Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17057, for Israel Meade, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Weade, Israel
W 17057
or
Wead
Wall, Lydia
former widow
CONTENTS

New York. 4125
Sydia Hall, formerly widow of Israel Mease
who died on the ~~~~~ 1805 of Erie Co in the State of NY who was a Private in the Co commanded by Captain Shab of the reg commanded the Revolution.
21 Days
was on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 25 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of Dec. 1844 and sent to J. S. Williams Buffalo New York
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1844 annual allowance ending 4 March 1845
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
recorded by J. S. Swann Clerk, Vol. 1 Page 117
Letter to J. S. Miller annu 10 Feb 1845.
Lt Brad Joy May 21 '47 Rep'd
Brad Joy (Col. Oct. 1853. " " Oct 28/53 " " April 11, 1854
10

6347
Syria Hall formerly widow of Israel Head NY
act 4 July 1836
Ms 70 D 25
forfeited all claims for dower in premises to description
7 Mo 21 day only allowed
Sip '44
✓

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept 3 1814
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 Israel Mead of Hubbardston is borne upon the Continental Army Books, in the regiment of Col. Nipson's Penns. Key St. Btry. July 11. 1777. 28 days - " Deserted July 11. 1777 returned as per certificate in return" Nathan Clark of Holliston in the year 1780 was made up for the remainder of the above as he took his place; and said Clark is credited from May 9. to Nov. 30. 1780 - 200 days
The above was in the record of Israel Mead which was certified in the old books & Mr Mead is not to have any more made up & Mr Clark is not to be made up for any part of the 3 years
This sum as is forfeited by desertion
7 mo 21 days only can be allowed

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 application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Loring;
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

W
State of New York
County of Erie ss: On this thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four personally appeared before me Frederick P. Stevens Judge of Erie County Courts. Lydia Hall a resident of the city of Buffalo in the county and state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Conyers passed July 4th 1836 and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3 1837: That she was married to Israel Meade in the year 1769. or 1770. on the 7th day of August. she was 18 years old the twenty fifth day of May preceding her marriage and is now 93. as she thinks though her children tell her that she is but 92. That she was married in the house of Mrs Meade (or Meeds as it is sometimes spelt,) the mother of the said Israel her husband. That a minister by the name of Parker as she thinks performed the marriage ceremony. That the sister & family of her husband were present & many others whose names she cannot now recollect. That she was "cried off" for three successive Sundays at the Meeting-house in Hubbardston Worcester county & State of Massachusetts - when she and her said husband then resided - That her father's name was David Butler that he resided at the time of her said marriage in the town of Greenwich about twenty miles from the said town of Hubbardston. That he afterwards removed to the

town of Onondaga in the state of New York where he died. That she lived in the said town of Herkston with her husband the said Isaac Meade until after the birth of her fifth child which was as near as she can recollect about 11 years That a few days before the birth of her fourth child her husband the said Isaac Meade enlisted into the army which was as near as she can recollect in the year 1777 or 1778. That he left Herk- ston in Captain Todd's Company That he was absent twenty two months or about that time before he returned. That he then came home on a furlough and staid at home some four or five weeks and then left again - That he was gone to the war in all nearly or quite five years. That she has heard him speak of Colonel Nixon and call him his Colonel. has also heard him speak of Captain Wheeler. She is not positive as to the names of the officers under whom he served. That she has heard him speak of being near the Canadas. of being in several battles - but can't recollect the names, or what battles he said he was in. She has no records or documentary evidence in her possession. by which any of the above facts may be shown. She had some old papers but they have all been destroyed. That after the War she removed with her said husband to Shaftsbury in the state of Vermont where she resided with her said husband until after the birth of her thirteenth child and in the year 1801 or about that time she removed with

her said husband to the town of Naples, County of Ontario and State of New York where she lived with her said husband until the time of his death which was in the year 1805 as near as she can recollect. That during the next year after the death of her said husband she removed to the town of Onondaga in the State of New York and in the year 1806 or 1807 she married to one Josiah Hall of the said town of Onondaga with whom she lived un- till the time of his death in the year 1829 or 1830 and that she was a widow on the 4th of July 1836 and still remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Lydia her Hall mark Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me R. W. H. Stevens Judge of Cir County Court
I Frederick P. Stevens Judge of Cir County Courts do hereby certify that the above named Lydia Hall is unable from bodily infirmity to attend the Court - And I further certify that the foregoing decla- ration of the said Lydia Hall is in my opinion entitled to full credit and belief - and that she is unable to write her name R. W. H. Stevens

State of New York
Erie County ss: Polly Waterman of the city of Buffalo in said County & State being duly sworn deposes and says that she is the seventh of the children of Lydia Hall mentioned in the annexed declaration. That she was twelve years old at the time of the death of the said Israel Meade her father. That she has often heard him speak of being in the Revolutionary War. and of being engaged in several battles but cannot state positively what battles. That he died as near as this deponent can recollect in the year 1805 at Naples in the state of New York of consumption. That after his death she removed with her Mother to Onondaga in said state of New York. When her grandfather David Cutter resided. That her Mother the said Lydia Hall in about a year and a half after the death of her father married to Josiah Hall of the said town of Onondaga that the said Hall died fifteen years ago the 18th day of September last as near as this deponent can recollect and that her said Mother has since died & now lies a widow. and further this deponent saith not
Subscribed & sworn before me } This 30th day of August 1844. }
Polly her Waterman Mark
Frederick H. Stevens
Judge of Erie County Court.
I hereby certify that the above named Polly Waterman is in my opinion entitled to full credit and belief.
Frederick H. Stevens Judge of Erie County Court

I, Manly Bolton clerk of Erie County and Erie County Courts do hereby certify that Frederick P. Stevens is a judge of Erie County Courts, being a court of Record of the state of New York and that I am now acquainted with the hand writing of the said Stevens, and that the signa- ture to the foregoing declaration of Lydia Hall, and certificate following and to the affidavits of Polly Waterman and certificate fol- lowing, purporting to be his signatures are gen- uine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name the 30 day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four. Manly Bolton Clerk

