Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 26446, for Batchelor Stetson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Stetson, Batchelor
fr 26446
Batchelder
Bachelor
CONTENTS
Margaret

6347.
Clare
Batchelder Stelson,
private.
Capt Craft
Massachusetts line - 3 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine at the rate of — 8 — Dollars per month, to commence on the 14 th of April 1810.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th of Feby 1819 and del d R C Gore
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1818 4 mo 21/30 37.60 Semi-ann. all'ee ending 4 th March 1819 40.00
$ 85.60
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Greene,

1988 Maine.
Reported
Margaret Stetson, dec'd widow of Bachelor Stetson who died in the year 1821, of _____ in the State of who was a Master in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ line for _____
Described on the Roll of Portland at the rate of 108 Dollars 00 3/4 Cents per annum, to commence on the 11 th day of March, 1831 & end Nov. 17, 1836 (when she died).
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Nov 1850 and sent to Dickins & Cymb, Present
payable to only surviving Semi-annual allowance ending Children Turner Stetson
Mannah Larrabee Deborah Gilman { Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section 1st
Recorded by J. B. Chase Clerk, Book _____ Vol. 3 Page 335

Batchelor Stobson, Irene Pr. Col. Grange, Mass. Reg. Artillery - 1777 to 1780
April 14. 1818
Admitted

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that Batchelder  Stearns , a citizen of the United States, now resident in Greene , in the said County of Kennebec , in the District of Maine, on the fourteenth day of April , A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private soldier , in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Nathan Weston  per  C. West C. C. C. Pleas 2 d E. Circuit.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
KENNEBEC, ss.
THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable NATHAN WESTON, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset ; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand : Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I, Nathaniel Henson, age sixty four years, a citizen of the United States, born in Hanover, in the state of Massachusetts, but now resident in Greene, in the District of Maine, upon oath testify and declare, that on the second day of May 1775 I enlisted as a private soldier, in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for the period of eight months, being the first eight months service, in Capt Crafts Company and Col Henry Knox's regiment of the Massachusetts line. This period I fully served out, and then immediately again enlisted as a private soldier, in January 1776, at Prospect Hill, in same Capt Crafts Company and the same Colonel Henry Knox's regiment, for the period of one year. This period I also fully served out and took my honorable discharge in New Jersey in the month of January 1777. Thereafter on the fourteenth day of February 1777, I again re enlisted as a private soldier into the same service, and upon the same establishment, for the period of three years, in Capt William Wheaton's Company & Col. Francis Regiment of Artillery in the Massachusetts line. This period I also fully served out, and took my final and honorable discharge from the Army, signed by my Captain, at West Point, the fourteenth day of February 1780. My Discharges are lost or mislaid, and are not to my knowledge, in existence — I was at the battles of White Plains, Brandywine, Germantown, and also at the battle of Trenton where I was wounded. From my reduced circumstances, I am in need of assistance from my country for support. And I do hereby relinquish all my claim to any pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any; but I am not to my knowledge on any pension list whatever. I request that I may be placed upon the pension list for the District of Maine —
Bas Baldred Henson

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Co
On the fourteenth day of April A D 1818, Patchelor Nelson above named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, by him submitted.
Before me, Nathan Weston Esq. Chief Justice C. Court Common Pleas, Second Eastern Circuit.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Luther Robbins of Greene in the District of Maine of lawful age upon oath testify and declare, that I was well acquainted with the above named Patchelor Nelson while in the revolutionary army, that I was in the service at the same time, and fully believe that he served therein during the several periods by him above stated. I further testify and declare that I have been acquainted

with him ever since his discharge from the said service, and that from his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his country for support. He has always sustained the character of a man of truth and veracity.
Luther Robbins
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Co
On the fourteenth day of April A D 1818, Luther Robbins abovenamed, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, by him submitted.
Before me, Nathan Weston
Chief Justice C. Court.
C. Pleas, Second Eastern Judicial.

6792.
Margaret Stetson and Mother of Bachelor Mr
at 4 July 1836
husband died 1821 Mother died Nov 17. 1836
July '46
A.

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss....
I — Charles Cobb — Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that
Harold Wentworth is a Magistrate
as appears by the papers hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission bears date January 26 th A. D. 1846, and will expire Jan'y 26 th A. D. 1853.
and that the — following — signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this fifteenth day of July Anno Domini 184 6
Charles Cobb CLERK.

