Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,881, Rufus Wheeler, Conn. Mass. New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn
Wheeler, Rufus
21 11,881
Mass
Wood, Sarah
B.L.Wt. 99516-160-55.
New York
(Formerly widow)
CONTENTS

2749.
New Hampshire
Rufus Wheeler
of Sullivan in the State of N H who was a Pirate in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by Col D. Duggett in the N H line for 23 Pns 15 Days
Lt. Charles Dickinson
May 18, 1861.
Inscribed on the Roll of N H at the rate of 78 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Dec 1832 and sent to H. Hubbard present
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 $117.48 Semi-ann. allowance ending 21 Mar 33 39.16
$156.64
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H Sp9 Blair Clerk, Book D - Vol. 1 st Page 193.
W

Rufus Wheeler's Declaration
Private
23 Months & 15 days
Alma
$78.32
Mr. A. Hubbard
AR

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of New-Hampshire, } ss. County of Sullivan. }
On this 21 st day of November 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judge of the Court of Probate, now sitting, Rufus Wheeler a resident of Plainfield in the County of Sullivan and State of N. H. aged 72 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 according to his best recollection as to dates. He first engaged at Spofford in the State of New York for five months as a substitute for one Simmons which term he served out in Capt Jacob Dewitt's Company of Rangers of the New York Troops but was not attached to any particular Regiment. He was stationed when not out of camp at Poughkeepsie N.Y. Abraham Collett was his Lieutenant and was a substitute for one David White. He again engaged as a substitute for one William Rose Ensign. He again engaged as a substitute for one David White on the 15th September 1776 and served four months at Peekskill N.Y. in a Company commanded by Capt. Paul Kirkland of Col. McLean's Light Artillery N.Y. Regt. On the 15th of Jan'y 1777 enlisted for seven months in Captain Humphrey's Company of Col. McLean's Light Artillery N.Y. Regt. and served accordingly at Fort Clinton N.Y. - Soon after the expiration of the last seven months again enlisted for four months (in August 1777) and served accordingly at Fort Clinton aforesaid under the command of Capt. Silford of the aforesaid Col. McLean's Light Artillery Regiment. After the completion of the above services he removed to Rehoboth Mass. and enlisted for the  three months on the 7th day of January 1778 in Capt. Beck's Company of Col. McLean's Light Artillery Doggett's Mass. Regt. and served out said months at Warwick R. Island. Soon after this last mentioned service went to reside in Killingly Connecticut and from there volunteered and served two weeks at the time the British came into London under the command of Capt. Buck and Lieut. Tolbert. And at the time Stonington was burnt, turned out and was three days engaged on that account but not in in an organized company. That he has no documentary evidence of the services aforesaid, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services, excepting for the three months in Capt. Beck's Company of Col. Doggett's Mass. Regt.
He further states in answer to the several interrogatories put to him that he was born in Rehoboth Mass on the 7th of October 1760 - that he has has no record of his age - that he was living when called into service at Shrewsbury in the sta- tion of Natick and that he has since the war lived in Upton Connecticut and in Plainfield Vt where he now lives - that he was called into service as above stated - that he was not acquainted with officers other than those above named - that he never had a written discharge - And lastly that he is known to the Rev Dana Glayns of said Plainfield and to Mr Bryant Esq of said Plainfield who can testify as to his character for veracity
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State,
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and _____
We, Dana Clapes residing in Hampden aforesaid and John Bryant residing in the same Hampden hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Ruben Wheeler , who has subscribed and sworn to the above obligation  declaration ; that we believe him to be 72 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. Dana Clapes
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforsaid
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 certifies, that it appears to them that Dana Clayer who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the town of Plainfield and that John Bryant Esq , who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Plainfield and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Saron Newton Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Rufus Wheeler for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 7 th day of November
General New England Register of Probates
23 months 2 weeks & 3 days

Revolutionary War 7148 Vermont Sarah Wood formerly widow of Rufus Wheeler N.Y. Map & Con n who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 40 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. best payants much since 27 July 1868
Certificate of Pension issued 31 st day of Oct 1868 and sent to W m W Caldwell Montpelier Vt
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 188 Vol. H
27 July 1868 J. N. Smith Serr

