Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4593, for John Stearns, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Stearns, John Sarah.
W. 4593
N.H.
CONTENTS

367 Michigan Vermont, Montpelier
Sarah Stearns
widow of John Stearns who was a Private N H in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 73 Dollars 4 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of June 1843 and sent to H. Stowell, Esq. Cambridge, Vermont
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 30.
Reported L. D. Allison 24. 11. 44
To Michigan from H ts Sep 1844 - 6. Jan y 1845 Notification to M. S. Brachman, Belleview Eaton County Michigan

Vermont 18-781
John Stearns of Georgia in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Reynolds of the Regt. commanded by Col. Gilman in the Mass. line for 22 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of October 1833 and sent to Wm Borders. At Albany.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. 1833. $ 183. 33 Pension allowance ending March 34 - 36. 66
$ 220.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 92

State of New Hampshire Hillsborough County ss. Town of Amherst.
"Record of Marriages."
John Sterns Junr and Sarah Blanchard both of this Town married October the ninth, one Thousand seven hundred and eighty one.
Recorded March the ninth one thousand seven hundred and eighty two.
W th Tho s Walnfield. Town Clerk."
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the dates, which are expressed on the record in fair, legible figures as follows. "October 9 th 1781. March 9 th 1782."
Charles L. Stewart { Town Clerk of Amherst
I Charles L. Stewart above named, depose and say: That I hold the office of Town Clerk in and for the town of Amherst in the County of Hillsborough and State aforesaid; and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Amherst, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Charles L. Stewart { Town Clerk of Amherst
State of New Hampshire in the year of our Lord 1783 Hillsborough ss. 4 th August. Sworn & subscribed before me Hubbard Newton Justice of the Peace

I Andrew Wallace, Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Hillsborough in the State of New Hampshire do hereby certify that Hubbard Newton within named is a justice of the Peace for said County of Hillsborough as within mentioned and that the within signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court and subscribed my name, at Amherst in said County, this fourth day of August in the year of our Lord 1838.
A. Wallace Clerk

182 6 3347
Sarah Stearns Morro of John
It act 7 July 38 msu 81. d 35
adm 0 7 mo pri 23.33.
No deduction.
Hon. H. Allen Ho Rep.

I Robert Wallace 2 d of Cambridge in the County of Lamoille & State of Vermont of lawful age testify say that I was well acquainted with John Thurns of 2 d Cambridge in his life time. That he died at Cambridge on the 24 th day of January 1835, & at his death was a Pensioner of the United States - And I further testify say that I am well acquainted with Sarah Thurns, the widow of 2 d John Thurns, who resides in 2 d Cambridge & has remained unmarried since the death of the 2 d John Thurns deceased as aforesaid.
Robert Wallace 2 d
Cambridge September 17 th 1858
State of Vermont } Cambridge September 17 th Lamoille County } 1858. Then personally appeared Robert Wallace 2 d the subscriber to the foregoing Affidavit, & who is a credible Witness, & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed
Gardner Gates Jus Penn

I Mathaniel Read Sun. of Cambridge in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont of Lawful age testify & say - That I am Postmaster of the Jeffersonville Post Office in said Cambridge, & that I was acquainted for many years with John Stearns, before his death - that he died at Cambridge on the 4th day of January A.D. 1835, & was present at his funeral - I also have for many years been acquainted with Sarah Stearns, the Widow of said John Stearns who now lives in said Cambridge about one half mile from me, & has never married since the death of her husband the said John Stearns, but remains his Widow - I also know that the said John Stearns in his life time was a Pensioner of the United States, I think, under the act of 7th June A.D. 1832. And I further testify & say that Sarah Stearns is a Woman of good & irreproachable character Cambridge Oct. 30th 1838.
Math. Read
Sworn & subscribed to before me this 30th day of October A.D. 1838
Gardner Gates Jas Pease
I hereby certify that the above named Mathaniel Read is a person of good stand- ing & of irreproachable character October 30th A.D. 1838 Gardner Gates Jas Pease

