Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21774, for Silvanus Mather, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Bonn.
Mather, Silvanus or Sylvanus Caroline
N 21774
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for contents]
[Blank lined area for contents]

1560
Rep?
New York, Albany
Caroline Mather
widow of Sylvanus Mather
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26. day of August 1843 and sent to J. C. Walworth Burlington, N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1. Page 109.

New York N o 28,653
Sylvanus Mather of Otsego Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col. Ledyard in the Cont t Troops, line for 15 months,
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 50 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of May 1834 and sent to Henry Sill Burlington, Otsego Co. N. Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 150.00 Semest. allowance ending Sep. " 25.00
$175.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4 Page 108

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 State of New York } County of Otsego } On the fifteenth day of October 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Otsego in the State of New York now sitting
Sylvanus Mather a resident of the town of New Lisbon in the County of Otsego and State of New York, aged seventy-one 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 7th. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That in the time of the Revolutionary war he resided in the town of Lyme New London County in the State of Con- necticut. That about the first of May 1778 he enlisted under Captain Dudley Saltonstall Commander of the ship Trumbull for no definite term but to serve as a guard to guard said ship while she lay blockaded at the mouth of Connecticut River. The 1 st Lieutenants name was Marlborough of Fairfield 2 nd Lieutenants name was John White of Middletown were on board and he continued 16 mos 3 in the said service the term of sixteen months till about the last of August 1779 when he was discharged. The ship was built up the river at Chatham and manned and equipped in order to go to sea but could not get over the bar at the mouth of the river on account of her draft of water, while she was detained there the British sent out a Frigate to blockade and take her if she could get over the bar. The Captain finding that he could not get to sea with his ship removed the seamen & marines and enlisted a guard of about 20 men to guard the ship of which he was one while he was on board said ship Capt. Saltonstall left the Trumbull in the command of Capt. Heman and went on board of some other Vessel and was Commodore of the Fleet, had a Battle with the enemy and got his fleet badly tore to pieces as This deponent understood at that time. The British abandoned the blockade of the Trumbull and she was finally got out of the river to New London and fitted out to sea

after he left her, and as he heard, she had a Battle with the enemy and got crippled but escaped to Boston was again fitted out and taken by the enemy and carried to New York and condemned and made a prison ship of her, he did not receive a written discharge.
About the month of April 1780 he entered the company commanded by Captain Abel Hall in Colonel Ledyard's regiment of the Connecticut State troops for the term of three months as a substitute for Josiah Burnham who was drafted from the Militia, he was ordered to Groton in the state of Connecticut & put to work on the fortifications there till his term of three months had expired which was as near as his recollection now serves him in the month of July 1780 when he was discharged. That he did not have a written discharge
3 mos 19 mos
That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Horace Lathrop Clerk.
Sylvanus Mather
We Elias Cummings and Asahel P. Porter both residents of the town of New Lisbon in the County of Sturge in the State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Sylvanus Mather who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy-one years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
in open Court
Horace Lathrop Clerk.
Elias Cummings
Asahel P. Porter

State of New York County of Chemango
Joseph Mather of the town of Sherburne in said County aged seventy six years being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith that Sylvanus Mather of New Lisbon in the County of Portage & State aforesaid is a Brother of this deponent That this deponent does know that said Sylvanus Mather did serve as a guard on Board the Ship Trumbull in the years 1778 and 1779 while she lay Blockaded at the mouth of Connecticut river Under Capt. Saltonstall & Hinnams That this deponent served three months with said Sylvanus during said term in the same service and that this deponent knows that said Sylvanus did serve a longer term than this deponent, but from the length of time that has elapsed this de- ponent cannot swear to the exact length of time that said Sylvanus did so serve but from the best of his recollection he should say that he did serve a term at least nine months and further that this deponent was absent in the year 1780 when said Sylvanus was in the service at Groton - When this deponent came home to his father's house he was informed by the family that said Sylvanus was in the service at Fort Groton in Connecticut in Capt. Abiel Hall's Company in Col. Sedgwick's Regiment and this deponent does verily believe that said Sylvanus did serve three months in this last mentioned service -
Sworn and subscribed to this 14 th day of June 1833
Joseph Mather
Before me Billy Garrison Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Mother the person who has subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit and that he is a man of the strictest truth and veracity and that his Statement is entitled to the fullest belief and Credit
Mills Sandon J.P.
State of New-York Chenango County ss.
I hereby certify that Mills Sandon before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn and whose name is signed to the preceding certificate of credibility was at the date of the same one of the Just- ices of the Peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name sub- scribed to the said affidavit and the cer- tificate of credibility was at the date of to be his genuine hand writing and signature
Witness my hand and seal of office this 14th June 1832 P.B. Pundt Clerk of said County

