Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25106, for Abraham Stearns, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Stearns Abraham Esther
W. 25/106
CONTENTS

129. Wermont Mont. Esther Stearns widow of Absalom Stearns who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Reported.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of June, 1848, and sent to
Col Billings Woodstock Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 86 Vol. 3.

Esther Stearns Records of Marriage

"Seventeen hundred eighty May Thirty-first."
"Marriages returned by the Revd Mr Amariah Frost — Abraham Stearns & Esther Warren, both of Mendon. married."
State of Massachusetts & County of Worcester ss. Town Clerk's Office Mendon August 29 th 1838. I certify that the preceding is a true copy of the record in my office with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows: — "1780 May 31."
Stephen Taft, Clerk of Mendon
I Stephen Taft above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Mendon and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Mendon with the exception above named as certified by me —
Stephen Taft, Town Clerk of Mendon
Sworn before me. Warren Rawson, Justice of the Peace —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss. S. for. G. Randall Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court sitting for said County, certify, that Warren Rawson (the name subscribed) is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified and that the signature of his name, above written, is in his own hand writing.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Worcester, this fifth day of December A.D. 1838 — J. G. Randall, Clerk.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, } CHESHIRE COUNTY ss. }
On this fourth day of September A. D. 1838 personally appeared before me Frederick Vose Esq. Judge of Probate in & for said County, in open Court. Esther Stearns a resident of Swansey in the County of Cheshire aforesaid aged seventy six (76) years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Abraham Stearns who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and served according to the best of her knowledge and belief as follows viz. -
In 1775 - eight months in Capt Samuel Warrens Company, in the thinks Col Peters Regiment Massachusetts troops - stationed near Boston. -
In 1776 - one year - in the same Company & Regiment as in the 8 months service. -
She expects the Rolls in the War department will contain the evidence of the above services - she has no documentary evidence & does not now know of living witnesses. -
She further declares that she was married to the said Abraham Stearns in the month of June , day of not recollected in the year seventeen hundred and eighty; that her husband, the aforesaid Abraham Stearns died on the twenty fifth day of January A. D. 1821; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated. That she has never since been married to any other person - that her maiden name was Esther Warren . - Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me, Frederick Vose Judge of Probate Esther X Stearns mark

I Elijah Sawyer Register of the Court of Probate in & for the County of Cheshire, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the aforesaid Court in the matter of the application of Esther Stearns for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and seal of Office this sixth day of September A.D. 1838.
Elijah Sawyer Reg.

State of Vermont } On this 15th day of May Windsor County } 1839 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for said County of Windsor personally appeared Esther Stearns widow of Abraham Stearns deceased who on her oath declares that she is the same person who formerly resided in the State of New Hampshire. That her name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Hamp- shire from whence she has lately removed. That she now resides in Woodstock in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont where she intends to remain and wishes her pension to be then payable at at Bellows Falls in future
The following are my reasons for removing from New Hampshire to Vermont; she has a son and a daughter residing in Woodstock Vt. and she wishes to reside with them and calculate to forever
Witnesses Joel Eaton N Walter Palmer
Esther Stearns Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above mentioned
Before Walter Palmer gets Peace
Two Prisoners made in the 12th line from top before signing — Walter Parsons
Grant Pease

State of Vermont, Windsor County, ss
I, Lyman A. Marsh, Deputy Clerk of the County Court of said County of Windsor, do hereby certify, that Walter Palmer is a justice of the peace in and for said County of Windsor, duly commissioned and qualified under the authority of this State - and that the signature within, purporting to be his, is genuine -
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto affix the seal of said Court, & subscribe my name, this 16 th day of May 1829.
L. A. Marsh, Deputy Clerk.

