Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 4893, for George Stearns, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Stearns, George
S4893.
boarded
CONTENTS

15460
Massachusetts
George Stearns
of Milford in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by Lt. Bradford in the [blank] line for 21 Days 12 Days
Inscribed on the Roll of [blank] at the rate of 71 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of June 1833 and sent to [blank] Fiske Cambridge
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $142.64 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 35.66
$178.30
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. [blank] Clerk, Book [blank] Vol. 2 Page 78.
Let: 8 July '33 I Fiske
Duplicate Certificate issued 18 th Oct 1844 and sent to S. M. Stone. Boston. Mass
72 Middletown

I hereby certify that I find recorded in the Town Books for the Town of Waltham Middlesex County Massachusetts — viz. that George Stearns & Nathaniel Flagg were hired as soldiers to go to Dorchester Hills & to Boston lines in the Winter of 1776 — And also find recorded on the same books — that George Stearns went fifteen days to Guard prisoners of convention — And there is also on file in the Town Clerks Office a certificate signed by a committee duly authorized by the Town of Waltham June 28 th 1780 — to hire soldiers to reinforce the continental Army for six months, and among the number of persons whose names are attached to this certificate are those of George Stearns and Nathaniel Flagg — also an enlistment on file as follows — Viz — We the subscribers voluntarily enlist ourselves for the town of Waltham to march and join the continental army in the state of Rhode Island, or such other place as the commander in chief shall direct and to continue in said service after our arrival in camp for the space of three months unless sooner discharged
Waltham July 16 th 1781 — signed — George Stearns also George Stearns born April 25 — 1762
" Nathaniel Flagg. " — June 25 — 1762
I certify that the above is a true copy as appears of Record Attest. Nathan Maynard. Town clerk Waltham October 3 rd 1832 Sworn to Oct 5 th 1832 J. O. F. May Pres.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex ss.
On this fifth day of October - in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open Court, before the Honourable Judge of the Court of Probate, in and for the County of Middlesex aforesaid, now sitting, George Stearns a resident of Newton in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy 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, A. D. 1832:
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:
1. He enlisted in the town of Waltham in the county of Middlesex into a company of Militia in the prospect of the Summer of the year 1776 & marched to Boston & was stationed in the Garrison on and about fort hill, & was in the service under this enlistment three months and a few days: - He does not remember the name of the officer under whom he enlisted - he was taken sick returned home the  officer and did not return. 2. In the Fall or winter following, to wit of 1776 he again enlisted into a company of Militia, commanded by Cap. Harrington of Watertown, & marched to Dorchester heights & was in the service under this enlistment three months; - 3. In the winter of 1777 & 1778 he was on winter hill for the term of three months & more, guarding Burgoyne's troops; He enlisted in the first of the winter of 1777; while in this service his pocket book was stolen by one of the British prisoners: - he does not remember the name of the officer under whom he enlisted. 4. In the month of July 1778 he was drafted in Waltham and marched to Milford in the County of Norfolk to guard Burgoyne's troops & was in the service fifteen days. - 5. In the month of September 1778 he again enlisted into a company of Militia under the command of Cap. Goodwin & marched to Boston & was on Fort Hill & continued in the service till December following & was then discharged. 6. In the summer of 1780, in the month of June, he again enlisted into a company commanded by Capt. Coper of Newton, Col. Bradford's Regiment, & General Patterson's Brigade, he marched to West Point & in the Jerseys, & was present at the execution of Major Andre, and continued in the service under this enlistment for the term of six months. 7. In the summer of 1781 in the month of July or August he again enlisted into a company commanded by Capt. Asa Denny, Col. Faxon's Regiment & marched to a place called Bulls Hill in Rhode Island & while there head of the Captures of Cornwallis: under this enlistment he served three months and upwards.
He was born in the town of Waltham in the County of Middlesex, April 25. 1762; His birth is recorded on the town book of records: -
He lived in Waltham during the times of his going into the service as above stated: - He lived in said Waltham until the year 1797; - Since 1797, he has lived in Watertown & Newton, towns adjoining said Waltham: -
He now lives in Newton.

He enlisted every time he went into the service, except the service of fifteen days, when he was drafted. — He never received any discharge; he never received any pension; — He is known to the Rev. Bernard Whitman, of Waltham Lewis Thaxter & Tyler Priggett Esquires of Watertown; John Kennebec Esquire of Newton & also Major Daniel Jackson.
During this service, the late Major General Hull was a Colonel & also the late Major General John Brooks, was also a Colonel; at West Point & in the Jerseys. —
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 any state, Sworn & Subscribed the day & year George Stearns aforesaid J. P. P. Pay Master
We, Rev. Bernard Whitman a clergyman, residing in the town of Waltham and Nathaniel Maynard hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with George Stearns who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; — that we believe him to be sixty years of age: that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Bernard Whitman Nathaniel Maynard
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. J. P. P. Pay Master
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 certify, that it appears to them that Bernard Whitman — who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Waltham and that Nathaniel Maynard who has also signed the same, is a resident in Waltham & is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit. J. P. P. Pay Master
I Isaac Ishee Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George Stearns for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day year first aforesaid. Isaac Ishee Reg. Prob.