State of Vermont } On this 30 th Day of Cambridge } October A.D. 1838 } Personally Appearance before me Gardner Gates Justice of the peace within & for the County of Cambridge p. Sarah Stearns of Cambridge & County of Cambridge aged seventy three years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th A.D. 1838 entitled, "an Act granting half pay & pensions to certain Widows," that she is the Widow of John Stearns late of Cambridge Precis. who was a private in the army of the revolution, & have heard him say he served in Capt. Towns Company in Col. Starks Vt. G. & was in the battle of Bunker Hill in 1776. Also that he was in the Campaign in Rhode Island in Capt. Reynolds Company in Col. Peabody Vt. G. & was in a Battle in Rhode Island - But the particulars & the whole of his services as a soldier of the United States; - but he was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of the 7 th June A.D. 1832. & drew a pension under that act, to his decease, I think of about twenty three dollars a year - & for the particulars of his services as a soldier of the revolution, reference is hereby made to the record upon which he was pensioned.
The further Deponent she was married to John Stearns on the 9 th Day of October A.D. 1781.

that her husband the sd John Stearns died on the 4 th day of January One Thousand Eight hundred & thirty five; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Nineteen hundred & ninety. Your that is to say at the time above stated —
In presence of Henry Stowell
Sarah Stearns
Sworn & subscribed to, on the day & year above stated.
Before
Gardner Gates Jus Peace
I hereby certify that the Declarant & appli- cant Aps - Sarah Stearns, is a Woman of fair character, & sustains a reputation for truth & veracity that is without reproach - And I further certify & say, that from old age, & bodily infirmity, she is unable to attend court to make her declaration, for the pur- poses Aps -
Cambridge
Oct 31 st 1838
Gardner Gates Jus Peace

State of Vermont, Lamoille County ss. I, Philip G. Camp Clerk of Lamoille County Court, hereby certify that Gardner Gates whose name is hereunto attached is a Justice of the peace within & for the county of Lamoille duly commissioned & qualified that his commission is dated on the 4 th day of November 1837 & will expire on the 1 st day of December 1838
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at my office in Hyde Park in said County this 31 st day of Oct. 1838 P. G. Camp Clerk

Declaration and Papers of John Stearns for a Pension — 18523
no 16.48 - 800075 314 7-78

DECLARATION.
Revolutionary claim, under an Act of Congress, Passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } Franklin County, Probate Court, July 27 th DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, ss. }
A. D. 1832.
Personally appeared in open Court, being the Probate Court, for the County of Franklin, and a Court of Record, for said County, and State of Vermont, as will appear by the first section of a Statute Law of said State, entitled an act, constituting Probate Courts, Courts of Record, passed November 15th, A. D. 1822. [see 1st section of said act.]
John Stearns aged 75 years, resident in Cambridge in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
he was born in the Town of Berwick in the State of New Hampshire in the year 1757. he has no record of his age. he was living in Amherst in the State of New Hampshire. where he was called into the service of the United States he enlisted as a private soldier in Amherst under the command of Capt. Archaus Drown. and from Amherst was ordered to Bedford in Massachusetts. and there joined the Regiment under of Col. Stark. and then marched on to Bunker Hill. after the battle of Bunker Hill the company he belonged to was taken out in Charlestown near Boston. this was in the year 1775 in which the Battle was fought on Bunker Hill. after the Battle of Bunker Hill the company that he belonged to was taken out of Col. Stark's Regiment. and transferred to the Regiment commanded by Col. Ebenezer Bridge in the Massachusetts line. for the reason. that no Regiment should muster more than Ten companies. and there proved to be Eleven in Col. Stark's he remained until the first day of January 1776 when he was discharged having performed the time of enlistment which was Eight months. this was in Cambridge Mass. he then went to Winter Hill in Charlestown and there he volunteered and served two months longer. and then returned back to Amherst New Hampshire. In April. in the year 1776 he enlisted under Timothy Simons Capt. from Hopkinton. N. H. and marched to Portsmouth, in N. H. and was there put under the command of Col. David Gilman & Major Mooney there he remained until the 25 th of September the same year making five months or more. then he was discharged In May 1778 he enlisted in the town of Amherst in the State of New Hampshire under Capt. Daniel Reynolds of Londonerry and marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island and there

