Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,316, for Ezra Keyes, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Keyes, Ezra Hannah
N. 20,316
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing entries.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing entries.

2214. Vermont Hannah Keyes widow of Ezra who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private due from $80. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March , 1848.
1 st July Certificate of Pension issued the day of July 1848
and sent to Wm. Haswell Bennington Vt.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page ff Vol. 5

(126) Vermont
Ezra Hayes, 1 private, Army U. States.
Alt. 88. per m. comd. 1 st Ap l 1818
Rec d issued 10 th April, 1818-8 sent to Hon. O. G. Merrill, House of Rep s U. States.
Am t tot. Sept. 1818. 5 4 / 31 month $41.03
(Rev d J. Olaim) (Feb 15 th March 1818)
Massachusetts line .84 Three Years Col c Greator's reg t .
Co d Pocahontas, Banningsville
(Faint vertical text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side) Off ce of the Sec y of War Pension Office

Copy of Ezra Peye's
Declaration — Readsboro', Bennington County, Vermont.

District of Vermont } County of Bennington } Bennington Probate District }
On this 12 th day of July A.D. 1820 personally appeared in open Court being a Probate Court & Court of record which has power to imprison, having jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, & is constituted a Court of record by special act of the Legislature of the State of
Vermont Creating said Court within & for the County of Bennington & Probate District above  where Elna Reyes aged 58 years resident in Readsboro in said District who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 1 st of March 1818 & the 1 st of May 1820. — I served in the Company commanded by Capt. Pritchard in Col. Graton or Graydon's Regiment being the 3 d Regiment Massachusetts line in the three years service; I was afterwards transferred to Capt. John Fowle's Company in 3 d Regiment & served until I was honorably discharged, as will appear by my original declaration on file in the War Office dated the 1 st day of April 1818 on which original declaration I have received a pension Certificate bearing the number 126. —
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 & that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval services of

The United States in the Revolutionary War passed the 15 th of March 1815 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed viz —
The following is a schedule of all my real and personal Estate
One Cow 1 Pig six weeks old one axe two poor hoes one draft Chain 43 feet & another three scythes & snaths one old plough & Clevin one broad axe three augers two pitchforks two Chisels one hand saw one square & compass three old planes or jointers one crop cut saw two old shaves, one pail pot, one small pan still yards 1 dish Rattle Cracked & hooped one tea kettle two cracked iron Basins one spider two 5 pail kettle much damaged 1 table 2 old Chests one great wheel one foot wheel loom & tackling half dozen iron spoons three white earthen bowls, four Cups & Saucers one pewter tea pot two pint tin pans one dish pan three pails one without a bail six plain chairs sixty acres of Mountain land five acres of which is improved fiftyfive acres is rough & unproductive, including a one story log Cottage & a log bark shed. —
I am justly indebted to sundry persons in the sum of $153.99
Now due & pressing me. —
My occupation is that of a day laborer on a farm but by reason of the infirmity of age I am unable to pursue it to much profit & cannot earn a great deal — My wife Hannah is forty nine years of age & by reason of the infirmities incident to females of her age she is unable to earn her support — I have a son Ezra aged 17 able to support himself Herman aged 15 years earns nearly his support — Daniel aged thirteen years he is an expense to me Nathan aged 11 years Tuba aged 9 years & Lawton aged 4 years are

all of them an expense to me for support. — I consider myself in such reduced & needy circumstances as to be unable to support myself & family without public or private aid. —
Ezra Hayes
Sworn & declared in open Court at Bennington in the County & District of Bennington the 12 th day of July A.D. 1820 — Before David Fay Judge of Probate
I Wm. M. Robinson Register of the Probate Court for the District aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration oath and Schedule annexed are truly copied from the record of the said Court, & I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is of less value than the amount of the debts owing by the said Ezra & that the same is insufficient to pay his debts & that he is a man of no property. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court on this 12 th day of July A.D. 1820
W. M. Robinson,
Register of Probate for the District of Bennington

