Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6,226, for Joseph Lear, New Hampshire

SERVICE
U.S. AIR FORCE SERVICE N. H.
Dear Joseph Mercy
NUMBER _____
R. 6226
CONTENTS

(Declaration)
In order to obtain the benefit of the law of Congress of the 7 th July 1838
State of New Hampshire Sullivan ss.
On this 15 th day of October A.D. 1839. Personally appeared before me John L. Dutton a Judge of Probate within and for the County, Sullivan. Mercy Lear, in open Court, now in her 73 rd year who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838
That she is the widow of Joseph Lear who was a Private & Sargent in the war of the Revolution, and according to the best of her recollection belonged to a company commanded by Capt. Walker in Col. Benj. Bellows Regiment of New Hampshire Militia -
She declares that in the Spring of 1777 in the month of April as near as she can now recollect, the said Joseph Lear then a resident of Sevell, (now Wendell) in the County of Sullivan in said New Hampshire, enlisted into the service of the United States and marched to Ticonderoga in the State of New York, where he remained in the service in that vicinity she thinks and verily believes till the month of January 1778, when he returned home, — she says when the said Lear first entered the service he served as a Private for two or three months, the remainder of the time he was a Sargent and performed the duty as such, She has often heard the said Lear speak of his being in several engagements with the enemy, and among others was the Battle at Stillwater, and said he was present when Gen. Burgoyne surrendered to the Americans
She further declares and believes that the said Joseph Lear performed a tour of service in the Army at the West as a Substitute for his Brother George Walker Lear from the same town Sevell - how long he served as a Substitute she is not able to say - but thinks this service was performed subsequent to the other service above mentioned
She further declares that she was married to the above named Joseph Lear in the said town of Wendell (formerly Sevell) in the Month of April A.D. 1790. She does not distinctly recollect the day of the month, but she knows

full well that it was on the day of the annual Fast in April - of the year 1790 - She says the marriage was solemnized by Elder Nehemiah Woodard he being the first and the only Minister then residing in said town of Windall. - She further says that when she was married she resided in the P o town of Windall where she now resides and has resided ever since her marriage.
She further declares that she has not been married since the death of her husband which happened on the 29 th day of January 1819 but that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by the Testimony herunto annexed.
She further declares that she has no documentary evidence, nor does she know of any by which she can establish her claim except what is herunto annexed. Mercy X Leavick
Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year above written Before me John L Putnam Judge of Probate
I certify certify that the said Mercy Leavick is reputed to be a credible person
John L Putnam Judge of Probate
State of New Hampshire Sullivan County ss.
I J M Gilmour Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of the County of State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the Hon John L Putnam is an acting Judge of Probate, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 12 th day of October 1834 - and that his signature above written is true. Given under my hand and the Seal of said County, this 21 st day of January A D 1840. J. M. Gilmour Clerk
5089
6805 - N.H. 16 Act 7 July 1835 Mercy Leavick of South

State of New Hampshire County of Sullivan ss
Be it known that on this twenty eighth day of October, A.D. 1852, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid, personally appeared Tobias Lear and Mary Roswell, both of Goshen, in the county and State aforesaid, and Joseph Lear of Newbury in the county of Merrimack and State aforesaid, and made oath according to law, that they are the legal heirs of the identical Mercy Lear who was before and at the time of her decease, the widow of Joseph Lear who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who had before her decease made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of
that they are directly interested as the heirs of the said Mercy Lear, the claimant before her decease of the pension due her by virtue of the Act aforesaid, and make this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or argument, as our Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Power of Attorney, and authority heretofore given, me hereby constitute and appoint Edmund Perkins, of Newport, in said county of Sullivan, my true and lawful attorney, to prosecute the claim of the said Mercy Lear in our behalf and for our benefit as her heirs as aforesaid, for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and we hereby authorize our said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the War Department at Washington City, or in any other

