Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 614, Oliver Wellman, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Wellman, Oliver
W 614
Thankful
BLt. 61.306-160-55
CONTENTS

N o 18363 Vermont
Oliver Wellman
of Bennington Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cobb. of the Regt. commanded by Col. Mitchell in the Mass. Troops for 1 year 8 months & 22 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 68 Dollars 7 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15. day of August 1833 and sent to C.C. Merrill Bennington Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 136.14 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep. 1833 34.03
$ 170.17
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 97

1997 Vermont, Burlington Thankful Wellman widow of Oliver Wellman who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Mass Troops. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 68 Dollars 07
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
3rd February 1853 Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Septm 53 and sent to
Mrs. M. Huling Bennington Centre W.P.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 35 Vol. A
Feby 3rd 53
See 23094

[Faint, illegible cursive signature or initials]
Vol. Wt. = 105.-
273.594
Act Mar 3/55
May 5/57
Thankful Wellman wid of Oliver Wellman dec. Wellman pre
Capt _____ Col _____
Revolutionary War.
Ent _____
Dis. _____
Ad: 60 a 3 May 15/57
Official _____ S. Col. _____ C. _____
Bruton Feb 53-1997
Hiland Hall North Bennington Vermont.

Thankful Willman
Declaration of for pension

State of Vermont, Bennington County 1853.
On this 21 st day of May A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me Dennis J. George a judge of the County Court within and for the County of Bennington & State aforesaid. Thankful Willman a resident of the Town of Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged sixty nine years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of February A.D. 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Oliver Willman, and in proof of the rank, and services performed by her said husband Oliver Willman during said war she refers to his original declaration, affidavits, & other papers on file in the Pension Office.
The said Thankful Willman declares, that she is informed, and believes, that the pension received by her said husband, was granted under the Act of June 17 th 1832, and that the

same was paid to him at the Agency in Burlington Vermont
She further declares that she was married to the said Oliver Wellman on the 10 th day of August A.D. 1842; that her said husband died on the 21 st day of April A.D. 1848 at Shaftsbury in the County & State aforesaid; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow. Thankful Wellman
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before Dennis J. George Judge of the County Court
I hereby certify that Thankful Wellman by reason of bodily infirmities would be unable to attend Court at its regular sessions
Dennis J. George Judge of the County Court
State of Vermont, } BENNINGTON, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Dennis J. George Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is an assistant judge of the County Court
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 3 rd day of June Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three
S. H. Blackmer
CLERK.

273594
April 23, 1857
I certify that the within declaration was prepared at the date it bears, but was mislaid, & has just now been discovered Whitney Hall

State of Vermont, } ss.
County of Bennington } On this 11 th day of March one thousand eight hundred & fifty six personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within & for the county & state aforesaid, Thankful Welman aged, seventy four years & now at present a resident of Springfield in said State of Vermont, but for thirty years a resident of Shaftsbury in said county next before until two years ago this month, who being duly sworn, according to law, declares that she is the widow of Oliver Welman deceased who was a private in the American army in the war of the revolution to wit in what company or regiment & precisely how long he served she is unable from want of recollection to state, though she has often heard him speak of his said services - but she is confident he served for more than one year & she thinks much longer. -
She further states that she was married to the said Oliver Welman on the 9 th day of August A D 1841. (She is not positive as to the year) by one John Sibley a justice of the peace - that she was married in Shaftsbury aforesaid & that her name before her said marriage was Thankful Frye - that her said husband died at said Shaftsbury on the 29 th day of April A D 1849, & that she is now a widow -
She further states that she is a pensioner

of the United States under the act of February 3. 1853 at the rate of sixty eight dollars & some cents per annum, that her pension certificate is dated, the 17 th day of September 1853, is signed R.M. G. [blank] Secretary of War & Carefully signed L. P. Mealdo Commissioner of pensions — and she refers to her declaration for a pension & the evidence accompanying the same for proof of her said marriage with the said Oliver Wolman & of his decease leaving her his widow — She also refers to the declaration of the said Oliver Wolman under which he obtained a pension for proof of his services — said declarations & papers being on file in the pension office & not accessible to her —
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the monthly fund to which she may be entitled under the act aforesaid March 3, 1853
Elizabeth Wolman
We Norman Stillington a resident of Shaftsbury and David E. Bloor a resident of Shaftsbury in said State of Vermont, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Elizabeth Wolman in our presence; that her original

personate certificate, which is correctly described in her said declaration was at the same time exhibited to me by her, and that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be—
Norman Millington David E. Blowers
The foregoing declaration & affidavits were sworn to & subscribed before me on this day & year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, & that I have no interest in this claim— I further certify that at the time of her making & attesting her declaration she exhibited to me her original personate Certificate which is correctly described in her said declaration—
Dennis J. George Justice of the peace,
State of Vermont, Bennington County ss.— I Samuel H. Blackmer clerk of the County & County Court of the county of Bennington aforesaid do hereby certify that Dennis J. George whose official signature appears above was at the date thereof a justice of the peace in & for said County & that his signature are genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 24 th day of April A.D. 1857. Saml. H. Blackmer Clerk. I affixed the seal of said County.

