Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5167, Abner Woodin, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Woodin, Abner
R. 5167
or Wooden,
Holmes, Hannah
CONTENTS
Asa Holmes, widow's 2 nd husband, was also a soldier in the Revolution.
Former widow

Revolutionary Claim Application from N.H. Widows Claim Law of 1838 Hannah Holmes, late widow of Abner Woodin Claim on file
Secretaries Certificate for 8 M c 17 days as Corporal attached - The widow called him a Surgeant in her declaration, he seems to have been a corporal, husband having died in 1785 she of course must have been married to him before '94, family record on file, birth of one child in '83, all clear for a pension -

State of New York } Genesee County } ss.. I Edgar C. Dibble The Surrogate of in and for said county - at a Surrogate court held before me at my office in Batavia in said county on the 3 rd day of June 1852 do hereby certify that satisfactory proof & evidence was then and there exhibited to the said court that Hannah Holmes (late a widow of Abner Woodson) was an applicant for a pension from the county of Erie in said state and that she was a resident of said county - and that she died in said county of Erie in March 1843 - and that she died a widow - that her only child now surviving her is Mary Wilson - that she is now the age of twenty one years and is her only child now surviving
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal This 3 rd day of June 1852
Edgar C. Dibble County Judge and Surrogate of the County of Genesee " " " " "

Hannah Holmes No 5
Answer to me Bradabute

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
April 10. 1852.
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 Homer Woodson is borne on a roll of Capt. John Holmes Co. from Berkshire Co., Col. Fellows Regt. from Apr. 21. 1775. as Corporal - from Taconuck Mountain - (now Mt. Washington) 14 days - On rolls of 8 mo. service in 1775. Capt. Wm Bacon's Co. from Berkshire Co., Col. Fellows Regt. from May 8. as Corporal; from Sheffield. 7th of Octo. return dated Dorchester camp. Coat receipt, same place. Decr. 19.
The above is all the evidence of service, of any one of the name, that appears in this office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Francis Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of New York COUNTY OF Erie
} ss.
Greaty Wilder of alden being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that She is a child of Hannah Holmes v Abner Wooden — deceased, to whom a pension was probably due, & who was — an applicant for a pension from the State of New York — that this deponent is directly interested as one of the claimants in said claim.
Greaty Wilder
Sworn and subscribed before me this 19 th day December 1851 and I do hereby certify that the said Greaty Wilder — is a respectable person, and that I have full faith in the truth of the above statement sworn to by her as being directly interested in said claim.
Asa Munn Justice of the Peace
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Greaty Wilder a child of Hannah Holmes — deceased, to whom a pension was probably due, & who was an — applicant for a pension from the State of New York — do hereby constitute and appoint ARAD JOY, of Ovid, N. Y., my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name as one directly and personally interested, as also for and in behalf of all others interested in the claim or application for a pension as above mentioned.
Witness my hand and seal, this 19 th day of December 1851
SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF
Witness
Greaty Wilder
STATE OF New York County of Erie
} ss.
Be it known that on the 19 th day of December 1851 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, duly authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgements, personally appeared Greaty Wilder above named, and duly acknowledged the above Power of Attorney and affidavits to be her act and deed.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and date above mentioned.
Asa Munn Justice of the Peace

State of New York. } ss
ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, WELLS BROOKS, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, do hereby certify that Asa Munn whose name is subscribed to the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in said County, duly elected, sworn and acting as such and authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe that the signature to the said proof or acknowledgment is genuine; and further, that the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County at Buffalo, this 5th day of Feb A. D. 185 2
W. Brooks Clerk.

Application for certificate of Revolutionary Service made by the agent of the family of the party who rendered the Service The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requ- ested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the Service of Abner Wooden in the war of the Revolution
He resided in the town or place called Mount Washington Berkshire Co. Mass, in the Spring of '75 entered the Service went to Boston served on for 8 months, then enlisted to go north, with the Northern Army & went to Quebec was at the battle, in the Summer of '76 he returned and was sent to Long Island, was in the battle there, he was in Bunker Hill battle, at Quebec was under Arnold acted as a Sergeant at least a part of the Service, Service long Signed by said agent? Dated Ovid N.Y. Feb 17 th 1852 in my presence For the Children Arad Joy agent
I certify that Arad Joy seems to be the agent in the above case

9117
Application of Hannah Holmes, widow of Albin Woodin, for a Pension -
9117
Hannah Holmes
N.Y.
act. 7. July 38.
Horace W. Soper, Agent, Batavia, Genesee Co. N.Y.
Wm A Smith H.R.

