Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,554, Reuben Willard, Mass.

SERVICE
SERVICE Mass.
Willard Reuben Catharine
NUMBER _____
R. 11554
CONTENTS

Children of Catharine Willard who was the widow of Reuben Willard dec. New York. Acct July 1836.
J. D. Woodward atty.

State of New York } ss County of Rensselaer }
Lewis Weaver a resident of Lansingburgh in said County aged 85 years Being Duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Reuben Willard who died in said Town in 1823 the same person who was the Husband of Catherine Willard Deceased and who was the Father of Mrs Ruth Wright and Mrs Catherine Follett who are now applying for some arrears of pension supposed to be due their Mother from the United States Deponent has often heard said Reuben Willard say that he resided in New England during the revolutionary War and that he performed several Tours of service, and he often related the particulars of his services and I have frequently heard him speak of Fitchburgh and Harvard Massachusetts and believe he went into the service from those Towns Deponent recollect hearing him say that he was married before he went into the Army and left his wife with his friends during his absence From what he stated in regard to his service Deponent has no doubt that he served more than Eighteen months and nearly Two years during the revolutionary War and this Deponent has been informed and believes that the Widow of said Reuben Willard went from Lansingburgh to Illinois in 1838 and died there Deponent was well acquainted with the said Reuben Willard and on terms of intimate friendship with him for Twenty years before he died and was acquainted with his Widow Catherine Willard the Mother of the above named Mrs Ruth Wright and Mrs Catherine Follett during all the time she resided in Lansingburgh

Sworn and subscribed before me this Fifth Day of May 1854 And I certify that I have long been acquainted with the Deponent and that he is a credible Witness and of good Character
Turner Barton Justice of the Peace
Leviathan

State of New York } S. S. County of Rensselaer }
Turner Barton of Lansingburgh in said County aged Fifty seven years Being Duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Catherine Willard from his Childhood when she lived in said Town and knows she was the Widow of Reuben Willard a resident of said Town who died there about the year 1823 said Catherine remained a widow after his death untill in the year 1838 she went to her son in Illinois and died there as deponent has been informed and believes in the Autumn of 1839 That he has heard said Reuben Willard repeatedly say that he was a soldier and served in the army of the Revolution and also has heard his wife & widow Catherine Willard say that she was married to Reuben at Harvard Mass before the War. that they moved to Fitchburgh in the same state that from there he went into the Army and served 8 or 9 months that he then come home and moved his back to Harvard where his father resided that he left her there and went again into the Army and served more than a year I have repeatedly heard her tell of the privations she suffered while he was away in the service of his Country that he was from home about 2 years in the several times of his absence
In the Spring of 1838 This Deponent when returning from Boston stop at Fitchburgh & Harvard to obtain Evidence of the service of said Reuben Willard but could only learn from persons who knew him that in the Time of the Revolution his wife resided there and that it was a common report that he was in the Army and that when he come home he was dressed in soldiers clothes and said that he had been in the service which they believed but could find no one that saw him there and this Deponent was told when in Boston that the records of the service of the Massachusetts line were at Washington and could not

be seen. This Deponent was then trying to obtain Evidence of his Father Rufus Bartons Service when at Harvard this Deponent found the Record of the Marriage of Reuben Willard to Catherine Parkhurst and procured a Certificate thereof and sent it to Worcester to be certified by the County Clerk with orders to forward it to her. She shortly after left Lansingburgh for the west. The object of his search at Harvard & Fitchburgh was to obtain Evidence on which she might base a Claim to a pension for her husband Service and this Deponent from all the Statements and Traditions of the Family and in the Neighborhood where he resided in the time of the revolution has no doubt that said Reuben Willard served about two years in different terms in the Army of the Revolution from the Towns of Fitchburg and Harvard.
Sworn and subscribed before me this Fifth Day of May 1854 And I further certify that I am acquainted with the Deponent and that he is a Creditable
Witness J. Wilson Justice Peace
Turner Barton

