Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2216, Asher Williams, Conn. New York

SERVICE
Conn. New York
Williams, Asher Elizabeth
W 2216 B.L.Ht. 18009-160-55
Died Nov. 7, 1845
CONTENTS

Act March 3 142,656 } May 21 / 53
Elizabeth Williams 10/3/53 Asher Williams pm
in the Revolutionary war Claimant is a Pensioner Act July 3 1852 refers to prog on file
Col. Buelow,
Mass. Contl. line,
60 Ac. Mch; 6756,
Ms. July 53 - 29/27/53
MS
Adriel Ely
Watertown
N.Y.
Vol W2 page 14

18
2,921
New York. A.
Elizabeth Williams, widow of Asher Williams
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Connecticut Troop
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66. Dollars 66.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of November 1853 and sent to
C. W. Bennett Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 88. Vol. A.

27.758 New York
Isaac Williams of St Lawrence the State of New York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Waterman of the reg t commanded by Col Ely in the Connecticut line for 20 months private
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of October
Russell and Carleton
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 233.32
Pens on allowance ending March 33.33
$255.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { As June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan d Lloyd Clerk, Book 62 Vol. 4 Page 81
21,344

143,536
Elizabeth widow of Arthur Williams
Rushmore Adelphi Day Matine NY Aug

State of New York
County of St Lawrence
On this 8 th day of May 1855 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Elizabeth Williams aged 83 years a resident of Hermon in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Asker Williams deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution and served in the revolutionary war; that on account of his services she is now a pensioner under the act of February 3 rd 1853 on the Albany New York Agency at the rate of sixty five dollars and fifty six cents per annum by Certificate dated November 18 th 1853 - and moreover 1656 or 1666 cannot tell which - She further states she is unable to state his service; that the whole of his service & the names of his officers she supposes to be on file in the pension office with her declaration for pension under the act aforesaid and also full proof of her marriage - the death of her husband and the date thereof and of her being a widow, to which declaration and the proofs accompanying it she now refers and desires to have it considered as a part of this declaration for the purposes above named. She further states that before marriage her name was Elizabeth Reed and that she was married to Asker Williams in December 1835 and that he died November 7 th 1845. That the said Asker Williams was a Revolutionary pensioner, but had never received bounty land to her knowledge or belief. She further states that she is now a widow.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 d 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. I hereby appoint Adiel Ely of Watertown New York to prosecute her claim and receive her warrant.
Elizabeth * Williams W marks
We Peter Glinton and Daniel Reed residents of Harmon in the state of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Elizabeth Williams in our presence and that we are well acquainted with her and know her husband Asahel Williams and that the said Asahel and the said Elizabeth were believed to have been lawfully married; that they lived together in the relation of husband and wife and were thus respected; that the said Asahel Williams is dead and that the said

Elizabeth has not intermarried since his death but is still his widow and that they have no interest in the claim
Peter Clintsman
Daniel Rice A
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim Ferdinand Richardson Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK, St. Lawrence County, Clerk's Office,
} ss.
I, GEORGE S. WINSLOW, Clerk of said County of St. Lawrence, and also Clerk of the Courts of Record, directed by law to be held therein, do hereby certify, that Ferdinand Richardson before whom the annexed affidavit was made, was, at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized to take the same; and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice, and verily believe his signature to the jurat of the annexed affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County and Courts, this 8th day of May 1853.
George S. Winslow CLERK.

No. 21.244
Asher Williams St Lawrence Co. New York
i
John Leslie Russell Agt. Canton P.O. St Lawrence Co. 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 subjjoined 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 Asahel Williams St Lawrence County 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.     Enlis 1777 2 Private Capt Materson Maj Leayard St Groton 72 years Traditional   " 1777 6 " Capt Smith Cob John Ely To New London   Nov 1778 1 " Capt Wells Gen Sullivan Rhode Island Mindham   Nov 1779 4 " Capt H Brown Col Van = To Providence Connecticut   " 1780 1 " Capt Milsie Ransdall Stationed at   Enlis 1780 6 " Capt Ulvang Br Gen Shepard Gen Poor Gen La Fayette Fort George down Lake Gen. to Scituate to West Point to New Jersey Fort Monmouth  
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 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 (1) 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 _____; 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.
□ 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 traditional 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.