20625 Oliver Wellman
✓
Admiral
1 yr 8 mos + 23 days
O. C. Merrill Bennington Vt
O. C. Merrill
William Haswell Bennington Vermont

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 5. 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Oliver William of Bennington County, — Vermont
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entd May 1776 3 Private Capt Frow Col Attecheil from New field to Mansfield Living Milner's   Later part of Sept 1777 late late in the following winter " Coble Gen. Spencer Col. Keyes Stone Baroness in R.I. from thence to Providence Massachusetts   Sub. 1778 3 " Devall thence to West point N.Y.   Entd 1779 3 " Heodys & then to S. Jersey aged 71   Entd 1780 6 " Hancock Ware years  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Record of marriages
copy 7
Canon Clerk's Office

State of Vermont } Be it Remembered that at Bennington County } Shaftsbury in the County aforesaid On this 10 th day of August A.D. 1841. Oliver Wellman of Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont and Thankful Fry of Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, were duly joined in Marriage by me
John Niles Justice of the peace Received for Record August 30 th , A.D. 1853 and Recorded by me Warren Barton V. Clerk. State of Vermont } Town Clerk's Office Shaftsbury Bennington Co. } September 3 rd , A.D. 1853 I certify that the above is a true copy of Record in My Office - Warren Barton Town Clerk.
I Also further certify That I have been Town Clerk of said Town of Shaftsbury the past years since - March 1825, that I have been acquainted with Oliver Wellman deceased & Thankful Fry Now Thankful Wellman, that said Oliver & Thankful lived together as husband and wife quite a number of years before and until said Oliver's decease, and that said Thankful Wellman is still living in the town of Shaftsbury and is a widow.
I also further certify That John Niles, Reuben Patterson and Thankful Wellman are Credible Witnesses
Warren Barton Town Clerk

Oliver Willman's Declaration.
205 25
W. Haswell

STATE OF VERMONT, } 88. County of Bennington. }
On this 14 th day of August A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting, Oliver Welliman a resident of Bennington in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged 71 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, under the following named officers and served as herein stated -
That he enlisted in the year 1776, as he believes in the month of May, in the Massachusetts line, and served three months in the company commanded by Capt. Frow in Col. Mitchell's Regiment, and Gen. Spencer's brigade. That their first rendezvous was at Frogland ferry or Gardner's Neck in the state of Rhode Island, from thence to Providence, and from thence to Point Judith, where I did duty the greatest part of the time.
That in the following year, he believes in the latter part of September 1777 he again enlisted in the Massachusetts line, and did duty as he thinks till late in the winter following in the company commanded by Capt. Silas Cobb, and in the Regiment commanded by Col. Keyes - we did duty in the state of Rhode Island, first at Oldkin's Newtown as it was then called, perhaps two months, when the whole Regiment was marched to Providence, at which last place I stayed until I was discharged from this my second tour of duty - This Regt. I am confident was arranged to Gen. Spencer's brigade.
That in the year 1778, I did service for three months, as a substitute for one William Castle who was drafted under the command of Col. Devoll - said Castle was thence a resident of the town of Mansfield, county of Bristol, in the state of Massachusetts - the duties of this third tour were performed at Howland's ferry. I think entered upon this duty in the fall of the year.
That in the year 1779, I performed a 4 th tour of duty, in the spring of the year I enlisted in the Massachusetts line for the period of three months, and did duty for the entire period in the company commanded by Capt. Isaac Hodges, and in the Regt. commanded by Maj. Dyer - our duty was performed almost entirely at Little Compton, Rhode Island, and was principally sentry guard duty, and we suffered a great deal for want of provisions most of the time, and what we had were bad in quality.
That in the summer of the year 1780, I enlisted under Lieut. Bates for the period of six months, in the Continental service as I was told. I enlisted Mansfield, Mass. with 12 others, and were marched to Springfield Mass. and there placed under the command of Capt. Hancock, and marched thence to West Point, where I was arranged to Capt. Ashley's Company in Col. Vose's Regiment, and Gen. Glover's brigade - in a short time after I was transferred by Baron Stuben to Capt. Joseph Cushing's company in Col. Shepherd's Regiment, and in command of Gen. La Fayette. I did duty on the banks of the Hudson and in the state of New Jersey on various commands and scouting parties. I did duty for the period of eight months, and was discharged on my return to West Point from the vicinity of Green Pond, by Col. Vose. This discharge I believe to be lost or destroyed, I have made an anxious and diligent search and can find nothing of it. Further state that I never received one cent of pay for this service.
I was born in the town of Mansfield, Massachusetts, as I have been told in the year of our Lord 1761, I have now no record of my birth - I have understood it was recorded in my native town of Mansfield - my father had a record of it in his bible, I know not whether that is in existence. When I entered into service before mentioned I was living in Mansfield aforesaid. Since the revolutionary war I have lived in various towns, 1 year in Foxburgh, Mass. 13 years in Wardsboro' Vermont - 3 years in New Salem Mass. - 3 years in Barre Mass. - in Weston, Brookfield & Brimfield Mass. New Hampshire one year in St. Johnsbury.