State of Vermont } District & County of Washington }
ss. In open court
Hon. Timothy R. Merrill, Judge. Present.
On this 9th day of April, A.D. 1861.
Before the Court of Probate personally appeared Sarah Wood aged Eighty three years a resident of Calais in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, that she is the former Widow of Rufus Wheeler deceased, who was a private and rendered the following service. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated according to her belief, That he first engaged on or about the 13 th day of April 1776 at Shougerm in the State of New York for five months, as a substitute for one Simmons which term he served out in Captain Jacob Dewitts company of Rangers of the New York troops, but was not attached to any particular Regiment, was stationed when not out of camp at Phippack N. York, Abraham Catterbank was Lieutenant of said company and William Rose Ensign, He again engaged as a substitute for one David Wheeler on or about the 15 th day of September 1776 and served four months at Pukekill N. York in a company commanded by

Captain Faulkinder of Col McLaughrys N.Y. Regiment, in the month of January 1777 enlisted for seven months in Captain Sturtevant's Company of Col McLaughrys N.Y. Regiment and served accordingly at Fort Clinton N. York, soon after the expiration of the last named seven months again enlisted for four months (in August 1777) and served accordingly at Fort Clinton aforesaid under the command of Captain Silford of the aforesaid Col McLaughrys Regt. after the completion of the above service he removed to Rehoboth Massachusetts & enlisted for three months on the 7 th day of January 1778 in Capt Weeks Company of Col Daggets Massachusetts Regiment, and served said term at Narragansett Rhode Island. Soon after the last mentioned service, went to reside at Killington, Connecticut and there volunteered and served two weeks at the time the British came into New London under the command of Capt Buck and Lieut Talbert, and at the time Stonington was burnt turned out and served three days on that occasion but was not in an organized company, that her said husband was born in Rehoboth Mass, on the 7 th day of October 1760 and that for the foregoing and other services not known to me the said Rufus Wheeler was pensioned under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, at the Rate of about 96.00 per annum which was paid to him at the Portsmouth Agency in the State of New Hampshire, she further states that she

St. Co.
was married to said Rufus Wheeler in Plainfield in the State of New Hampshire on the 10 th day of April 1830, by one Dana Deyes a clergyman and that her name before said marriage was Sarah Bingham at Plainfield . That her said husband died, aforesaid on the sixteenth day of March A.D. 1835, and she further states that she was afterwards married to one Jesse Wood of Strafford in the county of Orange in the State of Vermont on the 9 th day of October 1841 by one Stephen Morrill a Justice of the Peace, that her husband the said Jesse Wood died at Strafford, county and state aforesaid on the 7 th day of December A.D. 1860
That she was not married to said Rufus Wheeler prior to the second day of January 1800 but at the time before stated, that she further states that there is no public or private record of her said marriage to Rufus Wheeler that she has been able to find, that she cannot file herewith the several certificates of service or discharge of her said husband, for the reason as she believes that her husband filed them with his declaration for a pension and she respectfully refers to his declaration for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832 together with the accompanying papers on file in the pension office at Washington City under which he was pensioned at the rate of about 96.00 per annum &

for a pension under the act of June 7. th 1832, together with the accompanying papers on file in the pension office at Washington City under which he was pensioned at the rate of about 96.00 per annum & she further declares that she is a widow.
She hereby appoints Charles Richardson Esq of Amherst New Hampshire - her true and lawful Attorney, with power of substitution to prosecute this her claim for a pension, to receive the certificate when issued, and do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises.
Witness.
Nelson A. Chase. }
J A Wing }
Sarah Wood
Sworn and Subscribed before me, on the day and year first before mentioned, and I hereby certify that I know said deponent Sarah Wood and believe her to be as above stated, and that she is of the age also stated, and further that I am not interested in her claim as Attorney or otherwise.
Witness my hand and seal of said Court affixed by order of said Court now in session, the words "at Plainfield" interlined before signing - L. R. Merrill, Judge of Probate

STATE OF Vermont County of (Orange) , Town of Strafford .
State of Vermont, Orange ss. Be it remembered that at Strafford in said County on the ninth day of October A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty one Capt Jesse Wood of Strafford in said County, and Widow Sarah Wheeler of Morristown in the County of Samuels & State of Vermont, were duly married by me Stephen Merrill Justice of the Peace. Rec d & Recorded Oct 11. 1841, in Strafford Book of Records. Attest Stephen Merrill, Town Clerk. Capt Jesse Wood died at Strafford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont on the seventh day of December A.D. eighteen hundred and sixty, aged Eighty four years, seven months, thirteen days. Rec d & Recorded in Strafford Book of Records for that purpose on the 9th day of February 1861. By S.S. Kibbling 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 records in fair, legible figures, as follows:— (b)
" 9 th day of Oct 1841 7 th day of December 1860.
S.S. Kibbling
I, S.S. Kibbling 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 copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
S.S. Kibbling } Town Clerk of Strafford.
Subscribed and duly sworn to, before me, this 1 st instant day of February A. D. 18 61 .
Daniel Cobb Justice of the Peace.
for transcript of the record, except, that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full.
is in the record.