State of New York County Rensselaer S.S Catherine Bollett of the City of Troy in said County age Sixty Eight Years Being duly sworn this she is a Daughter of Rhenbri Willard and Catherine Willard deceased and was born in Rockingham Vermont in 1786 as she believes that she has frequently heard her pa- rents say that her Father was born in Harvard Mass. and resided there with his Father Thomas Willard until his Rhenbri Willard's marriage with my mother, whose Maiden name was Catherine Parkhurst in the year Seventeen Hundred Seventy five when he was between nineteen and Twenty Years of age that after their marriage in said town they went to Gitchburg Mass and he entered the service from that time and on tour of eight or nine months as she has been informed and believes (and they have performed two tours from that town) and then returned to Harvard and went again into the Army from that place and performed one or two more tours of service as a private all in the Massachusetts service as she supposes and she has often heard him say that he served Twenty two months in the Revolutionary War as a private all that he did in Loringborough said County on the sixteenth day of July in the year Eighteen Hundred and twenty three leaving the said Catherine Willard a widow and she remained

a widow untill Seventeenth day of August Eighteen Hundred and thirty Nine when she died leaving her surviving the following Children viz Rhobai Willard
Ruth Wright Catherine Follett Sally Bird Martha Midford
and that the said Rhobai Willard has since died leaving Children and the said Ruth, Catherine, Sally and Martha are the only surviving Children of said Catherine Willard deceased
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 12 th day of May 1837 and Certify that deponent is a Credible Witness
Catherine Follett
M c G. Hamill Middlesex County Judge

State of New York County of Rensselaer ss On this 12 th day of May 1854 before the County Court of said County held in the City of Troy, present the Hon. Charles C. Parmachoo County Judge personally appeared Ruth Wright a resident of said City aged seventy nine years in July next being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make, the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. & other pension laws. That she is the daughter of Ruben & Catharine Willard deceased and was born in Fitchburg, Mass. in 1775 as she has been informed and believes that her said Father Ruben Willard was born in Harvard Mass. in 1755 as she has been informed and believes, and resided there until the year seventeen hundred and seventy five when he was married in said town to Catharine Parkhurst. who also resided there. There is no record of said marriage to her knowledge unless in the records of said Town. After the marriage they went to Fitchburg Mass. and my Father entered the service from that place. and served one term of eight or nine months in the Massachusetts Militia as she believes and then her Grand Father bought a place in Harvard and her Father the said Ruben Willard returned from Fitchburg to Harvard. to live on the place which his Father bought. & there enlisted for nine months to obtain money to pay the remainder due on the place he performed the service and paid the balance due. While in the service afterwards he sold the place and took his pay in continental money which proved valueless. and he then returned to Fitchburg. and my Brother Ruben Willard was born there about the year 1780 and survived my Mother about three years. She is not certain but her Father performed two terms of service from Fitchburg and one

from Harvard instead of two from Harvard and one from Fitchburg. My Father removed from Fitchburg to Rockingham Vermont and my sister Catharine was born there in 1856 and my sister Sally was born there in 1859. My Parents had there House burned there with the old Family Bible and many papers. She states all the above on information and belief. Her said Parents soon after removed to Lansingburgh N.Y. where my sister Martha was born in 1891. They had several other Children but there are all that survived my Mother who died in the Town of Charahan in the County of Will and State of Illinois on the seventeenth day of August in the year Eighteen Hundred and thirty nine and my Father the said Ruben Willard died in Lansingburgh aforesaid on the sixteenth day of July 1823 Eighteen hundred and twenty three leaving the said Catharine Willard a Widow. and she remained such Widow until her death as aforesaid. That declarant said Father never to her knowledge applied for a pension nor received one nor did her Mother receive a pension. That she has often heard her said Father say that he served three tours in all twenty two months as a private. and although she is unable to state the names of his officers she believes that he served Eight months in Capt Jonick Stearns Company Col Ephraim Doolittle Regiment of Mass Militia from Fitchburg Nine months in Capt Davis Company Col Dews Regiment of the Mass Militia from Harvard and also another tour of five or six months under Lieut Weatherby Col Forrester or Col Simeon Willard. She cannot state that her Father served under any of the above officers but she believes that he did serve under some of them. and is confident that he went into the service from Fitchburg and Harvard as above