Department or office whenever the same may be, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for our exclusive benefit, the certif- icate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate we wish made payable at the Agency in Washington City, D.C.; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things which we might or could do were we person- ally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney or Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Tobias Lear Mary Rowell Joseph Lear
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me by Tobias Lear and Mary Rowell, on this day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Tobias Lear and Mary Rowell to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical persons there- in alleged.
John Forney Justice of the Peace
Sworn to, and subscribed, and acknowledged before me by Joseph Lear on the twentieth day of December, A.D. 1852, and I hereby certify that I believe that the said Joseph Lear to be directly interested in said claim as set forth in the above declaration, and to be the identical person of that name there- in alleged.
John Forney Justice of the Peace

State of Northampton Sullivan Co.
J. M c Gilmore Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for Sullivan County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John Loran is an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature within subscribed as such Justice of the Peace is genuine
Given under My Hand and the Seal of the Court the twentieth day of December A D 1882
J. M c Gilmore Clerk

6. 6805 - Act 1838 N. H - Mercy Lean - widow of Joseph - Let to David. Mr. Smith 14 May '40 Edmund Burke 15 th Jan 1852
6226
Act 7 July 1838
11 papers - filed in this case with Com -

REJECTED
2556
P.O. _____
Service: Henry Lear
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P.O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

10 - Com
Joseph Lear M.H. P 6226

Ticonderoga
Regiment of Artillia
Corps of Savills
Benj Bellows Esq; Col. of a Regiment Raised for the defence of the American States out of the State of New Hampshire To Joseph Lear GREETING
WHEREAS By the authority to me given by the General Court of the state of New Hampshire Reposing special trust and confidence in your fidelity, courage, and good conduct, do constitute, and appoint you the s d Joseph Lear to be the 1 st Serjeant in the company in my Regiment, whereof Samuel Gunison is Captain, and you are hereby Authorized and Commanded to do the duty of a Serjeant, and you are to obey all such Orders as you shall from time to time receive from your superior Officers for the Benefit of the American States For the doing of which duties shall be your sufficient
Given under my hand this day of June Annoque Dom i 1777
Mount Independence June 6 th 1777 Permit the following persons to pass from this place to the State of New Hampshire viz: Whitcomb Bowers, Joseph Lear, Heazer Haywood, and Eliab Gleason
To Whom it may concern
Benj a Bellows Col o
No. 3 N o 4
Col o

Ticonderoga
Regiment of Artillia
Corps of Savell
Rev. Benj. Bellows Esq; Col. of a Regiment Raised for the defence of the American States out of the State of New Hampshire. To Joseph Lear GREETING
WHEREAS By the authority to me given by the General Court of the state of New Hampshire. Reposing special trust and confidence in your Fidelity, courage, and good conduct, do constitute, and appoint you the s d Joseph Lear to be the 1 st Serjant in the company in my Regiment, whereof Samuel Gunison is Captain; and you are hereby Authorized and Commanded to do the duty of a Serjant, and you are to obey all such Orders as you shall from time to time receive from your superior Officers for the Benefit of the American States For the doing of which you shall be your sufficient Given under my hand this day of June Annoque Dom i 1777
Col

Newport, N. H. Feb 23 1833
Sir.
I have the honor to enclose herewith, the application of Tobias Lear, Mary Powell, and Joseph Lear for the amount of pension due to Mary Lear widow of Joseph Lear, a Soldier of the Revolution.
Before the decease of Mary Lear she made application for a pension as widow of the said Joseph Lear, under one of the Acts of Congress allowing pensions to the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers. I am unable to show under which act she made application, but, as her application and the proofs sustaining it, are on file in the Pension Office, it can be easily ascertained. To that application I would respectfully refer for the proofs

necessary to support the present one.
Joseph Lear, the husband of Mary Lear, and on account of whose services Mary Lear and her heirs are entitled. your his affidavits or depositions, as I am informed, in support of the application of Ed- ward Daine and Samuel Sis- cho of Goshen, or Newbury, or Mundell, in this State. To these affidavits or depositions, I would also respectfully refer for proof of the services of the said Joseph Lear, and in support of the appli- cation of the heirs of the said Mary Lear.
I have the honor to be
# Who were to be on the { Pension Roll. }
Very respectfully Yours Ob t Servant Oliver D. Dime
Hon. J. E. Heath Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

Mercy Lear Wed Joseph Lear suspended p 27 (oo)
"Further Proof"
L.B. of True Agent