I Ezra Keyes of Reedsboro in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont testify and say - That In the month of June or July A.D. 1780 I entered into the 6 th Massachusetts Regiment for six months to fill the vacancies in the Continental Army - I served under Capt. Ben t Howard - and was regularly discharged - In March A.D. 1781 I again enlisted into the Continental Service for three years - I served under Capt. Richard I was transferred to Capt. John Boswell's Company 9 th Massachusetts Regiment. Commanded by Col. John Grafton - Genl. John Nixon Brigade. - I was discharged at West Point the 22 nd day of December A.D. 1783 by J. Knox M c Genl l - I have my discharge I further say that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life I have rec d of assistance from government for support - Ezra Keyes
State of Vermont } Bennington County } ss to bury April 1 st 1818
Then personally appeared Ezra Keyes and made oath that the facts by him above stated are true according to his best recollection - John H. Kim Assistant Clerk

By the Honorable Major General De Voss Commanding the American Forces on Hudsons River.
Ezra Thize soldier in the light Infantry Company B th Massachusetts Regiment being enlisted for three years is hereby honorably dis- charged from the Service of the United States.
Given in the State of New York.
the 22 nd day of December 1783
By the Generals Command J. H. D. M c Guire
Registered in the books of the Regiment John T. Stafford Adj t
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Original Discharge in the possession of Ezra Thize or Thige and that the original discharge appears to be genuine.
John H. Olin asst d Judge 6 th Court
I Ezra Thize do testify and say that I am the same Ezra Thize to whom the Original Discharge (of which the above is a copy) was given - Ezra Thize
Subscribed & sworn to before me - John H. Olin Judge of Court

We whose names are hereunto subscribed testify and say that we have been acquainted with Ezra Hayes of Readsboro in the county of Bennington and State of Vermont for a number of years - we know him to be an industrious honest man, but in respect to circumstances - he has a family of seven children at home, or under his care, the youngest of which is not two years old - he owns a few acres of mountain land - but his house is a mere hut - not worth anything or nearly a trifling - he owns neither a horse or cow or any sheep - it is worth about as much as his land is worth - & further they say not -
Peddieah Amadon Henry Pavifer Caleb Baity Samuel Amadon Jr
State of Vermont } Readsboro March the 30 th 1818 Bennington County then Personally appeared Peddieah Amadon Henry Pavifer Caleb Baity Samuel Amadon Jr - and made solemn oath that the facts by them above stated contain the truth and nothing but the truth - Sworn before me -
Richard Carpenter Justice of the Peace

I David Robinson Jur r of Binnington and the County of Binnington testify & say that I am well acquainted with J. Didiah Honbleon Henry Davis Caleb Bailey & Samuel Honbleon Jur r and consider them to be men of truth & veracity of irreproachable characters. I am also acquainted with Richard Carpenter & know that he is a justice of the Peace within & for the County of Binnington -
David Robinson Jur r
Sworn to before me Charles Cushman Justs of Peace

To The Honorable J no C Calhoun Secretary of War
I John H. Allen one of the Judges of the County Court within & for the County of Bennington of the State of
Vermont - Having examined the testimony exhibited to me by Elias Reys of Reddboro - am satisfied that he served in the Revolutionary war against the common enemy - agreeable to the affidavit by him subscribed - And I hereby certify the foregoing testimony to wit - the affidavit by him subscribed, the affidavits subscribed by Jedediah Amadon, Henry Davison, Caleb Baile, Samuel Amadon jun - & Daniel Robinson are taken according to the laws of this State, I also certify that Richard Bartlett Charles Cushman are Justices of the peace I also certify that I have examined the copy of his discharge, the whole of which is hereby transmitted -
John H. Allen Atty of County Court
Hon J no C Calhoun Secretary of the Department of War -

