Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 42378, for Asa Sternes, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Sternes, Asa
S. 42378
Mass.
Stearns
P. H.
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for handwritten entries.
Blank lined area for handwritten entries.

7228 To New York H From Vermont
Asa Stearns
of Waterbury in the state of Vermont who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonels Ward & Cilley of the Mass: Vt & Hampshire line, for the term of 4 years 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 21 of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 of March 19 and sent to George Rich Esq Montpelier, Vt.
Arrears to 4th of March 1819. 10 mos \frac{10}{30} \times \frac{8}{31} 83.69 semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep r 1819. 48
d. Feb. 2. 1852
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued
Transferred from Vermont to New York 30 March 1829 to take effect from 4 March 1829. Died 2 Feb 1852
Respectfully submitted to the P. Department
See letter to Pensioner, 29 th Dec r 1825 " " " P. Dept 2 Oct 1832 " " " G. A. Standish " "

Una Stevens 1
7220
(Sept. 1019.)
Continue.

STATE OF VERMONT, } Rutland County, ss. }
On this 28 th day of June 1820
personally appeared before the County court for said county of Rutland in open court, (said court being a court of record, agreeably to the laws of this state, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) Asa Stevens aged 63 years, resident in
Rutland in said county of Rutland who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: he enlisted under the Continental establishment into Capt. Frazar's Co. Col. Hovey's Regt. 20 months & 20 days. being enlisted afterwards 1 March 1777 into Capt. Cotts Co. Col. Dill's Regt. & continued service until & beyond 3 years in 1778.
that he made his original declaration on the 21 st day of April 1818
has received a Pension Certificate, No. 7228 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; —and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
1. Cow. 6 sheep purchased with my pension money. Old women's saddle. Hook, shovel & shovel. 2 brass & 4 forks. Steel spoons my occupation is that of a farmer. Am informed & unable to deliver what little say 8 or 10 hours of light below in a day. I have a wife named Lucy aged 57 years in the health as well as in the family of our son in law Martin Root & receive the principal part of our support from him. he owns 100 acres of land & is supposed to be worth about $400. he has a wife named Abigail who is over eighty years of age. Small children named Emily aged 84. Maria aged 54. James aged 33. & 1 infant child aged 8 months. our son's family is in a poor state of health & has so for 3 years. I thought his children are in good health. Am owing debts to the amount of $75. Asa Stevens
Sworn to and declared on the 28 th day of June 1820
before said court.
R. P. Nespole CLERK.
STATE OF VERMONT, } Rutland County, ss. }
I, Robert Nespole clerk of the County court for the county of Rutland do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court: —And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Twenty five dollars. Asa Stevens owes $75 —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said court, at Rutland this 12 th day of July 1820
R. Nespole

Vermont
21/30
Asa Stearns
Asa Stearns Walsbury -
In Jan y 1776 enlisted as a Private & served for one year (In Jan y 1777 when honorably discharged) Col. Wood's Massachus. Regt.
In May 1777. Enlisted for 3 years in Col. Joseph Killings St. L. Regt. & in May 1780 was honorably discharged
Ezra Butler 2nd Gen.
Correct by all
Admitted

State of Vermont { Asa Stearnes,  , of Waterbury in the County Washington County } of Washington and State of Vermont,   , being duly sworn, doth de- -pose, declare, and say, that in May A D 1775 he was duly enlisted in the in the war of the Revolution for the term of eight months, in the Company commanded by Captain Fay, in Colonel Ward's Regim- -ent of Massachusetts troops (then called). That about the expiration of this term he again enlisted for one year in the same Company and Regiment, and served out the term and was honorably discharged about the first of January 1777. And that about the first of May A D 1777 he again enlisted in Capt Scott's Company, in Col Joseph Scilly's Regiment of New- - Hampshire troops, for the term of three years; and continued in the service until May 1780, at which time he was again honorably discharged. What become of s d discharge he knows not. ————— He further declares and says, that by reason of reduced circumstances, he is in need of his Country's assistance for support. ————— And he further declares and says that he is now, and ever since has been, a resident Citizen of the United States
ASA STEARNES
Declared, sworn, and subscribed, by the above named Asa Stearnes, before me, at Waterbury aforesaid, this twenty first day of April A D 1818
Ezra Brattle Chief Judge of Washington County Court
I further testify that I have been personally acquainted with the said Asa for thirty five years past, and am convinced that his statement is true in substance Ezra Brattle

We the undersigned Timothy Atkins, and Hannah Atkins both of Washburn in the County of Washington and State of Vermont - Testify, and under Oath say, that we have been personally acquainted with the above named Asa Stearns (who is here present) ever since the year 1777 and that he is the same Asa Stearns that enlisted into Capt Scotts Company for three years, and at the end of said term he returned home with several others who had enlisted at the same time in the same Company and for the same term. And that what he has above stated in relation to his serving three years in the New Hampshire troops is substantially true
Timothy Atkins Hannah Atkins

Sworn & subscribed before me, and I certify that the Deponents are credible witnesses in my opinion
Jayna Britton, Chief Judge of Waltham Criminal Court

