Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13,878, for Joseph Mather, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn. Navy
Mather, Joseph
S/3878
Carded
CONTENTS

let. to J. Lawrence Pa. G.P. Oct. 8. 1833
20350 New York
Joseph Mathes of Chincoteague in the State of New York who was a Private in the Coast company by Cyrus Mathes of the Regt commanded by Col. Lovett in the Cont'l line for 23 1/2 Mos.
★ Navy Pension Line Records completed Sep. 1836
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 7 1/8 Dollars 31 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Aug. 1832 and due the A. H. Mathes Shaburn
Arrears to the 14th (Mar) $ 136 68 Semest. allowance ending (Sep) 39 17 $195 85
Revolutionary Claim, for June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. C. Steele Clerk Book E Vol. 1 Page 68

State of New York Chenango County ss
On this sixth day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court before Robert Monell Vice Chancellor of the sixth district in the State of New York at a Court of Chancery now sitting in the town of Sherburne in county and State aforesaid Joseph Mather a President of the town of Sherburne in the county of Chenango and State of New York aged seventy-five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
He was born in the Town of Lyme New London County State of Connecticut in the year 1757 and resided there until he was twenty four years of age then he moved into the State of Vermont and lived there eight years then moved into Saratoga County State of New York and resided there twenty three years and then moved into this county where he now resides which was twenty years since
His first service he enlisted for seven months in the Town of Lyme aforesaid in the year 1778 in the spring thinks in the month of April in Capt. Mathews Company Col. Mott's Regt. and immediately on enlisting went to New London a distance of fifteen miles and was there stationed at what was called Fort Trumbull until the seven months had expired when he arrived there they had begun to build said Fort and he with the rest of the company con-

tinued to work on the Fort for the whole seven months and when he was discharged the Fort was not yet completed.
His next service was in the year 1777. In the month of January 1777 he enlisted for twelve months in Capt. Palmer's Comp y and served in the town of Lynne where he enlisted until fall they were stationed there as a guard on the sea shore. In the fall they were called to go to Rhode Island to join Gen. Spencer's Army, thinks it was Col. Harris' Regt. They marched first from Lynne to Dover still in the State of Rhode Island from there to Providence from there to Howlands Ferry, from there to Little Compton then joined Gen. Spencer's Army and were stationed there about one month. Then the Regt. which he was in marched up to Providence then the Comp y which he was in left the Regt. and marched back to Lynne to their former station staid there a few days and then were called to march to the west part of the state in the town of Norwalk then joined a Regt. to which Cols. Ely and Arnold belonged does not recollect which of them was Lieut. Col. Then Gen. Parsons met them with his Brigade to go on an an expedition to Long Island. The army then went on board of four vessels for Long Island on their way there the vessel which the Cols. were on board of was taken by a British man-of-war. The vessel he was on board of with one of the others discovered the British man of war and ran ashore on Long Island. The British at this time had possession of the Island and there were but 3 Capt. on board of these two vessels that landed on the Island two Continental and one Militia Capt. and no higher Officers. The Capt. counselled together what it

was best to do and concluded to move down to the East End of the Island the British were on the Island at this time on the New-York side. On their way down they found a British ship in a bay at anchor and most of her men on shore before they reached their boats one of them was taken prisoner the rest of them reached their vessel hoisted sail and moved off after firing two or three times. Was on the Island about a week and were taken off by two vessels that were sent there for that purpose and landed at New-London from there the Compy which he was in marched to their old station at Lyne and he was stationed there until his year for which he enlisted had expired.
His next term of service he was drafted for one month and served one month and a half he was drafted in Lyne aforesaid. The men who were drafted came together at Norwich and marched from there under Capt. Holmes to Providence from there on to the Island and there joined Gen. Sullivan's Army. They went on to the Island for the purpose of having an engagement with the British who were encamped at Newport. They expected the French Fleet up by water to assist them but owing to its not coming at the time expected they did not encounter the British but retreated in the night to the north end of the Island. Next morning found the British had followed them and that day they had a very severe engagement with them which continued without much cessation for nearly all day the night following they retreated off from the Island and marched to Providence and were then dismissed.
His next service was as Volunteer in the Navy for three months in the year 1779 served on board

the Ship Trumbull as guard in the mouth of Connecticut River where she was blockaded served the first part of said three months under Capt. Sollister and the last part under Capt. Hinman.
He has no record of his age excepting one he made himself at the time he was married in the year 1780 in a small book in which he keeps the records of his children's age.
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 State.
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid. } Joseph Hether
Robt. Merrill Vice Chancellor
We Benjamin Rowland a Clergyman residing in the town of Sherburn aforesaid and Mts Alexander Holmes, H V Fargo, Mills Landon Stephen Linker - residing in Sherburn aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Hether who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy five years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid } Benj m Rowland
Robt Merrill Vice Chancellor } Stephen Tinker

