Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,854, for Josiah Powers, New Hampshire

SERVICE
N. H.
Powers, Josiah
N 17854
Soper, Mary
(Former widow)
CONTENTS

arm out - 2319
Mary Soper, formerly widow of Josiah Powers, deceased
who died on the _____ 1818 of Windham in the State of Vermont who was a Pvt in the Comp y commanded by Captain Hemen of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the N.H. line for 8 mos. N.H.
Inscribed on the Roll of Belknap Falls at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Sept. 38, sent to Alms S.C. in place, Belknap Falls, Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. $199.95- Semi-annual allowance ending _____ / 3 3 3
$213.28
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R Burdine Clerk, k A Vol. 2 - Page 41 -
Sept? Oct. 4. 1838
Rate of death and arrears

May 1836 Declaration
2301 Mary Soper Wid of Jonah Powers Vermont Ad 4 July 1836 Married 1769 Died 1818
Allow 8 mo. pri. m. Capt. Hinds, C. & H. Militia $26.66 pr ann.
Alex. S. Campbell Esq. Bellows Falls Vt.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d Section of the act of 4 th July 1836 and of the 1 st Section of the act of 3 d March 1837. -
State of Vermont District of Westminster ss. - On this 27 th day of April A D 1837 personally appeared before the Probate Court within and for the District of Westminster in the State of Vermont being a court of record Mary Saper a resident of Athens in the County of Windham and State of Vermont aged Eighty five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4 1836 and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3 1837. That she was married to Josiah Pauer who was a private soldier in the army of the Revolution by the Rev. Mr. Gossard a Congregational Minister of Westminster & Hampshire at said Westminster on the 8 th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and sixty nine, that the said Josiah Pauer entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war in the month of June 1775 under Capt. Hines of the New Hampshire Troops, and was as I always understood and believe in the battle at Bennington hill in the month of June of that year, having enlisted for the term of eight months according to my best recollection, and that the said Josiah according to my best recollection served in the army during said eight months except about two or three weeks when he was at home on furlough. - I do not know who the officers of his regiment were, he the said Josiah enlisted in said service and then resided at Westminster N.H. and the said Mary further testifies that her late husband again entered the United States service in said Revolutionary war as a soldier in the year 1776 or 1777, she thinks in 1776, in the month of June as she believes and continued in said service about three or four months and returned home sick having refused as I understood to go into the hospital, he continued sick

at home during the whole winter. He lived at said West- woodland N.H. where he entered the service at this time, he went to Tyeeonderoga and always understood and believes during this campaign, but cannot remember any officer's name under whom he served. The said Mary Soper cannot set forth the services of the said Josiah more particularly, but refers to the documents in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions for fur- ther proof, the said Josiah having heretofore been placed on the pension list in his lifetime. That the said Josiah has been dead about twenty years or more. She further declares that she was married to the said Josiah on the 8 th Jan y 1769 and that she cannot be more particular as to the time of his death than above mentioned that she was afterwards married to Amasa Soper who died about twelve years ago but cannot say at what particular time that she was a widow on the 4 th of July 1836 and still remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to and Subscribed
on the day and year in witness whereof
(The word "several" written on an erasure before signing) Before David L Putnam Judge of Probate
I certify that the above named Mary Soper is a credible person of whom I have had satisfactory evidence.
David L Putnam Judge of Probate
State of Vermont District of Westminster ss I James Crawford Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Westminster do hereby certify that the above named David L Putnam whose signature is annexed as above is Judge of Probate for said District of Westminster said Probate Court being a court of record and that the above signatures are his genuine signatures. James Crawford Clerk

I Silas Powers of Athens in the State of Vermont testify & say that I was well acquainted with Jonah Powers deceased who was once placed on the prisoners list, the said Jonah died more than twenty years since, I further testify that the said Jonah was my father, and he and my mother Mary Powers afterwards Mary Soper were always respected husband & wife that they had a family of eight children of which I am the oldest, and I further testify that I well recollect that my father returned from Massachusetts after the Battle of Bunker Hill, and at that time I recollect the said Jo- nah and Mary lived together as husband and wife, at that time there was one other child besides myself in the family to wit my sister Sarah Powers, and I further say that I never heard any intimation from any source that the said Jonah & Mary had not been married
81111 (1807)
State of Vermont Windham County ss. Athens June 12 th 1857 Then personally appeared the above named Silas Powers who is a credible person and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth
Before me Alexander S Campbell Justice Peace