there he remained until the 25th of September the same year making five months or more. Then he was discharged. In May 1778 he enlisted in the town of Amherst in the State of New Hampshire under Capt. Daniel Reynolds of Londonerry and marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island and there put under the command of Capt. Stephen Sealady of Amherst A. H. where the Regiment remained a few days. Then the Regiment remained moved on to the Island across Howlands or Hides Ferry and there I was detached from the Regiment and went on Dickett's guard under the command of Col. Nathaniel Wade, the guard that night marched towards the North end of the Island and the next morning about 7 o'clock the action commenced between Americans under the command of General Sullivan and the British forces, which lasted about two hours, when a retreat was ordered, and the night following left the Island and marched with the Regiment to East Greenwich and from thence to South Kingston and there he remained until he was discharged which was the last day of December 1778 making six months service.
He has no documentary evidence whatever.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John Stearns
their opinion that, the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and ser-
William Bridges Judge John Gates, jr. Register of the Court of Probate, for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application of John Stearns
for a pension.
whereunto set my hand and seal of office this
1 st day of August
John Gates Jr. Register.

August 7, 1930
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MCS:MLB
Mildred Sterns Green 404 Pavone Avenue Benton Harbor, Michigan
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4593, that John Stearns was born in 1757, in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
While residing in Amherst, New Hampshire, he enlisted in 1775, as a private in Captain Archelaus Town's Company, Colonel Stark's New Hampshire Regiment; was in the battle of Bunker Hill, after which he was transferred, with his company, to Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Massachusetts Regiment, and was discharged January 1, 1776, having served eight months.
Soon after this service, he enlisted and served two months at Winter Hill in Charlestown, names of officers not given. He enlisted in April, 1776, served in Captain Timothy Clement's Company, Colonel David Gilman's New Hampshire Regiment, and was discharged September 25, 1776. He enlisted May, 1778, served in Captains Daniel Reynolds' and Stephen Peabody's New Hampshire Companies, was later attached to the picket guard under Colonel Nathaniel Wade, was in the battle of Rhode Island, and was discharged December 31, 1778.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 27, 1832, at which time he was living in Cambridge, Franklin County, Vermont.
He died January 4, 1835, at Cambridge, Vermont.
Soldier married October 9, 1781, in Amherst, New Hampshire, Sarah Blanchard, and both were residents of Amherst. In the marriage record, the soldier was referred to as John Sterns, Jr.

His widow, Sarah, was allowed pension on her application executed October 30, 1838, at which time she was seventy-three years of age and a resident of Cambridge, Vermont.
In 1845, she moved from Vermont (where she stated she had been living with her son-in-law, D. W. Harvey, whose wife had recently died), to Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, to live with her daughter, the wife of Lebbeus Hodgman. The first names of her daughters are not shown.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 27th, 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } ON this 1 st day of August 1833, personally appeared in open FRANKLIN COUNTY, ss. } Court, before the Court of Probate, now sitting, John Stearns a resident of Cambridges in the county of Franklin, and State of Vermont, age 76 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following de- claration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born in the town of Merimack in the State of New Hampshire, in the year 1757. He has no record of his age. He was living in Amherst, in said State of New Hampshire, when he was called into service of the United States, enlisted as a private soldier at Amherst ap d , under the command of Captain Nicholas Town. From Amherst he was ordered to Medford in Massachusetts, and there joined the Regt under Col Starks, and from thence to Bunker Hill; was in the engagement & after the battle which was fought on Bunkerhill in the town of Charlestown near Boston, on the 17 th day of June 1775. the company to which he belonged was taken out of Col Starks Regiment and transferred to the Regiment commanded by Col Ebenezer Bridge in the Massachusetts line; the reasons for being removed was, that no Regt was allowed to muster more than ten companies, and these proved to be eleven in Col Starks Regt; he remained at Cambridge until the first day of January 1776, when he was discharged, having performed the term of enlistment which was eight months. He then volunteered and served two months at Winter Hill in Charlestown, and was dismissed & returned home to Amherst N.H.

