Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22300, for John Stearns, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Ways N. V.
Stearns, John Sarah
N 22 300
CONTENTS

4719 Pensions Wormwood
Sarah Stearns widow of John Stearns who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Pensioner
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars 88
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of April 49. and sent to
Hon. G. P. Mearns Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 86 Vol. 3
Reports in each case
Letter to G. B. McBeck with No 20: 49

Case of Mrs Sarah Stearns affidavit of Calvin Stearns.

State of New York
County of Clinton Co. Calvin Stearns of Beekmantown, in said County aged fifty six years on the second day of August last being duly sworn says he is a son of John Stearns deceased, and has heard his father say he served under Capt Wright and Genl Starks at Bennington, during the revolutionary war, and deponent verily believes that John Stearns named in the certificate of the Secretary of New Hampshire which accompanies this affidavit was the father of this deponent, and husband of Sarah Stearns applicant for a pension; Deponent further says he also believes his said father served a tour under Capt Sharrow in the year 1778 or 1779, and further says not.
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 10 th day of May 1842 and I Certify that Deponent is a Credible person. The word "May" written as an error
Calvin Stearns
George Moore Justice of the Peace
State of New York
County of Clinton Co. I the subscriber Clerk of said County certify that George Moore before whom the foregoing affidavit of Calvin Stearns was taken sworn on the tenth day of May 1842 was at said time a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that his signature above written is genuine. Witness my hand & official seal at Plattsburgh this twelfth day of May 1842.
J. John B. Skinner Clerk for B. M. Daughlin Deputy Clerk

Bateman Stearns assistant.
Plattsburgh N.Y.
Council
J. D. Woodcock Esq.

I Bateman Stearns of Hingham Chittenden County Vermont of lawful age do hereby say That I was fifty three years of age the second day of May last. That I have repeatedly heard Lieutenant John Stearns my father in his life time speak of having been himself in the United States Service in the revolutionary war, undoubtedly and quite likely in relation to places I have heard him say he was in said service at Blandensburg at Brimington and elsewhere, that he was in said service the year of 1777 that he was at the Battle of Brimington and in said service at that time and place. That ever since my remembrance he was called by his old and early associates Lieutenant Stearns
Hingham March 15 th A.D. 1843- Bateman Stearns
State Vermont March 15 th 1843 Chittenden Hingham County ss Personally appeared before me Bateman Stearns the signer of the foregoing statement and affidavit and subscribed his name thereto in my presence and made solemn oath that his said statement and affidavit contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth and I further certify that I am and have been for many years personally acquainted with the said Bateman Stearns, and that his character is good & his statements are entitled to full credit attest Nahum Peck Justice Peace
Clerk of Chittenden Co. Please to add your certificate seal & return to me by mail Yours Sincerely J. D. Woodward Plattsburg N.Y.

State of Vermont
County of Chittenden ss. I the subscriber clerk of said County do hereby certify that Nathan Peck (to before whom the within affidavit of Bateman Stearns was taken and sworn on the fifteenth day of March 1843 was at said time a justice of the Peace in and for said County and that his signature to the jurat of the within affidavit is genuine.
Witness my hand and official seal at Burlington this third day of June A D 1843
L. A. Standish, Dep: Clerk.
State of Vermont Burlington June 1843

Stearns, John Mass W22300
1817-1886
3653 ——— Vt. X Mrs Sarah Stearns decl. at July 4 1836.
Mrs. Sarah Stearns 1879 —
Stearns, John Mass W22300

State of Vermont District of New Haven,
County of Addison ss. On the 2 nd day of May
1838 Personally appeared before the Hon the Probate in of the District & County aforesaid Sarah Stearns a resident of Monkton in said County aged Seventy 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 provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4. 1836. That she is the widow of John Stearns who was a private in the revolutionary war and served as follows.
He resided at Holliston Massachusetts as she believes, marched to Quebec under Genl Arnold in 1775, & served under him one year. He was also in Bunker Hill Battle, served under Genl Stark & Col Warner as she believes. He also served eight months as she believes in 1780 & 81 in Col Wood's Regt Capt Harrow's Company & was discharged in 1781 after his marriage with her, she believes he served more than two years during the revolution. He made out some papers previous to his death at Monkton Vermont with a view to a Pension, which papers she supposes are at the Pension Office. She refers to them for a more particular statement of his services. She further declares that she was married to the said John Stearns by her maiden name Sarah Hamlin at Gammington Massachusetts in January 1781, by Rev James Briggs Presbyterian clergyman, and that her said husband died at Monkton aforesaid on the first day of July 1823. leaving her a widow. She has remained a widow ever since his death & is still his widow & unmarried. She has no documentary or record evidence of her marriage, or of her husband's services, except what accompanies this declaration.
I swear and subscribe to before me the day & year first above written
Sarah Stearns
Certify that the said Sarah Stearns is a credible person & that the foregoing are the original proceedings in her application for a pension. Witness my hand & official seal the day & year first aforesaid.
Harvey Munnell Judge of Probate

State of Vermont ss. I John P. Kimball Register of the New Haven District of Probate of Court for the District of New Haven in the County of Ashtabula State of Vermont. Do hereby certify that Harvey Myrnick is the Judge of Probate for the District aforesaid & that this signature annexed to the foregoing certificate is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my signature & the seal of the Probate Court at Vergennes in this District this 8 th day of May 1838.
J. P. Kimball Register

Susannah Pugh affid.