17395 Geo Stearns mass
Amate 21 mos & 12 days and
$ 71.52
Isaac Dike East Cambridge mass

County  BRIEF in the case of  George Stearns  of Middlesex in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 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? 70 years  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     Enlisted In 1776 1 3 few days Genl Patterson   1777 or 8.3 3 not mentioned   1778 3 or more Capt Harrington   Enlisted 1780 3 2 15 not mentioned   1781 6 6 on roll service Capt Gormin   7 3 Capt Cooper at Bradford   Capt Drury at Danner  
5. In what battles was he engaged? None - 12 days 6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Waltham Mass 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Documentary & living Wits 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Not properly authenticated
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
M. L. [Signature] Examining Clerk.

George Stearns, Sur. File No. 4893, was allowed pension on his application executed October 5, 1832 while a resident of Newton, Massachusetts. He stated that he was born April 25, 1762, at Waltham, Massachusetts, where he resided and enlisted to serve in the Massachusetts troops as follows.
Summer, 1776, three months at Boston and Fort Hill, Officers not stated.
Fall or Winter 1776, three months in Captain Harrington's company.
First of the Winter 1777, three months at Winter Hill, officers not stated.
July 1778, fifteen days at Rutland, Massachusetts, officers not stated.
September 1778, three months in Captain Goodwin's company, Colonel Cogswell's regiment.
June 1780, six months in Captain Cooper's company, Colonel Braddock's led 14th regiment.
July or August 1781, three months in Captain Asa Drury's company, Colonel Turner's regiment.
Soldier resided at Waltham, Massachusetts in 1844, No family data on File. For the date of his death and name of person to whom the arrears of his pension were paid, application should be made to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U.S. Treasury Department, citing the following data - "George Stearns, Certificate No. 15,460, issued June 17, 1832, under the Act of June 7, 1832, at the Massachusetts Agency."
Very respectfully,
1st Deputy Commissioner.
Ruth Cleghorn Onawa, Iowa enr. sited. 13" } June " recd. 16" } 1910.

George H. ... a block in the 19th ... the corner ... the power ... line ... light the above water with ... from the ... to ... to ... of ... 80 ... Col

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 355 Middlesex County
On this ninth day of October 1844. before me, the subscriber a justice of the peace for the said County of Middlesex, personally appeared George Stearns of Waltham, County & Commonwealth aforesaid aged 82 years & \frac{2}{3} years, who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Capt. Gording & others Hooper, Hampton, in the Regt. commanded by Col. Bradford, and others in the service of the United States; - that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Massachusetts at the rate of seventy one \frac{32}{100} Dollars under the law of June 7th. 1832. and that his Pension Certificate issued under said Act has been lost or mislaid and after diligent search the same cannot be found & he prays a new one may be issued in lieu thereof
George Stearns
sworn & subscribed before me on the day & year above written. Asa Moore Justice of the Peace

Nathl. Stearns of Waltham of lawful age on oath testify and say that George Stearns within mentioned is personally well known to me and resided in the same house with myself. I know that he was a person as within stated and the identical person named in a pension certificate now lost or destroyed. I have made several examinations for the same but it cannot be found.
And further say not. with Garden W th Stearns
Middlesex, p. Oct. 9 th 1844. - Then personally came Nathl. Stearns a credible witness & made oath that the above af- fidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me
Asa Moore
J. Pease

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston October 12 th 1821,
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Isaac Moore was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Nathaniel Flagg of Waltham in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy years, do testify & say that in the fall or forepart of winter in the year 1776 I enlisted into a Company of Militia under the Command of Col. Harrington of Watertown & was at Dorchester Heights. That he is well acquainted with George Stearns now resident in Newton & has known him ever since the year 1776; & he also testifies that he said George Stearns was in the service with him in the same company and was at Dorchester Heights, & that he (he said) served as a soldier at this time the term of three months. — I also testify & say that I was in the service with said Stearns six months from July 1780; — we marched to Springfield, thence to Westport & was in the service, & was at the execution of Major Andre; we were in the same company & the same camp during the whole of that time. —
Subscribed before me this 5th day of October 5, 1832 Personally appeared the above named Nathaniel Flagg & made oath to the above affidavit by him subscribed; — I also certify that the above named Nathaniel Flagg is well known to be a man entitled to credit.
— Isaac Tinker Jr. of Braintree & President of Prob

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept. 13 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that George Stearns served under Capt. David Goodwin in Col. Cogswell's Reg. two months and twenty five days from the 11 th of Sept. 1778 Also he served on the Town Roll of Walpole five months and twenty nine days from the 11 th of July 1780
Also under Capt. Asa Dury in Col. Turner's Reg. Three months and five days from August July 26 th 1781
Amounting in all to the term of eleven months and twenty six days
Edward D. Dyer Secy

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of George Stearns which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? ys II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? ys 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? ys 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? ys VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? ys VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? ys IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? ys 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? ys

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? yes
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 documentary evidence
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 Clerk has
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? no
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? yes
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? no
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.

1910 June 18. Hirt to Ruth Cleghorn See re file Joseph Perkins Jr. letter of June therein. P
Rehran ✓
4893 INVALID.
File No. 4893 George Stearns Print Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. M , Page 357
[Arrangement of 1870.]

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by Act. June 16, 1910
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier George Stehness
Service Pension from Boston
Additional Service _____
No _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
See order file 4893