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 said Court further certifies that it appears to them that Abner S. Dorton and Elias Cummings that has subscribed and sworn to the above particular are credible persons and entitled to credit in their statements
J. O. Moom
J. B. Wainwright
Judge
S. Page
State of New York Otsego County } I, Horace Lathrop Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Sylvanus Mather for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal this 19 th day of Oct r 1832 Horace Lathrop By T. R. Cury Deputy

State of New York County of Otsego
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Judge of the Otsego County Court, Silvanus Mathews the within Declaration of his being duty room according to Law Deposition and states that the time from the commencement of his service on Board the Ship Tumbull till he was discharged was fifteen months that he commenced his service as soon as he can recollect on the 18 th May 1778 and was discharged 3 rd Aug. 1779 But that during the winter season while the river was frozen over His Officers gave him permission to go home to His Father's House and stay till His services should be called for subject to be called at a minute warning (His Father's house was within half a mile of the ship) he accordingly resided at His Father's four months during the winter season and attended a school taught by one of the Midshipmen which he considered as a furlough at the end of the said four months he returned back to his duty on board said ship, which was to guard the ship keep her clean and wait upon the Officers in which service he continued till the end of the term as above stated That he cannot say as of persons who can testify to his service except Joseph Mathews whose affidavit accompanied this, and he does not remember it all sworn and subscribed to this 18 th June 1833
Henry S. Lusk
Declaration of
Silvanus Mathews 60 18 33
037
Before me James C. Warden of the Silvanus Mathews Judge of Otsego County Thereas
I hereby certify that the said applicant Silvanus Mathews is well known to me and that he is a man of good character and his statement is entitled to credit and I do believe that he did perform the service he has set forth in his declaration
James C. Warden Judge of Otsego County

In the Matters of Caroline Mathias Application for Pension

State of New York Owego County ss
On the ninth day of October 1838 personally appeared in Open Court it being the Court of Common Pleas transacting in and for the said county of Otego and State of New York Caroline Matthew a resident of the town of New Lisbon in the county of Otego and State of New York who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the two sections of the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of Sylvanus Matthew who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and that he served in Captain Abel Hall company 66. Regular Regiment in Connecticut State Troops in the spring of the year 1778 enlisted at the town of Lynde New London County for the term of 3 months as a substitute for Joseph Burnham and was ordered to duty to work on the fortifications there again enlisted at Lynde aforesaid in March 1779 under Captain Dudley Saltonstall commanding the Ship Fanny Hall for no definite term the said ship was blockaded by the enemy in Connecticut River and could not get to sea on account of the bar at the mouth of the River and the said blockade and her husband served on board of that ship for about 12 months as she has always heard him tell and some other services that she cannot now recollect and that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner and died his Pension un-

The act of June 9 th 1832
She further declares that she was married to David Sylvanus Mathew at the town of Lynn Nantucket County State of Connecticut on the 12 th day of May Sixteen hundred and eighty five by the Rev. Johnson a Presbyterian Minister and that her husband the said Sylvanus Mathew died at the town of Nantucket in the year 1835 February first and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that she was married to him and the said marriage took place previous to the first day of January in the year Sixteen hundred and thirty four viz at the time that she was declarant is now seventy two years of age and that she remains unmarried and the widow of the said Sylvanus Mathew and has a family record of her marriage in her Bible that was made by her husband in his lifetime or under his direction
Sworn & Subscribed Before me in open Court Madame  Robert This 9 th day of October 1838 Joseph Rose Clerk

