Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10,091, for David Stedman, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
Stedman David Hannah
NUMBER _____
R 10.091
CONTENTS

Births and Deaths of David and Hannah Stedman's Children
John Stedman Born Wednesday May 21 1778
John Stedman Died December 17 1780
Lord Day Aged Two Years & Seven Months (wanting two days)
John Stedman Born Decem. 14 1781 Friday
Betsy Stedman Born Monday January 8 1784
Betsy Stedman Saturday May 13 1786
Fisher Stedman Born Sept. 13 1788 Saturday
John Stedman Born Tuesday Nov. 2 1790
Third Daughter Born Saturday March 15 1794 & Died Next Day
Aaron Stedman Born Wednesday June 18 1800
The vision of Zerubbabel's foundation. CHAP. IV. V. VI. The vision of the four chariots.
Before 10 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine, and under the fig-tree. CHAP. IV.  1  By the golden candlestick is foretold the rebuilding of Zerubbabel's foundation.  2 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is awakened out of his sleep. 3 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold, a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps which were upon the top thereof. 4 And g two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 5 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, b What are these, my lord? 6 Then the angel that talked with me answered, and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No my lord. 7 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 8 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain, and he shall bring forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. 9 Moreover, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 10 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 11 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; h those seven, they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. 12 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive-branches, which, through the two golden pipes, empty the golden oil out of themselves? 13 And he answered me, and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.  CHAP. V.  1  The curse of thieves and swearers foretold. 5 The final damnation of Babylon.  2 Then I turned, and lift up mine eyes, and looked, and behold, a flying roll. 3 And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll, the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. 4 Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off on this side, according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off on that side, according to it. 5 I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name; and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it, with the timber thereof, and the stones thereof. 6 Then the angel that talked with me  went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. 7 And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth. 8 And behold, there was lift up a brass lid: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. 9 And he said, This is wickedness: and he cast her out of the mouth of the ephah, and cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. 10 Then lift I up mine eyes, and looked, and behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings (for they had wings like the wings of a stork,) and they lift up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. 11 Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? 12 And he said unto me, To build an house in the land of Shinar; and it shall be established, and let there be upon her own base.  CHAP. VI.  1  The vision of the four chariots. 9 The temple and kingdom of Christ the Prince foretold.  2 And I turned, and lift up mine eyes, and looked, and behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of brass. 3 In the first chariot were red horses, and in the second chariot black horses, 4 And in the third chariot white horses, and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. 5 Then I answered, and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? 6 And the angel answered, and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from the standing before the Lord of all the earth. 7 The black horses, which are therein, go forth into the north-country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth towards the south-country. 8 And the bay went forth, and sought to go, that they might walk to and fro through the earth; and he said, Get ye hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth. 9 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north-country have quieted my spirit in the north-country. 10 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 11 Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and consecrate them for the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah. 12 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua, the son of Josedech the high priest; 13 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is the BRANCH, and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 14 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD, and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne, and he shall be a priest upon his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. 15 And the crowns shall be to Helai, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to the high priest, as a memorial in the temple of the LORD. 16 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and shall be mine servants when the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. This shall come to pass, if ye will diligently hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God.

