Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 19374, for Samuel Leach, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
mass.
Leach, Samuel
S. 19374
Nr. 26.
carded
CONTENTS

1890 July 2. Andrew Measns - history Prior
New York N o 28,632
Samuel Leach 28/652
of Allegany Co. in the State of N o York who was a Private in the company raised by Captain Porter of the Regt. comm d by Col. Jacobs in the Mass. Troop for 22 months & 3 days
Mass N.H.
Entered on the Roll of New York at the rate of 73 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of May 1834 and sent to Stephen Cook Centerville, Allegany Co. N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1834 220.9 Semi-annual allowance ending 6 Sept. " 36.8
$257.81
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book E. Vol. 4 Page 105
Aug 12/59 J. G. Linton
G B H. S. du 11 Nov 21-1844

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
State of New York } County of Allegany } ss. On this 30 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court, before
The court of common pleas now sitting, Samuel Leach, a resident of Centerville in the county of Allegany, and State of New York aged twenty five 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 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
I was born in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, State of Massachusetts, in December 1756. In the year 1775 I enlisted as a volunteer in Colonel Sargent's regiment, Capt. Porter's Company, under Major Austin Lieutenant Isaac Fuller, about the middle of July which was dismissed the first of January 1776.
Lived in Bridgewater when I entered the service, marched from Bridgewater through Roxbury, in said Capt. Porter's company, and immediately to Cambridge, there the Regiment was formed. We encamped in Samson's orchard. Some of the officers names of other companies, in the same Regiment, were - Capt. Pope, Capt. Perry, Capt. Keith, Capt. Hart. We stayed at said orchard through the season, keeping guard and fortifying on Cobble hill which is near Charlestown. A British Frigate lay in Charles River then so called, the object of which was to keep Gen. Putnam from a point called Leachamore's Point. The British were firing from said Frigate, grape and ball, upon Gen. Putnam as he was executing his designs, in fortifying said Leachamore's Point. We opened the Battery from Cobble hill on said vessel to keep her from interfering with Gen. Putnam's designs. said Frigate retreated down the river, which is all that occurred, to my recollection worthy of notice in said campaign. I never received a written discharge from

552 Said campaign, nor did I receive full pay for said service until some time after I returned home, when I received the remainder of my pay from Capt. Porter.
About the first of May 1776 I enlisted into Colonel Marshall's regiment under Capt. Turner, Lieut. Newcomb & Wales, orderly sergeant Dunbar. Maj. Barron, was there a part of the time, I was dismissed about the first of December of the same year. When I enlisted I lived in Bridge-water as aforementioned, our first march was to a place then called Nantasket, was there about three or four weeks, the first time, two British transports were taken, and the crews were British Highlanders made prisoners. General Lincoln commanded the Harbour. We were then taken on board a sloop to Dorchester Point, where we remained inactive three or four weeks, from thence to Noadus Island then so called, alias. Hog Island so called, was there about one week, and from thence to Nantasket again, on board the same sloop, and under the same command. No engagement took place in this enlistment, I have no written discharge from the service, of said enlistment, but was dismissed and went home.
559 11.1 72.3 About the first of April 1778 I enlisted as a volunteer into Colonel Jacob's Regiment, Capt. Crane's Company in Gen. Sullivan's expedition on Rhode Island, under Lieut. Vincent & Parish, and was dismissed about the first of January 1779. Capt. Curtis & Capt. Fuller's companies were in the same Regiment, Col. Garrison & Col. Sappan's Regiments were in the same Brigade, General Cornwall commanded the Brigade, I enlisted for a year's service, at Bridge-water as aforementioned, and was mustered and received one month's wages. We marched to Swansey near Rhode Island, in the State of Massachusetts, we were stationed on Sherman's Point, was there some time, while there, the British landed at the mouth of Fall river about a mile and a half from us and burned one mill, and fired another, Capt. Fuller's Company attacked and drove them back, from thence, we marched to Howlands Ferry, under the same command and stayed.

