Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,119, for Stephen Pelton, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Pelton, Stephen
S. 14. 119
Carded
CONTENTS

June 29 '33 certificate returned for re-enclosed to J. B. Lansing esq.
at the rate of 68. Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19. day of June 1833. and sent to Jacob C. Lansing, Lansingburgh, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - 137. 32. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. " - 34 33
$ 171 65.
{ Revolutionary Cl. Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Francis  Francis Book E. Vol. 4. Page 7

adm D 6 mo Corp 14 mo. pri

Battle, which took place in Walloonsbrock in Rensselaer County State of New York - Three or four miles westerly or northwesterly of Bennington Village (or Stores as they were then called). was in Bennington. During the Battle being left with others to guard the Stores; when we arrived at Benning- ton from Pittsfield there were but fifteen of us who came from Pittsfield, we rem- ained unorganized until three days after the battle; The Militia arriving from every quarter in confused numbers and names; - Moses Noble, Samuel Hubbard & Isaac Hill were among those who went with us from Pittsfield; In three days after the Battle we were organized and were ordered to march to the main Army to meet Burgoyne, on our way we stopped at the Battleground and buried some of the dead deeper and also buried some horses. I do not remember any of the Officers on our march, except General Stark, Major Warner, Captain Nathaniel Wood and those just above named, the Officers & men being made up of volunteers & recruits from all parts of the surrounding country. We marched to Stillwater & arrived there after the first battle was fought, and remained there several weeks and after the main Battle was fought we marched to Saratoga in a few days after the Battle. - I was on the left wing, the Militia were generally

in the woods, Skulking from tree to tree during the Battle, doing what injury they could to the enemy by cutting of stragglers &c after remaining a number of days at Saratoga Burgoyne surrendered to General Gates. I was then put in the rear guard and we marched to Albany with the Prisoners, ~
I then Volunteered in a Company & was marched to White Plains in Westchester County New York, where I remained until the next Spring, when I was taken sick and I cannot remember what time I was - discharged, but I think it was in May and believe corn was up; =
In June 177 80 I entered the service of the United States as a Chapman at Otis in Massachu- setts. under our Sergeant, Wright. was marched to the City of Albany and guarded the City Hall which contained Prisoners and Lories. staid there till the next fall when I was discharged. There were Three Lories hung upon the same Gallows at the barracks while I was there; - =
In the Spring of the year 1780 In April or May I again entered the service as a Substitute for Ephraim Patterson Hatter. at Otis. who was drafted for six months, we were marched to Albany Colonel Brown commanded Jonathan Norton

was our Lieutenant, Caleb Shattuck was our Ensign, under a Captain Sackett. — we went from Albany to Schenectady — Col Brown's Regiment guarded the boats of Provisions on the way up the Mohawk River to Fort Stanwix; we arrived at Fort Stanwix in two or three weeks, I slept in the fort two or three nights. then returned with the boats down the River through the woods to Fort Plain there Col Brown subdivided his Regiment & I was stationed at Fort Plain one or two miles above Fort Plain, remaining there till Brandt burned Schoharie. Then went to Stone Arabia to a fort there in what is now called Palatine, While there Colonel Brown was informed by a British deserter that Brandt with his British, Tories, and Indians, was three miles off - whereupon he ordered us to march out of the fort to attack Brandt. but we had not gone more than half a mile when we found ourselves ambushed, a battle commenced as soon as a line could be formed, Colonel Brown was shot through the head & killed, about one third of the Regiment was killed among whom was one John Lloyd a neighbor of mine, a Retreat was then ordered, and we retreated into the fort and one man was shot through the fort holes after we got into the fort In the middle of the afternoon of the same day an Officer by the name Schyler with about five hundred men & thirty Indians as reports came to our relief, and we marched

