Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29495, for Eleazer Taft, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Noass. N. 26.
Taft, Eleanor
S. 29495-
CONTENTS

A.B.
Died Jan 4-1836.
Albany 30.441
Eleazer Traft
of Montg y Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Aldridge of the Reg t commanded by Col. Whitney in the Mass. & N.H. line for 9 months & 12 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 31 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of Feb. 1836 and sent to Hon. M c J. Bovee, N. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '35. 140.94 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar. '36. 15.66
$156.60
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. 2, Vol. 4 Page 72

No 22841
Ebenezer Dapt
Montgomery Co N.Y.
f. c. m.
Please send certificate to G. H. Van Vechten Johnstown Montgomery County N.Y. as soon as possible.
Mr. Ebenezer Dapt
Robert H. Cushing Hirer Hill
Montgomery N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 30 1833
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. 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, shewing the Service of Elazer D. F. Montgomery
   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.     Vol July 1776 a part for T. Parsons 2 Private Capt M c Intosh Lieut Col Col Whiting Genl Wash Dorchester Springfield 73 (year) Town of New Salem Traditional   subsequent to Long 1777 2 Capt M c Intosh Col Genl Wash Hartford Country of Hampshire   until Oct 1777 3 Capt M c Intosh Lieut Col Col Putnam Concord Concord   subsequent to July 1777 for Clinton 2 Capt M c Intosh Lieut Col Genl Washington Westport Massachusetts   Sept 1777 3 Capt M c Intosh Lieut Col Genl Washington Trenton Trenton   sub July 80 hand by select men 3 Capt M c Intosh Lieut Col Genl Washington White Plains White Plains   1 3 months service Col Costing Lancaster Lancaster   3 11 Capt Whiting Jersey Jersey   5 21 See Mr. Bangs, in official Fort Clinton Fort Clinton   Fort M'Clure Fort M'Clure   Springfield Springfield   Leicester Leicester   Field's Field's   Newburyport Newburyport   Hill's Hill's   M c Donough M c Donough    Yours, 12 Aug  I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, M c Donough
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 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, 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 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John N. Atkin

State of New York } Montgomery County } p- On this 19 th day of September 1832. personally appeared in open court before Aaron Haring. Esquire First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery now sitting Ebenezer Pease as resident of the Town of Schoharie in the County of Montgomery & State of New York aged seventy three 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 — That he went into service about the first of February 1776. as a volunteer in the place of Timothy Rawson who could not leave home & served under Capt Elisha Aldridge lisha Aldridge — & Col. Whitney — That he marched under Genl Washington to Dorchester where four of our men were killed while making intrenchments — was discharged, after the service of about two months & after the British had left Boston — That he lived in the Town of New Salem & County of Hamp- shire & State of Massachusetts when he again vol- unteered for two months service under Capt Rich- ardson — Col. Howe — & Genl Washington Comman- der in Chief — That he marched first to Spring- field — thence to Hartford, then to New Haven from thence to Fairfield & then to Westchester New York — under Genl Washington retreated to Whittemore Hill & built a small fort — we then returned to White Plain — was in no battle — was sent to guard about thirty Hessians prisoners to New Jersey thence to New Castle near White Plain was then discharged time being out —

Subsequent to January 1777 went out as a substitute for Ephraim Wheeler for the term of three months - then served under Capt Croker - in Col Pomeroy's Regt - marched from New Salem to Springfield Litchfield Danbury to Peekskill where our Col. died - our Commander was Genl. M c Dougall from thence to New Linsay Moovestown where we joined Genl. Washington's Army. served my time out & was discharged. I enlisted in the service at this time from the town of New Salem & County of Hampshire & State of Massachusetts.
On the first of May 1777 I again went out, from the town of Royalston County of Worcester & State aforesaid, as a substitute for two months for our Foster under the Command of Col Whitney my Captain's name I cannot recollect, we marched from the place last mentioned to Providence Rhode Island where we built a Fort - Then the Regt was divided & our Company marched to Boston Neck opposite Conanicut Island where I was discharged.
About the first of Sept 1777 I went out, under Capt Pennycuick Col Cushing's Regiment from the town of Mendon County of Worcester & marched, by the way of Worcester Northampton, New Providence to Bennington, thence to St. Croix where our Regt was divided by volunteering into other Regiments on different services at which time I volunteered into Colonel Woodbridge's Regiment, & marched to Skeneateles - I was one of a number of about thirty in a scouts who, under Lieutenant Allen, went down the Lake with five