there over night, the next day we crossed the Ferry to a fort which the British had left on Butts hill. I joined a party of twenty nine soldiers commanded by Lieutenant Helms, we advanced six or seven miles towards the British till their centrys fired on us, we fell back and were joined by another corps. when we scouted for five or six days, and then joined the main army, which was then encamped there and built fortifications. till Gen. Sullivan was directed to by Gen. Washington to retreat, as the British fleet were coming in and would surround the Island, we struck our tent at dark, and retreated to the old encampment at Butts Hill, before day. The British pursued, our picket guard was taken off at about twelve at night. In the morning about one hour after sunrise a skirmishing began, and lasted all day. The next day we entrenched some, and on the night following we built large fires on the camp ground, and retreated across Howland's ferry, where Capt. Crane was dismissed and our company was divided among the other companies of the Regiment, I was put into Capt. Eddy's Company, Lieutenants Rogers & Packard, Ensign Orcutt, Orderly Sergeant Watkins. From thence to Fall River where the Mills were burned, where we spent the remainder of the season in keeping guard, under the same command, as when I left there, excepting changing from one company to another as above stated, I was there dismissed & went home. I have no written discharge of this enlistment.
I volunteered at the time the Indians burned Royalton, and at the Battle of Bennington, when I was under Capt. Sloan. At both places I was in service about two weeks, was in no engagement, went about an hundred miles. I volunteered at Lyne in Grafton County State of New Hampshire, at the above mentioned time.
I am well acquainted with Caleb Conant of Lyne Grafton County, State of New Hampshire. He was my neighbour, was with me in the Sullivan expedition,

I removed from Bridgewater to Grafton, from Grafton to Lebanon, in the county of Grafton in New Hampshire, from Lebanon to Whulock, Caladonia county, Vermont, from Whulock to Bloomfield New York, from Bloomfield to Centerville, Allegany county New York, where I now reside, and have resided for nineteen years -
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension, or Annuity, except the present, and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency, of any state, -
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
am well acquainted with Ezra Kendall a clergyman residing in Centerville aforesaid, am well acquainted with Humphrey Palmer who is my neighbour, am acquainted with Jesse Bullock Esqr Sheriff of Allegany county, New York, State, Recently of Centerville aforesaid now residing at Angelica in said county of Allegany. was my neighbour.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J W Sherman Clk Samuel his + Leach mark
We Ezra Kendall a clergyman, residing in Centerville Allegany county, New York state. Humphrey Palmer & Jesse Bullock Esqr Sheriff of the county of Allegany aforesaid Recently of Centerville now residing in Angelica Allegany & State aforesaid, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Leach, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy five 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
J W Sherman Clk
Ezra Kendall Humphrey Palmer Jesse Bullock Sheriff

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 Ezra Kendall who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Centerville aforesaid, and that Humphrey Palmer who has also signed the same is a resident of the Town of Centerville aforesaid, and that Jesse Bullock Esqr Sheriff of Allegany County, recently a resident of Centerville aforesaid, residing in Angeline all credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit
J. M. Griffin } Judges of H. S. H. H. } the Court of Josiah W. H. } Common Pleas
Frederick W. Sherman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Leach for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this
30 th day October 1832
J. W. Sherman Clerk

18083
Samuel Leach
Sussex Admitted Private 22 mo 43 days
Stephen Cook Centerville Allegany Co New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Samuel Leach Allegany County NY
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enl d 1775- Capt Porter Cols Sargent Roxbury Bridgewater   dis d May 1776 Porter Sargent Cobblehill Cambridge Plymouth Co   do Apr d 1776 " 9 " Turner Marshals Battery Immanuel Massachusetts   Crane Jacobs Orchard   Genl Sullivan Dorchester   Bulls Hill point   Skirmish Bulls   Hill   age 75-76 Living witness  
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 } 88. 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 day 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 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 (1) 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?  { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons --one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [e] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
There were no assignments for a larger term than 8 mo. in '15

