Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,017, for Matthias Shear, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Shear, Matthias
N. 19,017
or Mathias
Hannah
CONTENTS

20.629 New York Matthias Mear of Wayne Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Fisher of the Regt. commanded by Col. John L. Sullivan in the New York line for 9 Mos. 6 ds.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Sept. 1833 and due to David Eckels Maria
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. 33 $ 76.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 M. '26 15.33 $ 91.99
Revolutionary Claim, by June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Col. Stiles Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4, Page 86

554 New York Albany. Hannah Shear widow of Matthias Shear. N. Y. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30. Dollars 66.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of June 1848. and sent to
J. H. Curtis Hudson N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 185 Vol. 4

December 26 1780 Matthias Shear his book of some personal items his hand and command
Matthias Shear was born December the 23 1724
has no was April 29 1797
June 26 1798
1800

Matthias Shear was Married February 1781
Mary Shear was Born July the 16 th 1782
Elizabeth was born August the 11 th 1785
Jacobus was Born the November the 6 th 1788
The second was Born September the 23 rd 1789
Linus was Born at the 31

It is a book of the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul to the Romans January the 20 17 Matthew Handley his book M.H.

John Schumann
was born in the 30-31
December the 28 180 Dorick Schumann was born
beden Schumann was born Augustus the 10 1802

D. Martin Luther ward geboren in Eisleben Anno 1483. den 10 Nov. Nimmt den Augustiner Orden zu Erfurt an 1507. Beuch nach Rom. 1510. Wirt Dect. der 31. Octobris zu Wittenberg 1512 Exponet alda wider den Ablass 1517. Legt den Octavio ab 1524. Nimmt die e-le Catharina von Bahren junckfraw 1525. V den kleinen und großen Catechismus ausgehen 1529. Und v teutsche die Bibel 1534. Geht selig zu Eisleben 1546. den 18 brua v, und ward den 22 zu Wittenberg in die Schloß-Kirch graben. Ist alt worden 63 Jahr, 11 Monat und 10 Tag.

1779 Martha was born July the 16 1780
was born July the 14 1782
was born the 14 1782
1779 was born the 24 1780

23236 In the matter of Mathias Shear for a pension

State of New York Wayne County ss
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832
On this 23 rd day of January 1833 personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the court of common pleas in the County of Wayne and State of New York now sitting Matthias Shears a resident of the Town of Wolcott in the County of Wayne and State of New York, aged 72 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 the 7 th of June 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and services herein stated. That he was drafted to go to Halfmoon point to Guard the Sides at that place under the command of Captain Fleming Fisher in a Regiment commanded by Col. Schoonover. Marched from Rochester the place of his residence County of Saratoga N.Y. some time in the month of April he thinks, in the Year 1775. to West Point of course and staid there three weeks and was discharged had no written discharge this was in the Militia of the State of New York, And that in the Year 1776. he in the month of October or November the whole Brigade to which he belonged was called out on duty to go to Fort Edward on the Hudson River. General Schuyler commanded the Brigade. Schoonover the Regiment and Fleming Fisher the Company to which he belonged staid at Fort Edward three weeks and was then discharged no written discharge, and returned home to Rochester, and that he was immediately drafted as a Guard under Lieutenant Van Rensselaer to resist the motions of the Tories and Indians on the Mohawk River and its vicinity. was once taken prisoner by one Capt. Hays along but escaped from him and was all the time engaged in Scouting until some time in January 1777. in this campaign he was engaged three months. in actual service was once three days without any kind of provisions, he was discharged in the month of January 1777 has no written discharge And that some time in the forpart of June 1777 he was called out with the Brigade and Company and Regiment as usual and the same officers. on May Marched to Fort Edward staid there three or four weeks. This declaration was drafted to go to Lake George and was put under the command of Captain Smith.