Before the sun of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the rem of the LORD. 15 And they that are so far off shall come, and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.
C H A P. VII. 1 The nations enquire of fasting: 4 their fasting reprov'd, 5 because of their obstinacy.
A Nd it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chislev.
2 When they had sent unto the house of God, Shear-jaziel, and Regem-melech, and their men to pray before the LORD.
3 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done so many years?
4 Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,
5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat and drink for forty years?
7 Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited, and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
8 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother.
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor, and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
11 But they refused to hearken, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear, and made their ears shrill.
12 Yea they made their hearts as an adamant-stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts.
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind, among all the nations whom they knew not: thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.
15 And I have sent a fire upon Judah, and have consumed all the neighbours round about him.
C H A P. VIII. 1 The restoration of Jerusalem. 7 They are encouraged to the building by God's favour to them, &c.
A Gain the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with a great fury.
3 Thus saith the LORD, I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.
4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
5 The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls, playing in the streets thereof.
6 Though it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people, shall it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.
7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will save my people from the east-country, and from the west-country.
8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and they shall be my people, and I will be their God in truth and in righteousness.
9 Ye are now, O hands that hear these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
10 For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast, neither was there any peace from the enemy, for I set every one against his neighbour.
11 But now I will not be unto the remnant of this people, as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 For the seed shall be prosperous, the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I repented not; so have I thought again to do good unto Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.
15 These are the things that ye shall speak, speak ye every man to his neighbour: execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates.
16 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour, and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
17 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
18 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities.
21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.
22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you; for we have heard that God is with you.
CHAP. IX. 1 God defendeth his church. 9 Zion is exalted to rejoice for the coming of Christ, and his peaceful kingdom, &c.
T He burden of the word of the LORD against Damascus.
In the land of Hadrach, and Damascus
CHAP. IV. 1 God's judgment on the wicked, 2 and his blessing on the good. 4 He exhorteth the remnant of the people, 5 to search the Lord's house, and 6 to be strong.
1 For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble, and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise, with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the
stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be as ashes under the soles of your feet, in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
The End of the Old Testament.
Hannah Fisher, Born in Needham Massachusetts
September 10 - 1756
David Sedman and Hannah
Fisher was Wedded at Natick
September 24 - 1776
Moved to Sherburnham Oct. 11 - 1776
Removed from Sherburnham to
Claremont Feb. 13 - 1785
Removed from Claremont to
Chester June 2 - 1792

Kannah Steadman N. Dusk.
Power of atty for Polly Wilson

STATE OF Vermont COUNTY OF Samuel
} ss:
Be it known, that on this twenty first day of June , A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty two , before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Bolly Wilson , a resident of Eden
in said County, and made oath according to law, that she is the natural
+ legitimate & natural child of Daniel Steadman & Hannah Steadman his wife - formerly Ashlemburn State of Massachusetts - afterwards of Chester Vermont where he died - and she then removed and lived with me in Hyde Park until her death. That Bolly is now the wife of Nathan Wilson
that she is directly interested, as aforesaid, as a claimant, and makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining such sum , of Pension as may be due under any of the Laws, Regulations, or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said Affiant further declares that she hereby constitutes and appoints Jarissa Sawyer of Hyde Park
of Samuel & State of Vt to be Attorney and Agent to prosecute said claim, with power of substitution, to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and lawful in the premises; except drawing the money, which will be hereafter provided for. This Power of Attorney Irrevocable until cost & charges are paid to my satisfaction for obtaining the amount of claim
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me,
Winlow Whedon J. Peace.
claim Bolly Wilson
I, Winlow Whedon , Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Bolly Wilson , above named, is a respectable resident of this County, and is, as I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth, and acknowledges the above Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
+ Winlow Whedon J. Peace.
In testimony that the above-named Winlow Whedon was a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, at the date of the same, I hereby subscribe my name and affix the County Seal.
County Clerk.

State of Vermont Granville County ss } I Eliza Cobbleigh of Helen In the County of Granville and State of Vermont aged about that  some years - do testify and say that Hannah Stedman, widow when living of David Stedman, she was my grandmother & lived many years with my parents, Jonathan & Polly Wilson - and died at our house in the town of Hyde Park on the 31 st day of January, 1841. The corps was removed, by Frederick Keeler Esquire now of then living in the town of Hyde Park aforesaid, to Chester to be buried by the side of said David my grandfather, - my sd grandmother's age when she died was about 85 years - and further your deponent saith not - Edson June 21 st 1852. + Eliza Cobbleigh
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before me - I do further certify that the above affiant is a competent witness - and ought to bear full faith and credit, whenever called to testify Winlow Wheelock Judge of the Peace

I Alonzo Cobleigh husband of sd Alisa within named testify substantially to what is contained in my wife's aforesaid affidavit - Alonzo Cobleigh Elder June 21 st 1852 -
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before me - I further certify that said Cobleigh - is a man of good reputation for truth - and a competent witness in any Court where called to testify -
Winslow Phelps Justice of the Peace
affidavit - Alisa Cobleigh - Alonzo Cobleigh -

