Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8776, for Ebenezer Taft, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Kass.
Taft, Ebenezer Navy
11. 8776
B.L.M. 49.265-160-55.
CONTENTS

173441 act mar 3/ June 20/55
Set. 10th present from 25 1856 " " " Sept. 26. "
Mary Galt, wid of Ebenezer Galt his
End.
about 160 lines
Map mar
Rev war
Rev Pension under act '53 of 187.93. No 4106
dy 53-4106 Dec 2 1856
Triplet
Chas. South Scituate Providence
RI
Y. Ch. Paterson Curtis & Co
Vol I. page 12.

Hugh - In the U.S. Appeal, and P. English Esq. Ad. C. White - Sept. 16. 31
40.07 18.507 37.03  Vermont    Ebenezer Dast of Windham in the State of Vermont who was a for Bombardier in the Company commanded by Captain Shaler of the Regt. commanded by Col. Whitney in the U.S. m. i. line for 8 mo. Bombardier } 6 " for } 11 mo 13 day per diem $37.93 per annum  Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 82 Dollars 50 Cents per annum to commence on the 1st day of March, 1831. $37.93 per annum  Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of Sept. 1833 and sent to P. White - Putney  Arrears to the 4th of Sept - 1833. $206.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 31 41.33 Report specially $247.00 accordingly  { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book 2 Vol. 3 Page 94

4.106
Rhode Island
S. Patterson Jan'y: 9/58
Mary Taft widow of Ebenezer Taft who served in the Revolution-
ary war, as a private
Date of her death not on a B
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of .37 Dollars 93 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 3 rd day of May 1854. and sent to
James F. Simmons Providence R.I.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 35 Vol. A
173441
(32)

Windham County Vt. Ebenr. Tafts Deem for Pension Aug. 6 th 1832
N o 5207.
Please to make return to P. White Pittsfield Vt.

County of Windham ss. District of Westminster.
STATE OF VERMONT.
At a Prothonotary Public hearing at Lausanne on this and for said District and the day of August A.D. 1832 before me personally appeared seal and seal thereto
On this Smith
day of February
A. D. 1832—Personally appeared in open Court, At Greenfield in said District
Before the said Prokate Court, within and for said Westmore in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged Eighty one
now sitting— Eleanor & Just
a resident of Lowenshend
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 7, 1832—That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he first enlisted, at the town of Concord in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts in the spring of 1775 - for the term of eight months in a company commanded by Capt. Oliver - and went to Cambridge near Boston and there joined the American Army - and in short time after he arrived there he enlisted into the Artillery into a company commanded by Capt. Shattuck or Shattuck and Volant Colton - and served out said term of eight months and there at the request of the officer he engaged for one month longer and served said month making nine months service in all and was dismissed near Boston but received no written discharge - soon after he returned home he enlisted again and went to Cambridge and was attached to the Commissary Department, as an assistant - and served there two months or more - during said term the British left Boston and embarked their ships before the battle - was dismissed and came home - and afterwards in the month of August of the same year he enlisted and turned out with the militia outside the company of Capt. Parsons in the Regiment commanded by Col. Whitney and went to join the Northern Army - went thro' Bennington to Saratoga Vt. and after staying there a few days was marched to the North River to join Gates' Army and was present when Burgoyne surrendered - after which he went home being at Valcour for months - the state of Concord a new station for said Company - went there a few days after the battle of the Huber. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
1. Born at Linton Camp. in the year 1751. 2. That he has a record of his age in the family bible at said Linton and also a Record in the Records of said Linton 3. at said Linton - some the Recollections were the time of the  Revolutionary War at said Linton - 4. he has already answered 5. he says next can vouch further