Mr. Lane:
Dear Sir:
Our employer (Mr. Barker) has given up trying to get our pension which we ought to have; so now we wish you to take up the case & persevere; now you will please to forward your papers to us will go before soon Justice of the Peace to send them to you with out delay we want you to be sure to get it for us soon as possible to it will be for your interest & ours also
We have many other heirs that ought to draw pension but they are scattered all round & we can look them up more particularly after we see how ours comes out,
By request { Tobias Lucas } { Joseph Lucas } { Mary Rowell }
Direct your letters to Mary Rowell.
Mill Village (Sullivan County) N.H.

Thinking it might save you some trouble to find Father's Name I will again send it to you vis. Joseph Lucas to Mother's (Name was Mary Lucas)
Mary Rowell.
Remember the address.
Mary Rowell
Mill-Village
Sullivan County N.H.
Please give us an answer soon as possible.

Know all men by these presents, That I Tobias Sear, and I Mary Rowell both of Goshen in the County of Sullivan & State of New Hampshire And I Joseph Sear, of Newbury in the County of Merrimac in said State, heirs, and the only remaining Children now living, of the Widow Mercy Sear late deceased, who was widow of the deceased Joseph Sear of said Goshen - do hereby constitute and appoint Syman D Stevens - Esq of Concord N.H. our true and lawful attorney for us, and in our behalf to prosecute the claim of our said Mother for pension under the Act of 1838, which is now suspended, with authority to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose herein mentioned, and to do all other things necessary for the faithful and proper prosecution of said claim,
Witness our hands and seals this twelfth day of June A.D. 1854
Witness Chester A. Merrill Daniel M. Smith John W. Morse William Blanchard
Tobias Sear Mary Rowell Joseph Sear
State of New Hampshire Sullivan County ss June 12 th 1854. Then personally appeared the above named
State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss Bradford June 12, 1854 Personally appeared the above named Joseph Sear and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his voluntary act before me
John W. Morse } Justice of Peace

Know all men by these Presents, That I Lyman D. Stevens within named do hereby constitute and appoint S. J. Bowen of Washington City my substitute for the purpose within specified Witness My Hand this eleventh day of July 1854
L. D. Stevens.

Heir of Mary Lear, Widow of Jos. Lear, decd. whose claim for Pen- sion filed from N.H. under Act 7 July 1838 has been suspended
Power of Atty. enclosed - Ask to see papers
Col
S. Bowen, Atty Present

Washington City 26
July 14, 1854
Sir,
Enclosed you will find Power of Atty. from Hein of Mercy Lear, widow of Joseph Lear, decd. whose claim for Pension under Act of 7th July 1838, has been suspended
I wish to examine the papers filed in support of her claim
Yours truly
S. H. Bowen
J. M. G. Gengenbach
Hon L. P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions

H. Lear Mersey
R. 1819. M. 1790
77      Walker. C. B. Mass sub. folio } Walker Lear } no off. named
July 9 12 ds

July 17 '77 Mt. Ave.
I Samuel Licho of Windell County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, now in the eightieth year of my age, depose and say that I served as a Private Soldier three years in the war of the Revolution. I enlisted into the service in month of February 1777, and joined Capt. Isaac Farwell and marched to Ticonderoga in N. York, Col. Billey was in command of the Regiment. I was there when the British took possession of the that place, was also at the Battle of Still-water, and now in a receipt of a pension from Government for my services, — I further depose and say that early in the spring of 1777, Joseph Lear then one of my intimate friends, Residing in the same town (Devil) now Windell, came with several others whom I well knew and joined the Army at Ticonderoga, my impression is that said Lear was a Corporal or Sargent in Capt. Walker's Company in Bellows Regiment, but in what Company he served I am not positive as some I am, that he was engaged in the service at that time, for I frequently saw him among other soldiers of my acquaintance during my stay there. Said Joseph Lear was engaged in the action with the enemy at Still-water in Oct. 1777, I saw him in that engagement, and was present when Burgoyne surrendered to our Troops in the same month.
How long said Lear was in the service I cannot say. I only know from the time I first saw him there, in the Army, till the last, was about nine months — I further depose and say that I have always known said Joseph Lear from childhood and ever since the close of the war of the Revolution we have resided in the same neighborhood, until his decease which happened about twenty years since —
I further say that have for a long time been well acquainted with Nancy Lear widow of said Joseph Lear, who is a Neighbor, and who was his lawful wife, and have no doubt but she is justly entitled to a pension under the late act of Congress —
Samuel Licho
Sullivan ss. Windell Oct. 15 th . Personally appeared the above named Samuel Licho and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me Daniel Smith Justice of the Peace

