Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,359, for Joel Osborn, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Osborn, Joel Theda
N. 16,359
CONTENTS

24.989
Let to Pension Agent October 9 th 1841
Albany New York Shea Osborn dec d late of Fulton Co. in the State of NY. who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Ropiter of the Reg t commanded by Col o Patterson in the Mich a line for 8 months Private 7 days increased from $20.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 27 Dollars 51 Cents per annum to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831 thenceforward August 17 th 1833 Monday thereafter
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of October 1841 sent to and Hon. J. Sanford Amsterdam New York
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1837 $ Semi-annual allowance ending 17 th August 1837 the day of hereafter
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H.H. Addison Clerk Book 62 Vol. 4 th Page 58 Payable to Thea Osborn widow of said deceased

V 6404
22
Albany New York Mercia Osborn widow of Joel Osborn, dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 17 th August 1837 of Fulton Co. in the State of N. Y. who was a Fife & Drummer in the Company commanded by Captain Mass of the Regt. commanded by Col Patterson in the Ala a line for 8 months Private Fife & Drummer
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 27 Dollars 57 Cents per annum, to commence on the 5th day of March, 1836. / 17 th August 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of Oct r 1837 sent to Hon. J. G. S. ... Amsterdam N. Y.
Answers to the 14th of March 1841 & Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by W. H. Madison Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 22 Page 96

No 12112
Joel Osborn v
5-16 Vb. May 1 st 1833
P. 366
C. S. Grinnell Northampton N.Y.

BRIEF in the case of Joel Osborn County of Montgomery in the State of N.Y. (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  bodily infirmity  3. How old is he? 81  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1775 Ap r 23 rd Volun t Col. Patterson, Capt. Pibles   '77 Aug t . — 15 do Officers not recalled  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Bunkerhill & Bennington  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Richmond Co. N.Y.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Deposition & station  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
X certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levi Bell Examining Clerk.

Joel Osborn dec d
NY
del / June 32
increased to
8 mo pre
787 Musician
$27.57
from 4 March 31 to 17 Aug 1837 the day of his death payable to Mrs Osborn his widow deduct what has been paid
Hon J Sanford Amsterdam NY

State of New York County of Fulton - } Ys:
On this 30 th day of August 1841, personally appeared before me, Thaddens St. John one of the judges in and for the said County of Fulton, Theda Osborn, now a resident of Northampton, State and County aforesaid, and formerly a resident of the town of Hope, Hamilton County, widow of the late Joel Osborn of the town of Northampton deceased, aged 82 years, who, being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the balance of her husband's pension due him at the time of his death over and above $20.00 per annum from March 4 th 1831 to August 17 th 1837 it being the day of his death; this claim being in accordance with the spirit of the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832.
She further declares that she was married to the said Joel Osborn in the month of August seventeen hundred and seventy, six at Richmond in the State of Massachusetts by the Rev. Mr. Smith and that her husband the aforesaid Joel Osborn died at Northampton on the 17 th day of August 1837.
For all further statements and facts requisite in this declaration, proof of service, proof of marriage, proof of the time of the death of the said Joel Osborn &c. &c. she hereby most respectfully refers the Commissioner of Pensions to papers now on file in the Pension Office, and those of her declaration under the Act of Congress of July 7 th 1838.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
Thaddens St. John Judge
Theda her Osborn mark
I certify that I am well acquainted with Theda Osborn above named and that she is widow of the above named Joel Osborn deceased late of the town of Northampton, for whose statements, are entitled to full credit and that by reason of old age she is not able to appear in person.
Thaddens St. John Judge