I, W m Bennett, of Hubbardston in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, do depose and say, that I am the Town Clerk of the said Town of Hubbardston, having in my possession the Records of the Town, that the following are extracts from the said Records of said Town; to wit:
"The Reverend Mr. Nehemiah Parker, Pastor of the Church in Hubbardston, has made return to me of the following marriage, solemnized by him, viz:
August ye 7 th 1770, Married Israel Mead and Lydia Cutter
Attest, Elisha Woodward, Town Clerk,,
A true Copy,
Attest W m Bennett Jr. Town Clerk of Hubbardston
Hubbardston Sept 24. 1844,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County, ss.
Hubbardston, September 24. 1844. Then William Bennett Jr. above named personally appeared and made oath that the above is a true copy of Record, and that the facts above stated were true according to the best of his knowledge.
Before me, Samuel Swan, Justice of the Peace. And I further certify, that William Bennett Jr. above named is Town Clerk of said Hubbardston, and that the above affiant is entitled to full credit and belief.
Samuel Swan, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcestershire. I, Isaac Standish, clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for the said County, certify that Samuel Stear within named is a justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qual- ified, and that the signature of his name to the foregoing certificate, within 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 twenty fifth day of Sep- tember A. D. 1844. J. G. Standish

State of New York County of Erie } ss Chas D Norton the Surrogate of in & for said county, do hereby certify that at a Surrogates court holden before me in Buffalo in said county in my office, that then and there was presented & exhibited to the said court, to the satisfaction of the said court, that Lydia Hall late a pensioner of the United States, & formerly the widow of Israel Mead died in Buffalo in the said county on the 8th day of September 1847, and that she died a widow, leaving at her death, & who still survive her, the following named children, being her only chil- dren now surviving her, and that each of them is over the age of twenty one years, to wit, Anna Vicarn, Polly Waterman, Thaddens Mead, Israel Mead Benjamin Mead
I further certify that Darius W Waterman has been duly appointed administrator of the estate of the said Lydia Hall and that he is fully qualified to act as such, I further certify that the said administrator has appointedstead Joy of Ovid New York to act as his agent - I further certify that I have no part, or hand in the agency of the said case & that I have no interest whatever in the result of the said case.
In testimony where of, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this 17 day of September - 1853
C D Norton
Simmons

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section AWF/eel
August 10, 1929
Mrs. W.F. Hirschman 1380 Amherst Street Buffalo, New York
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.17057, it appears that Israel Meade or Mead, while residing in Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, served as a private from February 14, 1777, to July 11, 1779, in Captains Todd's and Adam Wheeler's Companies in Colonel Nixon's Massachusetts Regiment and was at the taking of Burgoyne and in several battles. It also appears that he was in the service in 1781, no details given.
He married August 7, 1770, in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, Lydia Cutler, the daughter of David Cutler. She was born May 25, 1751 or 1752.
After the Revolution, they moved to Shaftsbury, Vermont, and in 1801, moved to Naples, Ontario County, New York, where the soldier died in 1805.
After the death of her husband, the widow moved to
mrs Finch and I went over this case together, and decided to say nothing of soldier's desertion - the wid was pensioned - it does not appear that she
was struck from the pension rolls - it is a very peculiar case

Onondaga, New York, where her father then lived.
She married in 1806 or 1807, Josiah Hall, who died in 1829 or 1830.
She was allowed pension on account of the services of Israel Meade on her application executed August 30, 1844, at which time she was living in Buffalo, New York. She died in said Buffalo September 8, 1847, leaving the following children: Anna Viearer or Viearn, Thaddeus Meade, Israel Meade, Benjamin Meade and Polly Waterman, who stated that she was the eleventh child and was twelve years old when her father, Israel Meade, died.
Other children are referred to, their names are not given.
Very truly yours,
EARLE D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17057
Lydia Hall Former Widow of Israel Mead Pris. Ben Mar
Act: July 4th 86
Index:—Vol. A , Page 312
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Oct 26 th 98
Edw d Clark
Buffalo N.Y.

Lydia Hale Pension Claim.
In August, 1844, Lydia Hale Declares That she was married to Israel Meade in 1769 or 1770, on the 17 th August. She was married in the house of her husband's mother. She thinks a minister named Parker performed the ceremony. She was "cried off" three successive Sunday's in Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where she and he then resided. Her father was David Curter. She lived in Hubbardston till after her fifth child was born. A few days before the birth of her fourth, in '77 or '78 she thinks, her husband enlisted in Capt. Todd's Company. He was absent 22 months, then returned on furlough, stayed 4 or 5 weeks, and left again. He was gone to the war in all 4 or 5 years. Has heard him speak of Nixon as his Colonel; of being near Canada and engaged in several battles. Cannot recollect which they were. He died in 1805. She subsequently married Josiah Hall, who died in 1829 or '30, since which she has continued a widow. (W 1 G A.)
Evidence.
1. Polly Waterman is Claimant's eleventh child. Was 12 years old at her father Israel Meade's death. Often heard him speak of having been in the war and in several battles. He died, she thinks, in 1805. Her mother then married Josiah Hall, who died 18 th Sept. 1830, as near as she recollects, and her mother has not since married. (W 2 G A.)
2. The Secretary of State of Massachusetts certifies that Israel Meade of Hubbardston, appears on the roll of Col. Nixon from

