Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,120, for Stephen Newton, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
Newton, Stephen Susanna
NUMBER _____
W. 15. 120
CONTENTS

15742
Massachusetts
Stephen Newton
of Methuen in the State of Massachusetts , who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Billings of the Regt. commanded by Col. Cushing in the Mass. Line for 14 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 4 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of May 1833 and sent to J. Thompson  Ellen or
arrears to the 4th of March '33 $ 93.32 semi-ant. allowance ending Sept " 23.33 $116.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Acct June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, book C Vol. 2 Page 59

Massachusetts - 1678
Susanna Newton, widow of Stephen Newton, deceased.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832. and who died on the 10 th of Jany 1836 at Hampden in the State of Mass. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Billing of the reg t - commanded by Col. Cushing in the Mass. m ca . line for 14 months private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 24 th day of March, 1834. 11 th May, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Jan- uary 1839 and sent to Hon. W. B. Calhoun, H. R.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1838 - $107.16 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Mo. '39. 23.33
$130.49
{ Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book A Vol. 1, Page 115.

Stephen Weston 15149

State of Massachusetts Hampshire ss: On this fourth day of October A.D. 1892 Personally appeared in open Court before Oliver B. Morris Esq. Judge of the Court Probate now sitting Stephen Newton a resident of Monson in the County of Hampshire and State of Mas- sachusetts aged seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make and declare the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1892 That he enlisted in the Revolutionary Service in the year 1775 for eight months and marched to Rosebury in Capt Samuel Willbros Company and joined Genl Learned Regiment and Genl Thomas Brigade and served eight months and was then discharged by Col Learned personally —
That in 1776 he enlisted for four months under Capt Timothy Page of Hardwick Lieut. Collee of Western and Brig Genl Denison Robison of Hardwick in Col Conner Regiment of Brookfield all in the County of Worcester It Col Ephraim Sawyer of Lancaster Maj John Bang of Westmin- ster Rev Joshua Paine of Sturbridge Chaplain We marched from Hardwick to Ware then to Palmer to Wilbraham Longmeadow Enfield Hartford Middlesex Durham Wallingford North Haven New Haven Milford Stratford Stamford Fairfield Norwalk Stamford Connecticut Rye - Middletown New Rochelle - Philipsborough to Red Bank - and there made our headquarters that he served his time out and was discharged by Genl Lee personally — Ephraim Ruggles was in the same company
and the said Newton now brings into court an original list of the commissioned officers of the Regiment and of the privates of the company to which he belonged - this roll was made by himself and has always had it in his possession and which is herewith transmitted to the War Office —

That in 1777 He enlisted for two Months in Capt Edmund Hedges Company of Hardwick Division Roberjon was Lieut t He enlisted as a Sergeant and Marched to Sunderland from there to half Moon then to Brumington that he was there at the time of the battle and served his time out and was discharged the above service was in Col Cushing's Company - and discharged by Capt Hedges - that he belonged to Hardwick in the County of Worcester during the foregoing period and now is a resident in Wesson County of Hampden that he has no documentary evidence except the one herewith transmitted which he wishes the Secretary - would have the goodness to enclose to him - - and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except those whose deposition accompanies this declaration
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
Stephen Norton
and the said Norton also produces to the court a printed proclamation General Burgoyne dated "Camp at Fort Edward 11 th Augt 1777" which the said Norton declares he took on the battle ground at Brumington immediately after the battle - This printed paper has ever since been in his possession and he is desirous to retain it and does not therefore forward it to the War office -
Stephen Norton

We Alfred Ely a clergymen residing in the town of Monroe and Amos Woodruff of P. Monroe hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Stephen Newton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day aforesaid
Alfred Ely - Amos Woodruff
And the said Court, after investigating the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department do hereby declare their opinion that the abovenamed Applicant was a Regular Army soldier and served as he states - And the said Court further certifies that Alfred Ely who has subscribed the preceding certificate is a clergymen residing in said Monroe and that Amos Woodruff, who has subscribed the same certificate is also a resident in said Monroe and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Justin Willard Register of said Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court of Probate in the matter of the application of Stephen Newton for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Justin Willard Register