Power of Atty
Samuel Leach Albany to N.Y.
Pensioner under the Act of June 1832
I desire to the papers on file in this case -
James G. Austin Atty
Present Aug 3 d 1853. Rec d Aug 5 th 53 McRandall

Know all men by these presents, That I, John Leach
of the County of Albany and State of New York have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint, THOMAS EWING, Jr. , of Washington City, my true and lawful attorney, irrevocably for me and in my name to receive from the United States all such sum or sums of money as may be due me on any account whatsoever,
An assignment of the Revolutionary Pensions of my father John Leach, demand of said to be paid to the said John Leach for an estate of Pensions and for a single share.
and in my name to execute such receipts and acquittances for the same as may be necessary, and generally to do all lawful acts and things touching the premises; and an attorney or attorneys under him for the purposes aforesaid, to make and at his pleasure to revoke; hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises, by virtue of these presents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 4th day of July 185 3 .
John Leach
State of New York } to wit: County of Albany }
On this fourth day of July 185 3  John Leach personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and acknowledged the above power of attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein expressed.
P. B. Laney J. P.
State of _____ } to wit: County of _____ }
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That _____ Esq., before whom the above acknowledgment was made, and who has hereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the _____ Court, for the County aforesaid, this _____ day of _____
185 _____
Clerk.

awj Rev. and 1812 War Section.
August 28, 1925
Miss Mabel Fairman 172 S. LaSalle St Aurora, Ill.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 19374, it appears that Samuel Leach was born in December 1756 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
While residing in said Bridgewater, he enlisted and served as a private in the Massachusetts Troops as follows-
From July 15, 1775 in Captain John Porter's Company, Colonel Sargent's Regiment to January 1, 1776.
From May 1, 1776 to December 1, 1776 in Captain Turner's Company, Colonel Marshall's Regiment.
From April 1, 1778 to January 1, 1779 in Captains Crane's and Edgell's Companies, Colonel Jacob's Regiment, and was in Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode

Island.
He also stated that while residing at Lyme, New Hampshire, he was out three days on the alarm when Royalton was burned, no officers there  at all ; and at the time of the battle of Bennington (but not in said battle), twelve days under Captain Sloan and Colonel Heath.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 30, 1832, while a resident of Centerville, Allegany County, New York.
He died November 21, 1844. ✓
In 1853, son John was living in Allegany County, New York. There is no further data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
✓ AB

19 374 INVALID.
No. 19 374 Samuel Leach His New Wife
Act: June 7 th 32 nd Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 232
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1925: Aug. 28. Hst. to miss mabel Fairman cu J.

L
The Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.,
Please send such data as your records afford of the Rev- olutionary pensioners, - Ephraim Leach, Samuel Leach, Micah Leach, - all of New York state. Information as to their families particularly desired.
Respectfully,
Miss Mabel Fairman, 172 So. La Salle St., Aurora, Ill.
June 25, 1925.

