Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1855, for Aaron John Miller, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Miller, Aaron John
S1855
boarded
CONTENTS

21.369 7. Massachu Aaron S. Miller
of Hampden in the State of Mass. who was a Surgeon in the Comp. commander. by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Danielson in the Mass. line for 10 Months.
Mass. Mil.
Inscribed on the Roll of _____ at the rate of 200 Dollars 62 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 24th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Apr. 1832 and the Rev. R. D. Morris Springfield
  Arrears to the 24th of Apr. '33  $ 500.    Semi-ant. allowance ending 1st Mo. '34  100     $600  
Recorded by _____ { Revolutionary Claim, } Book _____ { As June 7, 1832 } Vol. _____ Page _____
Miller, Aaron 51955 Mass
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 8th April 1838 to 4 of his 6 children from 1st Sept 1838 to 4 Nov 1838 the day of his death. Age notified 10 March 1840
83
Yale H. H. University Aug 28 1844

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Hampshire ss.
On this twenty seventh day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before Oliver H. Morris Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Hampshire now sitting in Springfield in said County Aaron J. Miller a resident of Ludlow in the said County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eighty two 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.
That in the Month of April in the year 1775. immediately after the Battle of Lexington upon a call for Troops he Marched from Ludlow Massachusetts where his Father then resided as Surgeons Mate in a Regiment Commanded by Col Danielson, Lieut Col Shepard & Maj David Leonard were the other Field Officers of the Regiment Dr David Shepard of Westfield was Surgeon. That they Marched for Roxbury near Boston through Worcester. That he remained at Roxbury performing the duties of his Office until some time in the Month of August following when he was taken sick and unable to perform the duties of his Office, when he had permission to return home on a furlough. That on his return when he had reached the County of Worcester he was unable to proceed and lay by several days. That after gaining a little strength he proceeded towards home and reached his Fathers house in Ludlow where he was confined to his bed thirty days of a Bilious Malignant Fever. unable to sit up at all. That after his health was so far restored that he was able again to perform the duties of his Office he again repaired to Roxbury where he arrived about the last of December or first of January following. and reported himself to the Commanding Officer. The time of the enlistment of the troops of Col Danielson's Regiment having expired about the first of January the Regiment was discharged and returned home but the he the said Applicant did not return but Volunteered his services and remained with the

army until the evacuation of Boston by the British troops in March following performing the duties of Surgeons Mate wherever his services were required but was not after the discharge of Col Danielson's Regiment attached to any particular Regiment but attended upon the Sick wherever required in the Army - That he accompanied a Corps of Engineers to a place called Lamb'sdam on the evening that the Fortifications on Dorchester heights were thrown up by command of Genl Washington, at the request of the Officers; that he remained with them through the night while the British kept up a brisk fire upon them from their fort in Boston - That he did not receive any pay for his services after the discharge of Danielson's Regiment and that he paid for his own board; That he very well recollects a circumstance which took place in the night while at Lamb'sdam that the British during their firing threw a ball into the trenches where they were at work and almost loared an Officer in the dirt. And he very well recollects that after Genl Howe had left Boston on the 17 th of March that he went into Boston across the Neck and along the wharves to the Gate, and that Genl Washington and his Army immediately entered the Town - That he the said Applicant remained at Boston until the last of May but did not consider himself as belonging to the Army after the British left Boston but that he had the care of some sick men who were left there. That this service was as a volunteer and that he received the Appointment of Surgeons Mate from the Col Danielson when he first entered the service and that he entered the service in that capacity. That he does not recollect of ever receiving a commission other than an appointment and he has no writings or papers of any kind left to establish his service That he offers the Deposition of George Blake which is herunto annexed to establish the fact of his service
That in the Spring of the Year 1777 a draft was made on the Massachusetts Militia for men to join the Northern Army under Genl St Clair - and he again marched in the capacity of Surgeons Mate in a Regiment commanded by Col Hale. Lt Col David Leonard was Lt Col of the Regiment Dr Timothy Horton of North Springfield was