from the Fort up the River about three miles to an Intercal where we overtook - Brandt & his corps. - Schuyler ordered our Indians forward. They fired on Brandt's Corps, which halted formed a line, and commenced an attack Our Indians fell back upon us. and the engagement became General, I was on the right wing which was attacked by the Indians, we rose & fired on them & they fell back upon their main body, and were so closely pressed by our Troops that they were driven into the River which they groped & took to flight, leaving a field piece called a Grass Hopper, Horse cattle, ammunition, & much of their plunder in our hands, and I believe thirty one Prisoners, this was late in the fall -
We then went to Fort Plank stand there several days till we heard that Brandt had left the country, & we were then dismissed, the day before the battle our time of service had expired, but the officers detained us on account of Brandt's being in the country -
I never had any written discharge; while at Fort Plank I was wounded in the left foot by a log falling on it which has disabled my foot in a measure ever since I was born at Granville, Hampshire County - Massachusetts, on the 10 th day of December 1758 I have no record of my age, I have lived in Otis since the Revolution till about ten years ago. I then moved to Cayuga Village Cayuga County New York lived there about ten years I now live in Lempster, I am known to Oliver Dyer of Sandy Hill V. Y. Chauncy Dyer - Postmaster Lempster, Jonas Whitney & John Kibbe of Otis Mass. who can testify to my character for truth & the length of my services as a soldier of the Revolution

State of New York, ss. County of Rensselaer
On this Twenty fourth day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before Stephen Pelton the Court of Common Pleas of said county now sitting, Stephen Pelton a resident of Lansingburgh county of Rensselaer and 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. In July 1777 at Otis in Berkshire County Massachussetts, he entered the service of the United States as a drafted man under Captain Porter, Lieutenant Jonathan Norton of the Militia, under the command of Colonel Forsey of Lansingburgh rendezvoused at Pittsfield and in the latter part of July marched for Bennington, General Stark commanded at Bennington. He was not in the
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or (if any,) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Stephen Pelton
Archibald Bull Clerk
We, Chauncy Ives  a Clergyman , residing in the Village of Lansingburgh and James Whiting residing in the City of Troy hereby certify that we are acquainted with Stephen Pelton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy three 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.
Chauncy Ives James Whiting
Archibald Bull Clerk
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 Chauncy Ives who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman  Postmaster resident in the Town of Lansingburgh and that James Whiting who has also signed the same, is a resident in the City of Troy and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. That the applicant is not sufficiently acquainted with any clergyman in his neighborhood who can certify in his behalf.
I, Archibald Bull Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Pelton for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 24 day of September 1832.
Archibald Bull Clerk

State of Massachusetts County of Berkshire Town of Otis
John Ribbe of said Town
Having been duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Stephen Pitton now of Lansingburgh County of Rensselaer and State of New York and knows him to have been a Soldier of the Revolution - that according to his best belief and recollection he was marched with a Detachment under Lieut. Norton to oppose the advance of Genl. Burgoyne - this he thinks was about the 1 st of July 1777. the said Stephen Pitton continued with the Northern Army in company with a Brother of mine Moses Ribbe now deceased - (which makes the recollection more distinct) until after the capture of Burgoyne when they volunteered to accompany the Army or some portion thereof to White Plains when they remained until the following Spring when they were discharged and returned in company together the Deponent was not with them during the whole of this period - he only is confident as to their departure and return - for the remainder he is indebted to what he understood from others but which he has reason to think is correct. Said Pitton also as Deponent believes is a man of truth and veracity
Subscribed and sworn this 19 th day of September 1832
John Ribbe
before me I David Seymour Justice of the Peace of the Town of Otis in the County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts do hereby certify that John Ribbe is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit.
David Seymour Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County, Clerk's Office ss:
I Charles Scaywick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts do certify that David Seymour Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavits & certificates was at the time of taking the same, & is now, a Justice of the Peace of the town of Otis in the County of Berkshire, of fair character, and that I believe the signatures to the said affidavits & certificates by said Seymour to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal the fifth day of October A.D. 1832. Chas Scaywick
my official seal 1832
ss

State of Massachusetts - 2 Berkshire County Clerk's office, fs 9
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas or County Court of the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts, do certify that David Seymour whose name is subscribed to the within named affidavits & certificates, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace of the Town of Otis in the County of Berkshire of fair fame etc. and that I believe the signature to the said affidavits & certificates by said said Seymour to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Official Seal the day of 1832

