Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18221, Nathaniel Viall, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Viall, Nathaniel Betsey
W. 18221
CONTENTS

392, 5280 Vernon, Burl. 
M rs Betsey Viall  widow of Nathaniel Viall M ss who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30  Dollars 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. former grants being deducted 
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of October 1849, and sent to
Serenus Swift Manchester Vernon 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 102 Vol. 3.

N o 11.743 Vermont
Nathanial Viall
of Bennington Co in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Sargent of the Regt commanded by Col. Wells in the Mass. Militia time for 9 months, Private $30.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of June 1833 and sent to S. Safford Manchester Vt.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 60.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 st Sept. 1833 15.00
$75.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 3. Page 96

• No 24747
Nathaniel Viall Bennington County Vermont
Admitted.
9 mo. Private. $ 30:00
S. Swift Manchester Vermont
E
RAW

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Nathaniel Viall Bennington County Vermont.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlist. Feby 1779 - 3 - private Capt Sargent, 70 years Essex Traditionary evidence & Clerginians certificate, witness certified credible   Enlisted 20 July 1780 - 3 - " Capt Richardson, Colonel Wade, County Massachusetts one living witness certified credible. papers correct -   Enlisted Augt. 1781 - 3 - " Capt Thompson, Col Wells  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

State of Vermont } On this 11 th day of March in the year 1833. County of Bennington } Personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Myron Clark, Judge of the Probate Court for the Probate District of Manchester in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, now sitting Nathan Viall a resident of Dorset in said County of Bennington aged seventy years, who being 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 was born at Lynn in the County of Essex in the State of Massachu- setts on the 28 th day of March in the year 1762. That he remembers & believes, that his Birth was recorded in the Town Records of said Town of Lynn. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers & served as herein stated.
That sometime in the fore part of February 1779. agreeably to his best present recollection, he enlisted at said Town of Lynn for the term of three months, in a Company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Capt. Nathan Sargent of Malden in the County of Middlesex in said State & by Lieut. Jonathan Brown of that part of said Town of Lynn now called Sagus, but does not now distinctly remember the name of the Ensign, nor does he know whether the said Company was attached to any Regiment - That he marched from thence to the Fort on Bunker Hill near Boston where he was stationed & served during the whole of the said term of three months in guarding British Prisoners taken at Stillwater & elsewhere when he was regularly dismissed without any written discharge & re- turned to his home in said Lynn. And that afterwards, on or about the 20 th day of July 1780. agreeably to his best present recollection, he again enlisted at said Lynn into a Company of Massachusetts Militia, commanded by Capt. Richardson of Salem in said County of Essex, & Joseph Stocker 1 st Lieut. & Josiah Martin 2 d Lieut. both of said Lynn & in the Regiment commanded by Col. Wade of Ipswich. That he is not confident as to the names of the other Officers. That he marched with the said Company to the town of Clancark on the North River in the State of New York, where they were stationed a little more than one week when they were ordered & marched to West Point on the said North River, where he was stationed & served until the expiration of his said term of three months when he was again regularly dismissed without any written discharge, & he again returned to his home at said Lynn. That whilst he was so stationed at said West Point, the explosion of Arnold's treason, so called, took place, the circum- stances of which are generally well known. That afterwards sometime in the latter part of August 1781. as he now believes, for the further term of three months he again enlisted at Chelsea in the County of Suffolk (as he thinks) into the Company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Capt. Thompson of Stoughton, & by 1 st Lieut. Beals, but the