Surgeon of the Regiment. That he joined the Colonel at Witt Springsfield and they joined the Army at Ticonderoga and were stationed at Mount Independence until they reached Ticonderoga about the last of April or first of May and remained at Mount Independence until the sixth or seventh of July following when it was evacuated by the American Army and taken possession of by the British Troops under Genl Burgoyne. He recollects that he was quite unwell at the time that Ticonderoga was given up and had taken an emetic and had just probably  finished got through the operation and fallen asleep when he was awakened by an Officer who informed him that the Troops were about marching and that Burgoyne was upon them. That he got up and hastened off as fast as possible and that he had not time to get his horse or baggage which fell into the hands of the Enemy. That he retraced with the Troops on foot awhile but was so weak that he was unable to proceed on foot, and that a horse was brought to him to ride which he afterwards learned was sent by Genl St Clair upon a representation being made to the Genl of his the Applicant's situation. That the Army was very much scattered but the main body retreated to a place called Hubbardston where they encamped the first night. That he lodged in the same house with Genl St Clair and his Officers. That the during the retreat a skirmish took place between the Rear Guard of St Clair's Men & a party of Burgoyne's men about two or three Miles above Hubbardston and the wounded of the Americans were brought into Hubbardston and that assisted in dressing their wounds. That the Army continued their retreat and that the Militia were scattered that the Regiment of Col Bale had then served their time out Many left and returned home without being discharged That the term of their engagement was two months and the Regiment having scattered and dispersed in every direction. He still said Applicant continued on to Bruns- ton and from there came home. That St Col Leonard had died of the Small Pox a few days previous at Fort George having been sent there when he was taken ill. That he was out on this tour About  three  four two Months and performed his duty faithfully. That he does not recollect that he ever received a Commission of Surgeons Mate but it is his impression that he had nothing more than an appointment to that Office; That he never received a written discharge.

That he was Born in West Springfield Massachusetts in the Month of December 1749 but does not know of any record of his age That he resided in Ludlow Mass at the time he entered the service where he now resides and has resided in Springfield, West Springfield Milbroham and Ludlow for the most part of the time since the Revolutionary and is well known to most of the inhabitants in said towns. That he has no other evidence of his service last mentioned than the deposition of Joel Morrill in which is herunto annexed That he has no documentary evidence of his service other than the aforesaid Deposition and knows of no person living whose testimony he can procure. That he is well known to the Rev. Bezalel Howard & James W. Brooks Esq. both of Springfield.
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 to and subscribed this day 2 Your affiant
Aaron J. Miller
We Bezalel Howard a Clergyman resident in Springfield and James W. Brooks resident in the same Springfield in the County of Hampshire hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Dr. Aaron J. Miller who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be eighty two years of age; That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood & vicinity where he resides to have been in the Army of the Revolution as Surgeon's Mate and that we concur in that opinion.
Bezalel Howard James W. Brooks

And the said Court, after investigating the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, do hereby declare their opinion that the above-mentioned application was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states, - and said Court further certifies that Perceval Howard D.D. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman & resident in said Springfield & that James W Brooks is also who has signed the same certificate is also a resident in said Springfield & is a credible person and 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 in the matter of the application of Aaron D Miller for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Justin Willard of Register of Justice of the Peace

Additional declaration of Aaron John Miller for a Pension
I Aaron John Miller of Ludlow in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physician do make this declaration in addition to the declaration by me made on the Twentyseventh day of August before Oliver B Morris Judge of the Probate Court within and for the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and on oath declare and say that on or about the Twentyfifth day of April in the Year 1775 I entered the Service of the United States as Surgeon's Mate or Assistant Surgeon in a Regiment of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Col Danielson for the term of Eight Months and Marched to Roxbury with the Troops and served as Assistant Surgeon . during the That the period of this Service I was taken Sick and returned home on a furlough and returned to my duties again as soon as I had so far recovered as to be able to perform duty. and was honorably discharged about the first of January 1776. having served out the Eight Months and a few days more. the particulars of which are set forth in my first declaration. I further say that I was at all times during the eight months of service under and subject to the command of my Superior Officers
I further say that immediately after said last mentioned Service about the first of January 1776. there being a Scarcity of Medical Men then in the Army at Roxbury I volunteered my services as Surgeon at the request of a number of Officers and remained with the Army at Roxbury Dorchester & the vicinity performing the duties of a Surgeon whenever and whenever my services were required, until the seventeenth day of March when the British Troops evacuated Boston and my services were no longer required when I left the Army with the permission and consent of the Officers. I further say that I was not during this last mentioned period of Service attached to any Regiment but was constantly employed with the sick and attending to the duties of a Surgeon. That I left the service of the Army on the Seventeenth day March 1776 having served then  Two Months & Seventeen days without any time allowed to return home. the particulars

