Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16736, for Benjamin Stetson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass
Stetson Benjamin Mary
NUMBER
W. 16736
CONTENTS

State of New York Oneida County ss 1 Page 3
On this 1 st Day of May 1810 Before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County. Personally appeared Benjamin Stetson Aged 60 years Resident In Saugerties In the said County who being by me first Duly Sworn according to Law Doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the late 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. That he the said Benjamin Stetson in the month of January 1776 in the State of Massachu- setts in the Company commanded by Captain Earl Clap of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jonathan Ward & Lieut Col Benj n Tappan
That he continued to serve in the said company in the service of the United States until the end of the term of his enlistment which was one year when he was discharged from service in the Hudson River in the State of New York near Dobbs Ferry That he after which enlisted for three years in Poughkeepsie in May 1777 in a Company commanded by Capt. Daniels in 10 th Regiment Col Benj n Tappan Command he further declared that he is in reduced circumstances and has no means of the assistance of his Country for support And that he has no other Evidences now in his power of his said Service other than he has now offered he received Regular & honorable Discharges from the service but both of his dis- charges are lost both of his discharges were signed by General George Washington before me the Day and year aforesaid
Benj n Stetson
H. J. Miller First Judge of Oneida

2) I Morris S. Miller First judge of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Oneida as aforesaid Do certify That it appear to my satisfaction that the said Benjamin S. Wilson Did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the foregoing declaration against the Common Enemy And I now transmit the proceedings and Testimony taken and had before me to the honorable the Secretary of the Department of War pursuant to the Direction of the aforementioned act of Congress witness my hand the day and year aforesaid Dated 1. May 1818. and that by reason of reduced circumstances he is
H. S. Miller
in need of assistance for his country for support:
First Judge of Oneida.
Collected
13 Sept 1818
Copy of this sent to
H. Brandenberg, 4 May,
1827.
Further Testimony
Oneida county ss
on the 1 st day of May 1818 Came before me the subscriber one of the judges of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Oneida Henry Livermore of Syracuse in said County who being first me duly sworn Depoeth and saith that he is well acquainted with the above named Benjamin S. Wilson That he is a man of great truth and veracity And the deponent hath knowledge of his being in poor circumstances as to the bad state of his health and thinks that he needs assistance Thereon before me this day aforesaid
Henry Livermore
H. S. Miller
First Judge of Oneida
Clerks Office Oneida County ss I certify Morris S. Miller was first judge of the County of Oneida at the time of taking the above two

Affidavits and Certificate find that the signature to the same appears to be his own proper hand writing. Witness the Seal of said County this first day of May 1818 Francis H Woodgood Clerk

Benjamin Stetson
State of Maine
for further
information
the deponent
of two or three
years past
has been
residing in
the town of
Waltham
10

Stetson, Benj. Mass. W1673 b

1816 2 New York
Benjamin Nelson
Saugerties in the state of New York who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Safford of the Ulster Militia time, for the term of Three years
Inscribed on the roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 of Sept 1818 and Seal to Maria Louisa Nelson Saugerties New York
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 March 1820
105 5178.00
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

Set to J. Clark 2 June 1851 " " 8 July "
1050.
New-York a Mary Stetson widow of Benjamin Stetson who died on the of in the State of New York who was a private in the by Captain of the commanded by M aj in the commanded time of 2 years one from $80.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 96 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 1 st July 1848. Ending on the 15 th April 1849. Certificate of Pension granted the 29 th day of Jan y 1849 and sent to
Hon W. Duer Semi-annual allowance ending No of Rep s Payable to { children }
Revolutionary Claim. Pet July 1, 1850. Noted the
Recorded by H. E. Robinson Clerk, Book D, Vol. 2, Page 359

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
BIRTHS.
Benjamin Stetson was born at Old Plymouth in Massachusetts July 19 th 1757
Mary Johnson his wife was born at Marlborough in Massachusetts October 15 th 1755.
Benjamin Stetson jun. was born at Hardwick in Massachusetts Saturday May 5 th 1781
Sally Stetson was born at Hardwick Massachusetts Friday Feb ry 28 th 1783
Mary Stetson was born at Barnard Vt. Saturday July 24 th 1784
Joseph Stetson was born at Barnard Vt. Sunday October 22 nd 1786
Hannah Stetson was born at Barnard Vt. Thursday October 23 rd 1788
Two daughters born Sunday August 22 nd 1790 who lived about two hours and expired
Joel Stetson was born at Barnard Vt. Wednesday June 29 th 1791
Henry Stetson was born at Barnard Vt. Sunday May 5 th 1792
Clary Stetson was born at Barnard Vt. Thursday December 25 th 1794
Emma & Susan Stetson was born at Barnard Vermont Wednesday July 25 th 1798
Samuel G. Sweet was Born June 13 th - 1779

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Benjamin Stetson was married unto Mary Johnson of Hardwick August 24 th 1780
MARRIAGES.
Benjamin Stetson Jr was Married to Lucy Ward Dec r 26 - 1805
Samuel G. Sweet was Married to Sarah Stetson June 24 th 1802
Chester B. Underwood was Married to Susan Stetson Oct r 12 th 1819
Joseph O'Brian was Married to Clarissa Stetson March 18 th 1824

State of New York
Oneida County ss. Ezra Stetson of Sangerfield in the County of Oneida & State of New York being duly sworn deposes & saith that he is the son of Benjamin & Mary Stetson; that his said mother now resides with him - that his said father - deceased is thirty eight years of age - that his said father was a plowman at the time of his decease and that the family record herewith annexed is a leaf taken by him deponent from the family Bible of the said Benjamin & Mary and the same identical record referred to this deponent in an affidavit hereto fore made by this deponent on the application of the said Mary and which said affidavit is now on file in the Pension Office of the United States - and further saith that
Subscribed & sworn to this 9 th day of March A. D. 1837
Ezra Stetson
Before me Joseph S. Husbands Justice of the Peace of Sangerfield I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above deponent and that he possesses a good moral character - Joseph S. Husbands Justice of the Peace of Sangerfield.

Waukegan Ill. P.O. Box 60 March 9. 1837
Sir
The additional evidence required by the Pension Office for the application of my mother Mary Stetson is herewith furnished you - I would respectfully desire that the business may be proceeded with as fast as practicable -
Very respectfully
Ebene Stetson
The Hon. J. Edwards.

State of New York
Brooks County, -
John D. LeCannard Alibi

V 902. 3. sec.
Application of Mary Stetson Widow of Benjamin Stetson, of Sangerfield, Onondaga Co. N. York
Admitted Private 2 years
M c Ezra Stetson 2 d Sangerfield New York
2 years
land

War Department, H. 816.
PENSION OFFICE,
Oct 30 th 1820.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined; and the Secretary of War has directed your name to be continued on the Pension Roll.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
To Mr. Benjamin Stetson, Oneida County New York
No money till March
H. S. Miller

Benj r Stetson
Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of March next, in the City of New York, at the Branch Bank of the United States.
FRANK C.

State of New York, Onondaga County ss.
On this twenty fifth day of August, One thousand eight hundred & thirty six personally appeared in the Court of Chancery, for the State of New York, being a court of record, before the Vice Chancellor of the Supreme Court at the City of Utica in said County Mary Stetson a resident of the town of Sangerfield in the said County of Onondaga aged Eighty years on the fifteenth day of October last who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she was as she has always understood, believing born at Old Marlbury in the County of Worcester Massachusetts on the fifteenth day of October 1755; That she is the widow of Benjamin Stetson, late of Sangerfield aforesaid deceased, who died at his residence in Sangerfield aforesaid on the sixteenth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty one, of the cause of the dropsy with which he had been afflicted for some years past; who was a soldier in the army of the United States of the revolution; That she was married to the said Benjamin Stetson on the 24th day of August 1780 at the town of Hardwick in the County of Worcester aforesaid where she then resided. The said Benjamin was a soldier in the army as aforesaid previous to his marriage with this declarant as she then knew from her acquaintance with him. This declarant further says that in the fall of the year 1782 the said Benjamin, then her husband and being with her as part of Hardwick aforesaid enlisted in the army as a private soldier for three years, and after words exchanged as upon this declarants understanding with a soldier enlisted for during the war, and continued in the service until then enlisted for during the war was discharged, which according to declarants recollection was about three months from his enlistment.

as aforesaid. Declarant was not present at his enlistment to her recollection, but she knew that he was about to enlist, nor did she see him at any time in the service, but she well recollects his going from home to Boston after his enlistment, and she also well recollects his coming home after his discharge, both which were after her marriage with him; but she was not at home when did she see him during the time of his service. After he left Boston, as deponent understood, he went to New Windsor, but whether in a military or not she is not able to say; but she had letters from him while at the latter place. She does not recollect in what troops he served nor under what officers. This declarant well recollects having often seen his discharge which was a printed paper. About a year according to deponent's recollection after his return from the service in the army declarant's husband removed from Hardwick to Barnard in the County of Windsor, in Vermont. Declarant recollects that when about to remove as aforesaid, her husband the said Benjamin received left his discharge with his father at Hardwick, for the purpose of aiding his father in obtaining for him pay the sum for the service of the said Benjamin as such soldier, and this declarant has no knowledge of the discharge since that time.
This declarant is now so blind as to be unable to distinguish objects although not entirely insensible to light; she is therefore unable to see the paper which she understands is here annexed, and which she is told therefore is the pension certificate of the said Benjamin Station received number 14,886. but she knows that for many years before his death he was a pensioner of the United States as a revolutionary soldier and received a such pension twenty six dollars a year. and for a more particular statement and more full proof of his service

full proof of his former says have to refer to the papers on file in the War department upon which the said pension certificate was granted. The said Benjamin deceased at the time of his death left nine children, which were also the children of this declarant, surviving him, to wit, Benja- min Stetson Jr. Sally, the wife of Samuel G. Hunt; Jeps Stetson, Hannah, the wife of Phoebe B. Beebe; Joel Stetson, Amy Stetson, the wife of Abby M. Owen; Clarissa, widow of Joseph O'Brien deceased; Ezra Stetson & Susan, wife Charles B. Underwood, all of whom are over sixteen years of age, the youngest being nearly forty years of age. Declarant says that after the marriage between the said declarant & herself as before mentioned they lived together as husband & wife at Haverstock until his enlistment as aforesaid, and from his return home to the time of his death, but not con- stantly at the same place, having removed from Haverstock to Vermont and from thence to Lempsterfield aforesaid, to which last place they removed in January 1800- Neither the said Benjamin deceased nor this declarant have been at any time married except together at the time before mentioned. They were married at the house of her father by a justice of the peace, Esquire Merrill, she does not recollect his Christian name. From the frequent changes of clergyman in Lempster- field who were acquainted with this declarant and her late husband there is none residing in the town now to the knowledge of this declarant who is acquainted with her the late husband.
Known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing before me this 25 th Aug: 1836 A. Decius V. C.
Mary Stetson

