Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 16,854, for Gershom Orvis, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mess. New York
Orvis, Gershom Asenath
R 16,854
CONTENTS
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V 2139
Asenath Orvis
Copied

State of New York Jefferson County ss.
On this 13-day of June 1837 personally appeared before John Marcombe one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in said County. Asenath Orvis a resident of Leroy in said County aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following decla- ration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4, 1836. — That she is the widow of Gershom Orvis who was a private in the Revo- lutionary War. — That he enlisted in April 1775 and served one year under Capt. Benedict at then Hinsdale Cumberland Co. New York, (now Remsen Windham Co. Vermont) — during most or all of this tour he was with the army under the command of Genl. Montgomery, he was discharged in April 1776 after having served one year but she does not recollect the regiment he belonged to, or the Colonel's name — she however believes he was under the command of Col. Van Schuyler in this or some other period of his service — That in June 1776 he again enlisted under Capt. Merriman for six months and served most of the time in the army under Genl. Gates at Ticonderoga and in that neighborhood, does not recollect his regimental officers — He was discharged in December after having served six months. — That in June July 1777 he again enlisted and served at Saratoga and in that region in the army under Genl. Gates, in the company commanded, she thinks,

by Capt Briggeman, not less than three two months (she believes more). — She further declares that she was married to the said Gershon Orvis on the 17th day of July 1776 in Brattleborough now Vermont: — that her husband, the aforesaid Gershon Orvis, died on the ninth day of March 1824; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will appear by the proof hereto annexed —
Subscribed and sworn to, on the day & year above written before me.
Adenath Orvis
J. M. Mearns, Judge of Jefferson County Courts
I certify that it would be very difficult for the above named Adenath Orvis to attend Court, in consequence of the infirmities of age. —
J. M. Mearns Judge of Jefferson County Courts

State of New York Jefferson County
Horatio Ovis being duly sworn according to Law, doth depose and say, that Asenath Ovis who subscribed the fore- going declaration is his mother, and the said Gershon mentioned therein was his father - That his father died as there stated on the 9th day of March 1824, and that his said mother resides with this deponent, and has remained a widow ever since his father's death. Subscribed and sworn to this Horatio Ovis third day of June 1837 before me. - J M Macomber Judge of Jefferson County Courts
I certify that the above named Horatio Ovis is a credible person -
J M Macomber Judge of Jeffr Co. Courts
State of New York Jefferson County Clerk's Office } I, Peleg Burchard clerk of said county do hereby certify that John Macomber Esq. before the annex- ed affidavit, purport to have been sworn was at the desks of the same a Judge of Jefferson County Court, in and for said county Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to take the same & his further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of said county this Fifteenth day of June in the year 1837. P. Burchard Clerk

J. P. Burroughs
Hm. Jn. Fine H. R.

State of New York Jefferson County ss:
Thomas Weeks of Antwerp in the County of Jefferson in the State aforesaid, being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that (as he believes to be true) he was Seventy years of age on the fourteenth day of August last past - that he is well acquainted with Asenath Orvis widow of Gershaw Orvis deceased and that he has been well acquainted with the said Gershaw and Asenath since the year Seventeen hundred and ninety one, at which time they lived together as husband & wife in the town of Halifax in the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont and that they always resided together after that time until the death of the said Gershaw in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty four - And that they brought up and educated a large family of children - That in the month of April in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety four this deponent married Martha the daughter of said Gershaw & Asenath in the town of Halifax in the County and State aforesaid, and that the said Martha was at the time of her marriage of the age of sixteen years -
And this deponent further saith that from reputation, and from information derived from elderly persons now deceased that the said Gershaw Orvis was engaged

as a revolutionary Soldier during the War & previous to his marriage with Asenath his wife
Sworn & Subscribed before Thomas Wicks on this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty -
Horace Hamlin Commissioner
I Peleg Burchard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Jefferson in the State of New York. Certify that Horace Hamlin is a commissioner of Deeds as above, and that the foregoing Certificate purporting to be his is genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and Subscribed my name this 26 day of May in the year 1840.
P. Burchard Clerk

