Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6177, for Isaac Stearns, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Stearns, Isaac or Stearnes, Lucy
N. 6177 B.L.W. 40698-160-55-
CONTENTS

245. 222 b Oct Mar. 3. 77 May 12. '76
Lucy 6/5  John Stearns. mid. Isaac Stearns. fri. Stearns
Ms 40698 ip
Chas. war Pur? Oct Feb. 3. 1853.
July 53-5651 ad: 160000, Sept: 3756. Blyth
Wilson Fl. Clarke New Haven Conn
Vol S=2=88

21.397  Maria Chapots  Maria Stearns of Woburn in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Noble of the Regt commanded by Col. Houghton in the Mass line for 12 Mths & 15 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Maria at the rate of $1 Dollars 67 - Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Sept  1833 and sent 10.00  Bishop  Tracy  Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833  $104.17 Semi-ant. allowance ending March  20.83  $125.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. H. & Co. Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 79
19 July 1833
76
Alpha

5.637
Connecticut Lucy Stearns, widow of Maj. Isaac Stearns who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 11 dollars 67 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 7 th day of February 1853 and sent to
Wilson H. Clark New Haven E.P.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 203. Vol. 36
148222
P. H. Francis, May 10/60

13909 Isaac Stearns Maj
Print 12 mo 15 days
16. 1606
May 21 1833
PA04
40.00 1.17
41 6 3/4
83.34
20.85
104.17
H. W. Bishop
Lenox Mass

BRIEF in the case of Isaac Stearns Co of Berkshire in the State of Mass (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1775 enlisted. 6 private Col Noble, Benedict Arnold   1776 " 2 " Col Easton   1777 volunt y 1 15 " Col Darny, Major Sackett   1780 " 3 " Col White, Col Brown   12 15  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? some fighting and skirmishing  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionaly few living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? the papers are not properly attatched - one witness is before me and there are not neither of the magistrates are officially certified 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George S. Pyle
Examining Clerk.

Bounty Land Claim.
State of Connecticut } ss. County of New Haven }
On this Sixth day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, Susy Stearns aged 74 years, a resident of Orford in the State of Connecticut who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Isaac Stearns deceased, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain the Revolutionary War in the Regiment of Infantry Mfct. Troops in the war declared by the United States against Great Britain, on the 18th day of June, 1812. After the Revolution for which service a That her said husband Pension certificate issued under the act of 32 Sct. 1859 on or about the  day of  A. D.,  for the term of  and continued in actual service in said war for the term of  and was  at  on the  day of  A. D.,  She further states that she was married to the said Isaac Stearns in Farmington on the 19 th day of September A. D., 1881 by one Rev. Asahel Porter a Congregational Clergyman and that her name before her said marriage was Susy Pratt that her said husband died at Lanesborough Mass on the 19 th day of January day of Sept A. D. 1838 and that she is a widow at the date of executing this her declaration, and having obtained a Bounty Land warrant under act of  for  acres, No.  which she has legally transferred and disposed of, and not within her power to return, she refers to said declaration for evidence of her husband's service, and her marriage, &c.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under act approved March 3, 1855. She also declares that she has never received nor applied for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress, except as above stated.
Susy Stearns
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written; and I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in said claim.
Wilson H Clark  Notary Public
AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES.
STATE OF Connecticut } ss. COUNTY OF New Haven }
On this Sixth day of March A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty- Six personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, Henry Dunham and Siodamia Woodruff residents of the State of Connecticut and County of New Haven who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they are personally and well acquainted with Mrs. Susy Stearns who saw her sign her name (or make her mark) to the foregoing declaration, that they know her to be the identical person therein represented, and that she is now a widow; and they swear they are disinterested witnesses.
Henry Dunham
Siodamia Woodruff
STATE OF Connecticut } COUNTY OF New Haven }
The foregoing Declaration and Affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Wilson H Clark Notary Public

Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these presents, That I,
of the County of
and State of
and the widow of
deceased, who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the United States, under existing Laws granting Bounty Lands to the officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs, for services rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney or attorneys under him, for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do, or cause to be done, in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this
day of
, in the year one thousand eight hundred and
fifty-
Acknowledged and subscribed before me a and State of
this
in and for the county of
day of
, 185
765-112
BOUNTY LAND.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Mrs. Lucy Stewart Widow of Isaac Stewart
Wm. H. Eastman
PRESENTED BY
WILSON H. CLARK,
Attorney, New Haven, Ct.
J. H. Benham's Steam Press, 35 Orange Street, New Haven.