Family Record.
MARRIAGES.
Sylvanus Mather & Caroline Chadwick Married at Lima New London County State of Connecticut May 12 th 1785
Family Record
Eunice Mather married to Asa Colgrove. Bridlington Oct 20 th 1802
Jemima Mather married to Sarah Taylor Bridlington Oct 11 1807
Charles Mather married to Padenia Balkeorn New London Oct 20 th Sept 8 th 1816
MARRIAGES.
Caroline Mather married to W m Brownell New London Oct 22 nd 1821
Guy Mather married to Hannah Briggs Eyton Oct 20 th 1822
Jerry Mather married to Sarah Eastwick New London August 18 th 1825

Family Record.
BIRTHS.
Sylvanus Mather Born at Lyme New London Co. Connecticut Jan. 17 th 1761
Caroline Mather Born at Lyme New London Co. Conn. Oct. 13 th 1765
Eunice Mather Born at Lyme Oct. 18 th 1786 Sunday
Jemima Mather Born Lyme March 2 nd 1888
1 st Fanny Mather Born at Castleton at  and June 20 th 1790 Sunday
Charles Mather Born Lyme August 19 th 1792 Castleton - Sunday
BIRTHS.
Caroline Mather Born Atsego New York May 13 th 1796 Friday
Guy Mather Born Atsego New York Oct. 21 st 1798 Sunday
2 nd Fanny Mather Born Burlington Atsego Oct. 16 th 1802 Saturday
Mercy Mather Born Burlington Jan. 29 th 1806 Wednesday
Lorenda Mather Born Newsham Atsego May 17 th 1809 Tuesday

to her under the Petition in this case J. B. Walworth Buckingham St. York
Wego Om Pleas In the matter of Caroline Mathew an Applicant for a Pension
2835 Certificate J. B. Walworth Atty. 3276
15 May 1785
Admitted Private 15 months

to be made to Return in this case J. B. Matineoth Burlington N. York
Miss Emma Hall In the matter of Catherine Matineoth Applicant for a Pension
2835 Chapman
J. B. Matineoth
1884
3276
Ames
Dec 15 1884

State of Connecticut County of New-London } ss
On this 15 th day of October A.D. 1838 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace for the County of New- London aforesaid, personally came Guy Chadwick of Lyme in said County who being by me duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is now sixty five years of age and is a brother of the widow Caroline Mather of the town of New-Libon, County of Otsego and state of New-York — that he was present at the marriage of the said Caroline with her late husband Sylvanus Mather and saw them married. The ceremony was performed at the dwelling house of this deponent's father in said Lyme by the Reverend Mr Johnson then a regularly ordained and settled clergyman in the town of Lyme — The said Sylvanus and Caroline were married on the 12 th day of May One Thousand seven hundred and eighty five — They then lived in Lyme but afterwards removed to the state of New-York. The Rev d Mr Johnson has been dead more than forty five years —
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Guy Chadwick the deponent of the above deposition and that he is a reputable & credible person & his testimony is sworn and subscribed this 15 th day of October 1838 entitled to full credit
15 th day of October 1838
George H Chadwick justice of peace
Before me —
George H Chadwick justice of peace
State of Connecticut County of New-London } ss
On this 15 th day of October A.D. 1838 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace for the County of New-London aforesaid, personally came Jemima Champion, who being by me duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath depose and say that she

is now seventy two years of age and is a sister of Sylvanus Mather late of New-Libon in the County of Otsego (and State) of New York dec d that this deponent was present at the marriage of the said Sylvanus with his present widow Caroline Mather - then Caroline Chadwick, and saw them married. They were married by the Reverend Mr Johnson then an ordained Clergyman in (said) Lyme on the 12 th day of May one thousand eight hundred and eighty five, at the dwelling house of her father in (said) Lyme - They then lived in Lyme but afterwards removed to New-Libon
Sworn (and) subscribed this 15 th day of October 1888
Before me George H Chadwick Justice of peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Emma Champion the deponent of the foregoing deposition and that she is a reputable and creditable person and her testimony is entitled to full credit
George H Chadwick Justice of peace

