Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6031, for Furman Shepherd, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New Jersey
Shepherd Furman Shepard
N 6031
Hannah
CONTENTS

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Furman Sheppard Cumberland County New Jersey
   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.     Draft? 1776 6 - Ensign Capt Baynes Col Holmgren Marched to upper part of New Jersey 81 years Testimonial evidence   Draft? 1777 5 - - Capt Kelsey - Pluckemin Salem County New Jersey Clergymen's certificate   Draft? - 1 - - Capt Miles - Milistone Marched to the Blazing Star, & Placed to Red Bank Witnesses certificate   Vol not stated - - - Quinton Bridge Red Bank Bridge Documentary evidence   Appointed in the year 1779 Served as Com missary for 3 Arund Vols 1 - - { Appointed to Pluckemin & Red Bank } papers correctly attached period of service not precisely stated  
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.
Stat., 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

28.086  New Jersey
Thomas Shepherd, died of Cumberland Co. in the State of N. Jersey who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Sawyer of the regt commanded by Col. Holme in the N. Jersey Militia for 1 year from 1776
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey, at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Feb. 1834 — and sent to Elias P. Dickey Esq. Bridgeton N.J.
Answers to the List of Pensioners, allowance ending
must due to 20 Dec 32 1832 — of application } $143.77
Thomas Shepherd { Revolutionary Claim, } his son { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. H. Wilson Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 131
Sent to Edmund Shep- -pard Sept 6, 1836 Copies of papers sent to Hon. T. J. Duke, H.R. May 12, 1835

964. New Jersey. Hannah Shepherd widow of Furman Shepherd who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private Puffin
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28. day of July 1848 and sent to
Hon J. G. Hampton H of R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 316 Vol. 4.
Let to Wm L. A. Baker 17 June 1832
Reported
Enem. by St. Louis Nov. 29/50 taken

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
DEATHS.
Furman Sheppard was born July the Sixth 1754 and
Mary his first Wife was born February 25 th 1751. and
Hannah his second Wife was born October 26 th 1759
Sarah Sheppard Holmes. Wife of John Holmes.
Second Daughter of Furman &
Hannah Sheppard departed
this life September 15 th A.D. 1814.
Aged 31 Years and 4 Months.
Daniel Masekell Sheppard.
Departed this life September 25 th Anno Domini 1821.
Furman Sheppard.
Departed this life Decem- ber 21 st Anno Domini
1832.

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Enoch, Sheppard, Son of Furman, Sheppard and of Mary his Wife was born April the 15 th 1770.
Mary Sheppard Daughter of Furman Sheppard and Mary his Wife was born September 29 th 1779.
Rachel, Sheppard Daughter of Furman Sheppard and Hannah his Wife was born November the 24. 1781.
Sarah, Sheppard Daughter of Furman Sheppard and Hannah his Wife was born May the 24 th 1783.
Daniel, Maskell Sheppard Son of Furman Sheppard and Hannah his Wife was born February 25. 1786.
Robert Sheppard Son of Furman Sheppard and Hannah his Wife was born April 22. 1788.
BIRTHS.
Edmund Sheppard Son of Furman & Hannah Sheppard was born February 28. 1791
Thomas Sheppard Son of Furman & Hannah Sheppard was born November 15. 1793
Samuel Furman Sheppard Son of Furman & Hannah Sheppard was born March 11. 1797
Eliza Elmer Sheppard Daugh- ter of Furman and Hannah Sheppard was born March 24. 1799.
William Sheppard Son of Furman & Hannah Sheppard was born March 2. 1803.

