Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7202, for Westcot Stone, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. S.
Stone, Westcot Abigail
W 7202
B.L.Wt. 21323-160-55-
CONTENTS

11.459 Pennsylvania
Westcot Stone
of Suzanne Co, in the State of Pennsylvania who was a Dr in the Heavy commanded by Captain Weaver of the Regt commanded by Col Brown in the Pennsylvania Vol  Militia
16 M 20 D - Dr 55.52
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 55 Dollars 52 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Apr , and sent to 833 N. 3rd St. Wilkes-Barre Pa.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 - 111.04 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept " 27.76 138.80
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 1 Page 52

Declaration of Nestor Stone, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7. June 1832. -
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss
On this fourth day of September A.D. 1832 personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County Nestor Stone, a resident of Greenfield in said County aged seventy two years who being duly sworn according to law - declares the following declaration to be true to the best of his knowledge that he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers - and served as herein stated -
Nestor Stone
Sworn in open court this 4. Sep. 1832
H. Pettebone Pro. B.

Declaration of Muster Stone as Soldier of the Revolution.-
Muster Stone, aged seventy two years being duly sworn or affirming to law, deposes and says that he was born on the 17 th day of March A.D. 1760. -
in Coventry. Here County State of Rhode Island That in the year 1776 he was drafted in the Continental Army - on the twelfth day of November, in the regiment under the command of Colo. Nathanial Brown and in Captain Benjamin Green's Company - which was stationed at East Greenwich Here County State of Rhode Island and continued in said regiment two months - that at the expiration of this period he was immediately drafted in the same regiment and served one month - at the same station. -
February 1. 1777. he volunteered under Lieut Andrew Young - & served in the Continental Army. Stationed at East Greenwich afore said three months. -
September. A.D. 1777. he was drafted in a regiment of the Rhode Island Militia under command of General Spencer in Captain William Hoar's Company - at Coventry, aforesaid and continued in the Continental Army forty days stationed at and was regularly discharged. -
November A.D. 1777. was drafted in the Continental Army - under command of Lieut. Jonathan Seaborn, stationed at East Greenwich - Rhode Island and continued in the service one month. -
January 1778. he was drafted in

Corington of course, was drafted in the Langford Heaver Company, for fifteen days - in the Continental Army. Stationed at Guide Rock in Rhode Island of course and at the expiration of the said time was duly discharged. -
June A.D. 1778. He was drafted in Captain Colo. Joseph Rice's Regiment of Corington of course, for the period of fifteen days - Stationed at "Guide Rock Neck" - at the expiration of the time was duly discharged. -
July 1778. He volunteered under Command of Lieutenant Jonathan Chickell. & Marched to Wickford Washington County - in the state of course in the Continental line - & after about a month's service was discharged.
July 1778. was drafted in Colo. Archibald Cullen's Regiment, or Corington of course - for one month was stationed at Old Wick Farm in Kent County of course - in the Continental Army. - was discharged at the expiration of the time. -
August 1778. was drafted in the Rhode Island Militia, under Command of General Spencer - for forty days & stationed at Kingston near Howland's Ferry in Bristol County State of course - at the termination of the time - was discharged
1778 He volunteered at

Coventry in the Continental Army under command of Genl Samuel Greene - was stationed at Millers wharf for thirty days - was discharged -
Jan September 1778. was drafted in Coventry in Capt Benedict Colxins Company, in General Thomas Holdins Brigade & under the immediate command of General Sullivan, was stationed on Newport Island. and after a period of forty days in the service of the Continental Army was discharged
June 1779. was drafted at Coventry in the Continental Army, in Captain William Roys Company, for fifteen days - stationed at Bristol, in Bristol County. State of Rhode Island at the expiration of the time was discharged
December 1779. was drafted in the Continental Army, for fifteen days, in Captain Langford Meares Company in Col. Coles Regiment - at the expiration of the time was discharged
March 1780 was drafted in the Regular Service of Rhode Island, in Captain Langford Meares Company for twenty days - stationed at Point Neck Neck. -
And that he has been in the Regular Service at various times since - The

