Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3453, for John Putnam, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Putnam, John Jephtha or Mary
W 3453
CONTENTS

Reported Jan 31/49
3553 Virginia Richman
Mary Putnam widow of John Putnam
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Mary Sine
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
57 Dollars 96,
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
31, day of Jan 1849 and sent to
Thomas Littleton Millboro Springs Ga.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 175 Vol. 3,

7082 Virginia John Putnam
of Bath County in the State of Virginia who was appointed in the Company commanded by Captain Sively of the Regiment commanded by Col. Hrount in the Massachusetts line for militia as fifer.
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 57 Dollars 76 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of February 1833 and sent to Hon. W. H. Coy A. of Rep.
Arrears to 4th of March 1833 $103.52 Semi-annual allowance ending 25.88
$129.40
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 Page 21.

John Putnam 15407 v

- The Commonwealth of Virginia -
Bath County to wit,
On this 9 th day of October 1832 personally appeared before the Justices of the of the County Court of Bath now sitting in court John Putnam a resident of the county aforesaid in the state of V a aged sixty eight years last September who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 States that he enlisted under the name of Leffler Putnam at the age of thirteen years old as a fifer in the County of Wooster and Township of Sutton and state of Massachusetts under Captain Joseph Sivey for six months in the year 1778 he stated that he marched to the state of Rhode Island and was stationed on Providence River and there served out his tour of six months. He further states that in 1779 he enlisted under the command of Colonel whose name he does not now recollect and was marched to Westpoint where he was joined to General Pattersons brigade and D r Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Sprout and Major Macowell and was in Captain Luke Stitescocks company at which place he was all summer and in the fall returned to Fishkill barracks there he was discharged and received a discharge in writing which discharge he has lost, he was in no engagement. He further states that he rode as express for General Green he was stationed at Fort Arnold. He states that he was born in the Township of Sutton County Wooster & state of Massachusetts. He states that he lived about five or six years in Lancaster County Pennsylvania and that he lived sometime in Berkeley County V a and has resided in the County of Bath Virginia about 38 years. He states that George N b Payne and Adam Dickinson are his neighbors to whom he is well known. 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 other state - Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John Putnam
George N b Payne and Adam Dickinson here in court declare that they are well acquainted with John Putnam who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that they believe him to be sixty eight 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 they concur in that opinion - 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 doth further certify that the said Adam Dickinson and George V. Payne are residents in the County of Bath and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Charles S. Francisco Clerk of the Court of Bath County aforesaid doth hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of John Putnam for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this 12 th day of October, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and 57 th year of the Commonwealth
Ch. S. Francisco

State of Virginia Bath County ss.
On this the 23 rd day of June in the year 1842 personally appeared before Thomas Sittlington a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid Mrs Mary Putman a resident of the county and state aforesaid, aged. seventy five years and upwards (widow of John Putman dec d ), who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838. That she is the widow of John Putman dec d , who was she believes a private in the revolution. That her husband the said John drew a pension a few years previous to his death at the rate of fifty one dollars and seventy six cents per annum, that she was married to the said John in the county of Berkeley, by parson Hains in the month of October in the year seventeen hundred and eighty nine, and that he removed from the county of Berkeley more than forty years ago, to the aforesaid county of Bath where he remained up to the time of his death, that he died on the 16 th day of April 1837, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear, by reference to the proof sheets annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed
Mary her X Putman mark
on this 23 rd day of June 1842 Before Thomas Sittlington Peace
I furthermore certify that Mrs Mary Putman above named, widow of John Putman dec d who was a pensioner in this county is a lady

of respectability, and believe her declaration above to be true that her said husband died about five years ago and that from inability and old age she is unable to attend court. Given under my hand this 23 rd day of June 1842
Thomas Sittington J. P.
Bath County Court July Term 1842
The Court having examined the Declaration of Mrs. Mary Futman Widow of John Futman deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner; and also the certificate of Thomas Sittington a member of their own body respecting said Declaration, approved the same and order the same to be certified to the War Department.
A Copy
True
S. A. Porter Clerk
State of Virginia
Bath County to Wit
85584. I Stephen A. Porter Clerk of the County Court of Bath County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of the said Court; and that the said Thomas Sittington was at the time said order was made a member of said Court. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 12 th day of July 1842
S. A. Porter Clerk of Bath County Court