of said last-mentioned service are set forth in his former declaration. That he claims the pay allowed to an Assistant Surgeon for this service.
That about the last of April or first of May in the year 1776 1777, I again entered the service of the United States as Surgeon's Mate or Assistant Surgeon in a Regiment commanded by Col David Leonard and Marched to Branderburg where I remained two months and some few days more, when the Regiment was discharged and I returned home. That I served as Assistant Surgeon (then called Surgeon's Mate) during this service. That in my former declaration I was led into an error and stated that the Regiment was commanded by Col Hale, from which arose from the circumstance that Col Leonard was taken sick and died with the small pox during this service and the command devolved upon Lt Col Hale who in fact commanded for most part of the time. I have since making my former declaration been furnished with the Quartermaster rolls of the Officers of the Regiment which were found in possession of Elijah Colton of Longmeadow son and Executor of the last Will of Isabel Colton late of Longmeadow deceased who was Quartermaster of Col Leonard's Regiment; and I have procured the deposition of said Elijah Colton to be taken, authenticating said papers which said deposition with said papers numbered attached to said deposition are annexed to this declaration. And upon the examination of said rolls I find that I drew rations from the twelfth day of May 1776 until the fifteenth day of July following making two months and three days and I did not draw rations until after my arrival at Branderburg where I served during the term of service. I further say that I am the identical person called John Miller in the Quartermaster Rolls attached to said Colton's deposition that I was commonly called John Miller in my younger days. I have also procured the deposition of Timothy Horton who is a son of the Surgeon of Col Leonard's Regiment who testifies.

of his knowledge of my being Surgeon's Mate in said Regiment and of my entering the service in the year That from my extreme old age and and loss of memory I am unable to state with exact precision the length of my service but it is my impression and belief that I served as Assistant Surgeon (or Surgeon's Mate as it was then called) in the Army of the Revolution in the whole Thirteen Months in First Months and some few days in Col Dunscomb's Regt Two Months and Seventeen days at Roxbury County in the Army after Dunscomb's Regiment was discharged and  and  then  as  for  in  two Months and a half in Col Leonard's Regiment at Fredericksburg including going & returning. Making in the whole at least Thirteen Months. And for such service as Assistant Surgeon I claim a pension. I further say that I have procured the Certificates of Col Roswell Lee Superintendent of the U.S. Armory at Springfield and Major Charles Howard Paymaster of U.S. Military Storekeeper at Springfield of my reputation in my neighborhood & country of having served in the Army of the Revolution and of their full belief in the same. which are herunto annexed.
Aaron John Miller.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss. On the fourth day of June A.D. 1833. personally appeared before me Oliver B Morris Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Hampshire, Aaron John Miller of Ludlow in said County who has signed the foregoing declaration and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed. And I hereby certify that the above named Aaron John Miller is a resident of Ludlow in said County, and a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit. And I further certify that Roswell Lee, & Charles Howard whose certificate is herunto annexed are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. And that Elijah Colton, Timothy Horton and David L. Fields whose depositions are annexed herunto are credible witnesses and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Oliver B Morris Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss.
I Justin Willard Allen of the Court of Probate within & for said County the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver B. Morris before shown the preceding additional declaration of Aaron F. Miller was subscribed & sworn to as the sole judge of said Court and that I believe the name "Oliver B. Morris" subscribed to the certificate thereof is his proper signature as against true writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this fifth day of June A D 1833
Justin Willard Allen

12,635 Aaron J Miller
Surgeon's Mate 10 Months
5. 1606 May 16 1833
D. 402
20.00 10 20000
R. D. Morris Esq Justin Hattard Esq Springfield Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Aaron S Miller of Ludlow  County of Hampden in the State of Massachusetts  (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? 82  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.     Volunteered In 1775 Not specified Ensign Col. Danielson Maple   drafted Spring 1777 about 2 Private Col. David Shepard do   do Col. Hale do   do Det. King Horton do  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Not known  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Ludlow, Maple  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses & traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Not properly attached 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Chas. S. Wilcox Examining Clerk.  2nd March 1832

Aaron J. Miller's
Declaration
with the Depositions of
George Blake
Gad Warriner
cc
12. 635