STATE OF VERMONT, } Washington County, to wit. }
I Ezra Butler One of the Judges of the County Court, within and for the County aforesaid, Do certify, That it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Asa Stearns did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding Declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the Act of Congress, passed the 18th March, 1818, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War."
Given under my hand,  day of April   A. D. 1818.
this   21 st
Ezra Butler
And I further certify that I am fully satisfied that the said Stearns died,  in  of  absence from his country for support, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, — and that the applicant cannot convincingly produce further evidence of service.
Ezra Butler
STATE OF VERMONT, } Washington, ss. } aforesaid,
I, George Rich Clerk of the County of Washington that the Hon. Ezra Butler who made the above CERTIFICATE and before whom the annexed Declaration was taken, was a Judge of the County Court within and for the County aforesaid, at the respective dates thereof, acting under the authority of this State, and duly qualified for that purpose; and that his name subscribed thereto, is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, at Montpelier in said County, this 12 day of June in the Year One Thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen.
George Rich Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
N.Y. 42378
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Asa Sheras a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1775 8 mos. Pvt. Fay Ward Mass.   1776 1 year Fay Ward "   May 1. 1777 May 1780 Scott Cilley N.H.  
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated
Date of application for pension, Apr. 21 1818 His ch. etc.
Residence at date of application, Watbury, Washington Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, 61 years. He died Feb. 2. 1852. (A.B.)
Remarks: In 1820 he referred to his wife Lucy then 57 years old, and a daughter Abigail who married Martin Root; their children were Emily 8 years old, Maria 5 years, James 3 years and an infant 8 mos. old. In 1829 soldier was living in Clinton County N.Y. where he had gone to be near his children.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

42 378 INVALID.
Rev 
File No. 42 378
Ada Stearns
Ph Vio 188
Act: 1 st March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 8 , Page 488
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nov-19-1900
M m S. Smithson Chicago Ill.
Dec-4-1908 To above - name of daughter husband
1920 Del. 5 Hist. to Ida M a Meekin.

Clinton County ss:
On this third day of February 1829 before me, the Subscriber, a justice of the peace, for the said County of Clinton personally appeared Asa Stearns who on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Cap- -tain Siate in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Sibley in the service of the United States. That his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of New York where he intend to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future and that his means for removing to the State of New York were that he wished to reside with his Chil- -dren living there — Subscribed to before me the day & year aforementioned — Julius C. Hubbard Justice of the peace —
Asa Stearns
Clinton County ss: On this 3 d day of Febru- -ary 1829 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace, for the said County of Clinton personally appeared Darius Hester who on his oath declares

That he well knows Asa Sterns who has taken the oaths both to be the same person described therein, and no other, and that he is the identical per- son to whom the pension was ori- ginally granted -
Subscribed to, Lucius Heaton before me, the day & year aforesaid
Julius C. Hubbell Justice of the Peace -
Clinton County ss. I hereby certify that Lucius Heaton the above witness, is well known to me, and that he is a person of veracity -
Julius C. Hubbell Justice of the Peace -
Clinton County ss
I Smith Read Deputy Clerk of the County of Clinton do hereby certify that Julius C. Hubbell Esq. whose name is subscribed to the above certificate was a Justice of the Peace for the said County on the day of the date of the said certificate dwelling in the said County, Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized by Law, and further that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe the signature of Julius C. Hubbell subscribed to the said certificate is the proper handwriting of the said Justice In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 13 th day of February 1829
Smith Read Dep. Clerk

Mt Vernon. Wash
Aug 22, 1920.
Pension Bureau.
Washington, D.C. Gentlemen;
Please send me the date of the death of Asa Stearns. who served in the Revolutionary War, also copy of his application for pension, giving service record. He was born in Worcester July 30, 1758 and died in Chazy, N.Y. and is said to have lived about ninety years.
In the Index Record to Military Service. Mass. his name is spelled Stearns, Sterns and Sternes.
I would appreciate an early reply, as I need the data for application for membership in the D.A.R.
Yours truly Ida M. McKin

Hattisburgh July 21. 1852
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will receive the Pension Certificates of Asa Stearns deceased and the application of Mrs Laura Norton his daughter (for herself & for the other children) for the balance of Pension due Mr Stearns at the time of his death. All which is respectfully submitted -
Hon. J. E. Heath Pension Commissioner }
Very Respectfully
Yours
Mrs. A. Stearns

July 24/82
copy of letter
Stearns deceased
W.B.M.
Geo: A. Standish
Plattsburgh New York
Hon.
J. C. Heath
Peruvian Commissioner
City Washington
D. C.
FREE

O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Searched by -----
Claim No. -----
Certificate No. -----
Claimant -----
Soldier -----
Service -----
Additional service -----
No. Claim, New Records -----
No. Claim, Old Records -----
Remarks -----
-----
-----
-----
-----
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Chief of Division.

43378 Asa Stearns Apl 21-1818- 61. Waterbury Vt
May 75 Capt Fay Mass
Col Ward 20 mas
May 77 - Capt South N H Col Jos Colley 30 yrs
Wife Abigail Lucy 55 Daught Abigail married to Martin Root
Feb 3. 1829 resided in Clinton Co. N.Y.
No Prob

Chary N.Y. July 14 th
Dear
J.O.
Feb. 21.
John S. Edwards Esq. Premier officer Washington City
Transfer

Chazy. Clinton Co. N.York. — July 14 th 1829 —
Sir I enclose you the papers of Mrs. Stearns a pensioner, for a transfer from the roll of Vermont to New York — Respectfully yours Chas. Luff G. C. H. Miller
John S. Edwards Esq. —

OFFICE OF W. S. SMITHSON ROOM 501, 145 LA SALLE STREET CHICAGO.
Oct. 30th. 1900
Dept. of Interior Bureau of Pensions - Washington D.C.
O. W. & N. Div. Revolutionary -
In re. Asa Stearns, Private in Capt. Ward's Company 30 th & 31 st Regts. United States Infantry, War 1812. -
Gentlemen / Will you kindly inform me, location of above mentioned "Asa Stearns", and widow (or heirs), when last heard from, as will be shown by your pension rolls or records - I would like to learn his last place of residence, also that of his widow and heirs - and your dates thereof -
Yours resp.
Wm. D. Smithson

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Sterns, Asahael GRADE Private LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 5054 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Apr. 1, 1790 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.