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
New Fane June 19. A.D. 1837.
I Marshall Miller, Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify, that Alexander S. Campbell is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature within written is genuine — In testimony whereof, I have unto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court, the day and year above written —
Attest — Marshall Miller, Clerk,

April 19, 1937
Josiah Powers W. 17854 BA-J/AWF Qu
Mrs. C. M. Bonner Whitefish Montana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Josiah Powers of Vermont.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 17854, based upon the service of Josiah Powers in the War of the Revolution. This is the record of the only Josiah Powers (Powars) found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The date and place of birth of Josiah Powers were not given, nor were the names of his parents stated.
While a resident of Westmoreland, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Josiah Powers enlisted sometime in May or June, 1775, served eight months as private in Captain Jacob Winds' company, Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire regiment, was in the battle of Bunker Hill and expedition to Ticonderoga. He enlisted sometime in June, 1776 or 1777 and served three or four months, no officers stated.
Josiah Powers married January 8, 1768 or 1769 in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, Mary Robbins. He died about the year 1817.
His widow, Mary Powers, married, no date given,

April 19, 1937
Josiah Powers W. 17854 BA-J/AWF One
Mrs. C. M. Bonner Whitefish Montana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Josiah Powers of Vermont.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 17854, based upon the service of Josiah Powers in the War of the Revolution. This is the record of the only Josiah Powers (Powars) found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The date and place of birth of Josiah Powers were not given, nor were the names of his parents stated.
While a resident of Westmoreland, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Josiah Powers enlisted sometime in May or June, 1775, served eight months as private in Captain Jacob Ninds' company, Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire regiment, was in the battle of Bunker Hill and expedition to Ticonderoga. He enlisted sometime in June, 1776 or 1777 and served three or four months, no officers stated.
Josiah Powers married January 8, 1768 or 1769 in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, Mary Robbins. He died about the year 1817.
His widow, Mary Powers, married, no date given,

Amasa Soper, who died about the year 1825.
The widow, Mary Soper, was allowed pension on account of the service of her husband, Josiah Powers, on her application executed April 27, 1837, at which time she was eighty-five years of age and living in Athens, Windham County, Vermont.
The soldier, Josiah Powers, and his wife, Mary, had eight children; Silas, the eldest, and Sarah, were the only names of children given. Silas Powers was living in 1837 in Athens, Vermont.
The papers in this claim contain no further reference to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and give the following data:
Mary Soper, former widow of Josiah Powers Certificate # 2319 Issued September 13, 1838 Rate $26.66 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of July 4, 1836 Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Ad. 27
3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by A. W. D. 12/12/10
Claim No. mar Mary Robbins
Certificate No. Sol. died in 1808
Claimant went in Rev from Vt
Soldier Josiah Powers
Service Vt. & Mass.
Additional Service Rev.
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 191_____
No claim, combination records _____, 191_____
No Inv. any Service
REMARKS:
No Wid. any service except Wid. F. 17, 854 { N.H. Vt.
No Reg. at all Sol. died 1818 went from N.H. but wid married
Mary Robbins
No papers for a disability pension claim and not found on books at all.

V Vermont
Mary Soper widow of Josiah Powers
Suspended
Let to Alex. S. Campbell
17 Aug 1837 Let to Hon. H. Hall Jan. 7. 1838.
d. A. S. Campbell July 16. 1838
a a — Aug 14

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Josiah Powers wid. file 17854
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 1776 8 mos Pvt. Jacob Hinds James Reed N.H.   June 1776 or 1777 3 or 4 mos no officers stated                                                          
Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Westmoreland, N.H.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 27. 1837 Her ch. was also
Residence at date of application, Athens, Windham Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, She was 85 years old.
Remarks: Soldier married at Westmoreland N.H. Jan'y 8. 1769 Mary Robbins. They had 8 children, Silas the eldest and Sarah are the only names stated. His widow afterwards married Amasa Soper.
STATE OF VERMONT.
WINDHAM COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE NEWFANE, July 12 th A. D. 1837.
I Marshall Miller , Clerk of the County Court, for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Alexander Campbell — is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court, the day and year above written.
Attest. Marshall Miller, Clerk