That in the summer of the year 1780, I enlisted under Lieut. Bates for the period of six months, in the Continental service as I was told. I enlisted Mansfield, Mass. with 12 others, and were marched to Springfield Mass. and there placed under the command of Capt. Hancock, and marched thence to West Point, where I was arranged to Capt. Ashley's Company in Col. Vose's Regiment, and Gen. Glover's brigade - in a short time after I was transferred by Baron Stuben to Capt. Joseph Cushing's company in Col. Shepherd's Regiment, and in command of Gen. La Fayette. I did duty on the banks of the Hudson and in the state of New Jersey on various commands and scouting parties. I did duty for the period of eight months, and was discharged on my return to West Point from the vicinity of Green Pond, by Col. Vose. This discharge I believe to be lost or destroyed, I have made an anxious and diligent search and can find nothing of it. Further state that I never received one cent of pay for this service.
I was born in the town of Mansfield, Massachusetts, as I have been told in the year of our Lord 1761, I have now no record of my birth - I have understood it was recorded in my native town of Mansfield - my father had a record of it in his bible, I know not whether that is in existence. When I entered into service before mentioned I was living in Mansfield aforesaid. Since the revolutionary war I have lived in various towns, 1 year in Foxborough, Mass. 13 years in Wardsboro' Vermont - 3 years in New Salem Mass. - 3 years in Barn Mass. in Dana, Hardwick, Weston, Brookfield & Brimfield Mass. New Fane Vt. one year in Shaftsbury, Vt. and two years in Bennington where I now reside - I was verbally discharged, except in my last letter as stated I had a written one. I am known to John Fisher, Welcome Luther, and Jefferson Stratton.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll of any agency of any state. He declares that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person living who can testify to his service except Mr. Fisher whose deposition is annexed.
Oliver W. Wellman
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm. Haswell, Register
We Welcome Luther, and Jefferson Stratton residing in the town of Bennington aforesaid hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Oliver Wellman who has sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be 71 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.
Oliver W. Wellman Jefferson Stratton
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm. Haswell Regr.

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 Welcome Luther, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a credible person resident in the town of Bennington, and that Jefferson Stratton who has also signed the same is a credible person, resident in the town of Shaftsbury, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
S. Danford D. Judge
I, William Haswell, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Wellman for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 14 th day of August, A. D. 1832.
Wm Haswell

Additional Declaration.
STATE OF VERMONT, } ss. County of Bennington. }
On this 11 th day of June A. D. 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting, Oliver Wellman a resident of Bennington in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont 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, and as stated in his first declaration of the 14 th day of August, A. D. 1832—
That in the month of May 1776, he enlisted for three months, and served his time fully out, and was honorably discharged, but verbally, in the month of August. The day of enlistment and discharge I cannot from age, lapse of time and infirmity of memory, at this time designate.—He enlisted under the authority of the state of Massachusetts, and during the whole period of his said enlistment, I was not employed in any civil pursuits. — Served 3 months. —
In the month of September, 1777, I again enlisted in the Massachusetts line for the period of 3 months, as stated in my first declaration, in the company commanded by Capt. Titus Calk, in Col. Keyes's Regt. — and served my term of service fully out, and that previous to my release, by reason of my being detached on special command, as was frequent, I was detained in service, at the least 15 days beyond the time of the expiration of my enlistment. Until the detachment was relieved & marched to regimental headquarters, when I was honorably and verbally discharged. Soon I tendered myself enlisted under competent authority, and was not employed in any civil pursuit, but was every moment under public authority, in public service for the period of 3 months & 15 days.
In 1778, I engaged and did public service as a substitute, as stated in first declaration — I joined first in a Massachusetts Regt. — stationed at Fall River, R. Island — I was subsequently detailed to labor in the public shops at or near Howland's under Col. Devoll, with whom I completed my tour of 3 months service — I engaged in this tour of public duty in the month