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section FEL Cur
May 14, 1930
Miss Bessie M. Wilson 720 Mound Avenue Mankato, Minnesota
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.10091 , it appears that David Stedman was born about 1752, place not stated.
He married September 24, 1776, at Natick, state not given, Hannah Fisher, who was born September 10, 1756, at Needham, Massachusetts.
October 11, 1776, they moved to Ashburnham, Massachusetts; February 13, 1785, to Claremont, state not given; and June 2, 1794, to Chester, Windsor County, Vermont.
It is stated that he was a school master. He died in 1805 or 1806, at Chester, Vermont.
The widow, Hannah, applied for pension October 27, 1840, while residing in Hyde Park, Lamoille County, Vermont, and alleged that her husband, David Stedman, while residing in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, enlisted in the spring of 1778, and served some eight months or until the fall of the year, officers names and exact dates of service not given, and defended the coast around Boston and Providence.
Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of the alleged service as required by the pension laws.
She died January 31, 1841, at the home of her son-in-law, Jotham Wilson, at Hyde Park, Vermont. Both she and her husband were buried at Chester, Vermont.

Their children were:
Jesse Stedman born May 21, 1778, died December 17, 1780. Jesse Stedman born December 14, 1781. Betsy Stedman " January 8, 1784. Polly Stedman " May 13, 1786, married Jotham Wilson, who was aged fifty- eight years in 1840. Fisher Stedman born September 13, 1788. John Stedman " November 21, 1790. A daughter " March 15, 1794, died the next day. Aaron Stedman " June 18, 1800.
Mary C. Wilkinson, a daughter of Jotham and Polly Wilson, was aged about twenty-eight years in 1840, and resided in Windham County, Vermont, and Eliza S. Wilson, also a daughter of Jotham and Polly Wilson, was aged twenty-four years in 1840 and resided in Lamoille County, Vermont. She later married Alonzo Cobleigh.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

State of Vermont Lamoille County ss
Probate District of Lamoille in Said Hall
On this 27 th day of October 1840 personally appeared
before me Samuel A Willard Judge of Probate within & for the District of Lamoille Hannah Steelman a resident of Hyde Park In the County of Lamoille and State aforesaid aged Eighty four years Last September (10 day) - who being first duly sworn, according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration - In order to obtain the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 1 st 1836 - that she is the Widow - of David Steelman, formerly of Chester County of Windsor, in Said State who died many years since - that Said was a Soldier - In the Massachusetts Militia - In the "Revolutionary War" - In - regard to the Services - the officers - (and the particular manner of the Services - she cannot state definitely - or be precise
In the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight (1778) In the Spring the precise date she cannot tell - (there being at that time Wars and rumours of War - In that season - vis - (Massachusetts - Rhode Island and New York) her Said husband David Steelman, who would if alive be aged about eighty Eight years was drafted as one of the Militiamen, from Said Massachusetts Town of Ashburnham to serve In the Militia - that her Said husband with others, was drafted to defend the Coast - arrived Boston Providence - to go to Rhode Island - and about there - that he did accordingly leave me to go there, as he then told me and which I have no doubt was true - and was gone some 8- months returning In the fall or Winter - which she only knew but extreme age and vicissitudes of life has obliterated So she cannot be particular - Her Said husband then came back to Ashburnham - relating to her at that time minutely what he had seen and experienced - and so from time to time during his life - he was a man of education intelligence & truth - I hope I may be permitted to say of my long & well de- parted husband - a partial specimen of his Education is presented by this record - annexed - taken from the Bible of our youth - she has but the recollection of
not call

general statements - he told of fleets and armies of his mother in a trench or ditch at some place - while a battle was going on in sight - she has no recollection of this relating to her of directly engaged - but in the manner she has related it - trenching and ditching while a severe battle was fought by sea or land or both - her impressions that this was in Rhode Island - but to be certain she cannot - same went as volunteers - and some were drafted - her husband was drafted she knows as well as a woman would ordinarily know such things - the year my husband was out - indeed from early spring to fall - there were French fleets and English fleets - and the country from Boston & about there was supposed to Connecticut, was supposed to be filled with fleets and armies - and battles -
My husband served his time out for which he was drafted - and brought home with him sixty dollars - Continental money - as it was called - a thousandth part of what transpired - In those days - or related by my said husband - I do not pretend to remember - but some I do as well as ever - I remember that it was a most alarming and troublesome year In that season - & other parts of the country by rumour - I know my husband was drafted - and not a volunteer - I know - it was supposed that many left - but that others stayed their time out - I know that my husband returned home - and brought with him which he had received for his very good and that afterwards - not a great while - we sent - to Boston by George Dana - going about one and a half mile from us - to buy a brass kettle - and other things - not expecting but what it was worth something - But it was all laid out for that kettle - called a four pound - kettle & weighing 4 1/2 lbs - This money paid to out - sixty dollars - was the identical money - brought home for his wages - In the war of the Revolution