State of Maine Kennebec County ss On the twenty first day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six, personally appeared before the Honorable William Emmons, judge of the Court of Probate, within and for the County of Kennebec in the State of Maine, it being a Court of Record, in said State, Sumner Stetson a resident of Green in said County, aged eighty years, who after being sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, for himself and in behalf of Hannah Labaree and Deborah Gilman all children and only children of Bachelor Stetson late of Green aforesaid, and only children of Margaret Stetson, late widow of said Bachelor Stetson, in order to obtain the benefit of the provi- -sion made by the act of Congress passed July 15 th 1836 — That he the said Sumner Stetson Hannah Labaree and Deborah Gilman are the only surviving children of Bachelor Stetson aforesaid and children and only surviving children of his widow Margaret. And that said Margaret Stetson was the widow of said Bachelor, who was a soldier, in the army of the Revolutionary war and served therein as Stetson and Bombardier, more than two

years, as will appear, by the certificate of the Secretary of State Massachusetts, dated April 10 th 1846 which certificate accompanies this declaration.
He further declares that his mother the said Mary and now married to said Bachelor previous to his last service in the army aforesaid, as will appear by the testimony heretofore annexed, it being out of his power to obtain documentary evidence of said marriage. He further declares that they were mar- ried in the Plantation of Bakerstown in the State of Maine about 1776 as this declarant has always been informed and verily believes — and that there was no record kept in said Plantation or that it has been lost — He also declares that said Bachelor Stetson died in Greene on the fifteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and twenty five that his widow survived him and remained his widow until the time of her death and that she died on the nineteenth day of December A.D. 1836.
Witnesses Joseph Merrill
Deveral Stetson
Subscribed and sworn the day of the year first above written before me, in open Court at Greene specially held to take the above declaration with Neal & Hannah Additon
Williams Commissioners } Judge of said Court

I hereby certify that it has been proved before me by legal testimony that Rachel Nelson the mother of the deceased Sumner Nelson died in Greene on the fifteenth day of August 1821 the day of November 1826 that his widow survived him, and did not intermarry after her husband's death. That she died on the seventeenth day of November 1826. That the deceased Sumner Nelson, Hannah Nelson and Deborah Gilman are the only surviving children of Rachel Nelson and of her widow Margaret Nelson. I also certify that it has been satisfactorily proved to me by like testimony that said Margaret was married to said Rachel Nelson previous to her last service in the Revolutionary army. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this tenth day of August 1821 having been first swor- den - the day and year first above written.
Williams E. Emmons Judge of Probate.

State of Maine Sumner County } ss
I Francis Davis, Magistrate of the Court of Probate, within and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing Will, duly attested, that the Testamentary Oath of the testator is affixed to the foregoing declaration and certificate in whole or in part and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature and the seal of said Court the 21 st day of May 1811.
Francis Davis

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
April 10. 1816.
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 the name of Butcher Wilson of Boston, is borne upon a Pay Roll of Capt Edward Crafts Company, in Col Richard Gridley's regt of Artillery, in the Eighth Month, 1775, as a Matross, from May 6 to Au- gust 1. 1775. (12 Weeks & 3 days) Upon a Return of said Company, in said Regt, as a Matross, the Service named. Said Return is dated October 19. 1775. Upon Coat Roll of same dated November 11. 1775. Upon an Account in Army Book, as a Bombadier in Capt Standish's Company Col Crane's Regt, and there credited by his Service from February 14. 1777 to December 31. 1779. 34 Months & 17 days. 10 Months & 17 days as Bombadier at 34/ per Month.

and In Months as Malus at 30 per Month And charged to a Bounty of $ 14 paid him by us in behalf, of the town of Scituate, February 17/80. Upon another Account his full in Same as Malus in said Capt. Drowne's Company Col. Crane's regt, from January 1 to February 14 1780. 1 Month & 14 Days, at 30/
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said appli- cation, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
The proceedings in all the cases of review of any one of the names shown by the Military records in the Office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of State Massachusetts
Turner Stetson son and heir of Batchelder Stetson a soldier in the army of the Revolutionary war, requests evidence of his father's service — He believes that his father was a native of Hanover Massachusetts and that he enlisted into the service from that place. He believes that his father served in a Company of Artillery, but is unable to state the length of his service or the Commanders under whom he served — He therefore requests the Secretary to examine the Rolls and Revolutionary Documents in his office and grant a certificate of all the service of Batchelder Stetson of Hanover aforesaid and also the grade of his service.
Turner Stetson
State of Maine Kennebec ss February 6 th 1846 Signed in my presence Arnold Wentworth Secy. Genl.