Know all men by these presents, that John Putnam and Robert McKnight, are held and firmly bound unto Beverly Randolph Esq. Governor of Virginia, in the sum of Fifty pounds, current money, to be paid to the said Governor or his successors, to which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves our heirs executors & administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 6 th September Seventeen hundred and ninety.
The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas a marriage is suddenly intended to be solemnized between the above bound John Putnam and Polly Frances, Now if there should be no lawful cause to obstruct the said Marriage, then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.
Sealed & delivered, John Putnam in presence of R. McKnight
Leakin Peddicord S q .
State of Virginia, Berkeley County S t J Harrison Waite Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify, that the above is a true copy, for the original on file in my office, of the Marriage license

bond executed by John Putnam upon obtaining licence to marry Polly Grames. And that the said bond is the only evidence to be found among the records and papers of the said Court, in relation to the marriage of said parties. I further certify, that at the date of said bond, and for a number of years previously and subsequently, much irregularity prevailed on the part of Ministers celebrating the rites of Matrimony, in making returns thereof, in consequence of which, in numerous instances, the licence bond is the only evidence to be found in the Court of such marriages. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Official Seal, at Martinsburg in said County, the 19 th day of December 1842, and 67 th year of our Lord's incarnation.
Harrison Waite.
Virginia, Berkeley County Set.
I Erasmus Gantt presiding Judge of the County Court of said County, do certify, that Harrison Waite, is the Clerk of said Court, and that his certificate and attestation above is in due form. Given under my hand the 19 th day of December 1842.
Erasmus Gantt

15407
Mr Putnam
of Virginia from 1778. Piper and Spencer p 57. 26 100. says he enlisted under the name of Jiptha Putnam
Look on Mass Roll on Roll 12 th Regt for 12 July 1779 to 10 Apr 1780 8 mo. 28 days. In Col Hovey's book for arrangement of Regts.
Sam H. Hovey

BRIEF in the case of Saml Putnam of Bath  County in the State of Virginia - says (Act 7th June, 1832.) he enlisted in the name of  Epitha Putnam
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 68.
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 1778 6 Fifer Capt Sides   1779 all summer Genl Patterson & Genl Spence    He further states he rode as a dragoon for Genl Brown
5. In what battles was he engaged?
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Sutton, Worcester County - Massachusetts
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
Traditional
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Defective
Duration of 2nd term not stated - No clergyman & no reasons assigned I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Mahon
Examining Clerk.
July 28 1833

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. John alias Jeptha Putnam W.F. 3453
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1778 6 mos. Fifer Joseph Sively Mass.   1779 ✓ Luke Hitchcock Sprout   also rode as Express for General Green and was Stationed at Ft. Arnold.  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted at Sutton Worcester Co. Mass.
Date of application for pension, Oct 9 1832 His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Bath Co. Va.
Age at date of application, born Sept 1764 at Sutton, Mass.
Remarks: _____
died Apr. 14, 1837
1832 68 1764
Soldier married in Berkeley Co. Va. Polly Graves, marriage bond dated Sept. 6, 1790. She was allowed pension on an application executed June 23, 1842 while a resident of Bath Co. Va aged 75 years. Very respectfully,
31793b5m10-97
as to this case
A letter of inquiry from W.F. Stockwell dated Feb 2 1911, is in case of Solomon Stockwell S.F. 45-153
Date of marriage as given by widow not acceptable as the marriage bond Commissioner. is dated after the alleged date of marriage.
it can not be answered as there is no address on inside & envelope is lost, V.F.W.

Tracy
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3453
Mary Putnam
Widow
John Putnam
Rev. War
Act: Feb. 2, 1848
Index:—Vol. M. , Page 144.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

15407
Mr Putnam of Virginia

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Geo Putnam which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
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?
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? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? so
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
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?

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 ? No XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ? No 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 ? No 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? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 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 ? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ?
5.
 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.

Mar. 20 43
Mary Rubinas Warrenton 38
free  [Handwritten signature]
J. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of pension
Washington City

Richmond Virginia
Dr Sir,
The Pension Agent at this place refused to pay the enclosed Amount of pension stating that you had informed him that you had placed Mrs Putman's name on the pension list at the rate of fifty one dollars whilst the certificate calls for $51. 76 you will please correct the mistake if any in the certificate and direct to me as I am made atty in the case
Very respectfully
Hiram Bragg
March 18th 1843

18584
Dec 27. 42.
W
July 7. 1838
Mary Putnam
Edwards Esq.
John 32.
Free
Comm t of Pensions Washington

Bow Green No. 10. S. 21 th 1842
Dear Sir
I enclose you Mrs. Putnam's declaration, the proof of marriage and magistrate's Certificate that she is the widow of the pensioner John Putnam
Very Respectfully
Wm. W. Putnam
No 8584
Henry Putnam
Ingrained
Not July 7 th 1838
Admitted
Private
$57.76
3
Frances W. Southwick Berkley, Sept 2