On Rolls Bigelow
1 July 80 bmo. &
discharged 31 Nov 80
On Rolls - Bigelow's
1 July 80 - bmo. - 31 Nov 80.
adm d
Domoprio
$66.66

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
State of New York County of St Lawrence } Sp: On this eighteenth day of December 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of St Lawrence now sitting, Asher Williams a resident of the Town of Depau in the said County of St Lawrence and State of New York, aged seventy two 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. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born in the Town of Plainfield in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut on the 28 th day of September 1760. He has a record of his age in his family bible and his birth is also recorded in the Town books of the said Town of Plainfield.
In the month of April 1777 he thinks about the middle of the month at Plainfield aforesaid he enlisted for two months to serve at Fort Griswold in Groton, in a company commanded by Capt. Abraham Waterman, a resident of the said Town of Plainfield. He does not remember the names of the subaltern officers. Major Ledyard then commanded the Troops at the Fort. He was afterwards Colonel and was killed by Gen. Arnold when he took the fort. He served the term of this enlistment at Groton & was all the time engaged in building the fort. His company was 42 in number and were all discharged, about the middle of June

1777 at Fort Griswold but did not any of them receive written discharges.
Immediately after his discharge at Fort Griswold he again enlisted at Groton for six months under Lieut. Jabez Bottom in Capt. Smith's Company, in a Regiment commanded by Col. John Ely, Connecticut State Troops. About the 1 st day of July 1777 he marched with his company and joined his regiment at New London where they were stationed, and employed in erecting fortifications until sometime in the fall of 1777, when they marched to Rhode Island. When they joined a number of other regiments under the command of Gen. Spencer, who was called "Granny Spencer" by the soldiers for his cowardice in not marching on to the Island. His regiment lay opposite the Island about a week and then marched back to New London and were there stationed until sometime in November or December 1777 when the Regiment received orders to march to Long Island and marched immediately by the way of New Haven - at which place the applicant was with a number of other soldiers, left, sick of the measles, and did not march with the regiment to Long Island. He did not recover from his sickness until after the term of his enlistment expired 1 st January 1778 when he was dismissed at the Hospital in New Haven without any written discharge. He learned whilst in the Hospital that his regiment in attempting to cross over to the Island in sloops were taken prisoners by the enemy. Lieut. Smith was 2 d Lieut. in his company during this six months service.

In the month of August 1778 at Plainfield aforesaid he volunteered to serve one month in the expedition to Rhode Island, in Captain Wells' Company. He does not remember the names of any other commissioned officers in his Regiment. He marched with his Company immediately to Providence and from there to Rhode Island where the company joined the American Forces under General Sullivan. He was immediately employed in digging trenches and carrying fascines. The first day he reached the Island a whole British guard deserted from the enemy and laid down their arms. They were sent to Providence. When the French fleet left the Harbour of New Port our Army retreated to the upper end of the Island, and a part of the Army was engaged with the enemy on the retreat. The next night we retreated across to the main Land and marched to Providence where the applicant was discharged at the expiration of his month's service sometime in September 1778. He did not receive any written discharge. He went home to Plainfield and moved with his mother's family (his father being dead) to Pittstown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York.
In the month of June 1779 (he cannot state the day of the month) he volunteered as a private at Pittstown aforesaid to serve in a company under Capt. Thomas Brown for four months. The Company was raised to protect the inhabitants of Saratoga against the Tories and Indians and was called the Station guards, and was stationed for the above four months at Palmyra town west of Saratoga. There was another Company of New York Troops stationed there also. Adjutant Groesbeck of Schaghticoke commanded the whole. He does not re-