On the application for a pension of Hannah Holmes former Widow of Abner Woodin a soldier in the army of the Revolution on her oath before me Joseph Freeman a judge of Essex County courts makes the follow- ing Declaration -
That she was born at Stanford in the state of Connecticut June 16. 1755 - was married to Abner Woodin June 10. 1777 in New Fairfield CC. That said Abner Woodin was born July 27 1750 in the eastern part of said state - first saw Mr Woodin about two years previous to her marriage - That he volunteered or enlisted about that time - Recollects it was about the time of the battle of Lexington - Thinks he did not get there till after the battle - Thinks he enlisted during the war - is certain he was at the battle of Bunker Hill - as he said  he after that frequently spoke of the heard him speak of many particulars relating to the battle does not recollect who his captain was, recollects his speaking of Gen Putnam, being then - That she first saw her husband after the battle at Mount Washington where his father resided after that he went to Canada and Quebec under Gen Arnold - Thinks he was a sergeant in that campaign - Returned from Canada thinks in February - Was employed for a time in enlisting troops - was after that on Long Island, was in the battle there which was in August - was in the last boats that left the island - was in the New York till the army retreated - was then seriously injured by a cannon shot which passed so near his head that he was knocked down and stunned - was passed over at first for dead but was afterwards picked up by his comrades and

and carried off - and was soon after taken home to Mount Washington - From the effect of heat and the injury in his head he was unfit for duty and unable to labour for a whole year after - says she has frequently heard her husband relate all the particulars as to the battles and campaigns where he was in the army - Recollections of his telling of the hardships of their march to Quebec, of their sufferings from cold and hunger hunger and of the same while at Quebec - of the manner of the attack upon that place and of Montgomery, being killed - heard him say he was a very firm man and good officer - of a sledge breaking through the ice on their return from Canada and a boy who was a drummer being around - a woman who was also in the sledge came very near drowning but got out - but soon after died with the cold - The last night they left Long Island her husband was on guard - The British when guard were so near that they could hear them - they came round to relieve - heard him particularly speak of Gen Sullivan, Sterling and Arnold, being there of the excessive heat and their sufferings for want of water and how many died of heat and drinking cold water - That at the moment the bell rang him he had turned partly round - that the motion saved his life as the ball passed directly where he stood before he turned - all the above and very many more particulars she has frequently heard her husband relate - That the next winter she went to live with her sister who resided at Mount Washington and in the same neighbourhood of her husband - That she very frequently saw him - That he had then was  of  had not recovered his health and was

and was unable to labour - That his sickness was the effect of having been shot melted and the injury in his head by the ball which was on his right side - When he was hurt his first thought was his ear was gone - That after she went to live with her sister at Mount Washington she frequently heard them and all the neighbours talk of her husband being in the army Army and the cause of his sickness which was being melted as they called it and the hurt in his head - says she was married to Mr Woodin the June following - That the same summer or the (the winter) next, her husband was paid for his services in continental money - That he kept the money a considerable time that it continued as depreciated in value and at last he turned it for a horse which was all he received for it - That after the war and about nine years after she was married her husband went to North Carolina to work as a millwright where he died October 15 1786 - by him she had two daughters - The youngest with with whom she now resides was about four years old at the death of her father - says she has no Brothers or sisters now living nor does she know of any one now living who ever saw her husband in the army - a Mr Matthew Sindelsky (who was a pensioner) was known ing to his being in the Army - but he died about four two years since - says she and Mr Sindelsky were brought up in the same neighbourhood. That their fathers farms joined or cornered together - they have resided in the same vicinity most of the time since - that he died in the old  same  wood  county

where the claimant now resides - That Mr. Sindsby was well acquainted with her first husband and knew of his being in the army and has often told her she ought to have a pension - but she could not on account of her second marriage - says she was married to Asa Asa Holmes August 24 1803 that he died Dec r 24 - 1824 - that Mr. Holmes was several years employed a part of the time in scouting parties in the revolutionary war - that he was with the militia at New York after the battle of Long Island and remained there till it was evacuated by the American army that he was acquainted with her first husband and frequently saw him while the army was at New York says that they were well acquainted before either of them went into the army - has frequently heard Mr. Holmes speak of being with and seeing her first husband while the army lay in New York says she had a family register in her Bible in which her birth and that of her first first husband and their marriage was registered - that some 16 or 17 years since the bible had become shattering and the leaves so loose that she thought it would be the record would be lost - and that her grandson by her request copied it into an old count-book with a parchment cover which belonged to her father. which book is now in her possession - that the register as taken is a true copy of the original as registered in the bible.
State of New York } ss: I certify that the county of Erie } preceding declaration was made and taken before me on oath - the 11. day of March 1843 - that the said Hannah Holmes made her mark thereto she not being able to write. That I am well acquainted with her. That she is of sound mind and memory and of undoubted veracity and that I am satisfied with the entire truth of the statement above made
Joseph Freeman Judge of Erie Co. Courts

and I further certify that the said Hannah Holmes is unable to appear in court on account of bodily infirmity
Joseph Freeman Judge of Erie Co. Courts
Salisbury & Clapp, Printers, Exchange Buildings, Buffalo.
State of New-York, } ss. COUNTY OF ERIE, }
I, NOAH P. SPRAGUE, Clerk of the County of Erie, and of the Court of Common Pleas thereof, do hereby certify that Joseph Freeman Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed Certificate , was at the time of executing the same  Judge of Erie Co. Courts in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and acting as such. And further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge  Joseph Freeman and verily believe the signature to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the Court of Com- mon Pleas of said County, this 20 th day of March A. D. 184 8
Noah P. Sprague Clerk.
I certify that the said Hannah Holmes at the time of making the above declaration was unable to appear in Court on account of sickness and old age and was confined to her room
Joseph Freeman