Sylvanus Mather and Carolina Chadwick was legally joined in marriage on the twelfth day of May A.D. one thousand seven hundred and eighty five.
Emmice daughter of the said Sylvanus & Carolina was born eighteenth of October one thousand seven hundred and eighty six -
Jemima daughter of the said Sylvanus & Carolina was born second March. one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight.
Fanny daughter of the said Sylvanus & Carolina was born twentieth day June one thousand seven hundred and ninety -
Charles son of the said Sylvanus & Carolina was born the nineteenth day of August one thousand seven hundred and ninety two -
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the dates which are expressed in the record in fair and legible figures as follows. "12 th day of May A.D. 1785. 18 th of October 1786. 2 nd March 1788. 20 th day June 1790 19 th day of August 1792"
Lyme October 13 th 1838.
Joshua R. Warren Town Clerk
I Joshua R. Warren above named depone and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town of Lyme County of New London and State of Connecticut. and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town. with the exception above named as certified by me. and that said record is all in the hand writing of Rev. David F. Sill who was chosen Town Clerk of the Town of Lyme on the 22 nd day of December 1788 and was continued in said Office until the 8 th day of January 1813. when he died as appears of record
Joshua R. Warren
Sworn and subscribed before me this 15 th day of October A.D. 1838.
George H. Chadwick - justice of peace

State of Connecticut New London County } I John D r Witt clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that George H. Chadwick Esq. before whom the annexed depositions of Guy Chadwick, Jennima Champion and Joshua R Warren were taken was on said 15 th day of October A.D. 1838. and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such. And that his signatures thereto affixed I be- lieve to be genuine. In testimony where- of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 19 th day of October A.D. 1838
John D r Witt Clerk

At a court afternoon Pleas held at the Court House in the Village of Cooperstown on Wednesday the 10 th day of October 1838 Within and for the County of Otsego
Yrs. Sinc. Wm. D. Hammons first Eng. Elisha Foote James C. Walworth Seth Chase Hiram Horne & Judges
Setch Chase & Hiram Stone B. Judges In the matter of Caroline Matheo an Applicant for a Pension Caroline Matheo of New Litchfield in Ulster County appeared in person and examined on oath in open court and proved to the satisfaction of the court that she is the Widow of Sylvanus Matheo who was a Private in the army of the Revolution and a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his death in Dec the term of 1832 that she was married to the said Sylvanus Matheo on the 12 th day of May 1785 by the Revd Mr Johnson at Lima New London County in the State of Connecticut that the said Sylvanus Matheo died at New Litchfield aforesaid on the first day of February 1835 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but previous to the first day of January 1794. That she still remains the Widow of the said Sylvanus Smith and is 72 years of age
State of New York Albany County ss. I Jesse Rose clerk of the court of Common Pleas in said County (being a court of Record) do certify that the foregoing contains in substance the evidence of the said Caroline Mathew as given by her and taken down by me at the time in open court wherein the said Court has agreed to be satisfactory evidence of the facts therein stated and that the same has been compared with its truly copied from the Records of said Court.
Whereby my hand and Seal of office this 18 th day of October A D 1838.
____ Jesse ROSE Clerk

18057
Sylvanus Mather
†
Susp 2
Admitted
Printed 15 months
Henry Sill Bennington Otsego County New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 17 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. These 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 Sylvanus Mathew Delano N York
   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.     Oct r 1778 1 4 Caps Cols Lyne New London County Connecticut   Substituted Ship Trumbull at the mouth of Connecticut River blockaded, in service sixteen months   Sept r 1780 3 priv Hall Lieut Genl none Groton Exculinary   1 7 0   4 months enrolled in official of Benjamin Huggins   1 3 aged 71 years  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Alteration as to the length of service as a guard objectionable - proof of that service required