Canoe to the Narrows where we were hailed by a wounded American Soldier who wanted relief - I went to him alone leaving the men to fire on the enemy if there were any in ambush - I found him & brought him to the Camp - We took our Batteaux & Canoe which had carried provisions to the enemy unarm'd with about six men, made them prisoners - We found our Colonel Brown & Regiment to take Ticonderoga Landing - We found the prisoners & Guard back & went with our Boats back to Skene'sborough where we joined our Regiment - we then marched to Paul's thence to Bennington Heights the evening previous to the last battle - we then joined the Regiment of Colonel Cushing & were ordered into a redoubt that day - the next day our Regiment joined fifteen hundred Continentals & marched over the Battle ground the day before & drove their sentries of Genl. Burgoyne, they retreating to Saratoga where we followed them & made them prisoners - from thence we went to Albany & then to White Plain where I was discharged making twelve months service.
In July 1780. I was hired by the Select men of the Town of Oxford County of Grafton & State of New Hampshire, for three months & went under Captain Whitcher in Colonel Nichols Regiment which we joined at West Point under General Arnold - A few days crossed the River to Robison's farms until Arnold deserted when we were allowed no ammunition except one Cartridge when on guard - A Regiment of Continentals then took our

place & we went to West Point when Genl. Washington took the command & we were discharged - making the whole of my time in service fifteen months -
And the deponent also states that he has no documentary evidence & that he knows of no person living whose testimony can be procured who can testify to my service
And this applicant was acquainted with the following regular Officers Major Andrew Peters, Captain Holden, Col. Calvin Smith, General Lincoln all of the Massachusetts line besides others not now recollected
And this applicant says that he is not on the Pension Roll of the United States or any State
That during the Revolutionary War the first part to the year 1780 my place of residence was at Mendon, County of Worcester, and State of Massachusetts. That in the year 1780 in the Spring I moved to Berkshire County of Orange & State of Vermont & about the year 1803 moved to his present residence
Slayer his Left mark I the judge aforesaid Do certify that the above named person personally appeared before me & was duly sworn to the truth of the aforesaid & while he was under oath to his being sworn read by me to him and that the interrogatories directed by the Department of War were put by me to him & the several answers thereto are embodied in the foregoing declaration That I have been sworn said Left for nearly thirty years last past & that he is a person of truth & veracity & a credible witness. And that the said Left is in that feeble & bad state of health that he is unable to appear in Court & is confined to his bed. Aaron Haring State of New York, Montgomery County, ss. I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of Montgomery County Common pleas, hereby certify that Aaron Haring Esq. before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date thereof a Judge of Montgomery County Court. And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge & truly believe that the name of the said Judge subscribed to the said affidavit is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 20th day of September 1832. Geo: D. Ferguson

We Abraham Van Horn and Hugh Sanford residing in the town of Johns- town in Montgomery County State of New York do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said Abraham Van Horn being a belligerent at New York City that we are well acquainted with the said Ebenezer D. Taft who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy three years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Subscribed known to me Open Court the day & year aforesaid.
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
Abraham Van Horn V.D.M.
Hugh Samson
And the said Court, do hereby declare their opinion After the investigation in manner & form as herein before appears, that the above named Applicant was a revolution- ary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that appears to them that Abraham Van Horn who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Johnstown in the County of Oswayo That Hugh Sanford, who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town, and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit.
I George D Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Middlesex, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Charles Galt for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 26th day of September 1832.
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York Montgomery County Clerks office.
By: I, George D. Ferguson, clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Montgomery County do hereby certify that John Quilhot before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the date thereof a Justice of the peace of the said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 12th day of June 1833.
Geo. D. Ferguson

October 30, 1936.
Miss Grace Ellis Taft The Carteret, 425 Central Avenue Orange, New Jersey.
BA-J/ILL Artemas Taft S. 41227 Eleazer Taft S. 29495
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information regarding Artemas Taft, died 1817, U.S. Army, recorded Fair Haven, Vermont, Eleazer Taft, born 1759 and died 1833/34, Amsterdam, New York, and Samuel Taft, of Whitehall, New York, or Fair Haven, Vermont.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Samuel Taft. The record has been found of only one Artemas Taft, also, the record of an Eleazer Taft, born in 1759, who applied for pension while a resident of New York State. The records of these two soldiers are furnished herein as found in pension claims based upon their service in the Revolutionary War, as this data may aid you in your research.
ARTEMAS TAF-T-S. 41227.
Artemas Taft, while a resident of Mendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts, enlisted in April 1775, and served eight months as a private in Captain Andrew Peter's company, Colonel Joseph Read's Massachusetts regiment, re-enlisted January 1, 1776, and served one year as corporal in Captain Samuel Payson's company, Colonel Joseph Read's Massachusetts regiment and was discharged near White Plains, New York. During the period of his service, he was in several skirmishes and in the battle of White Plains.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1819, at which time he resided in Woodstock, Windsor County, Vermont, where