Col. Schoonover Commanded the Regiment General Skenfield Commanded the Brigade. When this Regiment started moved under Brimsby men came up the Lake and drove our Army before them he retreated with the Army to Fort Miller had a encounter with some British and Indians that attempted to cross the river at that place, the day before the Battle the Company that he belonged to obtained liberty to go home for three days which was 18 miles from the field of Battle as soon as we heard the noise of the Battle this detachment with the company to which he belonged started for the field of Battle but did not arrive in season to take an active part in it. He was then discharged, on or about the 22 d of October 1777 received no written discharge in this Campaign he was out on duty four months and twenty one days, and that in the Year 1778. he was drafted to go to Fort Edward to cut off the retreat of some Indians and Tories that had committed depreda- tions on the Mohawk River and that this detachment went west a span of horse and wagon. as he expected the Enemy had already escaped and that the Troops would immediately return. as was in reality the case, but that his horses and wagon was forced by Capt. Patt Smith to draw boats from Fort Edward to Lake George and the Straits in days and was then discharged and returned home cannot remember the exact time of Year that this happened, and that in the Year 1779 then half of the Brigade was called out and this detachment went then and went to Dalestown Saratoga County and State of Russia and there as a Guard to the frontier fence weeks and was then discharged and returned home to Fishkill the place of his residence and that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his Service he hereby relinquishes every claim claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency of State and that he was born in the Town of Dutchess Co. in the Year 1760 County of Dutchess County and State of New York. has no record of his age from thence he removed to Fishkill Saratoga County State of New York from thence to Clifton Park same County from thence to to Schenectady, same State from thence to Milton Saratoga County same State from thence to P'keepsie Montgomery County same State from thence to P'keepsie Co. same County from thence to Walnut in the County of Wayne State of New York when in view with the names of persons who can testify to the here during the War David Arn Amos Luyden & John Droll

Sworn and Subscribed the day and Year aforesaid
Matthias his Shear mark
We John Dratt, And Amos Snyder, Residing in the County of Wayne hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Matthias Shear who has Sworn and Subscribed the above recitation that we believe him to be 73 Years of Age, that he is reputed and believed in the Neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution And that we concur in that opinion
J. and D. BATT
Sworn and Subscribed the day and Year aforesaid Amos Snyder
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the Investigation of the matter And after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary soldier, And served as he states in the War of the Revolution further Certifies that it appears to us that John Dratt and Amos Snyder are who have signed the proceeding certificate are Residents of the County of Wayne and are credible persons And that their Statement is entitled to Credit And the Court further Certifies that no person could be obtained who could certify for him. Cullen Foster, Deputy Clerk of the County of Wayne do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the Application of Solomon Leonard for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 23 day of January 1833.
Cullen Foster, Dep Clerk

23230.
Matthias Shear Wayne Co. N. York.
. C.
Schmidt Private 9 mo 24 days
 61 37  15 77   76 58 
David Edels Esq. Warren. Wayne Co. N. York.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjunct notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Matthias Shear. Wayne Co. New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Apr. 1775 " " 21 Priv Gen Schuyler Col. Schoonmaker Capt. N. Fisher 44 years Saratoga Traditionary.   Nov. 1776 " " 21 " Quito Quito N. York   " " - " 3 " " Capt Smith Lieut. Van. Voorhis   June 1777 " 4 21 " Gen Schuyler Col. Schoonmaker Capt Smith   1778 " " 10 " Capt Smith   1779 " " 12 " Not stated   9 6  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 that 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 shown 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.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
(j) 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 claimant's 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.
The notes from (a) to (j) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Patten Esq.