I certify that I have been personally acquainted with Mrs. Theda Osborn within twenty years of a period of nearly fifty years, and that she is sister of the late Joel Osborn of Northampton deceased, and that her statements at all times are entitled to credit, and that by reason of the infirmities of old age she is not able to appear in open court.
Vide. Previous Page
State of New York Fulton County Clerk's Office
I Tobias H. Stoutenburgh Clerk of the said county of Fulton do hereby certify that Thaddeus H. Johns whose name is subscribed to the written certificate and affidavit, was on the day of this date then and there a Judge of Fulton County Courts, residing in said county, and that the said signature purporting to be his is a genuine.
Witness my hand and official seal Sept. 14 th 1841. T. H. Stoutenburgh
Theda Osborn By Col. J. June 32 successor to Joel his for his use Sept 27 51 from Thomas H. to Josiah 1837 the day of his death may also be to her and Osborn his widow Rachel which has been paid John Sanford Ann Osborn By

12/12
See Vol 13. page 24 7 days in 1875
$20 per annum
Joel Osborn Osborn's Bridge Post-Office, Northampton Montgomery County, N. York

State of New York
Montgomery County ss. On this first day of September 1832 personally appeared before Hon. Samuel A. Gilbert one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Montgomery Joel Osborn a resident of the town of Northampton in the County of Montgomery and State of New York aged Eighty one 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 th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated in the year 1775 January or February at the town Richmond in the County of Berkshire State of Massachusetts my then place of residence I joined a company as a Volunteer commanded by Capt David Nobles, Lieut Joseph Welch, and Ensign Ephraim Collins the company to which I belonged remained at Richmond aforesaid during the winter as Minute Men. About the 23 rd day of April we took our line of March for Cambridge passing through -ertwood, Becket, Fluvio, Northfield, Springfield Wooster upon the arrival of the company to which I belonged at Cambridge I agreed to serve for Eight months to commence from the day I left Richmond 23 rd April 1775- I was then placed under the command of Capt David Nobles Lieut Joseph Welch, Ensign Josiah Wright the regiment was commanded by Col John Patterson, about the 17 th day of June 1775 we had an engagement known as the battle of Bunker Hill a few days thereafter I got a furlough for 20 days & returned to Richmond where I found Capt Thomas Pusk raising men to go to Giconderoge wishing to join Capt Pusk's company as I had a brother in the service at Giconderoge, I procured Arna Hill to go to Cambridge & enter the service as my substitute for the remainder of the time I was to serve in Capt David Nobles company which the said Arna Hill accordingly did. I then volunteered in Capt Pusk's company & March for Giconderoge passing through the

City of Albany State of New York Sandy Hill we went to Second =arrogance for the purpose of garrisoning as it had previously been taken I believe by Col Ethan Allen in December of the same year I returned to Richmond my place of residence where I continued in the character of a Minute Man until August 1777 at which time I believe the battle of Bennington was fought I engaged in that battle under the following circumstances there was an alarm that 1500 of Genl Burgoyne Men who's Army was then if I am not mistaken in the possession of Bennington heights was on their way to Bennington for the purpose of destroying the American Stores that were deposited there I immediately repaired to Bennington where hundreds of the Americans were collected without order & but few officers the American forces were commanded by Gen Stark & Col Warner who the officers were that had the immediate command of me on that occasion I do not recollect but I do know that we succeeded I was absent from Richmond to Bennington about 2 weeks I have no documentary evidence and know of no other evidence than Ruben Cogswell who is herewith accompanying this my declaration
The following are the answers to the interrogatories I was born in Hebron County of Holland State of Connecticut in the year 1751 - I have no record of my age save that contained in my bible which is in my possession when called into service I was living in the town of Richmond County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts after the Revolutionary war I remained at Rich- mond for a short time from thence to the town of Galway in the County of Saratoga & State of New York Since for the last twenty three years I have lived & still live in the town of Northampton County of Montgomery & State of New York - I entered the service as a volunteer - I cannot give the names of any other officers or Regiments nor the general circum- =stances more particularly than I have heretofore stated my memory is to fail