July 14. 1777 to July 11. 1779, 28 months 27 days. "Deserted 11 July 1779 and returned on per certificate in return. Nathan Clark of Holliston in the year 1780 was made up for the remainder of the above, as he took his place;" and said Clark is credited from May 9. to Dec 31. 1780, 7 months 22 days. "The above was in the room of Israel Meade, which was certified in the old book, and Mr. Meade is not to have any more made up, and Mr. Clark is not to be made up for any part of the 3 years." (No 3 & A.)
3. The town clerk of Hubbardston certifies a return of the marriage of Israel Meade and Lydia Custer 7 th Aug. 1770. (No 1 & B.)
4. Daniel Woodward, 84 years old, (in 1844) has resided in Hubbardston more than 70 years. Knew Israel Meade. He enlisted in the Spring of 1777 for 3 years or for the war. Deponent always understood he served out his time. Never heard that he had deserted. He was under Capt. Wheeler, with whom deponent was well acquainted, whom he often heard speak of Meade, but he never intimated that he deserted. Often heard Wheeler say that Meade was exposed to punishment from which he saved because he was so good and faithful a soldier. Deponent knew many men of Meade's Company, from whom he always heard that Meade was a good & faithful soldier. Had he deserted deponent must have heard it. (No 2 & B.)
5. James H. Wheeler, 58 years old, is a grandson of Capt. Aaron Wheeler, who commanded a Company in Col. Nixon's Regiment of the Revolutionary army. Has heard his grandfather say that Meade was a good soldier, but that one Skinner, who enlisted with him

deserted and was some time absent; that indemnity and pardon was offered to deserters who would return and then Skinner returned. Never heard that Meade had deserted. (Q B.)
6. Aaron Gator, 68 years old, has always lived in Hubbardston. Knew Capt Aaron Wheeler, who served under Col. Nixons. Has heard him often speak of Israel Meade, who served under him. Never heard that Meade deserted. Had it been so, thinks he must have heard of it. Heard that Meade cut Col. Nixons saddle, for which he was whipped. (Q B.)

In the matter of the application of - Lydia Hall Wilson of Aspel Meadows for a pension
Sept 44 ✓
Isaiah T. Williams Attorney
Buffalo Erie County
D
New York
L
377 273 75 21 273 21 566 2 3

WD
State of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss: (Daniel Woodward of the town of Hubbardston in said county being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is eighty four years of age and has resided in the said town of Hubbardston for seventy years and upward that he has been  was a justice of the peace in said town for more than thirty years That he was well acquainted with Israel Meade when said Meade resided in said town of Hubbardston that said Meade enlisted into the Continental Army in the spring of the year 1777 for the term of three years or for the whole of the war but which this deponent can not say - That said Meade served out his time in the said Army as this deponent has always understood that he never heard that said Meade deserted the army - nor any report to that effect from any one. That said Meade was under the command of Cap- tain Wheeler of Hubbardston That this deponent was well acquainted with the said Captain Wheeler

up to the time 2 of his death and has often heard him speak of Meade - Never heard Capt Wheeler say that said Meade deserted or any thing to that effect. That he has heard said Wheeler relate many facts and anecdotes about said Meade and that said Meade was several times exposed to punishment but that he the said Wheeler interfered and prevented such punishment because said Meade was so good and faithful a soldier That he has always heard understood from said Wheeler and others that said Meade was a good and faithful soldier during his term of service. And this deponent further says that had said Meade deserted from said Army he this deponent must have heard of it but that he has never heard any thing of the kind intima- ted from any one. And this de- ponent further says that he was well acquainted with many men from said town of Hubbardston who were in the service with said Meade and in the same company that he has always understood from said men that said Meade was a good soldier and served his regular term in the army &

has never heard it from them or any of them or from any other source that said Meade deserted or any think to that effect. And had said Meade deserted this deponent thinks it quite impossible that he should not have heard of it And further this deponent saith not
Subscribed and sworn before me this 21 st day of September 1864. Daniel Woodward Samuel Swan, Justice of the Peace.
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Daniel Woodward and have known him for thirty seven years past. That in my opinion the said Woodward is entitled to full credit and belief and is a man of undoubted veracity. Samuel Swan, Justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss. James H. Wheeler of the town of Hubbardston in said County & State being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is fifty eight years of age and upward and has always lived in said town of Hubbardston That he is a grandson of Captain Asa

Whaler. that said Captain Whaler had the command of a company in the Regiment of Colonel Myles in the Continental Army. that he has often heard his said grandfather Capt- ain Whaler speak of serving in the Continental Army. has heard him speak of Israel Meade. say that the said Meade enlisted from Hubbards- ton with a man by the name of Skinner that Meade was a good soldier but that Skinner deserted from the army. and was absent for some time. that a proclamation was issued. offering to all deserters that if they would return that their time should go on & they should not be whipped or disgraced for such deser- tion. that said Skinner then re- turned to the Army But never un- derstood that said Meade deserted but always understood that said Meade was a good soldier. never heard any thing to the contrary. Had said Meade deserted this depo- sition is of opinion that he should have heard of it. That he has al- ways heard said Captain Whaler relate many anecdotes about the

Myr and speak of his company from Hubbardston. and of said Meade & such anecdotes about said Meade but never heard him nor any one else say or any intimate that said Meade deserted or any thing to that effect. but always understood that said Meade was a good soldier  Subscribed and sworn before me this 28 th day of September 1844
James H. Wheeler
Samuel Swan, Justice of the Peace.
I do hereby certify that the above named James H. Wheeler is a person of undoubted veracity & the affidavit is in my opinion entitled to full credit & belief.
Samuel Swan, Justice of the Peace.
State of Massachusetts NH County of Worcester ss; Aaron Gates of the town of Hubbardston in said County and state being duly sworn doth depose & say that he is of the age of sixty eight years and upwards and has resided in said town during all or nearly all his life time. That he has served in the several capacities of

Captain of the militia, Assessor, Select man, justice of the peace &c - in said town. That he was well ac- quainted with Captain Adam Wheeler of said town who served in the con- tinentals Army under Colonel Nixon That he has often heard said Wheeler, or other persons speak of Israel Meade (or Mead, does not well know which) and say that said Meade served in the War under him said Wheeler has often heard said Wheeler speak of Meade & relate anecdotes about him - does not know how long said Meade served but has always understood that said Meade served his regular time. Never heard any thing to the contrary Never heard that said Meade desert- ed. or any thing to that effect Has heard said Wheeler speak of of said Meade - & relate anecdotes about him - could repeat many of them - Has heard said Wheeler speak very often of his services in the war & relate many anecdotes about his men who went from Hubbardston and knew said Wheeler intimately up to the time of his death