State of Vermont, District of Bennington, ss. }
On this 2 d day of December, A.D. 1843, personally appeared before the Hon. the Probate Court for the District of Ben- nington, at a session thereof held at Bennington, in said District, Hannah Keyes, a resident of Readsborough, in the County of Bennington, and State of Vermont, aged Seventy Three Years and over, to me known, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declara- tion, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Acts of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, & the 23 d of August, 1842, granting pensions to widows whose husbands served dur- ing the Revolutionary War. — That she is the widow of Ezra Keyes, late of Readsborough aforesaid, who was a private in the Army of the Revo- lution, as set forth in his declaration now on file in the pension office of the United States, for which he received a pension under the act of 18 th March, 1818, and to which she refers for the services of her said husband. She also declares that she was married to the said Ezra Keyes on the 6 th day of December A.D. 1792, at Charlemont, in the State of Mas- sachusetts, by the Rev. Preserved Smith a Min- ister of the Gospel; that she soon afterwards removed from Charlemont to Readsboro' aforesaid; that she has a family record in her Bible made many years since by her husband the said Ezra Keyes, which gives the true date of her marriage, and of the births of her children, which record

is herewith annexed and forwarded herewith. That her husband the aforesaid Ezra Keyes died on the 29 th day of December, A. D. 1841, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January A. D. 1794, viz. on the 6 th day of December, A. D. 1792, as above stated, - That she has remained a wid- ow ever since the said 29 th day of December A. D. 1841, and is still the widow of the said Ezra Keyes.
Ezra Keyes. In presence of O. C. Merrill. Hannah her  X Keyes. mark
Dear Haswell,
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, O. L. Merrill. Judge.
O. C. Merrill, Judge.
I, Wm Haswell, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Benning- ton, do certify that the Hon. Orsa- nus C. Merrill, is Judge of said Court, that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Hannah Keyes for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 2 d day of De- cember, A. D. 1843.
Wm. Haswell, Register.

I Hannah Keyes of Readsborough, in the County of Bennington, and State of Vermont, testify and say that Capt Elihu Hawks, and Mr. Gershom Hawks, of Charlemont, and their wives, and Doctor Pardon Haynes, of Rowe, Ms. were present at her marriage, at the house of Capt. Elihu Hawks, but that she has been informed, they were all dead. — Three of Capt. Hawks children were also present, two of whom are dead, —
In presence of
Hannah Keyes mark
O. C. Merrill —
Wm. Haswell
State of Vermont } Bennington County } Bennington, Dec. 2, 1843. Sworn to and subscribed before me O. C. Merrill, Judge

Ezra Keyes Born Jan the 27 1783
Hannah Keyes Born August the 13 1790
And Married December 1794.
Eli Keyes Born Reedborough
Aug the 1794
Sally Keyes Born Reedborough
Nov the 22 1794
Reuel Keyes Born Reedborough
June the 29 1797
Hannah Keyes you Born Reedborough
Feb the 19 1799
Dolley Keyes Born Reedborough
Jan the 7 1801
Ezra Keyes you Born Reedborough
Oct the 17 1802
Hannah Keyes Born Reedborough
Dec the 18 1804

Daniel Keyes Born Reedborough March the 23 1807
Nathan Keyes Born Reedborough Oct the 8 1809
Abigail Keyes Born Reedborough July the 26 1813
28-8
Lawton Keyes Born Reedborough July the 19 1816
By Keyes man W. B. 20-7-16

I William Haswell, of Binnington, in the County of Binnington, and State of Vermont, testify and say, that I was acquainted with Ezra Heyes, late of Readsborough, Vermont and late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, for more than twenty years previous to his death, during which time I acted as his attorney in drawing his semi-annual stipends, by which means I became familiar with his hand writing, and I have not a doubt that the family record herunto annexed, was made by him. His daughter Azuba Heyes, whose name appears on said record, lived in our family for about a year. I acted also as attorney for the widow, in drawing the arrears of pension due to her deceased husband, and know her to be the same person who now makes application for a pension. W m Haswell
Sworn to and subscribed this 2 d day of December, A.D. 1843. before me
O. C. Merrill Judge

I, Wm Haswell, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, certify that Hon. A. G. Merrill, is Judge of said Court, and that the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, at Bennington, in said District, this second day of December, A. D. 1843.
Wm Haswell, Register
Rejected under act 7 Feb 58
Anscombe Dec 29 1843
10231 Oct 1843 no. 6155

Ray WIDOW, &c.
May 24-1902 Robt Keyes Stone Jamesstown N.Y.
File No. 20316 Hannah Keyes Widow of Ezra Keyes Dis. Brewster
Act: Feb 24 48
Index:—Vol. 24 , Page 393
[Arrangement of 1870.]