of October 1778, and continued in service at least one week after the expiration of the term of my engagement in the public service. — I supposed I was out by the requirement of competent authority in the Massachusetts line, as the substitute for a person lawfully drafted into public service — I was employed, and did duty in the service for the entire period of 3 months & 7 days , and was discharged verbally by Col. Devoll in the month of January, 1779 — The day of commencement and end of service, I cannot remember, nor have I any minutes or memorials to refresh my memory.
In 1779, I performed a 4 th tour of duty as stated in first declaration, in the Massachusetts line. — I this year enlisted in the month of March, and served the full and entire period of three months, & was verbally discharged in the month of June, the conclusion of the three months. The particular day of enlistment and day of discharge I am unable to remember, & do not recollect any special matter or incident which can determine. I know I thought myself engaged by competent authority, that I was faithfully employed in public service by command the whole time for which I enlisted, to wit, for — 3 months . —
In 1780, I commenced my 5 th tour as early as the 12 th or 13 th day of July, and enlisted for the period of six months , in what I understood, and what was called the 1 st Reg t in the line of the Massachusetts Continental troops, commanded by Col. Vose. — It occurs to my memory, that my six months term expired on the 13 th day of January 1781, and that being detailed on special duty I was at this time absent from the Colonel Vose, on command and distant from the principal part of the Reg t and therefore was compelled to continue in the public service two months longer than the period for which I enlisted, and was not discharged until about the middle of the month of March 1781, when I was discharged honorably in writing by Col. Vose — but which is now lost. — I was continually and constantly in public service for the period aforesaid of — 8 months . — I was held as I thought by competent authority the whole time, and was not employed in any civil pursuit. — I was never engaged in any real action — but in several small skirmishings of out-posts.

In our return March from the vicinity of Cram Pond to West Point, myself and about 100 other men under the then command of Capt. Pope, came in contact with, as we judged 300 mounted British and Cow-boys - we fired and retreated, and should have all been captured, but for our manouevring, & the timely arrival of a body of American cavalry, who fought with the enemy and drove them from the field - this little affair was near a place called then Tennis, or on Tennis plains. - A number of the mounted troops on both sides were killed - but only two of the party to which I belonged. -
I further say that I distinctly remember the terms & general periods of my service but the particular days each year in which I entered upon the service, & left it, I cannot, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, and the length of time elapsed since the events took place, swear precisely to - nor to the exact amount of days of over-service; the amount I have stated is considerably within the actual amount of over-service I rendered - but according to my best recollections of it, I can truly say, that I served not less than the periods mentioned below
  For 1776  - 3 months  - days -     " 1777  - 3  - 15 "     " 1778  - 3  - " - 7 "     " 1779  - 3  - " - " - "     " 1780  - 8  - " - " - "  1 year, 8 months - 22 days -    " 1781  - 8  - " - " - "  
as a private soldier - and for such service I claim pension. -
The following were my officers - and those I knew in service - viz. For 1776 - Capt. Trow, Lieutenant White, 2 d Lieut. M. Sweet. In the Regt. of Col. Mitchell, and Gen. Spencer's brigade, both I knew. - For 1777 - Capt. Cobb, Lieut. Bates, Ensign Billings - Regt. of Col. Hayes - Gen. Spencer. For 1778 - Col. Duvoll - For 1779 - Capt. Hodges, Lieut. Dean, - Maj. Dufree, Adjutant French. - These I believe were the only officers present. For 1780 & 1781 - Capt. Hancock & Lieut. Bates - Capt. Ashley, Lieut. Eggleston. - Col. Vose, Lt. Col. Vose - Gen Glover. - Capt. Joseph Cushing, Lieut. C. Cushing Col. Shepherd, Baron Steuben, Gen. La Fayette, Gen. Washington, Gen Putnam - Lord Sterling - Capt. Pope. -