STATE OF VERMONT.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, }
Montpelier, April 17 1861 }
I Certify that Dennis Cost Esq., whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand-writing to the foregoing Certificate, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange duly qualified, with full power and authority under and by virtue of the laws of said State to administer Oaths and take Depositions, and Acknowledgments of Deeds, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office, this 17 th day of
April A. D. 1861
A. M. Day
Secretary of State.

STATE OF New Hampshire County of Sullivan • Town of Plainfield
(a) Rufus Wheeler, age seventy five, occupation Doct., residence Plainfield, date of death March sixteenth eighteen hundred and thirty five.
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:— (b) "March 16 th 1835."
(signed)
Charles P. Fifield, Town Clerk
I, Charles P. Fifield 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 copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
(signed)
Charles P. Fifield, Town Clerk
Subscribed and duly sworn to, before me, this 22 nd day of March A. D. 1861
(signed)
Charles Richardson Justice of the Peace
Notary Public
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except, that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full.
(b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.
I, Charles P. Fifield, further depose that I have made search in the records in my office as Town Clerk, and do not find the marriage of Rufus Wheeler and Sarah Bingham recorded. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22 nd day of March A. D. 1861
(signed) Chas. P. Fifield,
(signed) Charles Richardson Notary Public
copy of certificate filed with declaration for County Court

Copy of affidavit filed with declaration for county 9- and -
and Levi Bryant of Plainfield in the county of Sullivan and state of New Hampshire, depose and say, that I have resided in this town, for more than forty five years, and was Town clerk for eleven successive years, and was such in the year of 1830; and believe that I published the banns of matrimony between Rufus Wheeler and Sarah Bingham during that year; and that it was not customary to keep a record of publications. I had a distinct recollection of their marriage in this town and of their living together as husband and wife, and that they lived within a mile of me, until his decease, which occurred about the year 1835, - that I was intimately acquainted with them - saw them often, and never heard their marriage questioned. I also knew the widow well after his decease, and other marriage to one Depe Wood, afterwards. I further depose, that I was present at the funeral of said Rufus Wheeler, but don't recollect the exact date.
(signed) Levi Bryant.
State of New Hampshire } Sullivan County s.s. } 21 st day of March 1861
Sworn to and subscribed this
Before me (signed) George Bryant Justice of the Peace.

I, Perley Fifield of Plainfield in the county of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, make oath that I have been a resident of this town about sixty years last past; - that I was acquainted with Rufus Wheeler and wife, and well recollect the time of their marriage, which occurred in the spring of 1830. - that they resided within a mile of me, until his decease which took place about five years afterwards, I frequently saw them, knew that they lived together as husband and wife, and never heard that fact questioned. - that the said Rufus Wheeler was a pensioner until his death. I further depose that I have no pecuniary interest in the result of Mrs Wheeler's application for pension. (signed) Perley Fifield
State of New Hampshire } Sullivan County s.s }
Sworn to and subscribed this 22 nd day of March 1861 - Before me,
Charles Richardson Notary Public
(seal)
Copy of affidavit filed with Mrs Wheeler's declaration for bounty same -

16 George Bryant of Plainfield in the county of Sullivan and state of New Hampshire, depose and say that I was formerly well acquainted with Rufus Wheeler and his wife Sarah. - that they were near neighbors. I recollect distinctly of their marriage, and also of his calling upon my late brother John Bryant to perform the ceremony, but he declining, I think the marriage was solemnized by the Rev. Dana Belles then a clergyman of this place, on or about the tenth day of April 1830, - that they ever after lived together as husband and wife, until his decease about five years afterwards, and I never heard it questioned that they were such, I further say that I find among my papers an original order, showing the time of decease, and her signature as his widow, which is herewith attached. She, the said widow Wheeler was afterwards married as I then understood, to one Depe Wood. I also say that I have no pecuniary interest in the result of Mrs. Wheeler's application for pension or bounty land.
(signed) George Bryant.
State of New Hampshire } Sullivan County s.s } this 21 st day of March 1861
Sworn to and subscribed
(signed) Levi Bryant Justice of the Peace.
Copy of affidavit filed with Mrs. Wheeler for bounty land this day -