State of Massachusetts County of Berkshire Town of Otis
Jonas Whitney of said Town Having been duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Stephen Petton now of Lansingburgh County of Rensselaer and State of New York and knows him to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that he was marched under the command of Lieut Norton and joined the Expedition commanded by Col. Brown to Fort St. Johns - that he then understood that he was in the Engagement at Stone Arabia where the said Col. Brown was killed - this Detachment under Lieut Norton were ordered into service for three for three months at the expiration of which term the greater part of them returned - but whether the said Petton was with them or continued longer in service Deponent cannot state - D r Petton also, as Deponent believes is a man of truth and veracity
Subscribed and sworn this 19 th day of September 1832
Jonas Whitney
Before me and I Baird Symons Justice of the Peace of the Town of Otis in the County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts do certify that Jonas Whitney is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit.
Baird Symons Just Peace

We John W. McCullough a Clergyman residing in the village of Lansingburgh and Augustus Filley a Justice of the Peace of the same place, hereby certify, that we are acquainted with Stephen Pelton, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me March 11 th 1833 John W. McCullough Augustus Filley Jacob C. Lansing Justice of the Peace of Lansingburgh
State of New York Rensselaer County ss I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of the said county do certify that Jacob C Lansing Esquire before whom the foregoing Declaration & affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace of the said county Likewise that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to said Declaration and said affidavit to be his proper hand writing & signature Witness my hand and seal of office this 14 th day of March 1833 H. R. Bristol Clerk

State of New York, County of Rensselaer. Town of Lansingburgh ss. On the 11 th day of March A.D. 1833. Then personally appeared before me, the undersigned a justice of the peace of the said town of Lansingburgh, Stephen Pelton, who being sworn deposeth and saith, that he cannot by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, swear positively as to the precise length of time 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 the period
10 mo 10 from the 15 th of July in the year 1777, until the 15 th of May 1778, he served as a private soldier, as stated in the first part of his former declaration; that for the period from the 15 th of June in 1778 or 1779, he served as a Clapman, was marched to Albany to guard the city hall as a private soldier, there were prisoners and tories there, and when he was discharged, the farmers had got through making cider and digging potatoes. I have no doubt it was as late as the first of Novem- ber, and I recollect, that an officer who was a dutchman had command of the station, and according to my best recollection, his name was Van Schaick. I served this year as a private soldier, under one Sergeant Knight.
say 4 mo.
In the period from about the first of May, 1780, I served as a substitute for my father Ephraim Pelton who was drafted for six months, and I served the whole six months, and seven or eight days; after our time was out as stated in my declaration. I served this year as a Corporal being chosen as such by the company to which I belonged.
6 mo
I cannot by reason of loss of memory and by reason of being transferred and collected with squads from all quarters, recollect any thing more in regard to the names of officers under whom I served.
I can refer to Chauncy Ives, postmaster at Lansingburgh and Augustus Filley, Justice of the peace of the same place, who can testify to my character for truth, & their belief of services as a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me
Jacob Lansing Justice of the Peace of Lansingburgh Stephen Pelton

14. 776 Stephen Pelton
5.6.16
P 279
Feb. 28-33
Hon. J. Pierson H. R.
Mr. Pierson
March of 1833 in the State of Connecticut for the care of (Not all time lost)
Where the declaration was before a Court or a judge;
If before a judge, does it appear that the applicant is dissatisfied by such judgment;
State the reasons;
and in the form annexed;
Parties
Names of parties
Names of parties and kind of action

14. 74.  BRIEF in the case of  Stephen Filton  County of Rensselaer — in the State of New York  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 73  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Off. In 1777 July not stated precisely private Gen. Capt. Porter, Col. Torrey   1778 or '9 do do " Sergeant Wright   Sub. 1780 Spring 6 months " Capt. Sackett, Col. Brown  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? one with Indians  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Old Mohawk  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional & a witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? They are not connected with the Clerk's Seal as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Maugh
Examining Clerk.
July 13 th 1833

June 1. 1853 Sent for Dear W. C. Follett.
9
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