stated. The following are the only Children of the said Catharine Willard now surviving
1 Ruth Wright 2 Catharine Follett 3 Sally Bird 4 Martha Moxford
She makes the above declaration for the purpose of obtain- ing any arrears of pension which may be due to herself and Sisters as the surviving Children of the said Catharine Willard and she authorizes J. D. Woodward of Plattsmouth, Neb. to act as her Attorney and receive a Certificate for any pension to which she and her relatives may be entitled
Witness R Thompson
Ruth her X Wright mark
Sworn and subscribed to in open Court the day and year first above written and I certify that Deponent is a credible person I cannot write her name owing to infirmity, but well knew the contents of the foregoing declaration at the time she made oath to the same -
W. L. Parmelee Pierce County Judge

At a County Court held in and for the County of Benzie and State of New York at Ionia, in said County on the 12 th day of May 1857. Present the Hon Charles C Parmelee County Judge. It was proven to the satisfaction of said Court in open Court, that Beulah Willard who was formerly a resident of Fitchburg & Harvard Mass during the Revolutionary war died in Lansingburgh in the said County on the sixteenth day of July in the year Eighteen Hundred and twenty three leaving him surviving a Widow whose name was Catharine Willard and she remained such Widow until the seventeenth day of August in the year Eighteen Hundred and thirty nine when she died in the Town of Elmhurst in the County of Will and State of Illinois leaving the following Children her surviving viz. Beulah Willard who died about three years after her said Mother leaving Children and the following are the Children and the only children of said Catharine Willard who are now living,
1 Ruth Wright 2 Catharine Follett 3 Sally Bird 4 Martha Wedforth
The evidence adduced was satisfactory to said Court and consisted of the declaration on oath of the said Ruth Wright and deposition of Catharine Follett which accompany these Certificate, and I am personally acquainted with the parties and certify to their identity and credibility and have no interest in the result of the claim to which the aforesaid declaration affidavit & this certificate relate and am not concerned in its prosecution
W. C. Samuel P. M. McLean County Judge

State of New York } County of Rensselaer } ss. I the subscriber, clerk of said County, hereby certify that Turner Barton before whom the foregoing affidavit of Lewis Weaver was taken & sworn on the 5 th day of May 1854 was at the said time a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that his signature to the jurat of said affidavit is genuine and that Isaac Ransom before whom the affi- -davit of Turner Barton preceding, was taken & sworn on the 5 th day of May 1854 was at the said time a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that his signature to the jurat of said affidavit is genuine & that Charles C Parmelee before whom the foregoing affidavit of Mrs Catharine Follette was taken & sworn on the 12 th day of May 1854, & also the foregoing declaration of Ruth Wright subscribed & sworn on the said 12 th day of May 1854, was at the time the Judge of Rensselaer County (the said Ruth having signed the annexed cer- tificate of kinship) duly qualified & his signature to the jurat of the affidavit of the said Mrs Catharine Follette & the declaration of Ruth Wright & said certificate are genuine —
In witness whereof I have fastened these papers together by a piece of tape which papers under my official seal hereunto affixed this 12 th day of May 1854 and I have no interest in the claim to which the foregoing papers re- =late & am not concerned in its prosecution.
J. H. Sheldon, Clerk of Rensselaer County.