5179
NY
Hannah Shear.
act 4 Feb '36

State of New York County of Wayne } ss;
On this eighth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty, personally appeared before the Court of Oyer and Terminer held in and for the said County at the Court House in Lyons in said County, before the Judges thereof (the same being a Court of record). Mrs. Hannah Shear of the town of Butler in the County of Wayne and State of New York, aged eighty years, and upwards 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 July 4. 1836: That she is the widow of Matthias Shear, who (to the best of her recollection) was a private in Col. Vanschaick's Regt. and in Capt. Fishers company. This deponent cannot state when her husband the said Matthias Shear first entered the service, because she thinks it was before they were married in the year 1781. But she testifies that soon after they were married he was called into actual service - She does not know whether said Shear was drafted, or volunteered. She further declares she has no documentary evidence to assist her memory in relation to said Shear's service. Deponent saith that they lived about ten or twelve miles from the City of Albany in the State aforesaid when he the said Shear first entered the service after they were married. This deponent further declares that she was married to the aforesaid Matthias Shear on the seventh day of October in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one, at the house of the Rev. Mr. Crouse, the then Pastor of the High Dutch Church of that City at that time. This deponent further testifies that her husband, the aforesaid Matthias Shear died on the fifteenth day

of June in the year eighteen hundred and thirty five and that she has remained his wid- -ow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written in open Court before me
NB. The words "year" & "five" his interlined before recitation also, "and upwards"
Edm. A. Griswold Dep Clerk
per Nannah X Shear mark
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this Eighth day of September 18210
James Hawley Clerk Wayne County

State of County of Wayne
Y
Be it known that before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, personally appeared Mrs Elizabeth Pratt of the town of Savannah in said County aged Sixty eight years. Who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath depose and say, "Hannah Shear who is the widow of Mathias Shear, who was a Soldier of the Revolution", was married to the said Mathias Shear on the Seventh day of October in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty one by the Rev. Mr. .... Crouse, of the City of Albany in the State aforesaid then Pastor of the high Dutch Church in that City. That the aforesaid Mrs Shear is Sister to this deponent this deponent and well recollects the time of her "Mrs Shear" Marriage and also well and distinctly recollects, that Barbary Volwider was present at said Marriage at the house of the aforesaid the Reverend Mr Crouse of said City. This deponent further testifies that the the aforesaid Barbary Volwider is now dead and that she knows of no other witness now living that was present at the aforesaid Marriage. This deponent further testifies that the aforesaid Mathias Shear is now dead and that the aforesaid Hannah Shear is his widow and has never married since her husband's death. And further saith not
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6 th day of April 1840.
Elizabeth Pratt
J. Deuttherway
} Justice of the Peace
I certify that the erasure in the 5 th whole line from the bottom was done before signing. And also the word "this deponent" between the 10 th & 11 th lines from the top. J. Deuttherway } Justice of the Peace

I Certify that I am personally acquainted with the within Named + Mrs Elizabeth Pratt (and believe her to be a woman of truth and veracity
State of New York Wayne County Clerk's Office }
J. D. Denthurmes } Justice of the Peace
I hereby Certify that J. Denthurmes whose name is above written is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Wayne duly elected and sworn and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and his signature as subscribed to the above certificate is genuine and also that his Office commenced on the first day of January 1839 and will expire on the thirty first day of December 1843 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas of this County this 8 th day of September 1840
James Stanley Clerk Wayne County
city
as a Name e in an

State of New York County of Wayne } ss
Be it known that before me Israel B. Luinsey a justice of the Peace in the aforesaid County. personally appeared Mariah Brooks, aged fifty seven years the 16 th day of July last Who, being duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, depose and say, that she is the oldest daughter of Mathias Shear (and Hannah Shear. That her father Mathias Shear died on the fifteenth day of June eighteen hundred (and thirty five) that Hannah Shear is his widow (and she remained a widow ever since her father's death (and is the widow of the same Mathias Shear, who received a Pension by virtue of the annexed Pension Certificate This deponent also certifies that the annexed three leaves of an old Dutch Psalm book contains the records, (and the only records of the marriage, (and birth s , of the family of Mathias (and Hannah Shear, (and that this deponent cut said leaves from the book aforesaid. (and retains the book in her possession still. (and further this deponent saith not.
Sworn to (and) subscribed before me Mariah This fifth day of September 1840. her X Mark Brooks
Israel B. Luinsey } Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above, record , between the first and fourth whole lines from the bottom was inserted before signing
Israel B. Luinsey } Justice of the Peace
[Stamp] 1
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Mariah Brooks, (and believe her to be a woman of truth & veracity
Israel B. Luinsey, } Justice of the Peace
State of New York } ss Wayne County Clerk's Office } I hereby certify that Israel B. Luinsey whose name is subscribed and is above written is a Justice of the Peace in and

for the County of Wayne duly elected and sworn and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and his signature as subscribed to the above Certificate is genuine and also that his Office commenced on the first day of January 1840 and will expire on the thirty first day of December 1843 In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas this Eighth day of September 1840
Samuel Hanchett Clerk of Wayne County