In the month of April 1776, at Amherst he enlisted under Capt Timothy Sermons from Hopkinton New Hampshire, and marched to Portsmouth R.I. there put under the command of Col David Gilmore & Maj Mooney was stationed at Portsmouth until the 25 th day of September 1776, making five months, was then discharged.
In May 1778, he enlisted at Amherst aforesaid, under Capt Daniel Reynolds of Sandownerry and marched to Providence in the state of Rhode Island, was there put under the command of Capt Stephen Peabody of Amherst. The Regt remained a few days at Providence and then moved onto the Island across Howland or Slades Ferry, was immediately detached from his Regt and attached to the Picket Guard under the command of Col Nathaniel Wood, at night the guard marched towards the north-end of the Island, the next morning about 7 o'clock (being pursued by the enemy) the action commenced between the Americans under Gen Sullivan and the British, which lasted two hours, a retreat was ordered, and the following night left the Island, marched to with the Regt to East Greenwich, and from thence to South Kingston, there stationed till his time expired was discharged, which was on the last day of December 1778, making six months service. Received no written discharge at any time.

time
He has no documentary evidence whatever and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares, that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
Sworn to and subscribed } John Stearns the day and year aforesaid }

We Nathaniel Sears John Warner Willard Griswold Brewster Read Nathaniel Read Jr Post Master and John Ide Clergyman of Cambridge in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with John Stearns who has made an application for a Pension before the Honorable Court of Probate for the District of Georgia that we believe him the B o John Stearns to be Seventy five years of age; That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. We further certify that the said Stearns is considered a man of exemplary deportment sustaining an unimpeachable character in whose statement full faith and confidence may be placed.
Nathaniel Sears John Warner Willard Griswold Brewster Read Nath l Read Jr P.M. John Ide Clergyman
Sworn and Subscribed to. This 2 nd day of February Augt A.D 1833 - Before me
Clark Baker Justice of the Peace
And the said court do hereby certify after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that the Rev. John Ide who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Cambridge and that Nathaniel Sears (Selectman) John Niles, a (Justice of the Peace) Willard Griswold, Nathaniel Read, and Nathaniel Read (Postmaster) who has signed the same are residents of S t Cambridge

and are credible witnesses, and their statement is entitled to credit.
Stephen S. Brown Judge
John Stearns I Aaron S. Beeman Clerk of the court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing con- tains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Stearns for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said court this 11th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirtythree
Aaron S. Beeman Clerk
State of Vermont } I Horace Jones Clerk Franklin County ss } of Franklin County Court do hereby certify that Clark Butler who has signed his name to the within is a Magistrate duly qualified, and that I believe the same to be his genuine signature.
In testimony where- of I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said court this 5th day of August 1833 Horace Jones Clerk

I Asa Wilkins of Fairfax in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont do hereby certify and say that I am twenty four years of age, that I am well acquainted with John Stearns now resident of Pownal in the County of Franklin, that I was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War that in the year 1775 we both marched from Amherst in the State of New Hampshire to Bunker Hill near Boston and other towns near by I then knew said Stearns that he belonged to Col. Stark's Regiment and Capt. Archaus Dows Company, and I fully believe that he served the full time of his enlistment which I think was for eight months - I am now a pensioner as a Revolutionary Soldier and draw my pension under the Vermont agency.
Asa Wilkins
State of Vermont ss. Attest July 27 th 1832 Franklin County ss. 3 Personally appeared Asa Wilkins a credible witness who did subscribe and make oath that the facts set forth in the above affidavit as therein stated are true, according to his best knowledge information and belief.
Before me John Gates J d Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont ss. Attest August 1 st 1832. I Horace Jones Clerk of the County Court in the County of Franklin do hereby certify to all whom it may concern that John Gates J d Esq. of St. Albans is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Franklin, duly appointed to that office by the Legislature of this State, and that the foregoing certificate is signed by him in his own proper hand writing - In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Public seal of the Court the day and year above.
Horace Jones Clerk