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

Key WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21.774 Carolina Meathu vid of Sylvanus Meathu Pri Rev. War
Act Dec. ch. 3 d /43
Index: Vol. 16 , Page 11
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Albany 2835
Caroline Mathew widow of Sylvanus Mathew
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June 1832, and who died on the 1 st February 1835 of Otsego Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg't commanded by Col. Ledyard in the Com. Troops, time for 15. months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 50 Dollars _____ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of May 1839 and sent to J. C. Walworth Burlington, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March '39 150.00 Semi-annual allowance ending to Sept. . . 25.00 $175.00
{ Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Book A. Vol. 2
Clerk
Page 89

1705 June 5. 1843
Philadelphia Pa May 31
NY Mar 3 rd 1843
Caroline Mather $50 per month arrear
J. C. Walworth Burlington N. York
per Catherine Mather Commission of Interest D. D. H. H.

Burlington St. N. Y.
May 31 st 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir I find your enclosed Carolina Matthew Declaration you please find me herewith for her pension under act of Congress of March forty three and the same for State Pensions for loss of Atty. etc. for obtaining her pension under said Act etc.
Is there any law or resolution of Congress that a Widow that has been a Widow of a pensioner since the passage of the act July 7 th 1838. if otherwise entitled can obtain a pension if so please send me the act etc.
I am Sir yours with Respect
J. C. Waldo

Burlington
15 March 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq. Corner of Broad St.
Sir
I send the declara- tion of William Mathew in order to get his pension increased for services performed in the year 1781.
I am Sir your Obt. Servt Henry Pitt

Albany - New York
Sylvanus Mather in role act 1832 at the rate of $50 per Annum - to what time paid? op L
John Hany Esq.
Died 1 st Feb. 1835 p st to that period JH

Rev.
Sylvanus Mather New York
Suspended act 7 Jan '32
letter 29 Oct 1833
to Henry Lee

1705 In the Matter of Caroline Mathew Affidavit for Passim Declaration J. C. Walworth Atty for Plaintiff.

Declaration Act of March 3 d 1843
State of New York Otsego County ss 3
On this 29 th day of May 1843 personally appeared before the undersigned judge of Otsego County Court Caroline Matthew administratrix of the estate of Ward Lishon in Otsego County State of New York aged seventy seven years who having first been sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to ob- -tain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Sylvanus Matthew who was a private in the Army of the Revolutionary and in the Navy of the revolution from that he first enlisted in the town of Lyman in New London County State of Connecticut about the month of April 1778 in Captain Abel Halls company and Colonel Sedgwick's Regiment for the term of three months as a substitute for Joseph Barn- ham and served on the fortifications at Groton near New London in Connecticut for the term of 3 months and was discharged in July 1778 at Groton Next enlisted at Lyman aforesaid in March 1779 under Captain Dudley Saltonstall commander of the Ship Triumphant for no definite time to guard the said Ship while she lay blockaded in the mouth of Connecticut River & could not get from the Bar at the mouth of the River and a British Frigate lay off the mouth of the River to watch and block her and afterwards the Ship Dunbar got into New London and Boston Harbor and was finally fitted out to sea the 1 st Lieut. Marlborough of Fairfield 2 d Lieut. John White of Middletown and the latter part of the time served under Captain

Herman Captain Dudley Saltonstall transferred to on other ship was discharged about the last of August 1780 served 17 months on board that ship and that she was placed on the pension rolls of the United States under the act of July 4th 1838 draw fifty Dollars a year on her allotment She further declares that she still remains unmarri- -ed and the widow of said Sylvanus Matthew Swain and subscribed the and gave above written before me J. C. Walworth a Judge of Otsego County Court  Caroline X Matthew Marks
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Caroline Matthew above named and know and the reason she makes her mark is that she is unable to write from the infirmities of Old age  J. C. Walworth a Judge
STATE OF NEW-YORK, OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, SAMUEL RUSSELL, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, That J. C. Walworth Esq whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof of acknowledgement a Judge of Otsego County Court in and for the said County of Ot- sego, dwelling in the said County, appointed and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature of the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, the Thirteenth day of May A. D. 1843.
Samuel Russell Clerk.