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
MARRIAGES.
Forman, Sheppard and Mary his first Wife was married September the 15. 1776.
Furman, Sheppard and Hannah his second Wife was married the twentieth of December 1780

Thurman Sheffield Petition for a Pension
20244
Col Holmes 7 Capt Sawyer 5 Ensign 5 mo in 1776 Parole 1 " 6 "

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed, June 7, 1832.
State of New Jersey } County of Cumberland } ss:
On this first day of October in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before Reuben Hunt George London Jeremiah Duce & Edmund Sheppard Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, of Salem County, Now Sitting, Herman Sheppard residents of Bridgeton, in the County of Cumberland and State aforesaid, aged Eighty one years, Who being first duly sworn according to law, attests, on his oath make the following declarations, 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 in the year 1776 he was Drafted for Six Months as an Ensign, in Captain Reuben Sayre's company of Militia attached to the Battalion commanded by Colonel John Holmes at the time he was Drafted he resided in Salem County, State of New Jersey, that he immediately marched with the company to the upper part of New Jersey to a place called Pluckemin, and was marching with his company from different places in East Jersey, sometimes with the Regiment, and sometimes

with Scouting parties, that he remained in the Service until the expiration of the six months for which he was drafted, and after being out in the Revolutionary War six months, the company in which he was drafted as Ensign and in which he served as Ensign six months, returned to Salem County and were then regularly discharged. That during this six months service, he was in no general engagement. That does not now recollect the names of any other field officers in the Service at that time.
That some time during the year after he was discharged from his six months service, he was drafted again in Cumberland County, New Jersey for five months in Captain Pelsysg's Company, and marched to a place called the Blazing Star, and was quartered at that place most of the time, while there we was kept marching on the look out and in Scouting parties. That after having served five months the term for which he enlisted the company marched & returned to Cumberland County where he was regularly discharged.
That soon after he returned from the five months service as aforesaid, he was again drafted in Captain Nicks Company in Cumberland County, to serve for one month. That he marched with the company to Haddonfield, New Jersey, and was quartered at that place. That after being in the Service one month, the term for which he

enlisted. The Company marched to Cumberland County, where he was regularly discharged. — While in the five months Service under Captain Beck he remembers of being in the Battle of Millstone & retaking a large number of Cattle and Horses. Sheep and waggons, was in no other general engagement.
That while the British lay in Philadelphia, he was out in the Service as a volunteer in Salem County New Jersey, and was at the Battle at Linton's Bridge and also in the Battle at Hancock's bridge and was out as a Volunteer some days cannot recollect the precise time.
Some time in the year 1779 or 1780 he believes in 1779 Government Manned and fitted out three boats in the United States Service called Look out boats, in Raritan Creek and Delaware Bay, which boats on Vessels were manned by twenty four or twenty five men each, one of these Boats was commanded by Captain Allen, one by Captain Hance, and the other by Captain Hoop, when these Boats were fitted out & entered into the Service, he the said Furman Shepard received the appointment of commissary for the Service Boats, and continued to act as Commissary for one whole year from the time he was appointed, and faithfully discharged his duty as commissary during the whole year.
That he served six months in the Revolutionary War as Ensign, as above stated, And eleven months in the Militia as a private as above stated. And

a few days as a volunteer, as above stated. And one year as commissary as above stated, that he served altogether the period of two years seven months and upwards. — That although he was not in many battles yet he served his country faithfully as an Officer & Private & as Commissary, and during his service endured many privations and hardships, was healthy and vigorous, and never lost one day by sickness. — He has no documentary evidence, except the commission of his appointment to the aforesaid office of Ensign, which was made by the Provincial Congress & dated the fourteenth day of May 1776 and which commission is very much stained & in some places the writing and signatures almost obscure or faded away. He remembers that Samuel Tucker was President of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey and that William Paterson was Secretary.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year afore — Said in Open Court Reuben Hunt Pres t of the Court
Furman Shepherd

We Jonathan Brooks a clergyman, residing in the County of Cumberland & State of New Jersey, and Elias P. Shuley residing in the same County and State, Hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Furman Shepard, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty one years of age; and 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 & subscribed The day & year aforesaid - In open Court, Reuben Hunt Pres t of the Court
Jonathan Brooks Elias P. Shuley
Since 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 Jonathan Brooks who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the County of Cumberland New Jersey, and that Elias P. Shuley who has also signed the same is a resident in

the same County and State, and is a credible person, and that their Statements is entitled to credit.
Reuben Hunt Pres. of the Court
George Vander
Juvenick Hull
Edw. Shepard
} Advocates
I Ebenezer Seeley Clerk of the County of Cumberland, State of New Jersey, Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Har- man Shepard for a pension. — In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and seal of Office this first day of October in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. —
Edw. Seeley (the)