The three Officers were strangers to him, & as he was for a part of the time drafted out & served in other companies, he does not distinctly remember their names - said Company as he thinks was attached to Col. Wells Regiment - that they marched from there to West Point, where they tarryed about one week, & thence to Fishkill on said North River, where they joined their said Regiment, & were stationed about one week more, thence on to Galloway Hill near Pikes Kill also near said North River, where was their Head Quarters - that he marched from thence down said River towards New York, to Chester in said State of New York, & from thence returned, & was afterwards discharged by parole at Pikes Kill hollow some time in the month of December 1787. after having served through the whole of the said last mentioned term of three months, as well as each of the said former terms, after reaching his place of destination exclusive of the time occupied in going from & returning to his said home - that he from thence again returned to said Lyndon - that he removed from said Lyndon on the 6 th or 8 th day of September 1787. he arrived at Jamaica in the County of Windham & State of Vermont, where he lived until about the latter part of May or forepart of June A.D. 1821. when he removed to the said Town of Dorset where he had ever since resided - that he has no documentary evidence to support his said service, nor does he now know of any living Witness by whom he is able to prove the same, except by Samuel Viall a Brother of his whom he resides in the Town of Winhall in said County of Bennington & who was in the service of the United States, during the whole or greater part of the revolutionary war, & who was particularly knowing to the said two last mentioned terms of service, & whose testimony to that effect he expects to obtain & forward herewith - As to the general understanding & belief of his said services he can with confidence appeal to any of his respectable neighbours - that the Rev. Mr. Jackson the only Clergyman at present residing in that part of said Town of Dorset where he lives, is now so sick & infirm in bodily health as to be unable to appear & give his Affidavit in Court, but he has procured therewith produces his separate Affidavit, to show his knowledge & estimation of the character of him the said Nathaniel - And as to further his reputation & the general understanding & belief of his said services amongst his neighbours & acquaintances, he feels confident in referring to any of them that for that object applied to & produced one of his other most respectable neighbours, residing in the Town of Manchester in said County to wit William Farnsworth, who he expects will testify & attest to his upright standing in Society, & to his truth & integrity - 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 & subscribed to this day & year aforesaid, by Nathaniel Viall
Myron Clark Judge of Probate Ct.
1000-100-100-100-100

State of Vermont
Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court for Bennington County, do hereby certify that Gordon B. Southworth Esq. whose signature appears to the within, was at the date thereof a justice of the peace in & for the County of Bennington, duly qualified to act as such
That his signature I believe to be genuine -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of our said County Court at Manchester this 11 th day of March A.D. 1833. Henry Robinson

I William Parkson a clergyman residing in the Town of Dorset in the County of Bennington State of Vermont, being infirm in bodily health I am unable to attend court in person by reason thereof hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Nathaniel Keith of said Dorset, who I understand has made his declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of long res passed June 7. 1832. That I believe him to be seventy years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution That I concur in that opinion
William Parkson
Bennington County ss. Decr 11th 1833. Sworn & subscribed to by me before me Gordon D. Southworth Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss
Chelsea January 1 st 1847
I Ralph Beatley of Chelsea aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears by the Records of the said Town that Nath l Vial and Betsey Clark were joined in marriage on the Thirteenth of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred eighty four
(This will certify that the foregoing 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
N o 13
1784 Feb 13
I Ralph Beatley above named depose and say, that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the County, Town, & State, aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of the said town of Chelsea with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Ralph Beatley, Clerk of the town of Chelsea
Suffolk ss Jan y 2 1847 Then personally appeared the above named Ralph Beatley & made oath that the above certificate is true; before me
John Low Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston January 27 th 1847.
I hereby Certify, That on the fifth of March eighteen hundred and forty one John Low was appointed for the term of seven years a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

445
Betsy Viall Widow of Nathaniel Vt
Act 17 June 1844
Married 1784 Instans and 6 Oct 1846
Adm'd 7 mo. 3 days 1 mo 23 6/9 per annu. June 6 Oct 1846
7 mo 3 days since Satisfactory
S. Swift
Marchester
Vt

State of Vermont Bennington County
On this 25 th day of February 1847, personally appeared before the Hon. the Probate Court within & for the Probate District of Manchester, in the County & State aforesaid, Betsy Viall a resident of the town of Dorset in the County of Bennington aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 17. 1844, entitled "An Act to continue the Pensions of certain Widows"
That she is the widow of Nathaniel Viall late of said Dorset deceased, who was a Private in the Army of the United States during the revolutionary war, & served as such, as she believes at least months in the whole, & for which said services he applied for, & received a Pension during his lifetime under the Act of Congress of June 7. 1832. & for the specification of his said services, she begs leave to refer to his declaration in that case, on file in the Pension Office of the U. States.
She further declares that she, then Betsy Clark, was married to the said Nathaniel Viall, at Chelsea,  Suffolk in the County of Suffolk  Suffolk , State of Massachusetts, on the thirteenth day of February, in the year, sixteen hundred, & eighty four, there: with forwards a regular certificate of her said marriage to prove the same - that her husband, the aforesaid Nathaniel Viall, died on the 6 th day of October 1846. - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred & ninety four (vix.) at the time above stated - & that she has remained his widow since his death.
Aaron C. Richardson
Betsy her Viall mark
Sworn to & subscribed, on the day & year above written before me
E. B. Brutton Register
I Jasper Viall a resident of the town of Dorset aforesaid, aged Forty four years, do testify, depose & say, that I am the reputed son of the above named Nathaniel Viall deceased, & the said Betsy his wife & widow - That my father the said Nathaniel died at said Dorset on the 6 th day of October, now last past - That in his lifetime he enjoyed a Pension of thirty Dollars per annum, under the law of the U. S. of the 7 th of June 1832. - That since his decease, my mother the said Betsy, who still resides at said Dorset, has remained & still is, his widow & unmarriied.
Jasper Viall
Sworn to, in open Court, & subscribed the day & year first above mentioned, before me,
E. B. Brutton Register
And I do hereby certify, that the above Affiant, well known to me, is a credible & respectable person. Attest,
A. L. Miner Judge of Probate Court