precise time he does not know to tell - That since the revolutionary war he has resided in Coventry - of course - that in 1807 he removed in Greenfield in Salem County his present place of his abode - That he never had a written discharge from the Continental Army - That he has a written record of his age - He is personally acquainted with
Aaron Wright - And Nathan Taylor  He knew the above persons during the war and they were in the same company with him. He has no record of their names in the War Department.
Subscribed in Open Court Sept 4. 1832 H. Pitteloud Prob
Aaron Wright aged seventy three years and upwards being duly sworn deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Walter Stone, the above applicant for pension - that he knew him in the year A.D. 1778 - that the deponent and said Walter Stone were in the revolutionary war together as different periods - during the years 1778 & 79 - at one time '78 under General Sullivan at Stony Point - and in 1779 was with said Stone in Major Gardner's Battalion Rhode Island stationed at Bristol - in Bristol County - and that to the deponent's knowledge said Stone was in the revolutionary war agreeably to the above declaration that he knows said Stone to be a person of truth and veracity Aaron Wright Subscribed before me in the U. S. P. 1832
H. Pitteloud Prob

Be is remembered that on the night of October in the year A.D. 1832 - personally came before me - John Elliot a clergyman of Oxford adjoining the Township of Greenfield in which the above petition resides and states that he has been acquainted with the above petition, Master Stone - for twenty five years and upwards - that he is generally esteemed and respected among his friends and neighbors - has been a soldier of the revolution - that he is a person of good report for honesty and veracity. -
Very Respectfully being duly sworn saith that he was present at the ordination of John Elliott the above named clergyman and he is generally acknowledged to be a clergyman learned and liberated before me this
Robert Hove

State of Pennsylvania Sulzy County ss
Personally appeared before me the element day of April A.D. 1833. James Stone aged eighty years and upwards and of the being duly sworn deponent and says that he has known Robert Stone the above applicant for a pension for sixty years and opines that this deponent was in Captain Benjamin Greene's Company of Rhode Island Artillery with the said Robert Stone for a period of three months - that he was also in Captain Benedict Collins Company of Rhode Island Infantry with the said Robert Stone, at Providence or Middletown for a period of forty days - that he knows the said Robert Stone was drafted in Captain Benjamin Greene's Company of Rhode Island Artillery for two months - that this deponent was with said Robert Stone under Lieutenant Jonathan Stickney, at Stonington and under Lieutenant Knapp for one month - that this deponent knows that the said Robert Stone volunteered several times in the service of the United States - that he said Robert Stone is a person of creditability - and that he has full confidence in his declaration
Sworn and subscribed to me this eleventh day of April 1833 James Stone Daniel Stone (clerk)

And I Lemuel Stone do hereby certify that James Stone is a person of creditability and that his affidavit is entitled to full credit and confidence. Lemuel Stone J.P.
Lafayette County Pa.
I Isaac Bowman Recording Scribe do hereby certify that Lemuel Stone Esq. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Instrument of writing is and was at the time of subscribing his name an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county - State of Pennsylvania - and full faith and credit may be given to all his acts and deeds as such - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Wilkesbarre this fifteenth day of April Anno Domini 1883 -
I Bowman Rec d

Henry Taylor - after several  forty years and upwards - being only been acquainted and says that he is well acquainted with the above applicant for pension - that he has been acquainted with him since his residence in Greenfield - and tho' generally he has been - and is deemed and reported to be a soldier of the revolution - that he is a person of truth and veracity and he has no reason to doubt the above declaration -
Henry Taylor
Sworn and subscribed in open court this 14. Sep. 1832
H. Pettebone Clerk

And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the within named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certify, that John Miller who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Clinton and that Henry Taylor who has also signed a certificate herein is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Henry Pettibone Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Wm L Stone for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of November 1832
H Pettibone P.N.
19185 v Declaration of Henry Stone a Soldier of the Revolution for Pension and act of Congress June 7. 1832