I George Blake of Springfield in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy three Years. Do testify and say that in the Year 1775 I was a soldier in the Massachusetts Militia in the Regiment commanded by Col Timothy Denson and went to Roxbury in the Spring immediately after the Battle of Bunkerhill. The other Field Officers of the Regiment were Lt Col Mr Shepard & Maj Leonard The Staff Officers of the Regiment were Adjutant Sogood - Quarter Master Young - Surgeon Dr Shepard and Surgeon Mate Dr Aaron J Miller of Ludlow. I further testify that said Miller went down with the Regiment as Surgeon Mate and performed the duty. How long he remained there I cannot tell I recollect frequently seeing at Roxbury - That the Regiment was discharged sometime in January following. Further this deponent saith not. George Blake
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss. August 28 th 1832.
Then George Blake the signer of the foregoing Deposition personally appeared before me the subscriber and made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed is true and hereby certify that the said deponent is a credible witness and is a man of good character for truth and veracity and has a very respectable standing in society.
Richard D Morris Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the statement of the aforesaid deponent is entitled to credit.
Richard D Morris Justice of the Peace

I Gail Warren of West Springfield in the County of Hampden aged twenty four years do testify and say that in the Spring of the Year 1777 when I was at Branderberg and while there Dr Aaron J. Miller of Ludlow came there in the Massachusetts Militia in a Regiment as Surgeon Mate Dr Timothy Norton of West Springfield was Surgeon of the same Regiment. I do not recollect the other Officers of the Regiment. I was discharged and came away soon after they arrived but I recollect very well seeing Dr Miller there and I have been acquainted with him ever since that time. Further this deponent saith not. Gail Warren
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss. August 27 1832
Then the above named Gail Warren personally appeared before me the Subscriber and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true. I further say that the said Gail Warren has the reputation of being a Credable Witness.
Richard D. Morris justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court for the County of Hampden being absent of Record do hereby certify that Richard D. Morris Esq. before whom the two foregoing depositions were verified is a justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden and that his name there subscribed is his true & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this twelfth day of September A.D. 1832
John Ingersoll Clerk

We Roswell Lee Superintendent of the United States Armory at Springfield in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Charles Howard Paymaster and United States Military Storekeeper at Springfield aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Aaron John Miller of Ludlow in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth aforesaid who has made application for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That we believe him to be eighty two years of age; that he is respected in the neighborhood where he resides and in said Springfield (where he has been for long time well known and has resided for a long period) to have been a Surgeons Mate in the Army of the Revolution in a Regiment of Militia, and performed the duties thereof and that we concur in that opinion
Roswell Lee Charles Howard
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss. May 23 d 1833.
Then personally appeared before me the subscribers the above named Roswell Lee and Charles Howard and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate by them subscribed and hereby certify that the above named Roswell Lee is Superintendent of the United States Armory in Springfield as above said and a resident in said Springfield and the credible person and that the above named Charles Howard is Paymaster and U.S. Military Storekeeper at Spring- field aforesaid and a credible person and that their statement is entitled to full credit
Richard D. Morris Justice of the Peace

I Timothy Horton of West Springfield in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Aged sixty eight years do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Doct Aaron John Miller of Ludlow in said County of Hampden, and remember that in the Spring of the Year 1777 the said Miller entered the Army of the Revolution as Surgeon Mate in a Regiment commanded by Col David Leonard, That my Father Doctor Timothy Horton who died in the Year 1795 was Surgeon of the same Regiment. The Regiment Marched about the first of May and returned home some time in July following having been gone between two and three Months. I am enabled to recollect the Circumstance from the fact that at the time the Regiment Marched from West Springfield I was in the Hospital having been inoculated for the small pox and some of Col Leonards Children were in the Hospital at the same time and Col Leonard came to visit them before he left and took the small pox and died at Fort George as I understood soon after. The Regiment went to Ticonderoga and were there at the time it was captured by the British as I have often heard my Father say. Further this deponent saith not. Timothy Horton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss. May 23 d 1833 Then the above named Timothy Horton personally appeared before me the subscriber and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true and I hereby certify that the said Deponent Timothy Horton is a very respectable Physician residing in the Town of West Springfield in said County of Hampden and a Credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Richard D. Morris Justice of the Peace