To whom it may concern This may certify that John Stearns the bearer has resided in this town about twenty years During which time the most of us have been intim- ately acquainted with him and considered him industrious of exemplary deportment sustaining a good moral character and unimpeachable as to truth and veracity
Cambridge July 21 st 1832
Watts, Scars
Acce Schuyler
Isaac Griswold J. Pease G. W. Read J. C. R. Willard Griswold Francis Read Watts Read Jr John Ide Minister of the Gospel

Dear Mr. Bridges
For the bearer of this Mr. John Stearns, is asking for a Pension for his Revolutionary Services — And whatever Statute he may make in the Review. We think is entitled to full Compensation
July 21 1832
W. G. Russell Elisha Brewster John Warner John Winger Phineas Stearns

16 5 23
N.H.
John Stearns Franklin Co Vermont
i
on Rolls for Smo 75 7. 78 5. 76
admit 22 months
146.66 36.66 183.33
John G. Stearns Franklin Co Franklin Vt.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
13 Jan 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Stearns
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1775 8 Private Capt. Town Col. Stark 76 years By a living Witness   " 2 " Same officers Col. Bridge Stratford N a clergyman & other Witnesses - but not attested before a magistrate   1776 4 " Capt. Col. Gilman Keene   May 1778 18 " Capt. Reynolds Capt. Peabody Col. Wood  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

H. H. Allen 1882

State of Vermont.
Secretary of State's Office, Jan. 22, 1859. }
I, Chauncy L. Knapp, Secretary of said State, do hereby certify that there is on file in this office a paper, purporting to be "A Pay Roll of Capt. Josiah Fiske's Company in Col. Samuel Fletcher's Battalion, in the service of the State of Vermont, 1781, commencing July 1 st , and ending with the close of the campaign." I further certify, that the name of John Stearns appears upon said pay roll, as a private, with an allowance of one hundred and thirty eight days' service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this office another paper, purporting to be "a true List of (the names and sums of) Capt. Josiah Fiske's Pay Roll of himself and company in the service of the State of Vermont from the beginning of the campaign, 1781, to the 30 th of June in said year, inclusive, taken from the original in the Paymaster's Office." I further certify that the name of John Stearns, a private, appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance of "£3: 4: 0" annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this office another paper, purporting to be a "True List of (the names and sums of) Capt. Nehemiah Lovewell's Pay Roll of himself and company in the service of the State of Vermont, from the commencement of the campaign, 1781, to the 30 th of June in said year, in

clusive, taken from the original roll in the Paymaster's office." I further certify that the name of John Stearns, a private, appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance of "£1:4:8" annexed.
I further certify that all of said pay rolls appear to have been examined, approved and ordered to be paid, by a committee appointed for the purpose, and that they were duly paid by the Treasurer of the state of Vermont.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Montpelier, this 22 d day of January, A. D. 1839.
Chauncy L. Knapp, Secretary of State.

State of Vermont.
Secretary of State's Office, Montpelier, Jan. 29, 1859.
I, Chauncy L. Knapp, Secretary of said State, do hereby certify that there is on file in this office a paper purporting to be "a Pay Roll of Lieut. Elijah Knight's Company of State Troops under command of Isaiah T. Dyer, Majr. Comd. "March 29 th 1784." I further certify that the name of "John Stearns," a private, appears upon said payroll, as a private, with an allowance of one hundred and fourteen days' service annexed. I further certify that the said payroll appears to have been examined, approved and ordered to be paid, by a committee appointed for the purpose, and that it was duly paid by the Treasurer of the State of Vermont.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Montpelier, this 29 th day of January, A. D. 1859.
Chauncy L. Knapp, Secretary of State.