Under 6 and 7. Ezra Stetson of Springfield in the County of Oxford in the state of Maine being only from in open court in the court of Chancery before the Vice Chancellor of the Superior Court of the state of New York says that he is aged seventy and more, and is the brother of Benjamin Stetson deceased who was in his lifetime and up to the time of his death the husband of Mary Stetson now present and who made the foregoing declaration. Deponent was not present at their marriage, but he well remembers the fact and circumstances of their marriage. At that time this deponent and the said Benjamin lived with their father Ezra Stetson in his family at Haverdale Worcester County, Massachusetts; that the said Benja- min immediately after his marriage as aforesaid brought the said Mary his wife to the house of his father and then lived with him & his wife in the family of his and this deponent's father until he the said Benjamin en- listed as a soldier in the army of the revolution. He was married to the said Mary in the month of August, but deponent does not recollect the year, He however well remembers that his enlistment took place something over two years after their marriage. Deponent now speaks of his last enlistment for three years, during which period he was charged as deponent understood with a during the war man. Deponent knows that he had previously and before his marriage enlisted twice and served his time at under each enlistment. The first in 1776 for three months and the other in 1778 for six months. The service under the first enlistment was performed at Roxbury in Mass. & County of Plymouth for the purpose of guard- ing the harbor at that place - the service under the second enlistment was performed as deponent then understood at Rhode Island - deponent knows that upon his enlistment, which took place at Haverdale

he was from home destined to Rhode Island, but is not able to say further. Deponent has frequently seen the final discharge of the said Benjamin upon his last journey which discharge leaving any left with his father as stated by the said Mary in her declaration hereto prefixed. From deponent's best recollection he would say that the service actually rendered by the said Benjamin under his last enlistment before his discharge extended over a year. Deponent has had such intercourse with the said Benjamin and his family as is usual among so near relating connections the marriage of the said Benjamin & Mary, and knowing that from the time of their marriage above mentioned they lived together as, and were united to her, and acknowledged as part of her family and relations as husband & wife, completely merged up to the time of the death of the said Benja- min. And for the last thirty five years until the death of the said Benjamin they lived within about twenty five miles of each other, and visited at least annually. Deponent was present at the funeral of the said Ben- jamin at Sargusfield, though not at his death. He died in November and he thinks the year 1831. It was some or five years ago. He notices the day given in Nov. next. The said Mary continuing his widow remained so far as deponent knows, has heard or believing. Deponent is acquainted with the family & children of the said de- ceased & knows them to be as stated in the declara- tion of the said Mary. It was understood that the said deceased died of the dropsy, at least that that was a prominent cause of his death.
Given to the subscribers in open court May 25 th Aug: 1836. H. Deccio.
Ezra Stetson

State of New York Onondaga Co.      Ezra Stetson junior, son of Benjamin Stetson deceased, and Charles B. Underwood were being formally duly sworn in open Court in the Court of Chancery of the State of New York before the Vice Chancellor of the Fifth Circuit at the City of Utica say and each of them for himself says that he was acquainted with Benjamin Stetson in his lifetime and up to the time of his death. That he is and his long time acquaintance with Mary Stetson whom in declaration is hereinbefore said, that she knows that the said Benjamin died at Syracuse in the County of Onondaga in the month of November 1831 and the said Charles for himself says he thinks about the middle of the month, and that said Ezra for himself says that he so did on the sixteenth day of November 1831. And the said deponents further each for himself says that the said Benjamin deceased was a pensioner and revolutionary pensioner of the United States, and that the said Mary when declaration is hereinbefore said is his widow. And the said Ezra for himself says that the Certificate upon which the said said Benjamin received such pension is hereinbefore said and that the said deceased was the identical Benjamin Stetson whose name is named. And both the said de- ponents say that the said Mary remaining his widow was married. The said Ezra further says that he was present at the death of the said Benjamin and saw him expire. And both the said deponents say that they were present at his funeral.
Given & subscribed in a open Court August 25 1836
H. Davis
V: Ch:
Ezra Stetson Junr Charles B. Underwood

State of New York Oneida County ss. William Underwood in Oneida County being duly sworn sayeth that is a clergyman; that he is well acquainted Mary Nelson whose declaration is herewith with Esau Nelson, the deponent's first name, Esau Nelson junior, and Charles B. Underwood who presented the last foregoing deposition, all of whom in the presence of the deponent appeared to the foregoing station as then respectively presented; and that they are persons possessing of good character & reputation and entitled to full credit as witnesses - that although deponent does not reside in the same town with or in the immediate vicinity of the witnesses, yet he is intimately acquainted with them; that in the discharge of his duties as clergyman he has fre- quently visited the neighborhood in which the late Mary & Esau Nelson reside and when the late husband of the said Mary did reside until his decease, with whom he was also well acquainted, both as to his character & his present widow- hood and Mary being minister of the Gospel Benjamin Nelson deceased being deacon of the church to which he was accustomed there to minister -
Wm Underwood
Given to of facts related in open court Aug: 25 th 1836. H. R. Reavis W: Ch: -
I, John G. Crocker Deputy Clerk of the Court of Chancery for the of the State of New York do hereby Certify that the foregoing papers contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the ap- plication of the said Mary Nelson for the pension of her late husband, Benjamin Nelson deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this nineteenth day of December A D 1836. John G. Crocker Deputy Clerk 5 th Circuit N.Y.

Application of Mary Stetson Widow of Benjamin Stetson, of Sangerfield, Onondaga Co. N. York
V 902. 3. sec.
Admitted Private 2 years
Mr. Ezra Stetson 2 d Sangerfield New York 2 years sent

STATE OF NEW-YORK. Oneida Common Pleas, ss.
On this 8th day of Sept 1820, personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, being a Court of Record, Benjamin Nelson, aged 63 years, resident in Canajoharie in said county, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: In 1776 enlisted for a year in Clapp's Co. Hads. Regt. Massachusetts and served out the time of his Enlistment. Enlisted again in 1778 for three years in Capt. Darius's Co. 6th Col. Mass. Regt. Massachusetts line and served till the end of the War - when the remaining men were discharged, the Regiment being reduced in numbers. The Detachment was assigned to the 5th Massachusetts Regt. commanded by Col. Jackson - from the 5th Regt. he was discharged at Newburgh in 1783. -
That he has received a Pension, and the number of his pension certificate is
That he is by occupation a cooper, but unable to work, on account of bodily infirmity.
That the number and names of his family residing with him: their ages and capacity to contribute to their support is as follows, viz.
His wife Mary aged 65 years in tolerable health.
Copy of this cert. to S. Brandley 4 Mar 29 1820
AND I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; 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.
Sworn to and declared, on the 8th day of Sept - 1820.
Benj. Nelson
Before Me L. Miller First Judge of Oneida

SCHEDULE , containing the whole estate and income of
Benjamin Stetson
Fifty acres of land in my field worth about four hundred dollars for which sum it is mortgaged Ephraim Sawyer
 107. 2 Cows 1 Horse - 7 Cows - 2 Hogs.  10. Cows has calves worth ten dollars  10. Household furniture ten dollars  6. Due me on Book six dollars. 
133-
Sum in debt four hundred fifty seven Dollars and my farm is mortgaged to Ephraim Sawyer for four hundred dollars its full value
Income name. Benj: Stetson
Sworn to and declared, on the 8 th day of Sept 1820, before
M. L. Miller Clerk Judge of Oneida.
State of New-York. Oneida Common Pleas. } A Court of Record by Of the Term of Sept 1820. } Statute.
The whole of these proceedings were had in open Court ; and in the opinion of this Court the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the above Schedule is one hundred thirty three dollars and no more.
I, FRANCIS A. BLOODGOOD , Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Oneida, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath and the Schedule thereunto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court : And I 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 One hundred thirty three dollars and — cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this eighth day of September, 1820.
Francis A. Bloodgood

I hereby certify that in the Records of the Town of Haverwick, Worcester Co., Mass., in Book 1 st page 450 is the following entry, viz.
"Benjamin Stetson and Mary Johnson both of Haverwick were married August 24 th 1780."
I also certify that the above is in the usual form in which the marriages were recorded in the records aforesaid at that period.
Given under my hand at Haverwick this twenty fourth day of February A.D. 1837. —
Joseph Stone, Town Clerk.
Worcester fr. Feby 25 th 1837. Personally appeared Joseph Stone above named and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true — before me, John Strong, Jr. (Clerk)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss. I, Joseph H. Kendall, clerk of the court of common pleas for said county of Worcester, do certify, that Joseph Knox, Esquire, is a justice of the peace, in and for said county, and that his signature, as within, is in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name, and affix the seal of said court, at Worcester, this fifth day of May, in the year 1837. —
J. H. Kendall, Clerk.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of _____ a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1774 1775 Private Col. Stark Brig. Genl. Stark N. Hamp.   1775 1776 Private Col. Stark Brig. Genl. Stark "   1776 1777 Private Col. Stark Brig. Genl. Stark "          
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____ Date of application for pension, _____ Residence at date of application, _____ Age at date of application, _____
Remarks: _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Rev. War Section.
April 9, 1920.
Mrs. L. R. Dunbar, 32 Grove Street, Oneida, New York.
Madam:
In addition to the military history of Benjamin Stetson Wid. File No. 16,736 Revolutionary War, you are furnished the following family data:
Benjamin Stetson born July 19, 1757 at Old Plymouth Mass. Mary Johnson " October 15, 1755 at Marlborough Mass. Benjamin Stetson Jr. " May 5, 1781 at Hardwick, Mass. Sally Stetson " February 28, 1783. at Hardwick Mass. Mary Stetson " July 24, 1784 at Barnard, Vermont. Jesse Stetson " October 22, 1786, at Barnard, Vermont. Hannah Stetson " October 23 1788, at Barnard Vermont. Two daughters " August 22, 1790, lived about two hours. Joel Stetson " June 29 1791, at Barnard, Vermont. Amy Stetson " May 5, 1792, at Barnard, Vermont. Clary Stetson " December 25, 1794, at Barnard, Vermont. Ezra & Susan Stetson. " July 25, 1798, at Barnard, Vermont.
Samuel G. Sweet      born June 13, 1779.