I have been deposed of Sevier County of Tennessee State of Maine, and solemnly upon an oath before me and say, that I was well acquainted with Beck- er Nelson late of Greene in said County deceased who was reputed a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and also with his wife Margaret Nelson. Her maiden name was Margaret Dick. They were persons of respectability, lived together as husband and wife. That they brought up a family of children. The same taken, received and believed to have been lawfully married. I myself have no doubt of the fact, and I never heard any one express a diff- erent opinion. I also depose and say, that their oldest child is now sixty six years old Nelson. June 4th 1846 James H. Thompson notary public State of Maine
State of Maine, Sevier County, ss. May 24th 1846 Personally appeared James H. Thompson, who is well known to me as a witness of respectability and credibility, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed. Before me
Arnold Wentworth Judge pro tem.

Butchelor Henson
69, 2nd Street
171 B.
March 1817
171 B. 2nd St.
Robert C. Ware, Augusta
Maine

State of Maine.
I John Davis Clerk, for the County of Kennebec of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Ken- nebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open 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, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is Two hundred and  fourteen dollars and ninety five cents; and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is One hundred sixty four dollars and ninety five Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of June 1820.
John Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of of Kennebec
property or securities, contracts or debts due to me: nor have I any thing more than is

KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this fifth day of June , 1820, personally appeared before Nathaniel Weston Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Batchelder Stetson aged sixty six years, resident in Greene in the County of Kennebec within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Crafts and Regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Knox of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of one year and eight months and in Capt. Stetson's company 300. 600. 1000. regiments of the Massachusetts line. afterwards for three years and was in the battles of White Plains, Brandywine, Germantown and Trenton where I was wounded & in the battle of Monmouth that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the fourteenth day of April 1818; that he is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6347 . And I, the said Batchelder Stetson do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; 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. Batchelder Stetson
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: Thirty acres and an half acre of land in said Greene, with a small unfinished shell of a house hardly worth repairing, and a barn the value of one hundred & seventy eight dollars. One cow of the value of fifteen dollars, one calf of the value of two dollars. Seven sheep & seven lambs of the value of twelve dollars. One swine of the value of three dollars. Old household stuff besides necessary bedding not exceeding three dollars in value. One old broken plow not worth repairing, worth nothing but the old iron to work up of the value of twenty five cents. One old hoe of the value of twenty cents. One old axe of the value of one dollar. I have no debts due to me that can be collected and I have as much as fifty dollars. My income from the above property does not exceed fifteen dollars a year. My occupation is that of a farmer but from age and infirmity and having had my left leg and my right arm broken am not able to do half the labor of a healthy man

My family at home consists of myself my wife Margaret aged sixty nine who, from age and infirmity, is able to do but little, and my daughter Deborah aged thirty four years -
Except the foregoing and my necessary clothing and bedding, I have no property or income whatever.
Bachelor Stetson
Subscribed sworn to, and declared, both the oath and schedule on the fifth day of June 1820 before me
Nathaniel Weston Jr. G. J. G. G. B. Pleas
Agree copy
Attest Sam Davis clk

State of Maine.
I John Davis Clerk, for the County of Kennebec of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open 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, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is Two hundred and fourteen dollars and ninety five cents; and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is One hundred sixty four dollars and ninety five Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of June 1820.
John Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of Kennebec

Dec 46
B
2

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss....
7 Charles C. Warmen
Pro tem Clerk of all the Judicial
Courts in said County, certify that
Arnold Wentworth,
is a Magistrate.
as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that
he is
his commission is dated January 26. 1846.
and will expire January 26. 1853.
and that the following signature purporting to be his is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this tenth day of December Anno Domini 1846
Chas C. Warmen. CLERK. Pro tem