I Elijah Bolton of Longmeadow in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Forty six years do testify and say that I am a Son of Jabes Bolton late of Longmeadow aforesaid deceased and Executor of the last Will and Testament of said Jabes Bolton deceased. That said Jabes Bolton died in the Month of April 1819 and that the annexed papers purporting to be a Muster Roll of the Officers of Col David Leonards Regiment and a roll of Rations due the Officers of said Regiment Receipts &c which are marked A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. were found by me among the papers of the said Jabes Bolton deceased, and that the most part of said annexed papers are in the hand writing of my late Father Jabes Bolton deceased. I further say that I have often during the the life time of My Father heard him relate his Military Service in the Army of the Revolution, and have heard him say that he was Quarter Master of a Regiment out in the Service. That the papers annexed were found by me in a bundle of Military papers left by my Father. I further say that I fully believe that Doctor Aaron John Miller of Liddle who has applied for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7. 1832 is the Identical person called John Miller in the annexed papers as Surgeon Mate of Col. Leonards Regiment Further the deponent saith not. Elijah Bolton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss. May 22 nd 1833. Then the above named Elijah Bolton personally appeared before me the Subscriber and made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed is true. And I hereby certify that the aforesaid Elijah Bolton the deponent, is a respectable inhabitant residing in Longmeadow in said County of Hampden and a credible person and that his statements is entitled to credit.
Richard D Morris justice of the Peace

I David L. Shields of Melbrabam in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged Seventy six years do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Doctor Aaron John Miller of Ludlow in said County of Hampden and have known him for more than fifty seven years past. That about the first of January 1776 I enlisted in a company commanded by Capt. Caleb Fisk in Col. Barnards Regiment and was Stationed at Roxbury Massachusetts until after the British troops evacuated Boston when Col. Barnards Regiment was Marched to New York. That While I was at Roxbury I frequently saw Doct Aaron John Miller there in the service, and he frequently visited the Barracks where I was Stationed, and that I then understood that he was performing the duties of Surgeons Mate or Assistant Surgeon among the troops at Roxbury I recollect seeing Doct Miller there just before Col. Barnards Regiment Marched for New York, I should think that Doct Miller was among the troops performing the duties as Surgeons Mate two Months & a half or three Months after I joined the Army. Further the deponent saith not.
David L. Shields
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss June 5 th 1833 Then the above named David L. Shields personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me the undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County of Hampden. And I further Certify that the above named David L. Shields is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit. Richard D. Morris Justice of the Peace
A. Co. h. the for is,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire ss.
I Justin Willard - Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Richard D. Morris Esq. before me known the foregoing depositions here an- nexed, of Rowell Lee Charles Howard, Timothy Horton, Elijah Colton & David L Shields were severally executed as a part of the Record within & for said County and that I believe the name "Richard D. Morris" subscribed to the respec- tive certificates thereof is his proper hand writing & genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this fifth day of June A.D. 1833
Justin Willard

To the Hon. Commissioners of Pensions Washington City District of Columbia Aaron S. Miller of South Hadley in the County of Hampshire & State of Massachusetts, son & heir of Aaron S. Miller late of Ludlow in the County of Hampshire deceased. would respectfully represent that the said Aaron S. Miller deceased was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U. States. receiving a Pension of $200 per annum as a soldier in the Continental Army & for services rendered in that capacity in the war of the Revolution. that he died at said Ludlow on the fourth day of November A.D. 1838 leaving no widow. but that he left the following named children & heirs to wit
Aaron S. Miller
Ebenezer D. Miller
William A. Miller
Elizabeth B. Larned widow
Arenatha S. Snow wife of James Snow
That the said Aaron S. Miller, child & heir as aforesaid now respectfully asks that a reexamination of the claim of said A. S. Miller deceased may be had & that any & all additional sums or arrearages of Pensions due said decd may be allowed & paid to your Petitioner on behalf of himself & his brother & sister above named. Having reference particularly to any increase of Pensions which, under any regulation or decision of the Pension Department may remain in arrear, due & unpaid to said deceased in his life time.
Aaron S. Miller

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
mmms
October 5, 1923
Mrs/ Robert R. Harrington 742 Euclid Ave., Upland, Calif.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 1855 it appears that Aaron John Miller was born in December 1749 in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Ludlow, Massachusetts, he enlisted April 25, 1775 as Surgeon's Mate and served in Colonel Timothy Danielson's Massachusetts Regiment until January 1, 1776 when he volunteered and served as Surgeon's Mate until March 17, 1776, wherever required.
On the last of April or first of May 1777 he enlisted as Surgeon's Mate and served over two months in Colonels David Leonard and Hale's Regiment.
He died November 4, 1838 in Ludlow, Massachusetts

leaving no widow (her name not stated) and the following children:
Aaron J., Gordon B. William A. Elizabeth B. Larned(widow) Arenath S. Snow, wife of Zenas Snow.
They were all living in 1844.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
As son stated the names of 5 children only & gave them as the survivors, I did not use the sixth referred to in Aud. Report. The name not stated.