And the said Court does hereby declare his 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 certifies that it appears to him that Benjamin Rowland who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the town of Sherburne aforesaid, and that Helo Hunt Alexander Holmes, H. H. Fargo, Mills Landon, Stephen Trinker who have also signed the same, are residents of Sherburne aforesaid, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Robb Allouez Lieut. Colonel
I, Jonathan L. Woods Clerk of the Court of Chancery of the Sixth Circuit of the State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Mathew for a pension.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 6 day of September 1832.
Joseph W. Moore Deputy Clerk

Interrogatories put to Joseph Mathews

Answer to Interrogatory First. He was born in Lyme , New London County State of Conn. in the year 1759.
Second.
He has no record of his age except one he made himself in a small Book where he keeps the record of the ages of his family &c
Third.
When he was called into the Service he resided in Lyme aforesaid - he has since resided in Berlin Eight years - then in Goshen County, State of New York twenty three years - then where he now resides twenty years -
Fourth.
He enlisted - was drafted, and volunteered.
Fifth.
Genl: Pierce; Parsons; & Sullivan; Col: Wolcott; Harris; Ely; & Arnold; Capt: Mathew; Palmer; Holmes; Humann. Sixth
He never received a written discharge Seventh.
Milo Hunt, Mills Landing, Alexander Holmes Rev. Benjamin Rowland, Rev. Lyman S. Roxford
Robt. Moore. Lias Chase.

State of New York) County of Otsego ss. Edward Pratt of Burlington in said County aged 73 years being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Joseph Mather of the town of Sherburne in the County of Chenango and State of New York and that this deponent resided in Lyme in the State of Connecticut and that said Mather also resided there in the year 1776 that this deponent and said Joseph Mather did both Enlist in the spring of the year 1776 about the same time in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Mather in Colonel Erastus Wolcott's regiment of the Connecticut State Troops and that this deponent and said Mather did serve in the same Company at New London on the erection of Fort Trumbull for the term of six months or more. until we were both discharged. Edward Pratt
Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of August 1832
Before me
Laurens C. Mather Judge of Otsego common Pleas
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Edward Pratt above named and that he is a man of respectability and reputable and statement is entitled to full credit
Given under my hand the day and year aforesaid
Laurens C. Mather Judge of Otsego common Pleas

Sylvanus Mathews
Affidavit for J. Mathews -u-

State of New York Chautauqua County } ss. I, Januis W. Pike -
Clerk of said County do certify that Mills Landon Esqr before whom the with- -in affidavit purports to have been sworn to, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and veracly believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature Witness my hand & Seal of office this 27 th Day of Aug 1832
J. W. Pike Clk of Chautauqua County

State of New York } Chautauqua County ss. }
Sylvanus Mather of the Town of New Lisbon in the County of Allegany and State of New York aged seventy one years being duly sworn according to Law on his oath deposeth and saith that Joseph Mather of the Town of Sherburne in the County of Chautauqua and State of New York upon said is Brother of this deponent, and that this deponent residing in his fathers fam- ily in the Town of Lyme in the State of Connecticut recollects that in the year 1778 the said Joseph was draughted as a militia man and did serve in defense of his country for one month or more in the State of Rhode Island - and further this deponent saith that the said Joseph did, in the year 1779, serve on board of the ship Tumbull while the said ship was blockaded at the mouth of Connecticut River un- der the command of Capts. Saltonstall and Hinman, for the term of three months, during which term this de- ponent served with the said Joseph in the continental service - and further this deponent

Saith not
Sworn and subscribed to This 23 rd day of August 1832 before me Will s Landon Justice of the Peace
Sylvanus Mather
County of Chautauqua ss; I hereby certify that from good information con- cerning the reputation of thos Mather the person who subscribed and sworn to the above affida- vit before me, I do verily believe him to be a respectable citizen of New Lisbon in the County of Otsego and in all respects a cred- ible person and his testimony is entitled to full credit & belief - Given under my hand at Sherburne the day & year aforesaid Will s Landon Justice Peace

Edward Pratt: Affidavit for J. Nathan
Apt Edward Pratt

State of New York Owego County } ss. I Horace Lathrop Clerk of the said County do certify that James C. Walworth before whom the preceding affidavits purport to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Judge of Otego County Courts & that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscri- bed to the said affidavits to be his proper hand writing & signature Witness my hand & the seal of Office this 21 st day of August 1832 Horace Lathrop By Thos. R. Cory Deputy

Joseph Mathews Declaration
† 14339
adm d 23 1/2 mo. per $78.33

Stephen Matthews Affidavit for J. Matthews
J. W. Price Clerk of Shenandoah County Pa

State of New York
Chenango County ss:
Stephen Mather of the Town of Belmpton in the County of Otsego being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is well acquainted with Joseph Mather of Sherburne in the County of Chenango and that he served with him nine months in the Revolu- tionary war in the year 1777 in Capt. Palmer's Company of Stonington State of Connecticut. All of the above service of nine months was done in the Town of Lyman County of New London cont. and this deponent further saith that his Brother Joseph Mather as he always understood and verily believes served all the whole year in the above named Company. and further saith not Sworn and subscribed Stephen Mather This 18th day of August 1832 before me
Saml Campbell Justice of the Peace
I certify that I have for many years been personally acquainted with the above named Stephen Mather and know him to be a man of truth and veracity
Saml Campbell