Na
8
2471
Paid 10
80
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Bath County Virginia Octr 27 th 1847
Dear Sir,
In accordance to directions received from the Commissioner of Pensions for this state I have prepared and herewith enclose to you the Declaration of Mary Putman prepared to meet the Act of Congress of 1848, which when received by you & if found to be right you can issue the certificate for her & enclose to me directed to Millboro Springs Bath County Va yours with respect —
Thomas Tillington
N B. Mrs Putman is very poor & I am only acting as her agent

3222 July 27. 1845 BOWLING GREEN Ky May 28. 1845 for Mrs. ...
St. Patric B...
FREE
Edwards Mgr Comm of Pensions Washington

Dr Sir
Inclond you will receive the declarations of Mrs Margaretta Gillaspie, Rhody Oakley and Mary Putman
Very Respectfully
F. W. V. Salton
Mrs Gillaspie, Baker, Taken out & ordered } 19 Septm -

Mary Estman No 48 3553-
Edwards Washington City
As near office

Warm Springs Bath County April 30th 1849.
Dear Sir,
Will you be so good as to furnish & send a blank form to draw the Pension-claim of Mary Putnam of Bath County Va and direct it to the Thomas Sittington Millboro Bath County Va: please to fill it up so that the name Mary Putnam may be in the same hand writing as the certificate which was sent to her from your office: The name is spelled by the last certificate "Putnam," & in the previous certificates it is spelled "Putman," & in this county it is spelled in both those ways. Sometimes it is spelled "Putnem," it is however all the same name, & no other family is known of that name in all this region of country: The pension agent at Richmond is extremely particular & requires every (i) to be dotted & every (t) to be crossed yours with due respect
Thomas Sittington
W.B. please have it attended to promptly as the money is greatly wanting
28

Virginia 6964
Mary Putman
widow of John Putman
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 14. April 1837 of Bath Co., in the State of Virginia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Sively of the regt. commanded by Col. Spratt in the Mass. Militia line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond, Virginia as the rate of 51. Dollars 76 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of January 1843 and sent to Francis V. Sutton Esq. Bowling Green, Virginia
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $258.80 Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book A. Vol. 2. Page 181
Reported Agent Letter to P.A.G. Hiram Bragg Mar 22 d 1843. Pen sent w to 24 th

Reputed
Virginia 2471
Mary Putman widow of John Putman who was a Private in the Massachusetts Militia
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Fifty One Dollars Seventy Six Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the twenty seventh day of October 1843 and sent to
F. V. Sutton Bowling Green Virginia
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 157

Mary Putnam
$51:76 per am
2471
157
J. V. Sutton
Bowling Green Va

State of Virginia Bath County ss.
On this 25 th day of April 1843 personally appeared before Thomas Sittington a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Mrs. Mary Putman a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged seventy seven years and upwards, who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of March 1843 granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, that she is the widow of John Putman dec d who was a Private in the Artillery and that she has received a five year pension as the widow of the above named John Putman under the act of July 7, 1838 at the rate of fifty one dollars and seventy six cents per Annum, she further declares she is still a widow
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written before Thomas Sittington J.P.
Mary her X Putman mark
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Mary Putman above named widow of John Putman dec d who was a United States pensioner in this County and believe her declaration above to be true. Given under my hand this 25 th day of April 1843.
Thomas Sittington J.P.

I Stephen A Porter Clerk of the Court of Bath County Certify That Thomas Tillington is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and sub- scribed my name this 3 rd day of
July 1843
S. A. Porter Clerk of the Court of Bath County

State of Virginia.
On this 21 st day of October 1848, before me Thomas Sittington a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Bath in the said State, personally appeared Mary Putman, a resident of the said County, aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: — That she is the widow of John Putman, who was a private in the War of the Revolution, and that under the Act of Congress of the 17 th June 1844, she received a pension at the rate of fifty one dollars and seventy six cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Mary her Putman mark.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
In presence of Jacob Simmons Mary Ross
Before me
Thomas Sittington J. Peace.
I Certify that Mary Putman, the Declarant above named, is personally known to me.
Thomas Sittington J. Peace
State of Virginia, Bath County, to wit;
I Stephen A. Porter, Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby Certify that Thomas Sittington is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified; — that he

who is legally authorized to act as such, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the said Court, this 26 th day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
S. H. Porter Clerk of Bath County Court

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