Marriages.
Benjamin Stetson        married August 24, 1780, Mary Johnson. Benjamin Stetson Jr.        "    December 26, 1805 Lucy Ward. Samuel G. Sweet        "    January 24, 1802, Sarah Stetson. Chester B Underwood        "    October 12, 1819 Susan Stetson. Joseph O'Brian        "    March 18, 1824 Clarissa Stetson.
Benjamin Stetson        died November 16 1831.
Mary Stetson        "    April 15, 1849.
In 1850 the following named children survived them:
Sarah wife of Samuel G. Sweet.
Benjamin Stetson of Ohio.
Susan wife of Chester B. Underwood of Madison County, N. Y.
Jesse Stetson.
Hannah wife of Pliny Beebe.
Amy wife of Aba Owen.
Clarissa widow of Joseph O'Brian.
Ezra Stetson of Oneida County, N. Y.
Very respectfully,
William Lloyd Commissioner.

War Department, Percival C. Lee, Adjutant.

See letter, May 3. 1825 to
see letter to C. Stetson, 13 th June 1827

Stetson, Benj. Mass W 16736

...suspended -
1847 in consequence of your having received at the office that the date of 1821, so far as relation with him to E. H. H. H. was a misstatement, that he had a valuable parcel of cash which he intended to give to him and that he then in this our hands and the by then to his own benefit. The indictment of this case is now in the hands of the clerk of the court and all a decree has been made which sufficiently large to pay all the so called fees and stock of the house. After that money is paid the balance of the money is to be paid knowingly the money is to be paid
to be a good man & a good citizen and a good husband
see letter to
March 26. 1825, & 4 May 1825.

Benj m Stetson New York
Application to remove suspension
Proofs within
See letters to Abner Linnmore Watkins Oneida N.Y. 15 th Sept 1825 & July 21. 1826.
See Caveat within, received 29 Sept. 1825-
Suspension removed. See letter to Hon. H. R. Storrs, at White- borough, N. Y. & Pm Agent 1 Sept 5 1826.
See letter to S. Beaureley, Eng. Div. att y No. Div. N. Y. at Blenheim, N. Y.
4. March 1820

Epiphany Chapel of the Town of Ulster in the county of Ulster this day came before me James Stevens Esquire justice of the peace in and for the county of Ulster, and State of New York, with that he holds an obligation against Christopher Jackson of the town of Newburgh in the county of Ulster and State of New York to the amount of four hundred and twenty five Dollars and 87 1/2 cents, dated September 1st 1824 and that the debt is now due and payable.  Ulster September 2nd 1824 Epiphany Chapel
Sworn before me this day personally appeared James Stevens Esquire justice of the peace in and for the county of Ulster State of New York.
State of New York Ulster County - ss
I certify that Charles Stevens Esquire before whom the above affidavit appears to have been taken was at the day said affidavit was taken a justice of the peace in and for said county duly sworn and authorized to act as such.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of common pleas for said county this twenty first day of September A.D. 1824.
William Nichols Clerk

Copies of the within sent to S Beardsley, 4 May 1827.

State of New York
County of Onondaga. On this 25 th day of Sept 1824 Personally came before me Stephen Preston Esq r a justice of the peace of the said county. Amy Stetson Daughter of Benjamin Stetson of the Town of Sangerfield in said County who being by me duly sworn according to law Deposith and saith that she Remides with her parents That she has seen a Letter which her father has lately Received Dated "Way department Pension office 3 rd Sept 1824. signed S. J. Edwards That the information said to have been given to that department Relating to her father, not being in debt &c. is to her knowledge incorrect. She had knowledge since some years ago that he the said Benjamin Stetson owed a Large debt to Ephraim Thayer of the County of Onondaga on account of money Borrowed of him to pay for the Land where her father lives. She had knowledge of his owing many other debts And that he still Remains in debt. She thinks not far from the same as he was in the year 1820 Although he has Received sundry payments of pension money since that time His Expenditures have been expensive and he still remains in debt. He has a comfortable one yearling house two Cows one heifer, one Old mare and Cattle in all the stock of Cattle and horses he has. His Estate is very little different from what it was at the time she Exhibited a Schedule of the same. She does not think that her father has a Life Lease on any Land what ever.
Sworn and Subscribed before me Amy Stetson the day and year first above written. And I certify that I am acquainted with the said Amy Stetson and she is a credible witness. Stephen Preston Esq r

Abner Livermore being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Stetson and has been considerably acquainted with his circumstances and property he wrote for him a schedule of his property at the time he was prepaing to lay the same before the court according to the act of 1820 1820 a copy of the same on this deponent's own hand writing this deponent has this day seen.
This deponent has this day been at the house and on the premises of the said Benjamin Stetson And he verily believes the schedule by him made was just and true. He was credibly informed and believes it was true that the said Benjamin was in debt at that time as much as $467 dollars as he set forth. In the opinion of this deponent his property is not much different from what it was at that time.
Abner Livermore
Sworn and subscribed before me this 26th day of Sept. 1824 And I certify that the said Abner Livermore is a credible witness.
Stephen Preston Esq.

State of New York County of Oneida
On this 2 nd day of Sept 1827
On this 26 th day of Personall- came before me Stephen Preston Esq. a justice of the peace in and for said County Esq. Wilson of Sangerfield in said County who being sworn according to law Deposeth and saith that he has not had an opportunity to know so well as his sister Mary Wilson the daughter of his father  the daughter of his father having been Residing in the County of Genesee for about eight years past until lately. He has no knowledge of his father (Benj r Wilson) holding a Life lease of any Land whatever nor does he think he has any such Lease. And that the said Benjamin Wilson owns no Barn. The one he has here before had the privilege to occupy is owned by this deponent by a late pur- chase from Jesse Wilson who was the former owner
Eyra Stetson
Sworn and Subscribed before me this day and year above written and signed. The said Ezra Hildson to be a credible witness Ezra Hildson
Stephen Preston Esq.
This certifies that Benjamin Hutson is afflicted with Hydrocele or dropsy of the scrotum he has been Operated on several Times but without affording him any permanent Relief. He has also consulted the opinion of one of the first surgeons in our state who told him that his complaint was incurable. Medina Boston Physician Sworn and Subscribed before me this 25 th day of Sept r 1824 and I certify that the said Medina Boston is a respectable Physician & Surgeon
Stephen P. Livingston

State of New York Clerk's Office I Eliasaph Dorchester, Oneida County p. Clerk of the County of Oneida
do hereby certify, that Stephen Preston, before whom three of the within affidavits were made, and whose name is subscribed to the within certificates, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Oneida, duly commissioned and sworn; and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the within signatures of "Stephen Preston", are in the proper hand writing of the said Justice In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said county. this 29th day of September 1824
Eliasaph Dorchester, Clk.

Cancel.
Nashville, Enid & Co. Free August 24 th
Mr. Clegg Cancel.
J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War Washington
Recd. 21 Aug. 1824
Recd. 21 Aug. 1824

Sir
I write to let you know the circumstan- ces of Benjamin Stetson who resides in San- gerfield and draws a pension from the United States. If I am rightly informed, in his schedule he tells of owing a debt of four hundred dollars borrowed money, his own son & his son-in- law say they know nothing of his owing such a debt. He had a valuable pair of oxen which he pretended to give to his son but retained them in his own hands & disposed of them to his own benefit. His pretensions of being in debt & of not owning property I think are fabricated. He has now a deed of fifty acres of land & a life lease of forty acres more, under good improvement & a decent house and barn an orchard sufficient to make fifteen or twenty barrels of cider a good stock of cattle & horses and I think very clear of debts. I have heard many express their surprise at his receiving a pension & wish some body would give information that it might be stopped as they thought it was unjust he should receive it. As we are neighbors & live in harmony with each other it is my wish that the source of this intelligence might be kept a secret. Yours with the greatest respect
Sangerfield Augst 20 th 1824 Isaac H. Colger
Dear J. C. Calhoun Secy of War

Waterville Oneida County May 27 th 1825
Honored Sir
I again address you at the Request and on behalf of Benjamin Stetson who prays as he has often done the Removal of the suspension of the payment of his pension. This application was begun immediately on the Receipt of S d Edwards Letter of the 3 rd Sept r 1824 (herewith returned) Affidavits were forwarded of credible witnesses sworn before Chauncy Stevens of Otsego & Stephen Preston of Oneida County showing that the intelligence given to the War department against him was incorrect. The official capacity &c of those gentlemen were certified by the Clerks of the Counties of Oneida and Otsego. In the course of the last Session of Congress the hon John J Morgan selected the late Summary of war in behalf of Mr Stetson. We next rec d Mr Edwards Letter of 20 th March 1825 On which we forwarded Ephraim Thayer's affidavit containing a copy of the affidavit Obligation (the same herewith forwarded) which has since been returned requiring another certificate of the official capacity &c of Chauncy Stevens Esq r which is now furnished. On the 27 th of April A Livermore & M c Intosh & M c Intosh made affidavits before Stephen Preston Esq r showing that the information given to the War Department was incorrect.
At this time Mr Stetson knows nothing who are his accusers or what they have sworn to.
It is proved he is a sick man and he thinks the Excess, delays and surcharges as to his accusers is intended to spin out his suspension till his death shall put an end to his claim! but I believe better things, though he thus speaks.
Yet I do judge from the correspondence I have had with the War Department, no information

Notice no information would have been then seriously unless it were in testimony sworn to and the Signature and official capacity of the person who administered the oath duly certified
Whether Mr. Nelson Liver to know and have a decision on his claim or not, It is believed some person or persons have been guilty of perjury to injure him. Benjamin Stetson though poor and sick has Respectable friends as any body in this County and many credible witn- -esses to the Rectitude of his conduct in his per- -son concern. His Claims are just or your El. Lough- -ran made an unjust Law I have no doubt mean to administer the Laws impartially.
The inclosed affidavits are Respectfully Submitted and a speedy answer solicited
I am with respect Hon James Barbour & your Obedient Servt 7 Surtazofawa Abner Livermore

Mr. Sam Barbour Chief of the Dept of War Washington

Whitcombrough
August 25. 1826
Sir
On my return from Wapping Mr W. Benjamin Stetson called on me relative to the propriety of his pension. I examined him and he appeared to me to be fair & honest. I however required that before I should express any opinion to the War Department he should procure from Messrs Reuben Town, Barn Studdard & Reuben or Joseph Bacon of Sanderfield (gentlemen whom I named to him) their opinions to me as to the fairness of his claim and his character. This he has done and I enclose herewith their letters to me. I am satisfied from the representations of these gentlemen, who are of the first respectability that he is entitled to his pension. Indeed unless they are to be relied on I hardly

know how such a fact could be ascertained there. They reside about 16 miles from me and I have been long well acquainted with them & place entire reliance on them
Yours, Sir
Respectfully
M c Leod
Henry R. Morris
Dear Genl. Bartman Sugg st the War Dept Washington

Affidavit of C Thayer

State of New York
Otsego County, ss. Ephraim Thayer of the town of Otsego in said County being duly sworn according to Law Deposeth and saith that he holds an obligation against Benjamin Stetson of which the following is a copy - Otsego 1 st March 1825. Then when received we promise to pay Ephraim Thayer or bearer the sum of Four hundred and twenty three dollars and ninety six cents with use from this date - Ezra Stetson Benjamin Stetson
The said debt is due to him and was contracted many years ago for Cash Lent the said Benjamin to pay for his Land in Sangerfield Oneida County This Deponent formerly had a Mortgage on the Land for his security. But lately (in 1824) the said Lands were sold to Ezra Stetson and this Deponent gave up the Mortgage and took an obligation of the said Ezra as collateral security of the debt due him from the said Benjamin Stetson according to the obligation above copied
Ephraim Thayer.
Sworn and subscribed before me Harry Storer Esquire this 20 th - day of April - 1825
And I certify that the said Ephraim Thayer is to me well known and is a credible witness
Harry Storer Justice of the Peace.