This Identical Bible - remained for a series of years - in our use. I firmly - Indeed until it was worn out - This Bible & the amount it cost was as well known among Children - and the neighbors - as also that my husband Newcomb's earnings went to pay for it - as any circumstances could be - as In some instances will be shown by accompanying evidence - This Bible was bought about forty seven years since & the records were made from time to time as occasion required - My said husband has been dead about thirty five years - and every word on these leaves, taken from our family Bible recently - were written by the hand of My sd. husband - and is a true record of my marriage with said Daniel - as also other things - there recorded - I well remember that Mr. Steadman left me for the West - as we then called it - In between one & two years after our marriage - It is now sixty four years since the draft - I know not a living mortal that was out with him - but there might be some more remnant - If I was there two hundred miles distant from this place - there are no records to appeal to - I must therefore trust to my own declaration and the accompanying testimony - I named a circumstance which was often related by my sd. husband. He had the dysentery called the camp disorder while In Service - that they were without salt and living upon fresh provisions - disease was general & death often - In the American Army - and they could procure none from the enemy - and by severe hazard climbing high they obtained a pint by stealth - When he entered the Service he was In excellent health - and common flesh - on his return he was poor In flesh and emaciated - to almost an alarming degree - which he attributed - to the labors and fatigues - while out In the Service from Spring till fall and until his wages were sixty dollars as a common soldier - I therefore declare that he was In the Service of his Country In the Revolutionary War - from the beginning of Spring to mid about April until late In the fall -
She further declared -

That she hath remained the widow of sd Samuel Steadman from the time of his death to the present and hath never recd one cent for an account of the Revolutionary services of her sd husband I declare that I was married to sd Samuel Steadman - on the 24 th day of September A 1776.
Kimmer, North St. John
Subscribed and sworn to before me - and I certify that said Hannah Steadman is a person of truth & veracity - Samuel A Willard Judge
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name - and affixed the seal of said Court - at Montpelier In said District of Lamoille this 27 th day of October AD 1840 - Samuel A Willard Judge
I certify that the name of Steadman was interlined - the word "was removed" was added - the word being, interlined on the 2 nd Page. 2. the word "State" on the 3 rd Page - before the execution of this declaration -
Samuel A Willard { Judge of Probate Lamoille District
State of Vermont Lamoille County } I Philo G Camp, of the deposit Clerk of Lamoille County Court I hereby certify that Samuel A Willard of Montpelier In sd County is Judge of Probate within and for the District of Lamoille - duly commissioned and qualified that his commission is dated November 25 1839 & will expire on the 1 st day of December 1840. and that his signature within is true and genuine - In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 29 th day of 1840 P. G. Camp Clerk
Widow Hannah Steadman

State of Vermont Lamoille County
Hyde Park.
I Polly Wilson of Hyde Park in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont aged about fifty four years, depose and say, that I am the daughter of the late David Stedman of Shelburne Vermont & Hannah Stedman now his widow, living at Hyde Park in the County of Lamoille. That from my childhood I have learnt that my said Father David Stedman served in the revolutionary war, & that he received sixty dollars in what was called paper continental money, which was paid for a brass kettle somewhere near the time. This family story was accompanied with the possession of the identical kettle in the family, for which, it was said the wages of my fathers revolutionary services was paid, A circumstance so singular as paying sixty dollars for a small brass kettle was not very likely to be forgotten. I never heard the particulars of time of services related, it was a year or two after the intermarriage of my said Parent. But that he was either in or on to work near where a battle or battles was fought, and describing some particulars about it, describing the horrors thereof. I am impressed he stated that when he was in view of the battle, digging French, it was at Rhode Island - that he was in the revolutionary war as a soldier. I have no doubt - that he received sixty dollars for his pay. I have no doubt, from the common understanding in the family since my earliest youth, have also understood that when my father went into the service, my said parents resided in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. My said Mother has remained a widow, and was never again married, after my fathers death, which is about thirty five years. she is now in her eighty fifth year, much impaired as to memory & hearing but otherwise her intellect is bright, and not more impaired than is