State of Vermont
County of Addison } Susannah Park of Monkton in said County aged fifty five years being duly sworn says that she is a daughter of John Stearns deceased and during his lifetime has frequently heard him relate his services, and has heard him say that he was a lieutenant in the actual service at Burlington the same year of the battle there, & that when the army moved away from that place, he was left sick at the house of a Mr Atwood, and remained there for some time, and until he had recovered his health, and that he joined the army the next year, & served a term under Captain Slarrow - said John Stearns, died at the house of Deponent on the first day of July 1823 leaving a widow Sarah Stearns who is still living with Deponent -
She has heard her said father relate his services and suffer- ings in going through the woods to Quebec in the early part of the war under Col. Arnold & Deponent further without
sworn & subscribed to before
me this twenty third day of April.
1846 & I certify that Deponent
is a highly credible witness,
Susannah Park.
William Hazard, Just Peace

W. 22300 :Rev. War.
June 27, 1905.
Madam:
In reply to your request for the military history of John Stearns , a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that his widow, Sarah (Hamlin) Stearns, applied for a pension May 2, 1838, at which time she was seventy-seven years of age and resided at Monkton, Addison Co., Vt.
She stated that her husband was a resident of Hollis, N. H., and served as follows:
In 1775, 1776 and 1777, he served under Col. W Warner, Generals Arnold and Stark; was in the campaign to Canada; also served as Second Lieutenant in Capt. Wright's company, Col. Nichols' regiment; and was in the battle of Bennington; more than 1 year.
In 1779; Private, under Capt. Slarrow in Col. Wood's Massachusetts regiment; 8 months.
Her claim was allowed for his service of 10 months and 23 days in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts troops.
They were married January 2, 1781, at Cummington, Mass., and the soldier died July 1, 1823. Their sons, Calvin and Bateman Stearns, and daughter, Susannah Partch, testified in the case.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. Sarah A. Dinwiddie, Fowler, Indiana.

which Crick April the 18 th 1781 This is to Certify where it may Concern that I have not paid John Stearns Ensign of this State pay as a soldier in my company in the woods Regiment which wage hased for eight months in the year. Also: Stephen Cpt

Stearns, John Mass. W 22300
John Stearns John Stearns
W. B. ...

Recd. Bennington July 1 st 1876 of John Stearns one gun which Stearns had in the Service the last year which he gave his Receipt for, But I have Left the Receipt for which this shall Be his Discharge John Cab 5 John Cab 5

Secretary of Massachusetts.
Boston.
Ms.
John Shames 356

State of Vermont County of Addison Town of Monkton
The Secretary of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of the service of my late husband John Stearns. During the revolutionary war.
He resided in Hollis N.H. and served more than one year during the years 1775. 76. 77 but I cannot give the details of his service nor names of his officers, except that he went through the woods with Col. Arnold into Canada, & was in the battles of Bannington as a Lieut in Capt Wright's Co. same of Task. Regt. N Hampshire Troops. He also as I believe served a tour of eight months in 1778. & 9 under Capt. Haws in Col. Wood's Regt. of Massachusetts Militia. I believe he served three months in the N. H. Troops in 1778. under Capt. Daniel Reynolds or eight months & five days under Capt. Gideon Hosmer during same year.
My maiden name was Sarah Hamlin. & I was married to said John Stearns at Cummington Mass. January 2. 1780. by Rev. Isaac Abbot Briggs a Presbyterian Clergyman. My said husband died at Monkton on the first day of July 1823. I have appointed J. D. Woodworth of Plattsburg N.Y. to act in the premises as my attorney. Witness my hand this fourth day of October 1843.
Signed by the said Sarah Stearns in my presence A. B. Webb Justice Peace
Sarah Stearns

Lt Col. G. Blade Dec. 18. '46
Lt. Col. D. Woodward
August 13. '47
Lt. to Name Sept. 17. '47
Lt to Hon. S. Lawrence
May 3. 1848
Lt. to same June 2. 48

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Oct 24 1843
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Stearns is to be found upon the pay roll of Capt. Elkanah Starrett (Col. Moot) from Aug 20 to Jan 11. 1777. 14 mos, 23 days as a private, and is all that appears upon the rolls, in this office.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno. A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

V air 42 9610 Sarah Stearns widow of John Stearns. act July 7 1838.
3958. 75 act 7 July 38. m 81. d 33.
The service of 75-6 nun This detailed nor proved Vol 23.29 Capt. Sparrow. aug 20:78. To Jan'y 11.79. 4mo.23
[scribble] admitted Pr: 10 mos. 23 days $35. \frac{88}{100} Com 4 March 1836 no deductions Hon: G. P. March. Washington J. Douglass Woodward Hoboken N.J.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of Vermont
County of Addison ss On this 6 day of November 1838, personally appeared before the Probate Court in for the said District in open court Sarah Stearns a resident of Monkton in said County aged Seventy 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 provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows That she is the widow of John Stearns who was a private in the army of the revolution and served as follows:
He resided at Hollis N.H. and as she believes served more than a year during the years of 1775, 1776, & 1777, but she cannot give the details of his service. He went with Col. Arnold in his campaign into Canada, and served under Col. Warner & Genl. Stark, & was in the Battle at Bennington. He also served a tour of eight months in 1779 under Capt. Harkness in Col. Wood's Massachusetts Regt.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Stearns on the second day of January Seven hundred & eighty one, and that her husband the aforesaid John Stearns died on the first day of July 1823, leaving her a widow, and that she was not informed of his service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time above stated.
I sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first above written in open court before me & I certify that Affiant is a credible person Harvey Merrill Judge of Probate
Sarah Stearns

State of Vermont
New Haven District
I John Root Buel Register of the Probate Court for the district aforesaid do hereby certify that Henry Munsill whose signature is annexed to the foregoing is the judge of said Probate Court & the said signature is his genuine signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said court at Vergennes, this 5 th day of December 1838
John Root Register

Sarah Stearns. amended declaration.