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven, } ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
Alfred H. Ledy Clerk
of New Haven County, and of the Superior Court within and for New Haven County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify:
Nathaniel J. McCoysan Esquire
was on the 29 th day of November 185 5 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the Laws of this State, to take the acknowledgement of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take affidavits and depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts, and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged, and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at the City of New Haven, in said County and State, on this 28 th day of January A. D., 185 6
Alfred H. Ledy Clerk.

State of Connecticut } Declaration of Lucy Stearns for Pension County of New Haven } under act of February 3d. 1833
On this 29 th day of November A.D. one thou- sand Eight Hundred and fifty five, personally appeared in Open Court, before me Nathan J. Wil- coxson judge holding said Court. Within and for the Probate District of Oxford in said New Haven County Lucy Stearns — a resident of the town of Oxford in said District, aged 74 years. Who being sworn according to Law doth on oath declare and say that she is the Widow of Isaac Stearns — Who was a private in the Company commanded by Capt in the Regiment of Infantry commanded by Col in the War of the Revolution — She is unable to ascertain his service — That her husband resided in Massachusetts and entered the Service in the Regiments raised by that State as she believes — that he served for a period of about Seven Months as she thinks, from what she heard him say — That she drew a pension in his behalf under the act of 1832 - January at the Massachusetts agency at Boston — That the papers were all prepared in the life time of her said husband but before they were forwarded he died. She then sent on the papers to the Department and received the arrears due which then amounted

to between Seventy and Eighty Dollars — That she resided in Lanesborough Mass at the time his papers were made out —
She further states that she was married to her husband at Farmington Connecticut on the 19 th day of September 1831 by one Rev. Noah that her maiden name was Lucy Hart Porter a Congregational Churchman that that her said husband died at Lanes- borough Mass on the 19 th day of January 1883 — That she has not intermarried since the decease of her said husband and is at this date unmarried and still remains his Widow She makes this application in order to obtain the pension to which she may be entitled under the act of 3d of February 1853 — The reason why she has never before applied for her pension is that she has not had the opportunity of knowing that she was entitled to a pension till this fall. She refers to the papers on file upon which the pension was allowed her said hus- band for evidence of his service and 4 — "The words" that her name before her said marriage was Lucy Hart" were interlined before signing by her ————— Lucy Stearns
Witnesses
Diadama Woodruff Wilun W. Clark

Sworn to and subscribed before me Nathan J. Wilcoxson Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Oxford on the day and year above written
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the affiant, and know that she is a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth and that she appears to be of the age stated. In Witness Whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of said Probate Court at Oxford the day & year above written
Nathan J. Wilcoxson Judge

State of Connecticut County of Hartford p-
On this 24 th day of January 1856 before me Wilson H. Clark a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the State of Connecticut per- sonally appeared Chauncy D. Bowles aged 43 years, who being sworn according to law dith on oath declare that his town clerk for the town of Farmington in Hartford County, and keeper of the records of marriages for said town of Farmington, having been appealed to for evidence of the marriage of Isaac Stearns of Lanesborough Massachusetts & Lucy Hart and on examining said record I find the following entry viz -
" Farmington Oct. 12. 1831. This certifies that the " following named couples were by me legally " joined in marriage at the times severally " specified - viz. Sept. 5. 1831 Henry S. North " & Angelica V. Meigs both of Middletown. " (11 th ) Augustus B. Woodruff & Belinda D. " Jones. both of this town (19 th ). Isaac " Stearns Lanesborough (Mass) & Lucy Hart " of Berlin (29 th ) George D. Bowles & Charlotte " Phelps both of this town (Oct. 9) John Smith " & Julian Mix, both of town (Oct. 9) William " Mason of Hartford & Abby Freeman Colden " (11 th ) James Blakeslee Middletown & Alice W. " bone of this town.
Test. Noah Porter
Pastor of the Chh in Farmington
Farmington Jan'y 24 th 1856
I certify that the above

foregoing is a true copy from the Records of Marriages of the 5 this town attest C. D. Bowles
Town Clerk
Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above Written; and I certify that I examined the original record of which the foregoing purports to be an Extract and compared said extract with the original and find the same to be a correct copy
Wilson A. Clark Notary Public