State of New York Onondaga County Clerk's Office
I do certify, that Chauncy Stevens is a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Onondaga duly qualified to take affidavits that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & truly believe the signature to the affidavit is his own proper hand writing given under my hand & the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said County this 23 rd day of May 1823 William Nichols Clerk By H. B. D. Cray Dep y .

Heaven to all Anders Boan
Hon J. C. Calhoun Sec of War

Waterville Oniada Co. N.Y. Oct 4 th 1824
Hon. Sir
I have seen the letter of L. L. Edwards Esq. to Benja. Stelson of the 3 rd Ultimo, and have seen his answer to the same in the letter of Abner Livermore Esq. From the information I have obtained on the subject I am of the opinion to believe that the information which had been re d at the Ward Department was incorrect and malicious. Mr. Stelson is an infirm man and I do consider him an honest man and believe him misrepresented.
Your Obedt Servant
Ruelen Bacon Post Master at Waterville Oniada Co.
Hon. J. C. Calhoun Sec. of War

R. Bacon
Han. H. R. Storrs Whitcombayn P. Simon Esq.

Waterville 8 th July 1826
Hon. H. R. Storrs
Yrs
I am well acquainted with Mr. Benjamin Tuttle. I have been for many years & do know that he is very infirm & not able to perform hard labor, & have supposed the small Farm which has been his support was purchased by one of his connection & that it did not in fact belong to him, & I did think he was fairly entitled to a pension. I am one of the assessors for Sanger- -field & have assessed the Farm formerly owned by him at $300. I am clearly of the opinion that the old man should receive his pension from the time he was suspended, for he is very poor & he has always been considered a very honest man.
Yours Respectfully Hemen Bacon

Reuben Town
Hon. Henry D. Stokes Nashville

Waterville 8 th July 1826
Hon. Henry B. Storer
Dr Sir, Mr Sivermore has applied to me to say to you what I think of the propriety of giving Mr Benjamin Stelson his pension. I have from the beginning thought that if any man was entitled to a pension Mr Stelson was one - and the suspension of its payment was undoubtedly an act of injustice though from the stories told the scandalous he believed he was doing right - These stories originated in malice created by a school district quarrel -
I consider Mr Stelson quite an honest man and whatever he may have done in making his application for a pension I should put confidence in more so than the generality of applicants - The family are quite industrious and economical - Mr Stelson is very infrequent at some times a sober man -
Respectfully yours
Benjamin Sower

Waterville Oneida Co N.Y. Feb 1 st 1828 Hon John C Calhoun Secretary of War Washington City

Waterville Oneida County February 7 th 1825
Honored Sir
At the request of Benjamin Statson I again address you in his behalf. He was informed by Letter of J. L. Edwards dated 3 Sept 1824 that his pension would be stopped until he shall have exhibited satisfactory evidence that the information which had been given to the war Department was incorrect.
Immediately on the receipt of Mr Edwards Letter he obtained and forwarded affidavit showing that the information was incorrect & showing his need of a Pension on account of his sickness &c. It was believed that the evidence contained in those affidavits would be satisfactory no answer has been returned on the subject. He still remains sick and no prospects of his ever again being a well man; yet he may live some months and perhaps years.
Please to give an answer to this last as soon as convenient.
Hon J. C. Calhoun
I am with great Respect your obedient Servant Abner Livermore

for May 22 add. pss Mary Stetson 36. May 18
File
James L. Edwards Esq Coun: of Pennons Washington.

Sangerfield May 18. 1837
Sir.
Enclosed I send you the off ce sent back to me with the official character of the Justice before whom it was taken certified as directed by you
Respectfully Your obedient Servant
Ebenezer Stetson 2 and
Genl. Edmunds Esq. Clerk of Sessions

Brookfield June 8th 1851
Wm Jones & Heath
Sir In answer to the letter of Mr Dorr of the 2 d instant I can say that I believe the surrogates of Onondaga County certified that Dora Stebbins was the administratrix of Mary Stebbins I may be mistaken as I have not a copy of the case; & to make it sure I drew a petition for the children to have the sum payable to him which I believe was signed by all in this county capable of acting. The amount is so small that it is not worth another surrogates certificate neither is it worth collecting if payable to all & barely if payable to him. I suffered under Pardon the paper that they would draw back to 1831 as I suppose the present President was barely a witness to the act granting Pardon
I therefore hope you will have the good office to again look at the paper which I believe you will find the surrogates certificate as at your request.
Very respectfully your Humble Servt Joseph Clark
Please direct Joseph Clark Brookfield, N.Y.
for a former Surrogate of the Onondaga County Pardon being payable to the said children which would make it for the benefit of all

Chicago April 10 1851
Dear Sir,
I rec'd to day your letter of the 9 th inst.
I send you herewith a certificate in the case of the heirs of Mr. Nelson - It has been for some time in my possession but I had no memorandum to show from whom I received it.
I can find nothing relating to the case of Lyman Wood - I advise you to write to the Commissioner of Pensions directly
I am respectfully & W. D. Wells
Joseph Clark Esq

Albany 1050
Mary Stetson widow of Benjamin Stetson
who died on the 16 Nov. 1828 of Oneida Co, in the State of N. York who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution for 2 years
Inserted on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of June 1837 and sent to Ezra Stetson Sangerfield, N. Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 37. 480.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 2 nd Apr. 40.00
$520.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book _____ Vol. 1 Page 138

Chas. Buffum
Hon. Henry R. Starrs Whitishore

Waterville July 8. 1826-
Hon. Sir
I am well acquainted with Mr. Benjamin Stetson, & have some knowledge of his circumstances, The farm of about 50. acres formerly owned by him, I am credibly informed & believe was never owned by him clear of debt, That he owed a large debt to Mr. Thayer of Otsego County for money borrowed to pay for this same land. That Ezra Stetson his son has become holder for this same debt & got a Deed of the farm I was collector in this town last year There was no tax against Benjamin Stetson as he has no taxable property. - Mr. Benjamin Stetson is a poor honest infirm man & I think entitled to a pension if any man is under the act for granting pensions to certain persons who served in the Revolutionary War. & that his pension was wrongfully stoppt & that his principal opposers are corrupt persons, though they may have drawn some honest persons into their views by misrepresentation. -
Your humble Servt.
Aaron Stafford
Hon. H. R. Storrs

For John Nathan Sunday June
Statement of Benj Glitsen by Herb Siverson Sept 1924

Waverlyville, Franklin County Va. Sept 30. 1824
Honored Sir, The letter of Mr. Edwards to Benjamin Wilson dated Sept. 3rd informing him that information had been given to the war department that the debt of $467 mentioned in his schedule did not exist. That he has a deed of 60 acres of Land and a life lease of 40 acres more with a decent house and barn thereon and a good stock of horses and cattle and that he is clear of debt $C. is before me and I am directed by Mr. Wilson to give the following answer.
From whom such information has been received is to us unknown. But the statements are incorrect and in several important points absolutely false. The debt mentioned in the schedule did exist and does still exist against him. The greater part of the sum was owing until last due to Ephraim Sawyer of the County of Giles. Another smaller sum was due to other persons made up the debt mentioned. He has no life lease of 40 acres of Land or any other quantity. He owns no horses and has never owned any. He has not what may be called a good stock of horses and cattle. He had 2 cows and one yearling which he mentioned. While the young inuman from them has not been sold the stock more valuable as the Standard Cows have become also more worth less than a number. To say that he is clear of debt upon his own real estate is false. The 80 acres of Land with the house and barn which he does possess is probably liable for the payment of the debt due to Ephraim Sawyer & he never had and perhaps never will possess the means of paying the debt other than by the land being sold for that purpose. A forced sale of all his stock for cash would not probably more than pay his debts. The reason why he is allowed to possess his property is the facility of obtaining all creditors. Mr. Wilson is a slick man thinner for inconvenience for him to stir about to obtain evidence yet absent even can be had any it is thought that the affidavits of Ephraim Sawyer, Amy Wilson, Mary Sawyer, Sarah Wilson and Susan Madeline Wilson which are herewith forwarded will be satisfactory.