Vol. 10 1678
1987
m 90. d. May '36-
adm 14 mo. pri 46.66 $
died - 10 May 36 pen: Com: 11 May 36
deduct.
offered the bal of said Court at Newburgh then claim the den of September 1838
Justin Williams
Hon. N.B. Calhoun H.R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County } ss.
On this Eleventh day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the court of Probate of the County of Hampden, Susanna Newton a resident of Morrison in the County of Hampden aged Seventy nine 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed 7 th July 1838. entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows; That she is the widow of Stephen Newton who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, for the time and place where services were performed reference may be had to certificates on file in the pension office at the City of Washington. She further declares that she was married to the said Stephen Newton on the third day of June one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety, that her husband the aforesaid Stephen Newton died on the 9 th day of May 1836 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four, viz at the time above stated - SUSANNA NEWTON Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before
PHILIP MORRIS Judge of said Court of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigating the matter and after putting the interrogatories required in the case, that the abovenamed Stephen Newton was a Revolutionary soldier & served as such, that he died at the time above stated. and that

The said Susanna was married to him as declared, & that she is still his widow
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing & the annexed contain the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the administration of Susanna Newton for as aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this eleventh day of September A 1838

I Susanna Newton of Monson in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty nine years do hereby testify and say, that I am now in possession of the family record of Stephen Newton late of Monson deceased, and find there recorded the following viz "Stephen Newton and Susanna Davison was married third day of June in the year of our Lord 1790," and the said record is herewith presented to the Court of probate -
Susanna Newton
Hampden, subscribed and sworn to in open court this 11 th day of September AD 1830 before me
Nathan Morris Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Hampden

I Joel Norcross of Monson in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged sixty two years do give, testify and say that Stephen Newton and Susanna Davison were married at my Fathers house in said Monson on the 3 rd day of June 1790 the Marriage was solemnised by Abiel Goodell a Justice of the peace of the then County of Hampshire I have been personally acquainted with the said Stephen Newton from the time of his marriage until his decease and also with Susanna the present widow of the said Stephen Newton She now lives a near neighbour to me and has not intermarried since the decease of her said Husband Stephen Newton — and further I say not —
Monson 10 th September 1838.
Joel Norcross,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County } ss. 10 th September 1838.
Then Joel Norcross to me well known as a person of truth and veracity personally appeared and made oath to the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed —
Before me —
Timothy Packard Justice of the peace

I Hiram Newton Town Clerk of Monson in the county of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby testify and say, that I have carefully and faithfully examined the Town record now in my possession, and can find no record of the Marriage of Stephen Newton and Susanna, the present Widow of the said Stephen Newton, there is no record of a Marriage entered on said record Book previous to the year Eighteen hundred that I can find, — I further testify and say that I am the son of the said Stephen Newton late of Monson deceased — My Father died the 9 th of May 1836. he was a pensioner under the Act of 1832. his Widow Susanna Newton now lives with me and has not intermarried but continues the widow of the said Stephen Newton — and further say not
Hiram Newton
Monson 10 th September 1838.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss. 10 th September 1838.
Then Hiram Newton to me well known as a person of truth and veracity personally appeared and made oath to the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed —
Before me —
Timothy Packard Justice of the peace

Stephen Newton and Susanna Davinson was Married third Day of June in year of our Lord 1790 Voltaire Newton was born March 23 rd A D 1791 Lemuel D r Newton was born April 19 th A D 1793 Lucius F r Newton was born August 15 th A D 1795 Hiram Newton was born February 6 th A D 1798 Selam Newton was born February 6 th A D 1798 John Newton was born November 21 st A D 1800

I Hiram Newton of Monson in the county of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged forty years, do hereby testify and say The record of the marriage of Stephen Newton and Susanna Davison, this day presented to the probate court by Susanna Newton the widow of the said Stephen Newton is in the hand writing of my honored Father Stephen Newton and further I say not the record alluded to, is hereto annexed. Hiram Newton Monson 11 th September 1838.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss
11 th September 1838.
Then Hiram Newton well known to me as a person of truth & veracity personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed -
Before me
Timothy Packard Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss County of Hampden } ss
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within and for said County do hereby certify that Timothy Packard Esq before whom the foregoing Dispositions of Joel Worrall & Myra Worrall were personally executed as was at the time of same execution a justice of the Peace within and for said County and that his signature subscribed to the several certificates thereof is genuine
1838
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this eleventh day of September A.D. 1838
Justin Willard
deduct.
died - 10 May '36 pen: Com: 11 May '36
46.66
14 mo. pr.
adm.
m 90.00 May '36
1837
1678
Hon. H.B. Calhoun H.R.