Eliza Baker affidavit, copy of Catharine Willard widow of Reuben

State of New York County of Rensselaer Eliza Baker of Troy, in said County of lawful age being duly sworn says that she is the Grand Daughter of Reuben Willard deceased and daughter of Catharine Follett and niece of Keith Wright of Troy aforesaid and she does not believe there is any person living, who can testify to her know- ledge of the services of her said Grand Father Reuben Willard in the Revolutionary War, were he living, he would ninety nine years of age, having as she believes been born in 1755 and she does not think it probable that any of his Companions in said War are living. Since her earliest recollection it has been reputed and believed in her Mother's Family, that he served nearly two years from Fitchburg and Hartford, and the proof from the Secretary of Mass of which the annexed is a Copy is in accordance with the statements which her Mother and Deponent's Grand Mother have always made relative to the services of said Reuben Willard and Deponent has no doubt that he performed the services set forth in said Certificate. There is no public or private record of her Grand Mother's death to her knowledge or belief but she went from Troy west in the year 1838 to the knowledge of Deponent, and died in the town of Ohonahan Will Co Illinoy on the seventeenth day of August Eighteen Hundred and thirty nine as Deponent has been informed and surely believes. that she heard of such death not long after the

ment. That Deponents Aunt Mrs Sally Bird recieved a letter from the west in September 1839 containing the news of her Mother late Catharine Willards Death which occurred on the 17 th day of August 1839. That Deponent is Confident that her Grand Mother left Troy for Illinors in 1838 for the following reasons. her Son with whom she had resided, left Lansingburgh for Illinors in the year 1834 but hearing that his Mother was discontented he returned in the year 1838 and took her with him to Illinors where she lived untill the next August
Eliza Baker
Sworn and subscribed to before me this Twenty day of July 1854 and I certify that Deponent is a credible witness and I have no interest in the result of the claim to which the foregoing affidavit relates and am not concerned in its prosecution
Geo. R. Davis. Justice of the Peace. Troy. N. Y.

STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Geo. H. Davis before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this 10 day of July A. D., 1854
A. H. Sheldon Clerk.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston July 25 1854.
(L.S.)
I hereby certify that from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to military services in the war of the Revo- lution which remain in this Depart- ment, it appears that the name of Reuben Willard is borne on a return of Eight months men in Capt Josiah Stevens Company, Col Ephraim Doolittle's Regt, name borne on Coast Roll dated Camp on Winter Hill Nov. 11, 1775, from Fitchburg. Also the name of nine months Reu- ben Willard is borne on a roll of nine months men mustered June 25, 1779 Capt Davis Company, Col Denny's Regt from Harvard.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written,
(Signed) E. M. Wright, Secretary of State

Ruth Wright Affidavit

State of New York } S.S. County of Erie }
Ruth Wright late a resident of Troy N.Y. but now at Buffalo in said county, being duly sworn, says that she is seventy-nine years of age, and was born in the town of Fitchburg Mass, in July 1775, as she has always been informed and believes that she is the daughter of Reuben and Catharine Willard deceased, and from her childhood has always understood from her said Father and Mother, that he served three tours as a private in the Revolution, from Fitchburg and Harvard. Mass, and she recollects that while her said Father's family resided in the latter place, he came home barefoot, with his feet bleeding for want of shoes, and ever since her earliest recollection, it has been reputed, and believed in her said Father's family, that he served twenty two months at different times during the Revolution, and she verily believes that he is the same person who is stated in the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts to have served a term of eight months from Fitchburg, and nine months from Harvard. That there is not to her knowledge and belief any person living who served with her Father, by whom his services can be proven.
Witness. Selah Paine and James A. Phelps.
Ruth her X Wright mark
Sworn and subscribed to before me this nineteenth day of March 1855. and I certify that deponent is a credible witness, and cannot write her name owing to infirmity, but the above affidavit was carefully read to her, and she well knew the contents thereof at the time she made oath to the same.
L. A. Walcutt Justice of the Peace.

