Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,807, for Absalom Smith, New Jersey

SERVICE
New Jersey
Smith, Absalom Susan
NUMBER
W.4807
CONTENTS
S. & in Monmouth Co. N.J. in 1754 or 1756, there at end. see in 1832, Williamsburg, Belmont Co. Ohio. d. Dec. 28, 1834

Mar. 1 Abraham Smith. Resident in the State of Ohio. who was a Private in the C o commanded by Captain Park, of the Reg t commanded by Col l Phillips in the War for one year.
Enscribed on the Roll of Ohio. at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Sept r . 1833 and sent to J. D. Morris. Batavia. Ohio Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 33. — 100. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Mar ch 34 20.
$ 120.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. M. Johnson Clerk, Book E Vol. 8 Page 25,

Ohio
H. 797
let 7 Jan 1840 J. L. McAdams.
Susan Smith widow of Absalom Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 28th December 1834 of Clermont Co. in the State of Ohio who was a Private in the Army. commanded by Captain Park of the Regt. commanded by Col. Phillips in the N. Y. line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio at the rate of 40 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of Decr. 1834 and sent J. A. H. Adams Williamstown O.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $140.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar. 40. 20.00 $160.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by H. H. Addison Clerk Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 219

V 3080 Susan Smith of Absalom Ohio

State of Ohio Clermont County ss
On this Twentysixth day of October Eighteen hundred and Thirty eight Personally appeared before me Daniel Kain a Justice of the peace of the County of ss Susan Smith a resident of the state of Ohio in the County of Clermont aged Seventy two years she being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Benifit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July the Seventh Eighteen hundred and thirty eight. That she is the widow of Absolum Smith who was a private in the revolution war of the United States made that he obtained a pension under the act of Eighteen hundred and thirty two She further declares that she was married to Absolum Smith in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty. That her husband the aforesaid Absolum Smith died on the twenty eighth day of December eighteen hundred and thirty four that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Nineteen hundred and ninety four Susan Smith In presence of mark
Debra Leonard
Sworn to and subscribed on
the day and year above written
Before me Daniel Kain J.P.
I Daniel Kain an acting Justice of the peace within and for the County of Clermont do certify that Susan Smith wife of the late Absolum Smith is in a manner blind and so crippled with old age and other bodily infirmity that she is not able to go to the Court without injuring herself Given under my hand this Twentysixth day of October 1838. Daniel Kain J.P.

State of Ohio Clermont County ss Before me Daniel Hain a Justice of the peace for the County of Clermont Personally appeared Ephraim M. Adams who being duly sworn according to law Deposeth and sayeth he was acquainted with Absolum Smith and his wife in the year Eighteen hundred and that they lived together as man and wife until death separated them, and that he new the said Absolum Smith to be a United States pensioner, and further this Deponent sayeth not Ephraim his M. Adams mark Sworn and subscribed To this twentyth day of Oct 1838 Before me Daniel Hain J.P. Thomas D. Hain
Woodbury J r Nov 1838 Wm J. S. Edwards Dear Sir after taking the greatest pains in my power I send you the Best Evidence i can. Produce the then pure Prays you may have compassion on him and send something if even so small an amount. Absolum Smith stands in no way under the act of 1832. I am Sirn Yours With grate Respect Wm J. Adams J. S. Edwards C P

The State of Ohio Clermont County } ss. I, J. D. Morris clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County, and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Daniel Rain Esquire before whom the within affidavits of Susan Smith, Catharine Smith and Ephraim M c Adams appear to have been sworn to and subscribed was the time of taking and subscribing said affidavits and now is an acting Justice of the peace within and for said County of Clermont duly commissioned and qualified and full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such in all Courts of record as well as elsewhere and that his several signatures within written are genuine In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common pleas at Batavia in said County this 31 st day of October A.D. 1838
J. D. Morris C.R.

This is to certify that J. Catharine Smith a resident of the State of Ohio and County of Clermont did this day appear before me Daniel Rain a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Clermont and made oath that she was well acquainted with Absalom Smith and Susan Smith his wife in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty and that they were then married and lived together as man and wife until his decease and that she the said Susan Smith still remain his widow
Sworn and acknowledged to Catharine her Smith this twenty day of August 1838. mark
Before me Daniel Rain J.P. The credibility of Catharine Smith is undisputable Daniel Rain J.P.