20316 Ezra Keyes
Apr 1. 1818 - 56 Padsboro Wt
July 1880 Gift Benj Howard Cal on 6 m
Mid 81 Cape De Poul Cal from Greaton Dis Rec. 22.83 West Ok
Mid off - Dec 2 184.35 Nedlston Dec 193
Mrs Hannah Dec 6. 1792 Charlton Mass Dec 29 1841
THE BOAT

BY THE HONOURABLE MAJOR-GENERAL K N O X,
Commanding the AMERICAN FORCES on Hudson's River.
Our  fine  soldier  in the light Infantry Company 3d Massachusetts Regiment, being enlisted for Three Years, is hereby honourably DISCHARGED from the Service of the United States.
Given in the State of New-York,
the 19 th Day of
December 1789—
By the General's Command,
Knox
REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
John L. Stafford

Hannah Keyes.
Wm Haswell Barnington Vermont

State of Vermont, } Bennington District, ss. }
I, William Haswell, Register of Probate within and for the District of Bennington, hereby certify that the annexed paper, purporting to be a discharge for Ezra Reyes from the Army of the United States, was forwarded to me by Hannah Reyes, to me known as the widow of Ezra Reyes, late of Readsborough, deceased, and late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States; said paper having been found by her among the papers of her deceased husband, and by her direction now forwarded to the Pension Office of the United States to establish her claim to pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court at Bennington, this 19th day of December A. D. 1843.
W m Haswell, Register.
Ezra Reyes W.F. 20316 Mass.

Barnington, W. Dec 21. 1843.
Sir,
I herewith forward the original discharge given to Ezra Keyes, by Gen. Knox, for the benefit of Hannah Keyes whose declaration is now in your office.
Yours respectfully, Wm Haswell
Hon. S. L. Edwards, Com. of Pensions.

Bennington, Vermont March 18, '46.
Sir,
I herewith forward the application of Hannah Keyes for arrears of pay or pension; - if the application is not correctly made please inform me at as early a day as will suit your convenience, and furnish me with the necessary forms, and much oblige
Yours respectfully, Wm Haswell.
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Bennington Vt. Dec 2, 1843. Hon J. L. Edwards Sir,
I enclose the application of Widow Hannah Hays for a pension. — When acted upon, you will please address,
Yours respectfully, Wm Haswell.

10 23/24 Rev 461. Hannah Krygs Maw of Ezra Krygs VT
act of July 1838 and First resolution of 23 rd January 1845
Adm. Dyer, Jr. $80 00 per ann
from 4 March 1836 to 4 th March 1841
William Haswell Bennington VT

Hannah Hayes
Payment to be made at Southney. by
Merritt Clark Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Vermont
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1818, Page 66 Vol. 3.
Isaac M. King Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Hannah Keyes, widow of Ezra Keyes, who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 29 th day of December one thousand eight hundred and Forty Eight,
W. L. Marcy.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Colward Commissioner of Pensions.