State of New York } ss } Francis K. Pieters Chautauqua County } Clerk of Said County do hereby certify that Samuel Campbell Esq. before whom the within affidavit purpo- rts to have been Sworne to was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for Said County and that I am acquai- nted with his hand writing and truely believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and Signature -
Witness my hand & Seal of Office this 27 th day of August 1832 -
F. K. Pieters Clk of Chautauqua County
Stephen Mathews Affidavit for J. Mathews

14.339 Joseph Mather
Adm.
16 ob May 1833 P. 393
A. W. Maynard Sherburn Chenango N.Y.

BRIEF in the case of Joseph Mathew County of Chautauqua in the State of New York (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? 75.  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.     Enlisted in 1776 April — 7 — Private Capt. Mathew, Col. Wolcott   do. 1777 Aug. 1 — — Private Capt. Palmer, Col. Harris, Genl. Spencer, Cols. Ely & Arnold, Genl. Parsons   Drafted — — " 1 1/2 — Private Capt. Holmes, Genl. Sullivan   Vol. on board 1779 the Ship Trumbull: " 3 " Private Capt. Sollister & Sherman  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? —  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? New London City. Conn.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional & credible Witnesses.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? They are not attached to the Seal as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Waugh Examining Clerk. March 7. 1833.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
July 22, 1934
Mrs. J. B. Kent Irving, New York
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 13878 it appears that Joseph Mather was born in 1757 in Lyme, New London County, Connecticut.
While living in said Lyme he enlisted in April 1776 and served seven months as a private in Captain Samuel Mather's Company, Colonel Erastus Wolcott's Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted in January 1777 in Captain Palmer's Company, was under Colonels Harris, Ely and Arnold, was in General Spencer's Rhode Island Expedition, and served one year.
He enlisted in 1778 and served one month and a half as a private in Captain Holmes' Company, was in General Sullivan's Expedition and was in the battle of Rhode

Island.
In 1779 he enlisted on board the ship "Trumbull" Captains Saltonstall and Hinman, and served three months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 6, 1832 while living in Sherburne, Chenango County, New York. He was living in September 1844 at Villenova, Chautauqua County, New York. The date of his death is not on record.
He married in 1780 and had children, no names names are stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Reborn
13878 INVALID.
File No. 13878
Joseph Mathew Dr. Rev. Mrs.
Act: June 1 st 32
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 289
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Apr. 3/94 Out. Heist. to Mr. Thurman French, Norfolk, Conn. C
July 2, 1913. Aud. Int. for last payment and
1923 Dec. 19 Hon. Daniel G. Reed gives date of last payment date of settle not on record. See letter carbon in Nathan Hatch S. 21798
1924 July 22 Heist. to M.H. J.D. Heist. M.H.

Irving, N.Y. June 12. 24.
Commissioner of Pensions.
On the 1846 Pension list I find the Name of Joseph Mather. Town of Villanova. Chaut. Co.
Will you kindly send all the information available concerning said Joseph Mather.
Very sincerely yours -
Mrs J. B. Kent -
Irving Chaut. Co
New York -

OFFICE OF AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPARTMENT IN REPLYING QUOTE INITIALS
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON
July 7, 1915
The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of _____ the second instant _____ you are informed that, according to the latest account rendered by the U. S. Pension Agent, at _____ Albany, N. Y., _____ the records of this office show last payment to have been made to Joseph Mather, Private, Army Rev. _____, certificate No. 20,330 _____, at $ 78.34 per month annum to September 4, 1844, to Joseph Tuffs, Attorney. Said pensioner resided in Villenova, Chautauqua County, _____ N. Y., for nine years, and previous thereto he resided in Sherburne, Chenango County, N.Y., but the date of his death is now shown. _____
Letter herewith returned.
Respectfully,
J. C. Murray Acting Auditor.
By _____
Deputy Auditor.

Rev War Section Division Sur File no. 13878 Joseph Mather
Cut Ex'r.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., July 2 , 1905
SIR:
For use in the above-entitled claim for pension, you are requested to furnish this Bureau with a report in the case of
Joseph Mather pensioned under the Act June 7, 1832, from Mar. 4, 1831 by certificate No 20330, issued Aug. 29, 1833 - rate $18.34 pr. an. New York Agency, showing date of last payment of pension, names of persons paid and date of soldier's death
Very respectfully,
E. C. Sieman Acting Commissioner.
THE AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT,
Treasury Department.

Joseph Nathan N.Y.
16
80 1.66 78 2.35
76.66 1.66 78.33
A. H. Maynard Sherburn Chinango N.Y.

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

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? _____ 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? _____ 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? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes 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  H. XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
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 shown 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.