Herman Captain Dudley Saltonstall transferred to on other ship was discharged about the last of August 1780 served 17 months on board that ship and that she was placed on the pension rolls of the United States under the act of July 7th 1838 drawing fifty Dollars a year on her allotment She further declares that she still remains unmarri- -ed and the widow of said Sylvanus Matthew Swain and subscribed to Caroline X Matthew Swain Mark and given above written before me J. C. Waldo the a Judge of Oregon County Court
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Caroline Matthew above named and the reason she makes her mark is that she is unable to write from the infirmities of old age J. C. Waldo a Judge Oregon County

Declaration of Sylvanus Mathew. In order to Obtain an increase of his Pension under the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832
State of New York
County of Orange ss On this 19 th day of January 1835 before the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County personally appeared Sylvanus Mathew a resident of the Town of New Lisbon in the County of Orange & State of New York Aged 74 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration supplementary to his former declarations made for the purposes aforesaid. And that in addition to and over and above the services named in his said former declarations that he did perform the following named service That on or about the 15 th day of May 1781 he entered the service of the United States at Hartford in the State of Connecticut in the team Service under the Command of Colonel a Captain or conductor of teams under the Command of Colonel Wadsworth. As a substitute for his brother John Mathew who had enlisted himself a team of 4 oxen 1 Horse and a Cart for the term of six months. That he commenced his term of Service at Hartford by carting a load of provisions (Pigs & Pork) from Hartford to the Army at White Plains in the State of New York when he dis- charged his load at White Plains he was ordered to Tarry Town on the North River to cart bread from thence to the Army and he continued in this service of carting bread from Tarry Town to White Plains to the Army till the Army marched to the Southward to the taking of Cornwallis. When the Company that he belonged to were ordered to take loading of the Baggage of the Army and follow after accordingly we followed after the Army as fast as we could with our loads to Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay where the loading was taken from our carts and put on board of Vessels on the 19 th of October 1781 The Army not having any more use for all the teams about one half were discharged from the

Service and promised to return home he was therefore discharged at Annapolis at that time and was two weeks going home to his residence which was in Syene in the State of Connecticut making in all at the time a term of service of 5 months that he was discharged by order of Col. Wadsworth that he did not have a written discharge. That the reason that he did not make a statement of this service in his former declaration was that he was informed by his agent Henry Sice at the making of said declaration that he had received printed directions from the Pension Office at Washington which stated that transfers were not entitled to any Pension for their service and which he believed would be useful to him - and that this service and the service stated in former declarations is all the service that he performed in the Revo- lutionary war - and that he relinquishes all claims to a Pension for any other except what is mentioned in his several declarations - and that he is now on the Pension Roll of the Agency in the State of New York for fifty dollars per annum And that on account of his being afflicted with the dropsy and nervous debility he is not able to go to Cooperstown to attend Court.
Sworn to and subscribed J. Sylvanus Mother the day and year aforesaid.
James C. Wadsworth a Judge of Otego County Courts I hereby certify that I am personally acquaint- ed with the above named Sylvanus Mother and that he is a person of truth and entitled to credit in his statements. On that after a careful investigation of the matter and putting to him the interrogatories prescribed by the war department I am of the opinion that he did perform the service above stated and further that he labors under such bodily infirmities as stated in the above declaration so that he is unable to attend Court. James C. Wadsworth Judge of Otego County Courts

State of New York Owego County ss:
George C. Clyde Clerk of the county courts of the county of Owego do hereby certify that James C. Walworth Esqr before whom the preceding Affidavit of Silvanus Mathews purports to have been sworn was on the date of the same a Judge of Owego county court duly commissioned & sworn And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscri- bed to said Affidavit & the annexed certificate of credibility to be his genuine handwriting & signature. Witness my hand & seal of the said County this 6 th day of February 1835 George C. Clyde Clerk By J. M. Richardson Deputy Clerk

Columbus Ga. N o Jany 9
6
Henry Hill Esq. Burlington. Oleco Co.

