Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 38,388, for Aaron Smith, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Smith, Aaron
S. 38,388
CONTENTS
born in Feb 1760. Res at Hadley Hampshire Co. Mass. res Madison, Madison Co. N.Y. in 1812. Later in Ohio & Wis. died Sept 23 1835. widow Lydia

Chic 515
Recd. 10 Apl: 1822

Com Pleas Oct Term 1821
At the Term of October in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and Twenty One of the Honorable the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Medina and State of Ohio among other Proceedings then and there had by and before the said Court, the following Cause came on to be heard, the Judgment of the Court as herein after mentioned was rendered, and the Proceedings, Documents, and Judgment, Ordered to be recorded as requi- -red by Law that is to say
Aaron Smith Revolutionary Claim To Wit The State of Ohio Court of Common Pleas Oct Term 1821. Medina County On this Twenty third day of October in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty One Personally Appeared in open Court, the same being a Court of Record for said County of Medina Aaron Smith aged Sixty One Years in the month of February 1821, a Citizen and Resident of Champion Township in said County of Medina, who first being sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz, he enlisted at White Plains in the State of New York in the month of July 1778 for the Term of the War in the Company commanded by Captain Joshua Denson in the 5 th Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam in the Massachusetts Line, that he was honorably discharged at the New Windsor Cantonment in New York State the 10 th day of June 1783. This applicant was in the battle of Yorktown Virginia at the defeat of Cornwallis. And the said Aaron Smith doth further make oath and declare that the date of his Original Application is April 9 th 1818 and that the Number of his Pension Certificate is 15.202. And the said Aaron Smith do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March 1818 and I have not since that time by gift, Sale or in any manner whatsoever disposed of any Property or any Part thereof with Intent thereby so to diminish the same 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 the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not, nor has any Person in trust for me any Property or Security, Contracts, demands or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed Schedule of Aaron Smith's Property to Wit One Cow value $10.00 One Yearling heifer $6.00 One Dime Pot worth $0.25 One trunk $1.50

One Spiders $0.40 Two small dish bottles cracked $0.40, Six knives and forks $1.00 Six Plates $0.50, Four Tablespoons $0.24 One Note Seven Dollars given by Moses Smith, One knife $0.06 3/4. I am by occupation a Laborer but too feeble to inform to labor much and unable to furnish my own support - my family consists of my wife Lydia Smith aged fifty two years who is infirm and in- able of procuring her own support, and one son of ten years old a weakly boy This applicant lives with his son Aaron Smith Service in said Chamber Pension
Aaron Smith
The State of Ohio Personally appeared in Open Court, the Medina County above named Aaron Smith and made solemn oath that the facts by him stated in the foregoing Schedule and Affidavit and by him subscribed, are just and true.
Medina Oct 23 A.D. 1821. John Freese Clerk.
And afterward that is to say at this Court of Common Pleas further con- tinued and held at Medina aforesaid within and for the County of Medina the 23 rd day of October A.D. 1821, before the Honorable George Todd President of the third Circuit of the Courts of Common Pleas in the State of Ohio in which said Circuit this County of Medina is included and the Honorable Frederick Brown Isaac Wilton and Joseph Harris Enjoining his Asso- ciates Judges of the same Court when held within and for this County of Medina on hearing the application of the said Aaron Smith for a Certifi- cate for the continuance of his Pension for Revolutionary Service. It is Ordered by the Court now here the Application of the said Aaron Smith be certified to the Department of War and that the Property by him exhibited in the foregoing Schedule is estimated at Twenty Seven Dollars and thirty five Cents and One fourth of a Cent.
The State of Ohio I John Freese Clerk of the Court of Common Medina County Pleas in and for the County of Medina, do hereby Certify that the foregoing Oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records 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 Seven Dollars thirty five Cents and One fourth of a Cent.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Medina this Sixth day of November A.D. 1821.
John Freese Clerk

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Dec. 14 th 1841,
Sir:
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Aaron Smith, D o a Pensioner on the Roll of the Wisconsin Agency, at the rate of Eight Dollars and  Cents her annum, under the law of the 18 th March 1818, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of Sept. 1837, to the 23 rd Sept. 1838,
Respectfully, yours,
Wilson B. Purvis
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