State of Vermont County of Addison ss. I, Sarah Thorne in addition to my declaration heretofore made to obtain a pension do declare that I have heard my husband John Thorne frequently say that he was a second Lieutenant in Capt. Wright's Co. under Genl. Stark. And I firmly believe that the person who served one month & twenty seven days in Bennington Vt. in 1777 as a second Lieutenant in said company was my husband.
(At the time of our marriage he was called by his acquaintances Lieutenant Thorne.) And I also believe that my said Husband served seven months with the New Hampshire Troops in 1778 under Capt. Daniel Reynolds or eight months & five days under Capt. Simon Marston during the same year. I have also heard my said Husband say he served a term of eight months un- der Capt. Hance in 1778 & 1779.
Sworn & subscribed to before me this 10 th day of May A.D. 1843 & certify that I believe it is a credible person
Sarah J. Thorne
A. B. Webb Justice Peace
State of Vermont Addison County ss. I, Samuel Swift Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison, do hereby certify that Aaron B. Webb, before whom the above affidavit appears to have been made is a Justice of the peace for said County, and I believe his name above written is his own hand- writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 16 th day of May 1843
Sam. Swift Clerk

22,300
WIDOW, &c.
June 27, 1905 Hist. to Mrs. Sarah A. Dinwiddie Fowler, Ind.
File No. 22,300
Sarah Stearns widow of John Stearns Pr. Rev. No.
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. 16 Page 248
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Lee Dinwiddie Lawyer and Abstracter Fowler, Ind.
LOANS NEGOTIATED. BEST RATES AND TERMS OBTAINABLE.
Adjutant General. Washington D. C. June 14. 03
Dear sir:
Will you be kind enough to let me know whether Sarah Hamlin Stearns, or Sarah Stearns was a Pensioner, of the U. S. on account of the services of John Stearns a volunteer soldiers in the Revolution ary War, from the State of Vermont?
Your information on this subject will be very greatly appreciated.
Respectfully
Mrs. Sarah A. Dinwiddie

10624
Wilmont Sarah Stearns Widow of John Stearns who was a pensioner under the Act of — and who died on the 1 st July 1823 of Addison in the State of N.Y. who was a Pri — in the Comp. commanded by Captain — of the Regt. commanded by — in the Revolution line for 10 Mo. 23 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Poulney at the rate of 35 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of April, 1849 and sent to Hon. Geo. D. Marsh Present
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by L. Rumph Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1. Page 141

Plattsburg N.Y. Augt 26. 1847
Sir
Among the papers of Mrs Sarah Stearns sent to the Pension Office is a document of which the following is a copy Rec d Bennington July 1. 1776. of John Stearns one gun which sd Stearns had in the service the last year, which he gave his rec t for to me But I have lost the receipt for which this shall be his discharge -  John Fapet for John Cobb Endorsed. Wm Stearns. John Stearns. } Bennington
It seems to me that the above document having been found among the papers of John Stearns on his decease, accompanied by evidence which I understand can be obtained from Paul Sturwood that he understood from Stearns and others that he went through the woods to Quebec, under Col Arnold in the early part of the war, will raise the presumption of such service. If you concur in this view, I will endeavor to procure the aforesaid evidence - If you do not, will you please to inform me where proof of the service in question may be obtained -
Respectfully Yours.
James L Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions. }
J. D. Woodward. Atty for the widows.

State of Vermont
County of Addison ss Paul Atwood of Monkton in said County aged eighty two years being duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with John Stearns late of said Town deceased, and has heard him speak of his services in the Revolutionary Army, and say that he served as a Private under Col. Arnold in the early part of the war, and accompanied as such private to Quebec in his march through the woods in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five. and Deponent only believes that said Stearns did so serve, and that the length of such service was at least eight months. Deponent further says that he has heard said Stearns say that after his marriage with Sarah Stanley at Cummington Mass about the year 1781 he went to Bennington Vt and after residing there awhile he removed with his wife to Monkton aforesaid. Deponent further says that said John Stearns died at Monkton aforesaid about the year 1823 leaving a widow whose name is Sarah Stearns, and that she is still a widow and resides in said Town -
Paul Atwood
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 13 day of March 1848 and I certify that Deponent is a credible Witness. —
Harvey Merrill Justice of the peace

State of Vermont } Addison County } 3
I, George S. Swift Clerk of the county court for the county of Addison in the state of Vermont, do hereby certify that Harvey Munsill, whose signature is attached to the within certificate, was, at the date thereof, is a justice of the peace within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified, and that I know said signature to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Middlebury in said county this 6 th day of April A.D. 1848.
George S. Swift Clerk of Addison County Court.