The affidavit of William Lloyd which he has made before Thomas Stevens and sent me is also to be found in the papers. The money in which the debt accrued to him is explained in the affidavit of Lloyd. His testimony and the testimony of William Livermore go to prove that his property and debts are about the same as at the time the schedule was made and to confirm the truth of that schedule. The testimony of Lloyd, Stevens and Ezra Stiles both go to show that he has no wife here and that he has no house.
If the fact is supported that the schedule by him published was true, and that the same was examined by the Survey of 1800, who judged of the same and directed his name to be continued on the pension roll, there can certainly now be no good reason for denying him his pension, as the pension must which he has from time to time received has not supported him. As his circumstances are such that the expense of a physician and surgeon to attend him is necessary, it appears by the testimony of William Lloyd, his physician, that he prays that the suspension of the payment of his pension may be speedily removed, and that he may be an answer directed to the petition in this place as soon as convenient.
Mr. Stiles a few of you and Mr. G. may have had the usual letters that any of them may give any information like that mentioned in Mr. Stevens letters. Your information will be most valuable. I sent a bill in that of the information. It was always to the contrary as to the amount made satisfy you that the claim in question was false and malicious, we hope you will return to us the like bond before I am with respect your obedient servant.
Yours obedient servant William Lloyd
William Livermore and by Benjamin Stiles
P.S. If these affidavits are not satisfactory still please to give the speedy answers, and the names or names of yours in for trial. That the truth or falsehood of the statements may be fairly confuted.
St. L. Livermore

Waterville Ohio C.H. free. Sept 23 James Barbour
Secretary of war
Washington
PO ✓
W.H.W. 1820
Recd 29 Sept 1825
Great

Sir
About thirteen months ago I wrote to Mr. Calhoun informing him of the property of Benjamin Stetson pensioner of the Town of Langfield & county of Oneida who was at that time possessing at least one thousand dollars consisting of fifty acres of land under good improvement orcharding sufficient to make twenty barrels of cider A large and excellent barn and house — to which is annexed a very extensive wood-house — also a cooper-shop all framed buildings new and in good repair Sufficient stock of horses cattle sheep hogs &c. &c.
The result of the above information was an immediate suspension of his pension — but as I am informed he exerted himself in every possible way to have it again established I have some reason to think he succeeded — his first business after hearing he was suspended was to employ Abner Livermore a man notorious for his frauds and villainous perjuries and treacheries and whose character ought (for the peace of the people of the commonwealth) to be as well known in the city of Washington as in Langfield where he resides —
his next step was to Deed away the above mentioned property to his son Ezra Stetson who together with his sister Amia Stetson went (the same day) before a Magistrate and made oath that their father was not worth any property Thus much I was knowing to and can all be proved if necessary — and I suppose by information that he has sent in certificates and probatory petitions but this has been conducted in a clandestine manner as his neighbors all know that he obtained his pension unjustly at first and his own family have often said that if government knew what they know his pension would be immediately stopped his children have likewise been known saying that what I wrote to Mr. Calhoun last year concerning his property was in all respects just and true —
Now Sir I do not write to request you to suspend his pension but I earnestly and sincerely request you to take such measures as will be like to ascertain to a certainty whether he has defrauded —

The government of eight or ten years pension or not when this known then I have no more to say — one of his neighbors once observing to him the great straitness of the pension-law says the old man "they can't hurt me I didn't swear to any thing at all" indeed answered his friend how did you get your pension "oh! they knew my circumstances so well they concluded to give it me without being sworn"
But I believe he did swear that he owed a sum of money equal to the valuation of his property I have now to request you sir not to give credit to any thing which you have over my niece in favour of this pensioner untill it is fairly contested on the spot from which originates
in living near to Mr. Sisson and on agreeable terms with him I wish that any communication from me may be kept secret
Yours with all due respect Sangerfield September 22 nd 1825 th Isaac H. Egerton
P.S. As I believe the above mentioned pensioner may be proved fraudulent I shall not hesitate to name to you catalogue of witnesses if requested
G. H. Egerton

Pension Office April 15 th 1877
Benjamin Stetson.
Henry James Dutton Secretary of War Washington City
Recd. 12 Apr. 1877
the

Dear Sir You have received several communications from me respecting my neighbor Benjamin Stetson pensioner I have lately heard that he again receives his pension and in trying to ascertain by what means he has reobtained it (which I believe must be by fraudulent means) I have not been very successful as every thing relating to that affair appears to intentionally kept a profound secret I have discovered to my satisfaction that some monied man or other has slept forward to his assistance and if any reason or person will thus lend their assistance to obtain money from the people of the United States Government in such a fraudulent manner I certainly must feel many way justified in trying to have the thing enquired into and those who have aided and abetted brought to justice with this view Mr. Samuel Beardsley the United States District Attorney at Utica has been consulted and his advice is that a letter be sent to you requesting that all necessary papers and affidavits be sent to you for carrying on a prosecution (and I therefore earnestly entreat you sir that such papers) should be sent to the office of Mr. Beardsley at Utica The inhabitants of this country may then have an opportunity of knowing what means are made use of to gain a pension for a man whose property is sufficient to render him abundantly independent and who perhaps the least deserves it Sir the monied man alluded to above has heard to say that "he wants the old man" meaning Stetson "to receive a pension at any rate" and likewise that "Thayer had sworn that Stetson did owe him 400 Dollars"
I will now Sir try to render a just reason for my suspicion when the old man had his pension stopped two years ago last fall he made several journeys from Gangesfield to Otego where his nephew Thayer resides unquestionably with a view to obtain the said Thayer assistance and now I ask why had not Thayer been as ready to have sworn that his uncle Stetson owed him four hundred at that time as he was two years afterwards This convinces me Sir beyond all possibility of doubt that whereas this monied man knows or pretends he knows that Thayer has sworn to this he the said monied man must have been a necessary confederate and no doubt remains in my mind but he the said monied man advanced this sum of money for the same purpose and that the money was handed to Thayer and from Thayer to Stetson long enough for Thayer to be sworn and perhaps in the space of ten minutes afterwards this rich man of influence and property was not a cent the poorer for it

I will conclude this letter with repeating my earnest request that you would forward such papers and documents as are requisite to such enquiry into the character and conduct of men who are willing to aid in defrauding the Government of money but who at the same time are not willing to unfold the method whereby it has been obtained. I am Sir with all due respect yours &c.
Tangenfield March 19 th 1827

Hearts of Silvermore Mott & others.
copy of the within sent to S. Beardsley, 4 May 1827.
Recd. 7 May 1825

Waterville Onida County April 27 th 1822
To the Hon J Barbour Sunday of war
The Undersigned witnesses being inhabitants of the town of Sargersville in the County of Onida Do certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Stilson of this town and are somewhat acquainted with his circumstances. We verily believe his statements as to the schedule of his property his debts &c. & his schedule to the war department were true. And that the false and malicious representations have been made by some person or persons unknown against him. He is a poor man and a sick man and we think him justly entitled to a pension on account of his services in the army of the Revolution and needs the same for his support now during his old age and infirmities
With all due Respect Abner Livermore
John Mott Esq.
Stephen Preston } Physician & Surgeon Medina Physician & Surgeon
Personally came before me the above named Abner Livermore John Mott & Medina Preston
who all being to me well known and are Respectable and Credible witnesses they being duly sworn say that the above certificate by them subscribed is true
Stephen Preston Esq.

State of New York } ss Onondaga County }
On the thirteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four personally before me appeared Benjamin Stetson the within grantor to me well known and acknowledged that he freely and voluntarily executed the within Deed for the uses and purposes therein contained and I having examined the same and finding therein no material alterations, except such as are now let it be recorded. Josiah Bacon Com: under the act of the 19 th April 1823.
State of New York } ss Onondaga County }
I certify the within to be a true Copy of a deed executed by Benjamin Stetson to Ezra Stetson in my presence on the 13 th day of September 1824. - Said Deed was on the same day duly acknowledged before me by Benjamin Stetson the grantor - and the above is a true Copy of the certificate of acknowledg- ment by me at that time made on the said deed, but the same is not yet re- corded - Witness my hand, at Waterville this 1 st day of August 1825 -
Josiah Bacon Com: under the act of the 19 th April 1823 -

This Indenture made the thirteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and twenty four Between Benjamin Stetson of the Town of Sangerfield County of Onida and State of New York of the first part and Ezra Stetson of the same place of the second part Witnesseth That the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of Four hundred and fifty Dollars in hand paid by the party of the second part Wherewith the party of the first part is hereby declared himself satisfied and paid Has and by these presents does Grant bargain Sell alien Relas convey and confirm unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns All that certain piece or parcel of land Situated in the Town of Sangerfield being part of Lot Number thirty three in said town of Sangerfield and is the North west corner of said Lot Bounded as follows West by the Ward Lands of Asa Stockwell South by land owned by Ezekiel Stebins and East by Land owned by Jesse Stetson and north by the highway Containing fifty acres of Land. Together with all and singular the rights members and privileges to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversion and Reversion Remainder and remainders Rents issues and profits thereof and all the Estate Right title Interest property possession claim and demand both in Law and Equity of the said party of the first part of in and to the same. To have and to hold the said tract of Land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Ezra Stetson his heirs and assigns to his and their only proper use benefit and behoof forever. And the said party of the first part Does for himself his Executors and administrators Covenant and agree to and with the party of the second part his heirs and assigns that he is true and Lawful owner of the said tract or parcel of Land and premises with the appurtenances and is Lawfully seized in his own right of a perfect absolute and indefeasible Estate of inheritance in fee simple of and in all the said premises with the appurtenances and has in his good right full power and Lawful authority to grant and convey the same in manner aforesaid. And also that the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns shall and may for ever hereafter peaceably have hold occupy and possess the said granted premises free from the hindrance or molestation of any person or persons Lawfully claiming the same. And that the said party of the first part and his heirs the said parcel of Land and premises unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns against all claims and demands whatsoever shall and will warrant and for ever by these presents defend. In witness whereof the party of the first part have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written Sealed and delivered in presence of Julius Cande
Benjamin Stetson (L.S.)