That said Meade deserted this deponent thinks he should have heard captain Wheeler, or other persons speak of it as said Wheeler was in the habit of relating many anecdotes about said Meade among others was that said Meade cut Colonel Dixons saddle for which said Meade was whipped. This deponent has never heard it said or intimated by said Wheeler or any of the soldiers in his company many of whom he knew well or any by any one else that said Meade deserted or any thing to that effect. And this deponent says that had he said Meade deserted he must have heard of it, he knows no reason why he should not have heard of it. That Meade was not very well liked by some of his companions as this deponent believed and had said Meade deserted he thinks it quite impossible that he should not have heard of it. And further says not
Subscribed & sworn before me } this 25th day of September 1844 } Samuel Lewis, Justice of the Peace.
Aaron Gates

8 I do hereby certify that the above named Aaron Gates is a man of undoubted veracity and that the in my opinion the above foregoing affidavit by him is en- -titled to full credit & belief
Samuel Swan Justice of the Peace;

Israel Meade A my Certificate given to someone 6 th Reg t Col d M c M c M c Life Dedicated
Israel Meade
Hon. John G. Palfrey Secretary of State Boston Massachusetts
Smith
PAID 18 3/4
355.

Application for certificate of Revolutionary Service by the widow State of New York County of Erie - City of Buffalo
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of my first husband Israel Mead -
He enlisted in the year _____ from the town of Hubbardston in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts in the Company of Capt Todd _____ in Col Nixons - Regiment and served as a private probably - until _____
We were married in the year 1770 - He died in the year 1805 - The only other facts I recollect, are as follows, viz, He seems as above stated, and under the officers named as I think, cannot be positive as to names of officers, however he speaks of Capt Wheeler, & he may have served under him - that he went to Brookfield in Mass - was in Continental line - was at the taking of Bangor - I am unable to state when he marched to front line to time - but that he was gone in the service, two years & three months before he returned home on furlough - that he died in 1805 - after his death, she married to a man of the name of Hall & I now being his widow, sign under, the name of Hall - Israel Mead did the service
I am now 92 years old, and my memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required - I have empowered Arad Joy of Onondaga County N.Y. to act in the premises as my attorney -
Witness my hand, this 13 day of June A D 1844 Signed in my presence by Lydia Hall By Arad Joy her Atty
James Foster Justice of the peace

Revolutionary Claim for increase of pension Proof to establish increase Surrogates Certificate of my agency of her death, & of children All clear for a pension, of N. Y.
Ovid Sept 20. 1855
Sir
I inclose Surrogates certificate of the death of Lydia Hall deceased, late a pensioner law of 1836, of her death & name of children, & of Administra- tor, & of my being the agent,
Most Respectfully Your Obed Servt
Abad Jay
Hon L. P. Waldo Comd.

May 8, 1847
Miss Lydia Hall
American
L
Hon J. L. Edwards
Canal of Passumps
Washington
D.C.
4

Quid May 1 1847
Sir
I am the agent for Lydia Hall formerly widow of Israel Mead, who is a pensioner of New York at some $26. per year. I beg leave to enclose Secy. of War's Certificate of Service of one Israel Mead, but whether her late husband, I know not, I don't offer it at all as proof of her late husband's service, but as in all cases, I enclose it for your examination, your inspection, your decision as you judge it merits, there may have been a half dozen Israel Meads so far as I know, but of that you are the judge, finally, if you on a careful examination, decide that the service was performed by her first husband, I then ask whether she would be entitled to an increase of pension, justice is all I ask, or all I ever asked -
Respectfully Your Ob d Servt Israel Joy
Hon J L Edwards Com d of Pensions

Oct 7. 1844 Add evidence Can Lydia Hall N.Y.
3
PAID
L. Edwards Esq Pension Office Washington D.C.
3

In the matter of the application of Lydia Hull widow of Israel Head for a pension
Enclosed I send
you the papers in this matter. Attached to the Declaration is the affidavit of Polly Water- man proving the death of Israel Head the applicant's husband and going to show the identity of the applicant with the person named in the Certificate of Marriage. As to the Deser- tion - I was at a loss whether any explanation further than that contained in the certifi- cate of service - viz. his return after his term of three years was made out by substitute - would be necessary. but being at Hubbardston I took the three depositions enclosed. That there is a mistake in the entry upon the Rolls. and that it was Skinner and not Israel that deserted I am sure no doubt. this is the universal tradi- tion at Hubbardston. I might have proved it by hundreds of depositions of the character of those enclosed. I selected them of the most intelligent and respec- table citizens. thinking it might be sufficient. should any evidence be needed.
Yours &c
J. T. Williams
To J. L. Edwards Esq. } atty Commission of Pensions }
Buffalo Oct 2 1844.