member the names of any other officers. About the 1 st day of November 1779 he was discharged with all his company at Palmestown, having served his term of four months. He did not receive any written discharge.
In the Spring of the year 1780 he thinks in the month of May the first part of the month, an alarm came to Pittstown that the enemy were coming up Lake Champlain, and the militia were called out to march to Fort George. He turned out with his company under Capt. Wilsie, in Col Van Rensselaer's Regiment and marched with the Regiment to Fort George.
Gov. George Clinton commanded the militia in person at this time. At Fort George by orders of Gov. Clinton, and under his command, 200 of the militia assembled, one of whom was the applicant, volunteered to march to Scituate, to ascertain the movements of the enemy and oppose them if necessary. The rest of the militia returned home. The applicant with the volunteers went down Lake George to Ft. Cendroya and remained in that vicinity about two weeks. The enemy did not appear and we marched back to Lake George and were then dismissed about the first of June 1780. He was engaged in the service at this time one month - did not receive any written discharge.
In the same year 1780 about the last days of June at Pittstown aforesaid he enlisted as private in Capt. 'Udang's company in Col Shepard's Regiment in Gen. Poor's Brigade of the Continental Army for six months. He mustered with his company at Great Barrington in Massachusetts on the 1 st day of July 1780. From Great Barrington he marched to West Point & then joined his Regiment. From there he marched to New Jersey, where he was stationed all the Summer principally at Sappan - English Neighborhood.

and other places in the vicinity. Genl. Brant was then with the Army - Col Sprout's and Col. Webb's Regiments were with us - There were also several Pennsylvania and Connecticut Regiments with us most of the time. The Regiment of the Ap- pliant lay about 30 miles South of the place of Andre's execution at the time of that event. About the 1 st December 1780 he marched to Fort Montgomery, and from there to West Point to Winter quarters. At the expiration of his term of service on the 1 st day of January 1781 at West Point he was discharged and received from Col. Shepard who was then Col. Comd. of the Brigade Genl. Putnam being dead a written discharge signed by Col. Shepard and by some Genl l officer, whom he does not remember. The discharge has been lost or destroyed more than 40 years. During this service on one occasion he marched with a division of the Army to the coast opposite Staten Island for the purpose of taking the Island, in the night time, but the boats did not reach us until after light and the attack was given up.
The applicant says that as above stated he served as a private in the Revolutionary war at the said different times the full term of one year and seven months - to wit 2 months at Groton - 6 months in Col. Ely's Regiment of Connecticut State troops - 1 month at Rhode Island - 4 months at Palmestown - 1 month on the Alarm at the North - and 6 months Continental service. He has no written or documentary evidence whatever of his services, and does not know where there is a living witness who can tes- tify to any of his services.
He resided in Pittston aforesaid two years after the close of the Revolutionary war and then removed to Royalton in Vermont where he

lived six years and then removed to Campbell's Bush in the County of Montgomery in the state of New York and has ever since resided in the state of New York, in the towns of Roxbury, Blenheim Broon, Pamelia, Leray and, Depau where he now resides. In the town of Pamelia and the ad- joining town of Leray he has resided the greatest part of the time, and removed from the last na- med town in the month of February last to the town of Depau aforesaid where he now lives. There is no clergyman in his present vicinity, and he has been but a very short time acquainted with any of his present neighbors. In his former neighborhood he is well acquainted with Eli Davis a clergyman residing in the said town of Leray and also with Oliver Pierce Esq. in Postmaster of the same place; also with Ebenezer Dunton, Levi Buttsfield, Isaac Rider, Frederick Davis, and Fayette Henrich all his former neighbors for a long time, residing in the said town of Leray in the County of Jefferson and state of New York all of whom have subscribed and made oath to their annexed certificate.
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. Asher Williams
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
A. T. M. CLK

We the undersigned a Clergyman residing in the Town of LeRay in the County of Jefferson and State of New York Frederick Benno Fayette Herrick Isaac Rider Oliver Pierce Post-master Ebenezer Duntin Levi Butterfield all residents of the said Town of LeRay hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Asher Williams formerly a resident of the said Town of LeRay and many years our neighbour and now a resident of the Town of DeKalb in the County of St Lawrence and State aforesaid and that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he has formerly resided to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion and further that the said Williams has sustained during his residence in the said County of Jefferson a character of strict integrity and veracity? We the undersigned Sworn to and subscribed { Oliver Pierce the 22 day of October 1832 { Ebenezer Duntin before me the undersigned { Levi Butterfield Justice of the peace in and for { Isaac Rider for the said County of Jefferson { Frederick Benno Alvin Herrick Justice of the peace { Fayette Herrick
State of New York County of Jefferson } ss on this 22 day of October 1832 Personally appeared before me Alvin Herrick the undersigned Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Jefferson the before named persons who have subscribed and sworn to the preceding certificate and made solemn oath.