State of New York } Rensselaer County. } G
On this 16 th day of Jan. Eighteen hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the Justices of the Justices Court of the City of Troy and County aforesaid, the same being a Court of Record. Charlotte A. Walker aged 41 years a resident of the City of Troy County aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in Order to obtain an increase of Pension due her Father Stephen Pelton deceased, That she is His only Child and here at law with Chauncy her brother in law of the said Pelton at the time of his death, which was on the 10 th day of December 1843. That he had a wife who died in the month of September 1823. This deponent further testifies that her Father said Pelton was a Pensioner of the Revolution of $68.66 cents per ann. and was placed on the Pension Roll 30 th Sep r . 1819.
This application is made for an increase or difference of what he did receive under his application from the Government of his Pension to the time of his death, as appears from the proof of Service from the Secretary's office of Mass s  1832  Charlotte A. Walker sworn to and submitted on the day and year above written before me Chas E. Brinsmade Justice of the Peace. I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above deponent and that she is a person of truth and veracity, Chas E. Brinsmade Justice of the Peace

State of New York Rensselaer County ss. J. D. Bruttiss Clerk Troy Justice Court Clerk of the Justice Court of the City of Troy (The same being a court of Record having a Clerk and Seal) Do hereby certify that Charles E. Brumhall before whom the foregoing declaration was made known to was at the time of taking such affidavit and declaration one of the Justices of the Justice Court of the City of Troy & a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Rensselaer duly qualified & sworn & an acting Justice at the time of taking such declaration affidavit Witness my hand & the seal of said Justice Court this 16 th day of June 1853 J. D. Bruttiss Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
June 14. 1853.
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 Stephen Pelton is borne on pay roll of Capt Sackett's Comp. Col. Woodbridge's Regt. Aug. 20. to Oct. 27. 1777. 2 months 7. days. Also on pay roll of Capt. Peter Porter, under Gen. Stark, of Brattleboro County and served from July. 1. 1778. 4. months.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. W. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.
and vicinity,
Chas. G. Mannatt Justice of the Peace

State of New York Rensselaer County } ss
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of Stephen Pelton in the war of the Revolution he was a native of the town of  in the County Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts, was a Private Corporal in the Militia of Massachusetts and drew a Pension of $68.66 per annum This application is made by me the undersigned Chas. J. G. Gosselin and heir at Law of said Stephen Pelton deceased for an increase of said Pension from its commencement to the time of said Pelton's death.
STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,
ss I, AMBROSE H. SHELTON , Henry A. Clunn
Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Chauncy W. Farnham Esq.   was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was  at the day of the date thereof, as a witness was & is at this time a justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this twenty sixth day of May
1853
Henry A. Clunn Clerk

State of New York Rensselaer County ss
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of Stephen Pelton in the war of the Revolution he was a native of the town of in the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts, was a Private Corporal in the Militia of Massachusetts and drew a Pension of $68.66 per annum This application is made by me the undersigned Chauncy L. Townsend and heir at Law of Said Stephen Pelton demand for an increase of Said Pension from its commencement to the time of Said Pelton's death Witness my hand this 23 rd day of May 1853.
Signed by Said C. L. Townsend in my presence — Chauncy L. Townsend Chauncy M. Larnham Justice Peace

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Stephen Pelton a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 14,119.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 15, 1777. Enlist 15, 1778. Pri. Peter Porter, Torrey, Mass.   June 15, 1778 or 1779 to following Fall. Sergt. Wright. — "   May 1, 1780. Comms 108 days. Corpl. Sacket Woodbridge "   Nathaniel Wood — "  
Battles engaged in, Second battle of Stillwater
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted at Otis, Berkshire Co. Mass.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 24, 1832. His ch was al-
Residence at date of application, Lansingburgh, Rensselaer Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, He was the son of Ephraim Pelton and was
Remarks: {born Dec. 10, 1758 at Granville, Hampshire Co. Mass.
Soldier's wife, name not stated, died in Sept. 1823, he died Dec. 10, 1843. Charlotte A. Walker, aged 41 yrs. and a resident of Troy, Rensselaer Co., N.Y., in 1853, was at that time the only surviving child of soldier.
The above noted is the only S. P. found on the etc etc.
Very respectfully,

STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. Rensselaer County, }
Be it known that before me, Jacob C. Lansing a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Stephen Pelton and made oath in due form of law that he is the identical Stephen Pelton named in an original Certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy.
WAR DEPARTMENT.
(14774)
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, Stephen Pelton of the State of New York, who was a private and Captain during the Revolutionary War in the Revolutionary Army , is entitled to receive sixty eight dollars and sixty six cents per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this nineteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
L. S.
EXAMINED AND COUNTERSIGNED, }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
John Robb Acting Secretary of War
That he is entitled to a Pension of sixty eight dollars & sixty six cents per annum on account of services rendered to the United States during the Revolutionary War; that he served in Captain Nathaniel Wood & Sackett's Company of Militia in the Colonel's Forces and Brown's Militia Regiments , that he now resides in Lansingburgh and has resided there for the space of One year past, and that previous thereto he resided in Aurora in Cayuga County, about ten years and previous thereto in Hts, Berkshire County, Massachusetts — Sworn and subscribed this fourth day of September - 1833, before me,
the undersigned in the Revolutionary Army - and the undersigned Jacob C. Lansing Justice of the Peace
Stephen Pelton
Know all Men by these Presents,
That I, Stephen Pelton a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Chauncy P. Sikes my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying Pensions in the City and State of New York, my Pension from the fourth day of March 1831 to the fourth day of September 1833.
Witness, my hand and seal this fourth day of September 1833.
SEALED AND DELIVERED IN PRESENCE OF }
Stephen Pelton
A. Lansing
State of New York, Rensselaer County, ss.
Be it known, that on the fourth day of September 1833, before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for the said county, personally appeared Stephen Pelton above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
For the undersigned in the Revolutionary Army was omitted in the original certificate Jacob C. Lansing Justice of the Peace
State of New York, Rensselaer County, ss.
I, Henry R. Bristol Clerk of the said county, do certify, that Jacob C. Lansing before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, and also before whom the above Power of Attorney purports to have been acknowledged, was, at the date of the same, of the justices of the peace in and for the said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, and the acknowledgement of the execution of the said Power to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness, my hand and seal of office, this
day of
183
Stephen Pelton

Wm Lloyd J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Lansingburgh N. York June 26 th 1833
Dear Sir. I yesterday recd the enclosed - Pension certificate from your Department - and perceive that a mistake has occurred in the certificate in spelling the name of the applicant. - It is spelt. in the - certificate. Stephen Peterson . whereas it should be Stephen Pelton as will be seen by reference to a critical examination of all the Original Papers - As it will require but a moment to correct the error, and as the old gentleman feels a little anxiety on the subject - may request that a corrected certificate will be forwarded to me immediately, as the merits of his claim have been passed on & decided -
very respectfully Yours &c
Jacob L. Lansing
Ward J. L. Edwards

March 21.
133 B. N.Y.
W.P.
FREE
Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of War Washington City D.C.

Leicester March 1838
I enclose the Application of Stephen Petton with all the additional Vouchers he is able to procure as at present informed. by which it will appear that he served in all about 20 3 / 4 months, six months of the time as a Corporal. (for which I am not informed whether he would be entitled to any greater pay) -
I hope the Department will reexamine his case as soon as practicable, and if any objections still exist in the case suggest them to me. that if possible they may be obviated.
I am Respectfully
Jacob C. Lakin
Your Secy of War
Paris
London

Washington City D.C. July 12 th 1853
Sir;
Enclosed Please find the application of Charlotte Walker daughter of Stephen Pelton Dec'd a Revolutionary Soldier & Pensioner from State of New York for an increase of her Fathers Pension
I remain Sir
Very Respectfully
Dear Abt. Servt
M c Kelly
To the Commr. of Pensions

State of New York } Rensselaer County } ss
On this 18 th day of June 1853 personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid, duly authorized law to administer Oaths for general purposes. The undersigned deponent a resident of the town of Lansingburgh County aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law Testifies and says that he well knew Stephen Pelton deceased. That he attended the said Pelton as his Physician and that said Pelton died as appears from his Books on the 10 th or 11 th day of December 1843
C. V. W. Benton
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written,
Isaac Thomson Justice Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above deponent and that this is what he represents himself to be in the above affidavit, and is a credible Witness.
Isaac Thomson Justice Peace

