Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22889, for Asa Maxson, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.J.
Maxson, Asa or Maxon
S 22889
CONTENTS
Mary Maxson or Maxon, widow of above soldier was pensioned as the former widow of George Potter, A.S. - W. 21754

33.223
New York Albany Maxson Am Maxson decd of the State of N.Y. who was an Ensign in the (R.D.) commd by Captain of the commanded by in the Revolution for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 120 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 18 th March 1842
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of March 1834 and sent to
J. H. C. Triplett Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Meigsman Clerk, Book 102, Vol. 1, Page 217

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN" to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Prov- idence, this twentieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three and of Independence the fifty- eighth .
John Brown Francis
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
Henry Bowen Secy.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Sept. 20 th A D 1833.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State in December one thousand seven hundred seventy six Asa Mason was elected Ensign of the third company of Militia in the town of Westerly in said State; That he was annually elected to said office until May July session one thousand seven hundred eighty one, when he was elected Lieutenant of said company in room of Pely Saunders who declined; All which appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy

Asa Maxon Esq.
Application for Pension
25909
It is apparent from the declaration & proof in this case that the declarant was an ensign serving as Lieut. from 76 to 81, and a Lieut. com- manding the Co from that time.
The duration of service after July 81, is not easy to estimate. - Previously, as the Militia were required to serve alternate months & he was elected ensign year, it is clear that he per- formed his duty to Salisbury.

State of New York, } ss. County of Rensselaer City of Troy }
On this 2nd day of July 1832. personally appeared in open Court, before the Mayor a Judge of the City of Troy Court of and for the City of Troy now sitting, Isaac D. Dyer a resident of Petersburgh county of Rensselaer and State of New York, aged Eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That in the Year 1775 he resided in the Town of Westerly in the State of Rhode Island that during that Year & he thinks in the Spring season he received an Ensigns Commission in the Militia of said State in Colone Joseph Stoyes Regiment in a company Commanded by Capt George Stillman, Peleg Saunders Lieutenant, that during that year he was frequently called into the service in alarms and served in his company at different times the number & length of which he does not now recollect. That the following Year he thinks in the Spring of 1776 he received a Lieutenants Commission in the same Company & Regiment Capt. Stillman having been promoted, that this dependent continued as such Lieutenant until the end of the war of the revolution - That during all that time he was frequently called out & served in the service of the United States at different times & for different periods sometimes for a month & often for less, that often he as a Lieutenant was commandant of his company - That it is now impossible for him to recollect the number or length of time of the different periods of his service but that he continued so to serve as aforesaid during the whole continuance of the war of the revolution - That he was mostly engaged in guarding the shore & was stationed in different posts along the whole length of Rhode Island coast and at Stonington in Connecticut - That he was stationed at Watch Hill, when he commanded his company - at Babcocks beach & at Point Judith where he also had command - at the time the British went on to Rhode Island he did his own duty as Lieutenant at Jones Hill & at Updegraves Newtown (now Wickford) that he also served at Boston neck, & at Rhode Island in defense of position at both of which times he had the command of his company - That he also served in guarding & getting stock off of Block Island - that

Boston neck, & at Rhode Island in defense of Providence at both of which times he had the command of his company - That he also served in guarding & getting stock off of Block Island - That he was at some of the above mentioned posts several times -
That from old age & consequent loss of memory he can not recollect precisely the length of time that he was in the service but according to the best of his recollection he served the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. I served at least two months as an Ensign and for at least ten months as a Lieutenant and for which service I claim a pension
That he has no documentary evidence of his services - That he had an Ensign's & a Lieutenant's commission as he has above stated but they have been lost for many years -
That he knows of no person whose testimony he can