State of New York County of Seneca ss: Greaty Wilder being duly sworn before the undersigned judge of said County deposes and says - That she is the daughter of Abner Woodin and Hannah Woodin his wife - now widow Hannah Holmes That she was born in Kinderhook in the state of New York December 29 th 1783 - That when she was about three years of age her father left and went to the southern states - she can only recollect having seen him and that not very distinctly - she recollects very distinctly when the intelligence was received of the death of her father - how her mother felt and the effect it had upon her - The intelligence was received by letter which had been mis-directed which delayed its arrival - says she was then about four years and a half of age - she says that from her early childhood she has always understood from her mother that her father served during the Revolu- tionary war and has frequently heard her speak of the battles he was in, and of his being injured in his head by a cannon shot and many other particulars -
Has frequently heard her mother speak of her father having received pay for his services in continental continental money - That he kept it a long time hoping it would be better - but at least was obliged to put it off for a trifle - That in consequence of this and other matters his circumstances embarrassed and he was obliged to leave the country and his family to avoid being imprisoned for debt
says she knows of no one now living who ever saw her father in the army - Has heard Mother frequently often speak of her father being in the army always understood he had seen him there or knew

of his being there - Mr Lindsley also served in the army and received a pension and that he died about four years since - This informant has been most of the time acquainted with Mr Lindsley since she was a child and most of the time they have lived in the same vicinity - and has frequently heard him speak of her father's military service - Has always understood that her mother and Mr Lindsley were children together and brought up in the same neighbourhood - and that most of the time since they have resided nearly in the same vicinity and that he and in the same town where this informant now resides - says that Mr Holms her mother's second husband died in December 1822 That she has since lived a widow and most of the time has lived with this informant and this informant further says - That about sixteen or seventeen years since she requested her son Asa Holms - (son by a former husband) to make a family record - That the record was made in an old account book which formerly belonged to her grand father - That her mother was present at the time - That after the record was written her mother wished to have her family record made in the same place - That her mother said that the record in her bible would soon be lost as the bible had become old - and she wished it written in that book to preserve it says she saw her son make the record as her mother directed him - Thinks the old bible was not present but her mother gave it from recollection - says she had frequently seen the record in the bible and is confident

That the record in the Count Book is the same in substance though that in the Bible was much more formal her son being then about 14 years of age - That her mother gave her Bible to one of her grandsons who has since gone to Illinois - Thinks it most likely that the record is now lost - says that her mother's name before she was married was Hannah Smith -
Subscribed and sworn } Greaty Wilder May 12 - 1843 before me James R. Parkman a judge of Genesee County Courts
State of New York
County of Genesee ss: Asa Holmes being duly sworn upon oath and says - That he is the son of Greaty Wilder and made the family record mentioned  record in the preceding affidavit That Hannah Holmes is his grandmother and that he wrote it as she dictated him - Thinks it was seventeen years ago this summer - That the paper containing the record has been cut from the book in which he wrote it - and is herewith annexed and he has written his name upon the back of it
Subscribed and sworn } Asa Holmes before me May 12, 1843 James R. Parkman Judge of Genesee County Courts
State of New York
County of Genesee ss: Clarissa S. Dayton being duly sworn upon oath and says - That she is the daughter of Matthew Dinsdale the person

mentioned in the preceding affidavit of Greats Wilder. That she was forty one years of age in January last. That with the exception of about three years she has always lived in or with her father's family - That she has always been acquainted with the Widow Hannah Holmes, and with the exception of a few years has lived in the same vicinity - That from the time she was a child she has frequently heard her father speak of the Widow Holmes first husband (Abner Woodin) serving in the revolutionary war - always under- stood that he knew of Mr Woodin being in the army - Has frequently heard him speak of it Has heard him say that Mrs Holmes ought to have a pension - That the all that prevented her having one was her second marriage - That she and her friends were all poor - That if she could have a pension it would give her a comfortable support That all she got by marrying Captain Holmes was trouble and a drunken husband and had lost what little she had, and that it was a great pity she ever had him That she has frequ- -quently heard her father make remarks of this kind - Has always understood that her father and Widow Holmes were brought up in the same neighbour- -hood and that in their younger days they they resided in the same vicinity - and have done so most of the time since - says her father died about four years ago in April last
Subscribed and sworn                      Clarissa L Dayton before me May 12. 1843 James R. Parkman Judge } of Genesee County Courts