State of New York Jefferson County ss.
Martha Hicks of Antwerp in the County & State aforesaid being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that (as she has always been informed and believes to be true) she is the eldest child of of Gersham & Asenath Orris, that she was of the age of sixty two years on the third day of September last past that she was brought up and educated by her said parents, who always lived together as husband and wife until the death of her father in the month of March in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty four. - That the earliest period which this deponent recollects, was when her said parents lived together, in the town of Vernon in the County of Windham in the State of Vermont, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four - this deponent being then of the age of six years.
And this deponent further saith that she has always understood from her father, and from other revolutionary Soldiers, living at that time, but who have since died, that he was engaged as a private in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war. And this deponent further saith that she always understood from her said parents that her father was called out with the Vermont Militia under General Stark about the time of her birth which took place the third day of September.

in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven. That she does not know of any persons now living, who were acquainted with the circumstances except her mother - and this deponent further saith that her mother, has since the death of her father remained a widow - and that she is in indigent circumstances - And further this deponent saith not. Sworn and subscribed before me this fifth day of February. Martha her Nick. in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty. Horace Hamlin Commissioner
I Peleg Burchard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Jefferson and State of New York, certify that Horace Hamblin is a Commissioner of Deeds as above and that the foregoing certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 26 day of July, in the year 1840 -
P. Burchard Clerk
Howe Jr. & Knapp Attorneys

November 2, 1931
BA-J/MCS
Mrs. C. W. Sowers Spokane, Route 8 Washington
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of October 15, 1931, requesting information in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 16854 , based upon the Revolutionary War service of Gershom Orvis.
On June 3, 1857, Asenath Orvis, a resident of LeRay, Jefferson County, New York, aged eighty years, applied for pension as the widow of Gershom Orvis and the following service was alleged: that he enlisted at "Hinsdale, Cumberland County, New York," which was later Vernon, Windham County, Vermont, in April, 1775, and served one year as private in Captain Benedict's New York Company and was in the battle of St. Johns; that he enlisted about the middle of June, 1776, and served six months as private in Captain Merriman's Massachusetts Company; that he enlisted about the middle of July, 1777, and served until late in October, 1777, as private in Captain Bridgeman's New York Company and was at the surrender of General Burgoyne. The claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
Gershom Orvis married July 17, 1776, at Brattleborough, Asenath Parmenter, the daughter of Jason Parmenter of Northfield, Massachusetts.
Gershom Orvis lived in Hinsdale, New York (later Vermont), when he enlisted. From there he moved to Leyden, Massachusetts. He later lived at Halifax, Windham County, Vermont, and at Paris, state not given.

He died March 9, 1824.
Martha, the eldest child of Gershon and Asenath, was born September 3, 1777. She married in April, 1794, at Halifax, Vermont, Thomas Wicks who was born August 14, 1769, and they lived in Antwerp, Jefferson County, New York, in 1840.
When the widow, Asenath, applied for pension in 1837 she was living in Jefferson County, New York, with her son, Horatio Orvis, and he was referred to as Br. Orvis in 1839.
Reference was made to the large family of Gershon and Asenath Orvis but no names were given other than the above noted.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to Waighstill Orvis.
Your letter has been forwarded to the proper division for reply in regard to William Clarence Sowers, a soldier of the Civil War.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
1909 Oct. 27. Hist. to B. N. Rhamy, M.D.
16854  Rev
1931 Nov. 2 Hist. to Mrs. C.W. Sowers m.c.s.
P. O. Abereth Orvis
Service: Widow of Gershon Orvis
Enlisted: _____, 18
REJECTED
Discharged: _____, 18
List of 1852 gives for reason for suspension "No evidence of service papers sent to"
Application filed: Hon. O. Hungerford , 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Mar 10. 1840
Rev. J. Edwards A. Rivers Born of Pen. Hon. J. Stone A.R.

Mr. Lorenzo comple- ments to Col. Col. wards & transmits the papers of Mrs. Owens for admission
SL of Rep March 10-40

Feb 13 44
Arneith Davis
NY
Wants paper
Mr. Wolchik
6 Flats
of
an Feb 14 1844
Concord
Concord
Hn. Otis & Co. N.Y.

House of Reps Feb 12 1844
Sir
I am requested to examine the papers of Arsenith Ovis (widow of Gershon Ovis) in your office, if you can enclose them to me without a violation of rule, it will oblige me and I will return them entire.
Yours & O. Hunsford
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq.