almost inevitably consequential upon a person so aged, one relation made by him though unimportant in itself, extremely important in its connection to show that he was a revolutionary soldier, he had been a public school teacher himself, and was exact with his family, and perhaps no man living more so than he was upon lying and stealing, reminding and admonishing them on no occasion to falsify, nor to take a pin from another without leave, saying that was his instruction and example through life, save one instance when he was a soldier in the revolutionary war. The dissentry or camp disorder is prevalent, and for want of salt many lives were lost, and either he alone or with others climbed a high distance & procured a print by stealing, if it could be called so. He called it so at any rate, which was done to save his own or others lives, and which I cannot say, human proof cannot convince me any stronger that my Father was a soldier in the revolutionary war than the frequent and frank avowal of this necessity & trivial error while in service. Polly Wilson Hyde Park October 19 1840 -
Sworn to before me.
Wm P Danyers
Judge of the Peace -
State of Vermont Lancaster Sept.
Hyde Park October 19 th 1840.
I hereby certify that the said Polly Wilson is a credible witness - and whose testimony ought to be received, and bear full faith & credit in a court of justice.
Wm P Danyers
Judge of the Peace.

State of Vermont I Philo G. Camp of Hydepark Clerk of Lamoille Co. Vt. I hereby certify that the within is a true and correct copy of the original of Probate within a
State of Vermont I Philo G. Camp of Hydepark Lamoille County Vt. Clerk of Lamoille County Court hereby certify that William P. Sawyer Esquire is a justice of the Peace - within and for the County of Lamoille - duly commissioned & qualified. That his commission is dated Nov. 25 th 1839 and that his commission expired on the 1 st day of December 1840 and that his signature to the foregoing affidavits is true & genuine - In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 29 th day of Oct 1840 P. G. Camp. Clerk
Polly Wilson's Affidavit

State Warrant Camille Carney
Eliza J. Wilson - of Hydepark I -
The County of Simsbury  Wadsworth and State of Vermont. April 24 - years. depose and say that I am the daughter of Nathan & Polly Wilson of Hydepark - and the Grand daughter of Daniel Steadman and Hannah his wife, now his widow living at Hydepark I - the Bg. of Camille - - of said and reported to be eighty five years old - her intellect is bright but impaired I - her memory and hearing - from my childhood I have understood from my mother - that her said father formerly of Ashburnham. In the State of Massachusetts - was out I - the revolutionary War - One story connected with it - is plain and familiar to me as if I had seen it - that he brought home from the Wars. Forty dollars for his wages - as a soldier - which money, continental , as I understood, was sent or carried to Boston to buy necessaries after it had become depreciated I - some degree - and all. It was said out for a small brass kettle - which was In the family long after my said Mother arrived to years of understanding as I learned from her the same things - In substance I have heard my said Grandmother - occasionally repeat - I have also heard my said Mother state the story that her said father - on a certain occasion of sickness or distress - I - the army and to save life - his arm or other, procured by stealth a small quantity of salt - as none could be had by other means - means. the army more destitute - and none could be procured from the enemy - of the above facts I have no doubt no more than if I had seen them - These facts or circumstances were related since my earliest youth and without any future prospects - to persons - as it is but a short time since I heard that any such thing was I - contemplation by my said Grandmother - they were told I - the family as such things naturally are as incidents of the lives of our ancestors - I have heard a great many particulars about my Grandfather  father so Grandmother - but unnecessary to repeat and further your deponent saith not
Eliza J. Wilson

within affidavit sworn to before me.
Justice of the Peace.
Yours S. Sawyer
State of Vermont, My deposit. Oct. 19 th 1840 Samville. 671. I hereby certify that the said Ebenezer Wilson is a credible and competent witness and ought to bear full faith and credit in a Court of Law Justice of the Peace the words "Samville" "My deposit" & "Grandfather" underlined before execution. Yours S. Sawyer Justice of the Peace
Ebenezer Wilson