I Ezra Conant of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth being eighty three years of age do testify and say, that Samuel Leach now living, as I understand, in the State of New York, lived with me from the time he was five years months and three months old till he was nearly twenty years old; and while he lived with us he enlisted twice into the revolutionary war - the first time in seventeen hundred and seventy five into Capt. John Porter's Company and went to Roxbury and served, as I can best recollect, about six months - the second time he enlisted into Capt. Turner's Tuam's Company in the Spring of the year seventeen hundred and seventy six and served till the fall of the year, when I went after him to bring him home from a place called horse neck somewhere near Nantasket on Massachusetts Bay; I should suppose from the best recollection I have, he served this time seven or eight months. It was in my father's family he lived and I was about seven years older than he was. Attest Nahum Mitchell
Ezra his Conant X mark
I Mary Conant wife of the above named Ezra Conant being eighty one years of age do remember the aforesaid Samuel Leach very well. I was married and moved into my husband's father's (Thom Conant's) family while Leach lived there and recollect his enlisting and going into the service as my husband has above stated. Attest Nahum Mitchell
Mary Conant
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. January 25. 1834. The above named Ezra Conant and Mary his wife severally appeared personally and made solemn oath to the truth of their respective depositions, by them signed as above, before me the subscriber: and signed the same in my presence: and I do further certify that they are both well known to me and are persons of reputation and veracity: he is an in- telligent and well educated man, but in consequence of a tem- porary lameness in his hand and wrist he was compelled to make his mark only instead of subscribing his name. —
Nahum Mitchell. Jus: Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth I Matt Morris Clerk of the Judicial Court within & for the County of Plymouth, hereby testify, that Nathan Mitchell signed before whom the foregoing deposition was sworn is as further for the County of Plymouth & last that I believe his name thereto subscribed to be his true & proper signature -
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial on this twenty seventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Matt Morris

Centervee Allegany County New York Feb 19 th 1834
J. S. Edmards Esqr
Sir affixed you have in the matter of the application of Samuel Leach for a Pension, two depositions, Ezra Conant and Mary Conant his wife, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, both Authenticaled according to Law, which I hope will prove to your satisfaction the two first Enlistments of Mr Leach, the third enlistment as I hope you now consider substantiated by the one deposition of Caleb Conant, which deposition I forwarded I think at the time Mr Leach made his declaration, they are the only depositions we have been able to obtain, we have spent much time and money to obtain them, and we sincerely hope they will prove satisfactory to all who inspect at the Department so far that there cannot be a doubt on the subject. Sir I will refer you to the representative in Congress from Massachusetts, William Baylie as he is acquainted with all the persons whose names are attached to these depositions, and we hope you will refer to him as to the standing, and credibility of the deponents, I am told that they are persons whose testimony is undoubted, and whose standing in society are good, we hope you will refer to Hon. Mr Baylie on the subject, and consider us with all convenient haste, I think you I have now reason to believe that the Department will report favorably on the subject of Mr Leach Pension, as what he richly deserves, and the Laws of our country I think have been complied with and hope you will think so to. however Mr Leach is at the disposal of the Department
Sir Yours respectfully Stephen Cook atty for Samuel Leach.
N.B. Thinking you may be unable to decipher the name of the clerk whose seal is firt to the depositions it is John B. Thomas yours & J. Cook

War Department,
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington,
April 1, 1890
Respectfully returned
Andrew Hearn Hume, Alleghany Co., Va.
Such of the records of the Revolutionary War as are in possession of the government are in the custody of the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. to whom application for information should be addressed.
W. H. H. H. H. Gen. Adjt General

Adjutant. General. U.S. Army
Dear Sir-
I would respectfully ask a favour which I hope you will be able to grant, In a Cemetery near me rests the remains of a Soldier of The Revolution, his name was Samuel Leach born in 1754 or 5 in the State of Vermont and served in The army of The Revolution from That State. Please send me the name of Regiment or Command That he served in. it is for The purpose of an inscription on a Tomb Stone That I intend To put up, and you will very much oblige a Soldier of The late war for The Union.
Address
Yours. Respectfully
Andrew Mearns Hume, Allegany Co. N.Y.

Old. W. Ar. Div. J. N. P. Ex'r. No. Co. _____ Reg't _____
Address your reply to the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS with return of this letter.
Washington, D.C. July 2 d , 1890
Sir,
In accordance with your request you will receive enclosed, a statement, on separate sheets, of so much history of Samuel Leach, a Revolutionary Soldier from Massachusetts, as is contained in his application for the pension which he received -
Very respectfully
Green B. Raum Commissioner
Mr Andrew Mearns Hume Allegany County N.Y.