I Elias B. Burton, Register of the Probate Court, within & for the Probate District of Manchester aforesaid, do hereby certify, that satisfactory proof has been adduced to the said Court, that Nathaniel Viall late of Dorset, in said Probate District, deceased, aforesaid, & late a Pensioner of the United States, under the Act of June 7. 1832. died on the 6 th day of October, 1845. & that the above named Betsy Viall, is his surviving widow. Attest
E. B. Burton Register of Probate Court.
State of Vermont } Manchester Probate District ss. Bennington County } I Elias B. Burton Register of the Probate Court within & for the Probate District of Manchester in the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Betsy Viall, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Official signature, & the seal of said Court, at Manchester this 25 th day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred & forty seven, & of the Independence of the United States, the seventy first.
E. B. Burton Register

mmms
April 29, 1925
Frances M. Viall 72 Roslyn St., Rochester, New. York.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 18221 it appears that Nathaniel Viall was born March 28, 1762 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts.
While a resident of his native town he enlisted early in February 1779 and served three months as a private in Captain Nathan Sargeant's Massachusetts Company.
He enlisted July 12, 1780 and served three months and eleven days as a private in Captain Addison Richardson's Company, Colonel Wade's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted August 21, 1781 and served three months and twenty-two days as a private in Captain Ralph Thompson's Company, Lieutenant Colonel Webb's Massachusetts Regiment.
In 1787 he moved from said Lynn to Jamaica, Windham

County, Vermont and in 1821 from there to Dorset, Bennington County, Vermont where he was allowed pension on his application executed March 11, 1833. He died October 6, 1846 in said Dorset.
Soldier married February 13, 1784 in Chelsea, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, Betsey Clark. She was allowed pension on her application executed February 25, 1847 while a resident of Dorset, Vermont aged seventy-eight years.
Children were referred to, Jasper a son aged forty-four years in 1847 is the only name given.
Respectfully,
WILDER S. METCALF. Commissioner.

V
No 445
Betsey Viall
VI Set to S. to  the  same
April 1 st '47
Set to same May 29 '47
act 17 June 1844

Poultney.
Vermont 392.
Betsey Viall — widow of Nathl. Viall who was a Private — in the Hoos. Militia.
Husb d died 6 Oct. 1840.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 23 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1840. 6 th October
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of June 1840. and sent to
J. Swift, Esq. Manchester, Verm.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A .
Vol. 2. Page 58. —
Rep d .

3426. Partner Vermont
Betsey Viall widow of Nath. Viall who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 23 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of Jany. 49. and sent to J. Swift Manchester Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 102 Vol. 31

312. Vermont - Burlington Betsey Viall — widow of Nathaniel Viall who was a Private — in the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 — Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March 1844. 1 st day of October 1846, Deducting for Pensions: Certificate of Pension issued the 31 st day of October 1849, and sent to Serenus Swift Manchester Vermont.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A, Vol. 2 — Page 18.

Nathaniel Viall, V t . act 7 June 1832 $30 00 paid
To what time was he last paid £.
Pension Office July 15 1847 } Paid to 4 th Sept. 1846. B. M.

Rev 18-221 WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18221
Betsey Hall Wid o of Nathaniel Hall Rev. War.
Act: Febry 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. m , Page 305
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1896
Jan. 21
Miss Hickory to Capt. F. L. Howe, Northfield, Vt.
Apr. 2-1903-Hist to H. B. Dill- Keene N.H.
1935-Apr. 29-Hist to Frances M. Dill- MMW F-