10/10/10

Jamestown N.Y. Apr. 7 1902
Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir Please favor the undersigned if Ezra Keyes of Holden also given Lepton Mass at time of enlistments, and at time of death Readsboro Vt. was a pensioner?
Wife's name Hannah _____ Trusting to hear soon,
I am,
Robert Keyes Stone, 325 Price St.,

6. Hamilko Keyes
Yr
Act Mar 3 d 43
Ad a
2 years
price
$80 per an
to commence 8 th March
1843
Wm Hadwell
Bernington
Yr -

5883. Burlington, Vermt.
Hannah Keyes, widow of Ezra Keyes, who was a Private in the Rev. War.
rep 13 Certificate under act 7 July 1838 issued 11 June 1846. See Envelope within.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of July 1844 and sent to
Wm Haswell, Bennington, Vermont.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 33

Let to Mr Haswell 31 May 51
Reported Dec. 30/48
27/4
Vermont. Putney Hannah Keyes widow of Ezra Keyes.
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30. day of Dec. 1848. and sent to
Mr Haswell Bennington Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 66 Vol. B.

10067
(Circuit)
Widow of Ezra Hays
Widow of Ezra Hays who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the December 29th 1841, of Wilmington in the State of Del who was a Private in the Compy of the Hays commanded by [blank] in the Revolution line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Pensions at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of June 1846 (and sent) by [blank] (as well, Wilmington pr
Total amount, $ 1000.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by [blank] Clerk, Book [blank] Vol. 1. Page 131
Reported Joint Reso 23. Jan'y 11/5

To James L. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions The subscriber, a resident of the Town of Bennington, in the County of Bennington, and State of Vermont, respectfully de- clares and represents, that she is the Widow of Ezra Keyes who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution; that he departed this life on the 29 th day of December, A.D. 1841; that she as his Widow received a Pension of Eighty Dollars per annum, under the Act of Congress of the 3 d of March, 1843, from the 4 th day of March 1843 to the 4 th day of March, 1844, And she now makes application for the arrears of pay due her under the Acts of Congress granting pen- sions to Widows, from the 4 th day of March 1836 to the 4 th day of March 1841.
Witness
Eli Merte
Justin Keyes
Hannah Keyes  R Keyes mark
State of Vermont } County of Bennington } on this 14 th day of March, A.D. 1846, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Hannah Keyes above named, and made oath, that the facts set forth in the above declaration are true and correct.
Eli Merte
Justice of the Peace.

I, Samuel H. Blackner, Clerk of the County of Bennington, do hereby certify that Eli Waste was on the date of the within certificate, a Magistrate in and for said County, duly appointed and qual- ified, and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 16 th day of March, A. D. 1846.
Sam l . H. Blackner Clerk
Hannah Keyes' Application for arrears of pension.
M m Haswell Bennington Vt

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 d February, 1848, entitled "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution"
State of Vermont } Burlington County, ss.
On this 30 th day of September, A.D. 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Burlington Hannah Keyes, a resident of Burlington, in the County of Burlington, aged 78 years, to me personally known, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed the 2 d February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, That she is the Widow of Ezra Keyes, who was a Private in the Revolution, and died on the 29 th day of December A.D. 1841, and for whose services, she received a pension of Eighty Dollars per annum under the act of 17 th June 1844, And she further declares that she still remains a Widow.
Witness,
Hannah Keyes Mark
Sally Curtis Myron A Ford
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me,
Martin N Ford Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me and is a credible person
Martin N Ford Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Burlington County, p.
I Samuel H. Blackmer, Clerk of the Court of Burlington County, hereby certify that Martin J. Ford is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, and that the within signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In witness whereof I have here- unto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Burlington, this sixth day of October, A.D. 1848.
Sam l H. Blackmer Clerk
Hannah Fries
Address Miss Haswell Burlington Vermont.

Hawaii Niyas
Inc o 6/96. Did g p80 per ann Carri g 1 July 1848.
Stirlington
Wm Harwell Brimington St

State of Vermont Bennington County, ss. } On this 10th day of Sept. A.D. 1850, personally appeared before me, the subscribing authority, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Hannah Keyes, widow of Ezra Keyes, deceased, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, and a Pensioner of the United States; That she is now drawing a pension at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum, That she believes herself entitled to an increase of pension and asks for what- ever may be found due her under any of the acts and resolutions of Congress, which are applicable to her case. I also request that my pension cer- tificate, if a new one should be issued, be sent to Wm Hasdell, my Agent, and Attorney at Bennington Centre Vermont, Sworn to and subscribed
this 10th day of Sept. A.D. 1850 Hannah X Keyes mark before me, Wm Hasdell, Justice Peace. Witness Martin A Foul
I further certify that I am acquainted with the above named Hannah Keyes, and that she is a respectable and credible person Wm Hasdell, Justice Peace

