above stated, and that she is of the age above stated; and further, that I am not interested in this her claim as Attorney or otherwise. John G. Earle
State of Indiana County of Lake } ss. On this Sixth day of April A. D. 1855, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorized to administer oaths. Dra A. Dibble a resident of said County, to me well known as a credible witness, and who, being by me first duly sworn, doth on his oath state that he is acquainted with Mrs. Lucy Watkins , the above named applicant for Bounty Land—that he has known her for 2 years last past, that he has examined her family record—that he believes the same to be genuine—that it is contained in a book purporting to be the " family record " and printed in the year 1848 ; and that the said record, as far as re-

tates to the marriage of the said applicant and the soldier above named, and of his death, is as follows, which is an exact copy of the same:
and that the said deponent is not interested in the claim.
Subscribed and Sworn to, the day and year first above written, before me, and I certify that I am in no manner interested. John G. Earle Notary Public Justice of the Peace.
Ira C. Dibble
State of Indiana County of Lake and Julia E Brass
On this Sixth day of April A. D. 1855, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, William Watkins
who are to me well known, and who are credible witnesses, and who being by me duly sworn, depose and say, that they are each well acquainted with Mrs. Lucy Watkins the above applicant for a Bounty Land—that they have known her for 37 years last past. That they were acquainted with Oliver Watkins her late husband, having known him for 15 years previous to his death; that they, the said Oliver Watkins and Lucy Watkins lived together as husband and wife, and were reputed so to be, that deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned. That the said Oliver Watkins died on the 11 day of February 1833; and the said Lucy Watkins has been since that day, and still is reputed to be his widow, which deponents believe to be the fact. That she has never married since her said husband's death, and still is his widow, and that her said husband was the identical man mentioned as a soldier in her declaration above, and further, that they were present and saw Lucy Watkins execute the foregoing affidavit by signing her name to the foregoing declaration, and making oath thereto in due form of law, and further, that they, deponents, do reside in the County aforesaid.
Witness John G. Earle
William Watkins
Julia E Brass
Sworn to and Subscribed before me, this Sixth day of April A. D. 1855-
John G. Earle
State of County of ss.
I Hereby Certify, that Esq., before whom the foregoing Affidavits and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signatures thereto are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, for the County aforesaid, this day of 185
Clerk of

Chicago April 8 th 1851 Dear Friend
I enclose papers in the application of Lucy Matthews for a pension. One of the affidavits is on respect defective. the Notary not having attested to the credibility of the witness but as the proof of marriage seems complete without it I have forwarded the papers. An error may have been committed in referring to the act under which the applicant seeks a pension. but I presume such error, if made, would not be fatal to the declaration
Yours Rembrandt

Brief in the case of Lucy Wattum, widow of Oliver Porter — County and State of Indiana act July 29, 1848.
Claim, (“original,” or “for increase.”)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Original.
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband's pension act June 7, 1832. Record proof of marriage in 1798.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
R. H. Martin, Conygo, N.Y.
Examining Clerk.
Gordon Miles

Decr 20 1857 Col. A. Heath Esq.
Dear.
I enclose additional papers in the application of Lucy Watkins for pension under the act of July 29. 1848. I hope, that Matthw. will receive earlier attention, than would be given to an application, now for the first time made.
I am very Resp. y. Yours, R. H. Martin

Pungo. July 9 1857 F. S. Joans Esq.
Dear Sir
Yours of the 5 th instant relating to the application of Lucy Watkins for the benefit of the act of July 29. 1848 has been received -
I have always supposed that in a case where there was no family Record of the marriage in existence no marriage Certificate or Church or Town Record could be procured. That evidence that the applicant lived with the deceased soldier as his wife and that they were known & reputed husband & wife previous to the year 1800. would be satisfactory. Proof of marriage.
This is the rule I believe in regard to applications of widows under the law of September last.
Please inform me of the declaration

of Mrs Watkins omits to state the nonexistence of any proof of the date of her marriage. And also informs me, if the record proof, referred to by you, is not in existence, whether the proof, that the applicant & the deceased jointly lived together, as husband & wife previous to 1800, also will be received as satisfactory evidence of her marriage before that time.
Please inform me in what respect the papers already submitted are defective in the proof last above mentioned?
I am very Respectfully Yours
R A Martin