268 Sarah Thorne Declaration
Adm $73 33/100 private Sent to H. Stowell Cambridge Vermont
Manhattan Agency.

State of Vermont } On this 31 st Day of Simcoe County } March A D 1843 perso- nally appear before me I raise I swear a System of the Peace within for the County of Simcoe of Sarah Stearns a President of the Town of Cambridge in the County of Simcoe of agee twenty seven years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress pass the 3 d of March A D 1843. Granting pensions to Widows of persons who were during the revolutionary war - That she is the Widow of John Stearns late of Cambridge deceased who was a private in the Army of the revolution. That I have often heard him say he was in Col Starks Reg t & was in the Bunker hill Battle in A D 1776. & was in the cam- paign at Rhode Island in Col Trumbull's & Col Mather Reg t - But for a more full detail of his services I refer to the evidence upon which he was Pen- sion d under the Act of the 7 th of June A D 1832 & also to my Declaration & the evidence upon which I was pension d under the Act of the 7 th of July A D 1838. under which Act of the 7 th of July A D 1838 I drew a Pension of the annual amount of Seventy three Dollars & thirty three cts. - and I further declare that I am still a Widow & the

Memo of the 3 rd John Tharm Decar d -
In presence of Henry Stowell
Sarah Tharming
Sworn & Subscribed on the day & year above written
John
Jesse Sears. Just Peace
State of Vermont } Cambridge March Jericho County } 31. 1843 -
I hereby certify that the Declaration of the 3 rd Sarah Tharm is personally & well known to me, is true in substance, & a person of truth & veracity
Jesse Sears Just Peace
State of Vermont ss. I, Philip G. Camp of Jericho County ss. do hereby certify that Jesse Sears is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Jericho duly commissioned & qualified that his commission is dated on the 9 th day of Nov r . 1842 & will expire on the 1 st day of Dec r . 1843. & that his signature as such and the foregoing is true & given under my hand.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of Office at my Office in Vergennes this 4 th day of April A.D. 1843
P. G. Camp. Clerk

State of Michigan County of Barry
on this 26 th day of Novem- ber 1845 - before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Sarah Stearns who on oath de- clared that she is the widow of John Stearns deceased. That her name was placed on the Pension roll in the State of Vermont - from whence she has lately removed; that she now resides in the Township of Appison County of Barry and State of Michigan where she intends to remain, and which is her pension to be payable in said State of Michigan in future. The following are the names for her removing from the State of Vermont to the State of Michigan viz. While in the State of Vermont - she lived with her son in Law D. W. Harvey whose wife has lately died, and since her death she has come to the State of Michigan to reside with her daughter the wife of Lib- -bus Hodgeman - and further that all her Papers together with the original Certificate of Pension have been surrendered to the War Department - in conformity to the rules thereof. as she has been advised by her ag- ent - and verily believes, - Sarah Stearns
Sworn to & Subscribed, this day of year aforesaid before me. Joseph S. Blasdell Justice of the Peace

State of Michigan County of Bar
On the 26 th day of November 1845- before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County personally appeared Libbus Hodgeman and _____ who on oath declared that Sarah Stearns is the widow of John Stearns deceased and is also the same person who has sworn to and subscribed the above affidavit. — Libbus Hodgeman Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me. Joseph S. Blasdell Justice of the Peace
State of Michigan County of Barry S.P.
I do hereby certify that Libbus Hodgeman the witness aforesaid is a person of truth and veracity. — J. S. Blasdell Justice of the Peace

State of Michigan Barry County Clerk's office
I Grace A. Holbrook Clerk of said County do hereby certify that
Joseph P. Blasdell Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed oath or affidavit as Justice of the peace and thereon written was at the time of taking such affidavit and acknow- ledgement a justice of the peace in and for said County and duly authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such justice and only believe that the signature to the said affidavit and acknowledgement is genuine
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and impressed the seal of the Circuit Court of said County at Hastings this 3 rd day of December A D 1845-
G. A. Holbrook County Clerk

Dec. 17. 1845.
M rs . Sarah Stearns for transfer
H. H. Harr.
Edward Ely Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Pillene, Caton Co. Michigan Dec. 5 th 1845.
J. H. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir
enclosed you will please find an application of Mrs Sarah Stearns requesting her name Transcribed to the Pension Rolls of this State; she has no Certe- ficate of Pension in her possession, when she left Vermont - she left it with her Attorney who states that all the Papers have been surrendered to the War Department in conformity to the act of '43, if the inclosed affts. are not sufficient to have her name Transcribed, I wish you would inform me by return mail, and if they are a reason please send me a pamphlet of instructions relative to the drawing of Pensions if you have any. - Please answer this at your earliest convenience & oblige yours. M. S. Brachman

Jan 5-1860
Quincy
10
Mr Edwards Esq Comm of Prisons Washington D.C.