Watertown N.Y. June 15 1837
In I enclose the application of Asenath Orvis for a Pension. I enclose a letter from one of the witnesses, - not exactly as evidence, but it shows his age, which is omitted in his affidavit, - it also shows that his memory is good and that he is intelligent. -
Yours respectfully O Hunsford
Hon. J. L. Edwards

War Department Pension Office 21 July 24 1837
Sir The papers of Asenath Orris widow of Gershon Orris have been examined and filed - The claimants It is alleged that her husband served one year in Capt Benedict's company under Gen Montgomery in 1775. 6 - six months under Capt Murrman in 1776 and 3 months under Capt Brigman in 1777 - On examining  The name of Orris is not borne on the rolls of Capt Benedict's company at Helderberg  other  engaged in that campaign. No Captain of the name of Bengman Nor is there any on the rolls of the evidence of the service of Capt Brigman at the period referred  suggested to or of that Capt Murrman on the rolls of the on the rolls of the Militia of Massachusetts in this office - The term said to have been rendered under Gen Montgomery cannot be allowed unless proved by two credi- of service in the Militia of Massachusetts. ble witnesses - The term in 1776 at Fort Edward terminated in about two months and that in 1777 is about the same time. neither can be allowed without unless supported by more satisfactory evidence.
There is no proof as to the date of the marriage of the claimants. Record evidence of it is required when it

Such evidence if can be had. If not to be found the testimony of a credible witness present on the occasion is will be required necessary
A. H. Hunsicker July 24. 1837 A. H.
A. Hunsicker Esq. Walnut Watertown New York

Aug 28
W. Dean
St. Louis
Missouri
25
J. L. Edwards Comm: of Pensions Washington D.C.

Gouverneur Aug: 2. 1839.
Dear Sir
About two years since an application was made at the Pension Office to obtain a pension under the act of Congress, by Asenath Orvis, Widow of Gersham Orvis deceased. The papers were sent by O. Hungerford, Esq. of Watertown - Among them was an affidavit by Ambrose Orvis, of Arcadia Genesee Co. N.Y. - Stating the services & marriage of Gersham Orvis a revolutionary soldier. Also an affidavit by his widow Asenath Orvis his residence stating the time of service of her husband - and their marriage, together with an affidavit of Dr Horatio Orvis son of Gersham & Asenath Orvis - Stating some other facts in relation to the matter. A letter was received, (Mr Hungerford thinks) from the Pension Office in relation to the matter - But this letter cannot now be found - The object of this communication is to ascertain from the Pension Office, the information whether these affidavits were sufficient to entitle the applicant, widow Orvis to the benefit of the act of Congress - and if they are not, to ascertain what other

proof is necessary - Mrs Orvis is Eighty two years of age and is in indigent circumstances - She sustains an unblemished reputation, and any facts stated by her can be fully relied on.
It is not known that any more positive testimony can be produced, but an abundance of traditional testimony can be brought forward to show the services, of her husband in the Militia of New York (now Vermont) and his marriage with the applicant about June or July 1776. - There are a large family of children living, the eldest of which is sixty two years of age - Besides the testimony of elderly persons, to prove the fact of their living together for the since about 1776. - 7- or 8 -
Will the Com ee of Pensions write to the Subscriber at Gouverneur St Law: Co: N.Y. what facts in addition are necessary to be proven to entitle Mr O. to the benefit of the act of Congress?
As I understand the rules of the Department, the best possible evidence must be produced - and as it is so difficult to prove service in the Militia, or the fact of marriage after so great a lapse of time, Pensions are are granted, upon the affidavit of the widow or applicant, supported by traditional evidence - If the name of Jonathan Orvis cannot be found on the muster rolls of the Militia it is no doubt one

Circumstance against the Applicant & something is due to the Character of Mrs Ovis - and if the Court thinks it necessary, of abundance of evidence can be offered to show her character & standing from the Clergymen of the town where Mrs O. resides & others of respectable standing -
The Court will do infinite service to a needy and excellent woman by verdict giving this matter an early attention, & forward the benevolent intention of those who framed the laws. Affidavits can be procured from Hon: J. H. Bronson late M.C. & Hon: J. Macomber Judge of Com: Pleas in relation to the character & standing of the applicant if necessary
I am Most Respectfully Yours &c
Chas. Anthony
Hon: J. L. Edwards Court of Pensions Wash: D.C.