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7 th July, 1838, entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New Jersey, ss:—
On this twenty seventh day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland, State of New Jersey, Hannah Sheppard, a resident of Bridgetown, in the County of Cumberland aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oaths, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Furman Sheppard who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and whose name is on the pension roll, that a certificate granting & allowing to said Furman Sheppard a pension on account of services rendered as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, was issued from the War Department at Washington in latter part of the year 1833 or the early part of the year 1834 that the said Furman Sheppard soon after his pension was allowed deceased.
She further declares that she was married to the said Furman Sheppard on the twentieth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty, that her husband, the aforesaid Furman Sheppard

died on the twenty first day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated, and that she was never afterwards married, Sworn to & subscribed this day & year above written in open court
Hannah Sheppard
Dan Perkins
We the undersigned Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland State of New Jersey, being a court of record, Do hereby certify that the signature of Hannah Sheppard to the above declaration was taken & subscribed before us in open court, that the same is her own proper hand writing & signature, that Hannah Sheppard her husband deceased several years ago then residing in Hopewell Township County of Cumberland, New Jersey. Given under our hands & seals the twenty seventh day of September A.D. 1838.
Dan Perkins
John S. Ware
George Harris —11—

New Port N.J.
August 24. 1836
Honble. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
Dear Sir
Hannah Sheppard the Widow of Forman Sheppard, late a Revo- lutionary Pensioner, is Still living. She has a mind to apply for a Pension , under the 3 d Sect. of the Pension Act passed July 4. 1836. They are my Parents & were married December 1 st 1780.
Elias P. Seely Esq. drew my Father's Decla- ration & made out all the papers on which my Mother Hannah Sheppard received the Pension that accrued to her Husband Forman Sheppard up to the time of his decease; but Mr. Seely has not preserved a Copy of those papers, & we are not now in possession of any thing that shows the dates & times of Forman Sheppard's services. It is thought & believed (Chiefly in the recollection of my Mother) that Forman Sheppard, after they were married, rendered important Services as a Militia Officer in the Revolution, & was in several skirmishes with the enemy - if so, my Mother's Claim to a pen- sion, Can, we think, be easily made out.
It is for the foregoing reasons only , that I request to be furnished with the dates & times of the services of Forman Sheppard as con- tained in his declaration of papers, filed in your office.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully Your mot. Obt. Servt. Edm d Sheppard

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6031
Hannah Shepherd Wid.
Furman Shepherd Ensign Rev. War
Act: Feby. 2 nd 48
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 205
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

Shepherd, Furman No. W6031
Shepherd, Furman No. W6031
Shepherd, Furman W6031

The DEPUTIES of the several Counties of New-Jersey in PROV NCIAL CONGRESS.
To
W E reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do, by Virtue of the Power and Authority delegated to us by our Constituents, and in Pursuance of the Direction of the Honourable the Continental Congress, constitute you the said
You are therefore to take the said into your Charge and Care as thereof, and to exercise both Officers and Soldiers of that Arms. And as they are hereby directed to obey you as their you are likewise to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time as you shall receive from your superior Officer or Officers, Provincial Congress or Committee of Safety: And for your so doing this shall be your Commission. Dated the Day of
By Order of the Congress,
Attested

New Jersey 5579
Hannah Shepherd widow of Furman Shepherd
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 21. December 1832 of Cumberland Co. in the State of N. Jersey who was a Pr. V. Ensign in the company commanded by Captain Sayers of the regt. commanded by Col. Holmes in the N. J. Militia time for Pr. V. months 33 line for Ensigns 5 months 50 $53.33
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of July 1840 and sent to Hon. J. Kelle House of Representatives
Arrears to the 14th of March 1840 213.32 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st Sep. 26.66 $239.98
{ Act July 7. } 183

no 20244
Furman Shepherd Cumberland Co. New Jersey
New Jersey
from 1776 Ensign private 1 yr - Ensign Co. $60 - Pvt 6 20 -  80 -
Hannah Shepherd widow Amt due 21 Dec 1832. no allonance for marriage,
$143.77 Adm?
Dr. Edmund Shepherd Elias P. Seeley Esq.  his lady, Bridget, his wife New Jersey Bridgeton N.J.