X 3653 — Vt.
Set. to J. Douglass Woodward, 1 Augt. 1838.
lit. to Hon. W. Glade 12. April 1839
• Act 6. July-1836

State of Vermont } Be it known District of New Haven ss
that before me Harvey Murnill judge of probate with and for the District of New Haven in Addison County personally appeared Paul Albrood a resident of Monkton in said County, of Addison age Seventy three who being first duly sworn, answered to Law Deposes and says that he was well acquainted with John Stearns late of Monkton of Addison deceased and that the aforesaid John Stearns served a tour in the Revolutionary War I think in Sutton's Company and Battery since under Capt Stearns but in what regiment or battalion he served also performed he does not know but he well remembers that the said John Stearns also served in pursuit of a Brother of his Dep- ponent by the name of Samuel Albrood who had deserted from the army, and thinks that the said John Stearns was as in the Battle of Bennington this Deponent lived in Bennington Vermont when he was first acquainted with said Stearns
David Root
Sworn & subscribed to on this 29 th day of November A.D. 1838 before me & I certify that the Deponent is a credible person
Harvey Murnill Judge

State of Vermont New Haven District
I the undersigned Register of the Probate Court in said district do hereby certify that Horatio Munroe whose signature is annexed to the foregoing is the judge of said Probate Court & the said signature is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court at Weybridge this 5 th day of December 1838
J. P. Linsley Register
Paul Atwood affid.

Paul Atwoods Affidavit. in case of Mrs Sarah Stearns,

State of Vermont.
District of New Haven Co. I, Paul Atwood of Montpelier in said County, aged seventy nine years, being duly sworn say, that I was well acquainted with John Stearns, late of Montpelier, aforesaid deceased, and first became acquainted with him at Bennington Bt. in 1777. He was then a Second Lieutenant in Capt. Wright's Company, Col. Nichols Regiment of New Hampshire Troops, and lived at Bennington aforesaid in the Summer of 1777, about two months when he was taken sick, and remained there several months after the Army left that place. The said John Stearns afterwards as I was informed and believe, served as a private under Capt. Sparrow in Col. Brown's Regt. of Mass. Troops; and entered as I understood for eight months in the Summer of 1778. Afterwards and about the year 1781, as I have been informed and believe the said John Stearns was married to Deborah Hamilton, and I knew them as husband & wife up to the time of his death, which took place at Montpelier aforesaid in 1828, or about that time. —
Paul Atwood
Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 19 th day of October 1844 and I certify that Deponent is a credible Witness. —
Roswell Atwood Just Peace
State of Vermont Addison County ss
I, Samuel Swift Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison do hereby certify that the within affidavit of Paul Atwood as made was at the time a Justice of the peace for said County and, I believe his name subscribed to the above certificate is his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23 rd day of October 1844.
Sam d . Swift Clerk

PAID
10
S. Swift Esq. County Clerk. Middlebury, Vermont.
J. S. Woodward Esq.
Plattsburgh New York
10
David Fuller Esq.

I Joseph Fuller of the town of Stockbridge in the County of Addison and State of Vermont appear and say that I have been acquainted with John Stevens in his life time, that from the time he entered the service at Bennington till he came to Monkton he entered the service in 1814 in Bennington and served there near as I can recollect two or three months he was elected a Lieutenant under Capt. Wright company under General Starks and was taken sick there and stayed in Bennington some months after the army left there and after he got better went and staid with Capt. Starks to the Atlantic and became to our house to my Father's for they both came from the Hampshire from one town and after a few months he went joined the army and was gone I should say a year and a half or more and came to Bennington again to my Father's and told of going to Redfield and a number of other places and stayed about there some time and then went to Comington and married there again by the name of Sarah Hornton and moved up to Bennington and then from there to Monkton where he died and his widow Sarah Stevens has applied for a pension attest
Joseph Fuller
State of Vermont } Stockbridge February 18 th 1843 Addison County ss } personally appeared before me Joseph Fuller and certify that the above statement is the truth and the whole truth and nothing but the truth and further more I have been personally acquainted with Joseph Fuller and his statement and his testimony is entitled to full credence  Heret Larson Horn Justice of the Peace State of Vermont County of Addison ss I the Subscriber Clerk of said County certify that Larson Horn before whom the foregoing deposition of Joseph Fuller was taken and sworn on the eighteenth day of February 1843, was at said time a Justice of the Peace and for said County duly qualified and that his signature above is genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Official Seal this seventeenth day of June 1843. Daniel Swift Clerk.

Mr Swift please to add your certificate & official seal & return to me by mail. Yours truly J. D. Woodward Pittsburgh, Pa.
J. Swift Esq. Crown & Colb. Hillsburg, Pennat.
PAID
10 3/4

Sarah Stearns. May 3 rd 1848
Levi Loomis with Dr & Caleb Harding. affid.
Chas
Sam L. Lawrence per P.M.