Hon John Hune
12 March 1840
J

146 War Department Pension Office
12 March 1840
Sir The additional evidence in the support of the claim of Mrs. Isabella Davis is not sufficient to sustain her application for a pension. The only service described in this case, is that of Captain of which there is any knowledge evidence in this office Benedict's company in 1775- 76 . The rolls of that company do not bear the name of the claimant's husband; It seems probable that the other service mentioned in this case was under officers of the Vermont Militia. If so, evidence of it may be found in the office of the Treasurer of that State Allen Warner Esq. — The proof also with respect to the date of the claimant's marriage is insufficient; that fact must be established by the usual evidence, or if such evidence cannot be had, by the testimony of a witness who can specify the date of his or her own knowledge. Mr Anthony's letter is herewith returned
Yours truly
A. H. House Reps N.S.

Han Jn o Fine 1802

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier June 5. 1840
I hereby certify that I have examined the papers on file in this office relative to military services in the Revolutionary War, and have not found the name of Gershom Oviis.
I further certify that there are not on file in this office any Pay Rolls of Capt. Benedict's Company or of Capt. Bridgman's Company.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this 5 th day of June A.D. 1840.
Fernand F. Merrill Deputy Secretary of State

Hon: John Hine.
Jany 13. 1841.
Q.6.

Pension Office June 13, 1841
104.
The certificate of the Secretary of Vermont, in the case of Mrs. Asenath Davis. Enclosed in your letter of the 3 d instant, I have the honor to inform you has been examined. It appears from that document that there is no evidence there of the service of the claimants husband or of the service of Capt. Brigeau. The former claim to service in Capt. Benedict's company is discredited by the rolls of the company in this office . The name of Davis is not there. The proof likewise in regard to the date of the claimants marriage is insufficient; that fact must be established by record evidence, or if such evidence cannot be had by the testimony of a witness who can specify the date of his or her own knowledge.
Hon Geo Fine Home Reps N.Y.

Chula N.Y. 2 April 193
Mr. Asenath Orvis Le Ray
183
Jefferson County N.Y.

Dear Sister
Arcade April 17. 1837
It is a pleasing reflection that, amidst all the cares & disappointments to which we are subject one bright attendant is given to cheer our way, & which seldom forsakes us, even even in the darkest hours of trial. In a World like this, where our fondest dreams of bliss too often prove to be only phantoms of the imagination, where our brightest expectations are blasted, and our dearest friends are taken from us, some anticipation of future bliss should be held out to cheer the fainting spirit. When the overburdened mind sinks amidst the turmoil and strife of the Earth, - when fate flings her midnight shadows o'er the treasured dreams of joy, Hope sweet enchantress, Hope pictures out bright visions of a sunny future, and sooths the disconsolate spirit with the expectation of happier days to come. She spreads a charm over all the scenes of life, she lightens the toil of the Husbandman, nerves the patriot's arm, and inspires him with new courage in the hour of danger, to the votaries of science, she holds out fame and distinction, and to those engaged in trafficks, new sources of wealth. - she is equally kind to all - the poor as well as the rich share the comforts she bestows and the humblest mind is not beneath her notice. But it is chiefly on the bed of sickness, and in the closing scenes of life, when we are called to part with friends and relatives, that she spreads her sweetest charms around us, and that we must feel her soothing influence. Then indeed it is that "Hope looks beyond the bounds of time, When what we now deplore, Shall rise in full Immortal prime And bloom to fade no more."
When we see friends prostrated on the bed of sickness, with the glow of health faded from their cheeks, the Eye deserted of its lustre, the hand palsied and the whole form wasted and going to decay, - When they are called to yield up their breath, when the passing spirit, trembling on the bloodless lip, bids a final adieu to friends and relatives, to all the endearments of the social circle, to life itself and all its pleasures, Then it is, that Hope breaks through the appalling gloom, points forward into the regions of futurity, and gives us the joyous anticipation of meeting them again in another and better world to part no more forever.
Well Mrs Orvis, What shall I say to you, you were once my Brother's Wife, and I then knew you well, you are the only sister that I have in this world, Would to heaven that I could see you face to face