25.20.2 Vriscop Br 2 York
Chas. Smith 2 a Died Sep 23 1838
Madison in the state of New York
a Private in the regiment commanded by
Putnam of the Massachusetts
for the term of 5 years  five months
inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 9 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 of Sep 1819
to Nathaniel Hinge
Cazenovia N. York
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819  135.20
Semi-ann. all'ce ending Mar 1820  48.00
16 Mo 27 / 37  $183.20
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued

Latl. Bushnell B. Cary, Sept 15-36 - as to transfer -
Letter from G. W. Jones, Aug 27 '37
On Tues - Jan 30 - 37 -
Transp o to Wisconsin fr.
March 36 - Feb 8 - 37 -
Letter to Pond 5 Jan'y 1838.
" to H. L. G. W. Jones Page next
23. 1838. Do to Phagwa, Aug 7
1838
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 March 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 Agst Account 18 Sept 1838
Let to B.C. Price Nov 16 1820.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th Ap 1837 to 23 rd Sep 1838 agt holding 29 th Decr 1841
1870 Aug 15 E R Smith - history - Prior

State of New York
Yates County ss - Timothy Smith and Philip Smith being sworn severally before me and say - the said Timothy doth depose and say that Aaron Smith formerly of the town of Warley Hampshire County and State of Massachusetts - and now of Madison County in the State of New York served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary war - and as such soldier belonged to Col. Rufus Putnam's regiment of the Continental Army - and as he believes the fifth Regiment of the Massachusetts line & in General Nixon's brigade and in Baker's Battery company - That the said Aaron enlisted into the said company and Regiment in the year as he believes of 1777 or 1778 - and continued in the service as a Revolutionary soldier until the close of the Revolutionary war and the discharge of the army - That both then deponents are brothers of the said Aaron - and the said Philip Smith doth depose and say that the said Aaron was a soldier during the Revolutionary war - but as to what Regiment or Company the said Aaron belonged he the said Philip was during the said war too young distinctly to B

Remember - and further their deponents say not -
Timothy Smith Philip Smith
Sworn & subscribed before me this 27 th day of February 1810
P. Mendenhall
One of the judges of the } Court of Common Pleas of } Genesee County }
I the undersigned John Z Hops Clerk of the said County, do hereby Certify under my hand & the seal of the said County that David McCracken before whom the above affidavit was made is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Genesee County & as such duly authorized to take the aforementioned Affidavit Dated the 27 th Feb y 1810 John Z Hops

Reinstated April 26 1822 Sent to Hon G. Tomlinson H. Rep.
In the matter of Aaron Smith & Revolutionary Soldiers
Mass & line 5 th Col. Putnam's Regt
1778 — 9 mo — & during war
Correct by Roll
Found on final settlement certificate rolls —
Services correct for nine months & Roll
Admitted

State of New York Madison County ss.
Aaron Smith of the town of Madison in the County of Madison aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he resides, & for a long time has resided, in said Town - that he served as a private soldier in the war of the Revolution for the term of about five years & until the end thereof, and obtained his discharge the tenth day of June in the year seventeen  eighteen hundred and eighty three, if he rightly recollects. That he had lost the discharge which he then received - That in the year 1778 this deponent resided in the town of Hadley in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts & in that year he went as a nine months man & joined the fifth Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam in General Pixon's Brigade - That he joined at West Point on the Hudson river - That year  the same he enlisted the same year during the war & belonged to Captain Joshua Benton's Company, he enlisted into that Company, & served mostly in that Company - That he was sometimes commanded by one Captain White, sometimes by one Captain Stone - & in the year 1781 this deponent
July 12 - 1817

lies in a Company of Light Infantry commanded by the same Capt Benton, in a Regiment of Light Infantry commanded by Colonel Rose, if this deponent can rightly spell or pronounce his name; & that your deponent went as one of the Light Infantry to the State of Virginia, under the Marquis De La Fayette - That deponent was in the Massachusetts line. - That this deponent has no land, no deed, or lease or contract for any real estate, & no personal property of any consequence besides a Cow, & eleven sheep; - that this deponent has a family, & poorly supports himself & them by agriculture, - and further he saith not
Aaron Smith
Sworn this ninth day April 1818 before me
Patrick King one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Madison County.
Madison County ss. Daniel Butcher of the County of Madison being duly sworn saith that he is a near neighbour of Aaron Smith the above deponent, and knows him to be a poor man in low or indigent circumstances - This deponent