2728
Hannah Shepard
Act. July 7. 1838
Col. Holmes } N. J. Capt. Layne } Militia
Manned 12 th Dec 1780 Subsisted 21 Dec 1832
No deduction
Col. Holmes } Capt. Layne }
Admitted & Ensign 5 months $50.- Promoted 1 - " - 3.33
53.33
For J. Kille
H. R. 114

4650 New Jersey
Let to Mrs. L. 2 C o 1844 do. to same 11. 1844 -
Hannah Shephard widow of Furman Shephard who was a privt Ensign in the N. Jersey Militia
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the twentyfourth day of Jan y 1844 and sent to
Elias P. Seeley Bridgeton N. J.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. / Page 126

Mutual Commission

House of Representatives March 8. 1844
Sir
I have been favoured with your letter of the 7 th inst. informing me "that the original family record filed in the case of W m Hannah Sheppard cannot be sent from the office, but a certified copy will be prepared and enclosed" — and by leave to say that I do not wish a certified copy because it will be of no service. The original only can be used as evidence.
Have the goodness to inform me whether you are prevented from returning the original by any law; or whether to do so will be contrary to a rule of the office. If there is any law forbidding it, being of opinion that such a law is entirely improper I wish to alter the law in the proper manner. If the return of original documents needed as evidence in other matters, is prevented by any rule of the office, I wish to apply to the Secretary at War to modify the rule, or to dispense with it in this particular case.
Very respectfully,
Your obed t servant
Lucius D. H. Elmer
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Comm r of Pensions

Phila June 22 nd 1840
The Hon. Joseph Willkie Sir
I received the Report of S. L. Edwards Esq of the 20 th April 1840. in the Case of Mrs Furman Sheppard, requiring "to produce evidence from the records in the office of the Secy. of State of New Jersey."
I have requested information from the Secy. of State, of the services of the late Furman Sheppard - and have been informed, there is no record to be found of his services.
This Commission was forwarded to Washington City when he applied for a Pension, and there has been proof filed since.
Will You have the goodness to ask Mr Edwards to allow the widow what he considers due to her in consideration of her Husband's services.
Do me the favor to say how soon you expect the Sub-Treasury Bill will be passed, as I am anxiously looking for its final passage, which no doubt will be gratifying to a large majority of the friends of the administration in this State -
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully Sir Your Obat. Servt.
S. G. S. Boner

House of Representatives Washington City April 17 1838
Dear Sir Will you oblige me by furnishing a copy of the papers, Furman Shipps and late a pension from the State of New Jersey -
Respectfully O. May Jr.
H. L. Edwards Esq War Dept.

Bridgeton New Jersey
December 30 th 1833
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir,
Doct r Edmund Sheppard has called on me in relation to his Father's (Herman Sheppard's) application for a pension, and has submitted to my perusal the petition which was written by myself & which by Herman Sheppard's request was enrolled by me & directed to the War Department (in behalf of my Father Ebenezer Seeley who was then Clerk of the Court.)
In reading the Declaration of Herman Sheppard, I discover the account given of his services at the commencement where it is given in detail, does not correspond with the time of Service as given at the conclusion or recapitulation.
At t Sheppard's resided in Bridgeton near my dwelling at the time he made his application, and being an old friend and acquaintance, was in the practice of spending many hours in my office and often conversed with me about his services in the Revolutionary War, and his application for a pension. And I can state with clearness & great certainty