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.
In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the Court the applicant declares,
1st. That he was born at Mansfield, Mass. 1761 - Oct. 18 -
2d. That he has no record of his age but understood his birth was recorded in town records of Mansfield - saw a record in his father's bible - supposes it lost.
3d. That he lived in Mansfield, Massachusetts when called into service,
4th. That he was three times sent out as one of the enlisted militia - once was out as a substitute for William Castle, a drafted soldier - he was for 8 months out as an enlisted soldier in Massachusetts line of continental troops. -
5th. That among the regular officers who were with the troops where he served, he recollects as before particularly & previously named -
6th. That he has received a written discharge - but it is lost & cannot be found - he received 4 verbal discharges.
7th. That he is known to Solomon Safford residing in Bennington and Orsamus C. Merrill residing in Bennington who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Oliver Wellman
Wm Haswell, Register
We, Solomon Safford residing in the town of Bennington and Orsamus C. Merrill residing in Bennington hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Oliver Wellman who has subscribed and sworn to the above 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.
Solomon Safford
O. C. Merrill. -
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm Haswell, Register
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 Solomon Safford who has signed the preceding certificate, is a credible person resident in the town of Bennington and that Orsamus C. Merrill who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Bennington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. -
Wm Haswell, Register.
I, WILLIAM HASWELL, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Oliver Wellman for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 11 th day of June
A. D. 1833
Wm Haswell

61.306
Vbo And

273594
To The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Barnington Centre June 3, 1853
To the Hon. L. P. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions
Sir Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Mrs Thankful Willman widow of Oliver Willman, for a pension under the Act of February 3, 1853.
Enclosed are four affidavits in proof of her marriage since 1800, the death of her Husband, and her widowhood to the present time. As her husband Oliver Willman was a pensioner in his life time, she refers to his declaration & other papers in the pension office as proof of the rank & services of her husband, as required by the regulations of the Secretary of the Interior.
Yours Respectfully
Alex r M Huling, Agt & Atty for Mrs. Thankful Willman
P.S. - Please direct your communications
To A. M. Huling, Barnington Centre VT

L. P. Waldo Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Barrington Centre Sept. 8, 1853
L P Waldo Esqr Commission of Pleas
Dear Sir
Enclosed is additional proof in the case of Thankful Willman for a pension.
Enclosed is a certified copy of the Church records of the marriage of Oliver Willman & Thankful Willman.
And it being the duty of the justice to cause a copy of his records of marriages to be recorded in the Town Clerks office, I have enclosed to you a certified copy of the records of said marriage from the Town Clerks office of the town of Shaftsbury.
Either of said copies of records would be presumptive evidence of the fact of marriage.
I have enclosed also my certificate that the witnesses who have testified in this case are of good moral character & reliable.

witnesses, I have resided for over twenty years within two miles of said witnesses and know their reputation for truth & veracity,
I have also testified to the signature of John Siles & Hiram Barton, as genuine, upon the copies of Record enclosed and that they are in due form of law & legally enforce- able as by the laws of this State.
I have also enclosed the certificate of of Hiram Barton Town Clerk. who is well acquainted with Thankful Stillman, &c
I have also enclosed the certificate of J. J. George Judge of the County Court, who certifies to the good moral character of the witnesses who have given their testimony in this case, & also to other matters.
I hope your Honor, will give the earliest attention to this case, as the Willow is old & feeble & in great need of the expended County
Yours Respectfully Alexander M. Huling
P.S. - Direct all communications, to A. M. Huling Brownington Centre Vermont

Wellman

Brief in the case of Thankful Wellman, widow of Oliver, Bennington County and State of Vermont, act 3 d Feby: 1853.
Claim, ("original," for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7 th June. 1832, Record Evidence & parole proof of marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Alex d M. Hurling, Esq r , Bennington Centre, Vermont. Name and residence of Agent
J. C. Boynton Examining Clerk.

Affidavit of
John Nias

I John Niles of Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn as aforesaid testify and say that on the 10 th day of August A.D. 1842 I was a Justice of the Peace within & for the county of Bennington and that at Shaftsbury in said County on the 10 th day of August A.D. 1842 Oliver Willman & Thankful Willman were duly joined in marriage by me agreeably to the laws of this State.
I further depose testify and say that the said Oliver Willman died in Shaftsbury some time in the Spring of the year A.D. 1848.
And I further depose and say that Thankful Willman since the death of her husband has continued her residence in said Town of Shaftsbury, and has not intermarried with any one since that time to my knowledge, and I do believe that she is now a widow. And further deponent saith not.
State of Vermont Bennington County ss } At Shaftsbury in said County this John Niles

21 st day of May A.D. 1852. personally appeared John Niles and made oath in due form of law, to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed. Before me
Dennis J. George Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont, } BENNINGTON, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Dennis J. George Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 3 rd day of June Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-Three
S. H. Blackmer
CLERK.