State of Maine, Kennebec County, Town of Greene, Town Clerk's office October 23 d 1846 — In the Book of records of deaths in said town, the following appears on page 54 Viz Bachelor Nelsen departed this life August the fifteenth, One thousand eight hundred and twenty one — Also on same page the following record appears Viz Margaret, widow of Bachelor Nelsen, died November the seventeenth, One thousand eight hundred and thirty six — in the eighty eighth year of her age.
The foregoing is a true copy of the records, excepting the dates, which are expressed in legible words and figures thus — "August 15 th 1821," and "Nov. 17 th 1836."
Attest
Lora B. Stevens Town Clerk.
I Lora B. Stevens, on oath depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of Greene aforesaid, that the Records of said town are in my custody, that the foregoing is a true extract from said records with the exceptions above named.
Lora B. Stevens
State of Maine Kennebec County, ss — Oct. 23 d 1846 subscribed and sworn before me
Arnold Wentworth Justice, Peace

Margaret Stetson widow of Bachelon Stetson
Brigs
Dickins & Goules

Claim of Margaret Stetson, d. c. d , widow of Bachelor Stetson, for Pension under Act of 4 th July 1836
This a Claim prosecuted by the children of said Margaret Stetson, for the arrears of Pension due at the time of her decease.
It will be seen by the report of the Commissioner of Pensions, that all the facts in this case are admitted, except the fact that said Margaret was married to said Bachelor Stet- son before the termination of his service.
It appears from the affidavit of of Purner Stetson, that said parties were married at the Plantations of Bakerstown, in Maine - and that there is no record in existence of mar- riages at that place. In the absence of record evidence therefore, other evi- dence is resorted to. It is alleged that the marriage took place about the year 1776 - but if it took place at any time prior to the 14 th of February 1780, the case is inel- igible - that being the latest period of Stetson's service, as shown by

the certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts.
The parol evidence to establish the fact that the marriage took place prior to the last mentioned date, is of a most satisfactory and conclusive character.
However "fugitive" the recollections of the witnesses may be, as to dates , several of them testify to facts, in regard to which there is no room for mistake. The evidence is conclusive , unless a number of respectable witnesses have deliberately committed perjury. It is not disputed that the evidence that said parties always lived together as husband and wife, and were so reputed, and raised a family of children, is competent evidence of marriage. In other words, it is admitted that they were married, - but not that they were married prior to Feb. 7. 1780. Let us look at the evidence. If it is admitted that they were married, it will of course be presumed that the oldest child was begotten and born in wedlock - in the absence of any evidence to the contrary.

So that if the oldest child is now seventy years of age, the father and mother must have been married prior to Feb'y. 1780.
Sarah Sampson , in May 1846, testifies that she had been well acquainted with said Stetson and wife, and their children, and that their oldest child was then sixty-six years old—(that would make her 70 years old last May)
Rebecca Sampson , aged seventy-one years, in January 1847, testifies that she was well acquainted with Stetson and his family, and that the oldest child of said Margaret & Bachelor Stetson was then—(Jan'y. 1847) sixty-seven years old. She knows the fact by her own age. She lived a near neighbor to the family more than 20 years. Is it not perfectly natural that she should have known and remembered the fact that one of her near neighbors, a young lady in whose society she had been raised, was four years younger than herself? This is a fact , that would be impressed upon her mind, and is not in the least degree affected by the uncertainty of the memory as to dates.

Morgan Brewster , aged 84 years, in March 1847, testifies that he was well acquainted with Bachelor Stetson and his wife Margaret, and knows they lived together as husband and wife, and raised a family of children &c. Witness' wife was the sister of Bachelor Stetson. Knows that Stetson's oldest child Hannah Larabee, was six years older than his (witness's) oldest child William, (who was born Feb. 27 th 1786, as is shown by a certified copy of the records of the Town of Leeds, accompanying said deposition.) This makes said Sarah Larabee 70 years old in Feb. last.
Hannah Bailey , aged 82 years, Dec. 4 th 1846, testifies that she was well acquainted with said Bachelor Stetson and his wife Margaret during the war , and knows that "they lived together as husband and wife, and after that he, Bachelor Stetson, was in the Revolutionary war some time. "
Here then is positive proof that said parties lived together as husband and wife before the termination of the husband's service. It will be observed, also, that this deposi-