V2301
Mary Sopra. Wid of Jonah du re Vermont
Westmoreland N.H. May 1.
6
Alexander S. Campbell, Esquire.
Bellows Falls
Vermont
Miss P. P. Pierce

Westmoreland April 29, 1837.
Dear Sir,
Agreeably to your request, I have examined the Records of the town, in my possession, and am unable to find any record of the marriage of Josiah Powers, although the marriages, solemnized by the Rev. Mr. Goodale, or at least, many of them are recorded; and some during the year 1769 but it is my misfortune, after a long search, among the ancient and very imperfect records of this town, to be unable to find the desired record.
Very respectfully, yours,
Alexander Campbell Esq. Sarkin Barker, Town Clerk.

2301 Mary Soper and at Social Powers de
July 13 Brown Falls Vn July 13
Sir
R. Campbe
2301 M c 4 July '36 3 sec:- Mary Soper Social Powers de How L Edwards
Mem d to Comm d of Pious Washington City. -

Bellows Falls July 13 th 1887 - Vermont.
Sir I enclose the declaration of Mary Soper together with the evidence of her marriage with her first husband Josiah Powers. -
Powers was placed on the pension list probably more than thirty years since, whether as an invalid, or by some special act of congress cannot ascertained here. -
Very Respectfully
Yrs. ob t serv t
A S Campbell

W. S. Dampbell
Vt
17 Aug 1837
86

Dept. of War Pension Office Aug 17 1837
Sir,
The papers of Mrs Mary Soper, have been examined and placed upon our files.
The widow alleges that her former husband, Jonah Power, dec d . served in the W.H. militia in the year 1775. 8 mo s under Capt Hines. and at a subsequent period 3 or 4 mo s ; but has not given the name of the commanding Officer, nor furnished any proof in support of the attested service. (These omissions should be supplied).
In the absence of the record of marriage by the clergyman or Clerk of the Town, family records showing the birth of children, are deemed good evidence, if made at the time of occurrence of such events.
Yours
Alexander S. Campbell Esq Bellows Falls Vermont

Aug 26 Bullens farm Aug 21
Free
Comm Soper Many
Hon J L Edwards
Comm r of Revenue
Washington City -

Bellows Falls, Vermont, Aug. 21. 1857
Sir I have received your answer to the application of Mary Soper formerly the wife of Isaiah Powers deceased, informing me that the papers sent did not furnish any proof in support of the alleged service of Powers. Powers was placed on the pension list probably more than thirty years since, and I am not mistaken the application of Mrs Soper referred to the declaration of Powers and the evidence accompanying it for proof of her claim. - I do not know that she can furnish any proof other than the declaration of Powers and evidence accompanying it now in the office of the Court of Pensions. - perhaps by referring to that declaration & evidence the proof may be satisfactory if it is not I will endeavor to procure such as will be so if possible. - Please answer this as soon as it may suit your convenience.
I am very Respectfully
Yr. ob t Servt -
Hon d J d Edwards Court of Pensions
A. S. Campbell

Aug. 17 th N. H. Mr. Fyl.
Bellows Falls Vt. Aug 13
Yrs.
How J. G. Edwards.
Comm. r of Pensions Washington City

Bellows Falls Vt. Augt 14. 1837
Sir Some time since I sent you an application of Mrs Power formerly Mrs Soper for a pension, and not having received any answer at an early a period as is usual in such cases, I have some reason to suppose that the papers may have been lost by accident, Please write me as soon as may suit your convenience. —
I am very Respectfully Yr. ob t Servant
A. S. Campbell

Hon. H. Hall,
Aug. 18, 1838.
O. B.