File with No 19-374 Rev Samuel Leach
Hume, Allegana Co. N.Y. Aug 18 th 1890
Gen. B. Raum, Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir Your History of Samuel Leach's service in the Revolutionary War is received and is highly valued by us us as it gives an account of his life before his enlistment which we knew nothing of. Please accept my sincere thanks for the trouble you have taken in this matter.
Very Respectfully Andrew McNamee

16 Stephen Cook Esq. Centerville Allegany County N.Y.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb y 17 th 1834.
* 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 Samuel Leach, as a private, is borne on a Muster-Roll of Capt. John Porter's Company, in Col. Sargent's Regt. where he is allowed from July 7 th to August 7 th 1775, for services and travel, One Month and three days. — m d 1 = 3  roll after Aug 1775 not found Samuel Leach's name is borne on a Pay-Roll of Capt. Seth Turner's Company, under the Command of Col. Thomas Marshall, where he is allowed from May 23 to Novem r 1 st 1776, five Months and Nine days. — 5 = 9  Samuel Leach's name is borne on a Pay-Roll of Capt. Benjamin Edgell's Company, in Col. John Jacobs' Regt. where he is allowed from Feb y 1 st 1778, eleven Months and one day. — 11 = 1 17 = 13

Amount brought Over M do 17 = 13
Samuel Leach claims for further services, under Capt. John Porter, in 1775. But the roll, after the 7 th of August in '75, is not found in this Office.
Edward D. Bangs Secy

Centerville Allegany County New York 5 March 1834
In the matter of Samuel Leach application for a Pension J. L. Edwards Esqr
Dear Sir enclose you have the Certificate of Ed Bangs Esqr Sec, State of Massachusetts which substantiates the proof we have heretofore aduced in favour of the claims of Samuel Leach for a Pension, the time in each enlistment is some different from the times stipulated in his declaration, but however that is, it is certain that he served the length of time for which he made his declaration, the name of Capt. Edgery which which officer Mr Leach speaks of in his declaration turns out to be that of Capt. Benjamin Edgell, - We have no further remarks to make and can get no further proof, and submit our writings and cause to your candor and better judgment and hope you will do us justice, and report to us your deliberations in due time, I suppose you have ere this Rec. from us my communication dated 19th Feb. 1834, in which I enclose to you the two depositions of Ezra Conant and Mary Conant his wife whose depositions substantiate Mr Leach's declaration for two enlistments for fourteen months, if you have not Rec. it you will probably in course of mail Sir Yours with Estem
Stephen Cook Atty for Saml. Leach

Sam. Leach
18083
V

I Caleb Conant of Lyne in the county of Grafton and State of New Hampshire of Lawful age depose and say that in the year 1775 Samuel Leach and myself with others enlisted into a company of Militia in the Regiment of Col. Jacob in General Sullivan's Expedition in the Revolutionary war a part of the time in the State of Massachusetts and a part of the time in the State of Rhode Island said Leach and myself then belonged to the town of Bridgewater in said State of Massachusetts we enlisted for the year's service we commenced about the first of April 1778 and were dismissed the first of January 1779. we served together in said Regiment as privates the whole of the time above stated being nine months. I was well acquainted with said Leach before we enlisted and while in the service and have frequently seen him since and have seen him once within a few years and have no doubt that he is the same Individual person who now lives in the Town of Poygan county in the State of New York.
Caleb Conant
State of New Hampshire Grafton ss. Lyne July 4 th 1832 Then personally appeared the above named Caleb Conant and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth relative to the cause for which it is taken. Before me David C. Churchill Esq: Clerk
I hereby certify that the above named Caleb Conant is a credible witness
Attest David C. Churchill Esq: Clerk
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss. Court of Common Pleas Clerks Office
I George Woodworth Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Grafton do certify that David C. Churchill Esq: is a justice of the peace within and for the county of Grafton duly qualified to take affidavits and that I believe the above to be his genuine signature
In testimony of the foregoing I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of said Court this sixth day of July 1832
George Woodworth Clerk