State of Vermont Granville 6/7/48
I Mary - C Wilkinson of Town and In the County of
Windham (an State of Vermont aged about 24 - years - depose and say That I am the daughter of Jonathan D. Polly Wilson of Hydepark In sd. County of Granville (and the grand daughter of Daniel Steelman & Hannah his wife Formerly of Chester in the County of Windsor - but now of Hydepark In sd. County - from my early childhood I have heard my mother and grand- mother state that my said Grand-father Daniel - was a Soldier In the Revolutionary War - That when he came home from Service - he brought home for his Soldier money In paper dollars - That they - not a great while after, were carried to Boston, to buy necessaries with - among other things a Brass-Kettle - was sent for and it took the sixty dollars, to buy it with -
Also that my said Grand-father - at a certain Period of sickness while In Service - suffered a pint of Salt with a view to share his own or some other persons life - and none was to be had In their own camp or purchased from the enemy - and that same this he never stole a pin - He was extremely strict In his admonitions - to his family - never to deviate from the paths of truth - or to meddle with the least trifle without leave from the owner - as I have heard from both mother & Grand-mother.
I have frequently heard from my mother Grand-mother - or both - that my Grand-father - was placed to work In a ditch or trench - while In the Service - and while so to work was In plain sight of a battle - and they would describe the particulars and horror thereof as they said, came from him - my Grand-mother describing it from his own lips - and my mother the same - a thousand other incidents have been talked over more especially by my Grand-mother - and mother - which were listened to by me at the time - without a word being lost - & this from time to time as I grew up - The stories were related as family stories of the War - and further your deponent saith not.
Hydepark October 19 th 1848
Mary C Wilkinson
Sworn to before me. State of Vermont, ss. I, Wm P Sawyer Justice of the Peace. Granville 6/7/48 I hereby certify that the above signer is a competent and credible witness - and full faith and credit ought to be given to her testimony Wm P Sawyer  Fuller McLean

Jotham Wilson Affidavit -
1
1

State of Vermont Lamoille County ss
Hyde Park Nov 1840
I Jotham Wilson of Hyde Park in the County of Lamoille aged 58 years do pose and say that I have been acquainted with the widow Oldman. The widow of David Oldman who was formerly of Ashburnham Massachusetts & died at Chester Vt. about 35 years past. It has been a common report in the family that the said David was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was drafted from Ashburnham as a militia private. and that he brought home or received for his wages 60 dollars continental money. and it was disposed of for a trap kettle this has been so familiar and common a story - in the family that I have not the least doubt on this subject Mr Oldman was a man of good education. and a person of intelligence and character. again I have seen the extract annexed to the declaration of said Hannah, and know it to be in the hand writing of my said Father in Law - I know it to have been taken from the family bible and did it with my own hands, by his permission. we we have all recognized this as a correct family record, as fully as we have recognized each member of the family therein recorded,
I further state that Mrs Oldman is now in her 88 th year

years and is a pious character by profession and practice. and that up to about eighty she seemed to retain all her faculties of mind, since that time she has failed very much in memory and hearing. Indeed her physical & mental powers are fast declin- ing. She is a woman of steadfast truth, and as much regard is to be paid to her statements as any other person of her years — She has been a regular member of the Baptist Church through for thirty or forty years. I have been acquainted In the family for about forty five years. Mr. Stedman In his Lifetime — and his relict Hannah. Then and since up to this time where and she is now In full communion with the Baptist church — She belonged to Parsons Leland's Church — In the Town of Chester In the County of Windsor who is now dead — The constant tradition of my late father In Law being a soldier In the Revolution — I entertain not a shadow of a doubt that he was In the service. from early Spring until late In the fall. by voluntary draft — I have always understood that he was nothing but a common soldier — J. Warren Wilson
State Vermont Danville Grafton Co. J. Hydebell. October 19 th 1844 Then personally appeared before me Jonathan Wilson above named and made oath to the above affidavit — and I certify that he is a person of respectable character — and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his testimony — I — a Notary Public — or Equity the date altered from Nov 1839. to October 1840. before me Jonathan Wilson this affidavit J. P. Sawyer Justice of the Peace

Nov 11. 1846 Hyde Park NY Nov. 6
Ver admiral Mrs. Stearns,
the Haul
James S. Edwards. Esqre.
Commissioner of Pensioners Washington City D.C.
Yrs