Process nor of any person living who can testify to his moving. To the prescribed interrogatories put by the Court In answer, -
1 st He was born in the said town of Westerly in the State of Rhode Island and in the Year 1752 -
2 nd He thinks there is a record of his age in the town Clerks office in the said town of Westerly -
3 rd He lived in said town of Westerly when he entered the service and continued to reside there till about the Year 1792 when he moved to where he now lives in the town of Pitsburgh County of Rensselaer & State of New York -
4 th He entered the service as a Militia man & served as such during the whole time
5 th He did not serve with any regular officers except when on Rhode Island in bellivalve expedition when General M er riwether was commanded & he cannot recollect the names of any other officers with whom he served more than he has above stated & for the general circumstances of his services he refers to his above statement -
6 th He never received a written discharge -
7 th He is known in his present neighborhood to General Aaron Worthington P.M. and to Isaac Saunders Esquire who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution -
State of New York {
Rensselaer County ss. {
The above named Asa Mason being duly sworn says that from old age & consequent loss of Memory he was not able to recollect the precise period of the war when he served at the time he made the above declaration but the times then in state was then most predominant in his mind but that it appears by the Certificate of Henry Bowen Secretary of State of the State of Rhode Island which is herunto annexed that his services must have been rendered at a later period of the war than he has above stated - And he further saith that he has no doubt he served in both grades above mentioned for a much longer time than he has above stated but from motives of caution was unwilling to allege as much as he believed he served lest he might exceed the true time but now does allege that he served at least two months as an Ensign and at least ten months as a Lieutenant as he has above alleged - And further

Sworn & subscribed before me This 20 th day of October 1833 A. G. Hammond Conn. of Deeds
Asa Mason
I certify that I have long known Asa Mason the above deponent and believe him a man of strict truth & veracity and that he is universally so considered when he is known - A. G. Hammond Conn. of Deeds
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or (if any,) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk
Asa Mason
We, William Satterlee a Clergyman, residing in the town of Berlin . . . and Honzo G. Hammond residing in the same town . . . hereby certify that we are acquainted with Asa Mason . . . who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty one . . . years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk
Wm. Satterlee
H. G. Hammond
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier , and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that the Rev. William Satterlee . . . who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Town of Berlin County of Rensselaer and that Honzo G. Hammond Esquire . . . who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same town . . . and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Henry R. Bristol Clerk of the Court of Pensions Court . . . do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Asa Mason . . . for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Second day of July . . . 1833.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk

State of New York Ulster County ss. I, Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Lorenzo L. Hammond Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit of Mr. Magee purports to have been sworn and also by whom the within Certificate purports to have been signed was on the date of said affidavit a competent Commissioner of Courts in and for said County duly authorized to take said affidavit. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner and truly believe his signature within subscribed are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 8 th day of February 1834.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk. In D. Howard Junior Deputy.

N o 25909
Asa Maxson Rensselaer County New York
Official character of the officer before whom full notarial affidavit made and certified Jan 4 1874
A. G. Hammond (Berlin) Rensselaer County New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Aug. 15 1833 Jan. 6 th 1834
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subj d notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Asa Mason Newp d County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entered 1775 - 2 - Ensign Col. Boyer, Capt. Stillman 81 years Westerly Rhode Island Traditionary evidence, papers correct.   Served Apr 1776 - 10 - Lieut. same Comp y & Reg t  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will, also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
He has sworn that he knows of no living witness
He has no statue
The applicant is referred to the Secretary of the State of Rhode Island; who will certify that no such certificate is indispensable

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about  three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
propound an Ensign ... in the absence of all proof

Asa Mayon New York
Subp. act 1852
James Macgregor

State of New York } County of Rensselaer }
Be it Known, that on this twenty second day of December A. D. 185 2 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Asa Mearson
resident of the town of Petersburgh in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the legal heir of  Asa Mearson who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of
That he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint C. W. BENNETT , of Washington City , my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of Asa Mearson for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Asa Mearson
Sworn to, Subscribed, and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Asa Mearson to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
Moses Warren Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Rensselaer }
It is hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of Rensselaer County that Asa Mearson the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney, is the child of the reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that Moses Warren Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office,
this Twenty Second day of December 185 2
Henry A. Schuyler Clerk
1. Claimant's name or names in full.—2. Post Office address. 3. "That he is the identical man," or, "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c., &c. 4. Leave this line blank.—5. "He is," "she is," or "they are."—6. Revolutionary soldier's full name.—7. Claimant's signature.—8. Claimant's name.—9. Magistrate's signature. 10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of."—11. Magistrate's name.—12. Clerk's signature.
N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section S. 22889
70 CS
August 12, 1926
Mr. Clarence D. Hull Milton Junction Wisconsin
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau it appears that ASA MAXSON was born in 1752 in Westerly, Rhode Island.
While a resident of said place he was elected Ensign in December, 1776, in Captain George Stillman's Company in Colonel Joseph Noyes' Rhode Island Regiment, was elected Lieutenant of said company in July, 1781, and was in actual service at various times from 1777 until 1783, in all two hundred and sixty-five days; he went with General Sullivan on his Rhode Island expedition.
He married November 1, 1822, at Westerly, Rhode Island, Mary or Polly who was born March 8, 1762, and was the widow of George Potter (her maiden name was Stillman). This was the second marriage of Asa Maxson, the date of first marriage and name of wife not stated.
See Geo. Potter W. 2 1734 W.C.S.
Pension was allowed on Asa Maxson's application which was executed July 2, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Petersburg, Rensselaer County,
New York. where m. from Westerly RI about 1792 in 1838 sold farm Adams Co. NY
He died March 18, 1842, in Adams, Jefferson County, New York.
His widow, Mary or Polly, died April 6, 1851, at Waterford, Connecticut.