State of Vermont } On this 15th day of May 1839 Windrow County } before me the subscribers justice of the Peace within and for the said County of Windrow personally appeared Abraham Stearns a resident of Wind- row in said County aged 46 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that Mrs Esther Stearns is his Mother and that she is the same person mentioned in the foregoing Affidavit who has subscribed and sworn to the same
Abraham Stearns
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above mentioned before me and I hereby Certify that the said Abraham Stearns is a credible Witness —
Walter Palmer Justice Peace

State of Vermont } Hartford District } }
On this 26 th day of June A D 1844 Personally appeared before the Hon. the Probate Court of the District of Hartford aforesaid, Esther Stearns a resident of Woodstock in said District aged 82 years, who being first sworn according to law doth on her Oaths make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed on the 3 d March 1843 and the act in addition thereto passed June 17 1844, reviving and extending said act of March 3 d aforesaid, for and during four years from and after the 4 th of March 1843.
That she is the Widow of Abraham Stearns a Soldier of the Revolution who never drew a pension, and that she was pensioned under the acts of July 7, 1838 and of March 3 d 1843 and drew a pension of $27.00 per annum, but under the last mentioned act, drew for one year only up to March 4, 1844 and now claims a further pension under said additional act.
She further declares that she is still a widow
witnesses Lucius Eaton
Orl Billings
Esther her  for Stearns mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the declarant. George E. Wall, Judge
I, Orl Billings Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Esther Stearns for a pension; and I further certify that she is the identical widow and drew a pension as she has above stated. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Woodstock in said District this 26 th day of June A D 1844. Orl Billings Register.

State of Vermont Windsor County Hartford District
On this 17 th day of March A D 1843 personally appeared before Oel Billings a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Windsor and Probate Register for the District of Hartford aforesaid Esther Stearns a resident of Woodstock in said District who being first sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843. granting and extending a pension to Widows whose husbands served in the Revolutionary War. for and during the further term of five years. from and after the 4 th of March 1843.
That she is the Widow of Abraham Stearns deceased who served in the Army of the Revolution, but died before obtaining a pension, and that she Esther Stearns was pensioned under the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 and drew a pension for the term of five years ending March 4. 1841. of twenty seven dollars per annum. and that she now remains the widow of said Abraham Stearns deceased. that she was not married to said Abraham Stearns prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794. and she now claims a pension under the act of March 3. 1843 aforesaid. and she further says she was transferred by the pension department from New Hampshire agency to that of Vermont.
Witnesses. Eunice Eaton Ellen Eaton
Esther her Stearns mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written and I further certify that she Esther Stearns is now the Widow of the aforesaid Abraham Stearns deceased. and that she drew a pension as above stated and is a respectable and credible person. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Woodstock in said District. the day and year before named
Oel Billings Register.

STATE OF VERMONT, Windsor County p.
On this 4 th day of May A. D. 1848 personally appeared before Del Billings a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor and State of Vermont. Esther Stearnes a resident of Woodstock in said County of Windsor . . . . . aged — 86 — years, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Abraham Stearnes late of Swansey New Hampshire deceased who was a private in the Army of the revolution, and that she made her declaration for a pension under the act of July 7. 1838, and drew a pension under that act and the subsequent acts in relation thereto of twenty seven dollars per annum. and she now makes this application to obtain a continuance of her pension during her natural life.
She further declares that she is still a widow. — — — — —
Witnesses } Augustus P. Eaton. } Del Eaton
Esther her Stearnes mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written,
Before
Del Billings. Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named applicant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration.
Del Billings Justice of the Peace

STATE OF VERMONT, } I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the Coun- Windsor County...ss. Sty of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Dee Billings
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 30 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature foregoing  foregoing  is  is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 5 th day of May A. D. 1848
Norman Williams Clerk.

Walter Stuart Estate of Identity
State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
I Henry Gooding Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Cheshire, certify that Henry Rawlin was on the tenth day of September instant and still is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cheshire duly commissioned and sworn and that his name therein written is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Keene this fifteenth day of September A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
H. Gooding Clerk

We William Searle and Polly Searle of lawful age depose and say that we were acquainted with Abraham Stearns late of Swainey Cheshire County New Hampshire deceased - That he was a Resident died on the twenty fifth day of January A D 1825. - that he left a widow Esther Stearns with whom whom we are also acquainted who still survives, and remains his widow, having never since been again married. -
Wm Searle
Polly Searle
Cheshire ss.
September 10 th A D 1838.
Subscribed & sworn to Before me
Henry Baxter Jus Peace
I certify that the above deponents are credible persons. -
Henry Baxter Jus Peace