Israel Ives, brief in the case of Lydia Hall widow of Israel Mead, New York, Aug 4. 1836 admitted.
There is on file, three or four certificates of the Secy. of State of Mass ts , as to the service of Israel Mead (her first husb d ) all saying "deserted" July 11 th 1779, and all also saying "returned as per certificate in returns" and the widow was pensioned, of course for his service performed after the note desertion, and it is in proof, per affidavit of several of Meads neighbors & townsmen, & all being townsmen of the Capt under whom Mead served, all speak of the high character the Capt gave of Mead, & none of them ever heard of the charge of desertion, but all of the good character.
But he is not only certified as "returned as per certificate in returns" he was settled with and paid per settlement March 15 th 1781 "Showing satisfactory evidence of return to duty" and this settlement made by the board of war who must have been presumed to know.
Much is said about Meads substitute (and if he deserted why did he furnish a substitute) "Nathan Clark" who took Meads place, but here is a discrepancy not accounted for, as Clark is said to have entered May 9. 1780. Meads desertion is noted July 11 1779 nearly one year before, Clark is allowed 7 Mo 20 days, Mead only lacked 7 Mo 3 days of his 3 years when the desertion was noted, and beside this, how does it happen that Mead was left to come at large in his own town & in his Capt town unmolested for nearly one year, the answer is plain he "returned as per certificate in returns" to his duty.
The Secretary of Mass Speaks of "Old Books" it is possible in transferring, they may have committed an error, as certain it is, that Clark could not have served in 1780 to make up Meads time in 1779 much more propriety in supposing that Mead served out his own time after he had "returned" to duty as noted, as Meads three years had expired long before Clark entered the service as per the record proof of it, therefore if Clark served for Mead, it must have been under another term of Meads service & under some other arrangement not specified &c and

not for any part of the three years of Meads
The certificate of the Town Clerk of Hubbardston of an allowance made to Meads family in 1781, "while he was in the army" shows plainly by record proof that Mead was in the Army two years after he had been noted as a deserter; this Town record proof of Service, is often asked for by the Department, & always received as conclusive evidence so far as it goes; thus then Mead is certified as having returned to duty in 1779, and also that he was in the army in 1781 two years after his 3 years had terminated.
I refer however to all the proof on file & I rely alone upon that Abad Joy
Mr. Joy Brief in the case of Lydia Hall March 31. 1854

Lydia Hall Pensioner Law 1836 of New York from ✓ Adad Joy
Proof of having been restored by Board of War & restored in his own town per his taxes having been paid, take it all together & it will remove all objection to a pension I refer to the case of Paul Clapp, a pensioner of N.Y. Law of 1832 as a instance case often rejected like Israel Mead — he was restored and pensioned

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
February 22 nd 1854.
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 Israel Mead, a private from Hubbardston, is borne on Army Books in Col s Company, Col. Nixon's Regt. from Feb y . 14 th 1777 to July 11. 1779. 28. Mos. 27. Days. With the following Endorsements. viz. (Presented July 11. 1779. and returned as per Certificate in returns." Also "Certified March 15. 1781" with the following endorsement. viz. "Nathan Clark in the year 1780. was made up the remainder of the above as he took Meads place: and served 7. Mos. 21 Days. Also in 1780. "By the Depreciation on the delay of payment of his wages, (said Israel Mead) to the 31 st of December 1779. £ 4. 15. 3." Also "By interest on the above sum from January 1 st to Dec. 31. 1780. £ 0. 5. 9." Total "£ 5. 1." Also the account of Israel Mead "was examined and Certified March 15. 1781. And allowed £18. 0. 8." Showing satisfactory evidence of return to duty.

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 application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, February 22 d 1854.
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 Nathan Clark private of Hubbardston, is borne on Army Books in Colonel (Compt. Col. Nixon's Regt. from May 9. to Dec. 31. 1780. 7 Mos. 21. Days with the following endorsement. "May 9. 1782" "The above was in the room of Wind Mead which was certified in the old Book Page (115) P st Mr Mead is not to have any more made up to the above time  in full for the 3 years  to the 13 years Mr Clarke is not to be made up for any part In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
U. G. Wright, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston; February 22 nd 1854.
Sir:
The Board of War having examined and allowed £18.0.8. to Israel Mead, March 15. 1781 would show that they were satisfied with his return to duty, and also that they allowed him depreciation and interest after the full term of three years had been served of £5.1.
Mr. Tufts, the Head Clerk in the Secretary's Office, and who has been here more than twenty years, has personally examined this claim, and he pronounces it a good and just one, and says there is no doubt but the Board of War were satisfied with his return to duty, and paid him accordingly, and that in his opinion the Pension Department should so consider it, and allow the pension.
Most cordially
Yours &c. & Servt.
A. Lyman Strong Clerk of Pensions.

Please remit one dollar for Certificate N.S.S.

Washington City Sat. Morn. 14 th Decr. 1844
My dear Sir
You will greatly oblige me, if you will enable me to reply to the accompanying letter at an early day.
Very respectfully
Your obed t Serv t .
Wm A. Moseley
L/
James L. Edwards Esq. Bart. of Padina

June 21/47 Resp d by Lydia Hill per: Rev. Israel Mead —
Rev. J. L. Edwards
Com d of Pensions Washington D.C.
6 J

Ovid May 28 th '47
Lydia Hill, was Mead
Sir
Yours of the 21 st I have before me, if I may be allowed, & if your rules allow me to make some suggestions, then I beg leave with great deference to do it —
You reject the Service of Israel Mead although after he deserted, he returned to the Army; in returning & being accepted, did he not atone for the desertion & was he not fully restored in like manner with Paul Clapp, to whom children you granted a full pension, he was of Onondaga County New York, I make no claim, I only make these suggestions, of course I don't want a pension, unless it is honestly & justly due —
Respectfully Your Ob d Serv t Israel Joy
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Com d . of Pensions, Washington D. C.

The only case that I see noticed in the Pension Laws, published Jan'y. 31 1846 Page 167 where the soldier "deserted the service and never returned to the army" but I had supposed the practice of your Department, had been, if the soldier returned to the army & was restored, that the charge of desertion was cancelled, if this is not so, please cite me to the page on the book of "Pension Laws now in force" of course I am not dictating, I merely wish my ignorance enlightened, nor do I want a pen- sion unless your usages under like cases has been to grant them

Arad Joy
Apl 11/524

Pension Office April 11, 1854
Sir,
I have examined the papers filed with the application of Lydia Hall formerly widow of Israel Meade dec d of the State of New York for an increase of pension under the act of July 4, 1836.
This claim has been pending for a long time and uniformly rejected and particularly by Commissioner Edouards in the year 1850. It was also rejected by me in November  Octo ber 1853, and an appeal was taken to the Secretary of the Interior who on the 15 th day of December 1853 affirmed the decisions of this office rejecting the claim. This action of the Secretary must govern the future action of this office. It is the determination of the court of final resort from whose decisions there is no appeal. It is true the case can be reopened for reexamination upon the production of new and important evidence. But no such evidence has been filed since the action of the Secretary of the Interior. The certificates of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts dated February 24, 1854, are but duplicates of what was in the case before Dec r 15, 1853. The opinion of the Clerk of Pensions in that State, though entitled to great consideration can hardly be deemed sufficient to control not only the action of this office, but the ruling of the Secretary. The case having been thus disposed of, must remain rejected until new and important evidence can be obtained. I remain Yours &c Israel Joy Esq. Ovid N.Y.