= Statements more particularly than I have heretofore stated my memory is to fail
I never received a discharge - I am known to Flavil B Sprague the Rev Aaron Semenes who can testify to my character and services - Since I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and I declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State Given to and subscribed Joel O'Leary the day & year aforesaid before me Saml A Gilbert a Judge of said County
We Aaron Semenes a clergyman residing in the town of Northampton & County of Montgomery And Flavil B Sprague of the same place hereby certify that we have well acquainted with Joel Osborn who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty one 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. Aaron Semenes Given & subscribed the day J. B. Sprague and year aforesaid before me Samuel A Gilbert a Judge said County
And I the said Samuel A Gilbert one of the Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County of Montgomery do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Depart- ment that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states & I further certify that it appears to me that Aaron Semenes who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman residing in Northampton Montgomery County & that Flavil B Sprague is a resident in

in the town of Northampton & is a credible person since their their statement is entitled to credit And I further certify that the said Joel Osborne is so much infirm & debilitated by old age & disease to attend in open court to make his declaration & application & that it would endan- ger his life to require his personal attendance in court
Samuel H. Gilbert one of the Judges of Montgomery County Court
the Wroe August, 1842 & September, 1842, intima before execution
W. Russell being clerk

State of New York Montgomery County Reuben Boggswell being duly sworn before me Samuel A. Gilbert one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Montgomery doth depose & say that he is sixty five years of age that he became acquainted with Joel Osborn in the year 1770 at the town of Richmond in the County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts that this depo- -nant believes that the said Joel is now about Eighty-one years old that in the year 1775 the said Joel Osborn joined a Company of Minute men in the town of Richmond in the month of Winter of 1775 that the said Minute men were under arms half a day in each week for the purpose of improvement in arms until the 23 d of April on which day the Company to which the said Joel Osborn as well as this deponent commenced their march for Boston said Company was commanded by Capt. David Rootes Lieut Joseph Welch and Ebenezer Smith acted as Ensign that the Company pursued their march passing through Glasgow Springfield Newton until they arrived at Cambridge the company then joined a Regiment commanded by Col John Patterson & Cpt David Nobles took command of the Company to which this deponent and the said Joel Osborn belonged & which was previously commanded by Capt. David Rootes that the said Joel Osborn & this deponent then volunteered for the term of Eight months to commence on the 23 d day of April previous & to end the last of December following that the said Joel Osborn & this deponent were engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill which took place deponent believes about the 17 th June 1775 after the battle of Bunker Hill the said Joel Osborn got a furlough for 20 days

I left Cambridge for the purpose of returning to Richmond. That at the expiration of the said Joel Osborn furlough one Arnie Hill well known to this deponent arrived at Cambridge to fill the place of the said Joel Osborn as a substitute & so remained until the expiration of the Eight months. That I understood from the said Arnie Hill that the reason why the said Joel Osborn did not return to Cambridge was that at Richmond the said Joel Osborn volunteered under Capt Thomas Lusk to go to Gainesborough & that when this deponent returned to Cambridge which several months after the said Joel Osborn left Cambridge he was informed by Capt Thomas Lusk & others that the said Joel Osborn did volunteer his services under him the said Capt Lusk to accompany him to Gainesborough where they remained until about the 1 st day of January 1776 This deponent further saith that he under- stood from the said Joel Osborn at the time as well as from others that the said Joel was in the campaign of 1777 and took part in the battle of Bennington that the said Joel Osborn was a volunteer in the Militia and was stationed on the East branch of the Hudson river at the time Burgoyne was taken and further deponent saith not.
Subscribed and sworn this 3 rd day of August 1832 before me
Reuben Gogswell
Samuel A. Gilbert one of the Judges of Montgomery County
I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above deponent Reuben Gogswell & that I believe him to be a man of truth & veracity
Samuel A. Gilbert one of the Judges of Montgomery County Court

I George D Ferguson clerk of the court of common pleas in the county of Montgomery and State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the in the matter of the application of Joel Osborn for a pension And I further certify that the said Samuel H Gilbert is one of the Judges of the court of common pleas in for the said county of Montgomery In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19 th day of September 1832
Geo: D. Ferguson