Ward Dep Pen. Pa Jan 18, 38
Sir
In reply to yours of 12 inst respecting the case of Mrs. Mary Saper formerly the widow of Josiah Powers decd I have the honor to inform you that it is impracticable to trace the N. Hampshire service unless the names of the officers are furnished.
No term of service can be taken into the computation of a stipend under the act of 11 th July 1836, which is not disclosed & maintained  ensured as the regulations of the 27 June 1832 require.
There are no in this office invalid papers of the dec d husband, by which she could be assisted in asserting her claim.
Hon. Nils Hall
So. Rep.

W. C. Campbell
July 16, 1838
OC

Department of War Pension Office July 16 1835
Sir
In reply to your letter upon the subject of the claim of Mrs Mary Boper, formerly the widow of Israel Boper, I have the honor to state, that the name of her husband does not appear upon the Invalid pension roll of N H or Vermont; nor is  is her name found upon the roll of Capt. Moultonboro' Co for 1777 or any other year. The roll of Capt. Ainsley for 1775 is not in an Officer. If he ever recd. an Invalid pension therefore it must have been for the service in the latter Co, before and he would on the term he was inscribed upon the invalid roll.
The papers remain on file. I S Campbell Esq Pellaam Falls, Vt

Billauer Hall, Vermont Aug t 8 th 1838
Sir In answer to your communication of a late date relative to the application of Mary Soper formerly the widow of Jonah Pauer for a pension, I have to state that Jonah Pauer for whose service Mrs Soper claims a pension resided in Westmoreland in the county of Cheshire in the State of New Hampshire at the time he was inscribed on the roll of invalid pensioners, and that he was placed on the roll at some time between the years 1790 and 1795, as it is very difficult to make out her proof I hope this information will enable you to find the files which I suppose contain the necessary evidence.
I am very respectfully Yr. ob t Servant.
A. S. Campbell
Hon J L Edwards Comm r of Pensions

A. L. Campbell
Aug 14, '35
Al.

Dept. of War Pension Off. Aug 14/1838
Sir
Your letter of the 8 th inst. ant., upon the subject of the claim of Mrs. Mary Soper family wife, and widow of Isaiah Powers dec. and in reply have to state, that there are no invalid or other pension papers of her late husband in this Office. They were probably destroyed in the burning of the War Dept t buildings in 1801 or 1804.
It will be necessary therefore, that Mrs. Soper furnish some proof of the alleged service of her first husband, before any favorable decision can be had in her case.
A. S. Campbell Esq. Bellows Falls Vt.

Sch 63 Bellows Falls Vt Aug 30 Mr. Appleby Mary Soper, 2301
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards,
Comm r of Pensions
Washington City

Billings Falls Vermont Aug. 30 1838
Sir I enclose the affidavit of William Hutchins in support of the claim of Mary Soper formerly the widow of Josiah Paine, for a pension, her declaration is now in your office. — We shall make no further attempt to prove the 3 or 4 months service in 1776 or 1777. but consent to receive a certificate for the 8 months service should you deem that service as proved. —
Very Respectfully
Yrs A. S. Campbell

The name of Josiah Powers does not appear on the pension rolls on this side the Street of Vermont
If in any roll it may be on the old invalid roll which is on your side of the Street

B Fall W Sept 20
Gen
Not replied
Many Soper not with P
Hon J. A. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions Washington City

Billings Falls Vt. Sept. 26. 1838
Sir
I have rec d a certificate of pension from you, for Mary Soper Widow, & formerly the widow of Josiah Pomeroy. — No direction has yet been given to the agent at Billings Falls to make payment upon it. — It has been a long time since her application was filed in your office — Will you direct that the pension be payable the 4 th Sept. 1838 instead of March next.
Very Respectfully
Yr. ob d Servt
A. S. Campbell

I Esther Barrett of Brookline in the State of Ver- mont of lawful age testify & say that I was well ac- -quainted with Jeriah Powers late of Westmoreland N H deceased and also with Mary Robbins, and I was present at the marriage of the said Jeriah Powers to the said Mary Robbins at Westmoreland N H, they were married by the Rev d Mr. Goddard the Congregational Minister of Westmoreland N H in the month of January Eighteen hundred and sixty eight. I was present and saw the ceremony of marriage performed. I was married in April of the next year which was in the year 1869. I was married in the April after I was nineteen years of age, I am now Eighty Seven years of age, we were both mar- -ried before the commencement of the Revolution- ary war. The said Mary Robbins after she became the widow of the said Powers, married as I under- stand & believe one Aurora Lopez who has since deceased.
Esther X Barrett mark
State of Vermont Weinlaw County ss Brookline July 4 1837 Then personally ap- -peared Esther Barrett above named who is a credible person and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed is true Before me Alexander S. Cummings Justice Peace