State of Vermont Lamoille County ss ) I Jonathan Hart, formerly a resident in west Troy, State of New York, but now at Hyde Park in said County of Lamoille, aged Seventy years last June, Testify and say, that I was born in the City of New Port Rhode Island, and left there about one month before the battle between the Br- itish & Americans in the Revolutionary war, on the Island comprising the City of New Port and other places. I left in the year 1778 - the British were in possession of the said New Port. In this same year was the Battle under Gen l Sullivan, and about eight or ten years after I was on the battle ground, in trench- ment made by the Americans across from the sea shore to the River. This was the river that formed the Island on which New- Port stands. This was in the year 1778 that I was first there from the Town of Preston. I was then told by the inhabitants & relatives of the horrors of the battle, the ditch or intrenchment was within about half a mile of the City. I subsequently lived with a Gen l John Sylvan who was in the battle, and who ab- out fifty years ago, was accustomed to relate the peculiarities, horrors & incidents of the same. The matters and things are fully recollected by me, as this was my birth place, and my Mother's life was probably lost (being in a delicate condition) by rea- son of the island being invested with armies, and horrors incident thereupon. I know that Gen l Sullivan's force, on rather the American was composed of regulars, and militia from New England. I could make many sheets in the

rehearsal of particulars, but deem it unnecessary, my Father was a Genl Smith in the regular service & died there in the service in 1780
Jon t Hart
State of Vermont } Then personally appeared before me Lamoille County ss } Jonathan Hart signer of the above affidavit and made solemn oath, that the same was true according to his best knowledge, information & belief. And I further certify that he is a competent witness in any Court when called on - his reputation stands high for truth and veracity on his reputation stands high W m P Sawyer Just Peace
State of Vermont } I, Phoebe Camp, of Hyde Park, in the Lamoille Co. ss } County of Lamoille, clerk of Lamoille County Court hereby certify that W m P Sawyer of Hyde Park is a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Lamoille, duly commissioned & qualified that his commission is dated 23 rd Nov 1839, and will expire on the 1 st day of December A D 1841, - and that his sig- nature, signature is true and genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court this tenth day of October A D 1841 P. P. Camp Clerk

To the Hon. James S. Edmonds - Commissioner of Pensions of the United States -
Dear Sir - Since I was entitled to your the papers in the case of the aged Mrs. Stedman - a very respectable & aged man came here to reside with his son - who gave the relation contained in the accompanying affidavit - Circumstances threw slight in themselves - speak volumes. I sustain the truth of the relation of that ancient lady - and if believed - placed a confirmation upon her story not probably to be resisted - and it came out incidentally - in conversation - since the transmission of her papers - now by this the Hon. Mr. Edmonds will discover - the year - the place - the Military being out - the Dutch or French - and even the Mariner of the battle field after as related by the soldier to his wife on his return - as the new Bureau is confirmed - This is one case of a thousand - I combined circumstances to render truth certain - I thought it my duty to transmit this additional evidence of a very respectable cast - and important in connection with her story.
Your old friend I don't J. Sawyer
State of Vermont Franklin County To Jonathan Root of Lyndon

M: J. Sawyer.
Nov: 14. 1840.
O.B.

77 Pension Office (Nov 14, 1840)
Sir
The claim of Hannah Stedman, widow of David Stedman de has been examined and her papers placed upon our files. We have nearly all the military rolls of Mass in this Office. If the name of the Captain under whom it is supposed Mr Stedman served in 1778 can be given it will afford the Dept. in nature enable the Dept. to ascertain the amount of her pension. Without this aid no successful examination of the roll can be made.
I am
Yr
July 4 1836
Mr J. Sawyer Hyde park Vt.

State of Vermont } County of Lamoille } ss
Be it known that on this twenty second day of June A D Eighteen hundred and fifty two before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Deborah Sawyer a resident of Hydepark in sd County and made oath according to Law that he is the Lawfull attorny of Polly Wilson - wife of Gotham Wilson - who is the daughter of David & Hannah Stedman - Late of Chester in the County of Windsor - and of Hydepark in the County of Lamoille deceased intestate - which sd David Stedman was a Revolutionary Soldier - that sd Stedman died about forty six years ago - and was buried at Colchester by of Windsor - and that sd Hannah died at Hydepark aforesaid on the 31 st day of January A D 1841 - and that sd Power of attorney given me the Power of Substitution - now be it known, that I the undersigned - do hereby make ordain constitute - & substitute - D. D. Addison - of the City of Washington Street of Columbia to be her & my true and Lawfull atty by virtue of the Power of Substitution contained in the annexed Power from sd Polly to me, I with the Intent & for the purposes. Literally and substantially - contained in sd