The following children of Asa Maxson by his first marriage were living in 1854.
Asa born July 1, 1776. no Pedestria M 3 in 1854 Polly " July ---, 1781, married Edward Whitford. David " September 27, 1788. Amelia " October 12, 1792, " Robert Collins.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to ABEL PECKHAM.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner

2 Fraz New York
December 11 th /96
Dear Sir
Will you kindly send me the record of the services of Genl. Maspion. David Maspion and Wait-Stillman in the Revolutionary War.
And Oblige
M. Antoinette Stillman
99. First St.
Fraz New York.

25.900 New York
Asa Maxson
Payor.
Suspended
see let to himself
Ap c 9. '34 o
let. to Hon. J. H. Bronson 14. Dec. '37.
to same 12. March '38.
F. F. C. Triplett Jany 23. 1854
Act 7 June '32

Production
22889 INVALID.
File No. 22,889
Ala  Maxson } (Maxson)
Ensign Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 257
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1896 } Mil. History to Jan. 29 } Mrs. W. P. Tift Buffalo, N.Y.
Jan. 18. 1897 History to Miss M. A. Stillman 99 First st. Troy N.Y. Z. H. B.
1926. Aug 12. Hist to Clarence D Hall, W.A.S. 1937 Oct. 16 Hist. edn. J. S. Mason. W.A.S.

October 16, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Asa Maxson, S. 22889 George Potter, W. 21754 BA-J/MCS
Dr. J. G. Maxon Harvard Illinois
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, Asa and David Maxson.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon the military service of soldiers in that war. A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the service of a David Maxson.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 22889, based upon the military service of Asa Maxson.
He was born in 1752 in Westerly, Rhode Island. The names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Westerly he was elected ensign in December, 1776, in Captain George Stillman's company in Colonel Joseph Noyes' Rhode Island regiment, was elected lieutenant of said company in July, 1781, was in actual service at various times from 1777 until 1783, in all two hundred and sixty-five days; he went with General Sullivan on his Rhode Island expedition.
He applied for pension on July 2, 1833, at which time he was living in Petersburg, Rensselaer County, New York, having moved there from Westerly, Rhode Island, about 1792. The claim was allowed.
In 1838 he was living in Adams, Jefferson County, New York.
Asa Maxson died March 18, 1842, in Adams, Jefferson County, New York, according to sworn statements made in this claim.

Asa Maxson was survived by a widow, Polly, who died April 6, 1851, at Waterford, Connecticut, aged about eighty-eight years. She was his second wife, name of first wife not given.
He was survived by the following children:
Asa born July 1, 1776, resident of Petersburg, New York, in 1852. Polly " July 27, 1781, married Edward Whitford. David " September 27, 1788. Amelia " October 12, 1792, married Robert Collins.
***** The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W.21754, based upon the military service of George Potter, Junior. It is thought that this record may be of interest to you as Asa Maxson married Polly Potter who was the widow of George Potter, Junior.
George Potter, Junior, was born February 10, 1757. The place of his birth and the names of his parents were not given.
He enlisted in January, 1776, and served one year as private with the Rhode Island troops under Captains Augustus Stanton and Thomas Arnold and Colonels Henry Babcock and Christopher Lippitt and was in the battles of White Plains, Trenton and Princeton. He enlisted in March, 1777, as private and served about two weeks with the Rhode Island troops, names of officers not given. He enlisted about the first of October, 1777, and served one month as private in Captain George Stillman's Rhode Island company, Asa Maxson was the ensign, and was in Spencer's expedition. He enlisted about the first of August, 1778, as private in Colonel Noyes' Rhode Island regiment, was in Sullivan's Rhode Island expedition and was wounded in the head at Newport and was discharged September 1, 1778. He enlisted in July, 1779, and served ten or twelve days as private in Colonel Noyes' Rhode Island regiment.
George Potter, Junior, married at Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island, April 26, 1780, Mary or Polly Stillman who was born March 8, 1762, and she was the daughter of Mary Stillman.
George Potter, Junior, died October 25, 1801, at Westerly, Rhode Island.