State of Vermont County of Chittenden ss 3
This may certify I Levi
Cooperwell In in said State & County aged 59 Years and I Caleb Harding of said County Wt. aged 70 Years. being duly sworn say that they were acquainted with John Stearns late of Monkton Addison Co Vt. deceased & Sarah his Wife more than forty Years ago.
We furthermore certify that we have often heard the said John Stearns say that he & others were marched from some part of the new England States under the command of Benedict Arnold through the Wilderness to Quebec & that he & others suffered very much in due on their journey, often being obliged to eat Horse & Dog flesh. So great was the scarcity of provisions. We furthermore certify that each of us have seen the said Sarah Stearns within a few days & learn from her that she will be 88 Years of age in Sept. next. Levi Cooperwell.
Sworn & Subscribed to
Caleb Harding.
before me this 5 day of
May 1848. I certify that
Depositions are credible.
Witnesses
Ferrisburgh Addison Co Vt.
May 5th 1848
C W Wickes Justice Peace

State of Vermont Addison County ss
I, George S. Swift Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison in the State of Vermont, hereby certify that G. W. Wicker, whose signature is attached to the within certificate, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the peace, within said county, duly commissioned, and qualified, and that I know said signature to be genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Middlebury in said county this 13 th day of May A.D. 1848.
George S. Swift Clerk of Addison County Court.

John Vanornam, affid.
in the case of Sarah Stearns,

State of New York County of Clinton ss. I, John Van Brummen of said County being duly duly sworn says that he is Eighty years of age & was born in Pownal Vt & lived there until he was twenty eight years old. During that time, he became acquainted with John Stearns who said he came from New Hampshire, & that he left home in 1775, with John Vanbrummen (and uncle of Deponent) to go into the United States service. They went from Pownal adjoining Bennington, Vt, and were absent one year, and when they returned, Deponent heard them both say, that said John Stearns had served a tour through the woods to Quebec under Col. Moorhead; and Deponent from what he understood at the time, very likely believes, that he did so serve. Deponent understood that said Stearns was a Lieutenant for a short period, and was at Bennington about the time of the Battle in the autumn of 1777. & has heard since called by his early acquaintances Lieutenant Stearns. Some of the inhabitants of Bennington informed Deponent that said Stearns was left sick at that place when the army left there, after the Battle. Deponent has been informed and believes, that said Stearns after that time, & after his company was disbanded, served a tour as a private under Capt. Plarrow, in Col. Wood's Mass. Regt. Deponent saw said John Stearns at Monkton about the year 1795, at which place he died, as Deponent has been informed and be- lieves. — He was acquainted with him.
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 30 th day November December 1848. I certify that Deponent is a credible witness. James B. Stearns Justice of the Peace
John Van Brummen

State of New York Clinton County ss
I W R Jones Dept Clk of said County do hereby certify that James B
McLean
the Herk Co NY whose names subscribed to the within Jurat and whose matter was on the day of the date thereof a Justice Peace in & for said County, duly qualified to act as such, and that I well acquainted with his handwriting and believe his signature to be genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of said County the First day of Jany AD 1849
W R Jones Dept Clk

Plattsburg N.Y. Dec 11. 1838.
Col: Edwards Comr re
Sir.
In yours of August 1. 1838 (enclosed) you say "the last term (of service) is shown by the rolls to have been rendered in 1779 whereas the marriage took place on the 2 d of January 1782, erroneously stated in her declaration January 1781 so as to give it a date anterior to the alleged date of the termination of the service under Capt Sharrod."
It is supposed a reference to the declaration alluded to will show the above remark to have been founded in error. But if not, my letter of the 11 th of July 1838, & the affidavit of Mr Packard which accompanied the declaration states the marriage to have taken place in January 1781. It is therefore apparent that the date of the marriage in her declaration, was not intentionally "erroneously stated so as to give it a date anterior to" -
She has as yet been unable to procure evidence of her husband's services after the marriage, & hence her application under the law of July 7. 1838. The declaration under that act is enclosed.
Yours respectfully J. Douglas Woodward for the widow

Secretary of Vermont Certificate in case of Mrs Sarah Stearns widow of John Stearns dec.

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Burlington May 2. 1847.
I D. Merrill Shapton Secretary of State of Vermont hereby certify that upon an original pay-roll of "Capt. Isaac Tichenors Company Col. Ben: Maltbridges Regt." I rather Tichenore commanding a unit in this office occurs the name of John Stearns with an allowance to him for fourteen days service at Castleton. and for sixty miles travel.
I further certify that an other like recaded pay-roll of Capt. Jeremiah Dorells company occurs the name of John Stearns with an allowance to him of $1. 3-8. for service from the commencement of the campaign to June 30. 1781.
I further certify that upon another like recaded pay roll of Capt. Jeremiah Dorells company occurs the name of the said John Stearns with an allowance to him for one hundred & fifty days service from July 1 st 1781.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of this office May 2. 1847.
D. Merrill Shapton

James L Edwards Esq Comr. of Pensions Washington D. C.

Plattsburg NY. Octr 28. 1844.
Sir,
It seems from the enclosed letter of Mr Emerson P. M. of Hollis N. H. that the records of that Town afford no evidence of the service of John Stearns in the revolutionary army.
Paul Atwood however in his affidavit enclosed corroborates Josiah Fuller (whose deposition is on file) as to the services of Mr Stearns under Capt Wright and in Col. Woods Reg't. For such service the widow supposes herself entitled to a pension.
Very Respectfully, Yours.
James L Edwards Esq.
J. D. Woodward.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C.
Atty & c

Extract from an orderly Book Nov 16. 1776.
May
I have just recd the papers please examine them & advise me as to their bearing on the case
S. Garrison
May 29. /48