All my friends of the old race, have long since gone the way of All the Earth, and none of them attained to my age. Excepting my Mother, she lived residing 89 Yrs. I am 79 years and 3. months. Yet my memory is bright and strong, never more so at any time of my life, I do remember many Things from three years old up to this very day. And my Eye Sight is such that I read almost any print without glasses. all my Children use Glasses, I use none. And my physical strength is such that I can walk 3 miles an hour, or more I can run with speed, and do any sort of work with good Expedition, yet I do not work much I have no need to work, our property here is large much larger than at any former period. I and my son hold warranty Deeds of 250 acres of land all paid for long ago, and about 70 acres under improvement, with a House, Barn, and Orchard. Comprising a goodly number of plum trees of various kind. My son will go to Michigan next June to buy 400 acres of land for his Boys 4 in number, 100 acres to each boy he can buy the land for $1.25. per acre, he has got the greater part of the money on hand to pay for it, and more due at a short Credit he wants to have me go with him because I understand the nature and quality of soils better than my son. But I told my Children that my race in this world is near its end, that I must soon leave all sublunary thing and go into Great Eternity, therefore the possession of land would be of little consequence to me. That when young like you (my Children) I often dreamed of happiness, yet I did not possess it though I greatly desired it, but it was allways away under out of sight I could not come at it, some times indeed it would appear like a jackolantern very bright and dazzling, I then would scramble for dear life to get hold of it, and so escape me. At long I recollected the wise saying of Dr John Barridge, that seeking after happiness in this world, was like a man following a jackolantern which none could ever catch, but many had been ruined by following it, being led into a dark swamp, and got bewildered and so perished. Being thoroughly convinced that happiness cannot be found in this world high nor low, I began to seek it in the World Come. But alas I found on examination that my heart was earthly and very corrupt, and none but he who turned water into wine could change my earthly nature into an Heavenly, that I must be born from above, (see John 3. 3.) before I should learn to crave and truly seek the things above.

That I must be taught the work of Heaven before I could be settled there, because an earthly heart can no more live in Heaven than a fish upon dry land, the element is too fine for both, it makes them sick; they cannot breathe in such an atmosphere.
Grace is the blossom bud of Glory, and work of Grace upon the heart is a needful preparation for Glory, by Grace men are brought into the school of Christ, and trained up for heaven, In this school they learn to walk with God, — to love, serve, and honour him, — to be Pilgrims and strangers on the Earth, — seeking a better Country; an House not made with hand Eternal in the Heavens . Now Mrs. Orvis, Do you remember me?
I do remember you very well and all your family. I remember to have seen you at meeting in Northfield before you was fully grown, Again, I remember the time when you was Married, you went from Hindsdale to Brattleborough, and was married there by Rev. Abner Reaves, minister of the Gospel in that town. You lived at my house in Hindsdale for a number of years after you was Married, after that you moved to Lyden M ss . I often visited you in Lyden when you lived there, Gershon had the best farm in Lyden that ever he had in his life. Gershon moved from Lyden to Halifax V t . I lived neighbour to him there, But it was not long before I moved to Cobleskill N Y , I made a good move at that. Though some of my relations thought that I had ruined myself by that move, not so, I gained more property there in a few years than I had done in all my life before. After I had lived in Cobuskil a good many years, my Brother Gershon moved to Paris, and set up a tavern there. I and my daughter Urania made you a visit there in the month of March we went by the way of Mr. Cranes in Warren, Your son Horatio lived with Mr. Crane at that time. And when I had completed my visit to you in Paris, I returned to my family in Cobleskill and found them all very well. Some years after this my Brother Gershon and you his wife came to my house in Cobuskil and lodged there one or two nights. you were going to Northfield, and Hindsdale to see your old friend there, and when you returned back you called at my house again and staid two days and then went to your home in Paris, And I have not seen you since that time. Mrs Orvis, I have a great to see you once again before I leave this World, But my son expects me to go with him to Michigan, and if I do go with him I cannot see you.

Good by Mrs. Orvis, I hope that if we never see one another again in this World, we may meet in that world of Immortal Glory, where there is no more Death neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former thing are passed away Farewell Remember me.- Mrs. Asenath Orvis.                      Ambrose Orvis.
Chica N.Y. April 19 th 1833 Mrs. Asenath Orvis Le Ray N.Y. Jefferson County N.Y.