Whitefish Mont. 3 , 23 , 1937.
Veterans Administration. Wash . D. C.
Dear Sir,
Prior to joining the D. A. R.s. must trace direct linage of an American Revolutionary Soldier  only . We are seeking the records of Josiah Powers Was a member of the convention to form the State Constitution of Vermont and a member of the Legislature in 1778 . Served in the Battle of Bunker Hill He was the son of Josiah and Martha Powers of the Garrison House at Nashoba Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated,
Sincerely.
Mrs C M. Bonner
Mrs C. M. Bonner

350 So. OCCIDENTAL BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CAL.
Mar 29 th 12
The Hon Com r of Pensions Washington D C Dear Sir's
Will you kindly furnish me with such information as the records of your office discloses concerning Josiah Powers a Revolutionary Soldier. He is buried at Athens Vermont & on his marble slab appears the words "A Revolutionary Soldier" He was my Great Grandfather & I am desirous of learning all I can of his soldier experiences Thanking You in Advance I am Yours very Truly
W. H. Powers Late 1 st Lieut - 4 th Wis St Art y

11 RECORD DEC 10 1910 December 8, 1910 Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Please inform me if you have on record the name of Josiah Posner, a Re- volutionary soldier, who went from Athens, Vermont in which town he died in March 28,

1808. His widow's name was Mary Robbins Powers who died Jan.
1842.
The War Department has no record of service and advised me to ask you.
I am sure he served in Massachusetts and Vermont but, I want proof of it.
Yours truly,
Blanche Powers Johnson 6 Elmwood Park, Malden, Mass.
DEC 10 1910
ack. Dec. 15, 1910

V.L.R.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
1910 Dec. 16 Hied to Mrs. Blanche T. Johnson 1912 Apr. 9 Hied to Mr. P. P. Powers. V.L.R. 1937 April 19. Hied to Mrs. M. Bonner and
File No. 17854
Mary Sofer Former widow of Josiah Powers Pr. Rev War
Act: July 4th 86
Index: — Vol. M Page 231

Paid 6
H. Gaultidge Esq
Neene
N H
Wm Lloyd

I William Hutchins of Westmoreland in the county of Cheshire & State of Newhampshin aged Eighty. nine years Depose and say that I was well acquainted with Josiah Powers who re- sided at said Westmoreland some years previous to the Revolutionary War, & was married to Mary Robbins, who I am informed & believe now resides at Athens Vt. having remained his widow for a number of years & still so remains - I further testify & say that in the month of May 1775 the said Josiah Powers enlisted as a private in the Company commanded by Capt Jacob Hinds, Lt Isaac Stone Ensign George Aldrich in Col. James Readt Regiment & Gen. John Sullivan's Brigade - I belonged to the same Company & marched with him to the vicinity of Cambridge - That the said Powers served in said Company the full term of Eight months & was in the battle at Bunker Hill William Hutchins
State of Newhampshire Cheshire ss. On the 29 th day of June A.D. 1838 the said William Hutchins personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed Before me Nathan G. Babbitt Jus. Peac.
Cheshire ss. I certify that the said William Hutchins, who is well known to me, is a credible person & to his affidavit full credence may be given N. G. Babbitt Justice of the Peac.

State of New-Hampshire Cheshire County ss — }
I Henry Coolidge, Clerk of the Superior Court of Indicture for the County of Cheshire, certify that Nathan G. Babbitt, was on the twenty ninth day of June last past, and still is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cheshire duly commissioned and qualified — and that his name within subscribed, is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Superior Court of Indicture at Keene the twenty third day of July anno Domini eighteen hundred and thirty eight
H. Coolidge Clerk

Dec. 15, 1910
Search made for Inverness pension in American State Papers. Small printed list list printed in 1835-4 That files and not found.