tion is in the hand writing of the Probate Judge before whom the affidavit is made - and who certifies to the respectability and credibility of the witness. It is therefore not liable to the suspicion , that some crafty agent may have drawn up the statement in stronger terms than the recollections of the witness would warrant.
It will also be observed that all the witnesses are certified by some Judge of a Court of record to be respectable and credible persons; and Judge Emmons certifies "That it has been satisfactorily proved to him that said Margaret was married to said Bachelor Stetson previous to his last service in the Revolutionary Army."
It will also be observed, that none of these witnesses pretend to remember dates , but testify to events which show that the parties must have been married before the termination of the service. The remark therefore, as to the uncertainty of memory in regard to dates, has no application to testimony of this character. Witnesses

who cannot recollect the month or year in which any event long past trans- pired, can, nevertheless, well recol- lect the order in which events trans- pired, even in their early childhood.
Very Respectfully Submitted Dickins & Coombs
Home at A. H. H. Street
Sec 7. of The Interior.

9
J. L. Edwards Esq. Counsel, of Barrons Print

Durham (Me) July 20 th 1896
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Sir
With this I enclose the papers in the claim of the children of Margaret Henson late widow of Bachelor Henson respectfully suggesting, that the same may be referred and acted upon in due course.
Please direct to your most obedient servant.
Jacob Henson Durham (Me)

p. 28
J. L. Edwards, Comt. of Pension, Washington D.C.
October 19. 1850,
relative to Margaret Stetson. Papers 11 in number enclosed.

Passport Office October 10. 1900.
Sir,
I have the Honor Herewith to transmit the papers numbering 11, relating to the case of Margaret Nelson, on which Messrs. Dickens and Coombe appeal, and a brief of the evidence.
The service of claimants husband is not disputed. But the date of her marriage is not fixed. It is alleged to have been some time in 1876, but no record testimony is adduced. Now if, given the recollection of dates is, and how easily the most honest witness is deceived as to the exact year in which any event happened, or the exact age of any neighbor's child, is so apparent as to make evident the necessity of requiring a certificate of marriages dated so far back as this. At least before parol testimony is let in, the way should be prepared by showing that no instance of a higher grade is in evidence. This has not been done, and I have felt constrained, therefore, to suspend the claim until more satisfactory proof be adduced.
I have the Honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your Obedient
J. B. Edwards
Genl. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior.

Dec 46
O.
3

Affidavit of Hannah Bailey
I Hannah Bailey of Brunswick in the County of Cumberland, and at this time being in Bath in the County of Lincoln said now of Prime Bailey, deceased - and being of the age of eighty two years, on oath do say that I was born & brought up in the Town of Hanover State of Massachusetts. I further declare that I was well acquainted with Bachelor Stetson of that place, who married Margaret Nash. I was not present at their marriage, but know they lived together as husband and wife, and that after that he Bachelor Stetson was in the Revolutionary war some time, and after he left the army he removed with his wife from Hanover to Green in the State of Maine, and lived together, there as husband & wife till he died, about twenty five years since. I removed from Hanover to Green & lived a neighbor to them there, they raised up a family of children one son by the name of Turna Stetson. Hannah, Sarah, & Deborah Gilman who are now living - with Stetson" interlined before signing Hannah her Bailey mark Witnesses Nathan Grooton Jerome Harris

State of Maine      Town of Bethel County of Lincoln December 4 th 1846
Be it known that on the day & year above written personally appeared before me the undersigned judge of the Court of Probate for said County the same being a Court of Record. Hannah Bailey, the deponent within named, and being customed & sworn dictates the foregoing affidavit which I reduced to writing the same having been read over her in her presence & hearing she signed the same by her mark being unable to write, and made solemn oath that the facts therein stated are true witness my hand and the seal of office of said Court the day & year first above written
Nathl Grooton Judge of said Court
I further certify that the said Hannah Bailey is a person of truth and veracity and her statements under oath, are entitled to full credit in a Court of Law. Nathl Grooton Judge

May '47
D.
4

STATE OF DELAWARE.
CUMBERLAND, ss.
Salem
I Charles C. Warren Clerk of all the Judicial
Courts in said County, certify that
Arnold Wentworth is an acting
Justice of the Peace.
as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his commission is dated January 20th. 1816. and will expire January 20th 1853.
and that the following signature purporting to be his, are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this Thirteenth day of January Anno Domini 1817.
Chas C. Warren CLERK. Salem