60

We the subscribers, do hereby certify, That, we are well acquainted with the within named Andrew Grinnell do know, that he possesses an unexceptionable, moral character, and and an unswerving adherence to truth and veracity. —
Salomon Stevens Minister of the Gospel
J. L. Gilt
Kirkland Gilt
Ephraim B. Batsford
Salah Jackson Justice of the Peace Heldson & Colton
Samuel Upham Ralston W. Dayman
Hervey Price
Wm. Henry, Price
H. N. Waldo
Geo. F. Waldo
E. R. Wilbor
A. G. Wheeler

This Deponent does further Depose and say, that in the year 1777, Gen. Burgayne came from Canada with a large army of British troops, the American army was then small at Ticonderoga they evacuated that place, and went down to the North River, Burgayne also sent his force to that River with the intention to form a junction at Albany with Sir Henry Clinton Commander of the British troops in New York City, this created Great Excitement amongst the friends of the American cause, the said Gershon Oavis was a staunch Whig says I will go a third time, accordingly about the middle of July 1777 he engaged in the War Service the third time as a private and as this witness believes under Capt Bridgman of Hindsdale to serve in the Northern Army at Saratoga under the command of General Gates, accordingly when Capt Bridgman's Company was full they marched to Saratoga and joined the army under the command of Gen. Gates, and the said Gershon Oavis continued there in the service until General Burgayne had surrendered his Army and they had marched off to the sea side, and then the great Object of this campaign was achieved as all the British Power in the North was then broken down and destroyed and that campaign was then ended and the said Gershon Oavis was discharged and as this deponent believes the last of October 1777, and this deponent further saith that he does not recollect the exact time that he the said Gershon Oavis served in the campaign 1777, yet knows that the said Gershon Oavis did actually serve in the Revolutionary War in the year 1775-76 & 1777 and that he endured a great share of the hardships and dangers of the war. Subscribed and sworn to this 7 th day of April 1837 before me Salah Jackson justice of the peace and further this deponent saith not Ambrose Oavis

Genesee County ss. I subscribe Ovis of the town of China in the county of Genesee appearth before me Salab Jackson Esqr a justice of the peace of the said County and being Duly sworn Depose and saith, that he was intimately acquainted with Gershom Ovis from his childhood until the year 1810, and after that time never saw him, and that he resided in Hinsdale then Cumberland Co. in the state of New York, and that in April 1775 the the said Gershom Ovis engaged in the Revolutionary War as a private under the command of Capt. Benedict of the State of New York, (the Col. not collected,) and that he and the said company joined the Northern Army under the command of General Montgomery, went into Canada, and were at the siege and taking of St. Johns, General Montgomery after having subjected the country as far as the River St. Lawrence, set a strong Garrison at St. Johns, of which the said Gershom Ovis was one, Gen. Montgomery then marched his army down to Quebec. The said Gershom Ovis remained in Garrison until April 1776 and was then discharged from the service having served one year. and this Deponent further depose and saith that about the middle of June 1776 the said Gershom Ovis engaged in the war again the second time for the term of six months, as a private under Capt. Morrison of Northfield Mass. & before his company marched he the said Gershom Ovis was married in Brattleborough by Rev. Abner Beever, to Asenath Parmenter, Daughter of Aaron Parmenter of Northfield Mass. he the said Gershom Ovis, then marched for the army, witness was present at the time, Capt. Morrison and his company marched from the school house in Northfield, and went directly to Ticonderoga, where they joined the Northern army under the command of Gen. Gates; and the said Gershom Ovis remained in the service until about the middle of December, and was then discharged having served six months.

600

Salah Jackson justice of the peace
State of New York
Genesee county ss. I Timothy Fitch clerk of the said county of Genesee do certify that Salah Jackson whose signature is above written is a justice of the peace in and for the said county that his term of office as such justice commenced on the first day of Jan- uary 1837 and will expire on the thirty first day of December 1840. and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said justice and verily believe his signature above written is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal at Batavia this 17 th day of April A.D. 1837
T. Fitch clerk