Sullivan ss Oct. 18 th 1839.
I hereby certify that Samuel Sisler before named is a credible witness
Daniel McSmith justice of the Peace

I Mary Gische of Windell (formerly Small) County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire now in my 75 th year, depose and say that I have resided in the town of Windell ever since I was seven years of age, and at the same place where I now reside.
I further say that Joseph Lear previous to his death, (which happened I think in the year 1819) lived a near neighbor. I well recollect that the said Joseph Lear enlisted into the Army in the year 1777, I think and believe in the month of April and marched for the N. York, and I also well remember his return from the Army, but I cannot state precisely the time, but believe it was in January next following. I know it was very cold weather when he came home. - I cannot tell whether he performed more than one term of service in the Army or not.
I further say that I well recollect of hearing the said Lear relate the events of the Battle at Stillwater which engagement he said he was in, and the Surrender of Gen. Burgoyne -
I further say that Mercy Lear who still lives a near neighbor, is the Widow of said Joseph Lear deceased, that she lived with him the said Joseph Lear many years as his lawful wife, and no doubt ever existed as far as I know, but that they were lawfully married -
Mary her Gische mark
Sullivan ss Sworn to and subscribed this 18 th day of October A.D. 1839.
Before me Daniel Smith Justice of the Peace Sullivan ss Oct. 18 th 1839 - I hereby certify that the above named Mary Gische is a credible witness
Daniel Smith Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire Sullivan County ss.
I J. M. Gilmore Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Daniel M. Smith is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 8 th day of January 1838 and will expire on the 7 th day of January 1843. And that his signature herewith are thereunto. Given under my hand and the Seal of said County, this 21 st day of January A.D. 1840. J. M. Gilmore Clerk

Wendell N.H. } February 8 th } Daniel M. Smith Esq
Lempster N.H.

Wendell Feb. 8 th 1840
Dear Sir
Yours of the 23 rd of Jan. Last I Received Yesterday. I think Strange a letter should Be fourteen Days in getting from Lumpkin to Wendell. but so it is — in answer to your letter the marriage of Joseph Lear and Mercy Woodward is not on record in Wendell Tobias Lear of Goshen called on me some time since to find the record and I searched the records thoroughly and now have looked again and am satisfied that there is no such record
Yours &c. John Colby
“I John Colby Clerk of the town of Wendell thereby certify that I have carefully & faithfully examined the records of said town and that the marriage of Joseph Lear & Mercy Woodward is not found recorded” I further certify that but very few marriages are to be found recorded prior to the year 1800
Wendell January 30 th 1840
John Colby Town Clerk of Wendell

I Rhodey Angell of Cavendish County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Joseph Lear and Mary Woodward both of Windok County of Cheshire (now County of Sullivan) and State of New Hampshire and that the aforesaid Joseph Lear and Mary Woodward came to my Father's Jeremiah Woodard's (who was then an ordained minister of the gospel) of the said Town of Windok and were joined in the bands of Matrimony by my said Father Jeremiah Woodard and that I was present and saw them married I think it was sometime in the month of April or May in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and ninety I well recollect it was the year I was twelve years old that they were married I was sixty one years old last June 1834 I furthermore testify and say that I have been intimately acquainted with said Joseph Lear after his Marriage until he died which was a number of years ago and that I have ever since held a correspondence with Mrs Lear the widow of the said Joseph Lear she being my own Aunt furthermore this Deponent saith not  The words of the said Town of Windok were interlined before signing
Rhodey Angell
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss) at Cavendish in said County of Windsor on the 21th day of October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty nine personally appeared the above named Rhodey Angell and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn Oath that the foregoing Deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth before me  Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the Deponent Rhodey Angell is a credible person and that her testimony would not be called in question by any Court where she is known  Certified by me Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } I, Lyndon A. Mearl, Deputy Windsor County } Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Ipe Adams is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the seventh day of No- vember 1838 and will expire on the last day of No- vember 1839, and that his signature within written is genuine -
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 24 day of October 1839 -
L. A. Mearl, Deputy Clerk