that Mr. Sheppard informally stated that he served six months as Ensign at one time, five months as a private at another time and one month at another time, and making one year altogether, that he rendered no other service except as commonly said as stated in his Declaration.
The error made in that part of his Declaration where his service is recapitulated & where it is stated he served six months in the Revolutionary War as Ensign. And eleven months in the Militia as a private, is a mistake of my own. It should have been stated as it is given in detail in the first part of the Declaration, that he served six months as an Ensign & six months as a private, altogether twelve months - I am extremely sorry this error has occurred. It is a mistake entirely my own, and I should be sorry it should operate to the disadvantage of his very aged & respectable Widow.
As Mr. Sheppard was in indigent circumstances, I done the business for him as a friend, without any charge or compensation whatever. Therefore had no interest of a pecuniary kind in the result of his application. I hope this explanation of the error will be satisfactory.
With Respect Your obedt Servt Eliab D. Peabody

House of Representatives Feby 26. 1844
Sir,
Some 8 or 10 years ago, the family bible, or leave of it, of Turman Sheppard late a Pensioner as a Revolutionary officer, of Cumberland County New Jersey, was sent to your office, to establish his pension, or that of his widow Hannah Sheppard. The children of the deceased are desirous of having those leaves restored to them, they being important as evidence in some disputes in regard to land in New Jersey. Please send them some that I may forward them
Very respectfully
Yours ob servt
Richard D. Edwards
Col Edwards Esq

War Department
Pension Office
December 18, 1833
Sir,
The papers in support of the claim of your dece d father Truman Sheppard, are herewith returned. I regret to find on a re-examination of them, that there is a part of the declaration which requires explanation or amendment. The declarant sets forth terms of service of 5 and 6 months duration in 1776 and 1777. It does not appear from a recurrence to the Revolutionary history of New Jersey that drafts were for so long a period in those years. The latter part of the declaration is inconsistent with the first part. This is another material objection. Eleven months service as a private is set down in the recapitulation; but in the beginning of the statement, in which he goes into detail, he alleges only six months in that grade, 5 months at one time, and one month at another. I am sorry that the hasty perusal of the papers when you were here a few days since, did not allow me to discover the errors at that time.
I am with great respect
Your Obdt. Servt.
J L Edwards
Edmund Sheppard Esq r .
Bridgeton
N. Jersey

Samuel Shipard.
N. J. Rock.
Pensioned under the act of 1838. knowing
Rev. Eng. $80. 1838
J. M. Young Present

Bridgeton N. Jersey Oct 25/50
Dear Sir
A few days since Hannah Sheppard widow of Furman Shep- -pard handed me a letter from you concerning her pension
Immediately after the passage of the Joint Resolution of July 1 st 1848 her pension upon my application was increased from $53.33 to 80 dollars, the same that her husband received and the sum of $26.67 a year from the date of original certificate until March 1848 paid to her.
She desires to know whether the increase you suggest is not the one I have already obtained for her. I write at her request for the purpose, if such is the fact of saving you any further trouble in the matter.
I shall be pleased to hear from you at your earliest convenience
R. W. Sprung Esq Washington D.C.
Very respectfully Yours &c S. G. Hampton
Bridgeton Cumberland County N J

Newport R. I. Jany. 17. 1834
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir, I herewith return the papers of my deceased Father, Sumner Sheppard, with a letter written by Elias P. Seeley Esq. late Governor of R. I., explaining away the discrepancy of the detail of the declaration & the recapitulation.
I think this letter must be entirely satisfactory on that subject.
By a reference to the papers of Joseph Whetkar, on which he received a pension, you will perceive that there were Jersey militia men in the service 5 months or more in 1776
The fact is notorious here among the old & respectable men, that there were both five & six months men out in the A. Jany service during the years 1776 and 1777. By reference to the papers in your office upon which others have received pensions, I think the fact can also be made out.
If a pension is allowed on my Father's papers after these explanations, please forward the certificate to me. Very Respectfully &c. Edm. Sheppard