CP

State of New-York St Lawrence County ss.
Charles Anthony of Governour in the County of St Lawrence and State of New-York aforesaid being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that he was employed by Mrs Asenath Orvis widow of Gersham Orvis deceased, and on account of whose services in the revolutionary war, she is now an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress, about the first of July last past, to assist her in procuring testimony in relation to the services of her husband during the war, and of her marriage before the expiration of his last term of service. That he has corresponded with all the persons, of whom he could hear, who would be likely to know anything in relation to the matter, that he has made extensive inquiries of elderly persons who were acquainted with the said Gersham Orvis, that he has found abundance of traditional evidence, in relation to the services of the said Gersham Orvis, but that he has been unable to procure any more positive testimony, than that already procured and filed in the pension Office. And this deponent further saith that he after such examination, and inquiry, he fully believes that no more positive testimony, can be procured in relation to the services of the said Gersham Orvis; But that his claim must rest on the testimony already adduced, corroborated

by traditional evidence — and further this deponent saith not —
Sworn & Subscribed before Charles Anthony me this tenth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and forty Edwin Dodge Commissioner of Deeds
I Alvin C. Low clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of St Lawrence and State of New York certify that Horace Edwin Dodge, is a Commissioner of Deeds as above, and that the signature to the foregoing certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and Subscribed my name this 11 th day of February in the year 1840.
A C LOW
The words "Signature to the" interlined A C LOW

Per Hon: John Fine Mem: H.R.
Hon J. L. Edwards Com: of Pensions
Washington D.C.
John Fine Mem: H.R.

Gouverneur Jan'y 2. 1841
J. L. Edwards Esq
Dr. Sir /
After the reception of your letter of March 12. 1840, in relation to the claim of Mrs. Kenath Orvis for a pension, in accordance with your suggestion, she has ordered caused the papers in the Secretary's Office of the State of Vermont to be examined - the result you will find enclosed - After a diligent search for more than two years, Mrs. Orvis has not been able to procure any additional testimony, than that on file - She hopes that upon a re-examination of the testimony offered by her, you will come to the conclusion that she has a just and well founded claim, and that the evidence offered, if not technically within the rules of the department, are is, within the spirit of them - It is impossible to procure, any but traditional testimony at the present time, and of that, I suppose you have sufficient if that will answer the purpose - Mrs. O. has been dependant on charity, for what aid and support she has received in presenting her claim, and is unable to make further search. I hope you will think that her case is as well made out, as many, that have been allowed, and not disregard her petition for want of more technical proof - Please inform me of the result -
I am Yours Truly -
Chas. Anthony
Respectfully H. N. ... H. N. ...

Jan 8. 1821
Inah
My
Ch. Ovid
L. Edwards
John H. Me H. R.
Boarn of Vint

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE 1580388 WAR DEPARTMENT
Record
Washington, D.C., October 22, 1909.
Respectfully referred to:
The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D. C.,
with the request that Mrs. Asenath Orvis, widow of Gersham Orvis, who was in the Second Reg- iment of New York Troops of 1776, be furnished the information desired if it is consistent with the rules of your office.
B. F. Harker
WAR DEPARTMENT, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, 1580388 WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 1909.
Respectfully transmitted to the Commissioner of Pensions.
J. H. Clark The Adjutant General.

Fort Wayne Medical Laboratory
B. W. RHAMY, M. D.
902 CALHOUN ST. COR. WAYNE
Mr. Ben Harper Roaring River Tenn.
FORT WAYNE, IND., 10-19 1909
Dear friend.
I would like to find out if there is a record of a pension or pension application in the department to Asenath Orvis, widow of Gersham Orvis who was in the 2nd regt. of New York Troops of 1876. My wife's name was Orvis and she wants the data in order to become a "D.A.R." with my best regards I am
yours B.W. Rhamy

N.B. These services are not verified as alleged - dates & officers do not agree in books of reference -
1769 70 839

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Gerrhon Covis a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
R. File 16,854.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Oct. 75 1 yr. Pvt. Benedict Wiltschitz N.Y.   June 76 6 mos. Merriman (of Hills) Mass.   July 1777 to Oct. 1777 Bridgeman (of Hills) N.Y.   Not allowed - proof of alleged service incomplete -  
Battles engaged in, St Johns
Residence of soldier at enlistment, East St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Date of application for pension, June 9, 1837 -
Residence at date of application, Le Ray, Jefferson Co., N.Y.
Age at date of application, 80
Remarks: At enlistment at Brattleboro, enl. July 17, 1776. Discharged at Brattleboro Jan. 18, 1777. Married Sarah Parmachoo of Northfield, Mass. Oct. 2, 1777. March 3, 1777 was at Halifax, N.S. in 1794 (Mrs. Nick's 1837 m. Heretic testified. S. Aug. 1769