I Samuel N Blackner, Clerk of the Court of Birmingham County certify that William Haswell was, at the date of the within instrument, a Justice of the Peace, as therein stated, and that the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and sub- scribed my name this 22 d day of February, A.D. 1851.
Samuel N. Blackner Clerk

certify that the Hon. John H. Olin, is one of the Judges of the County Court, within & for the county of Bennington, in the State of Vermont, and that his signature affixed to each separate declaration, made in the accompanying docu- ments relating to the case of Ezra Keyes, for pen- sion, is in my opinion genuine. — Done in Rep- resentative Chamber, this 9 th day of April, A.D. 1818. —
Orsamus C. Allen.

Ezra Hays's
Account
Sept. 1816.
CM
Con
Vol. 1. 16

DISTRICT OF VERMONT, SS.
ON this 5 th day of December 1820 personally appeared in open court, being a county court and court of record, which has power to fine and imprison, and is constituted a court of record by a special act of the Legislature of the state of Vermont, creating said court, within and for the county of Bennington, and state of Vermont, Ezra Hays aged 58 years, resident in Readsboro, in said county of District who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: Make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the act of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 & the 18 th of May 1820
I served in the company, commanded by Capt Pritchard in the 6 th Vermont Regiment, afterwards transferred to Capt John Lord's Company in Regiment & served until I was honorably discharged
as will appear by my original declaration on file in the War office, dated the 1 st day of April 1818 on which original declaration I have received a pension certificate bearing the number 126.
AND I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18 th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
The following is a schedule of all the real and personal estate, to wit:
One cow, 1 pig six weeks old, one axe, two iron hoes, one draft chain, and part of another, three scythes, scabbles, one old plough & shares, one broad axe, three augers, two pitch forks, two chisels, one hand saw, one squirrels trap, three old planes or jointers, one crop cut saw, two old shaves, pail pot, 1 small pair of shears, 1 cast iron cracked hoop, 1 tea kettle, two cracked iron basins, one spider, two 5 quart kettles much damaged, 1 table, 2 old chests, 1 great wheel, 1 foot wheel, loom & tackling, half a dozen iron spoons, three white earthen bowls, four cups & saucers, 1 protected pot, two pint tin pans, 1 milk pan, 3 pail, one without a bail, 6 plain chains. Sixty acres of mountain in land in Readsboro, 5 acres of which is improved, fifty five acres is rough & unproductive including a one story log cottage, and a log bark shed. I am justly indebted to sundry persons in the sum of $153.99 and due upon my death. My occupation is that of a day labourer on a farm but by reason of the infirmity of age I am unable to pursue it to much profit & cannot earn a great deal. My wife Hannah is forty nine years of age, by reason of the infirmities incident to females of her age she is unable to earn her support. She has a son Ezra aged 17 able to support himself, Hannah aged 15 years earns nearly his support, Daniel aged 13 years he is an expense to me, Nathan aged 11 years, Tuba aged 7 years & Saulon aged 4 years are all of them an expense to me for support. I consider myself in such reduced circumstances as to be unable to support myself & family without public or private aid. Ezra Hays Sworn to and declared at Bennington in the county of Bennington, and state of Vermont, on the 5 th day of December 1820 in open court, before me Joel Pratt Clerk
I, Joel Pratt clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration, Bath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is 80 dollars and 00 cents. Upon full proof it is the opinion of the court that after discharging his just debts the said Ezra Hays hath not any estate. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 18 th day of December 1820
Joel Pratt Clerk of the Court for the county of Bennington
Debts 153.99 property & rental 80.00 73.99 Balance against him