That the same is true and I do certify that the said Eli Denio is a clergyman and that the other persons named are all residents of the said town of LeRay all of whom are reputable and credible persons whose statements are entitled to full credit and further I certify that I have been acquainted with the said Asher Williams for seven or eight years and do concur in the same statement Alvin Herrick Justice of the Peace
State of New York Jefferson County } ss I Peleg Burchard Clerk of said county do certify that the above named Alvin Herrick Esq: whose name is subscribed to the oath of the above affida- vit was on the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in & for said county commissioned & sworn & duly authorized to take the same. And farther that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavit subscribed is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 23 d day of October 1852 P. Burchard Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Eli Dario who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman residing in the said Town of Le Ray in the County of Jefferson aforesaid, and the former neighborhood of the said Applicant; and also that the other persons who have signed the same certificate are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit, and further that in the opinion of the said Court it is very inconvenient for the said applicant to procure the personal attendance of any of his neighbors who have known him for any length of time, by reason of their distance from the place of session of the said Court and that the applicant is unable to bear the expense of procuring their attendance.
I, Hiram Dorr Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the aforesaid County of St. Lawrence do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mrs. Williams for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office at Canton this 18 th day of December 1832.
H. Dorr clk

In the matter of Ashe Williams Pension application
: 21344

State of New York St Lawrence County } p
I Alvin Dorr Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the aforesaid County of St. Lawrence do hereby certify that the foregoing con- -tains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Arthur Williams for a Pension, and that I the said Clerk delivered the preceding proceedings of the said Court on the 18 th day of December last to J. S. Russell agent for the said applicant as above contained In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal Court this 4 th day of June 1833 A DORR CLK

State of New York County of St Lawrence;
On this 21 st day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty three, before the Subscriber a Judge of the Supreme Court in Open Court at a Circuit Court held in and for the County of St Lawrence State aforesaid, being a Court of Record, personally appeared Mrs Elizabeth Williams proven to me by the oath of Peter Cleitmann of Hermon St Lawrence County, to be a resident of the town of Hermon aforesaid, aged Eighty 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 provisions made by the act of Congress, approved 3 rd February A. D. 1831, viz: That She is the widow of Asker Williams late of said County deceased, who was a private Soldier in the Revolutionary Army, and who was a pensioner of the United States, under act of 7 th of June 1832 at the rate of $66 66 / 100 paid at the Agency in Albany New York - That She was not married to the said Asker Williams prior to the 2 nd January 1800, but at the time hereinafter mentioned, but of which marriage there is no public or private record, She further declares that She was married to the said Asker Williams on the nineteenth day of December in the year 1836. As will more fully appear by the proofs hereto annexed, that her husband the

aforesaid Asker Williams died on the sixteenth day of November in the year 1845 — She further deposes that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension —
Subscribed & sworn to before me this day & year first above written, and I certify that I have no interest in the application as Attorney Agent or otherwise.
Elizabeth her X Williams mark
Daniel Canny a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York —
I do hereby constitute and appoint Clermont M. Bennett of Washington D.C. my true & lawful Attorney for the purpose of prosecuting this my application for a pension, to attend to the same while pending, and to receive the Certificate when issued and to do all things necessary and proper, as fully as I could do, were I personally present. Dated this 21 st day of June 1853.
Witness
Chas. A. Anthony H. S. Winslow
Elizabeth her X Williams mark
State of New York
County of Saratoga: It is hereby Certified that Satisfactory evidence has been submitted before me the undersigned Judge of the Supreme Court, in open Court, at a Circuit Court, being a Court of Record held in & for the said County that Asker Williams late of said County a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at at the rate of $66. 66 / 100 per Annum deceased, died on the sixteenth day of November Eighteen hundred forty five and that he left surviving him the following named Widows & Children, viz: Silas Williams, David Williams, Sally, wife of Cory, Eliza & Mary Ann, who are married, & whose husbands are unknown to and Elizabeth Williams his Widow and who remains still his Widow. Witness my hand this 21 st day of June A.D. 1853
State of New York
Daniel Canny
Judge of the