4. a. List of names, indorsed Money due to officers for rations. b. Muster roll of field and staff and other commissioned officers in Col. David Leonard's regiment of militia. c, d) and e. Rolls of rations due to the officers of the late Col. David Leonard's regiment of Massachusetts militia. f. Receipt for tents delivered for the use of Colonel Leonard's regiment. g and h. Receipts to Jabez Cotton, Quarter Master, Colonel Leonard's regiment, for money due for rations.
War Dept April 30, 1861 Taken from the claim of Aaron I. Miller, No.1,855.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
February 28 th , 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Four of Six children of Aaron J. Miller, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Two hundred Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1838. to the 4 th Nov. 1838. the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
William B. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } County of Hampden } ss.
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for said County do hereby certify that, at said Court held at Springfield on the second day of January A D 1844, satisfactory evidence was adduced to said Court, that Aaron S. Miller late of Ludlow in said County deceased, was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $200 per annum, for services rendered as Surgeon's mate in the war of the Revolution, that he died at said Ludlow on the fourth day of November A D 1838. That he left no widow, and that he left five children who still survive, & whose names are as follows - Viz. Aaron J. Miller - Gordon B. Miller - Elizabeth B. Larned (widow) & Arnetta S. Snow wife of Devas Snow & William A. Miller
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this second day of January A D 1844
Justin Willard Clerk

J. P. Edwards Esq. Commisioner of Pensions

Springfield Massachusetts June 5 1833
In return herewith the documents in support of the Claim of Doct Aaron John Miller for a pension. Doct Miller has made an additional declaration and procured additional the Depositions of Roswell Lix, Charles Howard, Timothy Horton, Elijah Colton and David L Shields together with Rolls of Officers of Col Leonards Regiment - It will be perceived that on said Rolls he bore the name of John Miller which rolls are the Rolls found among the papers of Deber Colton deceased by his son Elijah Colton one of the deponents who testifies he believes the said Applicant to be the same person, as Timothy Horton also testifies that the said Applicant Aaron Miller was Surgeon Mate of Col Leonards Regiment and went to New Jersey in that capacity - And the said Applicant has made oath in the additional declaration that he is the identical person called John Miller on said Rolls and that he was commonly called John Miller in his younger days - that being his middle name The Applicant claims for Thirteen Months

service although he thinks that he served a little longer than two months & seventeen days in his second term at Harper's Ferry and vicinity having had the care of some sick soldiers who were left at Boston without any Surgeon or Physician when a part of the troops moved to the South. I hope the papers attached will be found to substantiate his claim satisfactorily and that the Applicant may soon receive the amount which will be allowed him by his country - The particulars of his whole service are to be found in his first & second declarations or if he is his memory is enabled to give them...
I am very respectfully
Yours &c
Richard D Morris

Apr. 29-1897- History to Mr. J. P. Gaylord, Industrial Building, New York City - May 26, 1897 History to Mr. John P. Gaylord - 124 Madison Ave. New York City.
Apr 20 or Popen to be dep. Mem within 1923-Oct. 5- Hist. to Mrs. Robt. Darrington, Mus. H.
certified 21369 Rev. Adm.
1855
INVALID.
File No. 1855
Aaron J. Miller, Surg. Mass. Line.  miller
Act: June 7, 1882.
Index: —Vol. a Page 256
[Arrangement of 1870.]

12635-
Almon J Miller
Richard D. Norris
Sister William & Springfield Mass

Lucas J. Miller BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of 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? Yes 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? Yes 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? 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? No XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? NO XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? skye
 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.