has known the said Aaron as a near neighbor for six years - & further saith not.
Sworn this ninth day of April Daniel Battles 1818. before me
Nathl. King a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in said County.
State of New York
Clerks Office
Madison County ss. I certify that Nathaniel King was an acting Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Madison on the day of the date of the above affidavit and that his signature appears to be his own proper hand writing. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto put my name and the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this 13th. April 1818. Sam. Dyer Supt. Dep. Clk.
I Nathaniel King one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Madison aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Aaron Smith did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration against the Common enemy - and I now transmit the proceedings
July 13 th 1819 -

testimony taken & had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the act of Congress in such case provided. — From my own knowledge of the circumstances of the said Aaron Smith I further certify that he is very poor — that he has no real estate & very little personal — that he is truly in the reduced circumstances above sworn to, & by reason thereof stands in need of the assistance of his country for support. To preclude all mistake & be confirmed in my acquaintance with the circumstances of the said Aaron, I have been to his place of residence, examined his situation & enquired of his neighbors.
Dated this 13th day of April 1818.
Wath King Judge as aforesaid
Aaron Smith private Col Vols Regt Mass Vols 178th regt
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

State of New York Chenango County ss. Abel Cobb being de- sworn saith that he is personally acquainted with Aaron Smith an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of 18 th March 1818 that he knew said Smith in the year 1778 as a soldier in the war of the revolution, was with him at West Point on Hudson river served in the same - Regiment with said Smith till the close of the war when when he said deponent & said Aaron Smith was both honably discharge on the 10 th day of June in the year 1783 that he traveled in company with said Smith two days on their return home after they obtained their discharges as above stated & said deponent further saith that he has no interest in said application for a pension by said Smith & further
Abel Cobb
Saith not Sworn & subscribed this 13 th day of July 1879 before me Billy Lynde one of the Judges of Chenango County Common Pleas
Chenango County ss. I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Abel Cobb the above named deponent & believe him to be a man of truth & veracity Dated at Sherburne Chenango Co N.Y. July 13 th 1879 Billy Lynde

State of New York, Chemung County Clerk's Office July 20 th 1843
I hereby certify that Billy Synder Esq. whose name appears to the within Affidavits was at the time of taking the same a Judge of Chemung Com. Pleas duly au- thorized to act as such & that I am acquainted with his hand writing and believe the signatures of the said Judge within Subscribed to be in his own proper hand Writing Witness my hand & the Seal of the Court the day & year above written
A. M. Hathorn Dep. Clerk

State of New York Madison County ss Israel Bond of Madison in said County being duly Sworn Saith that he is personally acquainted with Aaron Smith an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed the 18th day of March 1818 that he knew the said Smith well in 1778 and from that time on for three years or more that this Deponent and the said Smith both belonged to the fifth Regiment of the Massachusetts line that he knew the said Smith being detached from said Regiment and being sent to the South and after an absence of almost ten months the said Smith returned and joined his Regiment and he understood that the said Smith was at the take- ing of Cornwallis at Yorktown while absent and easily believes it to be true and this Deponent further Saith that himself and said Smith were both honorably discharged on the same day at the New Windsor canton- ment And this Deponent further Saith that he hath no interest in said applicant directly or indirectly and further Saith not
Sworn this 15th day of July 1819 before me Charles C. Haveland one of the Judges of Madison Common Pleas
Israel Bond

Madison County Conty I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Israel Bond the within deponent and have been for a number of years and believe him to be a man of Truth and Veracity
Dated at Madison Foster Cleveland this 15th day of July 1819
State of New York Madison County Clerk's Office. I certify that it appears of record in this Office that Eustace Cleveland Esquire was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Madison at the time each of the foregoing instruments appear to have been taken and certified by him duly authorized to take and certify the same and that his signature above is in his hand writing Witness my name and the seal of said Court the 21st day of July 1819
William Keogh
Deputy Clerk