State Connecticut County of New Haven
On this 29 th day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, before me Nathan J. Wilcoxson a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of New Haven in said State person- ally appeared Henry Sanham aged 49 years a resident of the Town of Oxford in said County Who being sworn according to law, with an oath declare and say, that he was well ac- quainted with Isaac Stearns of Lanesborough Massachusetts in his life time, and also with his wife Lucy Stearns now of Oxford Con- necticut. I was present and saw them married. They married at Farmington in this State on the 19 th day of September 1831  1831 by me Rev. Noah Porter a Congregational Clergyman, that her name before her marriage was Lucy Hart. I know that they lived togeth- er as husband and wife till his decease which took place on or about the 19 th day of January 1833. I called on them when they lived in Lanesborough and visited in the family I know that he was reputed to have served in the Revolution War for a while but how long I cannot say. I know that Lucy  Henry Stearns now resides at Oxford in this State, is single and unmarried, and still remains

his widow -
Henry Durham L.S.
Sworn to and acknowledged subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with the affiant and know him to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth -
Nathan J. Wilson Justice of the Peace
Morton Judd Mrs Britain Rachall Cowley & his wife Deacon Rufus Cols -

State of Connecticut County of Hartford
On this 24 th day of January 1856 before me Wilson H. Clark a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the State of Connecticut, personally appeared Rachel Cooke aged 76 years a resident of the town of Farm- ington in said County. Who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say, that I am well acquainted with Lucy Stearns of the town of Oxford in this State, She formerly lived a near neighbor to me - I was acquainted with Mrs Stearns before her marriage to Mr Stearns - I was present and saw Mrs Stearns married to her husband Isaac Stearns of Lansborough Massachusetts - They were married by the Rev Noah Porter then and now the settled Congregational Minister of the town of Farmington The marriage took place sometime in the Month of September 1831 as near as I can remember - I know that they lived together as husband & wife till his (Mr Stearns) decease which took place at Lansborough in the Month of January 1833 as near as I can remember - I know that Mr Stearns was reported to have served in the Revolutionary War and that he applied for a pension in his life time, but do not know whether he got it or not - The marriage took place at the next house from mine - I know that Mrs Stearns moved to Lansborough the before any that they were married -
Rachel Cooke
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I believe the affiant to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth and that she appears to be of the age stated Wilson H. Clark Notary Public

13909 Isaac Stearns  Stearns Lambert St Application for Pension Sept 25 1832

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Berkshire, ss.
ON this twenty fifth day of September A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable WILLIAM P. WALKER, Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for said County of Berkshire, now sitting, Isaac Hearn a resident of the town of Lenoxborough in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy five 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 act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.

I Isaac Stearns of Lanesborough in the county of Berkshire and commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that say that in the year 1745 I enlisted for six months into a company commanded by James Noble of Pittsfield in said county of State as a base mentioned that I marched to Trondarouge early in the month of may that Benedict Arnold had the command of the troops then called and was called a colonel that call Arnold was called to Boston as it was said that Col. Easton of Pittsfield came on to crown point the latter part of June was near as I can recollect with a regiment of troops that Capt. Noble's company was added to his regiment that same time in Sept. Col. Easton's regiment was ordered to St Johns that I went to Canada was taken sick ordered back to Trondarouge was there two weeks sick was discharged by the commanding officer of the fort half a month before the time of my enlistment was out had a written discharge did not expect it would be of any avail at this time and can't be found of term that I got home with much difficulty did not recover my health till February following - also in the year 1746 there was a call for men in Massachusetts for two months in Sept. I enlisted for that term of time in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Barnes of Lanesborough in the county of State as above Benjamin Simons of Williamstown was the Col. David Rootes of Richmont was the major in the same county we marched and joined the army near Kingsbridge commanded by General Washington who was ordered to Lake Station on what was called Wallumskeigh the same way to the north of Kings bridge remained there for several weeks was ordered to march from there at night got to a place called Tuckahoe next morning where was a body of riflemen who were from Virginia stayed there thirty six hours General Lee appeared in the evening after we got there but did not stay long to my knowledge remained from there at night marched all night got to White Plains at Sun rise where Genl Washington's army was continued there till Genl Washington retreated farther to the north that the army was fighting whilst the army was at White Plains our line of infection was cut when we was in camp north of White Plains which was about the 20 of November fort Washington was taken about that time also in the year 1777 there was a call for men to go to Ticonderoga I volunteered in the month of June marched to Saratoga from there to a place called Fort Ann near Lake Champlain where arrived sun that the fort was taken apart of the retreating army and there next day Col. Brear of the standing army had the command of those troops that came that way the enemy then appeared at a distance from the fort along road was ordered out by Col. Brear I was taken with others went out met the enemy fought till the day came in the army retreated sent to fort Edward Genl Schuyler appeared took the command of the army I remained with the army in its various movements till it retreated to Saratoga