May 9. 1835.
Mr. John Bryant.
You will please to pay over to Rufus Wheeler the arrearage of my late husband Rufus Wheeler's Pension that I empowered Josiah G. Hadley to receive for me from the 4 th of September 1834 the 16 th of March 1835, the time of his death, - which pension is to come through your hands, and out of which you are to retain such sums for your services and expenses as you and he may agree upon.
(signed) Sarah Wheeler.
May 9. 1835. Received of John Bryant, thirty nine dollars being the net amount of the above named arrearage of Pension after deducting two dollars and seventy six cents for the fees & expenses of procuring the money of from the agent in Portsmouth.
(signed) Rufus Wheeler.
copy of an original order attached to George Bryant's affidavit -

State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss. I Edward S. Cuntz Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for said County hereby cer- tify that Charles Reclindon, Esquire and Sylvanus Bryant, Esquire, are both acting Justices of the Peace, the former within and for the County of Hillsborough and the latter within and for the County of Sullivan in said State, and duly authorized to adminis- ter oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds &c and whose signatures appear to the certificate and affidavit hereto an- nexed, and which in my belief are gen- uine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court This tenth day of June A.D. 1861 E. S. Cuntz Clerk

State of New Hampshire County of Sullivan Town of Cornish
I hereby certify that on the eighth of April (a) eighteen hundred and thirty Mr Rufus Wheeler of Fairfield Me. & Mrs Sarah Bangham of Cornish Me. were united in marriage by me Gideon Williams Pastor of the 1 st Baptist Church in Cornish Society 3 New Hampshire
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:—(b)
on the "8 th of April 1830"
John D. Breck
I, John D. Breck 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 copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
John D. Breck } Town Clerk Cornish first
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this first first day of April A. D. 1861
Silvanus Bryant Justice of the Peace
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full. (b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.

Charles H. Carter of Montpelier in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, depose that I was present at a probate Court at Montpelier in said County at the time Sarah Wood formerly the widow of Rufus Wheeler, made a declaration before said Court for the purpose of executing the papers to obtain a pension a pension, that she in that declaration stated that she was married to said Rufus Wheeler by Rev d Dana Blayes then a minister in the town of Plainfield in the State of New Hampshire, but that afterwards on further enquiry and upon reflection she stated that she was married to said Wheeler as aforesaid by Rev d Sibton Williams pastor of the Baptist Church in Barnish a town adjoining the town of Plainfield, that Mrs Wood is somewhat broken in health & her mind somewhat impaired, which I believe to be the cause of her mistake in the clergyman who married her,
Charles H. Carter
State of New Hampshire, County of Hillsborough ss On this 5 th day of June 1861 - Personally appeared before me Charles H. Carter a respectable person, and entitled to credit as a Witness and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed Before me Charles Richardson, Justice of the Peace

Act Mar 3/55 314.083 May 7/61
Sarah Wood Her wid of Rufus Wheeler Private Rev. War
5 99516
Bounty Land.
160 acres.
Allowed -
L.M. Drury.
MR
Charles Richardson Amherst N.H.

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
F. S. M. E. C.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., October 22, 1895.
Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Rufus Wheeler --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. On Apr. 15, 1776, he enlisted at Shengum, N.Y., and served 5 months as a substitute for one Simmons, in Capt. Jacob DeWitt's company of Rangers, N. Y. troops; from Sept. 15, 1776, served 4 months as a substitute for David Wheeler, in Capt. Faulkner's company, in Col. McLawthrey's (?) regiment; from August, 1777, served 4 months as a private in Capt. Tilford's company in the same regiment. He then removed to Rehoboth, Mass., and on January 7, 1778, enlisted in Capt. Hocks' company, Col. Daggett's Mass. regiment, and served 4 months at Warwick, R. I. Removed then to Killingly, Conn., and at the time New London was burned served two weeks in the company commanded by Capt. Buck; also served 3 days when Stonington was burned but not in any organized company.
Battles engaged in,
None.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, above above.
Date of application for pension, November 2, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Plainfield, Mass.
Age at date of application, Born, Rehoboth, Mass., Oct. 7, 1760.
Remarks: He married Sarah Bingham Apr. 10, 1830, and died March 16, 1835. His widow afterwards married Jesse Wood (on Oct. 9, 1841), who died Dec. 7, 1860.
Very respectfully,
Mr. Clarence E. Peirce,
Commissioner.
Pawtucket, R. I.

Prog WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11881
Sarah Wood
Germanic Natl
Rufus Wheeler
Rev Rev. War
Act: Feby 3 d 183 July 27/6
Index:—Vol. (M) , Page 356
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Oct 22/93 H. S. & Clarence E. Pawtucket, R. I., M. E. L. Pierce

Nov. 7. 622.
Sarah Wood -
formerly wid.
of
Rufus Wheeler
N.H.
Let. Charles Richardson
May 18. 1861.
Let 3 rd Feb. 1861.