 2. That he has a record of his age in the family bible at said Lipton and also a record in the Records of said Lipton  3. at said Lipton - since the Revolutionary War he lived in the  town of  Lipton at said Townsend -  4. he has a record of admission  5. he can not answer further  6. made no enquiry  7. Chapin Howard & Edward Sumner neighbors - & respectable citizens - - 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Ebenezer Daff Before Peter M Daff - Judge
We Chapin Howard residing in the town of Townsend in said County and Edward Sumner of Townsend in said County hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Ebenezer Daff 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 neighbourhood 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.
Edward Sumner Before Peter M Daff - Judge
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 Chapin Howard who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident resident in the said town of Townsend and that Edward Sumner who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Townsend in said County, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. & that there is no Peter M Daff - Judge
I the undersigned Clerk & Register of the Provincial Court, within and for the District of Westminster aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ebenezer Daff for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this sixth
day of August
A. D. 1832
Ebenezer Daff

State of Vermont, ) Be it remembered, that at Rupert in Bennington County, ) the County of Bennington & State of Ver- mont on this 12 th day of November 1826, Eleazar Batts of Formard in the County of Windham & State aforesaid & Mary Eldredge of Rupert in the County & State aforesaid were by me joined together in marriage. Isaac Brocklin, Minister
I hereby certify the above to be a true copy of an original record made by me. Rupert, Nov. 13, 1826, Isaac Brocklin.
Recd Nov. 13, 1826 the above for record and the same recorded by me, ) Attest, Henry Sheldon, Town Clerk.
Town Clerk's Office, Rupert, Sept. 15, 1857. The foregoing is a true copy of record. Attest, Henry Sheldon, Town Clerk

   22668   3   68004   500   11804    22668   225   225   67668   500   117668   

D 4552 Mary Fage Dark Satuated R.S Recd June 18/55— Files Application for By S c Under Act 3 March 1855—
173441
R
June 18/55 Gen Office

State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } ss
On this third day of May 1855, before me the undersigned a Notary Public, duly authorized to administer oaths within and for said County, personally appeared Mary Taft aged Eighty years, a resident of Scituate in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island, who made oath in due form of law that she is the identical Mary Taft to whom under the provisions of the Act of Feb y 3 rd 1853 a pension of 37\frac{93}{100} dollars per year has been allowed for the services of her late husband Ebenezer Taft a Soldier of the Revolution and late of Townsend in the County of Windham and State of Vermont.
She further states that her Pension Certificate under the aforesaid Act of Feb. 3, 1853 is numbered 4.108. bears date third day of May 1854 - and is made payable at the Providence Agency for paying pensioners in, Rhode Island . She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of March 3 rd 1855, she never having received any Bounty Land under that or any previous Act of Congress.
In evidence of her marriage and in proof of the service of her said husband, she respectfully refers to the Proof heretofore adduced, now on file in the Pension Office, and upon which her pension aforesaid was granted.
She further states that she has not since intermarried, but continues the widow of the said Ebenezer Taft. She requests that her Land Warrant may be sent to her, at South Scituate, R.I.
In presence of Sylvester Patterson
Walter S. Clarke Amy Clarke
Mary her Taft mark
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before

me, the day and year before written, and I hereby certify that I know the aforesaid Mary A. Safford to be the identical person she alleges herself to be - a Pensioner of the United States and a widow, at the date of these Presents, and that I am not interested in her claim as Agent or Attorney - or otherwise.
Sylvester Patterson
Notary Public

State of Rhode Island } ss. County of Providence }
On this 3 rd day of May A.D. 1855, personally appeared before me the undersigned a Notary Public, authorized by law to administer oaths within and for said County of Providence John G. Marble and Amey Marble residents of Scituate in the County and State aforesaid, known to me as credible persons who made oath that Mary A. Taft who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration is to their personal knowledge the identical person to whom under the provisions of the Act of Feb. 3 rd 1853 a pension of 37\frac{93}{100} dollars per annum has been granted and that the said Mary A. Taft has not intermarried since receiving said pension but continues the Widow of the said Ebenezer Taft a soldier of the Revolutionary War, that they have known her for several years and know some of the connections of the said Ebenezer Taft now living in the State of Vermont, and that they both have seen her pension certificate and that John G. Marble, has accompanied the said Mary A. Taft to the Office of Pension Agent in the City of Providence and seen her receive her pension Money from the Agent there, and they further state that they are disinterested witnesses. John G. Marble. Amey Marble.

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence ss
On this Twenty fourth day of Aprie A.D. 1854 personally appeared before the Court of Magistrates of the City of Providence and for the County of Providence in said State, Mary Traft, widow, resident of the Town of Scituate in said County of Providence & State aforesaid aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3 rd day of February A.D. 1853. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Ebenezer Traft who was a private soldier in Captain Company of the Regiment.
She further declares that she was married to the said Ebenezer Traft on the day of A.D. 1826 that her said husband died in Vermont on or about the 15 th day of February A.D. 1820. That her said husband drew his pension in Brattleborough State of Vermont and that she the said Mary Traft is still a widow and has remained so ever since the decease of her aforesaid husband.
Mary her X Traft Mark
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence ss. This may certify that Mary Traft at the City of Providence before the Court of Magistrates in open Court appeared and subscribed the above declaration by her mark being first thereto duly sworn according to law, as above stated. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto in the day & year aforesaid. Horace A. Manchester Clerk of said Court.

United States of America.
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Secretary's Office, Providence, April 23 rd A.D. 1854.
I Asa Potter, Secretary of State; keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof, do certify that Horace A. Manchester Esq. who has signed the preceding certifi- cate is Justice of the Court of Magistrates of the City of Providence in said State duly elected and commissioned as appears of Record, and that the foregoing signa- ture of said Officer is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Providence the day and year above written, Asa Potter Secy. of State.

May 3, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEI Ebenezer Taft- W.8776
Mrs. Clara L. Weatherbee Holliston Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Ebenezer Taft, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.8776, based upon the military service of Ebenezer Taft in that war.
Ebenezer Taft was born in 1751, at Upton, Massachusetts.
While residing in Upton, Massachusetts, he enlisted the latter part of April, 1775, in Captain Oliver's Massachusetts Company, marched to Cambridge, and in a short time joined the artillery and served as a bombardier in Captain Chadwick's Massachusetts Company, entire length of this service nine months; in the spring of 1776, he enlisted and served two months as an assistant in the commissary department, names of officers not stated: in the fall of same year, he enlisted and served three months in Captain Nelson's Company, Colonel Whitney's Massachusetts Regiment, marched to Trenton, New Jersey, and reached there a few days after the taking of the Hessians: he again enlisted in the fall of 1777, and served two months in Captain Penniman's Company, Colonel Whitney's Massachusetts Regiment and was at the taking of Burgoyne.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 6, 1832, while residing in Townshend, Windham County, Vermont.
He died at said Townshend on February 2, 1840, as shown in an official paper in the claim, or on February 15, 1840, as stated by his widow.
The soldier married November 12, 1826, at Rupert, Bennington
This was Capt. Robt Oliver's see Mass p. 351
See Mass p. 351 also p. 352
Mass D. & S. but not in Heitman
Peter Penniman in Mass D. & S. but not in Heitman
Soldier said Chadwick but as I found him in Mass D. & S. under Capt. Jos. Chadwick of the Art. used it - Chadwick
Report from "Aged in b. l. claim"

County, Vermont, Mary Eldridge. He was then of Townshend, Vermont, and she of Rupert, Vermont. She was also referred to as Mary A.
This ref in b l Claim
Ebenezer Taft's widow, Mary, was allowed pension on her application executed April 24, 1854, at which time she was a resident of Scituate, Rhode Island, and was aged seventy-nine years: in 1857, it was stated that she was aged eighty-five years.
There is no reference to children.
In 1853, George W. Taft, Amariah Taft and Dotia Taft were residents of Townshend, Vermont: no relationship to the family was shown. In 1832, the Honorable Peter B. Taft was judge of the court of Windham County, Vermont; no relationship to the soldier was shown.
There are no further data as to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Mary Taft (W.8776), you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing all of the following data:
Mary Taft, widow of Ebenezer Taft, Certificate No. 4106, issued May 3, 1854, rate $37.93 per annum, commenced February 3, 1853, Act of February 3, 1853, Rhode Island Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8776
Mary Galt
Wid
Ebenezer Galt
Brit Rev. War
Act: Feby 3 d  1853
Index:—Vol. Ms , Page 263
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Aug 19, 1901 her Washington DC Henry F. Fletcher 1933 - May 8. Visit to Mrs Clara L. Heatherbark Eck

No. 4,466 Mary Tuft and benezer.
Letter to James G. Simmons, Providence R.I. March 24. 1850.
Act 3. Feb. 1853. -

Mch: 23. 1854.
Mary Taft: widow of Ebenezer Providence Co. R.I.
act 53 $37.93 per An: Com: Feby: 3. 1853.
Rev
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business
Jas: F. Simmons Providence

"15" Feby: 1840 Recd: Ex:
Providence Co. R.I.
"Dr. Tr."

Enclosed is a certificate To be used in the application of Mrs Mary Taft widow of Ebenezer Taft formerly of Vermont. now of Scituate, County of Providence and State of Rhode Island.

South Scituate July 10 - R.I.
Go Springer J. H. Allen P. 1833
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20 1833

South Scituate Home Nov 6 89
Mary Graft
Boyns
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Holliston, Mass.
March 23-1933.
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.
Your letter of March 8 received.
If it is a possible thing, I very much want the Rev. Service of Ebenezer Taft , of Townsend, Vt. It is needed for more than marking his grave. It is the only thing that will give his identity. He is mixed with at least two other Ebenezer Tafts, all born in Mass! My Ebenezer Taft served from Mass! His pension began March 4, 1831 and he was 83 yrs. of age at that time. He died in Townsend
Vt.

Feb. 3-1840. His pension was $ 82.66. This is all I have in regard to his war record. Am willing to wait a month or more - if I can only have the record -
Very truly yours Mrs. Clara L. Wetcherkee ,

49.265
S
Herbert

South Scituate Sept 6 R.I.
Dear
173441 Draft My Dear Sir, Commissioner of Pensions Washington (D.C.)

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. Providence County ss.
On this Fourteenth day of December A.D. Eighteen Hundred & fifty seven (1857) personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within said for the County and State aforesaid. Mary Toft, aged about 85 years, a resident of Scituate in said County of Providence and State of Rhode Island who being duly sworn according to Law, declares that she is the Widow of Ebenezer Toft, formerly of Townshend in the County of Windham, in the State of Vermont - that the said Ebenezer Toft was a Revolutionary soldier, and that he received a Pension for his services in the Revolutionary War.
She further states that she was married to the said Ebenezer Toft in Rupert, in the County of Ben- nington, in the State of Vermont Nov. 12 th 1826. as will fully appear from the annexed certificate, and that her said husband died at said Townshend in the month of February A.D. 1840, and that she is now his Widow.
She further states that she has received a Pension of $37.93, since February 3 rd 1853, under the Act of Congress of that date, and that her Pension Certificate is numbered 4,106. Recorded on Page 55. Vol. A. of Roll of Pensioners.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Arrears of Pensions to which she may be entitled under said Act of Feb. 3 rd 1853, and under other Acts of Congress. - to Wit, to the said sum of $37.93 per year, from the decease of her husband in February 1840, to February 3 rd 1853, and prays that the Certificate hereof may be sent to Sylvester Patterson, South Scituate, Rhode Island, and she further states that she has never received any Pension for or during the time above stated.
her Mary X Toft mark
Witness: Hulda's Borden Justice of the Peace
W.E.
residents of Scituate in the State of Rhode Island, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Toft in our presence, and from many years acquaintance with her, and our knowledge of her family connections we believe her declaration to be true and that she is the identical person

she represents herself to be, and that we have no interest in this claim, or application.
Love Williams
John S. Noble Henry Noble
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons. That the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Auldis Barden Justice of the Peace

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
PROVIDENCE, SC.
CLERK'S OFFICE, SUPREME COURT, PROVIDENCE, December 17 A. D., 185 7
I, John H. Gardner , Clerk of the SUPREME COURT of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Sulcis Gardner is a Justice of the peace for the town of Scituate in said County & State & as such was at the time of signing the annexed certificate duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledg- ment of deeds and other instruments, and that I sincerely believe the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.
John H. Gardner Clerk. John H. Gardner John H. Gardner

Levi Hayward - Affidavit in favor of Elect. Supt.

The affiant of Levi Hayward of Jamaica in the county of Windham and State of Vermont aged 79 years who testifies and says that he is well acquainted with Ebenezer Dyer of Connecticut in the county of Windham of and who lived in the year 1776 and left in the State of Massachusetts there the said Dyer some time in the year 1776 and in the fall of the year the said Dyer entered the service of the Revolutionary war and marched to Trenton Virginia arrived there about the end of the Mission work to have - that he served in the same company with said Dyer common as he thinks by Capt Nelson & Col. Noble Whiting Regiment that the said Dyer served three months Concord Sept 6, 1832) Levi Hayward
State of Vermont, Windham County ss. Sworn & subscribed this 6th day of August A.D. 1832 Before me John Keyes & Justin Root
I certify that said Levi Hayward is a man of truth & veracity to whom testimony full faith & credit ought to be given John Keyes & Justin Root
The affiant of Nathan Stebbins of Brookfield in the county of Windham and State of Vermont of the age of seventy one years who testifies and says that in the year 1778 who about the time of August in that year on Danforth's light be- cause acquainted with Ebenezer Dyer then of Winton Mass. now of Connecticut Vermont. That said Dyer and the respondent served in the com- pany appointed as said Danforth's four in pique or other that he had ever seen a captain with some said time & was in the service of the land army Aug. 6, 1832 - J. Stebbins
State of Vermont Windham County ss. Sworn & subscribed this 6th day of August A.D. 1832. Before me John Keyes & Justin Root
I certify that Nathan Stebbins above said is a man of truth & veracity to whom testimony full faith & credit ought to be given John Keyes & Justin Root

Personally appeared before me Phineas White Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windham and State of Vermont Ebenezer Taft, of the town of Southend and State of Vermont, 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, or the particular days he commenced or left the service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods, mentioned below, in the following states - For nine months commencing about the last of April 1775 as stated in my former Declaration - eight months of said term I served as bombardier - the first month as private within said term - For two months in the Spring of 1776 I served as a private attached to the commissary Department as stated in my former Declaration - For three months, at Newton and State of New Jersey, the latter part of 1776 and forepart of 1777, as a private soldier - For two months in the Fall of 1777 at the taking of Burgoyne's Army - in all the several terms of service making sixteen months, as before stated - And for such service I claim a Pension. - -
Ebenezer Taft
State of Vermont
Windham County ss
June 14 th 1833 Sworn to and subscribed
Before me Phineas White Justice of the Peace

Rev. Asaph Davis
State of Vermont Windham County Court Clerk's Office, New France, June 15. A.D. 1833.
I certify that Asa Heyes 2d & Phineas Water Esquires, are Justices of the Peace for said county, and that the within are their signatures, respective- ly. Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court.
James Elliot, Clerk.

Payments to be made at Burlington by Mrs. U.S. Br. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Vermont.
Nov 13 day
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book L Vol. 3. Page 94 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Ebenezer Foss of the State of Vermont who was Private and Bombardier in the revolutionary war
is entitled to receive Eighty Two dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Seventh day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
L. D. G. S. Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Patney H. Augt. 25 th 1834
Dear Sir,
I enclose for the purpose of correction the Certificate of Shur. Taft, and also the Certificate of Abel Grant, which it appears is written Grant — The error was not discovered, in Grant's case till recently it was supposed to be Grant as the return to the B. Bank— was Grant — It is wished that the errors may be corrected and the certificates returned, as soon as, conveniently may be to — — — — —
Your Obedt Servt.
V. White
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Decem r 12 th 1834.
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 Eben r Taft, as a private, is borne on a Muster Roll of Capt. Robert Oliver's Company, in Col. Ephra m Doolittle's Regt. where he is allowed from May. 1 st to August 1 st 1775. two Months & three days. - 2-3
Eben r Taft's name is also borne on a pay roll of Capt. Peter Penniman's Company in Col. Job Cushing's Regt. where he is allowed from August 17 th 1777. three Months and thirteen days. - 3-13
Eben r Taft claims for further services under Capt. Oliver, and for services as a Bombardier under Capt. Shattuck and a Capt. Norwell in 1775; but the rolls are not found in this Office, except the above mentioned, and one of Capt. Jonathan

Novell's Company from May 2 nd to August 1 st 1775.
Ebenezer Taft claims for services under Capt. Gersham Nelson in 1776. and under Capt. Davis in 1777. - but the rolls are not found in this Office. The pay rolls of Capt. John Davis and Robert Davis' Company are found in this Office for one Month and eleven days, and one for three Months and eight days in 1778. but the name of Ebenezer Taft, is not borne on them.
Edward D. Bangs. Secy

18.501
Putney Vt. Feb. 18 th 1835
Dear Sir,
In behalf of Ebenezer D. Fernald you a certificate from the Secy. of State of Massachusetts showing a part of his Revolutionary services - You are aware, Sir, that the files and Papers in that office are in a very confused imperfect state - He knows not that he can procure any further testimony to prove his services - therefore must rest his claim upon that certificate together with the evidence now remaining in the Pension Office -
Very respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt.
P. White
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions -

Ebenezer Taft, Vermont roll - act 7 June 1832. Be pleased to say to what time and at what rate he was last paid; and whether at Windsor, or Burlington.
Pension office, } He was paid at Burlington May 9. 1838. } to the 4 th March 1834 at $82.50 per ann. was reduced to $37.93
17.13 18.96  36.49
transferred to Windsor but not paid there 265.57 247.98  117.83 due 4 march last JH 37.936  155.57

Brattleboro July 6 th 1838
Sir
I wrote you the 4 th of May last in the case of Paul Streeter - In your answer of the 9 th of the same month you inform me that it could not then be paid (after a number had been forwarded & repeated for same reason) under the act of the 6 th of April. - The pensioner has since deceased - and I wish to know what method to take to get the arrear of his pension - Should the original certificate be surrendered to the Treasury to draw from the 4 th of March to 4 th of Sept 1837 would pay off that part be sufficient to draw the remainder or what would be necessary - I also in the same letter of the 4 th of May mentioned the case of Ebenezer Taft who had been stopped since Sept 1834 an account of having thereby been paid to mths and referred to the case of Richard Vernon on page 109 of Doc 118 entitled pension laws now in force to know if he could not draw from that time to wit Sept 4 th 1834 and in case that it did not apply to the case of Taft I requested to know at what time he might commence drawing - The only answer rec d was: The decision to which I alluded did not apply to the case of Ebenezer Taft - will you have the goodness to inform me when he may commence drawing - there is nothing on the pension roll at Willson to guide us unless it is to draw back to Sept 1834
I am very respectfully
J. L. Edmands Esq Law sec y of pensions
Your Ob t Servt Shipman Dwin

Brattleboro Vt Dec 31 st 1838
Sir
I again write you on the subject of Eleanor Taft's pension - your letter to me of the 14 th of July last directed me to call on the agent for the balance due him - I prepared the proper numbers and called on the agent at Bellows Falls - there was a minute of a letter from you of the 14 th of July on the Rev. but on Mr. Emerson the former Agent but is not left in such a manner that the present Agent can know how to pay & there has nothing been rec d yet I wish you to instruct the present Agent in such a manner that he can pay it - We are unable to see why Mr. Taft's case differs from Capt. Derman that the Attorney General gave his opinion upon it which you will find on page 109 in No 118 entitled pension laws in force and as I understood in other cases I hope you will direct him to be paid from his last payment - I am also requested to enquire of you whether the will was of Feb y 1818 or of Feb y 1819. Grimes was enlisted for five years into the 4 th Reg. of U.S. Infantry Feb y 10 th 1818 and was under the command of Lieut. Wheelock at Fort Independence in Boston Harbour and died April 25 th of the same year would he entitled to a pension - he left a widow and one child which are now both living - the widow has since been married but is now a widow
Very Respectfully Your Servant
Chipman Greene
J. L. Edmonds Esq. Comm r of Pensions

Ho Rep. Feb 11 1839
Sir
I send you two letters — one from Tim. Goodale, & the other from Peter Allen — Will you have the good- ness to answer their inquiries & oblige Sir your
Oblt Servt W. Hall
Col J. L. Edwards Conr Pennsylv.
Please Ans r the letters separately

To George H. Duff, Mary Howard, Imrich Duff, Duff's wife of Manchester in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of her full age and with duly that she was well acquainted with George H. Duff late of said Manchester who was a well educated mechanic, and who died according to her last recollection in the year 18... She also well acquainted with George H. Duff the son of the said George who now resides in the State of Pennsylvania having left Manchester since the death of George her husband this day seen Social History who is now in is said to her friends in said Manchester also in her to be the same person who lived with said George, his wife & who is now his widow. she knew no interest in said George's estate American.
George H. Duff Mary Howard Duff's wife left in a
State of Vermont, I do hereby certify that the foregoing Certificate is a true and correct copy of the original thereof to be found among the records of said County, that the same was at the time of signing the same a true and correct copy of the original thereof to be found among the records of said County.  Ebenezer D. Dutton, Clerk of Court.

State of Vermont, } WINDHAM, S. S. }
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Ebenezer Huntington
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the Certificate therein written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the
laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this fiv day of October Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three .
Royall Tyler Clerk.

State of Vermont } Be it remembered, that at Rupert in the county Bennington county ss. of Bennington & State of Vermont on this twelfth day of November one thousand eight hundred and twenty six, Ebenezer Daffs of Bennington in the county of Windham and State aforesaid and Mary Elbridge of Rupert in the County and State aforesaid were by me joined together in marriage, by me. Isaac Purdie, Minister
I, Henry Sheldon depose & say, that I am the Town clerk of the Town of Rupert in the State of Vermont, & the above is a true extract of the Records of Marriages in my keeping, except the date which is legibly written in figures as follows (12 th day of November 1826) Henry Sheldon, Town clerk
Subscribed & sworn to this 26 th September A.D. 1853, before me. Joseph Parker Justice of Peace
State of Vermont, } Bennington, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the peace Esq.
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 27 th day of September Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three - S. H. Blackmer CLERK.

Providence 21 st March 1854.
My dear Sir
I have been requested by Mrs Mary Traft now residing in this County and widow of the late Ebenezer Traft late a Pensioner residing in the County of Windham & State of Vermont to make application in her behalf for a Pension under the Act of Feb y 1853. & now do so - herewith forwarding the evidence furnished by her of her claim to a Pension under said Act. If any other is necessary in order to the accomplishment of her object & the Department will inform me I will see if it can be procured. —
I am with high Respect
Hon ble S. P. Waldo Com d Pensions Washington
Your Ob st S v
James F. Simmons

Providence 25 th Apr 1854
My dear Sir
I enclose herewith "the applicant's declaration", which you informed me was necessary in order to complete the papers necessary to enable her to obtain a Pension under the Act of Feb'y 1853. — The time of her husband's death I should suppose would be indicated by the time of his ceasing to draw a Pension — should she be mistaken as to the time —
You will oblige me by forwarding her certificate at your earliest convenience
I am with high respect Your Obedt Servant James F. Simmons
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comm d Pensions Washington

rief in the case of Mary Taft, Widow of Ebenezer, Providence County and State of R. Island. act 3 d Feby; 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her bond was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June, 1832,
Record Evidence of Marriage,
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Jas: F. Simmons Esq m , Providence, R. I. Name and residence of Agent
H. B. Smith Examining Clerk.

Admit
  8 mo Bombardier  12.15 2 / 3    1 " Private  20. —         82.66  
  165.33    41.33       206.66  
P. Ulrich P. Tracy

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Ebenezer Taft which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned 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? Mr See Green 5. last clause VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
† QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Claimants service as Company Officer be allowed unless he is proved to have been duly commissioned by competent authority

Mary Taft Wd
Ebenezer Taft Dd
Add. Evidence
Blanchard
South Scituate
R. Island

To be annexed to the application of Widow Mary Taft, of Scituate, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island.
THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
PROVIDENCE, SC.
CLERK'S OFFICE, SUPREME COURT, PROVIDENCE, July 8 th A. D., 185 6. ->
I, John H. Gardner,
Clerk of the SUPREME COURT of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Sylvester Patterson was a Public Notary for said County in said State from Jan 1 st A.D. 1854 to June 1 st A.D. 1855
duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledg- ment of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.
John H. Gardner, Clerk.

Providence Office, June. 25 th 1856.
Madam.
The bounty land Claim of Mary Taft. will be favorably considered as soon as the Official character, as a veteran, Public, of Sylvester Patterson, is duly authenticated.
Yours Respectfully, C. H. Rhett.
for Commissioner.
Mrs. Mary Taft. South Scituate, Providence Co. R.I.

South Scituate, Providence County Rhode Island, Sept. 5 th 1856.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
The application of Mary Taft, widow of Ebenezer Taft, (formerly of the State of Vermont) for bounty Land under the Act of March 3, 1855, was forwarded probably in May 1855. The reception of her claim was acknowledged by the Department June 20, 1855, and is No. 173441. as appears in the notice which she received. — June 23 rd 1856 she was informed by the Department that her claim would be favorably considered as soon as the official character as a Notary Public of Sylvester Patterson was duly authenticated.
A certificate of the official character of the said Sylvester Patterson, from the Clerk of the Supreme Court of this County was sent to the Department.
August 22, 1856 she was informed that her application could not be found on the suspended files of the Pension Office. If under these circumstances it is necessary for her to make a new application she hopes to be informed of it as soon as possible. —
Very respectfully
Mary Taft
By Sylvester Patterson

Enc.
Land Office, September 26 th 1856.
Madam.
I enclose herewith the Certificate of John A Harding, a Clerk of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, authenticating the Official Character of Sylvester Patterson. The Seal of the Supreme Court of your State should be made upon the Certificate to give it Validity.
Be pleased to have the Seal of Office of the said Clerk attached & have the Certificate returned to this Office.
Yours Respectfully,
B. Hoos.
for Commissioner.
Mrs Taft's claim or application is No. 173,441.
Mrs. Mary Taft. South Scituate.
Providence Co. R.I.

Account 18. 57 1/2
Ebenezer Swift of Windham in the State of Vermont who was a Pr. in the Comfy commanded by Captain Thatch of the R.Y. commanded by R. Whitney in the Mass. Mili- tia for 11 mo. 13 days.
Reduced from $82.66-
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 37 Dollars 93 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of March 1831 and sent to P. White. Putney. Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 34 125.76 Semestral allowance ending March 1835 18.96 $144.72
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by M. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 94 E  3  95
Set to C. Swain Set. Shipman 1838
May 9. 180 Swain, he do. C. Swain's
July 22: 19
Asquith Packard Set 2 March 1835

Pension Office. 28 th April, 1854.
Sir, 37.93
2 Feb 40
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid, on the date of his death.
Very respectfully,
James
Compson.
Cheneyger Inft. Act 1832. $37.93 per annum. Paid 25 Feb. 1840 paid.
J. Burt Auditor
Francis Burt, Esq. Min't Auditor Genl.
1854