State of New York } County of Wayne }
Be it known that before me, Israel B. Quinney, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Wayne personally appeared Jacob Shear, of the town of Wolcott, in said County the oldest Son of Mathias and Hannah Shear, aged Fifty two years. Who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, depose and say, that Mathias Shear his father died on the Fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord 1835. And that Hannah Shear his mother, is the widow of the same Mathias Shear that used to receive a Pension by virtue of the annexed Pension Certificate. (and has remained his widow ever since his death "June 15 th 1835") This deponent further testifies that he has been to the city of Albany in the State aforesaid, to obtain documentary proof "if possible" of the marriage of the aforesaid Mathias & Hannah Shear, (and that none could be found. This deponent further testifies that he was there informed that there was no record of as early a date as the year 1787 kept in the Church of which the Rev. Mr. Crouse was then Pastor. And further this deponent believes the accompanying family record, with all its dates, to be just and true, and to be in his father's hand writing. And further saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this fifteenth day of September 1840.
Jacob Shear
Israel B. Quinney } Justice of the Peace.
I Certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Jacob Shear. (and believe him to be a Man of Truth and veracity)
Israel B. Quinney } Justice of the Peace
State of New York } Wayne County Clerk's Office }
I hereby certify that Israel B. Quinney whose name is subscribed above is a Justice of the Peace in and

and for the County of Wayne duly elected and sworn and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and his signature as subscribed to the above is genu- ine and also that his Office commenced on the first day of January 1820 and will expire on the thirty first day of December 1823 In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 8 th day of September 1820 James Hawley Clerk Wayne County
5179 NY Hannah Shear act 4 Feb '36

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19017
Yasamah Shear
Wid of
Matthew Shear
Prin Rev War
Act: Feb. 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 218
[Arrangement of 1870.]

reh
5736
Albany N. York
Hannah Sheat widow of Mathias Sheat. who was a Private in the New York Line.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of June 1844 and sent to
Hon B. Green Sodus. N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 262

8092
Albany N.Y.
Hannah Shear widow of Matthias Shear
Rep. 10 Feb '44
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 15 June 1835 of Wayne Co. in the State of N.Y. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Fisher of the Reg t commanded by Col. Scammon in the N.Y. line for 9 Mos. 6 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 30. Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Feby. 1844 and sent to Hon. O. Robinson. W. Rep.
Whole amount due $ 153.30
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. S. Swann Clerk.
Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 181

N. York Nannah Shear
let. to S. Payne 30 Sep. 1840 " Same Jan 2 nd 41 " Same Oct 25 th 52
Act July 1836

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress of 2 d February 1848. Entitled an act, making further provisions for surviving widows & soldiers of the Revolution.
State of New York
County of Wayne ss. On the 12 th day of June 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid Hannah - Shear a Resident of the town of Butler in said County aged Ninety Years - who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February 1848 Granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Mathias Shear who was a Private in the War of the Revolution and was then a Resident of the State of New York - That she cannot now name the officers her said husband served under or the Regiment he served in. That this deponent Received a pension of Thirty Dollars & Sixty Six Cents per annum under the act of June 17 th 1844 She further declares she is still a widow Sworn to and subscribed on this day and year above written } Hannah her Shear before George E. Pillsbury } mark of the Peace in and for said County

I certify that the within named Declarant, is hereinafter known to me - and that she is the same person who drew a pension under the act of June 17th 1848 as stated by her of George E. Hill Justice of the Peace at the D. of A. W. Warner
STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. I, ALEXANDER B. WILLIAMS, Clerk of said Coun- WAYNE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ty, hereby certify that George E. Hill Esq., before whom the execution of the  deposition was taken  instrument was  proof or acknowledgment, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same. And that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the certificate of such proof or ac- knowledge, to be genuine. And further, that the annexed instrument is executed and proved or acknowledged in due form according to the laws of the State of New-York, to en- title it to be recorded therein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the County COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, of the said County, this 16 1848 day of June
A. B. Williams CLERK.
J. H. Clarke Huron City.
Adams
Answer to J. H. Clarke Huron Wayne Co. N.Y.