I certify that I am acquainted with Greety Widow Asa Holmes and Clarissa L. Dayton the above named claimants and that they are creditable persons - I further certify that I saw the Record annexed to the affidavit of Asa Holmes cut from the account book alluded to in the declaration of Hannah Holmes James R. Jackson a Judge of Genesee County Courts -
State of New York } Genesee County } ss:
I, certify that James R. Jackson was a Judge of the County Courts of the said County at the time of taking the foregoing affidavits of Greety Widow, Asa Holmes, and Clarissa L. Dayton and duly authorized to take the same and that his signatures to the certificates of taking the same, are his hand writing. -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 22 d June 1843 -
Horace W. Soper. Clerk
Abner Woodin July Monday Feb  the 27 1750 Hannah Smith June Monday Feb  the 18 1755 Married June 10 - 1777 Woodin died Oct. 15 - 1786

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
Ans Out
April 25, 1925.
Wallace I. Woodin 18 Asylum St Hartford, Conn.
Sir:
I have to advise you that it is alleged in the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.5167 , that Abner Woodin was born July 27, 1750 in the Eastern part of Connecticut, and while residing with his father (whose name is not stated) at Mount Washington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, entered the service in the spring of 1775 and went to Boston and was in the battle of Bunker Hill, no officers stated.
He also went north as a sergeant under Colonel Arnold and was in the battle at Quebec. In the summer of 1776, he went to Long Island and was in the battle there.
He married June 10, 1777 at New Fairfield, Connecticut, Hannah Smith, who was born June 16, 1755 at Stamford, Connecticut.
After the War he went to North Carolina, and

died there October 15, 1786.
His widow married August 24, 1803, Asa Holmes, who died December 24, 1824. She died in March
Hannah Holmes applied for pension as the former widow of Abner Woodin, on March 11, 1843, while residing in Erie County, New York, but the claim was not allowed, because of lack of proof of the alleged service. She died in March 1843 in Erie County, New York.
She had two daughters, by her first husband; Greaty, the younger, was born December 29, 1783 at Kinderhook, New York. In 1843, she lived in Genesee County, New York, and signed her name Greaty Wilder, and referred to her son, Asa Holmes by a former husband.
Said Greaty and Rachel Beardsley were referred to as the heirs of Hannah Holmes, relationship of Rachel Beardsley, is not stated.
The above noted Abner Woodin(Wooden) is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Respectfully,
WILDER S. METCALF Commissioner.

9117 Hannah Holmes dec? formerly widow of Abner Woodin NY
Hon A. Smith Jny 2 1845 W. A. Sackett Sep 14 1852 Brad Jny Feby 24 1853 Wm Blocker 26 th May 1858. Dead Jny July 12/63
To the same May 9/54 S. Lake 31 Oct. 1854.
J. R. Lockman, Apr. 24/56
5167 Act July 7 1838

Hannah Holmes
Suspended
Jan 1838
New York
from
Abad Lays

Hannah Holmes NY - Nov 1838 2
J. P. Patten Esq. Com. rep. United States Washington D.C.

Hannah Holmes
In her declaration she gives so minute a description of her acquaintance with her first husband, and of his service, as to exactly identify him with the service. She shows a knowledge of the service, that no person could, unless acquainted with it - I refer to her declaration, & to the certificate of the service as precisely agreeing

1916 Jan 7 Hist. to Miss Mary Talger. See N.F. 1905-8 John Woodin. 1925-Apr. 25 Hist. to Wallace J. Woodin avr.
REJECTED
5167
P. O.
Hannah Holmes
Service: Wid. of Asa Holmes
Formerly Abner Woodin Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

In the Matter of Hannah Holmes, Formerly Widow of Abner Woodin
Mrs Holmes files her petition for Pension, claiming for the revolutionary services of her first husband, Abner Woodin. She not only establishes her marriage, prior to 1794, — but also proves by the certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that one Abner Woodin of Massachusetts is borne on the rolls 8 mo 14 17 days. Col. Fellows regiment and that this is the only man by that name on any of the rolls of that Offic. But the most important point is yet to be proven — identity between her husband and the Abner Woodin whose Service is certified to. What proof is offered?
Besides her own declaration the claimant offers the affidavit of but one witness, Clarissa L. Dayton, 41 years of age who swears that "she has often heard her father speak of Abner Woodin serving in the rev. war — Always understood that my father knew of Mr Woodin being in the army — have heard him speak of it." — This is the whole testimony offered to prove Identity — if testimony it can be called . The claim is therefore rejected
A. H. Evans Examiner

N.Y. act 138
Pension Office, April 24, 1856.
Sir,
I have again examined the papers in the case of Hannah Holmes, formerly widow of Abner Woodin, in connection with the suggestions contained in your letter of the 8 th instant, and am constrained to adhere to the decision of the office - the grounds of which have been frequently stated to the various attorneys for the claimant.
I am Yr e
James R. Jackman Esq Elma, Erie Co. N.York