99.516
S
160 acres

[A large, stylized calligraphic flourish or signature, possibly a letter 'J' or 'G', is written in the upper center of the envelope.]
Hon Commissioners of Pensions Washington D.C.

Vermont -
Sarah Wood formerly widow of
Rufus Wheeler.
Private in Col. Dazett Regt. in the Revolution -
Pension at the rate of per ann $7832., to commence on the 4 th Decem r 1860.
Certificate of Pension issued 24 th June 1861.
• Sent to Charles Richardson Amhurst. N. H.
Act 3 rd Feb. 1853.

No 1048.
Vermont. St Johnsbury
Sarah Wood, - formerly widow of Rufus Wheeler
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 78 dollars 32 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. the 7 th Dec. 1860
Certificate of Pension issued 24 th day of June 1860. and sent to
Charles Richardson Amherst N. H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 183 Vol. II

314.083
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Amherst N. H. May 2 d 1861.
Hon Comm r of Pensions
Sir, I herewith enclose the declaration and application of Sarah Wood formerly the widow of Rufus Wheeler a pensioner for bounty Land for the services of said Rufus Wheeler in the Revolutionary war - a declaration will also accompany this for a pension for said Sarah Wood - Please send the bounty Land certificate to my address & much oblige
Yours truly,
Charles Richardson

Increase Brief in the Case of 7048 Sarah Wood formerly Widow of Rufus Wheeler Prior Res. Calais St John Washington County and State of Vermont 2 o per Act Feb 3. 1853
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pensioner on the roll of Vermont at $78.32 per Annum. She returns her certificate with her application for increase as provided by the Act of July 27. 1868.
Personal identity - Widowhood shown.
Admitted Oct 27 1868 to a pension at $96. per Annum to commence July 27 1868 deducting pay since.
Name and residence of Agent.
M rs H. Cadwell
Montpelier
Vermont.
H. E. Trask. Examining Clerk.

Montpelier Oct 20 th 1868
Genl Chas C. Cox
Sir
Herewith please receive the Declaration of Mrs Sarah Wood formerly the widow of Rufus Wheeler a Pensioner under the 2 d Section of the act of Congress approved February 3 rd 1853 who has made the enclosed declaration to obtain an increase of her pension as provided in the last Clause of the 13 th Section of the act of Congress approved on the 27 th July 1868 being an act to amend the United States Pension laws. I also enclose her old Pension certificate to be changed for a new certificate granting her increase. If any more is required please advise me. and I will endeavor to furnish such other proofs as may be required.
I Am Sir Yours Very Respectfully William W. Cady

Brief in the case of Sarah Wood formerly widow of Rufus Wheeler Washington County and State of Vermont. Allowed act 3 d Feb. 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Rufus Wheeler was a Pensioner under act 7 th June 1832, at the rate of $78.32. per ann.
Record evidence of marriage of claimant with Rufus Wheeler.
" " " death of Rufus Wheeler 16 th March 1835.
" " " marriage with Jesse Wood.
" " " death of " " 7 th December 1860.
Identity & widowhood proven by Satisfactory testimony & by certificate (If for increase.) of Court.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
See papers on file in County Court claim No. 314.083.
Allowed at the rate of $78.32. per ann. to commence 7 th December 1860.
Name and residence of Agent
Charles Richardson.
Amherst. New Hampshire.
L. M. Drury.
Examining Clerk.

Payment to be made at Sohnsburg Vermont. by Edw a C Reddington, Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Vermont
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March,
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 183 88 Vol. 11
W. E. Gaper Clerk.

Ex 2 J.P.G.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, Sarah Wood formerly
widow of Rufus Wheeler who was a Private _____ in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Seventy eight dollars and thirty five cents per annum, commencing on the 7th December 1860. 3d of February, 1858, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this 24 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.
Caleb B. Smith
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
Joseph A. Barrett,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sept. 4/61. Rendered in Calais two months previous Strafford Vermont.
Amount due on this Certificate for Pension Office calculation 4/18/71.
78.32 39.16

Amherst New Hampshire May 2 d 1861.
Hon Commissioners of Pensions Washington City -
Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose the declaration of the Widow Sarah Wood formerly Widow Sarah Wheeler for a pension for the services of her former husband Rufus Wheeler who was a pensioner - I have this day sent to the Pension office the declaration of Mrs Wood for bounty Land ; & respectfully refer to her declaration as above for evidence of Mrs Wheelers Marriage to Rufus Wheeler & the death of said Wheeler & other Matters - copies of which is hereunto annexed to this declaration.
Please send the Pension certificate to my addres as above and much oblige
Yours truly. Charles Richardson