Pension Agency Mountpplier Dec 27. /45
J. L. Edwards Esq. Court of Pensions Sir
Sarah
Stearns a prisoner on the roll of this agency under the act of the 5th & 6th 43 at the rate of 75.33 per annum. was last paid on the 4th Sept 1844 —
Yours &c R. R. Knapp King per Geo. L. Lard

3347
Nov 29.
Inn at
76
7 July '88
Jan 1 Edward Eng
Com of Pension
Am H Allen

In paper I said steam I am changed with a motor than to you. your old. Norman Allen
Nov 25, 35
J.L. Eel River City.

Cambridge 7th Jan 1864 apl 10 Mr. J. G. Edwards Commissioner of Prisons Woking P.O.

Cambridge April 3 1839
Hon S. L. Edwards
Dr Sir
Yours of the 25 th ult. is duly recd - saying as I anticipated that the Pension Certificate to Mrs Sarah Stearns, was erroneously filled for the sum of $23.93. & I enclose back the Certificate for correction. You say you can not perceive how the Atty & Justice could have made out the bonds for a much larger sum than that expressed upon the face of the Certificate &c. I can tell you, I knew the sum that John Stearns drew in his lifetime, & suppose his widow would be entitled to the same sum, & as I wrote you before, I had doubts whether to call the word expressing the sum Twenty - or Seventy as all the Letters except the initial would point rather, as you will see - if you call the Initial S. twenty, or so the other way if you call the Initial T. twenty. & I had doubts & showed the Certificate to several persons, & they thought the Initial Letter was meant for S. Vso & the papers were made out, but were returned & destroyed as their prosecution was not considered necessary, as they could not be used -

And I have to say further, that it is not possible by me how you could make such a mistake as it appears you have done, at your Department without affording dissatisfaction to me, & trouble, expense & delay to Mrs. Sarah Stevens - But I have charity I suppose it was honestly done -
And equally honest was the Papers made out, & in the manner of - We are not Robert Temple, we want nothing from government except what we have a right by Law - that we ask -
I can say no more, & explain no more, to remove any dissatisfaction the Department may have upon the subject - no money has been drawn, in consequence of the mistake - & the papers treated as useless & destroyed as I said before - Hope you will correct the Calipaste enclos. or make a new one & forward it as soon as practicable
I remain Your humble servt
Henry Russell

268
269a/c 13 1843 Cambridge 3 April 6
at Mar 3 1843 clay
Yrs
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Cambridge Mt April 6/43
Wm J Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Enclosed are the Declarations of Elizabeth Prior & Sarah Tharn, for the the benefit of the Provision of the act of March 1843 - Will you act upon them & forward to me a certificate that due notice them to draw their money I believe they are made agreeably to form
Yours truly W. Storrow
Recd. W. Storrow P.M. Cambridge Mt -

Payment to be made at Burlington by C. S. Caglesby, Esq. Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Burlington, P. T. Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year. First payment to be made 31st December, 1838.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A, Vol. 2, Page 51, by
S. A. Ellis, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Sarah Stearns, of Vermont, — widow of John Stearns, deceased, — who was a private in the Revolution — and died on the fourth — day of January, 1835, is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Seventy-three dollars and thirty-three — cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this thirteenth — day of February, — one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.
Examined and } Countersigned. }

Cambridge Vt Feb March 12 1826 Mrs. Sarah H. Edwards Commision of Pensions Washington Dist. Columbia