Mr. Betsy Hall
aa 392-44

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 d February 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving widows of Soldiers of the Revolution."
State of Vermont, Bennington County ss. On this 30 th day of August, 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid, Betsy Viall, a resident of the town of Dorset in said County, aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision, made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting Pensions to widows of Persons who served during the revolutionary war - that she is the widow of Nathaniel Viall, who was a Private in the army of the United States during said war, but in what corps, Company or Companies, Regiment or Regiments he served, if she was ever informed she is not now able from want of recollection particularly to state that for his said services he enjoyed a Pension in his lifetime, of thirty Dollars per annum, & that since his decease, she has received therefor, a Pension under the Act of 17 th of June 1844. of the annual amount of Twenty three Dollars & sixty six Cents.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Betsy his Viall mark
Witness Emily F Hunt
Sworn to & subscribed to the day & year above written, before me,
John S Soper. Justice of the peace.
I certify that the above Declarant is personally known to me, & that she is the same individual who drew a Pension as stated by her in the foregoing Affidavit,
John S Soper Justice of the peace.
State of Vermont ss. I Samuel H. Blackmer, clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Bennington aforesaid, do hereby certify that the above named John S. Soper is a Justice of the peace within & for said County, duly commissioned & qualified - That his Commission bears date on the first day of December 1847, & will expire on the 30 th day of November 1848 - & that his signature above written is believe to be genuine - Given under my hand at Bennington this 6 th day of September A.D. 1848. & of the independence of the United States the seventy third, & I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County - Attest, Saml. H. Blackmer Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
May 6 1847.
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 Nathaniel Vial is borne upon a Pay Roll of Capt Addison Richardson's Company, in Col Wade's regt, from the County of Essex, as a private from July 12 to October 10 1780, including allowance of 12 days for travel. 3 Months and 11 days.
3-11
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Ralph Thompson's Company, in Lt Col Webb's regt as a private from August 21 to December 1 1781, including allowance of 11 days for travel. 3 Months and 22 days.
3-22
Upon an Order on Treasurer for payment of wages as a thru Months Man in Capt Thompson's Company from August 22 1781. The order is dated Chelsea 26 February 1783 " The only roll of Capt Seargent
9-3

in this department for service in 1779 is that of Capt Nathan Sargeant upon which the name of Nathaniel Vial is not borne.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said appli- cation, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parris
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Vermont - County of Bennington - Town of Dorset.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his Office, of the service of my late husband, Nathaniel Viall -
He enlisted (as I am informed) in the year 1779, & served as a Private for three months in the Company, commanded by Capt. Sergeant, from the town of Lynn, in the County of Essex, & State of Massachusetts - that he again enlisted in the year 1780, from the said town of Lynn, in the Company of Capt. Richardson, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Ward, & served as a Private, for the further term of three months - that he again enlisted in the year 1781, from the said town of Lynn, in the Company of Capt. Thompson, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Wells, & served as a Private, for the further term of three months - As to his further services in the said State of Massachusetts during the revolutionary war, she is not informed.
We were married in the year, seventeen hundred & eighty four - He died in the year eighteen hundred & forty six.
The only other facts which I recollect, are as follows (viz.) that for his said services in whole or in part, he received a Pension of Thirty Dollars per annum, from the United States, under the Act of June 7, 1832, which he enjoyed until the time of his death.
I am now eighty 78 - years old, & my memory does not enable me to state anything further, material to the search required.
I have empowered, Lemuel Swift of Manchester, in the County of Bennington, & State of Vermont, to act in the premises, as my Attorney.
Witness my hand this 13 th day of April, A.D. 1847.
Witness, S. Swift.
Betsy her X Viall mark
Signed in my presence by said Betsy Viall - }
Wm. F. Doper Justice of the peace

16 Mr. Colvert
1 1/2 oz
Hon. James S. Eckford,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington
D.C.

Manchester Sept. 15 th 1818.
Hon. J. S. Edwards,
Hon. Sir, I herewith enclose to you a few Declarations for Pensions, under the late law. - If you would confer a great favor on the old Ladies, if you would devote an early attention to their claims, & send them their certificates, as soon as consistent with your multiplied Official duties, as the most of them are very poor, & dependent, chiefly, on their Pensions, to procure even the necessaries of life.
Very respectfully, I am Hon. Sir, Your most obed. Servt S. Swift
Those sent are,
M rs Abigail Wakefield " Betsey Hall " Mary Shattuck " Margaret Gould " Eunice Tucker " Sarah Wyman " Cynthia Hulit X X Polly Prindle not sent X

445 March 10, 1847
Being trial Jan 11, 1849
Rev. Samuel J. May
Commissaire of Pension, Washington, D.C.
204

Manchester March 5 th 1847.
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Hon. Sir; Inland, I forward to you the Deeds & Documents of Betsey Hall, for a Pension. As you will perceive, they have been accidentally delayed for some time.
With great respect, I am Hon. Sir,
Your most obedt. Servt.
J. Swift