Extract from an Orderly Book Nov 16. 1776 See Sparks Life of Washington 4 th Vol. Page 30.
Motives of economy rendering it indispensably necessary, that many of the Regiments should be reduced, and the whole put upon a different establishment, several deserving Officers, not from any demerit, but from necessity have been excluded in the new arrangement of the Army.
Among these was Col. Whitcomb: but the noble sentiments disclosed by that Gentleman upon this occasion, the zeal he has shown in exhorting the men not to abandon the interest of their country at this important crisis, and his determination to continue in the service even as a private soldier, rather than by a bad example, when the enemy were gaining strength to put the public affairs to hazard: When an example of this kind is set, it not only entitles a gentleman to particular thanks, but to particular reward -
Col. Jonathan Brewer is entitled to no small share of credit in readily giving up to Col. Whitcomb the Regiment which he was appointed to command. Col. Whitcomb therefore is henceforward to be considered as Col. of that Regiment which was intended for Col. Brewer and Col. Brewer will be appointed Barrack Master until something better worth his acceptance can be provided -

Recd evidence of the marriage Jan'y 2. 1782.

I Eliphalet Packard Clerk of the town of Cummington in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts find the following on the records of said town to wit
A person of Marriage between Doctor John Stearns and Mrs Sarah Hamlin both of Cummington made public the third day of September one thousand seven hundred and eighty also - John Stearns Married to Sarah Hamlin January Second one thousand seven hundred and eighty one By the Rev James Briggs
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows to the publication 3 d day of Sept 1780 and to the Marriage January 2 1781 Eliphalet Packard Town Clerk
I Eliphalet Packard above named depose and say that I hold the Office Town Clerk in the County town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Cummington with the exceptions above named as certified by me Cummington May 8 1838
Eliphalet Packard } Town Clerk of Cummington
Sworn to before me - Wm Packard Justice of the Peace. This 8 May 1838
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that William Packard Esq., before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this sixteenth day of May A. D. 1838
S. F. Lyman Register of Probate.

Monkton Vt. July 5. 1847
Jas L Edwards Esq Comr. of Pensions.
Sir,
I do hereby revoke all power given by me to Mr Wade or any other person in regard to obtaining a pension for me from the United States, as the widow of John Stearns deceased and I authorize J D Woodward of Plattsburg N.Y. to obtain such pension and act as my attorney in the premises and wish you to correspond with him on the subject. Witness my hand and seal this day and year first above written.
Yours Respectfully,
In presence of Warren Partch Susannah Partch Calvin Stearns
Sarah Stearns

Plattsburg March 20. 39
Mrs Wm Slade,
Miss
You will oblige Mrs Sarah Stearns one of your constituents, by addressing a note to Col Edwards requesting him to investigate her case, & report the result to me. Her declaration was prepared from her statement when here, & afterwards sent to Judge Munsell who took her oath to the same. — Col Edwards informed me before I last sent her papers, that her statement was incorrect, I do not think intentionally so, & the evidence clearly proves the marriage & eight months service of her husband. — perhaps the rolls at Washing- -ton will prove other services. — you are aware that business of the members has a preference at the Pension Office —
Yours respectfully J. D. Woodward for the widow.

FREE
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Plattsburg N.Y. May 16. 1842.
Sir.
I enclose additional evidence in the case of Mrs Sarah widow of John Stearns showing a service of one month & twenty days under Capt. Wright. Her son is confident this is the tour described by Mrs Stearns as having been performed by her husband at Bennington in 1777. So she is entitled to an allowance for six months & twenty days service. Yours very Respectfully J. D. Woodward James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions. Washington. D.C.

Office of Secy of State Concord Aug. 15. 1846. }
J Woodward Esq.
Sir.
Your favor of the 7th was duly received, and I have made careful search to find the place of residence of Lt John Stearns, but find none. There is no further evidence than that you refer to in vol 1. Book 2 page 54 of his service except his name is found among other officers as having rations due them. Not all of the rolls of revolutionary service are in our office, consequently many a poor widow will be cheated out of her just due. I presume that the evidence is in the office of the Pension agent at Washington, if you can only get at it.
Yours very truly S. P. Wetmore Depty Secy of State for New Hampshire

Plattsburg NY. Dec. 25. 1845
Sir
On behalf of Mrs Sarah Stearns (whose sons reside here, save frequently calling to enquire after her case,) I have to request a re-examination of her case; which is supported by evidence of her husband's service as a private 4 months & 23 days under Capt. Slarrow in Col. Wood's Mtn. Regt., & one month & 27 days as 2 d Lieut. in Capt. Wright's Co. The identity of the applicant's husband is shown by the affidavits of Josiah Fuller, Bateman Stearns, & Paul Sturwood; her marriage is proven by the Records of the Town of Cummington - No answer to my letter of Oct 28, 1844. enclosing additional evidence in this case (deposition of Paul Sturwood) has been received.
Respectfully Yours J. D. Woodward for the Widow.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Court of Pensions Washington D. C.