Declaration of Hannah Sheppard
4680
ad at 80
admitted
Hon J. G. Baughman H of R

State of New Jersey } ss: County of Cumberland }
On this twenty seventh day of June A.D. 1848, personally appeared before me Henry R. Foster — one of the Magistrates of the said County, Hannah Sheppard, a resident of Bridgeton, County and State aforesaid, aged eighty nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision, made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February 1848, granting pensions to Widows, of persons, who served during the Revolutionary war —
That she is the widow of Furman Sheppard, who was a private and Ensign in the war of the Revolution, and died on the 21 st day of December A.D. 1832; and that she has received at the rate of fifty three dollars, and thirty three cents, per annum, under the act of the 17 th June A.D. 1844 —
She further declares that she is still a Widow —
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, —
Henry R. Foster Magistrate } Hannah Sheppard
State of New Jersey Cumberland County. ss:
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, & that she is the same individual, who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing Affidavit, —
Henry R. Foster Magistrate

New Jersey
Cumberland County ss.
I Daniel M. Woodruff, Clerk of the Court of Cumberland County, cer- tify that Henry R. Foster - is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing certificates purporting to be his are genuine -
In testimony whereof, I have hereto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name, the twenty eighth day of June A.D. 1848
Daniel M Woodruff Clerk of the Court of Cumberland Co.

State of New Jersey Cumberland County ss:
I Josiah Fithian clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the county of Cumberland New Jersey being a court of record, Do hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings & depositions were taken and had before the judges of said court, in open court, and I do further certify that at the time thereof Dan Smithing was presiding judge of said court, that John S. Ware and George Harris the other two judges who have attested as above said to the Declaration of Hannah Shep- -heard under oath are and were at the time thereof associate judges of said court of com- -mon Pleas, all of whom are & were duly com- -missioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and seal of said court the ninth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Josiah Fithian clerk

State of New Jersey Cumberland County P:
I Josiah Fithian clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland, State of New Jersey. Do hereby testify that William D Bennett Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit of Joseph Bush & Elias P. Seeley was taken & subscribed and who has attested thereunto, was at the time thereof, and now is a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit is and should be given to all his official acts as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court the ninth day of October. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty Eight.
Josiah Fithian clerk
I Josiah Fithian clerk as aforesaid, Do further certify that I have made strict search on the record of Marriages in my office and that the Marriage of Furman Sheppard to Hannah Sheppard the persons above- named is not recorded in my said Office In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand & seal the 9 th day of October A.D. 1838.
Josiah Fithian clerk

State of New Jersey } Cumberland county } ss
We the subscribers Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for said county do hereby certify that Hannah Sheppard of Hopewell Township in the county aforesaid is the surviving relict or Widow of us Norman Sheppard deceased, a revolutionary pensioner, late of the same place, who died the 21 st day of December Anno Domini 1832.
Witness our hands this 10 th day of December 1833 —
Dan Simkins David Lupton Edm d Sheppard
State of New Jersey } ss I Samuel Kelley Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that Dan Simkins, David Lupton and Edmund Sheppard who has signed the above certificate was at that time and now an Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Cumberland, duly commissioned and sworn into office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court hereunto. This Eleventh day December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Samuel Kelley Clerk

President's name 2728
Hon. Jos. Kille HR

Bridgeton N.J. March 15 th 1840
Dear Sir
It is with regret that I am obliged to trouble you in reference to my claim for a pension which was presented to you some two years ago by Mr Seely. I now have got another Gentleman to attend to it for me who has endeavored to furnish other proof, as required by your last report, but without the success I could wish it appears by your report that upon examination of my claim for services rendered by my husband Furman Sheppard that his services were not such as to entitle him to the pay allowed. Since his living I can only say that I always understood him to say that his services were such as to entitle him to full pay as a pirate having been in the service a long time in that capacity and part of the time as Ensign and part of the time as commissary of the Boats mentioned in his declaration which boats he always alleged to have belonged to the United States service. I therefore hope that you will be so kind as to reconsider my claim and if possible (without doing doing injustice to yourself and the department) to allow me a sum which would be equivalent to the services rendered by my husband inasmuch as I suffered a great deal in the war myself and am now old and infirm and dependent on my children for support.
J. L. Edwards Esq,
Hannah Sheppard