George Potter, Junior, and his wife, Mary, had the following children:
Nancy born March 12, 1781, married --- Maxson and was resident of Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1843. George (3rd) " April 17, 1783. Benjamin " June 18, 1785. Polly " July 20, 1787. Ephraim " May 30, 1789. Sally " August 11, 1792. John " May 13, 1795, died September 28, 1817. Content " August 9, 1797. Charles " September 7, 1799.
The widow, Mary, married at Westerly, November 1, 1822, Asa Maxson of Petersburg, Rensselaer County, New York. They were married by Matthew Stillman, Elder, but it was not shown that he was related to said Mary.
Asa Maxson died at Adams, Jefferson County, New York, March 11 , 1842, according to sworn statements made in this pension claim.
Mary Maxson was allowed pension on account of the Revolutionary War service of George Potter, Junior, on her application executed March 20, 1843, at which time she was living in Hopkinton, Washington County, Rhode Island, with her daughter, Content, who married Joseph Spicer and he was forty- six years of age in 1843.
In 1842 Content Babcock of Hopkinton, Washington County, Rhode Island, aged seventy-seven years, stated that she was the sister of the soldier, George Potter, Junior.
In 1843 one Elnathan W. Babcock was president of the court of probate for the town of Hopkinton and in that year one Jesse Maxson was town clerk of Westerly, Rhode Island, relationship not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Milton Jct Wis June 13-1926
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir.
Will you please give me the War Records of Asa Maxson, and Abel Pickham of Westerly R.I. and Petersburg N.Y.
Asa Maxson son of David Maxson was born in Westerly R.I. Mar 6-1752 died Mar 18-1872
Abel Pickham was born in Westerly R.I.
Feb 17-1733 died 1825
They were both Rev. Soldiers and was in R.I. at time of the War.
Yours and oblige
Clarence D Hill

J. H. C. Triplett,
Jan 23/54.

Pension Office
January 23. 1854
Sir
As requested in your letter of the 20 th instant, the application of Asa Mason, died, of New York, under the act of June 7. 1832, has been re-examined.
It appears very clearly that the claimant performed at least as much service as he specified in his supplemental deposition, and that if he performed the duties of Lieut. during the number of years mentioned, it must have been under his commission as ensign. This is rendered the more probable from his statement that after the promotion of the commander of his company he performed the duties of captain under his commission as Lieut. As the proofs now stand, whatever service is admitted will be in the capacity of Ensign, as it does not appear how long he served after his appointment at Ft. in July 1781. None but an informal application has been F. F. C. Triplet Esq. } Present } made since the claimant's death.

Holliston
Nov 32
Dear L O Mels Confucius

Washington Jan'y 20. 1854
Sir:
I have the honor to inform that the case of Asa Meadson, N. Y. No. 32 - Comp. - be re-examined and compared with the rolls of the service claimed by him in the bundles in your office.
Very Respectfully &c.
B. F. Butler

Wm. J. H. Brouson
12 March 1838
OL

War Department Pension Office
March 12, 1888
Sir,
The supplemental affidavits of Asa Chapman contained in your letter of the 21 st ulto has been examined - The claimant in his original declaration claims to have served 2 months as an Ensign and ten months as a Lieutenant. He does
It appears however that the calls upon the Militia of Rhode Island after the year 1781, the date of his  entry of the  his appointment as a Lieut. his was very a very few exceptions wholly discontinued - It therefore becomes The date period time now specified amounting to 8 months therefore in which the service  time  was specified  was specified should be stated in view of your then investigation.
E
Hon. H. B. Brown House Reps NY

Ho: of Reps.
July 21 st 1838
Sir Enclosed is additional testimony in the case of Asa Moxon to which, I ask your attention —,
Your obt Servt,
J. H. Monson
Hon J. L. Edwards

Asa Maxon deceased New York
Act June 7. 1832.
Admitted Ensign 12 mos at $120. per annum, from March 4. 1831 to March 18. 1842. when he died.
Certificate payable to David Maxon Asa Maxon Polly Whitford and Amelia Collins his only surviving children.
Agent F. F. C. Triplet Present.