Joel Osborn Application for a Pension under the Act of June 7-1832
12512
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

State of New York
Montgomery County ss (Personally) appeared before me the undersigned a Commissioner of the Court Osborn 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 up than the period mentioned below and in the following grade For one year & three months I served as a private and for such service I claim a pension
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 8th day
of May in the year 1833
James M. Bonifo to take affidavits &c
Joel Osborn

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's office.
S. I, George D. Ferguson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgo- mery County, do hereby certify, that Clark S. Gannell Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Commissioner of Deeds for the said County. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe that his name subscribed to the within affidavit is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 23 d May 1833.
Geo. D. Ferguson
M.P. 12/1/2
By Rev. B. Page 7 days - $9.50
$20 per annum
Joel Osborn Osborn's Bridge Post-Office, Northampton Montgomery County, N. York

8.014
Mina Osborn
N.Y.
cut 7 July 38
See papers under act 4 July 36
admd
8 mo life
for Munroe
Apr 27 37
from Aug 17-37 the day of his death
Am J Sanford amsterdam

State of New York
County of Fulton ss. On this 30 th day of August 1841, personally appeared before me Thaddeus St. John one of the Judges in and for the said County of Fulton; Theda Osborn, now a resident of the town of Northampton, State and County aforesaid, and formerly a resident of the town of Hope, Hamilton County, and widow of Joel Osborn late of the town of Northampton, deceased, aged 82 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 July 7 th 1838 entitled An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows; that she is the widow of Joel Osborn who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of $30.00 per annum. She now claims $27.43 per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Joel Osborn in the month of August in the year seventeen hundred and seventy six by the Rev. Mr. Smith at Richmond in the State of Massachusetts; that her husband, the aforesaid Joel Osborn died at Northampton in the State of New York on the 17 th day of August 1837; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated, and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herewith annexed. For proof of marriage she hereby most respectfully refers the Commissioner of Pensions to affidavits &c, now on file in the Pension office with her original claim.
She further declares that soon after the death of her said husband she made a declaration under oath, claiming a pension under the Act of Congress of July 4 th 1836, or rather of the joint resolution of both houses of Congress; stating that she was married to the said Joel Osborn at a period of one or two years earlier than is stated in this declaration. She now declares that by reason of the length of time from her marriage until that time she had forgotten the precise time and year of their marriage as there was not any record thereof kept by any one of the family; therefore she humbly hopes and trusts that any thing contained in this declaration contradictory to the other will not be construed to extend to corrupt or wilful perjury. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written, before me.
Thaddeus St. John Judge
Theda X. Osborn mark

I certify that I have been personally acquainted with Mrs. Theda Osborn within named for a period of nearly forty years, and that she is widow of the late Joel Osborn of Northampton deceased, and that her statements at all times, are entitled to credit, and that by reason of the infirmities of old age she is not able to appear in open court.
Northampton August 30 th 1841.
Thaddeus H. John Judge
State of New York Fulton County Clerk's Office
I Tobias A. Stoutenburgh Clerk of the said County of Fulton do hereby certify that Thaddeus H. John whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit & certificate was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of Fulton County Court, residing in said county, and that the said signature purporting to be his is an genuine. Witness my hand and official seal Sept 11. 1841.
T. A. Stoutenburgh

I certify that I was well acquainted with Joel Osborn of the town of Northampton, and that he died in my presence on the 17 th day of August 1837, and that his widow, Theda Osborn, now an applicant for a pension has not intermarried, and yet continues to be the widow of the said Joel Osborn.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 30 th August 1841 before me
Calvin Blom
Thaddeus H. John Judge
State of New York Fulton County Belknap office
I Tobias H. Stone hereby declare of the said county of Fulton as hereby certify that Thaddeus H. John whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit was on the day of the date being a Judge of Fulton County Courts residing in said county and that the said signature purporting to be his is genuine. Witness my hand and official seal Sept. 11 th 1841
T. H. Stone