he had resided for more than thirteen years.
In 1820, Artemas Taft was aged sixty-eight years; the date and place of his birth and the names of his parents were not given. His family living at home then consisted of his wife, Abigail, aged sixty-three years, and one daughter, Mary, aged twenty-three years. The maiden name of his wife and date of their marriage were not given, and no reference was made to other children.
The soldier referred in 1820 to Samuel Taft and T. Taft, but no relationship between him and said persons was stated. -----
ELEAZER TAFT-S. 2:9495
Eleazer Taft was born March 22, 1759 in Mendon, Worcester County, Massachusetts; the names of his parents were not stated. However, his father died when he was quite young, survived by Eleazer's mother.
While a resident of New Salem, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Eleazer Taft enlisted and served as private in the Massachusetts troops at different times, given as follows: from February 1, 1776, two months in Captain Elisha Aldridge's company; later in 1776, two months in Captain Richardson's company, near White Plains; from January 1777, three months in Captain Crocker's company, Colonel Pomeroy's regiment; from May 1777, three months under Colonel Whitney, engaged in Providence, Rhode Island; from September, 1777, three months, part of the time in Captain Peter Penniman's company, Colonel Job Cushing's regiment, and also under Colonel Woodbridge, during which service he assisted in taking prisoners, and was at Bemis Heights, then guarded prisoners after Burgoyne's defeat. In the spring of 1780, the soldier moved to Orange County, Vermont. He enlisted in July 1780, and served three months as private in Captain Wheeler's company, Colonel Nichols' New Hampshire regiment.
The soldier resided in Berkshire, Orange County, Vermont, and about 1803, moved to Montgomery County, New York.
Eleazer Taft applied for pension September 19, 1832, at which time

he resided in Johnstown, Montgomery County, New York. The claim was allowed.
Eleazer Taft died January 4, 1836. It was stated that he had been unable to move from his bed for several years, unless assisted. No reference was made to wife, or children.
In order to obtain the name of the person to whom the last payment of pension was made, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following: Eleazer Taft, certificate $30441, issued February 25, 1836, rate $31.32 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, New York Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Furnished also - Artemas Taft - War of 1812 - Ctl # 224 - In lieu of bounty land.

To the Postmaster of Tripe Hill. New York.
Miss. H. S. ...

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Nov r 7 th . 1833.
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 I find no evidence of the services of Ebenezer Taft as stated by him. He claims under the following Captains, viz. Capts. Aldridge , Richardson , Crocker , Penniman and Witcher . There are no rolls of any Companies under Capts. Aldridge or Witcher . There are 2 rolls of a Captain David Whittier one for service in 1777, one in 1778. There are numerous rolls of Captains by the name of Richardson , viz 3 of Captain Addison Richardson , for service in 1775, 1779 & 1780. 2 of Capt. Caleb Richardson , for service in 1779 & 1780— 3 of Capt. Stephen Richardson for service in 1777— 2 of Capt. Edward Richardson for service in 1775 & 1778. 1 of Capt. Ephraim Richardson for service in 1775. 1 of Capt. Joseph Richardson for service in 1779. There are also several Rolls of Captains by the name of Crocker , viz — 2 of Capt. Josiah Crocker for service in 1780— 2 of Capt. Ezekiel Crocker for service in 1777 & 1778

1 of Capt. Job Crocker for services in 1778
1 of Capt. Zacharias Crocker for services in 1778.
There are near two rolls of Capt. Peter Penniman for services in 1777 —
On none of the Rolls above mentioned is found the name of Leah Ebenezer Taft.
Edward D. Bangs. Secy

Jan 2
Tipper Hill Jan 22
Hon. M. J. Booe H.R.
Matthias J Booe M. Congress Washington city
admd 9 mo. 172 days Term.
Hon. M. J. Booe H.R.