County of St Lawrence Jp: in the name of the State of New York I do hereby Certify that Hon: David Lady whose Genuine Signature appears attached to the foregoing declaration and Certificate was at the date of the same a Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of New York and presided at the Circuit Court Special Terms held in & for the County of St Lawrence, a Court of Record on the 21 st day of June 1853. duly sworn and sworn, # Witness my hand & Seal of said Court this 21 st day of June A.D. 1853. George S. Winslow Clerk

State of New York St Lawrence County
Be it known that before me a justice of the Peace of the town of Rospie in the county of St Lawrence and State of New York authorised by law to administer oaths in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Nehemiah C. Barker, well known to me, and made oath in due form of law, that he resides in the town of Rospie in the county of St Lawrence, that in the years 1836 & 1837 he resided in the town of Russell in the county of St Lawrence, and during that time held the office of justice of the Peace in and for said County — And this deponent further saith that on the 19 th day of December 1836, he as said justice of the Peace married Asher Williams, a revolutionary soldier to Elizabeth the present widow of said Asher, at the house of said Asher Williams in the town of Hermon in the county of St Lawrence having been sent for from the town of Russell for that purpose, that he knew the said Asher Williams & Elizabeth; and that after their marriage aforesaid they lived together as husband & wife
Sworn & subscribed before me this 13 th day of August 1853. And I further certify that the said Nehemiah C. Barker is a credible & disinterested witness And that I am not interested in the claim of Elizabeth Williams
Horace Pratt J.P.

State of New York St Lawrence County ss:
Be it known that before me a justice of the Peace of the Town of Henson in the County of St Lawrence & State of New York, authorized by law to administer oaths in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Benjamin Coy well known to me and made oath in due form of law that he resides in the town of Henson in the County & State aforesaid and has resided there for eighteen years last past and is fifty three years of age -
And further saith that on the 19 th day of December 1836, he saw & witnessed the Marriage of Asker Williams and Elizabeth his now widow at the house of the said Asker Williams in Henson aforesaid - That said Marriage Ceremony was performed by Nehemiah C. Barker Esq: a justice of the Peace then residing in Russell in said County, That this deponent, was from Henson to Russell at the request of said Asker Williams, to procure the attendance of said justice to marry the said Asker Williams & Elizabeth aforesaid. And this deponent further saith that he was well acquainted with the said Asker Williams in his life time, & knew him to be a revolutionary pensioner, that he lived in the same neighbourhood for several years before & after his said Marriage with the said Elizabeth, that after said Marriage

aforsaid they the said Asahel & Elizabeth lived together as husband & wife after Leah Manning until the death of the said Asahel on the 16 th day of November in the year 1845. That he knew of his death at the time it occurred and attended the funeral .
That he knows the said Elizabeth And that she is now his widow, and is the same person described in the accompanying paper, and resides in Henson aforesaid
Sworn & Subscribed before me this first day of November
in the Year of our Lord 1853.
Benj  with  ami  mark  C  mark  Corey
And I further Certify that the said Benjamin Corey is a Credible & Distinguished Witness, and that I am Not interested in the Claim of the said Elizabeth Williams
Ebenezer H. Welles Justice of the peace

State of New York St. Lawrence County } Clerks office } P
I George S. Winslow Clerk of said County of St. Lawrence and also Clerk of the Courts of records directed by law to be held therein do hereby Certify that Nehemiah C. Barker a justice making one of the foregoing affidavits was on the 19 th day of December 1836 a justice of the peace in and for said County of St. Lawrence, and that Solomon Pratt and Nathan H. Wildon Esqrs Justices whom the foregoing affidavits were made justices of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized to take the same. And I further Certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justices and readily believe their signatures to the facts of the several affidavits are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County and Courts this 3 rd day of November A D 1853 George S. Winslow Clerk

C. M. Bennett attio Present

In the Matter of Asher Williams appl n Cont for Pension
Deposition of Luther Williams brother