I certify the following to be a true copy of a letter now in my possession from the Pension Office. Northampton 30 th August 1840.
John S. Shews
Pension Office August 7 1840.
Sir,
I have given the claim of Mrs. Theda Osborn the widow of Joel Osborn deceased a very careful examination and have come to the following conclusions that he served at least 8 months and 7 days ending December 1775 and that he was married in the year 1776. and that he did not serve after that period. In a statement made by himself in the year 1829 he says that he enlisted in the Militia at the age of 26 and was married at 25. His widow may therefore upon her making a declaration under the Act of July 7. 1838 receive a certificate for $27.43 per annum from his death to March 6, 1841. She may also be allowed the difference between that sum and the $20. per annum which her husband received from March 6, 1831 to the time of his death. To obtain this she must make a declaration claiming the increase under the Act of June 7. 1832 and forward the same to this Office. Mr. Shews letter is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your obed. S t . J. S. Edwards
Hon. John Sanford House of Representatives
S f C

4930
Thuan Osborn
Act. July 4 1836
W. Oct 1774
Hart and New York
Vol 13. 72. Leaf - alarm 78 dy. mus. 15. 78. — 8. 6. pri
Hon. P. J. Wagner W2

State of New York County of Hamilton } ss: On this 20 th day of March 1839, personally appeared before me Jacob Van Arnam one of the judges in and for the said County of Hamilton Courts, Theda Osborn, a resident of the town of Hope State and County aforesaid, aged 80 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 July 4 th 1836, and the joint resolution of July 7 th 1838: that she is the widow of Joel Osborn who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832. She further declares that she was married to the said Joel Osborn some time in the month of August in the year seventeen hundred and seventy four at Richmond, in the State of Massa- chusetts, by the Reverend Mr. Smith, and that her name, prior to being thus married to the said Joel Osborn was Theda Tilden: that her husband the aforesaid Joel Osborn died at Northampton on the 17 th day of August in the year 1837; and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
She further declares, that, from the relation of facts related by her said husband, he served in the war of the Revolution a much longer period of time than that for which he was pensioned, and that the testimony of Captain Logswell, now on file, (with her husband's claim for a pension,) in the Pension Office fully corroborates that fact; therefore she now solicits the favor that the claim be re-examined; and she hereby claims all that may be found due to her husband the aforesaid Joel Osborn on account of services which he rendered in said war. And that the original pay certificate of her husband the aforesaid Joel Osborn was surrendered up at the time she drew the arrearages of her said husband's Pension.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day
Theda Osborn mark
and year above written before me
Jacob Van Arnam — one of the judges of Hamilton County Courts.
I certify that I have been personally acquainted with Joel Osborn above named, and Theda his wife for about 30 years last past; and that they lived together as man and wife, always sustaining irreproachable characters, and no one doubted the legality of their marriage, and that Theda Osborn, who has subscribed her name by making her mark to the above declaration in my presence is the same identical woman

who thus lived with the said Joel Osborn, and who was so universally consid- ered to be his wife, and that her claim for a Pension, and all the proceed- ings thereon are fully satisfactory to me and I am of the opinion that her claim is just and ought to be allowed. And that by reason of bodily in- firmities she is not able to appear in open court. Jacob Van Amarn one of the Judges of Hamilton County Ct.
Dep March 20 th 1839

1838 Richmond Va Aug. 21
Sir. I received your letter last week. You will pardon my negligence in not writing to you before --
With regard to the information which you desire - I am very sorry to say that none can be obtained - as all the Records were destroyed by fire about the year 1795 -
Yours Very Respectfully
Selden Jennings M.A.
John S. Shew esq. }
... have been any one ... ... were frequently shifted