Princeton New Jersey
Decem. 19. 1842,
H. L. Edwards Esq Comt. of Pensions
Dear Sir
I enclose the Declara- tion of Mr. Hannah Sheppard of the class for a pension
Please forward his certificate to me
I am very Respectfully
Yours Obedt Servt
Eliza P. Bailey "

Oct 25 10 28 AM N.Y. N.Y. N.Y. N.Y.
for
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comt. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Berkeley W. New Jersey April 22, 1839
H. L. Edwards Esq
Dr Sir - Some time last fall I enclosed to you the petition of Mrs. Hannah Sheppard & Mrs. Green for pensions under the late act. Mrs. Sheppard's husband Samuel Sheppard was a pensioner at the time of his death, as the old Ladies are exceedingly anxious about their success. Will you have the goodness to write me by mail soon as their cases can possibly be examined, as to the result. I suppose there can be no difficulty about Mrs. Sheppard's case as her husband was on the pension roll - but did not live to draw any part of his pension. by reference to the papers, you will find his widow drew the first payment & all that was ever drawn.
I am very respectfully
Your ob t Serv t
Ogden Rute 66 to C.C.S. 25 Mar.
2728 Oct 24 Hannah Sheppard rec d
Charles P. Seeley

Bridgetown West New Jersey Oct. 17. 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir,
I enclose the papers of Ruth Ogden & Hannah Shepard, praying for a pension under the late act of Congress. The husband of Mrs. Shepard obtained a pension short time prior to his death, but not having the certificate or any note of the time when granted; in her declaration she only refers to the fact generally.
The other case Mrs. Ruth Ogden the husband deceased before he could avail himself of the benefit of the law. I found on conversing with many persons relative to her husband Col. James Ogden, that he was in the Revolutionary War a great part of the war that he was promoted from Orderly Sergeant to Lieutenant and then to Captain, when his services terminated he held the commission of Captain.
— The case of Mrs. Ruth Reeves which was presented some months ago, & instructions recd. for more proof, &c: the reason that the matter has not been sent on to the Department, is that Mrs. Reeves died one or two months since.
Should you require any further proof in the present cases, please inform me, it cannot be expected to prove the particular service, the husband who performed the service being deceased I

Since that no person living can testify as to the precise month or time when the divorce was performed. He seems to have been generally known in the war by the soldiers from this quarter, the fact of his being in the war a long time seems to be admitted & believed by many & indeed all the old persons where he resided. He has always been reported to have been one of those revolutionary worthies who bore the burthen & heat of the day.
Please direct to me Bridgeton W. N. J.
I am very Respectfully your ob t . serv t .
Ebenezer P. Seeley

State of New Jersey Cumberland County } ss
On this twelfth day of March A.D. 1840 personally appeared before me one of the judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Hannah Sheppard of said County aged Eighty three years who being first duly affirmed according to Law, doth on her affirmation make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Furman Sheppard who was a soldier of the Revolution and served for the term of two years and upwards the particulars of which will appear by reference to the declaration filed by the said Furman Sheppard in 1832 in the War Department for the purpose of his obtaining a pension upon which he was granted Dollars per year - She further saith that she was married to the said Furman Sheppard on the Twenty fifth day of December A.D. Seventeen Hundred & Eighty the proof of which will be seen by reference to her former applications on file in the pension office and that her husband the said Furman Sheppard died in the year 1832 and that she remains his widow as will more fully appear by reference to proof hereto annexed and that she is not able to appear in open Court from ill health and the said Judge do certify that she is not able to appear in open Court.
Affirmed & Subscribed the day and year above written before me
John Salicetti
Hannah Sheppard

State of New Jersey, ) I, Jonah Nathan Clerk of Cumberland County ss.) The Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland do hereby certify that John Skulkeil who has attested to the foregoing certificate was at the time and now is a Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature thereunto is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Bridgeton in said County this Thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty A.D. 1840
Jonah Nathan Clerk