May 17 th 1841
Missfear of Pitsy Viall
Attn. James J. Colvany,
Commission Merchant,
Washington
D.C.
J. C. [Signature]

Manchester May 12 th 1847.
Hon. S. S. Edwards,
As I have herewith sent to you the certificate of the Secy of State, of Mass s , to prove the services of Nath l Viall, (as required) to support the claim of his widow, Betsy Viall, for a Pension. The certif. shows services to a greater amt. (extension of his services in the year 1779, under Capt. Sargeant.) than he, Nath l Viall, was allowed for, as he stated in his De cl . at the time he obtained his Pension — & to the services under Capt. Sargeant in 1779, as stated by him, altho' from the certif. it does not appear, that his name is found upon the Rolls in that Office, therefore, I think, that as his statements are found to be otherwise correct, or at least, not exaggerated, there can be no doubt that he performed them, & that he could not be mistaken as to them. Otherwise, he could not have named, or alluded to them, being in a different year &c. Besides, he was considered as I was understood, a very honest man, altho' occasionally, his mind & memory failed, in consequence of sickness — And further now, if I recollect rightly, the service is supported & proved, by the Affid it of his Br r , Sam l Viall, a strictly upright, veracious, & conscientious man —
And as his services (even than otherwise proved) entitled him to a greater amt. of Pension, than he rec d , she will not only have a claim therefor, in her own right, but also, to the surplus, during his lifetime — & I presume, she can receive a certif. therefor, without a new De cl .
With great respect, I am Hon ble Sir,
Your most obed t Serv t &c
J. Swift

June 9 '47
Schuyler 46 } June 5 }
On Respg Clm of Betty Viall
Hon. Edward Everett,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington,
D.C.
H

Manchester June 5 th 1847
Hon. J. S. Edwards,
Hon. Sir; The proposition which you made, in the case of Betsy Hall - that she should accept of $23.66, as a Pension, under her application, has been submitted to her. She says, that it is left to you to determine, what allowance ought to be made to her. You must decide, as you think right & proper from all the exhibits, which have been made before you. Nevertheless, she wishes, & feels anxious, to receive at least all she is entitled to, by the law - as she has been life any destitute, & entirely dependent upon her children, or public or private charity, for her support. In such feeble state of health, that she does not expect to live long, (if ever) to enjoy it. & she also feels very confident, that her husband served, at least in three different campaigns - (Walling the term of duty in round numbers of months) three months each, as she has heard him frequently so state, in his life time, in sound health of body & mind. His name has not been returned on the Rolls, for one of those terms, stated by him, it seems, that a certificate has been obtained from the Secy of State of Mass a , for another term of 3 M s , not stated by him, for which it is now said, that his name does not appear upon the original Rolls. She humbly conceives, that she ought to receive according to his statement, made under his oath, or according to the certificate, which she has produced, to support the same - & that in either case, she would be entitled to receive a larger Pension, than was granted to him, in his life time. But if so conceded - It is thought that no greater sum ought to be allowed to her, she would be satisfied to accept of the same amount of pension which he received, & which of course would not extend back of the time of his death. As before suggested, however, the whole is submitted to your better discretion & consideration. I am Hon. Sir, with due respect,
Yours obedt. servt. &c.
S. Swift
+ P.S. Mr. V. during the latter part of his life, was afflicted with infirmity of Body, & occasionally, alienation of mind, & became so reduced in his property, that he was dependent upon the law, principally, for his support, & subsistence &c.

Payment to be made at
Increase Paulney , by
Adm act 17 June 1844 Skerritt Clark, Esq.,
at $30 per ann Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Paulney , W.
Adm act 48 Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
at $30 per ann died as above
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 102 Vol. 31.
J. Rumph , Clerk.
S. Swift, Manchester, W.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Petsey Viall, of Vermont, widow of William Viall, who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty three dollars and sixty six cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, 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 War Office of the United States this 26 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and Forty - nine
Examined and Countersigned.
J. G. Barr Commissioner of Pensions.