Schoharie County ss Luther Williams of Depewson in the County of Schoharie personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace and after being duly sworn makes oath and Says that he is a brother of Asker Williams that he and his brother Asker resided in the State of Connecticut County of Windham Town of Plainfield in the year of 1777 when his brother Asker went in the service with the State Troops of the said State of Connecticut and was gone the whole summer season probable eight months then he and his brother Asker removed in the town of Pittstown in the County of Albany and State of New York in the spring of 1779 he recalls that his brother Asker went in the service again but don't recollect how long he was gone in the next year of 1780. recollects of his brother Asker going into the service again and did not return until sometime in the winter following and further this Depewson saith not
Subscribed and sworn
Luther Williams
before me this 27th day of August 1834
Simon Frederburgh Justice
I further certify that I believe Luther Williams to be a man of truth and veracity
State of New York County of Schoharie ss. I John Gebhard Jr. Clerk of the said county do certify that Simon Frederburgh before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said county - and that I am acquainted with his hand and seal, 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 first day of September 1834 - John Gebhard Jr. Clerk

Canton P. L. Co NY June 5 th 1883
Hon J. L. Edwards Com o of Pensions Sir
I herewith return the original papers & your statement of the case of Asahel Williams - with the objection under note "i", obviated, which is believed to be all that the requisitions of the department under necessary to the allowance of his pension
Very Respectfully Yours
W. Leslie Russell

5
18,009
5
Dear Cousin

Nov. 1853. N.Y.
Blyth

New York Revol.
Asher Williams Suspended
See letter to John L. Russell 20 Sept 1833-
adm d
Act 7. June 1832.

Q.W.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2216
Elizabeth William Widow
Asher Williams Rev. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853
Index:—Vol. M. Page 336
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mag: who; Ma: H. R. L. 116 "Nov: 45: Boston.

Nov: 11 th 1853
App l . of Elizabeth Williams, Wid w of A. Sher.— St. Lawrence Co.,
N.Y.
Act/53
Reorg:
$66. 66 per An — Com Feb: 3.7853
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business.
C. W. Bennett, D.

Pension Off: 14 th Nov. /53.
Sir, Please Certify the term to which the within named pension was paid, on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully, J. M c Leod
Commissioner Ashe Williams, $66.66. p. an. - Died 5 th Nov. 1845 Paid to death.
Thos. L. Rinde Actg. Auditor.
Francis L. L. G. Thos. Norton, Reader }

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Williams, Wif: of Asher- H. Lawrence County and State of N. York Co, act 3 d Feby: 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7 th June, 1832, Magistrate testifying to the marriage, that he performed the Service & one other witness who was present
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
C. W. Bennett, Esq., Present, Name and residence of Agent
A. B. D. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk.

Washington
Nov. 10. 1853.
Hon. L. P. Waldo Q Court of Pensions & Sir.
I have the honor to enclose herewith the declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth Williams widow of Asahel Williams decd. a late pensioner on Albany N.Y. roll. act 1832 c 766. 66 per annum for the benefit of the 2 d section of the act of 11 th Feby 1853.
Very Respectfully
Your Ob t Serv t
C. W. Bennett

D R Williams In Com d of Pension case of Asher Williams Pens n M ch 4 - 32
Wade

Rose New York
Jan 22 1852,
To the Com g of Pensions, Sir,
You are requested to permit Mr Wade to examine the papers filed in your Office by my father Asher Williams who was pensioned act 7th June 1832 from New York
David R. Williams

Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm. te of Pensions Washington

Canton Holsum 60 N.Y. Sep 29th 1834
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
In the Application of Asahel Williams for a pension, above papers are in file, I send dispositions of James Benedict & Luther Williams a brother in support of his declaration - also a deposition of the applicant. By Benedict's testimony it appears that he & the applicant were hired by the Town of Adams (probably in lieu of drafts) to serve the 6 mos. with the Continental Troops on North River 1780 - The applicant supposes he was hired to enlist. It also appears by Benedict's deposition that both were first placed in Col. Bigelow's Regt. - but that Williams was detached & serve in Col. Shepard's Regt. - Capt. Udney's Company -
The Department will perceive that Mr. Williams has used much diligence, in acquiring his circumstances, in procuring his testimony. He is a man of undoubted character & veracity - if the rules of the department will not admit his services upon this proof it will be a very great hardship in his case -
Resp y Your Mt Servant Moses Russell

In the matter of Asher Williams applicant for Pension
Deposition of James Benedict