Elma Erie County Ny
April 8. 1856
Sir
I beg leave to ask your attention to some points referred to in your letter to Hon B. Pringle of the 22 nd ult. in reply to my letter of the 13 th March - in regard to the claim of the late Hannah Holmes for a pension.
My object is to make some explanation as to the seeming discrepancy between the services mentioned in the declaration of Mrs Holmes - and that certified to by the secretary of the state of Massachusetts.
On account of a subsequent marriage - Mrs Holmes did not become entitled to a pension until after the Resolution of Congress of the 23 rd of August 1842 - of this act, Mrs Holmes was not made acquainted until within a few days of her death in March 1843 - at this time - no pension agent being at hand - I volunteered to draw her declaration - she was then old, and in the last stage of a prostrated illness, and died a week afterwards.
Not being at the time acquainted with the business - I hardly knew what was necessary to prove - and I am not certain that I questioned her as to the names of the officers under whom her husband served - I taxed her recollections as to particulars - the general story of which I had heard her relate twenty years before - I had been well acquainted with her since 1812 - and had frequently heard her relate as to her first husband's services in the war of the Revolution - I had also frequently heard the same account from two old men - (Jonathan Fox and

Mathew Lindley). who I understood was knowing to this service - but they both died before Mrs Holmes was entitled to a pension.
I had always understood too. that Mr Woodin had served in all some two years.
In these accounts. I had always the fullest confidence. But at the time of making the declaration - considering Mrs Holmes age and weakness of mind as well as body - it is quite possible that her recollections might have been confused and imperfect.
If Mrs Holmes could not give the names of the officers under whom her husband served. it might be for the reason. that she was not mar- ried till some years after the war. and might for that reason have had less interest in knowing or remembering their names.
That the claimants father did serve in the war of the Revolution. there is no doubt. and it would seem a hardship that she should fail to obtain the pension which she so much needs - through a discrepancy which if her father could speak might be explained in a moment.
I write this at request of Mrs Wilder the claim- ant. she will give a bond with sureties in any amount indemnifying against any one benefit rightfully claiming on account of the services mentioned by the statutes of Massachusetts. and should not this be awarded to her - after this late day - it will probably for ever remain unclaimed for by any one.
In view that eighty years has buried all living testimony in the case. it is hoped that she may have the benefit of a liberal construction

of the little that is left.
I wish to say but one word more - Hannah Holmes died in poverty at the present claimants house. That house and home has since been sold for debt. This might have been saved if this claim had been allowed two years ago. She with her husband now have a shelter with a son who is without health or suitable means of living.
Very Respectfully Yours
James R. Jackson
Hon. J. Mint Commissioner of Pensions

Elma Erie County NY
March 10, 1856
Sir
About thirteen years since Widow Hannah Holmes of Erie County NY made application for a pension on account of her services of her husband during the war of the Revolution.
The claim was suspended for the want of sufficient proof of service - though the proof of her marriage was acknowledged satisfactory - Mrs Holmes has since died - and her only surviving child - Mary Wilder employed an agent (M c Leod) to prosecute her claim - M c Leod examined the matter, and found sufficient proof at the Department of War - Mrs Holmes died for about six months - though by the family history he said she had been dead
Up to this time nothing has been decided and M c Leod cannot be heard from -
Mrs Wilder is now old, and daily suffers the ills of poverty - but she asks nothing on that account - but only justice - and prays that you will consider her claim so long suspended -
I am
Very Respectfully
Commissioner of Pensions Washington
J. M. McLeod

Oct. 31/54

Pension Office. 31 st Oct. 1854.
Sir,
I enclose you a copy of a letter from this Office to Arad Say Esqr. which of date 9 th May last, which will explain the condition of the claim of Hannah Holme, dec d formerly widow of Almer Woodin of New York.
Samuel Lake Esqr. Buffalo. N. Y.

Buffalo Oct. 27 th 1854
S. P. Waldo Esq
Com r . of Pensions
Sir Will you have the goodness to give me a Statement of this Claim - I wish to know all the facts, what Proof has been made, and what further is necessary to obtain the Amount due, if any -
There has been many rummors about the land, Sackalls for others more competent, and their principle business is to look up testimony, and where none could be found who knew the party at the time, they frequently obtained affidavits of facts not known and never intended to be sworn to by the deponents. Testimony of this kind has been furnished I doubt not by hundreds. - and Claims of large Amount have been obtained - If the Heirs in the above case have a fair Claim I shall endeavor to obtain the Proof and collect it and if not shall as I always do advise them to abandon it -
Respectfully Yours Samuel Lake

State of New York County of Erie ss: On this fourteenth day of October 185 4 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Graty Wilder a resident of the town of Marilla in said County aged sixty nine years and made oath according to law that she is directly interested in a claim against the United States for a Revolutionary Pension supposed to be due to her as the Heir of Hannah Holmes who was the Widow of Abner Woodin a Revolutionary Soldier both of whom are deceased . The deponent having several years passed made an affidavit, which she thinks was sent to Washington with other proofs in order and she hereby appoints SAMUEL LAKE , of Buffalo, N. Y. her Attorney to prosecute said claim, and examine all papers and documents in relation thereto, on file in any of the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere, and to receive from the officer authorised to issue the same, a certificate for a pension or any arrears or increase of pension, or any information to which Deponent may be entitled, and to do all other acts and things in and about obtaining such pension as Deponent might or could do, were she personally present at the doing thereof; and she hereby revokes all former powers if any inconsistent with the above; hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever Deponent's said Attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises. In witness whereof the said Deponent has hereunto set her hand and seal the day and year first above written. The deponent further says that she has been advised that the papers relating to her claim are forwarded to the Adjutant General of Ohio to be by him presented to the department. [L.S.]  Graty Wilder
SWORN TO, SUBSCRIBED AND ACKNOWLEDGED, before me, on the day and year first above mentioned, and I certify that I believe the Deponent to be directly interested in the claim above mentioned, and the identical person therein alleged and described, and that I have no interest in the result of said claim and am not concerned in its prosecution. Also certify that the Deponent is the reputed daughter of Hannah Holmes late of the town of Alden in said County now deceased.  Asa Munn Justice of the Peace
State of New York, } ss. ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. 
I, WILLIAM ANDRE, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that Asa Munn Esq before whom the annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed in the certificate of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same: and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature thereto, to be his genuine signature. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, 27 day of October A. D. 185 4  W Andre Clerk.