592 Penna Office. Oct. 28, 1853.
Sir,
I have recd and read your letter of the 11 th inst. expressing your ignorance of the discharge of this office, in the case of Lydia Hall, the formerly widow of Israel Mead, at which I am a little surprised, as there is among the papers, a note in your handwriting, purporting "some of the reasons for objecting" to the Secretary of the Interior in that case, and which accompanied the report of this office of the 5 th of last month. It is not necessary again to convince the com at length, or to refer to the letter of the Secretary of the State of Ohio on this subject, which, itself, refutes the position of opponents - for, if Mead's discharge was merely "temporary", why was not the disputation on her pay

593 offered for the full term of the enlistment, instead of "from the time of his enlistment to the time of his temporary disbandment"? That like admits all that was offered by the offer, and all that was necessary to show that the State had, at the date, no claim whatever on the 7 th ranks, so far as their pay was concerned, nor promised by either Clark, a consequence of the husband's desertion, and indeed no right to pension in the Whittier. The rule of stoppage, a common disjunction, offers no precedent in the offer a gratuity pension and there is no other principle more fully recognized in the exercise of the pension laws, than that which makes the forfeiture of all right to pension, to vest upon the fact of desertion, without a return to duty.
Friend Joy, Esq. Owens, New York

194 Pension Office.
10 th October 1853.
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Lydia Hall dec. d formerly widow of Israel Meade of New York, has been received.
This Office cannot depart from its former decision, that Israel Meade's desertion destroyed all claim to a pension, for his military service. That he received dispriciation pay, cannot be viewed as conclusive proof, that he had atoned for his crime, and should of right be placed in the favourable condition of those who faithfully served this country. Excluding of this, I suppose you are aware, the decision of the Secretary of the Interior must preclude any further action of this Office upon the claim.
Truly Yours Engr.
Quid. N. Y.

Sir
279 P. of May 21. (4)
In the case of Lydia Hall the service rendered by her first husband Israel after his return from desertion was 7 mo & 21 days by the rolls which has been computed in her certificate. By his desertion he forfeited all claim for previous service and her pension is to be ascertained by what he would have been entitled to under act 7 June '32
Adad Goy Esq And - NY

Sir
193 Gen H July 10 th 45
In reply to your inquiry in the case of Lydia Hall I would inform you that her pension was computed for 7 mo. 21 days service being the amount of service after he rejoined from desertion to 3 Sept. 83 the conclusion of the war. The fact of desertion as shown by the muster roll with consequent forfeiture cannot be obviated by any other evidence than the pay roll showing that he rec d pay for the very time the muster roll returns him a deserter.
J. T. Williams Esq Buffalo N.Y.

No 6347 Sydia Hall formerly widow of Israel Mead NY
Act 4 July 1836.
Adm o . 7 Mos 21 days private $25 66 / 100 per Annum
6
J. T. Williams Buffalo New York

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Oct 15 1811.
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 Israel Mead is to be enrolled in the Continental Army Books in the regt of Col. Nipsey from Feb. 11. 1777 to July 11. 1779 "Deserted & returned as per certificate in return." from Middlesex

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 application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sawyer, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

✓ Ovid, Seneca Co. N.Y. Nov. 23, 1853.
And Soy. 12
Appeals from the decision of the Commissioners of Pensions in the case of Lydia Hall .
Respectfully respond to the form of Pensions for a Report.
Reps. Int. 3 W. R. Whiting Nov. 1/53 3 Chplk.
Col Niles Dec 2/53
Pitchell 28 Nov. 1853

Ovid N.Y. Nov 23. 1853
Sir
I am in duty bound, to appeal from the decision of the Court of Pensions, in the case of Lydia Hall, late a pensioner of N. York, for the Revolutionary Service of Israel Mead, I refer you with confidence to the proof filed by me 22 d Sept last
The point in controversy is this, Israel Mead is charged of being a deserter; I refer to the Secy. of State of Mass e . to the fact, of his being restored, & paid all that other rec d paid for the full term, as I believe shewing his full restoration, or else I don't read right
I also show an allowance made to his wife on account of her husband's absence in the Service, by the town of Hubbardston Mass s , all after the charge of desertion. I honestly believe the case to be well sustained & made out
Most Respectfully Your Ob st Serv t Adad Joy
Hon R. McClelland Secy. of the Interior
N.B. I attach a few lines rec d from Boston, but the proof he mentions is all on file, he judges all is right, so he says

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston; November 18 th 1853.
Sir:
Yours of Nov. 3. is before me and by further search, and referring to the record in this office of what took place in regard to the evidence furnished relative to Deed Meade of April 19 th , I have to inform you that we can find nothing further that will be of any service to you.
It would seem that all was right in regard to the said Meade, but the Department at Washington think otherwise.
I am Re
And I say Bqr.
Yours cordially N. Symonds Strong for the Secretary.

p. 12 J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington D.C. September 5. 1850.
relative to the case of Lydia Hall. Papers, 10 in number, enclosed.
[A]