State of New York Oneida County ss
Benjamin Stetson being duly sworn Deposeth and saith that since executing the Deed to Ezra Stetson of which the within is a copy he has not been the owner of any real estate whatever
Benjamin Stetson
Sworn and subscribed before me the 1 st day of August 1825
Josiah Bacon Comr. under the Act of the 19 th April 1823
State of New York
Clerk's Office
Oneida County ss
I, Eliasaph Dorchester, Clerk of the County of Oneida do hereby certify that Josiah Bacon before whom the above affidavit was made was on the day of the date thereof and now is a Commissioner in and for the County of Oneida duly Commissioned and sworn and authorized by the laws of said State to take affidavits
&c. and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner & do hereby believe the signature of "Josiah Bacon" above written to be the proper hand writing of him the said Commissioner
Witness my hand and the seal of said County this 16 th day of August 1825
Eliasaph Dorchester Clerk
By Thomas M. Francis Esq. clk
and I further certify that Josiah Bacon above named was at the time of taking the acknowledgment of the within Deed and now is a Com- missioner to take the proof & acknowledgment of Deeds &c. and do hereby believe the signature of "Josiah Bacon" subscribed to the within cer- tificate to be the proper hand writing of the said Commissioner
Eliasaph Dorchester Clerk
By Thomas M. Francis Esq. clk

Caveat.
Boulevard 1862 John C. Calhoun Secretary of war Washington
Rec. 2 Oct. 1862 4
W.C. 3

Sir I was this morning informed that Benjamin Stetson a pensioner of Sangerfield had lost his pension I further learned that he had employed a certain pedler (a man of a most infamous and treacherous character) to assist him to recover his pension within three days past I have seen a draft bill and ready for execution from the said Benjamin — to his son Ezra — These circumstances induce me to request that as more than ordinary attention may be given in the examination of this affair and presume sir that by a thorough investigation the most notorious fraud may be anticipated and detected — Sangerfield Sept. 25 th 1814 E. Fraser
The rigour of our State laws must be my apology for not giving you a more particular account of circumstances and likewise for requesting secrecy
E. Fraser

Copied sent to S. Brewster
16 th May 1827

State of New York, Albany County ) ss,
Ephraim Thayer of said County being duly sworn deponeth and saith That he formerly held a Mortgage against Benja- min Stetson (in common form) on a part of Lot No thirty Three in The Town of Germansville County of Onondaga That the Debt was for money lent by the deponent to said Benjamin to enable him to pay for the same Land at being the same Land described in a Deed of said Benjamin Stetson to Ezra Stetson bearing date the 13th day of September 1824. A friendship and Confidence existed between the deponent and the said Benjamin who is his Uncle therefore he was never to the expense of getting the said Mortgage Recorded and finally gave it up and the same is destroyed and an exact copy of it cannot be obtained. The debt still exists amounting to Four hundred and thirty six Dollars and thirty six - cents Calculating the Interest up to the present time And for this debt this Deponent holds the note of Benjamin Stetson and Ezra Stetson a copy of which is given in a former Affidavit made by this deponent for the purpose of being for- warded to the war department.
Ephraim Thayer Sworn and Subscribed Before me the 24th day of August 1832 3 1825 Before me and I Certify that the said Ephraim Thayer is a credible witness. Chancy Stevens, Justice of the Peace

Ho James Barbour Secretary of war

Waterville Sept. 7 th 1825
Honored Sir
The Letter of S d Edwards of 5 th June was Recd. but it has not been convenient on account of sickness of Mr. Stetson & myself to answer it till now. The Letter states that the the Deed forwarded in the case of Benjamin Stetson had been found insufficient Certified Copies of the Deed of Conveyance to Ezra Stetson and of the Mortgage to Shayer were required.
We have complied with that requirement as far as is possible the affidavit of Shayer herewith forwarded shows how the old Mortgage was destroyed and as it had never been recorded an exact copy of it cannot be given. Yet it proves the important fact that the debt did exist it is taken before Chas. Shaver a Justice of the Peace in Orange County his Signature and official capacity have been certified by the Clerk of that Court attached to another Affidavit in this case of Mr. Stetson already forwarded to your honor.
A copy of the Deed of Conveyance to Ezra Stetson Certified by the officer before whom the same was acknowledged with the Clerk's Certificate and with affidavit of Stetson that he has not been the owner of any Real Estate since the execution of that deed is herewith forwarded.
I trust the suspension of his pension will be removed as it is shown that the information given against him (the it from whom it might was incorrect. please to answer his case as soon as convenient.
Hon. James Barbour Secretary of War.
I am Respectfully your Obedient Servt Abner Livermore

Waterville Oneida County July 12 th 1826
Honoured Sir
I was much astonished when I Read your letter of Sept r 11 th 1825 and complained the objections to Mr. Stetson's Receiving his pension in that Letter with your first one on that Subject Dated 3 rd Sept r 1824. If the Information Rec d at the War Department as mentioned in the first Letter is proved to be incorrect and the proceedings fair and true on the part of Benjamin Stetson (the pensioner) I cannot see what influence his son Ezra, neglecting to get his deed or Record or his nephew Ephraim Thayer having never got his Mortgage Recorded and afterwards giving it up on Ezra Stetson signing the note could have to hinder Mr. Stetson from his pension; As long as the debt mentioned in his Schedule Did Exist - And the Information Referred to in your first Letter is proved incorrect and false.
If Mr. Stetson had made a wrong Statement of those important facts at the time he made and Exhibited the Schedule of his property he would have been Guilty of Perjury. & if his accusers have Stated as set forth (3 rd Sept r 1824) and made oath to the same they are Guilty.
Further Demands that their names be Exposed with the writings they have made oaths to. If there is not Iniquity on their part why a Scire? The Law allows of none on the part of the Applicant for a pension. A copy of his Schedule with the Oaths must Remain in the Clerks office of the County.
During the Last Session of Congress Mr. Stetson made application to the Hon. Henry R. Storr our Representative for his assistance. In May

we Recd a Letter from him on the subject; of which the following is a copy & Washington May 17th 1826 Dear Sir The War Department does not think proper to change its decision as present in relation to Mr. Stilson's pension. If however on my return and on my inquiring into it all should appear fair I think they might do it Sir yours H. K. Storrs v. W. Livermore v.
On the 7th Instant Mr. Stilson had an Interview with Judge Storrs on this subject. The judge promised his influence with the War Department provided there of the most Respectable Citizens of this place whom he presumed would know something of the matter would write to him that they viewed his claim to a pension fair. The judge named the persons himself in whom he would repose this confidence viz Reuben Bacon Reuben Sower and Aaron Stafford. These Gen. on being thus informed, promptly on the very next day wrote to the Hon Henry K. Storrs thus [copy of Mr. Sower's letter] "Walesville 8th July 1826 Hon Henry K. Storrs & Sir Mr. Livermore has applied to me to say to you what I think of the propriety of giving Mr. Benjamin Stilson his pension. I have from the beginning thought that if any man was intitled to a pension Mr. Stilson was one. And the suspension of its payment is as undoubtedly an act of injustice. Though from the stories told the Secretary he believed he was doing Right. Then Stories originated in malice created by a School district quarrel. I consider Mr. Stilson quite an honest man and whatever he might have stated in making his application for a pension I should feel confidence in more so than the Generality of Applicants. The family are quite industrious and economical. Mr. Stilson is very dignified.

but at the same time a sober man Respectfully yours Reuben Towner. [Copy of the Stafford Letter]. Waterville July 8 th 1826. Hon. Sir.
I am well acquainted with Mr. Benjamin Stites and have some knowledge of his circumstances. The farm of about 80 acres formerly owned by him I am credibly informed and believe was never owned by him clear of debt. That he was payable to Mr. Thayer of Otego County for money borrowed to pay for this same land that Ezra Stites his son has become holder for the same debt and for a deed of the farm. I was collector in this town last year. There was no tax against Benjamin Stites as he has no taxable property. Mr. Benjamin Stites is a poor honest infirm man and I think intitled to a pension if any one is under the Act for granting pensions to certain persons who served in the Revolutionary war. And that his pension was wrongfully stopped And that his principal op- ponents are corrupt persons though they may have drawn some honest persons into their error by misrepresentation. Your humble servant Aaron Stafford.
Hon. Mr. Storrs. [Copy of Mr. Bacon's Letter] Waterville July 1826 Hon. Mr. Storrs Sir I am well acquainted with Mr. Benjamin Stites and have been for many years And do know that he is very infirm & not able to perform hard labour I have suffered the small farm which has been his support was purchased by one of his connections and that in fact it did not belong to him I did think he was fairly intitled to a pension. I am one of the signers for Sangerfield and have assessed the farm formerly occupied by him at $300. - I am clearly of the opinion that the old man

Should receive his pension from the time he was suspended; for he is very poor and has always been considered a very honest man. yours Respectfully Rachel Bacon.
I have given copies of these letters to show what our host informed and most Respectable citizens here who have knowledge of the facts say on the subject. Judge Storrs has undoubtedly had the same kind of information from others in verbal conversation. For proof of the fact that they have thus written I refer you to him he is our Representative in Congress. That they are men of the first Respectability I also refer to him.
Mr. Stetson prays for his pension and for a speedy answer. He is living on the charity of his friends and the patience of his creditors he having got considerably into debt since his pension was stopped by means of sickness &c. The nature of his infirmities see the Affidavit of Dr. Prouty a painful and expensive surgical operation he has to undergo some times as often as once in five weeks and at most not more than ten weeks. And yet through the mercy of Divine providence his health and strength is as good now as it has been any time for two years past. During all this period he has continued his application and progress the war department with all the pecuniary his health and means would admit of. At his request and on his behalf the above is submitted.
I am your obedient servant Homer Livermore Secretary of War Mr J L Edwards

Benjamin Stelson, a private - Sangerfield New York enlisted in 1776 for 14: in Col d Wards regiment, in 1782 re-enlisted for 3 years in Col d Tappans regiment Mass. line - Discharged at the close of the war.
Inscribed 1 st May 1818.
Schedule 8 th Sept r 1820.
50 Acres lands in Sangerfield worth 400. 00 2 cows, 1 horse, 7 Sheep, and 2 hogs 107. 00 Cooper's tools 10. 00 Household furniture 10. 00 Due me on book 6. 00 533. 00
He is in debt $467. and his real estate is mortgaged to Ephraim Thayer, (the only creditor mentioned) for $400.
Continued Notification 30 th Oct r 1820.
Barrel
Isaac H. Edgerton states in a letter dated Sangerfield 20 th August 1824. That the debt of $400, said to be owing to Thayer is feigned: That the pensioners own son, and son in law, say they knew nothing of it - That he pretended to give his son a pair of oxen, but retained and disposed of the same for his own benefit. He has a deed for 50 acres of land, and a "life lease" for 40 acres more, under good improvement - a decent house, barn and orchard sufficient to make 15. or 20 barrels of cider; a good stock of cattle and horses and very clear of debt.
Suspended 3 rd Sept r 1824.
Application to remove Suspension.
The claimant through Abner Severmore, states that the above charges in several important points, are absolutely false That the greater part of the debt mentioned in his schedule, was and is still owing to said Thayer. That he owned sundry small debts, which made up the sum therein expressed.
He has no life estate for 40 acres of land, or any other quantity. He owns no barn, nor ever had one. The only stock he possesses is one old mare, 2 cows with their increase - his real estate yet under mortgage, and has no means of paying the same, but