when the army was reinforced with Standing Troops and the call for volunteers discharged I left the army the last of July which was one month and a half as near as I can recollect the officers of the Standing Army then there was Brig Genl Nixon Col Nixon and Brewer also Genl Paterson Varnold also in the year 1780 there was a call for men in Massachusetts for three months I enlisted as a sergeant served in a company commanded by Capt John White of Adams in the county of Berkshire State of Massachusetts Capt White was in a regiment commanded by Col John Brown of Pittsfield in the county of Berkshire State as a horsemen colonel Oliver Root of Pittsfield was major we marched from Lancaster to Claverick near Hadley expecting to go to West Point but was ordered from there to Albany from Albany up the Mohawk river arrived at Fort Plain on the south side of the river but had not station at Stone Arabia on the north side of the river for the purpose of guarding the inhabitants against the invasion of the enemy from the west there was two small regiments of New York State Troops stationed at Fort Plain as it was said but some of the companies was stationed in other places to guard the inhabitants the enemy appeared first at Schoharie about the 19th of October crossed the Mohawk on the north side Col Brown marched out to meet them some of the inhabitants of Stone Arabia went out with him in the forefront of the day a hard battle was fought it was said the enemy force was 800 Col Brown's said to be 230 Col Brown was shot and the forefront of the battle major Root made as good a retreat as he could get back to the fort it was supposed there were 30 men killed the most of them were shot many were wounded some died with their wounds after the battle was fought the day afterwards some of the enemy stayed one day longer to bury the dead thus ended my services in the revolutionary war
James Mearns
I was born in the town of Mansfield in the State of Connecticut in the month of March 1744 in the town of Lancaster where I have resided till the present time for proof of services refer to the deposition of my wife and next
Isaac Mearns
Elizabeth Mearns James Mearns Sarah Mearns John Bryant

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
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
We Henry B. Hooker a Clergyman, residing in the town of Langsborough - and Langsborough  Richard Whitney residing in Langsborough hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Isaac Stearns who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 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.
Henry B. Hooker Richard Whitney
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
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 Henry B. Hooker who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Langsborough in the County of Berkshire and Richard Whitney of Langsborough and that who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Langsborough in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
William P. Walker Judge of Probate
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Isaac Stearns for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office of said Court of Probate, this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Berkshire.
On this ninth day of July AD 1833 personally appearing in open court before the Honorable William P. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Berkshire now sitting Lucy Stearns widow of Isaac Stearns late of Lanesborough in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts aged who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 - That she is widow of Isaac Stearns late of Lanesborough in said County & State deceased who was the applicant for a pension as appears by the papers annexed that said Isaac Stearns died on the nineteenth day of January last & that she believes him to have made & subscribed upon oath the annexed decl- -aration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress aforesaid, which is set forth in said containing in the annexed Evid the she further stated that she had known her husband the said Isaac Stearns, say that he had a discharge from the Army, but that