In the matter of Samuel Leach for a Pension
State of New York Court of Allegany ss
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Samuel Leach who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath depose and say that when he made his application on the 30th day October 1832 for a Pension under the act of Congress of June 1832 to the which this is an Amendment he gave his best recollections and used his best endeavours to obtain full Proof of his services in the war of the Revolution. He is now required by the Department to amend, which he can only do by repetition from a scanty store of a mangled memory, he is infirm of body and being perfectly blind and memory on the decay, he throws himself, except some few additions upon the mercy of his country for a support which he so richly merits whether he receives or not, he is poor and dependant, he saith that he enlisted at Bridgewater, Plymouth County Massachusetts as a private Soldier in Col. Sargent's Regiment Capt John Porter's Company about the middle of July 1775. and was dismissed first day January 1776 and served as he stated in his declaration which is attached to this amendment, he was dismissed and went home, he knows of no person now living who can substantiate his affidavit of this enlistment but saith that he served five and a half months for which time he claims a pension as a private Soldier
He further deponeth and saith that on the last of April or first days of May 1776 he again enlisted into Col. Marshalls Regiment under Captain Turner (his given name not recollected) as a private Soldier and served as he stated in his declaration, he lived in the aforesaid town of Bridgewater when he entered this enlistment, he was dismissed about the first days of December of the same year, he served seven months as a private Soldier in this enlistment for which time he claims a pension, he knows of no one now living who can substantiate his affidavit of his having served or enlisted at this enlistment
He further deponeth and saith that about the first of April 1778 he enlisted as a private Soldier into Col. Jacobs Regiment Captain Coates Company in Genl. Sullivan's expedition on Rhode Island Genl. Cornwall commanded the Brigade. he lived in aforesaid Town of Bridgewater when he entered the service on this enlistment and served as he stated in his declaration, was dismissed about the first of January 1779. (precise day not recollected) after having served nine months as a private Soldier, he knows of no one now living

can testify to his having served in this enlistment except Caleb Leonard of Lyme, Grafton County State of New Hampshire whom affidavit is attached to his declaration and this affidavit
This deponent further saith that he volunteered at the time the Indians Burned Royalton the company was not formed, and he was not mustered, when they got to Royalton the Indians had done the mischief and retreated, this was in the same year of the Battle of Bennington, he went as a private soldier was gone three days for which he claims a pension, he lived in Lyme Grafton County, New Hampshire at that time, knows of no one now living who can testify to the truth of his having volunteered at this time and they returned home promiscuously
This deponent further saith that he volunteered at the Battle of Bennington under Col. Beattle and Capt Sloan, he lived in said Lyme, Massachusetts  New Hampshire when he volunteered, (the year not recollected) was gone twelve days as a private soldier, for which time he claims a pension, he marched through Cornish, Charleston, crossed Connecticut River into Vermont, to Rockingham, Chester, Manchester, to Bennington The Battle was over when we arrived there and we returned home he knows of no one now living who can testify to the truth of his having volunteered at this time, they
This deponent further saith that in the war of the Revolution he enlisted three times and was in the service Twenty one months and a half by enlistments and fifteen days was volunteer, for which time he claims a pension, he was not employed in any civil pursuit while in the service, was always called into service by competent authority and served as he has stated, always as a private soldier and prays for a favourable consideration of the Department
Sworn and subscribed this Twenty fourth day of June 1833 before me Porter Plank.
his Samuel X Leach marks

Allegany County
Clerks Office W. J. G. Johnson W. Shenman
Clerk of said County do certify that Porter Wants Esq before whom the within Affidavit purports
to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County
And that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing & verily believe his name subscribed thereto to be his own & not her hand writing signature
Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 16 th Day of June 1833
J. W. Shenman Clerk