by the sale of the premises. Ephraim Thayer states 21 st Sept 1825, that he holds an obligation against Ezra Stetson for $12150, dated 17 th Sept 1815, now collectable. Anna Stetson, a daughter of the Claimant states that she had knowledge of the debt her father owed to Thayer 5 or 6 years ago, on account of money borrowed to pay for the land on which he now resides; that he is yet nearly as much in debt as in 1820 is acquainted with his affairs. Has no life estate.
Ezra Stetson son of Claimant never heard his father owned a life estate; and does not believe it. he never owned a barn; but used the Dependencies, which he purchased from Desee Stetson the former owner.
Abner Livermore states that he believes the Claimant's property is not much different from what it was in 1820. is acquainted with his affairs.
Doctor Preston testifies that the Claimant labors under a dropsey of the Pericardium has been operated on several times unsuccessfully considers him incurable.
20 th April 1825. Ephraim Thayer makes a second official exhibit a copy of a note to him for $423.96. Dated 1 st Nov. 1824. Signed jointly 1 st by Ezra Stetson and 2 nd by the claimant.
He says this debt was originally contracted many years ago by the Claimant, being cash lent to him for his land, for which he formerly held a mortgage as security, but lately in 1824 said land was sold to Ezra Stetson: so he gave up the mortgage and took in lieu thereof the joint obligation above mentioned.
A Livermore, Mott, S & H Preston, and Duan, unite in stating that they believe the information lodged against Claimant, to be false and malicious. That they believe him to be an honest man, and his statements entitled to credit.
Remarks. The claimant does not state the consideration given for his land in the first instance, but merely in his Schedule values it at $100. The mortgage to Thayer is not produced, and as the (see simple, unrecorded) remained in Claimant after the rendition of the mortgage, the conveyance to Ezra Stetson above mentioned is material, and the consideration of said sale.
In 1826 Claimant was aged 65 his wife 65. he is a Cooper, unable to do any work of value with a

incurable Hydrocele - has 2 sons in law, not stated whether any of his children live with him.
I certify that I have examined this case and am of the opinion that according to the principles which have governed in previous decisions the claim ought to be allowed.
Benj. Nelson New York
Application to remove.
Suspension
Original Brief
Last Monday 20 th April 1823

Hon. John Calhoun Secretary Washington City

Walesville Onondaga County Dec 11 th 1824
Honored Sir,
Benjamin Wilson of Sangerfield a Revolutionary Pensioner Rec d a Letter dated a War department Sept 30 th 1824 signed J. Edwards in which is stated that "Information had been Rec d at that office that the debt of $8467 mentioned in his schedule did not vest & that the further payment of his pension would be stopped until he should have submitted satisfactory evidence that said information was incorrect."  Immediately on the receipt of that letter he obtained affidavits of Evidence to whom the principal part of the debt was due and is still due of his Son and his daughter his Daughters & Children & Grand Children & Grand Daughters and others. Proving that the Debt did vest and in that respect and several others the information Rec d at the War department is incorrect. These affidavits with a letter written by me in his behalf have forwarded to the Secretary of War. It was stated that there would be satisfactory proof that the information was incorrect and that the payment of his pension would be no longer stopped. The testimony given you to show that his schedule was truly the representation of his circumstances at that time the pension money which he received was only supported with that his pension is about the same in value as at the time of establishing his pension. No doubt your honor decided right at that time in disallowing his name to be continued on the pension roll. The affidavits before me read of a pension for his support as his wants and expenses are increased by his infirmities. His Surgeons and Physicians agree that his strength is incapable it cannot be a long time that he will be able to serve as a pensioner. No prisoner has been known to inform letters have been dictated his praying for an annuity which he hopes will be to his relief.  Yours & C. C. Calkoun Secretary of War.  I am Respectfully your obedient Servant J. Good Livermore.

State of New York Senango County ss On this 11 day of June 1819 Personally came before me Joseph Cleveland of the in said County the me well known as a man of truth and veracity Who being by me duly sworn according to Law Depoeth and Saith that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Helson of Sangerfield in the County of Onondaga that he was acquainted with him as long ago as the year 1782 that the said Benjamin Helson and this deponent went into the service of the United States at that time together and both belonged to the same Regiment viz the 10th Regiment commanded by Colonel Benj r Tupper the term of their enlistment was for three years that the  Deponent and the said Benjamin Helson continued to serve in said Corps until after the During the war men were discharged then the Army being Reduced He was transferred to the fifth Regiment commanded by Colonel ... the said Benjamin Helson continued in the service of the United States until the close of the war This Deponent belonged to the said fifth Regiment
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 11 day of June 1819
Joseph Cleveland Notary Public State of New York

State of New York Chautauqua County Clerk's Office June 29 th 1872
Thereby certify that Elisha P. Beckwith Esq. whose name appears to this Affidavit was at the time of making the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly qualified to take the same and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and do believe the signature of the said Elisha to be genuine -
Paul M. Latham Dep. Clerk

War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818,
Benjamin Stiles . . . . . late a Private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the New York Agency, at the rate of eight . . . . . dollars per month, to com- mence on the first day of May one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this fifteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.

State of New York } Personally came before me Ezra Oneida County } Nelson of Oneida in the County of Oneida to me well known as a man of truth and veracity. Who being by me duly sworn according to Law Depoeth and saith. That he is well acquainted with Benjamin Sturges Sangerfield in the County of Oneida That the said Benjamin went in to the Service of the United States in 1776 and staid one year and came home with a Discharge. That in 1782 he Entered the service again for three years and continued till the close of the war when he came home he fetched home an honorable Discharge signed by General George Washington his  that is he thinks it was so signed but do not remember to the contrary this Deponent well remembers during the said Discharge and Reading the same Sworn and subscribed before me this 22 nd day of July September 1810 Stephen Preston Pease
Clerks Office } I Certify that Stephen Preston Oneida County } was a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Oneida at the time of taking the above affidavit and is duly authorized to take the same, as appears from the Commission and Roll of Oaths on file in this office. and I verily believe the signature of Stephen Preston, to be of his own proper hand Witness the seal of said County this fourteenth day of Waiting July Eighteen hundred and Nineteen — William D. Herrick Dep'y Clk

State of New York } Albany County Clerks office S.S. }
I hereby Certify that Elijah Partridge Esquire, before whom the within Affidavits purports to have been taken and sworn to, was at the time of taking said affidavits a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Albany and duly authorized by law to take the same and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and Verily believe that the signatures to the said Affidavits is Genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County at Albany this 10 th day of December 1836
Sam d Van Nickle Dep. Clk

Albany County. Personally appeared before Deacon William H. ... Elijah ... State of New York ... of the ... of Albany
... of Albany ... Bessie Smith of Albany County, State of New York made oath and said that she was present when Mary Johnson was married to Benjamin - in ... in the ... of our Lord one thousand - and nine hundred and eighty ... The twenty fourth they were ... at the house of ... Johnson ... of ... Johnson, in the town of ... County ... of ... further South that her name when a Girl was Bessie Johnson ... Johnson, they were married by ... a ... of the same ... mentioned and further said that
Sworn and subscribed before me Elijah ... June 21st 1836
Albany County. Personally appeared before Deacon ... of ... State of New York ... of the ... of Albany
Elder ... of ... County and ... above mentioned made oath and said that he is personally acquainted with Bessie Smith the witness to the above affidavit and said that he has been acquainted with her and Bessie Smith ... for a number of years and that his connection is good and in a number of the present ... Sworn and subscribed
before me ... June 21st 1836 Elder ... Elijah ... Ezra Kendall
Witness that ... he is a ... minister Ezra Kendall

State of New York, Oneida County ss. Ezra Stetson 2 d son of Benjamin Stetson deceased being duly sworn says that the fol- lowing entry to wit, "Benjamin Stetson was married unto Mary Johnson of Hardwick August 24 th 1780" is his copy from the family record kept by the said deceased in his family Bible, which document has known it to be for at least eleven years last past. and that the said entry with many other entries in the same record were transcribed into the said family Bible from the like entries in the family record of the said de- ceased then contained in his former bible now, with the said entries lost or destroyed, it being old at the time the same was so transcribed. And deponent knowing that the entry existed in the same form in such former record.
Given the 19 th day December 1835 before me
Ezra Stetson 2 nd
John Parsons Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE, ONEIDA COUNTY. }
I, John D Leland Clerk of the County of Oneida, do hereby certify, that John Parsons Esquire, was on the 19 th day of December A. D. 1835 a Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Oneida, duly authorized to act as such.
whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 19 th A. D. 1835
John D Leland Clerk.

Payment to be made at Albany by J. W. O'Callaghan, Agent for paying Pen- sions, in the Agency of Albany.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 1. Vol. 1. Page 138 by D. Brown
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Mary Stelson of the State of New York widow of Benjamin Stelson who was a Private in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and —cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty second day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.
H. Smith Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

State of New York County of Oneida
I Othniel S. Williams Surrogate of the County of Oneida in the State of New York do hereby certify that at a Surrogates Court held before me at Utica in said County on the 28 th day of December in the year 1850 it was proved to my satisfaction by the testimony of Esra Sturtevant and Samuel G. Root who are credible witnesses and whose affidavits are hereto annexed that Mary Sturtevant widow of Benjamin Sturtevant died on the fifteenth day of April in the year 1849 that the said Benjamin Sturtevant died on the sixteenth day of December 1831 and at the time of his death he was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Sixty six Dollars per annum under the act of Congress of 1818 that the said Mary Sturtevant at the time of her death was his widow and a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum and that Benjamin Sturtevant of Utica, Sarah Root wife of Samuel G. Root of Madison County New York, Esra Sturtevant, Hannah Root wife of Eliza Root, Amy Root wife of Aba M Root, Eliza Root wife of Joseph C. Root, Esra Sturtevant were underwood a J. C. Root & Esra Sturtevant.
are the only children of the said Benjamin Sturtevant and Mary Sturtevant now living and each of them are over twenty one years of age
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my own hand and affixed the seal of the said Surrogates Court this 28 th day of November A D 1850 Othniel S. Williams Surrogate and I further certify that said Surrogates Court is a Court of Record and that I officiate as Clerk of said Court Othniel S. Williams Surrogate

State of New York } County of Oneida }
On this 26 th day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before me the subscriber a notary public of the County of Oneida in the State of New York Benjamin Sturtevant a resident of Songensfield in the said County aged fifty two years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 and joint resolution of Congress relative to evidence in applications for pensions approved July 1 st 1848 and subsequent acts of the Pension Department. That he is one of the children of Benjamin Sturtevant and Mary Sturtevant late of the town of Songensfield in the County of Oneida deceased. That the said Benjamin Sturtevant in his life time was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of eight dollars per month under the act of Congress of 1818. That the said Benjamin Sturtevant died on the 18 th 19 th day of November in the year 1831 leaving the said Mary Sturtevant his Widow. That the said Mary Sturtevant his widow in her life time was pensioned under the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 at the rate of eighty dollars per annum. That she continued to be the widow of the said Benjamin Sturtevant until the fifteenth 16 th day of April in the year 1849 on which day she died and this declarant further states that he this declarant and Benjamin Sturtevant being next of kin to the said Benjamin Sturtevant and Mary Sturtevant are the children and only children now living of the said Benjamin Sturtevant and Mary Sturtevant and are each of them over twenty one years of age. And this declarant for himself and the other children above mentioned of the said Benjamin Sturtevant and Mary Sturtevant hereby claims that they be allowed the
are the children and only children now living of the said Benjamin Sturtevant and Mary Sturtevant and are each of them over twenty one years of age. And this declarant for himself and the other children above mentioned of the said Benjamin Sturtevant and Mary Sturtevant hereby claims that they be allowed the

inclosure of pension to which they one entitled under the said Joint Resolution and the said act of July 4 th 1836 Sworn to and subscribed on the day Eliza Stilson and your first above written before me Orville Williams surrogate of Oneida Co. I certify that the above named document is generally known to me as a credible person Orville Williams surrogate of Oneida Co.