State of New York } Rensselaer County } Gs
On this 18 th day of June 1853. Personally appeared before the undersigned Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid duly authorized by law to administer Oaths for general purposes Chauncy P. Ives a resident of County aforesaid aged 45 years, who being duly sworn according to law, Testifies and Says that he was well acquainted with Stephen Pelton deceased who was a Pensioner of the Revolution of $88.66. per Annum and a resident of Rensselaer County aforesaid. That said Pelton left no widow him surviving, that said Pelton died on the 10 th day of December 1843. I further testify Charlotte A. Walker is the daughter & Chauncy Ives the son-in-law of said Pelton and the only lawful heirs at law of said Pelton
Chauncy P. Ives Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day above written Dale Watson Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above deponent and that he is a person of truth and veracity
Dale Watson Justice of the Peace

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Stephen Pelton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
yes
V. * Has he mentioned 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? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 5. 7.
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡ QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by M. M. Conboy
Claim No. Aug 24, '09.
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Stephen Pelton
Service Rev.
Additional Service _____
No _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
No claim except on law. File # 14,119.

ESTABLISHED 1784 University of the State of New York New York State Library ESTABLISHED 1818
GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS, Chancellor ANSON J. UPSON, Vice-Chancellor MELVIL DEWEY, Secretary and Director of State Library ALBERT B. WATKINS, Assistant Secretary
Dictated In reply to yours of
Albany, N. Y. 13 0 '92
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear sir: Can you kindly inform me whether the records of your office show anything about the Revolutionary service of one Stephen Pelton, supposed to have been a colonel in the Massachus- etts troops?
Yours very truly
D. V. R. Johnston
Reference librarian
B

July 14, 1853
Appl. of Charlotte A. Walker, daugh- ter of Stephen Pelton, decd.
N. York.
John T. Neely, Present.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BU
Com.

Rev. War
14119 INVALID.
File No. 14119
Stephen P. Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 293
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1893 - Feb. 7, Hist. to D. V. G. Johnson, Albany, N.Y. G.S.
1909, Aug. 20: History to Mrs. M. E. King. Z.W.

Albany, N.Y. Roll. Act 7 June 1832. Stephen Pelton, Pri & Hosp. $168.16 per annum. To what time last paid?
Revenue Office Col.
To 3 rd Auditor's Office
P d to 4 th Sept. 1843. 168.16
(Special)

House of Representatives, } Washington Mch 7, 1837 }
Sir,
I herewith enclose a letter from Jo. F. Simmons in relation to an application in your office, for a pension to the heirs of Stephen Bellin. Will you be good enough to inform me of the situation of said application, and enclose back Mr Simmons letter at the same time that I may inform him of the facts in case
I am very respectfully Your Obt Servant Russell Sage
To L. R. Wolde Esq } Com Pensions, } Washington } D. C. }

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
I. 14172.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
Feb. 7, 1898.
Sir:-
Referring to your request for a statement as to the military history of Stephen Felton, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, I have to state that he was allowed a pension for 14 months actual service in that war as a private and 6 months actual service as a corporal, having enlisted in the month of July, 1777, at Olsh, Berkshire County, Mass. The following are mentioned as officers under whom he served: Capt. Beman, Col. Terry, Capt. Sackett and Col. Brown. No mention is made of any battle in which he participated.
He applied for pension Sept. 24, 1836, at which time he was a resident of Lansingburgh, N.Y., and seventy-three years of age.
Owing to the large number of inquiries of this character an earlier reply was not practicable.
Very respectfully,
D.V.R.Johnson, Esq., New York State Library, Albany, N.Y.
Commissioner.

Washington, D. C. August 18, 1909. Division C, U. S. Patent Office.
Mr. F. Warner, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
Am desirous of getting the Revolutionary War record of my great grandfather, Stephen Pelton. All the facts I can glean are these:
Born December 9, 1761; married Alice Whitney 1786; was in the battle of Bennis Heights; at the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga. In General Shelton's Brigade 1778. From Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut, cannot say positively but probably from Massachusetts. He drew a pension.
There may be discrepancies in my dates as they were not certified.
If you will kindly verify the above you will confer a very great favor.
Yours truly,
Mrs. M. E. King.