3,394 Anna Philadelpia Abigail Stone widow of Westcott Stone Rhode Island who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 55 Dollars 58 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Jany 1854 and sent to
Earl Stone Abington Centre Luzerne Co. Penn a
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 110 Vol. A
32
Reg 3 mss - 190369

State of Pennsylvania of J. S. Luzerne County J. S. Township of Scott
On this the twenty first day of June A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Sabine Abigail Stone aged Seventy One years who being duly sworn according to law, depones and saith that she maketh the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 29th of July A.D. 1848 and Act of Congress of Feb 3rd 1853 etc. - That her husband Westcott Stone was a private in the Army of the Revolution as by certificate of pension now in the office of the department  appears . She further declares that she was married to the said Westcott Stone on the fourth day of May A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and five. And that her said husband died on the second day of September A.D. One Thousand eight hundred thirty eight That at the time of her husband's death he was a pensioner upon the United States granted as the pension certificate will show but I am ignorant of the date _____
The further avers that she is the natural widow of the said Westcott Stone whose Certificate is herunto attached - And that she has never been married except to the said Westcott Stone & that she is still a widow & further that she has never received any pension from the Government of the United States and hath never made before this any application for any pension

(Bred own) The within room to and subscribed before me this the 21 st day of June One am thousand eight hundred and fifty three J. B. Gustin { Master of the Pleas } Miguel Irone

State of Pennsylvania } Luzerne County } p
I personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Luzerne, aforesaid Benona Stone of Scott Township and County aforesaid aged sixty five and after being duly sworn according to law deponeth and saith That he was well acquainted with Westcott Stone of Scott aforesaid in his life time and am now well acquainted with Abigail Stone his widow and have been for fifty years - Westcott Stone afo- resaid and Abigail his wife, formerly Abigail Smith, were married some time about An- no Thousand eight hundred and five in the Town of Coventry Kent County Rhode Island by a Justice of the Peace of the name of Joseph Weaver - I was not by at the marriage but it was so reported throughout the neighborhood - They went to living together as husband and wife and so lived together for the term of thirty three years and raised a family of two children I resided at Coventry aforesaid at the time of the aforesaid marriage and of the beginning of the living together of the said Westcott Stone & wife -

(over)
The said Nesthatt Stone moved from Coventry aforesaid to Scott township Luzerne County Pennsylvania - I soon followed them moved into the same town with them and have resided in the same town ever since. She died up to the time of the death of the said Stone continue to live together as husband and wife and were so reputed by all the neighbors at the time of his death - I moved into the township of Scott aforesaid in the year AD 1810 The township of Scott was set off from Greenfield Township something like ten or eight years ago - Greenfield was the name of the Place where the said Nesthatt Stone received his pension - I am in no way interested in the recovery of this pension - Major Nesthatt Stone aforesaid was an uncle of mine, is the relation between us - Nesthatt Stone aforesaid died on the second day of September AD One Thousand eight hundred and thirty eight - I saw him after he was dead attended his funeral and saw him buried - He was always reputed to be a Revolutionary soldier by all his neighbors - His widow Abigail Stone has not been married since his death and is now a widow - I live about two miles distance from her am intimately acquainted with her circumstances. Her maiden name was Abigail Smith

I am acquainted with her children one of which is Earl Stone with whom the mother now resides - The other a daughter of the name of Alta now married to Henry Hubbard and resides about two and a half miles from me Swom and Silverlead before me this the 18th day of June AD 1853 at the City of Canbendall and State of Pennsylvania William Root { Justice of { The Peace
Benoni Stone

Wilkes-Barre } Susquehanna County } State of Pennsylvania }
I, Hanson Curtis, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County, a court of Record of this state aforesaid do hereby certify that P. S. Joslin & William Root Esqrs before whom the within affidavits were taken and made and who hereunto subscribed their respective names
were at the time of so doing Justices of the peace in and for the County of Susquehanna aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that their several signatures hereunto
attested and subscribed is the genuine signature of the said Justices P. S. Joslin & William Root and that I am acquainted with the signatures of each of the said Justices of the Peace
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsylvania aforesaid this the twelfth day of September A.D. 1858 and fifty three A. Curtis Clerk