Arad Joy
May 9/52.

187 Pension Office, May 9. 1854.
Sir,
Agreeably to the request in your letter of the 2 d instant, I have examined the papers in the case of Mathew Lindsley, and do not find that they corroborate the statements of Hannah Holmes, who applies for pension as the widow of Abner Woodin. Lindsley did not enter the service until February 1777 after Woodin is alleged to have left it.
It is proper to add that Mrs. Holmes' own declaration shows that her husband could not have performed the service certified by the late Secretary of State of Massachusetts, and filed as proof in her case. The state distinctly that her husband was at the battle of Quebec when Montgomery was killed - the fall on the 31 st Dec. 1775 - The certificate shows that the soldier certified named in it was at Dorchester on the 19 th of that month. - He could not have been at the battle of Quebec.
Truly Sir Ovid, New York
very respectfully J C

Ovid N.Y. May 2 nd 1854
Sir
Hannah Holmes, formerly the widow of Abner Wooden, suspended claim, law of 1838 of New York, I beg to have to refer you to the papers on file, in the case of Matthew Lindsley, a pensioner of N.Y. law of 1832 I do this for the purpose of proving the identity of Abner Wooden; You will notice, that the widow alleges, that her father's name, & the father's name of Matthew Lindsley, adjoined, & that Lindsley was well knowing to the service of her husband Wooden; if it shall appear, that Wooden & Lindsley served together, both names at the same time found on the same rolls, this would probably remove all objection to the admission of this claim.
I have now read a declaration of a widow, that tallied so near to the facts shown in the Certificate of the Secretary of War, as this same Hannah Holmes, & now if by chance Lindsley & her husband are found on the same roll, of course it clearly establishes the identity.
Most Respectfully,
Your obed Servt.
Abad Day
Wm L. S. Waldo
Comd. of Div.

101 Pension Office July 12 1853
Sir
The case of Hannah Holmes widow of Abner Woodin has been again examined and I find her marriage sufficiently proven as also the service of one Abner Woodin for 8 months & 17 days. But upon the most important point, there is not a particle of testimony to wit - the identity of claimants husband with the man whose service is certified to. Clarissa D Dayton 41 years of age says she has often heard her father speak of Abner Woodin serving in the revolutionary war - always understood that her father knew of Mr W's being in the army. Has often heard him speak of it. This is the only testimony if testimony it can be called on the point in dependent of her own declarations. The case is therefore rejected.
Very Respectfully
Arad Gay Esq. Clerk N.Y.

Void June 14th 1853
Dear Sir
I thank you for your attention to, & report favorable in the Ruth Dike of care —
I placed 3 other cases of as I believe, the same character & as fully made out, in your hands, to wit Elizabeth Gulick Hannah Holmes Hannah Tinker, the husband of the first & last named were pensioners, & nothing is wanting but proof of marriage which I fully believe is as clearly made out as the noon day sun
When you can personally examine them, I will thank you to do it & I prefer to wait till you can in person do it
Your Ob d Serv t
Wm L. P. Waldo. Com d of Pensions. Friend Joy

A. Gray
July 24/53

266 Pension Office Feby 24 1853
Sir
The objection to the admission of the claim of Hannah Holmes of Ky - act July 7 1838 - on the ground that the five year rule prevented the re-opening it, will not be urged farther, but a serious objection to its admission still exists, viz, that her former husband, Abner Wooden, is not identified with the service admitted to have been performed by a man of his name, she alleged that he entered war in service in Hon W A Sackett was written to on this case 14 sept last, I presume you are familiar with the contents of that letter,
Brad Joy Esq Present

Fairwater. Jan. 3. 1853.
Sir
By request of heirs interested I take the liberty to address you on the matter of pension to Abner Woodin. who enlisted in Massachusetts Hannah Woodin was his widow 15 years, then Widow Holmes 16 years. She died March 1843. leaving as heirs Graty Wilder & Rachel Beardsley. - Application, with proper papers, was made in 1843 & again in 1851. for Bounty Land Warrant; the agents employed in this matter, declare that up to this time no returns or acknowledgements have been received from the Pension Office, and offers have been made to buy the claim for a trifle. - The heirs living in this neighborhood respectfully request you to inform them, as soon as convenient, whether those papers have been rec d . in your office, and whether an allowance was made & to whom paid, when & the amount so paid - They know that the claim was noticed, for the first papers sent were returned with directions for more correct Vouchers, which were made out & sent on, since. Then, the agent in N York who managed the business says; he has had no returns whatever. -
address me.
Fairwater P.O. Pond du Lac 65 Wisconsin
I am Resp d .
From J. A. Scott Wm Plocker