State of New York, } ss. ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, WILLIAM ANDRE, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that Amos A. Walson Esq. before whom the annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed in the certificate of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same, Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, duly sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same: and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature thereto, to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, the 19 day of March A. D. 185 5 .
W Andre Clerk.
400

Recd of the Marriage of Reuben Willard Jany 3. 1775.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, Joseph L. Mason Clerk of the Judicial Courts
for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Reuben Whitcomb Jr on the fourth day of April A.D. 1854 was and still is
a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the certificate of oath upon the affidavit of Silas H. Holman
hereunto annexed
genuine
Given under my hand, and the seal of said day of April hundred and fifty four .
County , this seventh , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight J. L. Mason Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester ss.
Harrard April 1 st 1854.
I Silas W. Holman of said Harrard in said County aged thirty nine years being duly sworn, do certify that on the Book of records of Marriages of said town in my possession there is the following entry Reuben Willard & Catherine Parkhurst both of Harrard were married to each other January third One Thousand seven hundred seventy five by the Rev. Mr. Daniel Johnson.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows
"Reuben Willard & Catherine Parkhurst both of Harrard were married to each other January 3 1775 by the Rev. Mr. Daniel Johnson."
Silas W. Holman Town Clerk.
I Silas W. Holman above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town County and Commonwealth aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said town with the exceptions above named as certified by me.
Silas W. Holman Town Clerk.
Sworn and subscribed to before me this fourth day of April 1854 & I certify that Deponent is Clerk of said Town & a credible witness
Reuben Whitcomb Jr.
Justice of the Peace.

December 4, 1914.
Mr. Charles Henry Pope, 52 Lee Street, Cambridge, Mass.
Sir:
In response to your letter of the 28 th ultimo, you are advised that in the claim R. File No. 11,554, Rev. War, it is stated that Reuben Willard was born October 13, 1756, at Harvard, Massachusetts, and resided there with his father Thomas Willard, until his marriage. It is alleged that he served as Private in the Massachusetts militia at various times during the Revolution.
He married January 3, 1775, at Harvard, Massachusetts Catherine Parkhurst who was born December 15, 1752. He died at Lansingburgh, New York, July 12, 1823.
His widow Catherine went in 1838 to reside with a son, (whose name is not stated) in Channahon, Will County, Illinois, where she died on August 17, 1838 or 1839, leaving the following children.
Mrs. Ruth Wright born July, 1775, at Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Reuben born about 1780 at Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Mrs. Catherine Follett born in 1786, at Rockingham, Vermont. Mrs. Sally Bird born in 1789 at Rockingham,

Vermont, and Martha Midforth born at Lansingburgh, New York, in 1791. Reuben died prior to 1854, leaving children whose names are not stated. Eliza Baker, daughter of Catherine Follett was a resident of Rensselaer County, New York, in 1854.
The above named children applied for pension on account of the services of their father, which was not allowed for the reason of insufficient proof of same.
The above noted is the only Reuben Willard found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

John Macey, Affidavit,

State of New York, } ss. City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office, }
I, Robert Harper, Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby CERTIFY that Daniel C Stewart , whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such Proof or Acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine; and that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this
10 th day of July 1854
R Harper Clerk.
190

State of New York } Albany County }
John Morey of West Troy, Albany County, aged thirty being, duly sworn says. that he was well acquainted with Catharine Willard Widow of Reuben Willard now deceased. that he was present at the death of the said Catharine Willard which occurred in the year 1839 at the residence of her Son. in Champaign Will County State of Illinois on or about the 17 th day of August in said year
John Morey
Sworn and subscribed to before me this Seventh day of July, 1854 and I certify that Deponent is a credible witness and I have no interest in the result of the claim to which the foregoing affidavit relates and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Daniel C. Stewart Justice of the Peace

New York Jan 24 th 1856
Judge Woodward
Dear Sir
Yours of the first was duly received and regret that we cannot give further information except the record that is in the family Bible I will write you precisely as it reads. Reuben Willard was born in the year of our Lord 1756 the 10 month and 13 th day. Died July 12 th 1823. His wife Catharine Parkhurst was born in the year of our Lord 1752 in the 12 month and 15 days. Died August 17 th 1838 aged 86 years 8 months and 2 days. We feel assured that no person by that name can be found either in Harvard or Pittsburg excepting the present Reuben Willard in question and presume that every person who then knew him is now deceased. There are 4 daughters living and do not see any reason why it should be delayed as it is correct and just
Yours with respect
Hally Bird