Tripes Hill Dec 20 th 1835.
Dear Sir
In relation to the application of Mr Graft for a Pension he made an application some two or three years since in the usual form substantiated by his own oath and what other evidence he could then procure for two years services twenty one months in and from Massachusetts and three months in New Hampshire which papers are now in the office of the Secretary of War but his claim was postponed on account of not sending a certificate from the Secretary of Massachusetts. The Secretary of War wrote to Mr Graft that his services in New Hampshire was found for the revolutionary papers of that state had been forwarded to Washington but that he must obtain a certificate from Massachusetts for their revolutionary papers had never been sent on to the War Department and if he obtained that certificate he would be entitled to his pension but has never since this time been enabled to obtain the certificate for the want of the necessary means and now he obtained it from the hand of charity and the certificate which is inclosed contains but about six months services the remainder of his services in Massachusetts for fifteen months cannot be found nor is that strange for you will discover from the certificate the Rolls of the very men under whom he served are not to be found in the office of the Secretary of Massachusetts and you will discover on calling at the War Department and examining his original papers and oath that he claims for services under three men who the Secretary says are not to be found then how does the claim state that he has sworn which oath is now at the War Department that he served two years stating the Captains under whom he served and when and where in confirmation of that oath and understanding it is the records in the War Department at Washington from New Hampshire that he did serve there as his oath states three months

if this be so then the claim for the three months in New Hampshire is settled and Mr Tofts' att is substantiated then the certificate from Massachusetts which is herewith forwarded contains about six months which proves that amount of time and goes to substantiate his att for not only the time thus certified but for the whole time specified in his att and another fact that the rolls of a number of the men under whom he claims to have served are not to be found now under all the circumstances of the case does it not amount to proof sufficient to say that he served all the time that he swears that he did now to show that there were such officers as Mr Tofts claims to have served under in the revolutionary war I also forward to you a letter from the Secretary of Massach- =usetts dated Nov 7 th 1833. stating the names of the very men that he claims to have served under one there now if necessary you can substantiate his att. for from your acquaintance with and knowledge of him I think you can safely say that his veracity under att is equal to any man's in this county now by using every exertion to obtain the Pension for him you will be serving the cause of humanity and helping a poor old man who is so helpless that he has not been out of his bed for five years without being lifted out and lifted back again therefore we wish you to put in requisition all your energy and ingenuity to obtain his claim the enclosed att dated Nov 1833. is of no use only to satisfy that there were such officers in the Army as he says he served under for the one dated Oct 1835. is the one containing the certificate with it will be necessary to use it write soon and let us know in what situation it stands as you most obedient
Mr J Bovee Esq M.C.
Aaron N Hull
If you have many spare papers and documents if you will be good enough to forward some to me they will be thankfully received

1872 NY Mr Deane Swift Trips-hill Post Office Montgomery County N.Y.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Oct r 27 th 1835.
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 Eleazer Taft, as a private, is borne on a pay-roll of Capt. William Henry's Company, in Col. Whitney's Regt. where he is allowed from May 3 rd to July 5 th 1777, two months. ————— M. d. 2-00
" " Eliezer Taft's name is borne on a payroll of Capt. Peter Pennaman's Com py in Col. Job Cushing's Regt. where he is allowed from August 17 th to Nov r 29 th 1777, for services and travel three months and twenty-four days. ————— 3-24
Eleazer Taft claims for further services, 5-24 under Capt. Elisha Aldridge, in Col. Whitney's Regt. in 1776, under Capt. Richardson, in Col. Howe's Regt. in 1776 or '77, and under Capt. Crocker in Col. Pomeroy's Regt. in 1777; but the rolls are

not found in this Office.
Edward D. Bangs. Esq.

M. d. 2-08
Boston Oct r 27 th 1835
Sir, The rolls and documents which are in this Office relating to services in the Revolutionary War, have been thoroughly examined, so far as relates to the claim of Eleazar Duff. and all the evidence of his services which we have been able to find is now sent. Yours Respectfully Henry White

See letter to Hon. W m Bovee Jan. 1836 -

MISS GRACE ELLIS TAFT TAFT GENEALOGIST THE CARTERET, 423 CENTRAL AVENUE ORANGE, NEW JERSEY
5th October 1936.
The Veterans Bureau, Dept. of Interior, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
I have been informed you will answer questions concerning pensions, and should like to know whether you have record of pensions of
Ebenezer Taft, born 1759, death 1833/4 Amsterdam, N.Y.
or
Artemas Taft, died 1817, U.S. Army, recorded Fair Haven, Vt. (later than Revolution)
or
Samuel Taft, possibly near Whitehall, N.Y., or 1780 of West and Fair Haven, Vt.
Thanking you for a reply if possible,
Sincerely yours,
Grace E. Taft TAFT GENEALOGIST.
Slnd Artemas - only one

29 495 Rev INVALID.
1936-Oct. 30 - Hist. to Miss Grace Ellis Taft, Ld.
File No. 29,495
Eleazer Taft
Rev. Rev. Mr.
Act: June 7 th 1821
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 418
[Arrangement of 1870.]