Pension Office.
September 5 th 1850
Sir,
I herewith transmit the papers numbering 10, relating to the case of Lydia Hull, on which Hon H. S. Conger appeals, and a brief of the evidence.
It appears from the transcript from the records of the State Department of Massachusetts that the claimants first husband Israel Meade deserted in July, 1779, and thereby forfeited all claim for his previous services.
It does not appear that he ever afterwards entered the service. One Nathan Clark subsequently entered the same company in his stead and served 7 months and 21 days.
The clerk who examined the case, finding this service credited to Clark incorporated in the certificate relative to Meade, improperly allowed it as service performed by Meade, when in fact no allowance at all in justice should have been made. The returns of Nixons Regiment in this office corroborate

the entry in the Massachusetts records, and add that Meade deserted a second time in 1780, after rejoining and serving about a month.
All the argument which Mr Conger draws from the admissions by this office of subsequent service performed by Meade, is thus shown to be without foundation, that admission having been improperly made against the testimony of the record itself.
The case of Paul Clapp is not even analogous to that he supposed to be the state of the facts in the case. Clapp enlisted for three years, with a promise that his service should relate back to the 1 st January 1777. He having entered the service a month or two after that date, and on the 1 st January 1780, he openly left the service. He subsequently, under a resolution of the General Court of Massachusetts, returned to his Regiment and served for a period which exceeded the time claimed by his officers of him, and his conduct was investigated and justified by the said

General Court on a subsequent occasion.
The parole testimony introduced does not contradict the record in this case, being merely assertions by the witnesses that they had never heard of Meades desertion.
It would be contrary to all rules of evidence that the record should be held valid so far as it goes to favor the claim, but rejected in that part which makes against it. So far, therefore, from deeming it proper that the pension should be increased, I think that which is now granted improperly allowed.
Very respectfully, Your Ob d Servant, J. L. Edwards
D. G. Goddard, Esq., Acting Secretary of the Interior,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
April 19. 1853.
Sir:
In answering your letter of the seventh instant in relation to the services of Israel Mead, who is marked on the Army books as a deserter, it will be necessary to recapitulate the evidence. His name appears on the army books in the Sixth Regiment (Col. Nixon's) as private from Feby. 14. 1777. to July 11. 1779. 28 mos. 27 days. Below are the endorsements "Deserted July 11. 1779, and returned as per certificate in return." "Nathan Clark of Hubbardston in the year 1780 was made up for the remainder of the above as he took his place;" and said Clark is credited from May 9 to Dec. 31. 1780. 7 months + 21 days. with this endorsement. "The above was in the room of Israel Mead, which was certified in old Book, and Mr. Mead is not to have any more made up, and Mr. Clark is not to be made up for any part of the three years."
The seven months + 21 days subsequent to Mead's desertion having been allowed by the Pension Department, the question arises whether that desertion bars claim for the service previously.
Depreciation notes for the first three years Continental service, that is from Jany. 1777 to Jany. 1780, were not issued to deserters, if therefore

Israel Mead had been regarded as a deserter, no note for such depreciation would have been issued to him, the whole period of service for which such notes were issued, being that, in which he served previous to his desertion.
But by the rolls of depreciation, it appears that the full amount of the depreciation on his pay, from the time of his enlistment to the time of his temporary desertion, was made out to him, and that on the fifteenth of March 1781. a warrant for the amount was drawn in his favor; as appears by the Council Records of that date.
Similar cases exist of desertion and return, and in these cases depreciation notes were granted; but not where the soldier did not return to his service.
I am clearly of opinion therefore, that the temporary desertion of Israel Mead, was not at the time considered as a parallel case to one of final desertion, that it did not prevent his receiving depreciation notes, (which he would not have done had he been regarded as a deserter), and that his return was considered as restoring him to his standing and claims.
Witness my hand and the seal of the Commonwealth, date above written.
T. M c Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth

Suspended Revolutionary claim State of New York Lydia Hall, Law of 1836
Ovid N.Y. Oct 17, 1853
Sir
I have rec d . yours of the 10th in the case of "Lydia Hall" You say "I suppose you are aware the decision of the Secretary of the Interior must preclude any further action of this office upon the claim" I must confess my ignorance of any such decision, please give it me - I am aware of the five years limitation, but that does not touch this case, as I here offer new proof, & explanatory proof that has in every case of mine, been received as any new case would be; I am certainly mistaken, or else the examining clerk is, at least I beg leave to hope the case will be re-examined, to my mind it is a clear case for a pension
I inclose a letter rec d from the Town Clerk of Hubbardston of the fact of "Israel Meads" having been in Service, his own town considered him not a deserter, of course if the facts stated in the letter will remove the objection, if made under oath, I suppose it can be furnished in that way
Most Respectfully, Your Ab d Serv t Israel Soy
Hon J P Walda Com d

Hubbardston, April 11. 1853.
Dear Sir,
Yours of April 7 th in relation to Israel Mead, is before me. — In reply I have only to say, that I have made a careful examination of the Records of the Town of Hubbardston from the year 1770 to 1782, and find no mention of the name of Israel Mead, except in the following manner, to wit:
The record of his marriage in 1770.
The abatement of his Tax for 1776, in 1778, and the allowance of an account for provisions furnished his wife in 1781, (while he was in the Army).
Presuming that copies of either of these Records, will be of use to you, I have made no extracts from the Records of said Town but will do so if you desire.
Respectfully Yours W m Bennett
To Israel Mead Esq. Pavid N.Y.