Cambridge Vermont March 11. 1839
Hon J. L. Edwards
De Sir
I have rec d through the agency of the Hon Norman Allen a Pension Certificate for Mrs Sarah Stearns of Cambridge - but there seems to be some uncertainty about the sum. I rec d the Certificate that she is entitled to $73.33 per annum for five years from the 4 th of March 1836 provided neither marriage or death takes place before - & so I made a Power of Atty on the Bank of Burlington to draw at the rate of $73.33 per annum for three years up to 4 th of March 1839 - But the Agent wrote back to me, that she was inscribed on the Pension roll at the rate of $23.33. I think I am right in the sum of $73.33 for that was the sum John Stearns the husband of the said Sarah Stearns drew in his lifetime - And I suppose the Department act upon the same evidence in the case of the widow, as they did in the case of the husband If so, why this great difference in the grant to the widow & to Stearns himself in his lifetime - If $23.33 is the sum, it is pay for less than 7. months service, & his Disclosure makes out about two years

Service. And I write this for the purpose of having an Explanation. In other words I want to know whether Mrs Sarah Stearns is inserted on the rolls at the rate of $73.33. or $23.33 - And if the latter sum of $23.33 I want to know what rule the Department adopted in the Melons case different from her Husband's, or How under the Evidence they could arrive at the conclusion that the Melons in this case were not entitled to best $23.33 if that is the sum, for Mrs Stearns may be able to satisfy the Department if not already satisfied, that she is entitled to the same sum, her Husband drew in his lifetime - but I think I am right in the sum of $73.33 -
I wish you would give your earliest attention to this case, as the Melons wishes now to draw her money - & it becomes important to her to know the right sum, & I think the reading of the Certificate will my way call the sum both way $73.33. or $23.33 - But if the sum is $23.33. I would call the attention of the Department to a further investigation or to an explanation, why the sum to the Melons is not the same as to her Husband - as the evidence is the same in both cases, if there is error I wish the same corrected at Burlington, And the Explanation

of disfavor, write you to address to me, I want to know the reason therefor to satisfy Mr Stearns as I am her Agents Let me hear from you soon
I am your Obt Servt Henry Stowell
131

Certificate Sh d have been 27 mo. 73.33
Nov 30. '38
Sh d have 27 mo.
✓

June 12, 1930
Pension Department Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please verify the military record of John Stearns(Sternes, Sterns, Starns, etc.)
On May 1, 1775 John Stearns enrolled in Archel- aus Town's Company, 27th Regiment Foot Soldiers, Continental Army; on April 15, 1776, he was in Captain Timothy Clement's Company, Colonel David Gilman's Regiment; December 20, 1778 he was in Captain Simon Marston's Company, Colonel Stephen Peabody's Regiment, which was raised by New Hamp- shire for the Continental service at Rhode Island.
The above John Stearns was a descendant of the Isaac Stearns family which came to this country in 1630.
Thanking you for a prompt reply, I am
Yours respectfully
Mildred Stearns Greene
404 Pavone Avenue Benton Harbor, Michigan

Vermont (Bur.) 1826
Let. to Pen. Agent, April 10, 1839
Sarah Stearns, widow of John Stearns, decd-
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 4 th of January 1835. of Grand Isle co. in the State of Vermont who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Wait in the Vt. Troops - line for 7 months private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington - at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of April May 1839 and sent to Henry Stowell, Esq. Cambridge, Vt.
Arrears to the 14th of March, 1839. 219:99 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. " 36. 66
$256:65
{ Act. July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book A, Vol. 2, Page 56.

Vermont (Ben.)
Let to Hon. N. Allen
February 21, 1839.
20 Henry St. Wall, Mass. 25.
'39 -
Sarah Stearns widow of John Stearns, deceased.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832. and who died on the 4 th of January 1835. of Granville in the State of Vermont who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt _____ commanded by Col. Wait in the Vt. Troops time for 7 months private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington - at the rate of 73 Dollars 33 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Feb. ruary 1839 and sent to Hon. N. Allen, H. R.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1838 $58.32 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Mo. '39 - 11. 65
$69.98
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. S. Elliot Clerk, Book _____ Vol. 2, Page 56.

May-10, 1905 - Vis. to Sarah T. Dinwiddie Fowles Ind
1930. Aug 7. Vis. to Maudie Stearns Green
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4593
Sarah Stearns Widow John Stearns
Act: March 30/43
Index:—Vol. W , Page 240
[Arrangement of 1870.]