State of Pennsylvania } County of Philadelphia } ss
On this sixteenth day of March A.D. 1840 personally appeared before me the subscriber an Alderman in and for the County of Philadelphia William Sheppard and Isaac Wheaton who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on their several oaths declare and say that they are both personally acquainted with Hannah Sheppard named in the annexed declaration and that she is the widow of Furman Sheppard deceased and has always remained his widow ever since the death of the said Furman Sheppard who died in the month of December in the year Eighteen Hundred and Thirty two. Sworn to and subscribed } Wm Sheppard the day & year above } Isaac Wheaton Mentioned Before me } G. S. Lewis Alderman
I do certify that the above named Deponents William Sheppard and Isaac Wheaton are highly respectable Citizens of the County of Philadelphia and that they are entitled to full credit as witnesses. G. S. Lewis
Philadelphia County ss.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and of the whole thereof. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 16th day of March A.D. 1840. John Lewis Esq. before whom the above affidavits were made and by whom the Above Certificate was made and given and who has thereunto personally subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and still is an Alderman in and for the County of Philadelphia duly commissioned and qualified to

all whose acts as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given as well in Courts of law as elsewhere In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23 rd day of March A.D. 1840.
S. Heart (Notary Public)

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who had received pensions under the act of July 9 th 1838.
State of New Jersey ss: On this nineteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared before me Hugh B. Morris, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the County of Cumberland in said State, Hannah Shepard, a resident of Bridgeton in the said County of Cumberland, aged 85 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Meriman Shepard who was a Private and Ensign in the War of the Revolution, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 9 th 1838 was thirty three Dollars and thirty three cents. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me one of the Justices of the Peace, in & for the County of Cumberland, New Jersey.
H. B. Morris
Hannah Shepard

I H. R. Mersilles, justice of the Peace of the County of Cumberland, N. Jersey, do certify that I am well acquainted with Harriah Sheppard, the person, who has subscribed her name to the foregoing declaration, under Oath, before me, that she now resides in this place, that she is the widow of Jeremiah Sheppard dec d , who was a Pensioner.
Given under my hand, at Br. Cumberland County N. J. this nineteenth day of December A. D 1843.
H. R. Mersilles J. Peace
I Daniel M Woodruff Clerk of the Cumberland N. J. County, do hereby certify that H. R. Mersilles is and was at the time of signing the above Certificate a justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned & sworn
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County this twentieth day of December A. D 1843
D. M. Woodruff Clerk.

State of New Jersey Camberland County ss.
Joseph Buck aged forty one years, being duly sworn according to law deposeth and says that he is well acquainted with Mrs. Hannah Sheppard the present applicant for a pension, that she is also acquainted with the family Bible of said Hannah Sheppard & her late husband Furman Sheppard that this Deponent cut the annexed two leaves containing the family record from the family Bible aforesaid, and that the said leaves annexed contains the whole of the family record of said Furman & Hannah Sheppard.
Sworn & Subscribed } Joseph H. Buck October 9. 1838 }
William Brant Justice of the peace
Camberland County ss.
Elias P. Seely being aged forty six years (or upwards), & being duly sworn according to law deposeth and says that he is well acquainted with Mrs. Hannah Sheppard & was well acquainted with her late husband Furman Sheppard deceased, that the annexed two leaves of family record was cut out and taken from their family record in the presence of Deponent by Joseph Buck and the same contains the whole of the

the family record of said Furman Sheppard & Hannah Sheppard, and is the true & genuine family record of said Furman & Hannah Sheppard Sworn & Subscribed Before me Oct 10th 9 th 1838 ————— Williams D. Daret Justice of the peace
Cumberland County ss:
I William D Barret a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cumberland New Jersey, Do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Buck and Elias P Seely of said County who have taken & Subscribed the foregoing Affidavit respectively before me and in my presence, and that they are credible persons & their oath is at all times entitled to full weight and credit & have always so taken and received in all courts. Given under my hand this ninth day of October, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Williams D. Daret Justice of the peace