State of Pennsylvania } Susquehanna County } Township of Scott } 8
On this the twenty first day of June A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Susquehanna Abigail Stone aged Seventy One years who being duly sworn according to law, deponeth and saith that she maketh the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 29th of July A.D. 1848 and Act of Congress of Feb 3rd 1853 etc. - That her husband Westcott Stone was a private in the Army of the Revolution as by certificate of pension now in the office of the department  Superseded . She further declares that she was married to the said Westcott Stone on the fourth day of May A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and five and that her said husband died on the second day of September A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. That at the time of her husband's death he was a pensioner upon the United States granted as the pension certificate will show but I am ignorant of the date
She further swears that she is the lawful widow of the said Westcott Stone whose certificate is herunto attached - and that she has never been married except to the said Westcott Stone & that she is still a widow & further that she has never received any pension from the Government of the United States and hath never made before this any application for any pension.

(Bred am) The within swom to and subscribed before me this the 21 st day of June One am thousand eight hundred and fifty three Boston {Sister of the Poem
Margaret Stone

190.369. Act Mar. 3. July 16/55.
Abigail Stone widow of Westcott Stone Soldier Pensioner Pa.
Revolution
Act. 3. Feb. 1853. No. 394. Vol. 1. page 110.
Ad: 160 acc. July 2, 1856 B. [unclear]
Alfred Doot Bartondale Luzerne Co. Pa.
Vol. No. 81. -

Mayors Certificate
The foregoing declaration of Abigail Stone and the affidavits of Henry S Hubbard & Elizabeth Chapman who reside in the townships therein set forth were sworn to and subscribed before me this the tenth day of July A.D. 1848 and I do certify that I know the declarant to be the identical person she represents herself to be and that I do also know the witnesses of her identity are credible persons and that I have no interest in this claim.
Lewis Pugh
{ Alderman City of Cambridge
City of Cambridge Somerset County, State of Maine
Be it known that
I, Clerk of the Court for the City of Cambridge aforesaid, do hereby certify that Lewis Pugh (as above) before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made and who has theretofore subscribed his name as aforesaid, is a duly qualified Alderman within and for the City of Cambridge aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature of the said Alderman is his genuine signature and
that I am acquainted with his handwriting - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court for the City of Cambridge this 12th day of July 1848.
Be it known that

City of Carbondale Luzerne County State of Pennsylvania
76
SS
On this the tenth day of July A.D. 1888
Before me the undersigned one of the Aldermen within and for the City of Carbondale and State aforesaid duly authorized by law to administer Oaths. Harriet Stone of Scott Township, County and State aforesaid aged seventy  eighty years who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Walter Stone late of the County and State aforesaid deceased, that her said husband was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and was granted a pension. think per 88 S. 82 and related acts. That her said husband died on or about the 2 d day of Sept A.D. 1888 leaving this declarant his widow. That she has been granted a pension (as his widow) under the act of 3 d of February A.D. 1888 at the rate of $8.82 per annum No 8894 that she hereby she hereby respectfully refers you to the papers in files at the pension office where her said husband as well as herself has been granted a pension for proof of her husband's service as well as to the marriage and widowhood of herself. That she was married to her said husband on or about the Month of May Eighteen hundred & five that she has never again married since the death of her husband aforesaid and is still a widow.
lost in page 110
She further declares that she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled to under

the under the act of 3 d of March A.D. 1888 - She also declares that she has never received Bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefor but this present. The Council of the City of Carlisle Pennsylvania is hereby authorized to prosecute this my claim and to receive any warrant which may issue to her Abigail Stone
affidavit of 2 witnesses
We Henry S Hubbard and Elizabeth Chapman residents of Blankley County of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania upon our oaths declare that we are personally well acquainted with Abigail Stone the aforesaid deponent and saw her place her signature to the foregoing declaration, that they know her to be the identical person therein represented and that she is now as widow and that we have no interest in this claim
Henry S Hubbard (Seal) Elizabeth Chapman (Seal)
190. 369