William Newton Maps
Print 14 Maps sent by roll
15/1/49
J. Thompson Mason Map

BRIEF in the case of Co of Hampden
Stephen Newton in the State of (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78  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. As a Gen.     In 1775. enlisted 14 8 30 Private Col Dilling Col Learner   1776 " 4 " Col Page Col Crosser   1777 " 2 " Col Dodge Col Bushing  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Battle of Bennington of Hardwick  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Hampden Co., Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Made upon my two living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Fayson
Examining Clerk.

Stephen Newton (Mass.) N. 15.120
A list of names (with the rank) of officers in Col. Converse's regt. has been removed from this case to be sent to the War Dept. (no dates)
Sent to War Dept Jan. 16. 1913
L. H. Mch 6. 1911

Mass.
Re WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15120
Susanna Newton
Widow of
Stephen Newton
Brw Rev War
Act: July 7 th 1838
Index:—Vol. M , Page 80
[Arrangement of 1870.]

70 59 61 40 49 46 49 47 421 24 445

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 Newton. which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy 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? yy 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? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yy VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy 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? yy

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? yy
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
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? yy
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? yy
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yy
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? yy
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yy
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
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.

Stephen & Newton Mass. at June when last paid?
19 Jan 38
G.M.C.
Due 10 th May 1836 paid to that period
SH

Mpansu
as we are
Small note
J. L. E. Con
W. A.

Small note
J. L. Edwards Esq. Phelps Comm ee of Persons Hon. A. D.
Washington
16:6/7

Washington Jan 15. 1839
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir - Please report to me the situation of the Pension cases referred to in the enclosed letters and oblige Yours Respectfully
Laurel Phelps

Joseph Weeks Disposition

I Joseph Weeks of Hardwick in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Woman of lawful age, being duly sworn do testify & say that in the year 1775, I was with Stephen Newton, now of Monroe in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth aforesaid, eight months, at Roxbury in Massachusetts, during which time the said Newton was doing military duty in the revolutionary war as a private in the company commanded by Capt Samuel Billings of said Hardwick. His subalterns were Lieut. Dyer & Ensign Durham. Said company was attached to the company commanded by Col. Damaid.
I was during said eight months a member of the same company with the said Newton, having previously joined it.
Joseph Weeks
Worcester ss. August 18 th 1832. Then personally appeared Joseph Weeks above named, & made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed in my presence is true.
Before me, Jos. Knox, Jus. Peace
I hereby declare that from the evidence which has come to my knowledge, as well as from what I know of the character of Joseph Weeks. The deponent, it is my opinion that the statements made by him in the above deposition are true. In two places above, the name of "Newton" was inserted by mistake, which I read, & inserted the name of "Weeks" before signing. Jos. Knox Jus. Peace.

Ephraim Ruggles. Deposition.

I Ephraim Ruggles of Hardwick in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do testify & say, that in the year 1776 I was with Stephen Newton of Newton in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth aforesaid, four months, at a place called "The Horse Neck", a place called "Dobbs Ferry", & other places lying upon, & in the vicinity of the Hudson River in the state of New York; during which time the said Newton was doing military duty in the war of the revolution, as a private in the Company commanded by Capt. Timothy Paige of said Hardwick. The Lieutenant of the company was William Conner of Weston, & the second Lieutenant or Ensign, Drummer Robinson of said Hardwick. Said Company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. Conner of Brookfield, in said County of Worcester.
I was, during said four months a member of the same company with the said Newton, having previously become a member of it.
Ephraim Ruggles
Worcester ss. August 18 th 1832. Then personally appeared Ephraim Ruggles above named, and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed in my presence, is true.
Before me Jos. Knox Jus. Peace
I hereby declare that from the evidence which has come to my knowledge, as well as from what I know of the character of Ephraim Ruggles, the deponent, it is my opinion that the several statements made by him in the above deposition are true.
Jos. Knox Jus. Peace

Ephraim Ruggles Ephraim
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss. I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the judicial courts, within and for said county of Worcester, do certify, that Joseph Knox, Esquire, before whom the annexed Depositions of Joseph Weeks and Ephraim Ruggles were signed and sworn to, is a justice of the Peace within and for said county of Worcester — and that his signature to the certificates of the oaths of said Deponents appears to be in his own proper hand writing. —
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the county seal, this eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Abijah Bigelow, Clk.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Newton Thomas GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8601 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED November 16, 1791 to Adam Nutt, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.