C. M. Bennett Present.
May 10. 1856. ~
Asks for re-examination of Susp d claim No. 91,036
of Lucy Watkins, Land Act 1855. ~
Woodley Fels 28/56

80. Washington May 10, 1856.
Sir.
I would respectfully request that a re-examination of the suspended claim of Lucy Watkins widow of Oliver for land Act 1855, No. 91.036, may be had under the 2 d section of the act passed amending the said act of 1855.
Very Respectfully Your Ob t Servt B. M. Bennett

✓ 26457
5 Ver. Amys

Although the widow in her claim for bounty land, states that her husband served in 1812, she is evidently mis- taken. He makes no claim to having served in said war.

949 Lucy Watkins
Let R Atchison July 5/51 Let same Oct. 21/51.
3. Ohio July 17/51 875
July 29. 1848.

26457-160-55 R.L.
L.V.S.
(6)
Lucy wid of Oliver Watkins
Sir: In reference to the enclosed letter, you are advised that the records of this Bureau show that Lucy Watkins, widow of Oliver Watkins, was granted bounty-land

Letter of inquiry returned to Com. B. L. O. with No. account of W. H. L. V. S.
2-6-04

To what time has Oliver Wathens, who was a pensioner on the New York Roll under the act of June 7, 1832, at the rate of $35 75 cts per annum now paid?
Pension Office, July 8, 1881
N.B. Died 11 th May 1833, P d to his death W. H. B.

State of Indiana } County of Lake }
On this 28 th day of August in the year One Thousand eight hundred and fifty one, personally appeared before me C. M. Chamberlain, president Judge of the North Judicial Circuit of said State, in open Court now being held at Crown Point in said County of Lake. Lucy Watkins a resident of the town of Hobart in said county of Lake, in the State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in addition to the declaration al- ready made by her, and filed in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 2 d 1848.
That said Deponent was married to Oliver Watkins in the year 1798, in Berkshire county and State of Massachusetts, and that no family record of such marriage was ever kept or made by said Deponent, or by her late husband Oliver Watkins to her knowledge
Lucy Watkins
Subscribed and sworn to before me in open Court this 28 th day of August 1851.
C. M. Chamberlain President Judge.

State of Indiana, ss Lake County .
I (David K Pettibone Clerk of the Lake Circuit Court. Do hereby certify that E. M. Chamberlain President, Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the said State and before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at the time of administering the foregoing Oath. The President Judge of said Ninth Judicial Circuit of said State of Indiana was commissioned and qualified as such and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge, and that the same is genuine and entitled to full faith and Credit by all persons therein concerned
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court at Crown Point this 28 th day of August 1857
David K Pettibone Clerk L. C.

July 31. 1857
Ref. to Glass of Mrs. Lucy Watkins & Walter John Wood- man
Ans New York
FREE
Rev. Nathaniel Emmons Commissary of Puritan Washington D.C.

Peru go. July 26 1851.
Mr Heath Esq
Dear Sir
The application of Mrs Lucy Watkins for the benefit of the law of July 29 1848. has been rejected on account of the deficiency of the proof of her marriage. Please inform me if you require that the additional affidavit which Mrs. Watkins may make in this matter must be made in open Court or whether the affidavit would be received & considered as proof if taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
Please inform me if the application of Walter & John Wooman for pension money due their deceased Mother under the above mentioned act has been recd. at your office. The papers were mailed at this city on the 7th of May last. An acknowledgment of their being received at your office has been received by me,

And my letters desiring information upon the subject have not been answered.
Very Respectfully
Yours
R. A. Martin
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original letter.]

Jany. 19 th 99 Hon. W.E. Mason, Senate.
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6418
Lucy Watkins Wid.
Oliver Watkins Prv. Rev. War
Act: July 29 th 1818
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 307
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Idahara (Modern Agency)
Lucy Watkins, index of Oliver, who was a private Watkins' of Company, Eason's Reg't Mass Inf'ty.
Act July 28, 1898.
$35.75 per share
Commenced March 4, 1848.
R.H. Martin, Esq.
Corners,
New York