Brief in the case of Asa Maxson deceased Renpelser County and State of New York act June 7. 1882
Claim, ("original," or for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service - Documentary proof - Death of death of widow } Parol surviving children } Proof certified
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
J. F. C. Triplett Present
J. G. Dodge
Examining Clerk.

ms - at -
ny at a all time
Rev. J. L. (A. L.) Pennit. Office Washington D.C.
J. A. Bronson H.R.

Adams Dec. 17. 1837.
Dear Mr. L. Edwards
Sir
I wish to call your attention to a case that has heretofore been considered by your Department but the final result of the matter has never been communicated to the person interested. It is the application of Asa Mearon for a pension as a Revolutionary soldier. He first applied about three years ago, was then residing in Petersburg, Petersburg Co. N.H. I understood from him that he applied as a Lieutenant of the Militia of Rhode Island, among other evidence he obtained, forwarded to your Department, the Certificate of the Secretary of State of R. Island, of his commission, supposing that together the other evidence he produced, to be all that would be required. Since which he has heard nothing of the matter. You of course have his application & evidence on file. I am therefore informed whether any has been done giving him his pension or not, why he does not have his application granted. Mr. Mearon is a worthy man & I have no doubt fairly entitled to his pension, and I would ask of the Department the favor, to inform me of what has been done in the matter, & what is deemed necessary to be done to entitle him to his pension, so that he

may have further opportunity to make another effort. He informs me that he forwarded the Secretarys Certificate about two years since, but his recollection is so indistinct that he cannot fix the date with any certainty. By giving the information solicited you will confer a great favor on Mr Mason & oblige Yours Obedt Servt Jason Moxham
Mr Edwards will please communicate the information here asked for to me or to Mr Marsh at Adams Sept. 60 N.Y. J. A. Bronson of N.Y. of the H. R.

J. G. MAXON, M. D. HARVARD, ILLINOIS
October 5, 1937
Veteran's Bureau
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen:
I am anxious to obtain all the information possible regarding an ancestor of mine, David Maxson, who was born July 24, 1729 near Westerly, Rhode Island. It is said that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and saw service along with his son Asa in that war, who was born March 6, 1752.
Any information which you may be able to give me regarding the residence of David, his military service, and place of burial will be appreciated.
Respectfully yours,
J. G. Maxon M. D.
JGM:hc

I am acquainted with Benjamin Wright & his signature — His signature to the within certificate is genuine — I also know him to be a judge of the Court of Com: Pleas in Jeff rs Co NY —
J. A. Brandon

State of New York Suffolk County ss.
I am Mervyn of the Town of Adams in said County, being duly sworn, say while residing in the Town of Peterborough in the County of Nassau, State aforesaid, he made application for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, as will appear by pension file in the War Department Pension Office. And this Deponent further says that the duration of each term of service (and the period & place or places where rendered) for which he applied for a pension as according to the best of his recollection, knowledge & belief were as follows. In the year 1777 he was called into service and was engaged in actual service at a place called Watch-hill in the Town of Westerly in Rhode Island for twenty days. At another time at the same place, twenty five days. At another time on the shore in Charlestown in said State of Rhode Island twenty two days; at another time at Pine Island-point in South Kingston in said State, twenty three days, at another time at the same place twenty five days; at another time at Boston neck in said State twenty seven days. In the year 1778 in at the time of the expedition of General Sullivan against the British near Newport in Rhode Island this Deponent was in actual service in said expedition for thirty days. At another time at Stonington point in the State of Connecticut, fifteen days; at another time on Block Island twenty five days; at another time at a place called Tower-hill in the Town of South Kingston twenty three days; at another time at a place called Oldiker Newtown in South Kingston, thirty days, making in all two hundred & sixty five days, but in what particular year, or in what particular month, each or any of