Plattsburg N.Y. July 21. 1847.
Sir,
I have always supposed the claim of Mrs Sarah Stearns for a small pension to be well founded; and was surprised to find during my recent visit at Washington, that I had been supplanted by Mr Wade.
Mrs Stearns having revoked his power, and authorized me to continue as her attorney, I have on her behalf to request your early attention to the case.
Respectfully Yours.
J. D. Woodward.
James L Edwards Esq Court 12 Washington

Washington Apr 15 49
Sir
I herewith enclose additional evidence which appears to me to sup- ply the defective links in the case of Sarah Stearns, widow &c. I hope it may be deemed sufficient, and am yours respectfully Geo. S. Mansfield
Col. Redmond } Comm. Pensions }

Newton Sept 21. 1846 Sir
You will here correspond with Mr. Ward of Herk Wagen County, New York relative to the claim of Sarah Storms of Newton Vermont an applicant for a pension under act of Congress of Feb. 1842 for P. D. Edwards Bdy commissioners of Pensions Washington D. C.
Respectfully Sarah Storms

Rose, New York, November 20 th 1844.
Sir,
Relative to the particulars, of Samuel C. Booge, application for a pension, I have the honor to inform you, that application was made, about the year 1828, probably under the act of 1815, - supposed mailed at Washington St Lawrence on N.B.
We only ask to be informed, whether the proofs filed, are sufficient, to establish the service satisfactorily, - to entitle the widow, - marriage identity, &c, being duly established.
If service is not satisfactorily established, please give us the particulars of service, as offered by said Booge, that same may be examined for such proofs as may be required.
I am respectfully Your obed t Serv t W. L. Mude
From G. D. Gilwood, Com y of Pensions Washington Feb 1 st 45
No such letter sent on or after 1818 if 1828 - books and papers ordered
Col 139.1846

James L Edwards Esq Court of Pensions Washington D. C.

Plattsburg NY Nov. 4. 1843
Dear Sir,
I enclose additional evidence in the case of Mrs Sarah Stearns.
We think her husbands services as a Lieut at Bennington in 1777 and in private in Woods Regt in 1778, satis- -factorily proven
Very Respectfully
J. D. Woodward
James L Edwards Esq Cinc. O

War Department,
Pension Office,
Sir,
June 4 th 1839.
In the case of Mrs Sarah Stearns, widow of John Stearns, dec d , under the Act of 7 th July 1838, the allegation that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, contradicts, in terms, her declaration under the Act of 4 th July 1836. The only term of service duly set forth, so as to admit of satisfactory adjudication, is an alleged service of 8 months under Capt. Sharrow, in '78-9, which is shown by the rolls to have commenced on 20 th Aug t '78, and terminated 11 th Jan y '79 - 4 months 23 days allowed on pay roll. The alleged service in '75-6, as heretofore communicated, is neither detailed nor proved as the regulations require. Her papers are placed on our files.
Very respectfully,
Y. Morris
J. L. Edwards
J. Douglass Woodward, Esq., Plattsburg, N. York.

Stearns. Mrs Sarah Stearns
Col Edwards. Sir -
Mrs Stearns has made her Declaration under the act of July 7. 1838. & the same was enclosed in my letter of Dec 11. 1838. — The Papers are supposed to be on file in the Pension office, & she wishes her Pension Certificate sent to me by mail & I am respectfully S. D. Woodward Plattsburg N.Y.

War Department
Pension Office
April 12. 1839
Sir,
The papers of M rs Sarah Stearns, whose claim is referred to in the enclosed letter, have been examined. It is very clear, from the evidence produced, that the claimant was not married until after her husband quit the service. If she is entitled to a pension, it is under the provisions of the act of July 7. 1838, a copy of which is herewith enclosed.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obtd. Servt.
Geo. W m Brown
Hon. William Slade Middlebury Vermont

For
J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed you will see - in an affidavit bearing upon the case of Sarah Stearns who applies from Clinton County N.Y. for a Pension for the Rev services of her late husband Please examine & advise as of the result
Yours truly
S. L. Loomis
H. of R. April 24. /48

Pension Office.
August 8. 1843
Sir,
I return you the amended declaration and additional evidence of Mrs. Sarah Stearns, which should accompany the evidence afforded by the rolls lately returned to the Office of the Secretary of Massachusetts.
The claim of having served as a Lieutenant in 1777, at Bennington, is somewhat impugned by the fact, that he is shown to have served as a private in 1777. It is true that Colonel Wood's regiment was in service eight months from May 1778, but her husband joined it on 20 th August of that year.
I Am very respectfully, Your ob t Servant.
J L Edwards
J. Douglass Woodward Esq., Plattsburg New York.

Chattanooga N.Y. July 11. 1838
Col. James L Edwards Com't
Sir
Mrs Sarah Stearns states that her husband was discharged from the service after his marriage which it seems took place May 2 1781.
If the Discharge & Paper of her husband John Stearns under the act of 1818 are on file there will be no difficulty in testing the accuracy of her statement. —
She applied to me some time ago, but until recently evidence of the marriage was not obtained. —
Yours resp A. D. Woodward for the widow

Washington June 23. 1847.
Sir,
The statements of Mr. Josiah Fuller in his affidavit taken before Landon Ward J.P. in Feby 1843 without any knowledge of their relevancy are corroborated by the deposition of Mrs. Susannah Parsh enclosed. [Whether the husband of Mrs. Stearns performed the tours mentioned in the certificate of the Secretary of Vermont dated January 2. 1847 I have not been able to ascertain] The Rec't. of John Cobble dated July 1. 1776. "for one gun which John Stearns had in the service the last year" leads to the belief that Stearns performed the tour his widow describes under Col. Arnold in the early part of the war. We think there is abundant evidence to justify a pension in this case for 4 months & 23 days under Capt. Starnes & one month & 27 days under Capt. Wright.
Respectfully Yours J. D. Woodward. Atty for the widow.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr. of Pensions.