State of this Clermont County, ss.
On the first  right day of November 1832 personally appeared in open court before me Hon. Geo. D. Lawrence pres. Judge and John Emery, Isaac Whitaker and Robt. Haines Esq. Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County now sitting. Abraham Smith a resident of the town of Williamsburg in said County of Clermont aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his said oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He was born in Amwell County in the State of New Jersey in the year 1756 months not known. He has seen a record of his age in a Bible in the possession of one of his brothers that he believes was his father's family Bible - and that it is correct he has no record of his age. In May 1776 he volunteered under the command of Captain Parks. The regiment was commanded by Col. Phillips of Hunterdon County New Jersey. He lived in Amwell when he entered upon the term of service. Marched from Amwell to Elizabeth Town and guarded the points between there and Woodbridge. and was discharged in August following by Captain Phillips.
In 1780 in the spring campaign enlisted under Captain Joseph at his house. Officer Stout was Lieutenant. The same Col. Phillips  Parks  Stout was Colonel. He enlisted for three months and marched from Amwell to Elizabeth Town and lay there all winter. The British lay on Staten Island and the American Company under Capt. Utt were engaged in guarding against the British who lay on Staten Island - in the spring they took shipping and sailed to Monmouth. Then Gen. Washington marched his army to Monmouth. It was in wonderful hot weather. for many days it rained the way they went at one end  the British then Gen. Lee fought them and Deponent was in the Battle of Monmouth. After the battle of Monmouth they marched

to Trenton and then himself and some others retreated for nine months under Captain William Parkes. Ralph Gwyne was Lieutenant Col Phillips was the Col who commanded the regiment. The English took shipping about this time and went round into Virginia and Washington marched by land into Virginia near Little York. Then the French Army came in ships and helped Washington. Washington's Army went to work and threw up breast works all round the town but the side where the water was. Washington then sent word to the British Genl. to give up - and they sent word back that they wanted three days to consider it - and then they said they would back they would give up without Genl Washington would let them take away every thing they had - and after a while they surrendered - deponent helped to throw up the breast works at Little York. The reason deponent did not get a written discharge from Genl Washington was that a French General whose name deponent does not recollect wanted eighteen wagons to haul his baggage to Boston and deponent went as a teamster on this service from Little York where he lived in New Jersey some years after the war then moved to Virginia - from there to Red Stone - from there landed at Columbia in the State of Ohio - lived one year - then and moved to Williamsburg - Clermont County Ohio - staid there a month or two & then moved to a farm within two miles and a half of the last named place - staid there twenty odd years & moved back to the town in which he now resides. He knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except his brother John Smith who on White water in Butler County.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Signed to in Springfield Nov 8th 1872 - J. D. Morris Clerk Abraham Smith

Hannibal Mo 2 nd Dec 1832
10
Mr. Andrew Smith Williamsburgh Belmont County Ohio
20200
Abraham

The state of Ohio. Butler county. ss
Before me John Knorr one of the associate judges within and for said county personally came John Smith of said county of lawful age, and being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he knew a certain Absalom Smith of Williamsburgh Township, in the county of Clermont and state of Ohio, that said Absalom was said deponent's brother. That about the year 1777 said deponent returned home to his father's, in Hunterdon county , New Jersey. And was there informed that his brother Absalom was in the Army, listed in the five months service, and further this deponent says, that he saw the said Absalom Smith, in the service of the United States in fall of 1781 and the next summer and for a whole year, he deponent is very confident employed as a waggoner under Capt. Simmons, at York Town Virginia and also at Williamsburg, and saw him repeatedly during that time. And this deponent further says, that he has heard the said Absalom repeatedly say that he was in the battle of Monmouth, and some others, that this deponent does not recollect, but two other battles at least, and also that he the said Absalom was in the 3 months service.