State of New York County of Ulster
Stephen Mathew of the town of Eshelon in said County being duly sworn according to Law deponeth and saith that he is a Brother of Sylvanus Mathew of the town of Eshelon in said County. That this deponent knows that in the year 1781 that said Sylvanus did enter into the service of the United States as a teamster he went as substitute for his Brother John Mathew who had enlisted with him. That said Sylvanus commenced his service in the Spring of the year 1781 by going to Hartford in Connecticut that the term his Brother enlisted for was six months and that Sylvanus returned having been discharged before the time was out one month and that the reason that he was discharged before his time was out was in consequence of the Army having gone to the south to the taking of Lord Cornwallis. That while said Sylvanus was in the said service this deponent went from his place of residence to White Plains where the teams of the Army had rendezvoused to take the place of the said Sylvanus and that before that this deponent arrived at said rendezvous the Army had gone to the south and the teams and said Sylvanus as he was then informed had gone to Annapolis and this deponent then returned home.
Sworn and subscribed this 3 rd day of January 1835 Before me David B. Cook Justice
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Stephen Mathew and that he is a man of truth and his statement is entitled to full credit and belief
David B. Cook Justice

State of New York Owego County ss I George Clyde Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that David B. Bole Esquire before whom the within Affidavit of Stephen Mather purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Owego duly elected & qualified. And further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to said Affidavit & the annexed Certificate to be his genuine signatures Witness my hand & seal of Office This 6 th day of February 1835 G. C. Clyde Clerk By A. W. Richardson Deputy

same as Bu 3112
Land 374
Henry Sill Esq. Burlington Otsego County New York

I Jerimiah Hughes of Lyme in the county of New- London & State of Connecticut aged 69 years on oath depose to say that in the time of the Revolutionary War, the United States Ship Fanny lay for one or two years, I cannot tell how long, at a place called Huggins wharf in Lyme within sight of my father's house. — Sylvanus Mathews who now lives in the State of New-York belonged on board of her. — The said Sylvanus was born in Lyme and lived there until some time after the Revolutionary War and then removed into the country. — He was a cousin of mine and I was well acquainted with him. I am unable to recollect how long he served on board of the ship but I know he belonged to the ship and served on board her a very considerable time.
Jerimiah Hughes
State of Connecticut } ss Lyme
On this 24 th day of December 1883, before me Henry M. Waite Notary Public of the State of Connecticut, personally came Jerimiah Hughes & subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition. — And I certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Jerimiah & that he is a respectable person & a credible witness — and offered seal. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.
I Rebecca Burnham of Lyme in the County of New- London & State of Connecticut, aged 68 years, on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Sylvanus Mathews formerly of said Lyme, but of the State of New-York. He removed from this place as much thirty years ago or more. — Before he removed from this place and while I was young, I have often heard him and others speak of his service on board the U.S. Ship Fanny and relate various circumstances that occurred at the time he belonged to her. I can remember the ship lying at Huggins wharf but I have no very distinct recollection of the men that belonged to her. It was always my understanding from what I have heard the said Mathews and others who are now say many years ago that the said Mathews was one of the men that belonged on board of her.
Rebecca Burnham
State of Connecticut } ss Lyme
On this 24 th day of December 1883 personally appeared Rebecca Burnham & before me subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition. — And I cer- tify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent and that she is a person of respectability & truth. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal.
Henry M. Waite Notary Public