Post Master Kollis. N.H.
free American J. D. Woodward Esq. Platbury N. Z.

Hollis Sept 14 1811
Dear Sir
I spent yesterday afternoon in searching our some records but could not find any John Stearns Ifuna Joseph & Isaac Stearns were not often but Ifuna no John. I will see our old Revolutionaries and if I can get any information I will let you know
Yours as
Emerson

Sec. 1. & 2. of Chap. Woodward, June 4. '39 Same. May 26. 1842 Same Aug. 8. 1843 —
Act July 7. 1838

Hon. L. Stinson May 7. 44 J D Woodward Dec 17 — same — Jan 15-46 Lt Col G. Clarke Oct 29. 00

8526 Pmt. Wermant
Sarah Stearns widow of John Stearns, who was a Private, in the Revolution. husband died 1st July 1833
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of April, 1844, and sent to Hon. G. P. Marsh, Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a Vol. 2 Page 147  69

Sarah Stearns, Widow of John Stearns, act July 7. 1838.

Sarah Stearns, widow &c.
Her marriage is proven to have been solemnized at Cumn- -mington (by record evidence) January 2. 1781.
She alleges that her husband John Stearns served a year in 1775 & 1776 and went through the woods to Quebec with Col Arnold.
Proof on this head the affidavits of Paul Alwood, Levi Cogswell, Caleb Harding, & John Vanornam, and an ancient paper found among his papers on his decease. "Rec d Bennington July 1. 1776 of John " Stearns one gun which sd Stearns had in the service the " last year which he gave his rec t for to me. But I have lost the " receipt for which this shall be his discharge " John Fasset. Jr. John Cobb." " (Endorsed) Wm Stevens John Stearns, Bennington.
She also alleges her Husbands service as a Lieut of Capt Wrights Co for a few weeks. —
Proof. the records of that Company showing his service for four months and 27 days. and the affidavits of Josiah Fuller, Calvin Stearns, Susannah Parch and John Vanornam -
She also alleges that her Husband served under Capt Starrow in Col Woods Mass Reg t , and the Rolls of that Company prove his service for 4 months & 23 days.

Sir,
Pension Office, May 7 th 1844.
I have the honor to inform you that the additional statements and evidence in the case of Sarah Hearn, have been examined and filed. The allegations of service under Captain Daniel Harnell, or Captain Vimen Marston, are not sustained by the rolls of those Companies which are full and complete. And the evidence is not sufficient to satisfy the Department that the 2 nd Lieutenant in Wright's Company, Nichols' Regiment (New Hampshire) in 1777, was the private in Captain Harnell's Company of Massachusetts Militia in 1778; probably the town records of Wolke may identify the 2 nd Lieutenant of Wright's Company.
If any papers have been sent in the case of Sarah Hester since my letter to Mr Woodward of the 11 th November last, it should be stated when and by whom transmitted.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obedt Servant, J. L. Edwards
Hon. C. H. Henson, House of Representatives

Rose N.Y. Oct 14 th 1841
Sir,
I beg leave to request the honor of being informed of the objections to the admission of the claim of Sarah Strarns , an applicant for a pension from Addison Co Vermont, - She is unable to state which act says, "She applied some 8 or 10 years since for a pension,"
I am Respectfully Your obed Servt, W G Wade
Thos G L Edwards Comm of Pensions Washington D.C.

Rose, New York, November 30 th 1846.
Sir,
This is the case of Sarah Stearns & John Stearns & John
In the case of Sarah Stearns an applicant for a pension from the Government. They leave to request that an examination of the papers filed by her late husband John Stearns, an applicant for a pension under act of Congress of 1818. may be made, that a more minute description of his services may be obtained, and of the records in your office do not support such declaration. I would respectfully request that we be informed, of the service he asserted to have performed, that as may be the better prepared to establish it.
It is asserted that his original discharge was recorded with his declaration, and that his having property alone , prevented his receiving such pension.
I am respectfully Your obedt Servt H. C. Wade
Hon J. H. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions Washington

Plattsburg N.Y. June 12, 1843
Sir.
The Friends of Mrs Sarah Stearns have recently forwarded me the enclosed affidavits. The witnesses appear to identify her husband as the person who served one month and twenty seven days as a Lieut in Capt Wrights Co at Bennington Vt in 1777. It would seem from Mr Fullens affidavit, that he (Stearns) served a tour in Rhode Island. The Rolls of the Companies mentioned in her amended declaration may throw light on the case. A tour of four months, & 23 days under Capt Stearns has already been proven
Yours Respectfully
Geo L Edwards Esq Counsel
Washington D.C.
J. D. Woodward Atty for the Widow.

Plattsburgh Clinton County NY.
Nov 2 6 th 1847
Will the Dep ty Adm r have the kindness to inform me by letter whether Mrs Sarah Stearns of Munton Adison County Vermont has a pension or not. When she obtained it. How much she is entitled to. How much she has drawn and who drew it for her. Mrs Stearns requests me to address the Department upon the subject matter of the above inquiries as she fails to get her money.
Very Respectfully
J B McBeckwith
Can Mr Cole afford me any information in the above case and oblige
Yours
 35 88  11 1/2  17 94  39 46 3/4  75 20 3/4