19185-
Westcot Stone
auth. j
Admitted
16. 29 Pinnacle
95-5-5-2
H. Setchell
Milks barrow Pa

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
March 25 th 1845
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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show 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, showing the Service of Weston Stone
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Apr 1776 2 Private Capt. Greene Col. Brown Gloucester County   when 1776 1 " Lieut. Stone 18 years   Oct 1777 3 " Capt. Ely Genl. Spencer 12 years of age Living Witness   Apr 1777 40 " Lieut. Nichols   " 1777 1 " Capt. Weaver Col. Rice   " 1778 15 "   " 1778 15 "   Oct 1778 1 " Col. Brown   Apr 1778 1 " Genl. Spencer   " 1778 40 " Lieut. Green   " 1778 30 " Capt. Levis   " 1778 40 " " Keeling Col. Sullivan   " 1779 15 " " Roy   " 1779 15 " " Weaver Col. Horner   1780 20 "   21  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
230

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 _____ and State, Territory or District 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 _____ A. B.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I 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) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons, one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule 19 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.

✓ W 31,323.
5 The sum

190.319
J. H. Hale Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
THE

Revolutionary War
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7202
Margail Stone
wid
Westcott Stone
Print Rec War
Act: Feb. 3 d  N o 55
Index:—Vol. 26 Page 241
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nov 24 th 1897
FREE
Commissioner J. P. Pisoni Washington D.C.

No 3315
Abigail Stone of
Westcott
let to Earl Stone
Oct 21 1853
Gray
allowed $55 52 / 100 per m to Com. Feb 3-1853

Sept. 21, 1859.
Appel of Abigail Stone, widow of Nestor Stone Luzerne Co.,
Pa.
21459 a ct 153.
FREE
Rev. Dr. [unclear]
Oct. 11
Parson Stone, Washington Centre, Luzerne Co., Pa.
J. B. Russell
Washington
Stone

Jan 21, 1859. Appel of Abigail Stone, widow of Nestor Stone Luzerne co., Pa.
11459 a dr 153. FREE
Rev. John Stone Paxton Centre, Luzerne co., Pa. Rev. John Stone Paxton Centre, Luzerne co., Pa. Rev. John Stone Paxton Centre, Luzerne co., Pa.

Pennington Office Sept. 14/50
Sir, Please report time of last payment to or death of William named prisoner
Respectfully,
H. Butts Esq.
and
Wm
J. C. ... for ...
West Stone, Oct 1832 $55.52 p. an. - Due 2 d Sept. 1838, Paid to his health.
F. Brit Auditor.

Huntington Centre Luzerne County Pa
Dear Sir
In commenting in regard to the matter will you please correspond with me as my mother the within applicant is residing with me
Commission of Divisions
With great respect Earle Stone

Plate

Brief in the case of Margaret Shaw widow of Westport Luzerne County and State of Pennsylvania act of February 5 1855
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Underland a pension under act of June 7. 1832 at $33 33 per annum paid to his estate Sept 2 1855
Increased $33 33 per annum to June 7. 1855 (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by Benjamin Shaw & John Taylor of said county and original to certificate Death of husband proved by credit witnesses Identity & Widowhood by credit witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
W. H. Stone Washington Centre Luzerne Co. Penn.
Examining Clerk
W. Gray