Amherst New Hampshire, June 8, 1861.
To the Hon. Commr of Pensions.
Dear Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 7th of May last in the case of the application of Mrs Sarah Wood the former widow of Rufus Wheeler dec'd for a pension under the act of Feb 3 d 1853 I find that Mrs Wheeler was married to Rufus Wheeler by Gibbon Williams a Baptist Clergyman of Cornish a town adjoining Plainfield - and I append the affidavit of Charles H Carter Esq in relation to the circumstances - Mrs Wood being still in Vermont I hope the enclosed affidavit and the certificate of the Town Clerk of Cornish will be satisfactory evidence of their marriage by Elder Williams -
Respectfully Yours,
Charles Richardson,

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
O. W. & N. Div.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
P. S.
WASHINGTON, D. C., October 22, 1895.
M. E. C.
Sir:
In response to your request for the military record of Comfort and Rufus Wheeler, soldiers of the Revolutionary war, you will find enclosed official statements containing the desired information.
Owing to the pressure of other and more important work of the Bureau and to the fact that there is no appropriation of money for carrying on work of this character, it would be impracticable to supply you with the history of all Revolutionary soldiers bearing the surname Wheeler who received pensions for their services in that war.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Clarence E. Peirce
Pawtucket, R. I.

State of Vermont Washington County S.S. } On this 8 th day of October A.D. (1868.) one Thousand eight hundred and sixty eight personally appeared before me Fernando C. Putnam a side judge of the County Court, within and for the county and State aforesaid Sarah Wood formerly the Widow of Rufus Wheeler Aged Thirty one years, a resident of Calais, in the State of Vermont, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares That she is the identical Sarah Wood, to whom was granted pension certificate No 7048, payable at St Johnsbury in the State of Vermont, at the rate of Seventy eight dollars and thirty two cents per Annum, issued under the Second Section of the Act of February 3 rd 1853. That she Makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the Thirteenth Section of the Act of July 27 th 1868.
I hereby constitute and appoint William W. Cadwell of Montpelier, County of Washington and State of Vermont my true and lawful attorney to act for me and in my behalf and to present this declaration for an increase of my pension and to do all matters and things necessary for the adjustment of the increase of my Pension & the remainder thereof
My Post office Address is as follows: Calais State of Vermont In presence of,
Sarah her  x Wood mark
Also personally appeared Hoi R. Pecksbury and Roena Newton, residents of Calais in the county of Washington and State of Vermont, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Sarah Wood, make

her Mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the Applicant and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Wm. R. Newberry Roena Newton
Sworn to and subscribed before me this eighth day of October A.D. 1868. And I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim, and that I subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said County of Washington on the day and year last above written.
Fernando C. Peterson } Assistant or side judge of Washington County Court

Meriden Nov 28. 1832
Dear Sir
I now herewith send the Declaration of of Rufus Wheeler of this town whose name you will find on my docket at latter end. He has no proof except for 3 months at Rhode Island - see David Robbins Affidavit. whereon you will please certify as to my capacity as a magistrate - I hope you will succeed in this case in all the other cases - I then to beg your earliest attention to my bundle of claims for the reason that possibly some of the Declarations made in Grafton Co may be bad. and new ones may be come necessary. and Judge Webber will hold a Court at Lebanon on or about the 18th of Dec r expressly to do Purior business. previous to which I should be pleased hear from you -
Respectfully Yr Ob st Serv t
J. Bryant
MS Ralph Thompson will be sent by next mail

David Robinson's Affidavit

David Roberson of Cornish in the County of Sullivan state of New Hampshire aged 71 years depose and say that I have seen the Declaration made by Rufus Wheeler of Hanifield in said County before the Honorable Court of Probate on the 21 st of Nov r instant in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of June 7. 1832 for Revolutionary services and verily believe the same to be true for the reason that I have long been well acquainted with said Wheeler and have often heard him speak of his said services, during the performance of a small part which we were actors and soldiers together to wit during the three months mentioned by him in 1778 in Capt Hicks company of Col. Daggets Massachusetts Regt. I was at that time a private in Capt McIntoshs company of the same Regiment and stationed at the same place, that is Warwick in the State of Rhode Island and there frequently saw said Wheeler doing duty in said Captain Hicks company in the Regiment aforesaid. Took other services I cannot testify as I was not with him at any other time — David Roberson
State of New Hampshire Sullivan ss } Sworn and subscribed on this 24th day of November 1832 before me John Bryant Just. Peace
I certify that David Roberson the above deponent is a cred- ible witness — John Bryant Just Peace

The State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss.
I Edward S Cutter, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for said County of Hillsborough, hereby certify that George Bryant, and Levi Bryant Esquires, before whom the annexed affidavits were respectively sworn to, and who have sub- scribed their names to the certificate of such oaths, were at the time of so doing, acting Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Sullivan in said State.
And that Charles Richardson, Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavit was sworn to and who has subscribed his name and affixed his seal as Notary Public to the certificate of such oath, was, at the time of so doing, a Notary Public within and for said State, duly qualified and sworn, and duly qualified to admin- ister oaths &c, and that their said signa- tures are in my belief genuine, —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 22 nd day of April A.D. 1861. C. S. Cutter, Clerk S.H.C.