Artemus B. Hills
Affidavit

I, Artemas B Hill of Bennington of lawful age do testify upon & say that I was well acquainted with Oliver Willman, and am well acquainted with Mrs Thankful Willman. According to my present recollection, they were married by John Viles a Justice of the peace in the town of Shaftsbury. Some time in the summer of 1842, And to my personal knowledge they lived together as husband & wife from the time of their marriage until the death of the said Oliver Willman, which was four or five years ago. They lived in the town of Shaftsbury and so did I, within a short distance of them,,
I further depose & say that since the death of the said Oliver Willman Mrs Thankful Willman has continued her residence in Shaftsbury, the most of her time with one Hezekiah Mathews. And I do believe that she has not married since the death of her husband Oliver Willman and that she is now a widow, and so reputed in her neighborhood, & further deponent saith not State of Vermont } Bennington County } ss At Bennington in said County this 30 th day of May A. D. 1853. Personally appeared Artemas B Hill and made truth to the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed in due form of law Before me Alexander M'Clusky, Notary Public A B Hill

State of Vermont, } BENNINGTON, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Alexander M. Hurling Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Notary Public -
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed
according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 3 rd day of June Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three -
S. H. Blackmer
CLERK.

Records of Marriages copy of
Justices office

A.
State of Vermont Bennington County ss } Be it remembered that at Shaftsbury in the county aforesaid on this 10 th day of August A.D. 1841 Oliver Melman of Shaftsbury in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont, and Thankful Fay of Shaftsbury in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont were joined together in marriage
By me John N. Litchfield of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above & foregoing is a true copy of the records, examined by me
John Niles The Justice of the Peace

Pension Office. 15 th Sept. 1853.
Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid, or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
J. M. W. Davis
Commissioner.
Oliver Wellman, act g June 1832 - $68.07 - p. annum. - Died 28 th April 1848, Paid to his death.
J. Burch Auditor.
Francis Root Esq. This Auditor. Treasury {

App. of Thankful Wellman widow of Oliver —
Vermt:
18363
Act 3 d Febrs 1853 $68. 07 Per An — Com Feb. 3 d 1853, Rev:
Dear M. Huling
Bennington Centre
Vermt:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business.

FREE
Thamesville Williamstown Office 1853
To Geddy
L P Waldo Esq Commissioner of Pension Washington City D.C.

Mr. [unclear]
For - Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Respectfully, yours, [unclear]

61 H - wid Oliver Wellman
Aug. 14 1832 - 71 Barnington apt Born Oct. 18. 1761 Mansfield mass May 76 Mansfield mass
Capt. Bowbridge Col Mitchell Pvt. 3 m
Sep. 77 Capt. Silas Cobb Col Hayes Pvt - 3 m
78 - Capt Col Durill Pvt - 10 m
79 - Capt. Hodge Col Pvt 3 m
Aug 80 Capt. Hancock Col Vose Pvt 6 m
Not Bat Mar. Thankful Fry Aug 14 1802 Died Apr 28. 1829 Skirmish at Crumpond N.Y.

No 1986
Thankful Wellman Wife of Oliver —
W.F. Let to Alex. B. Hurling, Aug; 23. 1853.
Act. Feb; 3. 1853.

Oct. 25 - 1901 Rev. J. W. Wellman, Boston, Mass.
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
614
Thankful Wellman Widow
Oliver Wellman Br. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1863
Index:—Vol. M. Page 318
[Arrangement of 1870.]

273594

North Bennington Vt. April 29, 1857 To the Com r of Pensions, Sir
I enclose an application for Bounty land of Thankful Welman
The declaration &c. after having been executed at the dale (before the justice) was accidentally mislaid by the Messenger entrusted to bring it to me & has only within a few days past been found. The applicant having resided some sixty miles from me supposed the application had been received by me & forwarded to the Pension office, until recently, when an search among the papers of the Messenger it was found.
Very respectfully yours Heiland Hall

D. J. George Certificate

6
State of Vermont Bennington County ss
I Dennis J. George Judge of the County Court, within and for the County of Bennington & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thankful Willums John Niles, & Heskiah Matteson of Shaftsbury, and that they are all persons of good moral character, and that their testimony can be relied upon as true. I further certify that John Niles & Heskiah Matteson are the same persons who made oath to affidavits before me, in the case of Thankful Willums, for a Pension, under the Act of Feb. 3, 1853.
And I further certify that Thankful Willums is still living in the town of Shaftsbury & that she is the widow of Olain Willums, who drew a pension in his life time. I further certify that Alexander McKasing is a person of good moral character.
Given under my hand & seal at Shaftsbury in the County & State aforesaid this 26 th day of August, A.D. 1853, Dennis J. George Judge of the County Court