State of Vermont, Bennington County ss.
On this 29 th day of September 1849, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace duly authorized by law to administer Oaths in & for the County of Bennington & State of Vermont a/p, Betsey Viall a resident of Dorset in said County, aged eighty 81 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the several Acts of the Congress of the United States passed July 7. 1838 - June 17. 1844 - February 2. 1848 - July 1. 1848 - & the joint Resolution passed August 16. 1842. - That she is the widow of Nathaniel Viall, who was a Private in the Army of the United States, during the revolutionary war, & for which said services he received & enjoyed during his lifetime a Pension of Thirty Dollars per annum under the Act of June 7. 1832. For the specification of which she begs leave to refer to both his & her former Declarations on file in the Pension Office of the United States, & the several vouchers thereto support the same.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Nathaniel Viall on the 13 th day of February in the year, seventeen hundred & eighty four that her husband the aforesaid Nathaniel died on the 5 th day of October 1846 - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred & ninety four (vir.) at the time above stated - For proof whereof she refers as above.
Witness my hand & seal Betsey X Viall
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written, before me
E. D. Barnum Justice of the peace
State of Vermont, Bennington County ss.
I Samuel H. Blackmer, Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, do hereby certify, That the above named, Erasmus D. Barnum is & was at the above date, a Justice of the peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & qualified, & that the above signature of him is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my hand & the seal of said Court, this 23 rd day of Oct. A.D. 1849 - Sam l H. Blackmer Clerk.

I William Furness all and testifying residing in the Town of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Nathaniel Viall, who has subscribed & sworn to the above Declaration that I believe him to be seventy years of age - that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the revolution, & that I concur in that opinion -
Wm. Furness
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid, by & before
Myroon Clark Judge of Probate Court
Nathaniel Viall a resident of the Town of Pinal Hall in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, aged sixty thirty years, being duly sworn, do depose & say, that I was well knowing to the two last mentioned terms of service of three months each in the years 1780 & 1781, as detailed in the foregoing Declaration of Nathaniel Viall, as I belonged at that time to the Army of the United States, & was stationed for the greater part of the time at either at the same place, or in the vicinity where the said Nathaniel was stationed, & frequently saw him during both of the said terms of service - And I further say that I have been well informed & fully believe that the said Nathaniel also served for the like term of three months in the year 1779, as stated by him in his aforesaid Declaration, & further saith not
Samuel Viall
Sworn & subscribed to this 11 th day of March October A.D. 1833, by & before
Myroon Clark Judge of Probate Court
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories proposed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, & served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that the Rev d William Jackson who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the said Town of Dorset & that William Furness all and testifying who has also signed the foregoing certificate is a Resident in the said Town of Dorset , that Samuel Viall who has sworn to & subscribed the above Affidavit, are each of them credible Persons, & their statements are entitled to credit - Certified by me
Myroon Clark - Judge of the Probate Court

State of Vermont
I Henry Robinson Register of the Probate Court for the District of Manchester, in the County of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Vial for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand & affixed the Seal of our said Court of Probate, at Manchester the 15 th day of March A.D. 1833 -
Henry Robinson

Rochester N.Y. 72 Roslyn St
Dear Sir
Will you please send to me the military record of Nathaniel Viall who enlisted in Continental Army at Lynn Mass Feb 18 1779 & re-enlisted July 12th 1780 for 3 mos in Col Wadsworth's regiment & later (Aug 21-1781) was under Capt. Ralph Thompson in Lt. Col Webb's Regiment

He applied for a pension in 1833(?) & died at Dorset Vt. Oct 6 1846-
Have you a record of his pension or any other information that will help in establishing record to admit to P.D. a. R. or can you tell me to whom to write to receive help - Sincerely

Frances M. Viell
Mch 5-1925-

B. Cheshire County Savings Bank.
KEENE, N. H.
F. C. FAULKNER, PRESIDENT.
H. B. VIALL, TREASURER.
Mar. 25. 1903.
Commissioner of Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D.C.
Dear sir,--
I am anxious to obtain certified information in relation to the War record of Nathaniel Viall , which I understand to be substantially in accordance with enclosed copies.
If the same is correct, will you kindly certify to the same in duplicate and return to me with the expense for same, for which I will be pleased to remit.
Very truly yours,
H. B. Viall

ans
n
COMPANY....., FIRST REGIMENT,
— V. N. G. —
..... 189.....
..... CAPT. COMD'G.

Not-2 COMPANY A , FIRST REGIMENT, VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD.
Northfield Vt Dec 4 1895
Mid-18221
Gov. of Pensions
Dear Sir:
Will you please find if you find the name of Nathaniel Viall on the Revolution pension list. He was from Essex County Mass Would like to know what record you have of him
Capt F L Horn Commanding F Co 1st Regt.