State of New Hampshire County of Sullivan Town of Plainfield
(a). Rufus Wheeler, age seventy five, occupation Doct., residence, Plainfield, date of death March sixteenth eighteen hundred and thirty five.
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:—(b)
"March 16 th 1835" "
Charles P. Fifield Town Clerk
I, Charles P. Fifield 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 copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Charles P. Fifield Town Clerk
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this 22 nd day of March, A. D. 1861.
Justice of the Peace Charles Richardson Notary Public
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full.
(b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.
I Charles P. Fifield, further depose that I have made search in the records in my office as Town Clerk, and do not find the marriage of Rufus Wheeler and Sarah Bingham recorded.
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this 22 nd day of March, A.D. 1861.
Charles Richardson Notary Public
Chas. P. Fifield

I, Levi Bryant of Plainfield in the county of Sullivan and state of New Hampshire, depose and say, that I have resided in this town, for more than forty five years, and was Town clerk for eleven successive years, and was such in the year of 1830, - and believe that I published the banns of matrimony between Rufus Wheeler and Sarah Bingham during that year; and that it was not customary to keep a record of publishments. I have a distinct recollection of their marriage in this town, and of their living together as husband and wife, and that they lived within a mile of me, until his decease, which occurred about the year 1835, - that I was intimately acquainted with them, saw them often, and never heard their marriage questioned. I also knew the widow well after his decease, and of her marriage to one, Jesse Wood, afterwards. I further depose that I was present at the funeral of said Rufus Wheeler, but don't recollect the exact date.
Levi Bryant
State of New Hampshire, Sullivan County ss. Sworn to and subscribed this 21 st day of March 1861
Before me George Bryant Justice of the Peace.

I, Perley Fifield, of Plainfield in the county of Sullivan and state of New Hampshire, make oath, that I have been a resident of this town about sixty years, last past, — that I was acquainted with Rufus Wheeler and wife and will recollect the time of their marriage, which occurred in the spring of 1830, — that they resided within a mile of me, until his decease, which took place about five years afterwards, — I frequently saw them, knew that they lived together as husband and wife, and never heard that fact questioned, — that the said Rufus Wheeler was a pensioner until his death, — I further depose that I have no pecuniary interest in the result of Mrs. Wheeler's application for pension.
Perley Fifield
State of New Hampshire
Sullivan County ss. } Sworn to and subscribed this 22 nd day of March 1861.
Before me
Charles Richardson Notary Public.

344.083

I, George Bryant, of Plainfield in the county of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, depose and say that I was formerly well acquainted with Rufus Wheeler and his wife Sarah, - that they were my near neighbors, I recollect distinctly of their marriage, and also of his calling upon my late brother John Bryant to perform the ceremony, but he declining. I think the marriage was solemnized by the Rev. Dana Clayes then a clergyman of this place, on or about the tenth day of April 1830. - that they ever after lived together as husband and wife, until his decease about five years afterward, and I never heard it questioned that they were such. I further say that I find among my papers an original order, showing the time of decease, and her signature as his widow, which is herunto attached. She, the said widow Wheeler, was afterward married, as I then understood, to one Depe Wood. I also say that I have no pecuniary interest in the result of Mrs. Wheeler's application for pension or bounty land.
George Bryant
State of New Hampshire Sullivan County ss } Sworn to and subscribed this 21 st day of March 1861.
Before Me
Levi Bryant Justice of the Peace

May 9. 1835
M c Mrs Bryant
You will please to pay over to Rufus Wheeler the arrearage of my late husband Rufus Wheeler, Pension that I empowered Joseph G. Hasley to receive for me from the 4 th of September 1834 the 16 th of March 1835 the time of his death which Pension is to come through your hands and out of which you are to retain such sum for your services & expenses as you and he may agree upon - Sarah E Wheeler
May 9. 1835 Rec d of Mrs Bryant Thirty nine dollars being the net amount of the above named arrearage of Pension after deducting two dollars and seventy six cents for the fees & expenses of procuring the money from the Agent in Portsmouth -
Rufus Wheeler

Rufus Wheeler Receipt for the arrears of the late Rufus Wheeler. Pension -
41.76
3/14.
1861

STATE OF VERMONT.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, }
Montpelier, April 17 1861 }
I Certify that Phineas Walker Esq., whose name is subscribed in his own proper handwriting to the foregoing Certificate, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace , within and for the County of Orange duly qualified, with full power and authority under and by virtue of the laws of said State to administer Oaths and take Depositions, and Acknowledgments of Deeds, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office, this 17 th day of April A. D. 1861
M. Gaily Jr. Depty
Secretary of State.
17

STATE OF Vermont County of Orange Town of Stratford
(a) State of Vermont Be it remembered that at Stratford in Orange County ss 35 said County on the Ninth day of October A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty one Capt. Jesse Wood of Stratford in said County, and William L. Smith of Mendon in the County of Lamoille & State of Vermont, were duly joined together in Marriage By me Stephen Merrill Justice of Peace Recd & recorded Oct 11. 1841 in Stratford Book of records Walter S. Hapgood Town Clerk
Capt. Jesse Wood died at Stratford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont on the 7th day of December A.D. 1860 age Eighty four years seven months thirteen days Recd and recorded in Stratford Town Clerk's office in a Book for that purpose on the 9th day of Feb 1861 By S.S. Kibbling Town Clerk A true Copy of record Attest S.S. Kibbling T. 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:— (b) "9th day of Oct. 1841"
I, S.S. Kibbling 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 copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
S.S. Kibbling } Town Clerk
Subscribed and duly sworn to, before me, this 11th day of February A. D. 1861
Phineas Walker Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF VERMONT.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE,
Montpelier, April 17. 1861 }
I Certify that John N. R. Hunt Esq., whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand-writing to the foregoing Certificate, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace , within and for the County of Washington duly qualified, with full power and authority under and by virtue of the laws of said State to administer Oaths and take Depositions, and Acknowledgments of Deeds, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office, this 17 th day of April A. D. 1861
M c Gehee
Secretary of State.

STATE OF Vermont Town of Calais County of Washington
Personally came Luke Vincent & Charles H. Carter the residents of the Calais & Montpelier State aforesaid persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, say, that they were present and saw the signature of Sarah Wood to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant, that she is the identical person she rep- resents herself to be; and that they deponents, do reside in the Towns aforesaid aforesaid, and that they are disinterested. & the said Luke Vincent farther says he has visited at Rufus Wheelwright he was living with the said Sarah Wood as Man & Wife and that she is now a Widow. Luke Vincent Chas. H. Carter
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this twenty eighth day of January A D 18 61 . Before me John B. Kent Justice of Peace

State of Vermont COUNTY OF Washington
ss.
On this twenty eighth day of January A. D. one thousand eight hundred and Sixty one , personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of State aforesaid, Sarah Wood - aged Eighty three years, a resident of Calais in the State of Vermont ,
who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the former widow of Rufus Wheeler deceased, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. that she is not informed of the service rendered by her said former husband Rufus Wheeler, but that he was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7 th 1832. at the rate of $1000 per annum which was paid him at the pension agency at Concord a Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire. that she was married to said Rufus Wheeler in Plainfield in the State of New Hampshire on the Tenth day of April A.D. 1830 by one Dana Clays a Clergyman and that her name before said marriage was Sarah Bingham . that her said husband died at Plainfield on the Sixteenth day of March A.D. 1835 and she further states that she was afterward married to Jesse Wood of Strafford in the County of Orange & State aforesaid on the 9 th day of October A.D. 1841 by one Stephen Morrill a Justice of the Peace. that her husband the said Jesse Wood died at said Strafford County & State aforesaid on the 7 th day of December A.D. 1860
She further states that she was afterwards married to the said  Jesse Wood in Strafford Vermont on the tenth day of October A. D. 1841, by one Stephen Morrill a Justice of the Peace and that her name before said marriage was Sarah Wheeler ; that her said husband died at Strafford on the seventh day of December A. D. 1860, and that she is still a widow. for further evidence she refers to the declaration for a pension of said Rufus Wheeler with the accompanying papers on file in the pension Office at Washington City. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who were engaged in the Military service of the United States," passed March 3 rd 1855. and that she prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her, to Charles Richardson, Amherst, New Hampshire.
Sarah Wood
Witness Chas. Richardson Subs. Amherst
State of Vermont County of Washington
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above written, — and I hereby certify that I have no interest in the result of this application.
J. B. Kent - Justice of the Peace