(66)
Hon W. A. Sackee
Sept 14/52

Pension Office Sept 14 1852
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that in consequence of a recent decision of the Secretary of the Interior, th no case can be re-opened, which has been undisturbed for five years after its last adjudication, unless, upon the production of material additional testimony, which could not have been procured at any earlier period, I observe that in 1845 - more than seven years ago - the very certificate now furnished in support of the claim of Hannah Koolmer dec of NY, was required by the office -
If, however, the parties should be able to satisfy the office upon this point, It will be necessary, before the claim can be allowed, to identify her former husband, Abner Woodin, with the serina admitted to have been performed by a man of his name. This must be done by the testimony of those who were in a situation to know of his service,
Hon W A Sackett Seneca Falls NY

Tiffin City September 25 th 1852.
Sir,
Yours of the 10 th inst was duly received in reference to Betsy Brooks, affidavit in the case of Mrs Hannah Holmes. Claim to her Pension, which appears insufficient. I sent Mr Abraham Holmes, affidavit from the state of New York. I think that he has testified to the day and year of each of the children of Mrs Holmes. Mr James G Austin, informed me that he filed said affidavit of Mr Holmes, which I hope you will examine shortly if you have not before this time. — In the case of the claim of Mr Isaac McCabe. I would state that his son Isaac is the only surviving heir, and he informs me that his father died a great many years ago, not less than 60 years ago. his father died in Bucks County Pa, and he claims the right to his bounty land, for his father's services in the war of the Revolution, please inform us what evidence you require from Mr McCabe, in right to bounty land. Please have the goodness to inform me if Lieutenant Jonathan Wright's name can be found on the Records of the New Hampshire line, his children claim a right to his pension. It seems that he died in 1844, without ever claiming his pension, please inform me if he was entitled to bounty land, for services in the Revolution. He died in Washington County New York.
I am very respectfully yours, &c
J. G. Furner.
Hon James E Heath, Commissioner of pension.

Suspended Revolutionary Claim Hannah Holmes of NY I refer to yours of the 14th Sept '52
Sir
Not one case in a 100 does the certificate of service so nearly agree with the declaration, as does the certificate of the service of Abner Woodin, with the above named claim, (his being her first husband), I have a copy of her declaration &c =
"Additional evidence & valid reason in favor" has been presented in this case, and all objection to granting the pension on the rec d of the attached must I am sure be removed - Pray allow me to ask for a certificate of pension without any delay, as if under examination on the 14th as it was
Respectfully Your Ob d Servt Brad Joy
Hon J. E. Heath Comt.

State of New York } County of Genesee }
James R. Jackman of Alexander in said County being duly sworn according to law deposes and says - That in 1843 he was the Agent of Hannah Holmes who was formerly widow of Abner Wooden - for procuring a pension on account of the services of said Wooden in the War of the Revolution - That he forwarded her declaration to the Commission of Pensions. That on the receipt of the report in the case from the commissioners - he caused a search to be made by the Secretary of State at Boston Mass. for which he paid $ three dollars - but received for answer that no service could then be found in the name of Abner Wooden - That he then had the like search made by the Secretary of State of Connecticut - but received the same answer - that no such service could be found - This deponent then gave it up as he knew of no other source from which he could find proof of service - nor could he furnish any further proof except what he had previously sent to the Department
Sworn and Subscribed This 27 th day of September 1852 - before me
James R. Jackman
H. Bloughton Justice of the Peace And I further certify that I am well acquainted with James R. Jackman the forgoing deponent and know him to be a respectable person and worthy of full credit H. Bloughton J.P.
I am well acquainted with the above named Justice of the Peace and know him to be a Justice of the Peace and the above to be his own signature - H. Pitman Late M.C. Myrtle

Revolutionary Claim Suspended Law of 1838, N.Y. Heirs case complete
Hannah Holmes, Law of 1838 New York, an Heirs case complete, in hands of Hon. Court, filed in his hands May 17. 1853

Hannah Holmes Formerly widow of Abner Woodson Revolutionary Jan '38 New York
I wish to see the papers — From Abner Joy
Abner Joy Esq. Sir:
NY
To be filed with the papers

Germantown NY Alexander Dec r 19, 1857
Dear Sir
Dear Sir
After much delay I have got the papers in the Hoar case executed - which I enclose - I will forward those of the widow Holmes soon as they are nearly ready - The heir lives at a distance. She has executed the papers and I shall soon receive them - when I will write you as to that matter
Respectfully &c
Jamies R. Jackson