June 19. James L. Evans
FREE
Hon James L. Edwards Cosumes of Passions Washington D.C.
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Woodstock Vt. June 15 th 1839
Sir
Some time last April I sent to the Pension Office the Certificate of Esther Stearns widow of Abraham Stearns of New Hampshire who now resides in this place together with the necessary papers requesting that the payment might be made at Bellows Falls Vt. inasmuch as she now resides in Vermont (and I have been informed by a gentleman who resides in New Hampshire that the transfer has been so made after 4 th of March 1839 but I have as yet recd no notice from the War Department to that effect
I wish therefore to be informed on the subject and a return of the pension Certificate &c
Respectfully yours
Walter Palmer
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of pensions

Copy
Pension Agency Concord N.H. June 16 th 1839
J. L. Edgards Esq
Sir Esther Stearns whose name is upon this agency, has never been paid at this Office
Signed Isaac Hill P. Agt

Keene March 26. 1889
Dear Sir -
Esther Stearns applied for a pension under the act of 1838 -
Her papers are on file She set forth two periods of her husband -
1. in 1775 8 mo
2. in 1776 12 mo -
The rolls establish the 8 mo period no rolls, I was informed, are in your office of the year period in 1776 - she had relied upon rolls to support both periods - but as there will be some delay in procuring proof she wishes to take a certificate for the 8 mo - with an intention of making satisfactory proof as soon as may be of the residue & receiving a certificate embracing that term -
Respectfully Wm Edwards for Esther Stearns

Woodstock Vt May 16th 1839
Sir
Enclosed with this are the papers of Mrs Esther Stearns (formerly of the State of New Hampshire) for the purpose of having the payment of her pension transferred from New Hampshire to Vermont, she having removed, which when examined I wish the return directed to me &c.
Respectfully yours
Walter Palmer

Woodstock Vt. March 17 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir.
Enclosed is the declaration of Widow Esther Stearns for a pension under the act of March 3 d 1843. I hope for a certificate in due time. I am Respectfully Your Ob dt Serv t . Ole Billings

Abraham Stearns. Mar d 1780 a 9 82s—
1775 8 mo Warren. Mendon
1776 12. "
vd 16 p 58 Age 27

Woodstock Vermont July 9. 1844
Hon. J. S. Edwards.
Sir.
I enclose the declarations of Heide's Annis White and Esther Stearns for a pension under the additional act of June 17. 1844.
I am Respectfully your Obedt Servt. Orrin Billings.

Ester Stearns
widow of Abraham
N. H.
Act 7 July 1838 susp
See let to Hon. H. Hubbard
6 Feby 1839.
Admitted

instructions. Ref. under the act of 1844 sent to Col Billings Woodstock Vt. July 15. 1844
318.
Weymouth, Montpelier
Esther Stearns
widow of Abraham Stearns
who was a private
in the Massachusetts line
for 8. Months & 3. days.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
27.
Dollars a
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
14 th
day of June 1843.
and sent to
Col Billings
Woodstock
Vt.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book
4
Vol.
1.
Page
30.

Given to Pensions 31. May 1839 To Bellows Falls Vt from 4. March 1836 - 19. June 1839. Notification to Walter Palmer Woodstock. Vermont.
Bellows Falls 2.309 Vermont.
Concord N.H.
Esther Stearns widow of Abraham Stearns dec.
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 25 th January 1825 of Cheshire in the State of N.H. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Warrens of the Regt. commanded by Col. Peters in the U.S. time for 8 mos & 3 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord N.H. at the rate of 27 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of April 1839 and sent to Mrs. M. Edwards Keene N.H.
Arrears to the 14th of March 39, $87.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 41 13.50
$100.50
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by A. Addison Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 15 th Page 54

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25106
Esther Stearns widow of Abraham Stearns Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 24 48
Index:—Vol. 7 , Page 249
[Arrangement of 1870.]