Affidavit of Hezekiah Matthews

I Hezekiah Matteson of Shaftsbury in the county of Bennington and State of lawful age being duly sworn do upon testify and say, that I was acquainted with Oliver Willman some time or years previous to his death, and that he and his wife Thankful Willman lived together as husband & wife from the time of their intermarriage in the town of Shaftsbury, until the death of the said Oliver Willman which was some time in the Spring of the year A.D. 1848
I further testify and say that since the death of the said Oliver Willman, Thankful Willman with the exception of a few months has made her home with me at my house - and I can safely say that since the death of her husband Oliver Willman she has not intermarried with any one, and that she has ever since then remained, and still does remain a widow - and further deponent saith not -
Hezekiah Matteson
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss } At Shaftsbury in said County this 21 st day of May A.D. 1853 personally appeared Hezekiah Matteson & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. Before me Dennis J. George Justice of the peace

State of Vermont, } BENNINGTON, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Dennis J. George Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed
according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 3 rd day of June Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three
S. H. Blackmer
CLERK.

Alexander M. Fleming.
Affidavit

I Alexander McHuling of lawful age do depon testify & say that I am acquainted with Mrs Thankful Wellman of Shaftsbury, and was also acquaint- -ed with her husband Oliver Wellman, until the time of his death. They were married some time in the year A.D. 1842, in the town of Shaftsbury, and they continued to live together as husband and wife in said town of Shaftsbury, until the death of the said Oliver Wellman, which from my present recollection & belief was in the Spring of the year A.D. 1848.
I further testify & say that Thankful Wellman since the death of her husband, has made her home with one Hesterick Matteson the most of the time to my own knowledge, and I do verily believe that since the death of her husband Oliver Wellman she has remained single & unmarried and is now a widow - If she had since married I think I must have heard or known of it. And further deponent saith not
State of Vermont
Alexander McHuling
Bennington ss 3. At Bennington in said county this 30 th day of May A.D. 1853
Alexander McHuling made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed Before me
Jussan McHuling Notary Public

State of Vermont, } BENNINGTON, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
_____ Truman Huling Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Notary Public
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed
according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 3 rd day of June Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three -
S. H. Blackmer CLERK.

A. M. Young Affidavit

in this State past eight years, and am acquainted with the laws of this State, and that this copy of the record certified to by John Niles, Marked A, and that the copy of the record certified to by Hiram Benton Town Clerk, are agreeable to the form prescribed by law, and properly certified to, And that a certified copy of the record of any marriage under the signature of a justice or of the town clerk would be received by all courts in this State as prima facie evidence of the fact of such marriage
I further certify that the certificate of D. J. George Justice of the County Court Marked B, to be under his signature,
And further deponent saith not
Alexander M. Huntington
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss } At Bennington in said county this 8 th day of September A.D. 1853 personally appeared
Alexander M. Huntington and made oath in due form of law that the certificate by him subscribed above is true
Before me
Henry Kellogg Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont, } Bennington, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Henry Kellogg Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 8 th day of September Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three —
S. H. Blackmer
CLERK.

I Alexander H. Hubsy of Binnington in the county of Bennington State of Vermont, being duly sworn, certify & say, that I am well acquainted with John Niles, Ezekiel Matteson, & Thankful Wellman of Shaftsbury, and have been for twenty years & more, and that they are persons of good moral character, and equitable witnesses, And that the said John Niles & Ezekiel Matteson are the same persons who gave their depositions or affidavits in the case of Thankful Wellman, for a pension under the act of Feb. 3, 1853,
I further certify & say that the said Thankful Wellman is still living in the town of Shaftsbury the widow of Alvan Wellman.
I further certify & say that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of John Niles & Alvan Barton, and I believe the copies of record, certified to. Marked, A. & B, to have been legally done in their official capacity, and that the signatures thereto are genuine.
I further certify & say that I am an attorney at law, and have been for the

just light years, in this State and am acquainted with the laws of this State, and that the copy of the record certified to by John Vales, Marked A, and that the copy of the record certified to by William Barton Town Clerk, are agreeable to the form prescribed by law, and properly certified to, And that a certified copy of the record of any marriage under the signature of a justice or of the Town Clerk would be received by all courts in this State as prima facie evidence of the fact of such marriage
I further certify that the certificate of D. J. George Justice of the County Court marked B, to be under his signature,
And further deponent saith not Alexander M. Hurling
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss } At Bennington in said County this 8 th day of September A.D. 1853 personally appeared
Alexander M. Hurling and made oath in due form of law that the Certificate by him subscribed above is true
Before me
Henry Kellogg Justice of the Peace