Aaron Smith 2-
Mr. Budni
O. P.
to
Wisconsin

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
County of Racine ss.
On this 8th day of January 183 7 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Racine personally appeared Aaron Smith 2nd who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Joshua Bensou in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Ohio . Pittsburg Agency from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State ( District Territory,) of Wisconsin where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Ohio to Wisconsin Territory . That his family are all residents here and he wishes to reside with them
Aaron Smith 2nd
Sworn and subscribed to before me, } the day and year aforesaid.
Benjamin C. Pierce Justice of the Peace
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The County Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

County of Racine ss
On this 5 th day of January A.D. 1837
Before me a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Racine personally appeared Moses Smith of Racine County Wisconsin Territory who being duly sworn deposeth & said that he is well acquainted with Aaron Smith second & knows him to be the Person described in the affidavit
Moses Smith I do hereby certify that Moses Smith who has executed the above affidavit is a Person of veracity
Benjamin C. Pierce } Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Benjamin C. Pierce is a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Racine and that his signature to the above is genuine
N. F. Cox for Seal
I am personally acquainted with N. F. Cox Jr. who has signed the above, believe the above to be his signature & him to be a Clerk of the District Court Washington City Jan y 28 1837. Gilbert Knapp

Capt Gilbert Knapp who has signed the Certificate at the bottom of the opposite page is personally well known to me & is worthy of all credence.
Jan 28 th 1837.
Geo. W. Jones - (S) - Peni Agent
inc
B
1

S. W. Grant Esq.
In these papers have not been forwarded before I have most of proper officers to transact the business before. Our County is but just organized. hope they are correct.
B. B. Clegg

S Edwin R Smith Wyo Recd May 20 1890 Aaron Smith wife
X
MAY 26 1890

Manitowoc, Wis., May 20 1890
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:
In reply to your advice of May 15-herewith enclosed. I send you required facts regarding my grandfather who was a Revolutionary Soldier and pensioner.
His name was Aaron Smith He lived at Hadley Mass. ( Old Hadley ) He served eight years from 1775 to 1783 He was living at or near Hadley Mass in 1786. Afterwards moved to Brattleboro Vermont. Then to Hamilton, Madison Co N. Y. Was living there in 1812 Moved to Medina. Medina Co Ohio. about 1818 Moved to Foxville, afterwards Burlington Wisconsin in 1835 or 1836. He died at the latter place, Burlington Wis, after 1837, we think in 1838 or 39.
I have many particulars of his army reference but no record of company or regiment. Would be glad to get his complete army

Manitowoc, Wis., ..... 18
and pension history if possible - The date of his death, or any other facts regarding him that may be a matter of record in your department.
I am anxious to get these facts to put on record for my children and to accompany the record of my own experience, as I served in a Wisconsin regt. three years in Virginia 1862-1865.
Very respectfully Edwin R Smith

Aaron Smith 20
Pension under the Act of 18 th March 1820
Copy of Record
15202
9 June 1819

Schedule
State of New York Madison County ss. on the twentieth day of June one thousand eight hundred and twenty appeared Aaron Smith in open court to wit the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Madison being a court of Record enabled and established as such by the Laws of the State of New York I aged sixty years Resident of Ham- ilton in said County who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows to wit that he enlisted in the month of July 1778 at White Plains in New York State under Capt. Joshua Benson in Colonel Rufus Pat- nam's Regiment and commanded by him in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continental establishment fifth Regiment that he continued to serve in the said corps un- til the month of June 1783 when he was dis- charged from the said service in the State of New York. That the date of his original declaration is on the ninth day of April 1878 and that his pension has been allowed him at the war department at eight dollars per month and commenced on the said ninth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighty and the number of his certificate is 15202 as marked on said certificate under the hand & seal of J. C. Calhoun Secretary of the War dated the ninth of Sept 1819 — and in pursuance of the act of the first of May one thousand eight hundred and now old sol- diers sol- diers

I wear that I was a Resident Citizen of the United on the eighteenth of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property to  diminish it or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision of the act of Congress en- titled An act to provide for certain persons en- gaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18 th day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any prop- erty or securities contracts or debts due me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed to wit my note against Reverend Cowden of pompel in Chautauqua County State of New York
$45.88
One hundred thirty five dollars of my pension money _____ 135.00 One pot (broken) worth _____ .50 One Tea kettle _____ 1.00 One Spider _____ .50 Two broken kettles (small ones) _____ .50 $183.08
I am owing upwards of twenty dollars I have a wife & two children living with me one by the name of Moses Smith aged twenty years & the other whose name is Samuel of the age of nine years who is likely to be able

to contribute to my support. and that I Rev. d a brief while in the service army I was unable to support myself or my fam- ily by other means than my pension and that I am a Farmer by occupation  Sworn this 20 th day of June 1870 before me -  "Aaron Smith 2 d " J. Smith the First Judge Muck. City
I, Tobias M. Hunt Clerk of the county of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule hereto 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 described in the aforesaid schedule is one hundred & eighty three Dollars & Eighty cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court. on this 21 st day of June 1870
T. M. Hunt Clk. of Mad. County