And this deponent does truly believe that the said Absalom Smith were in said as much as 17 months during the Revolution and at one time believes said Absalom to under Capt. John Phillips of Huntingdon County New Jersey. And for this this deponent says not
Sworn subscribed to J. S. Smith before me this 23 d day of November 1832
John Knox Associate Judge
This may certify that I am well acquainted with John Smith the above deponent.
And that his statement is entitled to full credit Given Under my hand this 23 d Novem- ber 1832
John Knox Associate Judge
The State of Ohio Butler county ss
I John Reily Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the county aforesaid certify that John Knox Esq before whom the deposition herein before was taken and whose name is subscribed thereto to was at the time of signing the same an Associate Judge of the said court com- petent to administer the oaths and proper to the best of my knowledge
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal at Hamilton the first day of December One thousand eight hundred and thirty two
John Reily

W 20200
12 891.
Absalom Smith Belmont County State of Ohio
Return
Adm. L. Green
$40
J. D. Morris Clerk Belmont County State of Ohio Batavia Post office

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
24 April ~ 1829
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 subjuncted notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Absalom Smith. Belmont County Ohio
   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.     1806 1776 4 Private Capt. Park Col. Phillips Mounouth From Amwell 76 years Living Witness   Enlis 1780 3 " Capt. Joseph Witt, Lieut. Moses Stout Col. Phillips to Elizabethton Amwell 2 Additional   " 9 Teamster Lieut. Ralph Guye General Washington From Amwell to Elizabethton County Revolutionary   From Mounouth to Trenton into Virginia New Jersey  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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.
¶ 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 in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Ohio Clermont County Court of Common Pleas of the Term of November 1932.
Clermont County, ss.
On the right day of November 1932 personally appeared in open Court Otholon Smith an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed March 7 th 1932 and the said Court hereby declare their opin- ion 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 certify that it appears to them that James Prvins who has signed the preceding certificate is a credible person resident in Williamsburg Township in the County of Clermont and that John Boyd who has also signed the same is a credible person residing in Sterling Township, Brown County Ohio and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Jonathan D. Morris, Clerk of the Court of Com- mon Pleas of Clermont County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Otholon Smith for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 12 th day of November A. D. 1932.
J. D. Morris Clerk Clermont Common Pleas

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4807
Susan Smith Wid.
Absolam Smith Brn. N. J. lin
Act: July 7. 1938
Index:—Vol. the , Page 219
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓✓

3080
Susan Smith Ohio
admitted Pr. 1 yr. p 40.- Cap. Park Col Phillips R. J. mts
died 28 Dec 1834
Act 7 July 1838
J. A. M. Adams Williamsburg Ohio

Hoskinson to what time period?
Pen. Office
April 20, 1839
Died 28 th Dec. 1834 p 2
to that period
JH

Ex 100-100000-100000 series 100000
Batavia Ohio August 9 th 1833.
The Applicant returned to the application of a Statement in a handwritten type will see from the testimony of the witness that from the state of his mind, he cannot now state with precision, either the time of his entire service or of any one of the terms he served. The next best evidence has been reported to and three witnesses state, that
years since they conversed with Smith upon the subject of his service as a soldier of the Revolution. The first informed them that to where he served not less than three years in the Revolutionary War. Another witness states that seven or eight years ago he had a conversation with S d Smith on the subject of his Revolutionary service, and that Smith then told him that he was enlisted at one time for six and another for nine months in S d . War. S d John Smith states that he really believes "S d Abraham Smith was in service in "Muhlenberg's Seventeenth month in during the Revolutionary War". The applicant has claimed only for twelve months service and respectfully submits to the decision of the Department but when the testimony as it now is presented does not establish his claim for that period at least.

to a heaven for any longer time. When heaven The next time that I see you I will be as happy as May I be able to have a conversation with you I am in with great respect and Yours sincerely J. S. Edwards Atts. for Abraham Lincoln.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original letter.]
J. S. Edwards Esq. Confidential of President Washington City. D.C.

The State of Ohio Clermont County ss
I Jonathan D Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and for said County do hereby Certify that John W Robinson Esq before whom the within affidavit appears to have been taken and at the time of taking and subscribing the same was acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and sworn and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine —
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 28 th day of May A D 1853
J. D. Morris Clerk

State of Ohio Dearborn County
I personally appear before Mr. the undersigned as a Justice of the Peace in and for the above named County of Dearborn Solomon Smith who being duly sworn deposed and said 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 more than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades:
For twelve months I served as a private in the war of the revolution and for such service I claim a pension subscribed and sworn to Absalom his Justus before me this 16 th day of May A.D. 1833.
[Signature] Robinson J.P.