Feb. 20. 1840
6805
Vol. 18.
7 July 1838
Wm James D. Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Leicester Feby 13 th 1840
Hon J. L. Edwards
Enclosed are the papers in the case of Widow Mercy Lear, who claims a pension under the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 - which it is presumed will be sufficient to satisfy you that she is justly entitled.
The testimony she offers is
1 st - her own affidavit - 2 nd - That of Husband & Wife 3 rd - Original Warrant under the hand of Col Bellows. 4 th - an small script showing he was in the service 5 th - The testimony of Rhoda Angel as to marriage
Respectfully Daniel H. Smith
Hon J. L. Edwards Court of Pensions

Brief case Mercy Lear wid: Jos: Lear, Mercy Lear (15 th Oct. 1839. Open Court), declares she is widow of Jos who was a private and sergeant in war Rev: thinks he belonged to Capt: Walker Co - Benj: Bellows Regt: Militia of N.H. - April 1777 Jos: enlisted & she thinks remained in service till Jan'y: 1778 - when he first entered served as private 2 months - remainder of time as sergeant - at Ber Burgoyne's surrender. Jos: served as substitute for his brother Geo: Walker Lear. - how long cannot say - think it was after other service. Jos: & Mercy married April 1790. does not recollect day of month. was on day of annual fast Apr: 1790 - by Eldar Nehemiah Woodard - still a widow - has not, nor knows of any documentary evidence.
Sam: Sisco - (80 yrs. ago) says early in spring 1777 - Jos: Lear his intimate friend joined at Ticonderoga: im- -prisoned Jos: was Capt: or Sergt: in Capt: Walker Co: Col: Bellows Regt: - but in what Co: is not certain. Vern he was in prison at that time; frequently saw him among soldiers during stay there. Jos: was at Stillwater in Oct: 1777 saw him in that engage- -ment - cannot say how long he was in ser- -vice - only knows from first time he saw him till last was about 9 months . Known Jos:

from childhood - & since close of war & had resided same place neighborhood till Jos death about 20 yrs ago. Known wid. of Jos a long time - who was his lawful wife - (Samuel Sis- cho also says he S.  was a pensioner) -
Mary Sischo - says she has resided in Town Wendell since she was 7 yrs old. that Jos hear previous to his death thinks in 1819 lived a near neighbour. Jos. (she well recollects) enlisted in 1777 thinks in Apr & marched for NY. - remembers his return. cannot state precise time, thinks Jan'y following does not know whether he performed more than 1 term service. - Heard Jos. relate events of battle Stillwater & surrender of Burgoyne. - Mercy hear still her neighbour - is widow of Jos. dec d . - lived many years as his lawful wife.
Rhoda Angell - says she was well acquainted with Joseph & Mercy Woodard came to her father Ebenezer Woodard (an ordained minister) & were joined in matrimony - was present & saw them married thinks it was in April or May 1790 - well recollects the year as she was 22 yrs old when they were mar- ried - and 61 yrs old in 1829 - intimately acquainted with Jos. from his marriage till his death a number of years ago - have held correspondence with Mrs Hear ever since she being her Aunt.
Clk: Town Wendell certifies there is no record of marriage - none prior to 1800. -
Tobias Hear. { say they are the legal heirs of the identical Mercy Hear Mary Russell. { who was widow of Jos. & who made application for pension. Jos. hear { Appointed Ed: Bunke Attorney.
Commission of Jos. as sergeant not signed by Col. Bellows. - Pays for Jos. & others from Col. Bellows date 6 th June 1777.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Leav, Samuel GRADE Private LINE New Hampshire
WARRANT NUMBER 3288 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Jan. 26, 1790(?)
To James A. Neal, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.