I Puhama Sampson of Leeds in the county of Kennebec State of Maine aged seventy one years, on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Bachelor Stetson and with his wife Margaret Stetson, whose maiden name was Margaret Nash - They lived together as husband and wife brought up a family of children, and ever reported to have been married, I have no doubt they were married and I never heard anyone express a doubt to the contrary - I was not at the wedding, nor do I know the time it took place, but I know that their oldest child is now sixty seven years old. I further depose and say that I lived a near neighbor twenty years or more, and the way I know the age of the oldest child is by my own age - I have heard my father and mother say they were to Bachelor Stetson wedding a good many times while I was young and lived at home. Puhama Sampson
State of Maine, Kennebec S.S. Jan. 7 th 1847 Subscribed and sworn before me,
Arnold Wentworth Just. peace
I Arnold Wentworth a Magistrate of the County of Kennebec, hereby certify of my own personal knowledge that Puhama Sampson the above affiant is a very respectable woman and that her statements as a witness are entitled to full credit.
Arnold Wentworth Just. peace.

I hereby certify that the within Richard Samsen, ordinarily writes her name, but since her mark to the within affidavit by reason of having a lame hand.
Arnold Wentworth Jut. sur.

I am a Sampson of hills in County of Kennebec State of Maine aged seventy seven years, on oath depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Bachelor Stetson and with his Margaret Stetson, whose maiden name was Margaret Nash — They lived together as husband and wife, brought up a family of children, and ever reported to have been married. I have no doubt they were married and I never heard any one express a doubt to the contrary — I was not at the wedding, nor do I know the time it took place, but I know that their oldest child is now sixty seven years old. The way I know is from my own age — I further depose and say that I lived a near neighbor to them. Witness
Lydia Gilbert
Gene Fenger
State of Maine Kennebec County, S.S. Jan 7 th 1887 Subscribed and sworn before me
Arnold Wentworth just peace Arnold Wentworth a Magistrate of County of Kennebec, hereby certify my own personal knowledge that Lucia Sampson the above affiant is a very respectable woman and that her statements as a witness are entitled to full credit.
Arnold Wentworth just peace

Nov 11/7
17
5-

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss.
CLERK'S OFFICE, JUDICIAL COURTS,
Portland, March 25 th A. D. 1847.
I, Charles C. Harmon Protem CLERK, of all the JUDICIAL COURTS in and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that Arnold Wentworth is an
acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Hancock as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is
Duly qualified to act as such; that the Commission of the said Wentworth is dated June 26 th  is dated A. D. 1846, and will expire June 26 th A. D. 1853.
and that the following SIGNATURES purporting to be his are Genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written.
C. C. Harmon, CLERK. Protem

State of Maine, Kennebec County, Town of Litchfield, Town Clerk's office March 15 th 1847. In the book of Records of births in said Town under the family Record of Morgan Brewster and Martha his wife I find the following Viz William Brewster was born February the twenty seventh, One thousand seven hundred and eighty six — The foregoing is a true copy of the Record excepting the date which is expressed in legible figures viz "February 27 th 1786.,," Attest —
Arnold Wentworth, Barnabas Dowe Town Clerk. I Barnabas Dowe, on oath depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of Litchfield before named, duly sworn and sworn, that the Records of said Town are in my custody, that the foregoing certificate is a true copy of said Records, with the above excep- tion as certified by me. Barnabas Dowe Town Clerk
State of Maine Kennebec County ss March 15 1847 subscribed and sworn before me Arnold Wentworth Just. Peace.

I Morgan Brewster of Leeds in the County of Pennebec State of Maine aged eighty four years, on oath Depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Bachelor Stetson and with his wife Margaret Saks - They lived together a husband and wife, brought up a family of children, and ever reputed to have been married I have no doubt they were married, and I never heard any one express a doubt to the contrary. I was not at the wedding, nor do I know the time or place, but I know that Bachelor Stetson's oldest child now Hannah Sabberness was six years older than my oldest son William, I further Depose and say that my wife was Bachelor Stetson's sister and her mother died at my house forty six years ago and I know by that the age of Bachelor Stetson's oldest child Hannah Sabberness witness Morgan Brewster Jr.
Morgan Brewster
State of Maine Pennebec County ss March 12 th 1818 Subscribed and sworn before me.
Arnold Wentworth Just peace I Arnold Wentworth a Magistrate of the County of Pennebec, hereby of my own personal knowledge certify that Morgan Brewster the above affiant is a very respectable man and that his statements as a witness are entitled to full credit. Arnold Wentworth Just peace.