State of New York Oneida County
Samuel G Sweet being duly sworn says he is seventy two years of age resides in Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York and is the son in law of Benjamin Stilson and Mary
Stilson late of the town of Longworth County of Oneida and State of New York deceased That Benjamin Stilson died on the sixteenth day of November at Longworth aforesaid in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty one leaving the said Mary Stilson his surviving wife who remained his widow until the fifteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty nine on which day she died That he was present at her funeral and the funeral of the above named Benjamin Stilson That said Benjamin Stilson was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of eight dollars per month and that the said Mary Stilson was a pensioner at the time of her death at the rate of eighty dollars per annum under the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.
affirmed and subscribed before me this 26th day of November 1850 Samuel G Sweet Othniel Smithers surrogate of Oneida County
I further certify that the above named Samuel G Sweet is a credible person Othniel Smithers surrogate

State of New York County of Oneida
Ezra Stubson being duly sworn says he is fifty two years of age resides in Sangersfield County of Oneida and State of New York and is the son of Benjamin Stubson and Mary Stubson late of Sangersfield in said County deceased That his father the above named Benjamin Stubson was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of eight Dollars per month under the act of Congress of 1818 and that the said Benjamin Stubson his father died on the sixteenth day of December 1831 leaving his widow him surviving That his mother the above named Mary Stubson remained a widow during her life and that she was a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 at the rate of eighty Dollars per annum and that she died in Sangersfield County of Oneida and State of New York on the fifteenth day of April 1849 That he was present at the time of her death and funeral That she left the following named children by Benjamin Stubson of the State of Ohio Mary Sweet wife of Samuel G Sweet of Addison County New York Sarah Stubson Thomas Sweet wife of Minnie Sweet Mary Sweet wife of Alva Sweet Clarissa O'Brien wife of Joseph O'Brien and Ezra Stubson of the Counties of Oneida State of New York and Sarah Underwood wife of Chester B Underwood of Madison County State of New York and that they are all the children of the said Benjamin and Mary Stubson now living and each of them are twenty one years of age and that he was present at the funeral of his father and mother herein and subscribed before me Ezra Stubson this 24 th day of November 1850 That the above deponent is a credible person Othniel Smith Notary Public of Oneida County

State of New York County of
being duly sworn says he is
yours
of age resides in New York
County of
resid state of
To the Hon James S Edwinds Commissioner of Pensions re the subscription Children of Benjamin Sturdivan and Mary Sturdivan late of Longsfield County of Oneida and State of New York deceased Respectfully request that your honour will make the certificate for the balance of Pension due us on account of our Mother Prudence too Emma Sturdivan for the benefit of all the children now living on account of one of them Eleanor Sturdivan being a lunatic and after leaving so nominally from this place to some time and expense and we give full power as in daily business will ever pay Given under our hand this 20th day of November 1850 in Pueria G
Samuel G Sweet
Sarah Sweet
Anna Sweet
Hannah Sweet
Ezra Sturdivan
Levi Sturdivan

24. 00 10.10  1. 20 0.10.10 13 30  24 0
Let to Applicant 6. Feb '37 New York Mary Stetson widow of Benjamin Stetson Feb. 6 1837 Let. to Ezra Stetson Apr 20 1837

Benj. Stites New York
Application to remove Suspension
Supplementary Brief
Abner Linnane Watkins NY
Last evidence 16 th Augt. 1823.

Benjamin Henson a private At York Applicant to have his suspension removed.
The applicant, on the last examination of his case, was required to furnish a copy of the mortgage to Ephraim Thayer, and a copy of the deed to Ezra Henson, referred to in the original brief. See letter to Hon. Sumner Esq. 3 June 1825. Since which, the following testimony has been received.
1 st The affidavit of Thayer who states that a friendship and confidence having existed between him and the claimant who is his uncle, he did not wish to put him to any expense in recording the said mortgage. That it never was recorded the original destroyed, and an exact copy cannot be obtained;
The debt still exists; but is secured by the joint note of claimant and Ezra who is now the owner of the said lands as stated in his former affidavit - see original brief. 2 nd A copy of the deed required to Ezra is exhibited for 50 acres of land in Springfield dated and acknowledged the 15 th Sept 1824, and directed to be recorded, but it is in proof that it never has been recorded and no reason whatever is assigned for the delay. The orig- inal is in the claimant's yet.
3 rd His affidavit accompanying the deed in which he says that he has not been the owner of any real estate since he executed the same.
The additional evidence is filed herewith.

Hon ble John C. Calhoun Secretary of War
Ms. A. 9. 2. 22. 1844 John C. Calhoun on p. 12. 1844

Washington, Dec 20 th 1824
Hon W m Calhoun,
Sir,
I rec d yesterday the letter which I now enclose,
The circumstance which caused its' enclosure to me is, I presume, my residence during summer, in the neighborhood of Mr s Abner Livermore, the writer of it -
With very great respect
I am Sir -
John J. Morgan

Sub to pgh. 600 g p 30 per am cont'd July 1848 & Exdg 15 p 100 1849. payable to
Benjamin Stetson Sarah Sweet Jesse Stetson Hannah Bebe Amy Owen Ezra Stetson Susan Underwood & Clarissa O'Brien, only surviving children
Abby Hall
Wm W. Huer W & K

Washington Dec 5 1850
Sir,
I send you here with the application of the children of Mary Henson for a pension
I am, respectfully, your obt. servt.
William Dyer
To The Commissioner of Pensions

226 Grove Place, Utica, N.Y.
March 28, 1912.
Commissioner of Pensions Dept. of Revolution Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir, — Will you kindly send me the pension record of my great grandfather, Benjamin W 1673 Stetson who served as a private during the Revolution in Mass. and who drew a pension while residing in Stockwell, Oneida Co. N.Y.
I would also like the pension record of Dinah Root (widow) Samuel W 24779 residing in 1840 in town of

Kirkland, Oneida Co. N.Y.
See list of 40 lists
Also the record of Molly Merritt s (widow) residing in 1840 in town of Kirkland, Oneida Co. N.Y.
Also the record of Ruth Hibbard (widow) residing in town of Kirkland Andrew. W 19774 1840, Oneida Co. N.Y.
Very truly yours, (Mrs.) Ella Stetson Peck.
+ The census of 1840 does not give Molly Merrill but gives Molly Merritt. see Isaac Merritt W. 17133

pay APR 1- 1912 am

32 Grove St Oneida, N.Y.
Dear Sir:-
In making out my D. A. R. papers, I find a record of a pension given to Mary Johnson Stetson, widow of Benjamin Stetson. Application executed Aug. 25, 1836 while a resident of Sangerfield, N.Y. Pension was applied for May 1 - 1818. The record

gives Wid. File 16736 Rev. War. I. S. C. Soldier enlisted at Rochester - Mass.
Will you kindly send me a statement of this pension and greatly oblige yours truly Blanche Stetson Dunbar
Mrs. L. P. Dunbar
March 21st 1920.

PENSION D MAR 24 S. 1920

1912 Apl. 5. Hist. to Mrs. Ella S. Peck. $
1920, Apl. 9. Hist. to Mrs. L. R. Dunbar - 32 Grove St. Oneida, N.Y. Eu.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6736
Mary Stevens widow of Benjamin Stevens of Darien, Me.
Act Aug 4th 86
Index: Vol 14 , Page 246
[Arrangement of 1870.]

SA
Rev. War.
April 5, 1912.
Mrs. Ella Stetson Peck, 226 Grove Place, Utica, N. Y.
Madam:
In addition to the military record of Benjamin Stetson, Wid. File No. 16,736, Rev. War, you are furnished the following family data from the papers on file.
Births.
Benjamin Stetson was born at old Plymouth in Massachusetts July 19, 1757.  Mary Johnson his wife was born at Marlborough in Massachusetts October 15, 1755.  Benjamin Stetson, Junior, was born at Hardwick in Massachusetts Saturday, May 5, 1781.  Sally Stetson was born at Hardwick, Massachusetts. Friday February 28, 1783.  Mary Stetson was born at Barnard, Vermont, Saturday July 24, 1784.  Jesse Stetson was born at Barnard, Vermont, Sunday October 22, 1786.  Hannah Stetson was born at Barnard Vermont, Thursday, October 23, 1788.  Had two daughters born Sunday, August 22, 1790, who lived about two hours and expired.  Joel Stetson was born at Barnard, Vermont, Wednesday, June 29, 1791.  Amy Stetson was born at Barnard , Vermont, Sunday, May 5, 1792.  Clary Stetson was born at Barnard, Vermont, Thursday December 25, 1794.  Ezra & Susan Stetson was born at Barbard, Vermont, Wednesday, July 25, A.D. 1798.  Samuel G. Sweet was born June 13, 1779.

Marriages.
Benjamin Stetson was married unto Mary Johnson of Hardwick, August 24, 1780. Benjamin Stetson, Jr. was married to Lucy Ward. December 26, 1805. Samuel G. Sweet was married to Sarah Stetson, January 24, 1802. Chester B. Underwood was married to Susan Stetson, Oct. 12, 1819 Joseph O'Brian was married to Clarissa Stetson, March 18, 1824.
Benjamin Stetson died November 16, 1831; Mary Stetson died April 15, 1849. and only the following children survived them in 1850: Benjamin Stetson of Ohio; Sarah wife of Samuel G. Sweet and Susan wife of Chester B. Underwood of Madison County, New York; Jesse Stetson; Hannah wife of Pliny Beebe; Amy wife of Aba Owen; Clarissa widow of Joseph O'Brien, and Ezra Stetson of Oneida County, New York.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.