She believes from what she has heard him say that the same cannot now be found but believing it to be lost - That she has no record of his birth later except from a family Bible in her possession & that according to the records therein contained he was born in Plainfield in the State of Connecticut in the year Seventeen hundred & 79 - and that on the 19 th day of January the day he died he was seventy six years old -
5.
Lucy Stearns
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid -
W. T. Walker S. Probate
And the Court do hereby certify that the said Lucy Stearns is widow of Isaac Stearns whose application is hereto annexed and that the said Isaac Stearns is deceased.
W. T. Walker S. Probate
I Henry W. Bishop. Register of the Court of Probate within the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Lucy Stearns widow of Isaac Stearns deceased for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office of said Court of Probate this ninth day of July A.D. 1833
Henry W. Bishop Reg. d Probate

Ebenezer Stearns deposited

Ebenezer Stearns of Lanesborough in the county of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of Lawful age do testify and say that I was nowing to Isaac Stearns of the same Lanesborough & county of Berk. Shire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in listing into the service of the revolutionary war in the year one thousand seven hundred seventy five for six months and served in the northern army at Redderange and a reconpoint was discharged half months before his enlistment was out on account of his being sick had a long set of scurfs after going home that he did not recover til February following also was nowing to his enlistment in the year 1776 into the Southern army in September for two months served his time out and in 1777 was nowing to his volunteer to go to the northern army to reinforce at Redderange in June and served one month & half as near as I can recollect and in the year 1780 was nowing to his enlistment for three months served in the army up the Mohawk river til the time of his enlistment was out & farther the deponent saith not
Ebenezer Stearns
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss. August 27 th 1832 Then personally came before me Ebenezer Stearns and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before me Timothy Whitney Justice of the Peace
And I hereby certify that the said Ebenezer Stearns now deceased at the time of the making of the above affidavit before me sustained a good character for truth & veracity - that I have known him for many years & that subsequent to the making of it he died at Lanesborough aforesaid - Timothy Whitney Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Timothy Whitney Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty fifth day of September A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate
my bro- ther in- law

Amos Pettibone deposition

Amos Pettibone, of Lanesborough in the county of Berkshire and commonwealth of Massachusetts being of Lawful age do testify and say that I was nowing to Isaac Stearns of Danube on the leaving In June 1779 for the purpose of going to Ticonderoga to reinforce that fort was in the same company with him that he marched to Saratoga from there to a direct fort could not appear the head of Lake Champlain that Ticonderoga was taken about the time we got there that he was in the retreat of the army until it arrived to Saratoga where the army was reinforced by Standing Troops and the militia discharged which was one month & half at least that the company was commanded by Capt David Wheeler of Lanesborough that Capt. Ashley of Sheffield Lt Col Miles Powell both of Berkshire and State commanded the regiment State Troops also was nowing to the said Isaac Stearns of Lanesborough in the county of Berkshire in the year 1780 for three months as a Sargent into a company commanded by Capt Wm White of Adams in the county of Berkshire State of Massachusetts State Troops was in the same company with him Col John Brown of Pittsfield in the county and State commanded the regiment Oliver Root of Pittsfield was major State Troops served his time out of further service Amos Pettibone
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss. September 1 st 1832 Then Amos Pettibone above named personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed Before me Timothy Whitney Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss: July 9-1833/—
This may certify that I am well acquainted with Amos Pettibone who subscribed & made oath to the within affidavit before me & that he at that time well understood still sustains a good character for truth & veracity —
Timothy Whitney Justice of the Peace

I Josiah Wilcox of Lansborough in the county of Berkshire and commonwealth of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify & say that I enlisted in the year 1776 into a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Burns of Lansborough in the county and State as above mentioned for two months that I enlisted in Sept r that I don't now recollect but a few of the men that composed the company that Capt. Burns company was commanded by Col. Benjamin Simons of Williams town in sd county & State as above that Isaac Stearns of sd Lansborough & county & State as above says that he enlisted in to the same company for two months that I don't recollect him now in particular that he the sd Stearns has related to me the time of our enlistment and that we marcht to the South ward joined the army commanded by Gen l Washington not far from Kingsbridge that he has related to me all the different places of our encampments and marches and skirmishes skirmishes that took place in the two months since that I am well convinced that he was in that campaign & further saith not
Josiah Wilcox
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County ss. September 15 th 1832. Then Josiah Wilcox personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed - before me
Timothy Whitney Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County p. 3 July 9. 1833
This may certify that I am well acquainted with Josiah Wilcox, who has subscribed the within affidavit & that he sustains a good character for truth & veracity -
Timothy Whitney Justice of the Peace.