I certify that the within named Deleant, is personally known to me - and that she is the same person who drew a pension under the act of June 17 th 1825 as stated by her of George E. Pille Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Wayne
J. H. Clarke Huron City.
Admitted
Answer to Affidavit Huron Wayne Co. W

Answer to S. H. Curtis Huron Wayne Co. N.Y.
Admiral
S. H. Curtis Huron N.Y.
I hereby attest the within is a true copy of the original as shown to me - and that the person who drew a penmanship under the act of June 18th 1828 at the house of Henry J. Pillsbury of the town of Huron in and for the County of Wayne.

Hannah Sneed
Ms.
act 4 July 36
no 5179
Payments to be made
at New York
by Geo. M. Smith
Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of
New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E. Vol. 1, Page 16, by Lo. Collins Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Matthias Mear of the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolution = many Army. is entitled to receive Thirty = " dollars and Sixty-Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 25 day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
John P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Shear -
Inats Dec 31. 1840
[Signature]
My
W. L. Chaplin Comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Oregon Dec. 25 (1840)
Sir
I have presented Mr. Hannah's claim. the Widow of Matthew Shear. with the act of July 7. 1838. (and also your letter which was addressed to me stating that Shear did not prove any Service after 1779. His Widow thinks she can prove his Service as much as four or five months after they were married in 1780
Will she be entitled to any more Pension by proving four or five months more Service than Shear proved or will her omitting to prove it at the time of his application deprive her of it?
Please say so very respectfully J. H. Payne
Col. J. H. Payne

Wm C. Robinson, Feb. 7. 1844
Hon O Robinson H. R.

Hon. J. S. Edwards Com te Pensions.
Sir.
Mrs. Hannah Shear wife of Matthias Shear who rec d a pension for services in the Rev n made application for a pension on account of the services of her husband sometime in Sept r last. Her application has not as yet been heard from. Will you inform me whether her papers have been rec d . & if so & they have not been acted on will you take them up without delay & inform me of the result.
Respectfully your obed t serv t O. Robinson
House of Reps. Feb. 6. 1844.

Mar. 23. 1841
M
Hon. Shear file with copy
Mrs
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Albany March 14 1841.
Hon. Sir
I have sent the declaration of Mrs Hannah Shear the widow of Mathias Shear of Butler to the Clerk of Wayne Co for the Seal of the Court and his certificate to prove the office of the Judge who took the aff t of the said widow. The Clerk was requested to forward the declaration to the Pension office. At the time I neglected to send any paper showing who to direct your reply & papers too.
According to your last statement I suppose all is now complete and ready or soon will be for the widows benefit.
Please examine and reply soon
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Very Respectfully
Yours &c Dith Payne

Osweza March 14 1846.
Hon. Sir
I have sent the declaration of Mrs Hannah Shear the widow of Mathias Shear of Butler to the Clerk of Wayne Co for the Seal of the Court and his certificate to prove the office of the Judge who took the aff t of the said widow. The Clerk was requested to forward the declaration to the Pension office. At the time I neglected to send any paper showing who to direct your reply & papers too.
According to your last statement I suppose all is now complete and ready or soon will be for the widows benefit.
Please examine and reply soon.
Very Respectfully
Yours &c Seth Payne
Hon. J. L. Edwards

Oct 12 1874
W.
Free Commissioner of Pensions Washington City DC
Hon. Shear NY.

Hon. Sir
Surego N.Y.
Oct 5 th 1841.
About the first of March last I sent the declaration of Mrs Hannah Shear (Widow of Mathias Shear who was a Pensioner) duly taken before the Judge of the Court of Wayne County N.Y. to the Clerk of Saia County for his certificate and seal of office and requested him to forward the same to your office. The widow is quite anxious to hear from it. Have the goodness to reply and inform me if you have rec d it. and if it has been examined &c.
Respectfully Yours D. L. Payne
The Clk informs me that he has sent the Declaration from his office but cannot tell when.
D. Payne
Isaac Clerk Wayne Co.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838. Intitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows State of New York } ss
County of Wayne } ss In the Seventy fifth day of September 1843. personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the Court in Said County M rs Hannah Shear of the town of Butler in Said County aged Eighty six years. Who being first duly Sworn according to doth. on her oath Make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress Granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. And also a further Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3 rd March 1843. granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7. 1838. (And further to obtain the benefit of all the intermediate acts of Congress or Resolutions of Congress explanatory of any such acts between the 7 th July 1838. and the 3 rd March 1843) That she is the widow of Mathias Shear who was a private in the army of the Revolution and a pensioner at the time of his death. She further declares that she was Married to the said Mathias Shear on the Seventeenth day of October in the year one thousand Seven hundred and eighty one 1781. That her husband the aforesaid Mathias Shear died on the fifteenth day of June in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty five. 1835. that she was not Married prior to his leaving the service. but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four V iz . at the time above stated
Subscribed & Sworn before me } ss the day & year above written } ss Her Hannah K Shear marks Amos Snyder a judge of Wayne County Cancels
I certify that the above named Hannah Shear is a respectable person. that I consider her of the age represented by her & that being advanced in age and very feeble she is unable to appear in open Court to make her declaration Amos Snyder - a judge of Wayne County by Cancels

9769
Hannah Shear N.Y.
Oct 7. July 3 rd adml 9 mo 60 d hi 30.00
H. Sayer Esq. H. Sayer Esq. N.Y.
9
Mr. D. Robinson H.R.

Mr. A. Robinson
10
Seth Payne Esq Lexes Ames & Co N.Y.

State of New York County of Wayne. ss
Personally appeared before the Subscriber Mrs Mary Sprague of the town of Batavia in Said County aged Sixty one years who being first duly sworn according to law deposes and saith that Mrs Hannah Shear who is now applying for a pension as the widow of Mathias Shear is her Mother and that the said Mathias Shear was her father and that the said Mathias Shear died on the fifteenth day of June 1835 Eighteen hundred & thirty five and that the aforesaid Hannah Shear has remained his widow ever since
Sworn & Subscribed before me this
Mary Her Sprague mark
Twenty fifth day of September 1843.
Amos Snyder a Judge of Wayne County Courts
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid Mrs Mary Sprague and that she is a Lady of respectable Standing and Character in Society, Amos Snyder a Judge of Wayne County Courts
State of New York
Wayne County Clerks Office ss. I hereby certify that Amos Snyder Esq before whom the preced- ing affidavit purports to have been sworn and whose signature appears to the above affidavit, was, at the time said affidavit pur- ports to have been taken a Judge in Her- kimer County, legally authorized to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge, and that his signature to said affidavit is genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of Office at Lyons this 25th day of September A.D. 1843
E. A. Palmer, Dep Clerk of said County

Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions

Swego. Oswego Co N.Y. Sept 17 th 1840!
Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Enclosed I send the papers of Mrs Hannah Shear when examined please address Seth Payson Oswego N.Y.
I have Rec d yours stating that the evidence or proof of the marriage of the Soldier W m Coplin or Copeland, before the close of the war was insufficient at present I know of no further testimony that can be obtained in support of the marriage W m Coplins youngest daughter is my wife (and in 1832) at my house in Cayuga Co. N.Y. the widow of William Coplin at the request of Mrs Payson. Made out a Statement of her husbands (and her own age their Birth - their marriage (and his death. (and also the birth of each of her children This record or statement I at that time recorded in my Bible as the record of my wife's fathers family It is the only one taken or kept by any of the family If you will receive this as proof. "It was made when the widow did not know of any such thing as a pension law" I will copy it on oath (and forward it to you forthwith The general opinion is, I believe, that they were married as was stated by the witness Susan Greely
Yours very Respectfully Seth Payson
Please reply

no 6042
1 N.Y. Hannah Shear Act. Mar 3 rd 1843.
$30:66 per an
H. B. Green, Sodus N.Y. H.B. June 11. '44

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3 d of March 1843. Granting pensions for services to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7- 1838
State of New York } County of Wayne } ss
On this 6 th day of June 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a sister of the pensioner in and for said county, Hannah Shear of the town of Butler in said county aged Eighty seven or eighty eight 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 the 3 d of March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War
That she is the Widow of Mathias Shear who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States - That she is the identical person and Widow to whom was granted a five year pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 at the rate of Thirty Dollars and sixty six Sixty Six Cents per annum - She further declares that she is still a Widow
Subscribed and sworn to
Before me this 6 th day of June 1843 } her Hannah X Shear mark
John Glens Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Widow Hannah Shear is a respectable person
John Glens Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Wayne } ss
Personally appeared before the subscriber a sister of the pensioner in and for said county Simon Sprague of Butler in said county aged sixty four years after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith. That she is personally acquainted with the above named Widow Hannah Shear - the Widow of Mathias Shear - who is by the above making application for a pension
This deponent further saith that the above named Widow Hannah Shear is the identical Widow of Mathias Shear - and the identical person to whom was granted a five year pension under the

act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838. That said pension was for Thirty Dollars and sixty six cents per annum. That this department was personally known to the facts, as here set forth and that the said Widow Hannah Shear has not since married but remains a Widow
Subscribed and sworn before Me this 6th day of June 1844 Simon Sprague John F. Curtis Justice of the Peace
Certify that the above named Simon Sprague is a respectable person John F. Curtis Justice of the Peace
State of New York
County of Washington ss. Personally appeared before me a sister of the widow in and got said County Mary Sprague of Butte in said County aged Sixty one in July last after being duly sworn according to law deposes and saith. That she is personally acquainted with Widow Hannah Shear, within named: who is applying for a pension: and that she is the identical person and Widow of Mathias Shear: who was a pensioner of the United States and that she is the identical person and Widow who received a five year pension under the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 at the Rate of Thirty Dollars and sixty six cents per annum. and that she has not intermarried but remains the widow of the aforesaid Mathias Shear
Subscribed and sworn before me this 6th day of June 1844 Mary Sprague John F. Curtis Justice of the Peace
John F. Curtis Justice of the Peace
Certify that the above named Mary Sprague is a Respectable person
John F. Curtis Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Wayne County, Clerk's Office } ss. I hereby certify that John H. Curtis Esq. before whom the preceding Affidavit purports to have been sworn, and whose signature appears to the within derets, was, at the time of taking said Affidavit a Justice of the peace in and for said County legally authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and that his signatures to said derets are genuine.
Witness my hand and the seal of said County at Lyons this 8th day of June 1844 E. A. Palmer Dep. Clerk of said County }

9769 11. Oct 1843.
W. ... NY
Hor d Savannah Ga actress
L. E. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
FREE

Texas, Conejo County N.Y.
Sir
Enclosed I send you another Declaration of the widow of the late Mathias Shear a Soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner. Some 18 months ago her Claim was acknowledged; but refused under the act of 1836. and referred Mr. "on the widow", to the Act of 1838. All the necessary papers were made out as required by law and sent to the County Clks office of Wayne Co - to be forwarded to your office but were lost at the Clks as near as I can learn. I do not recollect whether the family record of Mathias Shear accompanied the the Declaration under the act of 1836 which was refused on the act of 1838. which is lost but I have sent it with one of those Declarations. The Old Lady is truly needy. Please examine and reply as soon as possible.
Direct to Texas Conejo Co N.Y.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions
Very Respectfully yours Orville Payne