38 388 Rev  INVALID.
File No. 38 388
Aaron Smith Rev Rev War
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Aaron Smith
File 1827 Wisconsin

Freeville Dec r 4 th 1837 W o Territory
Your Hon ble the Secretary of war
Where as I Aaron Smith 2 nd was transferred from the Pension Rolls of Pittsburg to that of Wisconsin, February 8, 1837 I therefor pray your Honor to inform me where the same down may be down having sent to Greenburg once to Detroit twice, having failed I pray you to inform me of the agents name and residence.
Aaron Smith 2 nd
Freeville Rensselaer Co. Moses Smith D. Master

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office, September 14 th 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Aaron Smith 2 o 4 a Pensioner on the Roll of the Wisconsin Agency, at the rate of .. eighty Dollars and .. Cents per month month, under the law of the 18 th of March 1838 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March March 1838 to the 4 th of September 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
William H. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Burlington 30 th of Oct 1840 Per Sir
Mrs Lydia Smith widow of the deceased Aaron Smith Deceased wishes to know what proceedings are necessary in order to obtain her pension to which is entitled being able to prove her marriage with S Smith previous to 93 and also what should be done to obtain  recover the arrears of S Smiths Pension up to the time of his death; she can get no information from any one in this country; if you will transmit a full statement of what is necessary to be done to S. R. Smith at Burlington, Racine County, W.T. you will confer a great favor on an aged and indigent widow
Respectfully B. C. Lee
M c L. Edwards

W. H. C. Edward Linton
Hon. Eliza P. Boarman Senator in Congress Washington City
Yours truly

Miamis Ohio Dec r 18 th 1891
Dear G d Burleson
Dear Sir Accompanying you will receive papers relative to the revolutionary claim of Aaron Ingersoll of No 2 in the 14 th Range — This old gentleman is now near seventy years of age poor weak and debilitated his family incapable of doing any labor and he is now dependent for his living on the charity and affections of his two sons who are now about one and three and twenty who are ground to the earth with poverty and who are very honest industrious worthy young men who are obliged to work for every thing they have themselves and also their parents whose family consists of themselves and one son about 20 years of age all of which are incapable of contributing but very little toward their own support These two aforementioned sons have taken up 75 acres of Land of Gov t Champion and notwithstanding the sickness of their father's family, they by uncommon exertion have made considerable payment — The old gentleman was upon the pension Roll of 1818 — When the new act took effect he had lately received the pension money for the last year — He sent on a schedule of his property and in the schedule he included the money which he had drawn on his former pension — which increased the schedule beyond the limits of the law — and he was struck from the roll — Had he been a drunkard a spendthrift or a knave — he would probably not have accounted for pension money on hand and then the pension under the new act would have been remitted — But it is otherwise — He is now a poor decrepit old man — neither himself wife or child capable of taking care of themselves and as for himself, laboring under an injury he received in fighting for our liberties — the only prospect before him — is of being a weight in the

balance which will prevent his children on whom he now leans for support from rising to affluence or even even indolence to a comfortable living — or on the other hand if he separates from them — his only prospect will be penury and want —
Mr Smith was in the regular service of the Revolution He performed his term of service — While in the service he received a rations (so called) but he had too much pride, he was too patriotic to claim from government (thus in low credit) a pension on that account — He found himself in the prime of life, and as long as he enjoyed this health in other respects — he thought he could get a living — But now the sickle is turned — Decrepitude old age has fixed her grasp upon him and his wife shares his fate — The constitution of his little son is ruined by sickness — Although his two eldest children do not complain, he thinks he is a burthen to them — He finds government providing for fellow soldiers left disabled, and in less reduced circumstan- ces than himself — He now stands in need of assistance from his country — and he claims it as a right — He has contributed to give his countrymen liberty and all its concomitant blessings — He now calls upon these same countrymen to contribute to his support And shall see while in the enjoyment of the very privileges for which he bled his own and fought, for which he entrusted his life to the God of battles for which he submitted to all the privations of life the toils of a soldier and the hardships of a campaign shall ever refuse our charity — or I may say our legal and just dues — I hope not — Should the Congress of the U.S. cast their eyes on this poor old man could the witness his loss of country and patriotism as it appears in his miserable hut — They would say he deserved a crown — This however the old gentleman would not thank them for — He would shrunk at a crown as quick as an Irishman at a