I John Bryant of Pittsfield in the county of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify & say that I was young to Isaac Stearns of Lambborough in the county of State as above mentioned in listing on the year 1775 for six months into a company commanded by Capt James Noble of Pittsfield in the county of State as above stated knows that he served in the northern army at Concord & Bunker Hill crown point that the Col James Easton of Pittsfield commanded the regiment that he was discharged a short time before his time was out by reason of sickness half a month has near a I can recollect that I enlisted into the same company with him the time & the further I do not
Pittsfield (Ms) September 3 d 1832
John Bryant
Berkshire ss September 3 d AD 1832. Then personally appeared John Bryant signer of the above Deposition & made Solemn Oath that the same is true & correct Before me Daniel B. Bush Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss. I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Daniel B. Bush Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty seventh day of September A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate
my faith the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss July 26 th 1833 I hereby Certify that John Bryant within named was a credible person at the time he made the within Deposition was credible for and his statements entitled to credence said Bryant has deceased since the Month of September A.D. 1832
Daniel B. Bush Justice of the Peace
John Bryant Resident

Brief in the case of Lucy Stearns Widow of Isaac
County and State of Connecticut
act 3 Feby 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was pensioned under the Act of June 7 1832 at $11 67 a year,
Record of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Cohabitation, general reputation of marriage, her identity as the pensioner's widow, his death & her present widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
Wilson H Clark Esq New Haven Conn
Thomas D. Phelps Examining Clerk.

Suey Stearns, Widow of Isaac, Connecticut
adm d 3 Feby 1833 $ 41 67 a year from the postage of the Act
Best to M rs H Clark Esq Present N Shuer Law

Wilson H Clark New Haven Conn

New Haven Conn. January 28 th 1856
Sir,
Enclosed please find application of Lucy Widow of Isaac Stearns for Pension under the act of February 3 rd . 1853—
Yours Most Resp t
Wilson H. Clarke
W. Howland Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Application under the act of Feb'y 2. 1853-
Lucy Arvin Stearns
Grand Pensioned Mar. 1852
FREE
Triple Hon. J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Pen Off. Feb 5-1856
Sir
Please state when Isaac Stearns of Mass Act 1832 was last paid at $41.67 a year and to whom paid .
Very Respectfully
R. M. Roe
For commr prisoner
R. J. Atkinson Esq Third Auditor
Triplet

3 d Auditor's Office Feby 6 th 1832.
Sir.
The within named Isaac Stearns died 19 January 1833 & his pension was paid to that date to Lucy Stearns his widow.
Very Respectfully,
Robt. Jennings
J. Minot Esq.
Comm ee of Pensions
auditor

Waldo March 13 th 1860
To the Hon. The Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir
I take the liberty to address you for the purpose of making some inquiries, concerning a man of Revolutionary memory by the name of Isaac Stearns. He died A. D. 1835. He was a Pensioner at the time of his death. What I particularly wish to know is this, whether there was more than one man of Revolutionary memory by the name of Isaac Stearns, and also whether any man by the name of Isaac G. Stearns is, or ever has been, on the Pension list. And if so, what was his station in the army? Was his service on the land or on the water?

No 6 227. Lucy Stearns Widow of Isaac Burt
3 Feb, 1853

13909
Isaac Stearns
H. W. Bishop Seneca Miss

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Isaac Stearns which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yy V. * Has he mentioned 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? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yy VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yy

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yy
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No. not all
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yy
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yy
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yy
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Peroy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6177
Lucy Stearns
Widow
Isaac Stearns
Print Rev War.
Act: Feb. 33  1853
Index:—Vol. 86 , Page 240
[Arrangement of 1870.]

40.698/
160-acre

FREE
Hon. S. Minot Comm. of Persuading Washington D.C.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 22

NEW HAVEN, CONN, May 10 th
1856
Sir :
Enclosed please find application of Sarah Stearns Widow of Isaac Stearns for Bounty Land, under act of Congress of March 3d, 1855.
Yours most Respectfully,
WILSON H. CLARK.
To HON. L. P. WALDO,  J. Minit Commissioner of Pensions, WASHINGTON, D. C.