annexed Power - and which I make a part of this Power - and Irrevocable in the same manner to the same extent - as was conditioned in her said Power to me - and the said Addison is hereby empowered to do all things that I might or could do - I want nothing any Pension certificate which he may obtain to me upon payment of his Percentage as contained in his Letter to me of date June 14 th 1952 - In presence of J. M. Melumun R. A. Pottingill Sworn to & Subscribed on the day & year aforesaid before me Jobina Sawyer J. M. Melumun Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont Samlle by S } on this 22 nd day of June 1952 personally came Jobina Sawyer - to me well known, and acknowledged the aforegoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed - and I certify that he is the Identical Person who signed the same J. M. Melumun Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } Granville County ss } I Frederick Reuler of Hydepark in the Co of Granville and State of Vermont aged about 65 - years - Testify that I was called upon and requested by the friends of Mrs Hannah Stedman deceased to remove the corp before interment from Hydepark, Granville County Vermont - to Chester Windsor County Vt to be buried by the sd of her husband's remains who I understood had been dead a great number of years - and was buried there - She died on the 31 st day of January Anno Domini 1841 I accordingly performed that service, & left the remains in the care of her son Jerre Stedman Esquire at sd Chester - She was the mother of Mrs Fathena Wilson with whom she lived - died - & (name whose I removed the body - she was a woman aged about 85 years of age - she was a very respectable woman Frederick Reuler

Sworn to & subscribed, before me on the day & year above written further certify that above named Frederick Reeler - is a man of high veracity for truth - and a full- witness - where called upon to give evidence - Carlos S. Hoyes, Notary Public
18 1881

State of Vermont } I Cadas S. Stoyes, Clerk of the Lamoille County ss. } County Courts, of the county of Lamoille State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that V. W. Watermans of Morristown & Warlow Wheelock of Eden in said county of Lamoille are, each of them, acting Justices of the peace, within and for said county duly qualified and com- missioned according to Law; that their sig- natures to the foregoing papers are genuine; and that they are duly qualified by the laws of this state to administer Oaths and take acknowledg- ment of deeds. Their Commissions have date Decr. 1. 1851 & expire Nov. 29. 1852. I also certify that Cadas S. Stoyes of Hyde Park in said county, is an acting Notary Public within and for said county duly qualified and commissioned according to Law, that his commission has date Decr. 12, 1851 and expires Decr. 11. 1852; that his signature to the foregoing paper is genuine; and that he is duly qualified by the laws of this state to administer Oaths and take acknowledgement of deeds.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the County Court, and set my hand at Hyde Park in said county this 22 nd day of June A D 1852
Cadas S. Stoyes, Clerk

Ashturh. Mass. David Stedman d 1865 '84
Hannah — m. 1776 S.
78. 8m d

Dep't. (5204.)
Hannah Stedman, widow of David, let to J. Sawyer. No: 14.4.
10091
Act 4 July 1836.

1930 - May 14 - List. To Miss Bessie M. Hilson - Elect
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
10091.
P. O.
Hannah Steadman
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contr
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

MISS B. M. WILSON 720 MOUND AVENUE MANKATO, MINN.
March 11th, 1930
U S Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington. D C
Dear Sir;
It appears I was in error as to first name of the party I inquired about as to his Revolutionary War record. I intended to in q uire as to David Stedman Will you kindly give me record of David Stedman and oblige
Yours truly,
Bessie M. Wilson

and 1812 Wars Section. EEL
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
May 6, 1930
Miss Bessie M. Wilson 720 Mound Avenue Mankato, Minnesota
Dear Madam:
I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained in your letter.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.
First name of widow Hannah (Fisher) Stedman  Full name of soldier David Stedman  ✓ Residence of soldier at enlistment Mass (?)  ✓ Residence of soldier after service Mass (?)  ✓ Name of state from which he enlisted Mass.  Approximate date of birth April 4 1752 Roxbury Mass  Approximate date of death ?
Kindly return attached letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
Earl D. Church
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
✓ Am not positive, - but am under the impression it must have been in State of Mass.