I John Mather of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, a Revolutionary Pensioner, aged 87 years, on oath depose and say, that I am brother of Sylvanus Mather formerly of said Lyme, but now of New Lisbon in the County of Otsego and State of New York — We were both born in said Lyme, and I have ever since lived there . The said Sylvanus continued to live there until a number of years after the Revolutionary war when he removed into the State of New York — In the time of the Revolutionary War, the W.S. Ship Fanny was blockaded in what is called Calver Island Sound by the side of Connecticut River, and remained in said sound at Huggins Wharf, as much as two or three years. — I lived at the time within about half a mile of where she lay, and was often on board of her, & sometimes furnished her with provisions — During the time she lay there, my brother Sylvanus Mather was in service on board of her a very considerable time. — I have now no means of determining the length of time he served on board of her but according to my best recollection he served as much as a year or more. —
John Mather State of Connecticut ss Lyme Dec 27 1833
Personally appeared John Mather and before me subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition. And I certify that I am personally acquainted with the said deponent & that he is a man of respectability & truth — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal. Henry No. Waste Notary Public —
I Nathaniel Mather of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, aged 74 years, on oath depose and say, that in the time of the Revolutionary War I lived within one mile of Calver Island Sound, so called, a branch of Connecticut River some five or six miles from the mouth of the River — Some time during the War, the W.S. Ship Fanny came down the River, and lay at Huggins Wharf in that sound, and continued there a long time, about two years or more. — When she first came down, there were perhaps one hundred men or more on board of her. And during the whole time she remained there, there were more or less men, kept on board of her. — I recollect that Sylvanus Mather then of said Lyme, but now of New Lisbon in the State of New York, was one that served on board of her, but I have no means of determining how long he served. — I was well acquainted with him at that time, and have seen him since his removal to the State of New York —
Nathaniel Mather
State of Connecticut, New London County ss Lyme Dec 30 1833
Personally appeared Nathaniel Mather and before me subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition — And I certify that the deponent is personally known to me & is a man of respectability & truth — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal. Henry No. Waste Notary Public

Syracuse Conn. Dec 30 AD 1833-
Henry Fill Esqr Sir-
The letter of Mr Sylvanus Mathew to Guy Chadwick, has been put into my hands with a request that I would make all due enquiries respecting the services of Mr Mathew on board of the ship Fanny Bull. Capt John Brumham and Mrs Brumham are both dead and so are most of those that knew much about that ship. I have enquired of all that I supposed capable of giving much information upon the subject. and the enclosed depositions are all I could obtain. — It is possible that Benjamin Higgins of Schoharie, may be able to give some testimony upon the subject — I had a letter from him a few days. —
Corn County Ashland about 25 miles from us and I have taken the depositions as notary. I believe they will answer, more especially since the late law of Connecticut authorizing notaries to administer oaths &c. — A proof of my signature should be required in addition to the seal you can if necessary send to Mr Barber or Mr Huntington of the Conn. delegation for a knowledge of my signature —
I think the proof enclosed will answer Mr Mathew's purpose — For my trouble in this matter you may endorse my brother Chas W Waite & Mr. Ezra Doolittle —
Respectfully Yours &c
Henry M. Waite
111 C. Miller Court of England

State of New York County of Montgomery
Benjamin Higgins of the town of Canajoharie in said County aged 80 years Being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he (the deponent) was an Ensign and an adjutant in the State services of the State of Connecticut in the State troops in the Re- volutionary War. That this deponent's place of residence during the said war was in Lynde- bury County of Connecticut at Higgins Wharf the place that the U. S. Ship Trumbull lay while she was blockaded by the British. That this deponent was frequently on board of said ship while she lay there and was well acquainted with the officers and most of the guard that was kept on board of her. That this deponent was well ac- quainted with Sylvanus Mother then of a young man of New Lisbon in the County of Ottago in the State of New York. That this deponent does well remember that said Sylvanus Mother did serve as a guard on board of said ship under Capt. Mansel- lants. Maybe a White a long time at the time the said ship was blockaded as by then during the said Revolutionary war. According the best recollection of this de- ponent a term at the least twelve months.
Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of February 1836
Before me J. H. Phelps Comr of Study

Montgomery County ss
I certify that I am well acquainted with the within named deponent Benjamin Higeins and that he is a credible person and his statement is entitled to belief. Witness my hand the day & year within written.
W. H. Wheeler Counsel of Deeds
State of New York County of Montgomery ss
I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that Willard R. Wheeler before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a person Commissioner of Deeds in & for the said County & duly authorized to administer oaths. That I am well acquainted with his handwriting & truly believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit & also to the above certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of my office this 21 st day of February 1834
Geo: D. Ferguson