James L. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

Bennington, June 12, 1833.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Dear Sir,
The case of Oliver Wellman, returned by you was received. — The additional declaration which he has made, is herewith attested by him —  made , and the Court have authenticated it. — The first declaration has also been carefully examined by declarant, and by the Court, and they have added the seal of Court to all papers as genuine. I hope you will find it full and satisfactory, /and as far as may be, consistent with truth, /in compliance with your instructions. —
M r Wellman has among his neighbors the character of an industrious and honest man. I have no personal doubt from the manner of his relation and all the information attainable, that he rendered service as he has stated. — Can you attend to his case immediately? If so, it would be a great gratification to the old soldier, as he is poor. — And I should esteem it a favor.
I am respectfully, & Sincerely
Yours &c. —
O. C. Merrill. —

I Nathan Fisher of Shaftsbury in the county of Bennington and State of Vermont, of lawful age testify and say That I have been early and intimately acquainted with Oliver Wellman, indeed from boyhood to this time. That I well knew of his revolutionary services, and part of the time was in the same corps with him. That Mr. Wellman  Wellman was out three months in the year 1776, in the Massachusetts line, in the company commanded by Captain Frow, in Col. Michels Regiment and Gen. Spencer's brigade - That Mr. Wellman was out three months or more on his second tour of duty, in the Massachusetts line, in Captain Silas Cobble's company, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Keyes - and which did duty in the State of Rhode Island. That Mr. Wellman was again out a third time for a period of three months, and did duty at Howland's ferry, but I cannot remember any of the particulars, was not with him, but at the time understood he did duty there for the full period of three months, and believe it to be true That I know that Mr. Wellman did duty for a fourth period, that he was in Capt. Isaac Hodges Company, in the Regiment commanded by Maj. Dufour, at Little Comp ton, Rhode Island, and that this deponent was out this campaign and was out in the same company with Mr. Wellman - That I further know that shortly after this tour of duty Mr. Wellman enlisted under a Lt. Bates in the continental service, for the period of six months, and that I knew he was absent from his friends and neighbors for the period of six months or more, and have reason to believe he did duty in the United States service for at least that period, and that Lt. Bates after their return gave a feast to his old soldiers, and their friends, and that I attended. - And further this deponent saith not. - Nathan Fisher

State of Vermont } Bennington County } ss }
Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority, on the 6 th day of July, A.D. 1832, Nathan Fisher resident of Shaftsbury in said county of Bennington, signer of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath in due form of law, that the facts stated therein are the truth and nothing but the truth. I further certify that Nathan Fisher is a person to me well known, and that I have satisfac- tory reasons to believe that the facts stated in the preceding deposition, by him subscribed in my pres- ence, and sworn to by before me, are true.
Attest - O. C. Merrill, Justice of the Peace.
State of Vermont
To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting
I hereby certify that Osarnas G. Merrill Esq., whose signature appears to the foregoing, was at the date thereof, State is a Justice of the Peace within for the County of Bennington, duly qualified as such to administer oaths &c, & that his signature above is genuine
In testimony whereof Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court in & for said County of Bennington have hereunto subscribed my name & have affixed the seal of our said Court at Manchester this 17 th day of Aug t A.D. 1832 & of the Independence of the United States the 57 th - Henry Robinson Clk,

I John Stone of Shaftsbury, county of Bennington, and State of Vermont, of lawful age testify and say, that for the period of 14 years or more I have been acquainted with Oliver Wellman, have frequently heard relations of his campaigns and services as a revolutionary soldier, that I have always believed, and that it has been generally believed in the neighborhood of his residences that he had been a soldier and had done a great deal of revolutionary service.
I further testify that his statements of the same  to time have always been considered the relations of a man of truth and veracity. — John Stone
States of Vermont, } Bennington District. }
Sworn to and subscribed in Probate Court, this 14 th day of August, A.D. 1832.
Wm Haswell, Register
I certify that John Stone is a credible person,
Wm Haswell, Register

I Metcalf Wellman of Bennington, county of Bennington, and state of Vermont, of lawful age testify and say, That for the period of fifteen years or more I have heard of Oliver Wellman's campaigns and services as a revolutionary soldier, that I have always believed to him to have done a good deal of duty in the revolutionary service, and have never had any doubt about it. It was always understood generally in the neighborhoods of his residence that he had been a soldier. — I further testify that his statements have all been accredited as the statements of a man of truth and veracity. — Metcalf Wellman
State of Vermont. } Bennington District. } Sworn to and subscribed in Probate Court, this 14 th day of August, A.D. 1832.
Wm. Haswell, Register
I certify that Metcalf Wellman is a credible person Wm Haswell, Register