Mem o
Sydia Hall, formerly widow of Israel Meade N. Y. Act of 1836. (Pensioned at $25.66- for increase.
The certificate of the Secretary of State shows Meade in service from Feby 14 1777 to July 11. 1779. (28 mos 27 das) under an enlistment for 3 years, and there deserted. Service in the Col's Co. Nixons Regt.
Then that in 1780 - Nathan Clark took Meads place and served as his substitute 7 mos 21 days, making 36 mos 18 das.
In 1782. the board of war certified that this service of Clark made up Meads deficiency and that no more service was required of him to make up his 3 years.
By the rolls in this office it appears that Mead deserted twice. The figures giving the dates of desertion are put down wrong. The letter to the Secretary on the appeal affirms that the one desertion was in 1780. It was evidently in 1778, and the second was in 1779, as certified.
I think it clear that Mead never served a day in Nixons Regt after his desertion, in July 1779.
The widow was pensioned for the service rendered by later Clark, which was wrong. I cannot gather from the papers whether the

widow's pension was stopped, but it should have been.
The board of war admitted that his three years' service was made up, and I suppose were afraid to pay for the services of his substitute and get off so. If the town authorities were so good natured as to waive his desertion - and even if he does appear to have been in service in some capacity in 1781, I cannot perceive that these facts exempt him from the legal consequences of his desertion. Because he was not punished for the crime of desertion, it does not follow that he should be rewarded.
There is parole testimony that he was a good soldier and that the officers never knew of his desertion at the time; but the rolls tell a different story.
This case is not materially changed from what it was when rejected on appeal.
S. G. D.
Apel 10. 1854

Department of the Interior Washington Dec 15th 1853
Sir I have carefully examined the case of Lydia Hall, former widow of Israel Meade a claimant for a pension under the Act of July 4th 1836 for his services in the War of the Revolution.
The report of Commissioner Edwards, shows two desertions: and the Certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, does not give the records in full, but mere extracts.
The case should be a very strong one, to induce an infraction of so proper a rule of the Pension Office, as that desertion works a forfeiture for prior services.
I am therefore of opinion, that the decision of the Commissioner be affirmed.
I am, very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant
W. L. C. Clancey Secretary
Hon: L. P. Wells Commissioner of Pensions

Feb 4 1845
Repg Lydia Hall
Lydia Hall Wk NY 36 a 38
Allen
L. Edwards Esq Commission of Pension Washington D.C. 4125-36
6
4

Buffalo N.Y. January 30 1845 J. L. Edwards Esq. } Commissioner of Pensions } Washington }
Dear Sir
I am sorry to trouble you again in relation to the Application of Lydia Hall for a pension as the former Widow of Israel Meade - I received a certificate of Pension granting $25.63. per annum. I have been unable to ascertain how that amount was fixed upon as her pension. I was in doubt whether the amount of Pension was discretionary with the Commissioner or the Secretary of War. I had supposed that if she was entitled to any thing she would be entitled to a full pension Widow's pension - "She was married before the expiration of the last period of his service" This inquiry may be in bad taste - but after diligent inquiry and examination I am unable to ascertain why she is not entitled to a full pension. Her friends inquire of me but I am unable to give any satisfactory answer - They are

very poor and the old woman has no means of support but her pension. She must & does suffer more or less from her poverty. He They have come to me with neatly discovered evidence of his services. I say they can prove the whole & explain the whole matter of desertion - I show that he served till the close of the war by an old commission in arms of rebels who lives at Soledad Bay in this state -
I promised to write you and ascertain if possible whether it would be of any use to attempt to get any increase of pension.
Do me the favor to answer these inquiries & confer a great favor me as well as the pension & her funds
Your Obedient Servant Isaiah T. Williams

Lydia Hall pension of N. Y. Jan 1836 proof filed Feb. 27. 1854
Ex - by A. Joy - March 28 - '54

B.10
No. date
H. S. Conger.
Appeals, from the decision of the Comt of Pensions in the case of Lydia Hall formerly widow of Israel Meade in behalf of Mr. Arad Joy.
Ref'd to Comt of Pensions for a Report Dep Interior Sep 3 1850

Some of the reasons for appealing the case of Lydia Hall formerly widow of Israel Mead, a pensioner of New York The Comd. of Pensions contends that Israel Mead was a deserter, but he admits he returned to the army and served 7 months 21 days, for which service he grants a pension - I suppose the rule to be, & the true intent of the law to be, that a deserter, returning to the service, & faithfully serving, atones for the min. deed of desertion, and all of his service is allowed, as if he had not deserted; we suppose that pensions have been granted upon such conditions, perhaps the case of Paul Clapp a pensioner of New York, may be a case in point. If not however perhaps other cases may easily be found - See Comd. letter of May 21. 1847, there are our suppositions -
Secy of the Interior: We, Israel Joy desire to appeal from the decision of the Comd. of Pensions to you in this case H. S. Congdon

DR. EDWARD CLARK, OFFICE, 864 ELLICOTT SQ. RESIDENCE, 2268 MAIN ST
Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 26th 1898
To the Commission of Pensions - Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
My great Grandmother a Mrs. Hall was a Revolutionary Pensioner up to the time of her death which occurred in this city where she had lived for many years prior to her death. I do not know at what time she died, and I do not know her first name. She had been married twice, her first husband being a Mr. Mead who is said to have been one of the "Green Mountain Boys" in the Revolutionary war. I would like to know if her pension as a widow came to her from

Her first husband died on from her second husband Hall, I do not know that you can give me the informa- tion, but I would like to get her first name as well as her husband's (Hall's) name. If she got her pension from the death of her first husband named, I would like to get his name also if I have been told that a roster of the names of the Green Mountain Boys is on file in the War Department at Washington. Can you tell me if this is so, & how soon I can write for the information I desire. If not too much kindly answer and oblige Yours truly Edward Clark

Lydia Hall Pension of N. Y. Law of 1836 from Abad Loyo

1380 Amherst St., Buffalo, N.Y. May 4. 1929.
Revolutionary Dept. Pension Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs,
We are trying to gain some information, about a "Granary Hall" or Lydia who was originally married to an "Israel Meade" a soldier killed during the Revolutionary War. She was pensioned by the Government under the name of " Hall ". She died near Buffalo, N.Y. in 1896 and is buried in the Forest Lawn Cemetery at Buffalo. We appreciate any information you could give us.
Am enclosing a stamped enveloped. Thanking you for your trouble, Sincerely June F. Hirschman.