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
February 25. 1854.
I Hereby Certify. That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The Name of Kenba Willard is borne on return of 8 Mns. Men in Capt. Josiah Stearns (comp. Col. Gilmann Doolittle's Regt. Name borne on Coat roll Paid Camp on Winter Hill Nov. 11. 1775 from Fitchburg.
Also the Name of Kenba Willard is borne on list of 9. Mns. Men, Mustered June 25. 1779. Capt. Davis Company. (Col. Denny's Regt. from Harvard.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. C. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Troy NY January 7, 1854
To the Secretary of War, Boston,
Sir
My Father Reuben Willard resided in the town of Harvard Mass and performed as I have understood and believe three tours of service during the Revolutionary war. His first tour he enlisted, the second he was drafted, and the third he was impressed. He served in all twenty two months, his term of impressment was for nine months. I have heard him speak of Lt Weatherby, Col Farnell, and Col Simeon Willard, and I think they were some of the officers under whom my Father served. I believe he was in the battle of White Plains, He once came home from the army very destitute & I recollect hearing him say that he and his company had to travel barefoot, with their feet bleeding for want of shoes, & that his feet were in that condition when he came home. He was married to my Mother as I believe before the Revolutionary war. - Her maiden name was Abigail...
my age is 75. I am now in the town of Troy NY. Will you please send a certificate of my services performed by my said Father during the Revolution to my attorney, J. D. Woodward now at Washington D.C. your fee $1. enclosed.
Respectfully, I am,
In presence of Moses Warren Justice of the Peace Sworn before me 21 st day of February 1854 Moses Warren Justice of the Peace Troy NY
Ruth her X Wright mark

Pension Office.
17 th May 1854.
Sir,
The Declaration of Catharine Willard dec d widow of Reuben of New York, has been received and filed under Act 4 th July 1836.
The evidence does not satisfactorily establish the identity of Reuben with the soldier whose service, are indicated by the Certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts. The witnesses speak from hearsay; none of them testifying that they know of their own knowledge that he was the soldier who performed those tours. The date of the widow's death must be proved by some public or private record - but if no such record exists it must so be certified, and then parol proof will be considered; but the witnesses must be

late some events, by which to test the accuracy of their recollections.
P. S. Newbern May 14/54
J. D. Woodward Esq. Washington. D. C.

V. D. Woodward
July 20/54

Pension Office.
20 th July 1854.
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Catharine Willard dec d widow of Reuben of New York, does not obviate the objection of which you were notified in my letter of 17 th May last.
J. D. Woodward Esq.
Plattsburgh,
N. Y.

Y. D. Woodward -
Aug. 30/57.
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Pension Office
Aug 30 1852
182 Sir The affidavit of John Morey does not reach a single point of objection to the admission of the case of Catharine Willard of NY. He is now thirty nine years old and, of course, can not testify to the service of her husband which is the only real difficulty in the case,
J. D. Woodworth Plattsburgh NY

March 16,

Pension Office,
March 5/55,
Sir,
The inclosed copy of a letter to J. D. Woodward, dated 17 th May 1854 will inform you of the condition of the claim for arrears of pension of the heirs of Catharine Willard, dec d widow of William, under act of 4 th July 1836
Some evidence has since been filed but not of a character to obviate the objections then urged to the allowance of the claim.
The letter of Mr. Alexander B. Whiting is herewith agreeably to inclosed at your request.
Very respectfully yc
Hon. John Wheeler } House of Reps }

Pension Office
April 3 1855
Sir
The affidavit of Ruth Wright has been received and filed in the case of Catherine Willard dec'd widow of Reuben under the act of July 4 1836. The service of her husband must be proved, as heretofore required, by the testimony of witnesses who know that he served as alleged,
J. D. Woodward Esq
Plattsburgh NY

D. No. Ford
March 27. 1886

Pennic Office. March 27, 1856.
Sir
In reply to you informing you are informed that the claim of Catherine Willard, ed widow of Ruler, who died in Lansingburg, New York, in the year 1822, has not been admitted. J. B. Wood- ward, Esq of Plattsburg, New York, who filed the application, has been informed of the objection to the admissibility of the claim.
J. H. Lord, Esq. Barnes. Hillsdale Co. Michigan.