State of New York
Montgomery County I James Benedict of the town of Northampton in the county of State aforesaid being duly sworn says that in the year 1780 at the town of Adams in the county of Berkshire & State of Mass this deponent became personally acquainted with Asahel Williams who deponent is informed is an applicant for a pension, that in the month of June in the year aforesaid - this deponent & the said Asahel Williams were hired by the select- men of the town of Adams to do Military duty in the Revolutionary War for the term of six Months to commence on the first day of July following, we were then directed to repair to Great Barrington in said County for the purpose of guarding Muster. after passing muster we were then directed to repair to West Point in the State of New York as soon as possible, we arrived at West Point a few days previous to the 1 st July - remained there about one month improving ourselves in the use of Arms, then left West Point and went to Robersons farm on the East side of the river and were attached to the Brigade under the Command of Genl. Glover. The Regiment was commanded by Col. Biglow and the Company by Lieut. Simons (the Capt being absent) before leaving Robersons the said Asahel Williams was detached from the company to which I belonged and attached to a company of Infantry under the command of Hendang Col. Stepler in the Regiment Genl. Pattons Brigade - from Robersons

forms the troops all marched to the forays and manœuvre in and about there for four months more or less from fort to fort, we then marched for West Point to take up Winter quarters where we arrived and remained until the first day of January 1781 when the said Asher Williams and this deponent were discharged after having faithfully served for the period of six months the period for which we agreed and further deponent saith not James Bennett Subscribed Sworn to before me this 3 rd day of September 1834
E. J. Grinnell Commissioner to take affidavits
Broadalbin Sept 3 rd I certify that I am personally acquainted with James Bennett the person who signed the above affidavit & do say that his statement is entitled to full credit & that he is a man of Respec- tability - & Good Character September the 4 th 1834 Allen Burr Justice of the Peace
State of New York Montgomery County, ss: George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Allen Burr before whom the foregoing affidavit appears to have been sworn and whose name is subscribed thereto, and also whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate of Character, was, on the date of said affidavit and certificate a Justice of the Peace for the said County; and that I have well acquainted with his handwriting & truly believe that his name subscribed to said affidavit & certificate is true. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of my office this 11 th September 1834. Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's office
I, George D. Ferguson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery aforesaid, do hereby certify that Clerk S. Gannell, before whom the foregoing affidavit of James Benedict purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Commissioner of deeds, duly authorized by law to administer Oaths; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe that his name subscribed to said affidavit is Genuine: And I further certify that Allen Puer, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate of Character of said James Benedict was on the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County; and that his name subscribed to said Certificate of Character is Genuine. - The words "in & for said County" inserted above by me.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my Office this 22 d . September 1834
Geo: D. Ferguson

In the matter of Asher Williams Applicant for Pension
Deposition of Applicant

State of New York St Lawrence County ss: On this 15 th day of September 1834 personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the peace in and for said County Ashe Williams an applicant for a pension and being duly sworn deposes and says that the deponent was informed about a year ago that his application for a pension was sus- pended and his papers filed, by reason of his name not appearing on the rolls for a part of his service and that further testimony is necessary. That this deponent during the past summer has travelled four hundred and fifty miles in search of witnesses who were knowing to his services. That he has made diligent search for such witnesses and has not been able to find any person liv- ing who served with him excepting James Benedict who served with the deponent in the Service of the year 1780 at West Point and New Jersey, and also as the said Benedict informed the deponent is now receiving a pension for the same service. That the only other witness whom this deponent could find who knew of his services is Luther Williams a brother of this deponent residing in Delaware County who lived at home while the deponent was in the service. That the deponent served faithfully all the terms stated in his declara- tion. That he has found two persons who are on the pension rolls who served in the

the same regiment with this deponent in the State Troops 1777, but not in the same com- pany, and were not acquainted with the deponent, because Capt Smith Company was not quartered in the Fort with the other com- panies but in a house in New London by themselves, and when they marched to Long Island the deponent was taken sick of the measles and left sick. That the applicant is very poor and with much difficulty has been able to procure the testimony of the said Benedict and Williams.
Sworn before me this 15 th day of September 1834
Asher Williams
S Baldwin Jr Justice of the Peace
State of New York St. Lawrence County, } ss I, Alvin C Jew Clerk of the said County do hereby certify, that Silas Baldwin Junior before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been made was at the time of taking the said affidavit a justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid duly elected & sworn, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice of the Peace and rightly believe that the Signature to the said aff. is genuine
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County at Canton this 29 th day of September 1834 A C Jew CLK