Mr. James Perrine of the town and township of Williamstown County of Clermont State of Ohio and John Boyd of the town and township of Williamstown County of Clermont State of Ohio do hereby certify that the following is a list of the names of the persons who have been well acquainted with Absalom Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the within declaration that we believe him to be seventy six years of age that he is a man of good character for veracity - but is very infirm and of feeble memory - this caused as we believe by convulsive fits to which he has been subject for seven or eight years past that he is reputed and believed among his neighbours to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to in open Court Nov 8th 1872 Is D Morris Clerk
James Perrine John Boyd

May 30.
Miss J. H. Johnson Home of Pensions Washington City
Washington City
W. H. Johnson
Ohio Circleville Susanna Smith

Where the under Signers Due certify that we have known Catharine Smith for twenty five years and that she at all times has been in good character and her oath is undisputed given under our hands This 2 nd of May 1839 George McMillen
R. T. McCord John Hain
The State of Ohio & Clarment County } S. S. I. D. Morris Clerk of the Court of Commonpleas in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that William Page and Daniel Hain Esquires are two of the Justices of the peace in and for said County of Clarment legally authorized to act as such and that their signatures within written are genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Commonpleas at Batavia in said County This 31 st day of May A. D. 1839-
I. D. Morris Clerk

Wm Burys Ohio 22. May 1839. Hon J. S. Edwards Sir I feel myself under some obligations to you for your kind ness to me for writing apr. me in the case of Mrs Malotte I now wish to oblige you in the case of Mrs Smith if you find the evidence sufficient please send something for the old lady Yours With Respect J. H. H. H.
Ohio Circleville Susanna Smith,

The State of Ohio } ss Clermont County }
Before me Wm. Page an acting justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Catharine Smith and made oath according to due form of law that she knew Absalom Smith and Susan Smith his Wife in the year seventeen hundred & eighty six and that they were married in said year by Nathan Stout New Jersey Hunterdon County and she has not since married any other person but is now the widow of said Smith. Dec d
Catharine her Smith mark Attest By Elizabeth Smith
Sworn to and subscribed before me This 16 th day of May A D 1839
Wm. Page J.P.
State of Ohio Clermont } ss County }
in and for said County
Before me Daniel Rain a justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Susan Smith and after being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath state that she never had any record of her marriage or of the birth of her children and that she never was any family record of. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20 th day of May 1839
Daniel Rain J.P. }
Susan Smith mark

State of Ohio. Clermont County } ss
Before me the undersigned authority of the Peace in and for the above named County personally came Susannah Smith Margaret Smith George Smith and Susannah Smith being duly sworn deposed and I will that they are well acquainted with Absalom Smith of Williamsburg Township. Clermont County Ohio Whom they also all informed and verily believe is an applicant for a pension under the law of June 7 th 1832. and therefore they verily believe from actual examination of the said Smith, that his mind is so impaired that it would be wrong to administer an oath to him at this time. This deponent further says that about years since they conversed (or had for some conversations ) with said Smith who upon the subject of his service as a soldier of the Revolution & said Smith then informed deponents that he served in said war not less than three years exclusive of his service performed as a waggoner to the French Army. Deponents further says that they do verily believe from actual conversation with said Smith on this subject that he is now incapable of specifying stating with precision the different tours of service performed by him in the war of the Revolution. Sworn to & subscribed before me This 6 th day of August 1833.
Susannah Smith mark Margaret Smith mark George Smith mark
Alex Blair J.D.
I certify that I am well acquainted with Susannah Smith Margaret Smith (who have sworn & subscribed to the above affidavit) & that they are creditable persons.
Alex Blair - J.D.
August 6 th 1833.