I, Neddy Robert , of the Town of Coventry , County of Kent and State of Rhode Island do hereby certify and say, that I am right five years of age, and am well acquainted or personally ac- quainted with Abagale Stone formerly living in said Town of Coventry , and now living in South Scituate in the County and State of Pennsylvania according to my best opinion and belief. I also testify and say that I was present when Westcott Stone and Abagale Smith was married. They were man- ried at the House of Westcott Stone in Coventry . Deputy Reverend Esq performed the marriage ceremony in presence of me and Charles Wright . The above Reverend Esq Westcott Esq and Charles Wright are both dead. The above named Westcott Stone was married to Abagale Smith in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five. I also do testify and say that I believe that I am the only person living who was present when the above named Westcott Stone and Abagale Smith were married the said Stone and Wife soon afterwards moved to Greenfield Luzerne County Pennsylvania . Taken at East Greenwich this Twenty fifth day of August A.D. 1853.
(M ss ) Neddy Robert William Beasly
At East Greenwich and State of Rhode Island August the 25 th 1853. Personally appeared the above named Neddy Robert , and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Affidavit .
Before me William Beasly Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation County of Kent
I Morris M Evans Clerk of the Supreme Court of the County of Kent in the State of Rhode Island afore said I hereby certify that
William Bodfish before whom the within affidavit was made and who was thereunto subscribed his name was at the time so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature of the said Justice thereunto subscribed is the genuine signature of the said Justice and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Supreme Court of the County of Kent In the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation this the 25 day of August
1855
Morris M Evans Clerk

City of Carbondale } Mayors Court for the Susquehanna County } City of Carbondale. State of Pennsylvania } In Open Court On this the twentieth day of
November A.D. One thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the subscriber Recorder and chief judge of the Mayors Court for the City of Carbondale a court of Record and having general jurisdiction Abigail Stone as executrix of Scott Johnson in the County of Susquehanna aforesaid and state aforesaid Abigail Johnson years who first 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 the 3rd February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war That she is the widow of Westcott Stone who was as far as she understood from him a private in the Revolutionary war,
She further declares that she was married to the said Westcott Stone in May eighteen hundred and five 1805 and that her said husband died on the second day of September A.D. One thousand eight hundred and thirty eight That she was not married to him prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred but at the time above stated She further declares that she is now a widow and that she hath never before applied for a pension except a few months since which was rejected for the want of formality which this is intended to supply Sworn and subscribed before me this the 20 day of December A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty three
John H. Hougham } Recorder of Deedage

Luzerne County } City of Carbondale } In the Mayors Court State of Pennsylvania } for the City of Carbon- " " = date of Dec 1883
In Open Court personally appeared before Me the subscriber Recorder and Judge of the Mayors Court for the City of Carbondale Benoni Stone and John A Taylor of Scott Township County & State aforesaid who on their solemn oaths according to law do depose and say that they are well acquainted with Abigail Stone the within Petitioner of Scott Township Luzerne County & State of Pennsylvania and that they did each one severally see her sign the within affidavit & petition and that it is her genuine signature } Benoni Stone Sworn and subscribed } John A Taylor before me this nineteenth Day of December AD 1883
Wm Cunningham } { Recorder { Judge of the Mayors Court
City of Carbondale } This is to certify that I Luzerne County } John A Cunningham State of Pennsylvania } Recorder & Judge of the " " Mayors Court for the City of Carbondale aforesaid am acquainted with the character for truth and veracity of Benoni Stone and John A Taylor of Scott Township aforesaid who have attested to the signature of Abigail Stone the within petitioner and deponent of Scott Township Luzerne County pa and that they are entitled to credit and belief
Wm Cunningham } { Judge and { Recorder of the { Mayors Court for { the City of Carbondale { aforesaid

City of Carbondale Luzerne County State of Pennsylvania — " —
I William Brennan Clerk of the Mayor's Court for the City of Carbondale aforesaid do hereby certify that John N Cunningham who has made the foregoing Certificate and before whom the foregoing affidavits were made was at the time of so doing Recorder and Presiding Judge of the said Mayor's Court duly Commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that the aforesaid Mayor's Court is a Court of Record having
General Jurisdiction
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Carbondale City aforesaid this the 29 th day of December A.D. 1853 Wm Brennan Clerk