O. D. Woodward Esq.
Apr 29 th /56

Tanna Office, April 29, 1856,
Sir
I have filed the letter of Sally Bird, and also my carefully examined the testimony submitted by you filed to sustain the claim of Catherine Willard, as widow of Reuben, spouse under the act of July 4, 1836, and can discover no good reason why the requirements of the office as to the identity of the husband with the soldier of the name mentioned in some of the Books of the Secretary of Massachusetts, should not be complied with. If he was the soldier from Harvard, there was should not be there no difficulty in showing that part of the tradition of the town in the town re- cords; and unless he is very distinctly identified the claim cannot be admitted.
J. D. Woodward, Esq. Deputy.
129
M c Naughton

Children of Catharine Willard widow of Reuben N.Y. at July 4 1836. — addn Eviden.
J. D. Woodward Atty Plattsburg. N.Y.

Plattsburg N.Y. July 13. 1854,
Sir,
The testimony of Messrs Turner, Barton & Lewis Weaver on file was very satisfactory to my mind, and in connection with the additional evidence now furnished is deemed conclusive. We think the claims should be admitted for seventeen months (as a private) from March 4 1831, to August 17, 1839.
Respectfully Yours J. D. Woodward.
And L. P. Waldo, Caur of Pens.

Plattsburg N.Y. Aug t 23, 1854
Sir,
I enclose additional evidence in the case of the children of Catharine Willard widow of Reuben, under an impression that the evidence on file and that now furnished is sufficient to justify an allowance of the claim Respectfully Yrs. J. D. Woodward.
Hon L. P. Waldo,

Washington D.C., May 15, 1854
Sir,
I enclose the papers of the children of Catharine Willard dec d of New York Widow of Stephen Willard also dec d . and I have to request an allowance of their claim for fourteen months service - all they are able to prove.
Respectfully Yours, J. D. Woodward.
M c L. P. Waldo, Censor
V-6

Barnes, March 1, /56
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
This is to inquire if a Pension has been granted to the heirs of Benben Willard This is by request of one of the Heirs Please answer, and much oblige, Yours &c,
D. H. Lord.
P.S. Direct to Barnes, Hillsdale Go South.

Plattsburg, N. Y., March 27. 1855.
Sir,
I enclose additional evidence in the case of the children of Catharine Willard of N.Y. act July, 7 1838, - and hope the proof will be deemed satisfactory,
Respectfully yours, J. D. Woodward,
Mrs L. P. Waldo Cury of Penn.

Catharine Willard, widow of Reuben died July 4 1836 aged 80.

State of New York Albany County .ss: John Mowry of West Troy in said County aged 28 years being duly sworn says He was Born in Lansingburgh Rensselaer County State of New York and was well acquainted with Catharine Willard Thuer, has been informed and believes that she was the Widow of Reuben Willard who resided there the latter part of His life and has heard it talked of in the family since his earliest recollection that He performed several tours of service in the Revolutionary War and formerly resided in Harvard and Hoosick Falls and deponent concurs in that opinion that deponent left Lansingburgh in the year 1835 and went to Pike County Ill. and that the said Catharine Willard came there to reside with Her son in the year 1838 and that deponent resided in the same family with Her from the time she came until Her death and that she died of dropsy in the town of Piqua Pike Co Ill on the 17 th day of August 1839 that he is confident she died at the above time and place that He was present at the death & burial of the deceased
John Mowry
Sworn to. Subscribed to before me this 9 th day of August 1854
and I certify that deponent is a creditable Witness
Martha Prince
Notary Public in and for the State of Albany County