We the subscribers, hereby certify, that Mr Morgan Brewster of Leeds, who has made deposition in the pension claim of the children of Margaret Stetson, is personally known to us, that he has always maintained a good moral character and that his statements as a witness are in our opinion entitled to full credit. Leeds March 15 1847.
Wrick Foss Isaac Boothby Selectmen of Leeds, County of Kennebec and State of Maine.
I Barnabas Dowe on oath before you say that Wrick Foss and Isaac Boothby are selectmen of Leeds above named duly chosen and sworn and that the above signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
Barnabas Dowe Town Clerk of Leeds
State of Maine Kennebec SS March 15 1847 subscribed and sworn before me
Arnold D. Wentworth Just. Peace.

J. L. Alworth Esq. Present

Durham (Me), Dec. 11 th 1846 To the Commr of Pensions.
Sir,
I hereby transmit to your department the affidavits of the Town Clerk of Greene and Mrs Hannah Bowley's affidavit, taken by Judge Grooton, which I wish to have filed in the claim of the Children of Margaret widow of Bachelor Stetson.
Very respectfully, your obt. Servt.
Jacob Merrill Durham (Me)
J. L. Richards Esq Comr of Pensions Washington D. C.

Commencement of Ruins
Record
9

Durham N.C. Jan. 25 th 1847.
To the Commissioner of Pensions Sir,
herewith I have forwarded to your department, depositions in the claim of the heirs of Margaret Atkinson widow of Nicholas Atkinson, which I write to have filed with the papers in her claim.
Very respectfully your Obt. Servt.
Jacob Harris
Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

3 Washington Oct 3. 1850 Dickens Coombs
Appeal from the decision of the Com t of Pensions in the case of Margaret Stetson claiming under the act July 4 th 1836.
Ref d to Com t of Pensions for a Report Dep Interior Oct 8 1850

Washington 3 d Oct. 1850.
Sir,
The Commissioner of Pensions having rejected the claim of Margaret Hutton under the act of 4 July 1836, because he was not satisfied with the evidence of Marriage and we considering it sufficient, beg leave to Appeal from his decision and ask your action on the claim. — When the Commissioner makes his report to you we will submit our views at length.
Yours very respectfully Dickins & Coombs.
The Hon.
A. H. H. Stuart Secretary of the Interior.

Durham Maine March 27 th 1897. to the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
I herewith transmit to your department Mr Brewster's statement, which I wish may be filed with the papers in the claim of the children of Margaret Stetson, widow of Bachelor Stetson Very respectfully your Ob d Serv t .
Jacob Henrik Durham (Me)
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington.

Durham N.Y. 1 st May (4)
Sir, The enclosed letter appears to have gone the rounds of all the "Durham's" in the State . It seems to have been originally addressed to Durham Mass; forwarded there to St.; from there to St. H., & then to this office. Knowing of no name of like name to which it would be advisable to forward, & being able to hear of no one of the name of Dennis in this vicinity, I enclose to your office for such disposition as may be deemed best.
Respectfully,
Wm. D. Durdin,
By G. S. Adams, Hato Adams Pres.
W. D. Durdin Esq Acty. Chairman of Pressmen Washington D.C.