Wm. H. Smith Jan 9 th 1845

20 Pension Office December 2 nd 1849
Sir,
I have the honor to return you Mr Jackson's letter in the case of Hannah Holmes, and to inform you that the Connecticut Rolls have been examined for evidence of the service of her first husband. Oliver Mowen, but his name is not found on them, unless Mrs Holmes can make a more specific statement of her husband's service, with the names of the Company and field officers, under whom he served, it is impracticable to make any further search. If Mowen belong to the State of Massachusetts at the time of his enlistment, evidence of his service should be found in the Office of the Secretary of State.
Hon. Albert Smith, House of Reps,

Washington Decr. 26. 1844
Sir, I herewith send you the papers of Hannah Holmes for a pension with the letter of Judge Sackettman to me enclosing the papers. It appears to be a case where unity in construction may be sorely needed.
I wish you would be kind enough to have the Rolls examined in this case, and I hope you may then find evidence of the service of Woodin.
Please inform me as to an examination of the rolls & whether you find any thing and what evidence of Woodin's service.
I have the honor to be
very respectfully
your obedt Servt
Albert Smith
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions

Batavia June 22. 1843.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Dear Sir,
The Papers enclosed are on the application of Hannah Holmes, for 10 Pennies on account of the services of her first husband, Abner Woodin.
I am truly
& Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Horace W. Soper

V. L. H. Rev. War Section.
January 8, 1916.
Miss Mary Folger, West Pawlet. Vt.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 6 th ultimo, you are advised that it is alleged in the papers in the claim R. File No. 5,187 Rev. War, that Abner Woodin was born July 27, 1750, in the Eastern part of Connecticut, and while residing with his father (whose name is not stated) at Mount Washington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in the Spring of 1775, entered the service (no details given) and went to Boston and was in the battle of Bunker Hill. He also went North as a Sergeant under Colonel Arnold and was in the battle at Quebec. In the Summer of 1776, he went to Long Island and was in the battle there.
He married June 10, 1777 1777, at New Fairfield, Connecticut, Hannah Smith who was born June 18, 1755, at Stamford, Connecticut. After the War he went to North Carolina and died there October 15, 1786. His widow then married August 24, 1803, Asa Holmes who died December 24, 1824. She died in March 1843, in Erie County, New York.
She had two daughters by her first husband, Greaty,

the younger was born December 29, 1783, at Kinderhook, New York, and in 1843 lived in Genesee County, New York, signed her name Greaty Wilder, and referred to her son Asa Holmes by a former husband. Said Greaty and Rachel Beardsley were referred to as the heirs of Hannah Holmes, relationship of Rachel Beardsley is not stated.
Hannah Holmes applied for pension as the former widow of Abner Woodin, on March 11, 1843, while residing in Erie County, New York, but the claim was not allowed because of lack of proof of the alleged service.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Woodin (2)

CONNECTICUT SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
ORGANIZED 1837
INCORPORATED 1893
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Oscar A. Phelps, Hartford, Chairman Frank S. Beveridge, Hartford James L. Case, Norwich Robert Darling, Simsbury Frank H. Eno, Hartford Henry B. Fancher, West Hartford Rev. William B. West D. D., Bristol Samuel H. Williams, Glastonbury Wallace I. Woodin, Hartford
GENERAL OFFICERS
President, OSCAR A. PHELPS, Hartford Vice President, REV. WILLIAM B. WEST D. D., Bristol Treasurer, FRANK H. ENO, Hartford Auditor, HENRY B. FANCHER, West Hartford
Wallace I. Woodin, General Secretary Miss Ross B. Wilson, Office Secretary Miss Arlene A. Johnson, Assistant Office Secretary
OFFICE: 19 ASYLUM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Board of Religious Education Prof. A. J. W. Myers, Hartford Children's Division Committee Miss Jean S. Moore, Hartford Young People's Division Committee Evan F. Kullgren, Hartford International Representatives Oscar A. Phelps, Hartford Committeeman Robert Darling, Simsbury Alternate
Feby 23, 1925.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
If any or all of the following men were granted pensions for service in the American Revolutionary War, will you kindly send me such record as you have?
Isaac Wooden , Seaman, brigantine "Freeman," commanded by Capt. John Clouston; shipped Feby 4, 1777; discharged Nov. 4, 1777.
John Wooden . Lieut. John Dibell's detachment, Col. Ashley's (Berkshire Co.) regiment; entered service July 8, 1777; discharged July 29, 1777; also, Capt. John King's Co. same regiment.
Abner Wooden , Mt. Washington. corporal, capt. John Holm's Co., Col. John Fellows Regiment. Alston call April 19, 1775.
Peter Wooden . Second Lieut., Fourteenth Co., Col. John Ashley, Jr.'s (1st Berkshire Co.) Regiment of Mass. Militia; also, same rank in Capt. Jacob Cook's Co., same regiment. Probably commissioned June 5, 1779.
Thanking you for this information, I am, Respectfully Yours Wallace I. Woodin
This data taken from the Mass. Soldiers Records of Revolutionary War. Hope to learn from your records where they lived after the war.