State of New-York, City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office.
ss.
Harper
I, Robert Winne , Clerk of the said City and County, and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby CERTIFY, that Martin Winne whose name is appended to the annexed certificate of the first of the annexed affidavit was, on the day of the date thereof, a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Albany, duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said justice and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of first is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this 18 of August 18 54 .
Harper Clerk.
350

Letter from James A. Phelps, dated Jan. 13, 15- 322 Hancock St I addressed to Brooklyn N.Y.
Hon. Wm. M. Calder M.C.- was referred on Jan. 19- by Adj. Gen. to Com. of Pensions.
Mr. Phelps requested of Mr. Calder a full copy of P. File 11554, Rev. War Reuben Willard which he says contain statements as to Lieut Reuben Willard and his family which are known to be incorrect and which he desires to publish corrections of.
The above letter sent to Law Div. Jan 21 No of words. 5722-
In view of above statement and the claims being rejected, everything must be copied in full, letters also.
(except of course letter of inquiry dated Nov. 28, 1914 of Charles Henry Pope.)

Law Division
January 23, 1915.
Hon. William M. Calder, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Calder:
In response to a letter addressed to you, under date of the 13th instant, by Mr. James Andrew Phelps, of 322 Hancock St., Brooklyn, N.Y., referred by you to the Secretary of War, and by him forwarded to the Bureau for reply to so much thereof as relates to the furnishing of a copy of papers in the Revolutionary war pension claim of Reuben Willard, rejected file No. 11554, I have the honor to state that the act of August 24, 1912, provides that a charge of fifteen cents per folio shall be made for copying any portion of the records of the Bureau with twenty-five cents additional for certification, where that is desired.
Where copies are certified as correct under the seal of the Bureau it is necessary to attach thereto a ten cent internal revenue documentary stamp.
Under said Act copies of the papers request-

Law Division
ed will cost $8.70 uncertified or $8.95 if certified under the seal of the Bureau.
If the same is still desired the amount necessary to pay therefor should be forwarded by money order, certified check, draft, or cashier's check drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
If a certified copy be order a ten cent internal revenue documentary stamp must be forwarded and the cost of said stamp should not be included in the cost of the copies.
Mr. Phelp's letter is herewith returned, as requested, and a copy of this letter is enclosed for your files.
Very truly yours,
G. M. SALICATI Commissioner.
JP/EOA

Rev. War Section Div. Adm. Ex'r.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C. Jan. 21, 1905.
Respectfully referred to the Chief of the Law Division, inviting attention to the attached letter of James A. Phelps of 322 Hancock St. Brooklyn N.Y. address- ed to Hon. Wm. M. Calder, M.C. and referred to this Bureau by the Adj. Gen. U.S.A. requesting copies of papers in the Rev. War pension claim, Rejected File No. 11554 of Reuben Willard.
The number of words to be copied is 5722.
Mr. Phelps letter not returned by Law Div to Mr. Calder
58 220 5/6/05
Anne E. Wilson Chief of Section Commission

No 8,061
Catharine Willard dec d widow of Reuben New York.
J. D. Woodward 17 th May 1854
J. D. Woodward 20 th July 1854
Same Aug 30 1854
Hon. John Wheeler March 5/55
J. D. Woodward Apr 3 1855
D. M. Lord, March 27 1856
J. D. Woodward, April 29/56
Act 4 th July 1838

52 Lee St., Cambridge Mass. Nov. 28, 1914.
Dear Sir:-
The information you recently gave me concerning the application for pension of Longley Willard proved the cap-stone of my evidence of his connection with the family I am writing up, and you have my hearty thanks.
May I ask a similar search after application for pension on the part of
Reuben Willard , The application may have been made in Massachusetts or New Hampshire

or New York. There is some possibility that there were two of the name. . .
Thanking you in advance for the favor, I am
Yours Respectfully
Charles Henry Pope.

1888 Aug 27 E S Stearns - history - Prior 1914 Dec 4 Hist. Soc. Chas. Henry Paper Pk.
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
11.554
P. O.
Catharine Willard
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .