Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10580, for Francis Thurber, New Hampshire

SERVICE
NUMBER
N 76
Thurber, Francis
R. 10580
CONTENTS

Fort Covington Feb. 10-1841
Sir
Shumba
A son of Francis Shumba, has by message requested me to make the following statement to You, that he Francis Shumba has heretofore applied for a pension and has failed to make the necessary proof that he employed a Mr Woodward of Plattsburgh to make out the necessary papers, that at a recent period Shumba has been able, (as Woodward informs him,) to obtain the necessary proof to place him on the pension roll-, That Woodward at first demanded one half of Shumbas pension which was refused, but that he, (Woodward) at length succeeded with Shumba to give him, Woodward two hundred dollars in case his claim shall be allowed at the pension office - The son says that he is willing to pay Woodward liberally for his services, but he thinks the demand, and the conduct of Woodward to be unjust, and requests that in case of allowance that the certificate, may be sent to me, and not to Woodward

I have done some business as you know, for the old patriots of the Revolution, for which I have never asked, or received a cent, I am well paid if my services are useful to them —
If the story against Woodward is true, he should not be entrusted with the certificate, I have no interest in the matter, only that the old soldiers should not be shaved out of his money by an over-reaching lawyer — I am not acquainted with Francis Thurber, or with his son though they reside in my County, yet I cannot doubt the fidelity of the person who delivered the message to me, it was delivered in the presence of Gen - Wallace Esquire —
Truly Yours
James G. Spencer
A. L. Edwards Esquire Com of pensions Washington D.C.

Francis Thurber
Oct 1832.
at York
A. F. C. Ingle

State of New York } County of Franklin }
Be it Known, that on this twenty fourth 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 Nathan C. Thunber & William D. Thunber resident of Pellmont ( Malone P.O. ) in said County, and made oath according to law that each is a true heir of the legal heir of the identical man Francis Thunber who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of 1841 that they are directly interested as a claimant s 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, hereby constitute and appoint SAMUEL M. KNIGHT , of Washington City , true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute the claim of Francis Thunber for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and hereby authorize 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 our exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate be 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 he might or could do were he personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises. Nathan C. Thunber William D. Thunber
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Nathan C. Thunber & William D. Thunber to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical parties therein alleged.
Mr. H. Miller Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Franklin }
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Deputy Clerk of the Court of the County of Franklin aforesaid that Nathan C. Thunber & William D. Thunber the parties who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney the children of Francis Thunber the reputed soldier aforesaid . I further certify, that Mr. H. Miller 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 fourth day of December 185 2
Mr. H. Miller Deputy Clerk of Franklin County Courts
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.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 12 th
183 9
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. These 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,  showing the Service of Francis Sherburne Clontz  N.Y.
   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.     Enlisted 1777 1 6 Priv Cot Seely 69 Traditionary   " 1779 6 Capt W  W  W Hillstro enville   Capt McDonough Sham   Cot Seely Shire  
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

Francis Thurber. Soldier of Rev. more than 2 years
Pension Certificate to be sent to J. Douglas Woodward Plattsburg Clinton Co New York
N 34,939

State of New York
January
County of Clinton On this third day of October 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County now sitting. Francis Thurber a resident of Chateaugay in the County of Franklin in the State of New York aged sixty nine 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 here in stated
I was born at the town of Piercet Nova Scotia on the tenth day of April 1763 There is a record of my age made by my Father in his Bible which is now in possession of Francis Davis of Brookfield Vt. I have frequently seen and examined said record of my age in said Bible. I resided at Hopkinton Hillsboro Co. New Hampshire and enlisted at that place in March 1777 into Capt Joshua Baileys Co Col. Seelys Regt of New Hampshire State Troops or Continental Troops. Benjamin Thurber my Father was a Lieutenant in said Company and I was enlisted by him and served eighteen months under him as his waiter. During this service I marched from Hopkinton through Springfield woods to Crown Point and Ticonderoga where it was evacuated by the British. Col. Seely was there & Genl. Putnam met us after we had advanced towards Albany, then we marched to Half Moon Point. & there Genl Sullivan took the command of our Regt. and other Regiments there at that place. then we marched to Rhinebeck N.Y. then we were taken across the Green mountains to Old Hartford in Conn. from thence to West Point N.Y. where we remained three months short a few days. When I was discharged at that place in September 1778 having served eighteen months in said company. I had a written discharge signed by Col. Seely which my Father Lt. Benjamin Thurber kept in his possession I do not know what has become with it or where it is at this time if it is not destroyed - It was an honorable discharge. Then after my discharge I returned home to Hopkinton N.H. and resided there till about the first of June 1779 when I again enlisted into Capt. McDougalds Co. Col. Seelys Regt. New Hampshire Continental establishment for three years. marched from Hopkinton to Eastport N.H. where I was mustered from thence to West Point and was there when Arnold went over to the British and saw him when on his passage to the British. Joseph Hutton was the Lt of our Company. I served at West Point

used about there in said Company until the fall of the year 1780. when I was discharged at West Point where I was disbanded with the three years Troops at that place, I had a written discharge signed by the Col of our Reg't. I waited ten days after my time was out to get my discharge. It was an honorable one. I then returned to Hopkinton New Hampshire and remained there till 1784 when I moved to Charleston N.H. where I lived three years when I went to Cornish N.H. where I lived three years and then went back to Hopkinton N.H. and lived there two years & then went to Warner N.H. and resided there six years. and then moved to Plattsburg N.Y where I resided till 1830 when I moved to Chateaugay Franklin County N.Y where I now reside. —
I ought to have stated that during my first Eighteen months service in Captain Baileys Company Col. Seelys Regt. I was transferred into Capt Frys Co. Col. Caleb Stark, Regt. N.H. line and served was in said company three months and was in Bunker Hill Battle in August 1777. Immediately after the Battle I joined my company again under Capt Bailey. My Father was with me in Bunker Hill Battle. I have no documentary evidence and know of no person whose testimony I can procure to testify to my service
The names of persons in my present neighbourhood and who can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution are Deacon Matthias Diger. Roswell Weed John B. Miles David Young Solomon Ellis John Bean, & others.
I hereby declare with every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pensions Roll of the agency of any state - - Note the word "October" and the word "January" interlined.
any State - - Note the word "October" was crossed out & the word January interlined I now am & subscribed to the day and year aforesaid in open court J. H. Harris J. H. Huber Smith Mead Deputy Clerk.
State of New York County of Clinton ss. We _____ a Clergyman residing in the town of Plattsburgh in the County of Clinton and State of New York and residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Francis Thurber Chateaugay who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion - Sworn and subscribed the _____ day of October 1832

State of New York
County of Franklin We Ephraim Smith a clergyman residing in the town of Chateaugay in the County of Franklin & State of New York and Roswell Weed residing in the same town Certify that we are well acquainted with Francis Thurber of Chateaugay aforesaid an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7. 1832. that we believe him to be sixty nine 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.
Ephraim Smith
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 11 th day of March 1833 & I Certify that the said Ephraim Smith is a Clergyman residing in said town & that Roswell Weed is a credible witness & that their statement is entitled to credit. -
R. Weed
John K. Miles Jus Peace.

of New York County of Clinton Co. I the undersigned a Public Notary in and for said County do hereby certify that it has been satisfactorily shown to me that John D. Miles before whom the within deposition of Rev. Mr. Smith & Muffie was taken was at the time a Justice of the Peace in the town of Chateaugay in the county of Franklin and that the signature of said Justice is the genuine handwriting of said Justice - witness my hand & official seal at Plattsburg. This thirteenth day of March 1863 J. D. Woodruff Notary Public

And the said Court do hereby Certify and declare their opinion after investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Francis Shuber served as he states. Dated January 3. 1833. — and I further Certify that it appears to me that Ephraim Smith who has signed the annexed Certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Chateaugay in the County of Franklin and State of New York and that Roswell Alfred who has also signed the said Certificate is a resident of the same town in the same county and is a credible person, and that their statements is entitled to full credit, and I further Certify that it has been satisfactorily proven to me that John De Witt, before whom the said affidavit of Rev. Ephraim Smith and Roswell Alfred was taken on the 11 th March 1833 was at the time a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Franklin and that his signature to the jurat of said affidavit is genuine. —
Nathan Taylor Clerk.
I, Nathan Taylor Clerk of Clinton County & of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Francis Shuber for a Pension. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official this 13 th day of March 1833.
Nathan Taylor Clerk

June 15, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/SEL
Francis Thurber- R.10580
June 6. Davis Chateaugay New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Francis Thurber, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.10580, based upon the military service of Francis Thurber in that war.
Francis Thurber, the son of Benjamin, was born April 10, 1763, in Pisget, Nova Scotia.
In 1777, he resided in Hopkinton, New Hampshire; in 1784, he moved to Charlestown, New Hampshire, and lived three years; thence to Cornish, New Hampshire, and lived three years; then returned to Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and lived two years; thence to Warner, New Hampshire, and lived six years; thence to Plattsburg, New York, where he lived until 1830, when he moved to Chateaugay, Franklin County, New York.
While residing in Chateaugay, New York, Francis Thurber applied for pension on January 3, 1833, and alleged that while residing at Hopkinton, New Hampshire, he enlisted in March, 1777, served in Captain Joshua Bayley's Company, Colonel Gilley's New Hampshire Regiment; that his father was lieutenant of that company and that he (Francis Thurber) served as waiter to his father; that during this service, he was transferred to Captain Frye's Company, Colonel Caleb Stark's New Hampshire Regiment in which he served three months and was in the battle of Bennington and that his father was with him in that battle, after which he (Francis Thurber) returned to Captain Bayley's Company and served until September, 1778; that he was also at Ticonderoga when it was evacuated by the British; that he again enlisted about June 1, 1779, served in Captain McDougald's Company, Colonel Gilley's New Hampshire Regiment and was discharged in the fall of 1780.
Witness Reuben Herntoon made an affidavit in sol's behalf. but as it absolutely contradicts sol's statement, I only used as sol's statement.

His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.
A son of Francis Tharber is referred to in 1841. His name and the name of soldier's wife are not shown and there are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

10.580
P. O.
Francis Thurber
Service:
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Printed list of 1862 shows cause of rejection: "He alleges did not serve six months."
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
Recognized. _____
Contract. _____
1934 June 15. Visit to home of Davis Block

W N. York 34932
Francis Thuber
at to J. D. Woodward Dec 1839 To ... 29/11/44
Existed
Hon. James B. Spencer March 2 1844
to Aug 17/841
To F. R. Traphill Feb 13/54
10580
Act June 7. 1832

If a pension should be allowed in this case, the certificate must be sent to the Hon Jas B Spencer Fort. Covington N.Y. and not to Mr Woodward

March 21. 1833,
Pa.
Pat. Industrial Office
Mr. Lawrence on Bets

PUBLIC MEETING.
AT a meeting of the citizens of Plattsburgh, N. Y. held at the Phoenix Hotel, on the 15th December, 1832. The Hon. John Palmer was chosen Chairman and Edwin Benedict appointed Secretary.
On motion,
Resolved ,—That a committee of five be chosen to draft resolutions expressive of the objects of the meeting. The following gentlemen were chosen, John Palmer, David B. McNiel, Frederick L. C. Sailly, Heman Cady, and St. John B. L. Skinner. The Committee reported the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted.
Resolved ,—That we are convinced by the experience of each succeeding year, that a Light-house on Cumberland Head, & a Break-water in the harbor at Plattsburgh, N. Y. (or other improvements of the harbor) are highly necessary for the safety of vessels navigating Lake Champlain, and that the erection of such Light House and Break-water, (as appears from the documents now on file of the House of Representatives,) are objects of great Public and National importance.
Resolved ,—That our Representatives in Congress from this state be and they are hereby requested to use every proper means to procure the passage of laws, during the present session, to effect these important objects.
Resolved ,—That the following named gentlemen be a committee to carry into effect the views of this meeting, to wit: J. Douglas Woodward, Ephraim Buck, Henry K. Averill, William F. Haile, and Edwin Benedict.
Resolved ,—That the proceedings of this meeting be forwarded to the Hon. William F. Hogan, and published in the Plattsburgh Republican.
JOHN PALMER, Chairman.
EDWIN BENEDICT, Secretary.
123456

Free
as L Edwards
Court of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Plattsburg NY Oct. 14. 1859.
Col. Edwards.
Sir,
I enclose two depositions in the case of Francis Thurber from which it appears that he served in the revolution. Perhaps a more thorough investigation of the records of Capt. M c Dougals. & Fergus Comp y Col. Cillys Regt. N. H. Troops may throw light on the case.
Yours resp y .
J. D. Woodward

FROM:
L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Plattsburg N.Y. Dec r 14, 1840
Col. Edwards,
Sir.
The enclosed additional evidence may obviate the difficulties in the case of Francis Thurber.
An examination of the rolls of Capt. Foy's company may throw light on the subject.
Yours Respectfully J. D. Woodward
This man may be on the Rolls of Col. Caleb Stark. N. H. Troops

War Department Pension Office Dec. 14. 1839
Sir,
The papers of Francis Thurber, an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832, have been examined and filed. It is alleged by the claimant that he served about 2 years in Col. Seely's regiment, Capt. Bailey's company, N. Hampshire Line or State Troops. There was no Colonel of that name, either in the N. Hampshire Line, or State Troops. The rolls of Col. Cilley have been examined, and those of Captain Bailey, but they furnish no evidence of the claimant's service. His claim is therefore rejected.
I am respectfully
Your obedt. Servt.
H. M. Crawford
J. D. Woodward, Esq. Plattsburgh N. York

Fort Covington August 9th 1841
To J L Edwards Esq Com - of Pensions Washington D.C.
My Dear Sir
Some time last spring in a letter to you on other business, I mentioned a Mr Francis Thurber of this County whom I understood to have been a revolutionary soldier and had made application for a pension through the agency of J D Woodward Esq of Plattsburgh, one day last week Mr Thurber (who resides 25 miles from my residence) called upon me, seeing him and hearing his story or history, from himself, has excited such feeling of interest in his case that I have volunteered to write to you stating as briefly as possible, how he says his case should appear in your Office - he states that the affidavits of Daniel Fuller, Reuben Huntman, Alexander Ferriss, and Asa Starnes, goes to prove first six months service in 77 as a under Volunteer, Gen Stark, and four Years in Col - Cilly's Regt - in Capt Mc Dougall and Capt Frye's Companies - that he with others employed Reuben

14 Walworth, then of Plattsburgh - (now Chancellor of this State,) as his agent, that his application failed at that time because he was wrongly repre- sented as the owner of a small farm - and was suspended by the government not to be in ready circumstances &c that many years since, the exact time he does not remember, he employed Mr Wood- ward to procure his pension for him, the last conversation he held with Mr Woodward on the subject - was a short time previous to his request to me, to write you on the subject - which I did - as I observed in the first part of this letter, Your answer to which I received in due time - Thorne observes that he is dissatisfied with the demand of Mr W- and will have no more to do with him relating to his pension he desires me to act for him in the case - this I have consented to do under a full conviction of the honesty of the application - I have given you some trouble and vexation in behalf of the old Soldiers - for which I have never charged, nor have I ever received a cent - but in this case I make no promise for I do not know the amount of services to be performed -

Since Mr Thurber was at my office I have seen and conversed with a Mr Johnston who some years ago resided in the same town and neighborhood with Thurber in Clinton County and being strongly impressed with the history Thurber gave of himself, that he is entitled to a pension - and the report of Mr Johnston, being exceedingly favorable to Thurber's character - has led me to believe that there is something mysterious in this case that should be developed - if the old man's case has been set back, or injured it must have been done by some one without his knowledge - You are aware that they are all or nearly all unlettered men, easily wrought upon by the crafty and dishonest - to do things technically wrong, without forethought and without moral turpitude - You have been placed by the people of this Government at the head of the pension Department, as a dispenser of their bounty to the war worn veterans of a glorious war, You have also a full knowledge of their general character and are in duty bound to make proper allowance for, their credulity, and their liability to be duped and tricked by the cunning and artful of the present day.

Now Sir as a Soldier of a later day allow me to plead with you for this old patriot, could you converse with him for ten minutes you would be like myself convinced that he is no imposture; Examine all the papers you will find, say to me what is to be done to establish his pension - his witnesses were all alive recently and their testimony can be retaken - if done soon - but what is to be done must be done quickly - for men who are above four score years, have but a short period in which they can answer to their fellows in arms -
I am not very conversant with the pension laws but if Shumway's story is true I am of the impression that he is entitled under the act of 1818 - he says he was in possession of a small farm at the time of his first application but the soil was not paid for, and it was taken from him by the proprietor very many years since he is now in one of the new mountain towns in this Q o he appears to be robust and to retain his faculties well Respectfully your obedient servant James B. Shumway

Rev. Francis Sherber
N. B. P. Oct 32
W. P. M. C. W.
Punah

Washington, Feby 10. 1854
Sir:
I find that the evidence in the case of Francis Thurber, N. Y. No 32, Ryegate, was pronounced by the examiner credible. Please report upon it to me.
Very happy to
A. A. C. Tinkham

J. D. Woodward
14 Dec 1839
OL

206 War Department Pension Office 14. Dec 1839
Sir The papers of Francis Thurber an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 have been examined and filed. It is alleged by the claimant that he for a number of years in Col Seely's regiment Capt Bailey's company New Hampshire Line or State Troops - There was no col of that name of either in the New Hampshire line or State Troops - The rolls of Col Pillsbury have been examined & those of Capt Bailey but they furnish no evidence of the claimant's services. His claim is therefore rejected
J. D. Woodward Esq Plattsburgh N.Y.

J. D. Woodward
January 29, 1871
O. L.

Patent Office
261
June 29. 1841
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Francis Thurber lodged in your letter of the 14 th ulto is not sufficient to establish his claim to a patent under the act of 1832. The statements of the witnesses are not sustained by facts connected with the fact as they have undertaken to describe.
J. D. Woodward Esq. Paterburg N.Y.

James B. Spencer August 17 th 1841
ab
220

Pension Office Aug 17. 1841
Sir
In reply to your letter upon the subject of the claim of Francis Sharpe, I have to inform you that his name is not found upon any of the company rolls of Col. Willy's N. H. Reg't a fact which shows conclusively that he did not serve in it as he has alleged. He also states that he served 18 mo's from 1777 in Capt. Joshua Barby's company. This statement is also incorrect. Capt. Barby commanded a company of Militia at Hopkinton N. H., and was called out in the summer and fall of 1777, and served a few days, one two months and returned home. No part of Mr. Sharpe's statement is verified by the rolls.
Yours
Col. B. Spencer Esq. Fort Coeymans N. Y.
RC June 7 1830 34931

May 13/34

Pension Office,
February 13. 1854
Sir,
From the a enclosed letter, (of which the enclosed is a copy) addressed to J. B. Woodward Esqr on the 14 th Dec. 1839, you will perceive that the claim of Francis Thurber for pension under the act of June 7. 1832, was rejected on the ground that his service was not only not proved; but, as described by him, was totally inconsistent with the known history of the war. No satisfactory evidence upon that point has since been adduced
Very respectfully
J C
F. H. Trippett Esqr } Present }

Reuben Hutton's Affidavit,

State of New York
County of Clinton ss: Reuben Hentzen of Cham- plain in the County aforesaid, appeared before me, and made solemn oath, that he is a Pensioner of the United States, for services done in the Continental Army of the United States, of the New Hampshire line of troops, that he knows Francis Pembine now of the County of Franklin, that he is the same individual person he knows in the town of Hopkinton in the State of New Hampshire, knows that he was a soldier of the Revolution, the first senior witness, says was in the Battle for about six months, - knows that he then enlisted in Captain McReynolds Company Col. Cullens Regiment for the term of one year, - this was in the year of 1777 - that he knows he after- ward enlisted for the term of three years in Capt Frys Company in the same Regiment - and when he served that term in the Continental Service of the United States, saw the said Reuben in the Service at Brandywine Heights at New Mason, at New York, and at other places, and was well acquainted with him & his services as a soldier -
Subscribed & sworn to the
14 th day of October A.D. Reuben Hentzen 1889 - That I am acquainted with the witness & that he is credible -
J. C. Hensler
Commissioner of Deeds -

State of New York County of Clinton I the subjoined Clerk of said County Certify that Julius C Hubbell Esq before whom the within Deposition of Reuben Huntston was taken sworn on the 11 th day of October 1839. was at said time a Justice of the Peace Commissioner of pleads in open said County, and his signature within is genuine & attests my hand & official seal this 14 th day of October 1839. The words in brackets of the foregoing text are Smith Mead Clerk.

Daniel Fuller, Depositor - Sept 3 rd 1839

Daniel Fuller. aff d -

Daniel Fuller of the Town of Westville in the County of Franklin and State of New York of lawful age being duly sworn do testify and say that I was at West point at the time General Arnold sold to the Brit to the British saw Arnold when he deserted from camp also saw Major Andre when he was bro't into camp a prisoner I belonged to the New Hampshire Militia in captain Spaldings company and in Colonel Ashholds Regiment I knew a man in the Continental service by the name of Thurber at that time there who belonged to Captain Fryes Company and in Colonel Bellys Regiment I do not recollect his Christian name but from conversing with him I am satisfied that his name is Francis Thurber who now lives in the Town of Belmont County of Franklin and State of New York and that he is the same person who served served in the Continental service at that time and place.
Daniel Fuller
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 3rd day of September 1839 Niles Man Justice of the peace
State of New York Franklin County
I Miah D. Meeker Clerk of the County of Franklin do hereby certify that Alvin Allen Esq. whose name is subscribed to the above Surat. and before whom the above affidavit was made was on the day of the date of said Surat a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly qualified and sworn and residing therein. That I am well acquainted with his hand writing and that within his signature to the said Surat is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County the 12th day of October 1839
M. D. Meeker Clerk

State of New York
Clinton County ss
Myron Larned of Clary in the County of Clinton of the age of Seventy Seven years, being duly sworn, maketh oath and saith he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army of the United States, testifies and says that in the year 1778 he was acquainted with Francis Sherburne, as a Soldier in the Army of the United States - first met him at White Plains in the campaign of 1778 - that this detachment and said Sherburne both belonged to the Light Brigade under the command of Gen. Howe, which brigade was detached from the main Army and went together to Danbury Connecticut, at this place detachment mounted doing duty with said Sherburne, by mounting guard - from Danbury the detachment went to Hartford where they encamped for something over a month - until the Army drew its outposts and then went back again to Danbury, then at a place called Red Bank we went into Winter quarters, built there for ourselves, there did duty with said Sherburne until the Spring of 1779 - Detachment was then detached from the Brigade and went to the Coos County - and met said Sherburne again until the Fall of 1779 at Manhattan or Jersey where said detachment joined some larger detachments and said Sherburne went into winter quarters with the Army & did duty together.
In the Spring of 1780 the Campaign again opened and we were marched from Manhattan to Brandywine, Red Bank, Red Bank & other places - often saw said Sherburne during that summer - In the latter part of the summer Gen. Howe died & was buried at Red Bank - about seeing said Sherburne marching in the general pro-

copied - Dispersed in the fall of 1782 was detached from the troops to which said Thresher belonged, and was stationed at Fishkill and other places, did not meet said Thresher again until 1783 when we were again stationed together at Dutchess Co. Black River, at which place the company to which respondent belonged, was returned as Capt. Hays Company, to which said Thresher belonged, whilst said Thresher in said com- pany, and left him with said company in charge of said Black River, respondent then went to Newburgh & saw him there discharged as free 1783
his Alexander X Fernald Mark -
Clinton County ss. on the eighth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty, personally appeared before me & made oath to the above affidavit, that he was not with his name being to him personally known - & I certify that said Alexander Fernald is a credible witness -
J. C. Hunsicker Commission of a Judge

State of New York
Clinton County ss: On the tenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty, before me personally appeared Asa Stearns of Chazy in said County, and being duly sworn, testified as follows. That he was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, that he belonged to Captain Seatts company, Col. Pillsbury Regiment, first New Hampshire line of Troops, that this department with some Friends Thaxter, and that he was a soldier belonging to the same Regiment Capt. Seatts Company, from the year 1777, to the close of the year 1779. - that he was at Saratoga, was always remarkable for an active horse, was known as a great jumper, saw him at different places, and at different times during the year mentioned, during duty as a soldier in the United States Army - notably during him at White Plains, and that the Brigade of Gen. Howe to which department & said Thaxter both belonged went to Hartford Connecticut. Department time was out, having ended the last time for three years, in the spring of 1780, and was discharged at West Point. After that he did not know him, until he came back to New Hampshire, where he often saw him, and has known him since he came to this State, & that he is now before department, and that he is the same identical person he knew as a soldier also mentioned.
Asa Stearns
Clinton County ss:
Personally appeared before me Asa Stearns, to me well known and made oath to the above affidavit to which he has subscribed.

his name, and I certify that he is a credible witness, this 10 th day of December A D 1840 - J. C. HUBBELL Commission of Deeds
State of New York County of Clinton I the subscriber Clerk of said County certify that Julius C. Hubbell Esq before whom the annexed affidavits of Alexander Prinsell & Wm Stearns were taken sworn on the 8 th & 10 th days of December 1840. was at said times a commission- er of deeds in & for said County & au- thorized to take affidavits, & that his signature to the jurat of each of said affidavits is genuine. In witness whereof I have pasted these papers together by a piece of red tape which passes under my official seal which is hereto annexed this twelfth day of December Eighteen hundred and forty.
Smith Mead Clerk

Chateaugay, N.Y. May 30, 1934
Director of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am seeking any available information concerning the enlistment of one Francis Thurbur during the Revolutionary War.
His home may have been given as Chateaugay Lake, New York.

Derby, Vermont. His age was twenty.
Kindly send me a statement of any findings. I wish to use them for D.A.R. admission. Any fee will be gladly paid.
Very sincerely, June C. Davis

Pen. Off March 8, 41
Sir:
* * * * *
The claim of Francis Thurber has been rejected and the reasons assigned to Mr. Woodward but your suggestions are duly appreciated & will be attended to in the contingency you mention by sending you the certificate.
Hon. James B. Spencer Fort Covington, N. Y.