Payment to be made at Portland by W m Woodbury Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Maine
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book (1) Vol- ume 7 Page 335 by
J. B. Chase Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 11 July 1836, Margaret Stetson, deceased, late of Maine, widow of Bachelor Stetson who was a Major in the Revolution & died in the year 1821, is inscribed on the roll of pensioners at the rate of one hundred dollars, per annum, from 11 th March 1831, to 17 th November 1836, when she died, payable to her only surviving children, to wit, Turner Stetson, Hannah Larabee, & Deborah Gilman.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this 23 rd day of December one thousand eight hundred 31
Examined and } Countersigned. }

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT,
July
1818
BY THIS I CERTIFY, That it appears by public, official documents remaining in this Department, that Batchelder Hutton served as a Soldier in Capt. Tracudell's Company, and Col. Crane's Regiment, (being one of the Regiments in the Massachusetts Line, and on the Continental Establishment,) in the American Army, in the War of the Revolution, from July 14 1777 to July 14 1780, being three years and months
Alden Bradford
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Margaret Stetson Mrs. J. Brier Pension Claim -

Margaret Stetson Pension Claim.
Every thing is admitted in this case except the date of the marriage
1. Turner Stetson, 58 years old, (in 1846) Declares that he and others are the only surviving children of Batchelder Stetson and Margaret Stetson. Said Batchelder served during the Revolution in Massachusetts. Said Margaret was married to him previous to his last service, in the plantation of Penobscot, Maine, about 1776. No record was kept there & it has been lost. His father died 15 th Aug t 1821. His mother remained a widow to her death, on the 17 th Nov r 1836. (No 1 & A.)
Evidence.
1. The Probate Judge certifies it has been proved that Batchelder Stetson died 15 th Aug t 1821. Margaret Stetson, 17 th Nov r 1836, also that said Margaret was married to said Batchelder before the expiration of the latter's service, (No 2 & A.)
2. Anna Sampson, 70 years old, knew Batchelder Stetson and his wife, Margaret. They were always reputed to be married. Their eldest child is about 60 years old. (No 3 & A.)
3. Hannah Baily, 82 years old, was born and brought up in Hanover, Mass. knew Batchelder Stetson, of their place, who married Margaret Nash. Was not at the marriage, but knows they lived together as man and wife, and that after that he was in the Revolutionary war some time. (No 4 & C.)
4. Rebecca Sampson, 71 years old, (in 1847) knew said parties. They lived as husband and wife.

Does not know the date of their marriage, but knows their eldest child is 67 years old. Knows this by her own age after hearing her parents say they were at the wedding. (No 1 & D.)
5. Luna Sampson , 77 years old, was well acquainted with said parties. Does not know the time of their marriage, but knows their eldest child is 67 years of age. Lives a near neighbor to them. (No 2 & D.)
6. The Town Clerk of Leeds searches the under the family record of Margaret Brewster and Martha , his wife, he finds that William Brewster was born Feb'y 27. 1786. (No 1 & E.)
7. Margaret Brewster , 84 years old, knew said parties. They lived as husband & wife, brought up a family of children. Does not know the date of their marriage, but knows that their eldest child, Hannah Labbacee , is 6 years older than deponent's eldest son, William . His wife was Rachel the Stetson's sister. Her mother died as deponent's been 46 years ago, and by that he knows the age of said Hannah Labbacee . (No 2 & E.)
8. Two witnesses of Leeds sworn to the credibility of Margaret Brewster . (No 3 & E.)

Shaw to $100 Purchased More than 2 years FSG

Washington 30 Jany 1857.
Sir,
Enclosed we have the honor of returning to you the Pension certificate issued in the case of Margaret Stetson dec. - You will observe that this certificate is issued under the belief that Bachelor Stetson was a Master, whereas the certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts shews him to have been a Bombadier. Be so good as to have the certificate of Pension corrected and returned to us.
Very respectfully Dickins & Coombs.
To the Com te of Pensions.

V No 6792
Margaret Netsund
Mr Jacob Herrick, 5 Sept 46
to same Dec. 23 '46
Same, Feb 10 '47.
Same Apr 16 '49 at retd from Mass & re sent to Durham Me. May 6 '47.
act 4 July 1836

Admit
Margaret Henson Widow of Bachelar Henson.
$100.
from 4 March 1831. To Nov r 17 th 1836. —
Payable to Teresia Henson Hannah Larrabee, and Deborah Gilman — only surviving children
Section 1. County Present.

Reg WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26. 446 Margaret Stetson Widow of Bachelor Stetson Matross Rev War
Act July 1 st 1836
Index: Vol. 8 , Page 251
[Arrangement of 1870.]

37 449 Rev INVALID.
File No. 37, 449
Batchelor Stetson
His Rev. Fao
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 399
[Arrangement of 1870.]