OFFICE AND SALESROOMS OF J. P. GAYLORD.
MEMBER New York Furniture Exchange, Lexington Ave. 43 d to 44 th Streets. Industrial Building.
C.H. MEDICUS, President. CHAS. E. SPRATT, Secretary.
New York Apr 7/97
Missouri Office Washington D.C.
FULL LINE OF SAMPLES ALWAYS ON DISPLAY FROM FOLLOWING FACTORIES.
 C. H. MEDICUS & CO.  WILLIAMSPORT FURNITURE CO.  CROCKER CHAIR CO.  HALL & LYON FURNITURE CO.  INDIANA FURNITURE CO.  YEAGER FURNITURE CO.  CONNERSVILLE CABINET CO.  H. N. HALL CABINET CO.  HARRISBURGH FURNITURE MFG. CO.  C. G. BROWN FURNITURE CO.  A. CUTLER & SON.  NEW ATHENS FURNITURE CO.  WOLVERINE MFG. CO.  ADRIAN FURNITURE MFG. CO.  RELIABLE FURNITURE MFG. CO.  OLIVER BROS.  TIDIOUTE CHAIR CO.  ROCKFORD CO-OPERATIVE FURN. CO.  STANDARD FURNITURE CO.  ELMIRA TABLE CO.  JOHN DANNER MFG. CO.  SKINNER & STEENMAN.  L. C. & W. L. CRON CO.  CHAUTAUQUA DESK CO.  SMITH & ELLIS.  ECKHARDT & CO.  KEYSTONE CHAIR WORKS.  OTTAWA FURNITURE CO.  NELSON & CO.  FULLER & HUTSINPILLAR CO.  J. E. & A. HOING.  J. E. HABERER.  RODEBAUGH & ANDERSON.  BURROWS BROS. & CO.  ADAM JACOBY & BRO.  JOHN KNOELL.  G. H. BEAR & CO.  EMRICH FURNITURE CO.  KNOXVILLE FURNITURE CO.  CENTRAL CITY CABINET CO.  ENTERPRISE FURNITURE MFG. CO.  SEYMOUR FURNITURE CO.  RICHARD H. KRALL & CO.  JAMESTOWN FURNITURE CO.  TRENTON LAMP CO.  HAGERSTOWN FURNITURE CO.  ROCKFORD DESK CO.  ADLER VENEER BEAT CO.  MILLER TABLE CO.  ESSEX WOOD TURNING CO.  WILES MANUFACTURING CO.  CENTRAL FURNITURE CO.  L. WINSTIAN.  LOUIS MAYER.  S. P. PORTER.  J. P. GAYLORD.  W. H. HICKERSON.  S. D. O'MARA.  FAWCETT BROS.  HAZARD & WALDRON.  W. B. KEENEY.  E. L. WIDDICOMB.  Z. T. ALDRICH. 
I am desirous of getting information regarding the time & place of enlistment of Aaron John Miller who served as surgeon in the War of Revolution I suppose, he enlisted and was credited from Mass but the Secy of State of Mass informs me that there is no record of that name in their files I know he drew a pension from us during that war & I suppose of course his name & certain data connected with it must be in file in your office. I want this information to enable me to give the order of service of "War of Revolution" Very truly Yours J. P. Gaylord

124 Madison Ave
New York May 7/97
H Clay Evans Commissioner Washington DC
Deaf Sir I am in receipt of yours of 29 th ult. relative to Aaron J Miller a soldier of the Revolutionary war and advising me of the fact that he applied for pension Aug 22 1832 which was allowed.
You also state that he enlisted at Ludlow Mass and served a part of the time under Col Davidson as Surgeon Mate. Pleas accept thanks for information imparted but what I particularly wish to know is the date of his enlistment & discharge & any particulars you may have relative to it. I have applied to Secy of State of Mass but unfortunately his name does not appear on the Mass rolls and he advises me that while the records

are nearly complete there are some rolls missing and suggest that your office might be able to furnish me with the required data
Thanking you in advance for your courtesy I am
Very truly yours
John P. Gaylord

Upland - Calif -
Aug 14 1923
The Pension Commissioners - Washington - D.C.
AUG 20 1923
My dear Sir -
You are referred to me by the Secretary of the Common- wealth of Mass. Boston - Mr Frederick Dr. Cook - as being the proper one to ask in furnishing me with an abstract of the papers relating to my Gerald  Grant

father - Dr Aaron John Miller - of Ludlow - Mass - In all books of reference - also all of our family papers - it all tells us my Great Grand father was a physician and surgeon in the Revolutionary War - But we fail so far to find official proof - Can you help me - any trouble - or expense

You may be put to - I will more than gladly send check for amount - I know that through my ancestors I am eligible to the D.A.R. s What I want is some paper or copy of paper to prove he was a Revolutionary Soldier - Thanking you most graciously in advance.
I remain Mrs Robt R. Harrington 742 Euclid Ave Upland - Calif nee - Estelle Miller Harrington
AUG 20 1923