State of Ohio (Clermont County ss.)
Before me the undersigned a Notary of the Peace in & for the above named County herewith appeared Charles D. McManaman who being duly sworn deposes & states that about seven or eight years ago he conversed with Solomon Smith of Clermont County Ohio an applicant an deposed recently before him for a pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832 & in order to qualify himself for a write to his Congressman to see if he could obtain a pension and the deponent then said conversed with him that he was enlisted as a soldier in the war of the Revolution and that he enlisted at one time for six months & one other term for nine months. De- ponent understood from said Smith that he was a private in said war. Deponent now said Smith no the 4 th inst and very likely believes it from the state of his mind that it would be just then to admin- ister an oath to him at this time.
Given under my hand this 10 th day of
Charles D. McManaman
August 1833
Alex Blair J.P.
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Charles D. McManaman and that he is a credible person.
August 6 th 1833.
Alex Blair J.P.
State of Ohio (Clermont County ss.)
I Jonathan D. Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Clermont County Ohio certify that Alexander Blair before whom the within affidavit of Solomon Smith, Margaret Smith and George Smith appears and also the above affidavit of Charles D. McMan- aman who appears to have been taken who appears to have certified the credibility of said affiants was at the time of taking the same and still is one of the Justices of the for said County duly Commissioned and qualified to administer oaths, and the signatures of said affidavits & signatures which purports to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 9 th day of August 1833.
J. D. Morris Clerk

War Department Pension Office 12 th July 1853.
Sir
The evidence in support of the claim of Absalom Smith has been again examined. — The papers in the first instance were returned for the want of precision, as to the length of the different tours; in his amended declaration this difficulty has not been removed. — The papers are again returned and the applicant is particularly referred to note v of the accompanying brief.
The applicant is moreover informed that the Act of 7 th of June 1832 under which he claims a pension does not make provision for his service as Teamster to the French Army.
I am Sir Very Respectfully Your obed Servt J. L. Edward
J. L. Morris Esq Batavia Clermont County Ohio.

Jan 6. 1840.
Ohio.
Wilmington Dec 30
John G. Adams Cornish up Kennebec Washington City Charles Brown
and Jan 7. 1840 John with him Smith's paper

Williamstown, Ohio Dec 29 th 1834
Dear Mr. Edwards Commission of Pension I mean to send to your Department in Oct the affidavit of Wm Page in the case of Adam Smith and also of Gladys Smith Dec from which I have not had. Your advice I wish him to be examined and if there still is a lack of Evidence Please send him Patent Back with his Declaration and I will have the Pleasure of returning them to him Yours with Respect S. H. Hildreth
Mr. Edwards Com ss of Pen

1839
Oct 31
Francis H. Williams 1113 Perry Street Cincinnati Ohio
Dear Sir
Commissioner of Pension Washington
City
Bucaria Oct 20

The Court orders it to be certified that William Page Esquire who has this day appeared in open Court and deposes to a certain affidavit in substance of the claim of Susan Smith to a pension is a credible person and that his statements made in said affidavit are certain to be full of faith and credit and this Court believes them to be true.
The State of Ohio Clermont County } I. I. I. J. D. Morris Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the above is truly abstracted from the minutes of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Clermont in the State of Ohio at the term of October A. D. 1839 the same being the certificate of said Court that William Page is a credible person his testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas at Batavia in said County this 25 th day of October A. D. 1839.
J. D. Morris Clerk

1838 The late 10 April 1839 J. A. Matthews 2. 1/2 1839
Act 7 July 1838

State of Ohio Clermont County ss.
William Page being duly sworn in Open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of Clermont County Ohio was in his said oath states that he is the same person who in his capacity of Master of the Peace took the deposition of Mary Smith in support of the application for Julius Smith for a pension that he has been informed, and believes that said witness is now deceased, that at the time he (the deponent) wrote said affidavit the said witness was alive. Smith states her age this deponent does not now remember how old she stated herself to be but he distinctly remembers that it was a remarkable age and believes that she stated (at that time) that it was somewhere between ninety and one hundred years of age. said witness further at the time he took her deposition states that she had known said applicant for a pension and her deceased husband ever since their childhood that she was not at their wedding but knew of some kind of going to it and that she believed that said marriage took place at the house of a neighbor and that at the time of said marriage the parties there to live (as he believes)

in Huntingdon County in the State of New Jersey. This deponent does not remember the Christian name of said witness except as he is now informed of the affidavits made by said applicant for a peremptory writ. Therefore he does not state that Isaac A. Jones was present at the time said witness gave her said affidavit and made the statements herein above mentioned. He was acting as this deponent's adviser at and for the applicant for a hearing. Said deposition was taken as nearly as he now remembers some time about the first of last July but of this he is not certain. The reason why he did not include said statements in said affidavit was that he did not know them to be material at that instant, and further this deponent saith not.  Wm Page
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court October 22. 1839 Wm J D Morris Clerk