the above specified towns were performed (except in General Williams expedition) he is entirely unable to state. This Deponent further says that his term of actual service commenced in the year 1777 and continued to the year 1783; that most of that time he was in company of the militia company in the town where he resided, and though he cannot now remember any other towns or times of service with sufficient certainty to make oath to the same, yet he has no hesitation in saying that he believes he has not specified more than half the time he was in actual service during the war.
And he further says that he has sent to Rhode Island to find witnesses who served with him but can not find any, nor can he obtain any further evidence of his services.
Aza Morgan
Subscribed (sworn) to this eighth day of February 1838 before me.
Benjamin Wright one of the Judges of Jefferson County Courts 223 Granville
And I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Aza Morgan who has subscribed hereto the above, and that he is entitled to full credit due belief. In witness whereof I hereto subscribe my name officially. At Adams County of Jefferson February 8 th 1838.
Benjamin Wright one of the Judges of Jefferson County Courts

At a Surrogates Court, held in and for the County of Rensselaer in the State of New York on the 16 th day of February A.D. 1854.
Present George S. Blair Surrogate of said Court
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence which is herewith annexed, has been presented to the said Court, which is a Court of Record and in Open Court that Asa Mason, who was reputed to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and who made an applica- tion for a Pension on account of his services therein, was a resident of the County of Jefferson in the State of New York, and died on the 18 th day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and forty two, that he left a widow, who was his second wife, who died on the sixth day of April A.D. 1851, and that the only surviving children of the said Asa Mason are the following named being four in number viz: Levi Mason, Asa Mason, Amelia Mason and Polly Mason now the wife of Edward  Whitson that said Amelia is now the wife of Robert Collins. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court on the day & year first above written.
G. S. Blair Surrogate Judge of the Court & Officer hereof.

State of New York } Differance County } Isaac Saunders and George Armstrong of the Town of Adams in said County being duly sworn say that they were well acquainted with Asa Masson now deceased for the term of about fifty years previous to his death, which took place on the 15 th day of March 1842 at Adams aforesaid at the advanced age of about ninety years and further deponents say that that they have been well acquainted with David Masson, Asa Masson, Amelia Masson and Polly Masson, the surviving children of the said Asa Masson, and further that the said David Masson was sixty five years old on the 27 th day of September 1853, that the said Asa Masson was seventy seven years old the first day of July last 1853 that the said Amelia Masson now wife of Robert Collins was sixty four years old on the 12 th day of October 1853, and that the said Polly Masson now wife of Edward Whetford was seventy two years old as in the month of July 1853, that all of their said ages are stated above as near as these deponents can from their knowledge acquaintance and standing well further the said Saunders says he is of the age of seventy on the 21 st day of August 1853, and the said Armstrong is of the age of sixty nine years on the seventh day of July 1853.
Isaac Saunders George Armstrong

Subscribed and sworn before me this 13 th day of February, A.D. 1854. And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said witnesses and have been for a long time and know them to be credible, and believe them to be of the ages therein stated.
J. P. Saunders Special County Judge Jefferson County Council (v.)

STATE OF NEW YORK, JEFFERSON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,
} ss
I, JOHN L. MARSH, Clerk of the County of Jefferson, do hereby certify that Thos P. Saunders Esq., whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof of acknowledgment, a Special Co. Judge , in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof, or acknowledgment is genuine; and further, that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the Laws of this State.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 8th day of March 1851.
John L. Marsh Clerk.

State of New York } Jefferson County } ss
Charles Potter and Edward D Spicer of the town of Adams in said County being duly sworn say that they were well acquainted with the  the Polly Mason (the second wife of Asa Mason deceased) who died on the sixth day of April 1851 at Waterford in the state of Connecticut at the advanced age of about eighty eight years and further deponents say that she remained the widow of the said Asa Mason up to the time of her death. And that the said Asa Mason died on the 15 th day of March 1842 at Adams in said County as deponents are informed and believe the same to be true.
Charles Potter Edward D. Spicer.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 15 th day of February A.D. 1854, and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said witnesses and know them to be credible.
T. P. Saunders Special County Judge Jefferson County Court

STATE OF NEW YORK, JEFFERSON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,
} ss
certify that J. P. Saunders
I, JOHN L. MARSH, Clerk of the County of Jefferson, do hereby certify that J. P. Saunders Esq., whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof of acknowledgment, a Special Commissioner , in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said J. P. Saunders and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof, or acknowledgment is genuine; and further, that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the Laws of this State.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 8th day of March 1851.
John L. Marsh Clerk.
Dodge
John L. Marsh