Friend — I can relate a pleasing anecdote of the old gentleman which will shew you his character —
During the last war — there was a scarcity of Soldiers. People would not enlist — The old gentleman could not bear to see a red coat set forth on American ground. He offered himself as a Soldier partly to shew the young upstarts as he called them who preferred disgrace to hardship — and partly because he was unable to work on a farm — and because he would not see British footstamps on the American shore — The recruiting officer objected to let the old man in the regular — and he went off and got admitted as a substitute for a draughted militia man — He performed a part of the tour — but was too old and feeble to continue — and the commanding officer gave him an honorable discharge —
From the above you can form something of an idea of the gentleman in question — We wish in behalf of Mr Smith of his family of his neighbourhood of the Town of community of justice & equity — that you would take this under your particular care and attention — and get the name of Aaron Smith (as he has always been called) inserted on the pension roll — and have him drawn from the time that the new act took place as he applied at that time — and would have obtained had he not included in his schedule ($134, Darrow) his pension money on hand at that time which he had saved by his usual economy and prudence. You will please to direct the papers to Aaron Smith (or have them so done) Middlesex Court house. You will please communicate with our Representative Mr Sloan who will cooperate with you in every way necessary as am Sir Yours Aff te Servant Rufus Ferris
Bela B. Clark

Washington 6 April 1822
Profus Ferriss Esq r and Doct r Bela B. Clark are well known to me as Gen l of strict integrity and fully to be relied upon as men of truth & veracity
Elijah Boardman (Signature)
Hon d E l Se

Edwin R. Smith      W.C. May 3 1890 Reply wrote May 15 for data.

OFFICE OF MANITOWOC HIGH SCHOOL LOCK BOX No. 34
Manitowoc, Wis., May 3 1890
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir;
My grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier and drew a pension the latter part of his life - Is there any record by which his Regt. and company could be ascertained? If so, to whom should I send particulars for such information
Very truly yours
Edwin R. Smith

B. Pierce
Nov 16, 1840
96
Record (32) page 330

Pension Office, Nov 16. 1840
Sir,
In relation to the case of Aaron Smith, 2 d dec d , I have to inform you that the annuity due up to the day of his death are payable at the Office of P. Hargreaves, Esq. Third Auditor, under the Act of April 6 1838. Enclosed herewith are printed instructions for the purpose of preparing the necessary vouchers.
I also enclose a copy of the law of July 7. 1838, and a copy of the regulations adopted under it. The widow may obtain a pension if she can establish the fact of her marriage prior to the 18 th of January 1794  to the act of Pennsylvania shew that she was married prior to the 18 th of January 1794, and that her husband died before the date of the law
B. C. Pierce, Esq., Burlington Wisconsin Territory.

J. V. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Morristown N.J. 10 November 1840
Be pleased to observe that Aaron Smith Burrows on my roll under Act 18 March 1818 is dead
I have the honor to be Yours obedient Sam W. Knapp P Agent

War Department, Pension Office, April 12 th 1822.
Sir,
I herewith return the papers in the case of Aaron Smith; and have to state, that it does not appear that his name was ever on the roll of Revolutionary Pensioners for the State of Ohio.
I am, respectfully, Yr. Ob st Serv t , J. L. Edwards
H. E. Boardman, Senate U. S.

For transfer
Recd. 31 July 1822
Seft

Medina, 17 th July 1820
Dr Sir
Enclosed is the affidavit of Aaron Smith & together with certificates which I hope will be found satisfactory.
I conclude, if these papers are made in due form, that he will be authorized to receive the whole pension from 4 Mar 1820 to 4 th Sep r next. at the agency of this State. Will you have the goodness to inform me on this Subject.
Yours respectfully
Boozell. Atherton

Mr. Melvin requests Mr. Edwards to ascertain whether the name of Sarah Smith, named, in the documents sent herewith, does not appear, on the perjury roll of Connecticut

Aaron Smith 2 d Wisconsin nat, act March 18. 1878.
Be pleased to say to what time he was last paid.
Plusin Office { Nov 16. 1840. }
He was paid under act 6 Apr 38 t. 4 Sep 1837 JH

Racine Wisconsin Territory James L. Edwards Esq Comm P Office Aug 27 th 1836
Sir Aaron Smith 2 d a Revoluting Pensioner has recently moved to this place from the State of Ohio & wishes to be transferred from the Roll of Ohio to the nearest agency to this place
Racine is situated in the Wisconsin Territory 65 miles north of Chicago Illinois Will you write him to my care at this place & give him the necessary instructions
Yours & Bushnell B Cary P. Master Racine
J. L. Edwards Comm Pension office Racine

Merchants & Manufacturers Bldg Pittsburgh February 3 d 1837.
In compliance with Yours of 30 th ult o I beg leave to inform You that Aaron Smith 2 d Prio. Pensioner under the Act of March 18 th 1818. at Eighty Dollars per month was last paid up to the fourth March 1836. I am very Respectful
Your obedt Servt Fredk H. Hahn for W. T. Terman P.M.
G. S. Edwards Esq. Commrs of Pensions Washington City

Sept. 19 th cent.
and 5 years to the end of the war. — Aged 40 years. Life aged 32 — Two sons at 20 & 9.
by all personal, and at $183 75 /mo.
Report to Hon. W. Tom. Lincoln, D. C.
[Handwritten signature]

Aaron Smith's (2 nd ) Application for transfer from New York to Ohio. —
Transf. 5 th Aug. 1822
Sep y Mar 20

State of Ohio Medina County ss.
On this seventeenth day of July 1822 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the said County of Medina person- ally appeared Aaron Smith R who on his Oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the com- pany commanded by Captain Joshua Benson in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed, that he now resides in the State of Ohio in the County of Medina where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future.
Aaron Smith R
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid.
Jno. Hildreth Justice

State of Ohio Medina County ss.
Be it known that John Hickcox Esquire, whose certificate is affixed to the foregoing Affidavit of Aaron Smith Second, is a justice of the peace within and for the said County of Medina, duly elected Commissioner and qualified to act as such, within said County, that as such he is by Law authorized to administer oaths and that the foregoing certificate of said Affidavit is signed by the said John Hickcox Esquire in his own proper handwriting and official signature.
In testimony whereof I John Freese Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Medina County aforesaid have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this seventeenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two.
John Freese Clerk

Mr Edwards
Melvin S. ...

Medina Ohio Dec r 28 th 1821
I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Aaron Smith a Revolutionary Soldier who now resides in Champion Township in Medina County - That he is in low circumstances and needs assistance from some other source than his own family - That the said Smith is now, and has for some time been laboring under a disease known by the name of "Umbilical Hernia" - That I believe the said Smith to be over sixty years of age - That he is an honest and industrious citizen - That his family consists of a wife and one child - That his wife is now of a weakly and broken constitution - and that his child is of a constitution too feeble to render them any assistance - and that the said family all and singularly are able to contribute but very little toward their own support - That their situation with regard to health is such that they must necessarily very frequently need medical aid - That their bill for sickness for the last 18 months cannot be short of sixty Dollars - Nor is there any probability of its being less for years to come
Bela B. Clark Physician & Surgeon Medina Ohio
State of Ohio Medina County
Personally appeared the above named Bela B. Clark and made solemn oath that the statements by him made in the above affidavit are just and substantially true to the best of his knowledge and belief Given under my hand and seal at Medina this 29 th day of December A.D. 1821 J. H. Hildreth Supt. Peace

The State of Ohio } Medina County } I John Greene Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Medina and State aforesaid do hereby Certify that the within named J. H. Hickox is now an Acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Medina aforesaid, legally Authorized to take affidavits and administer Oaths Given Under my hand and Seal of the Court of Common Pleas at Medina this 29 th day of Dec r A. D. 1821 John Greene Clerk