Richmond Me. Oct. 2 d 1934.
Dear Sir -
Your last letter of Sept. 17 th I have received - You say "It appears rather singular that the Records both of the Church & Town should have all been thus destroyed" - (as I mentioned) - I have been in this town but little more than a year & was entirely unacquainted with the manner in which town business was carried on - but since your last letter - I have made diligent enquiry both with regard to that, & the subject upon which you desire information - I find that the "town records" have been very imperfectly kept - The business of the town & parish was all done at one annual meeting, & that - a "town-meeting" - There was but one society (religious) in town, & they all met together as townsmen & parishioners - No parish clerk was chosen until comparatively within a few years - when another religious society arose in town -
The Record of Marriages in this town goes back only to the year 1792 - If any record of Mrs. Osborn's marriage was made, it was destroyed with the rest of the records about the year 1795 - No parish records were kept, separate from those of the town - until within a few years - The clergyman might have kept a record of the church - but at the time of the marriage of Mrs. Osborn - both before, & for many years since - there was no settled minister here - The town (for the town was the parish) hired one by the year for one year at a time - consequently if any record were kept by the minister, it must have been any one but a perfect one, as the ministers were frequently shifted & sometimes there was no minister here -
So far therefore Sir, as proof of her marriage by record, is concerned there is none -
I have conversed with several old people about Mrs. Osborn & find that they were well acquainted with her when she lived here - One old gentleman by the name of Abraham Roseter

Says he knew her well. She lived very near his house with Joel Osborn & they reared children there. He says that they had one son who became a Minister - has preached in this town. He has no doubt at all but they were legally married - but can give no positive proof of it as he was not present, & knows of no one who was. - He also says that there was a Minister who was hired here about the time she says she was married, by the name of Smith, who did not stay long. -
These facts have been corroborated by the statements of several other old people whom I have consulted. Among these are Dea. Lebulon Bacon, Cyprian Branch, & Mrs. West, all of whom testify to the fact that she lived here with Joel Osborn, had children & that they knew she was married to him as well as they wished to know anything - but could give no positive proof of it.
I can make no further enquiry of any individuals who would be likely to know more about this matter than those of whom I have obtained this information. -
This is all the information you can get in this town with regard to this matter I believe -
I shall be happy to answer any further questions you may see fit to ask - if those answers shall in any way aid the means which you are using to obtain a small pittance for one whose partner has toiled & suffered to obtain the freedom with which we are blessed -
Very Respectfully Yours &c -
Selden Jennings.
John G. Shew esq. {

State of New York County of Hamilton } ss. On this 8 th day of January 1839, personally appeared before me Jacob Van Arnam one of the judges of Hamilton County Courts; John J. Shew of Northampton, County of Fulton and State of New York, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on solemn oath depose and say, that he formed an acquaintance with Joel Osborn, and Theda his wife soon after they removed from Galway into the said town of Northampton which was about thirty years ago. That at that time they had a family of children, and resided together as man and wife and continued to reside together as man and wife until the day of his death, and no one ever doubted the legality of their mar- riage. That after the death of the said Joel Osborn, it was satisfactorily proven before the County Court of Montgomery County that the said Joel Osborn died on the 11 th day of August A.D. 1837 and the said Theda was his lawful wife, and justly entitled to the arrearages then due to the said Joel Osborn, and that she drew the same accordingly; this deponent being her Attorney, to whom the money was paid. And further, that soon after the death of the said Joel Osborn, his widow, as above described, removed from the said town of Northampton into the town of Hope, and that she, Theda Osborn, widow of the said Joel Osborn, has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband; and that Theda Osborn of Hope, State and County aforesaid, is the same identical woman who thus lived with the said Joel Osborn as his wife, and now claims a pension by virtue of the joint Resolution of Congress of July 7 th 1838. And further this de- ponent saith not.
Subscribed and sworn to this 8 th day of January 1839 before me
John J. Shew
Jacob Van Arnam — one of the judges of Hamilton County Courts

State of New York County of Hamilton } Clerks Office }
Is:
I Samuel Ball Clerk of the Court in and for the said County of Hamilton, do certify that Jacob Van Arman Esqr. before whom the foregoing declaration of Sheda Osborn, and the certificate of credibility to the same; also the affidavit of John J. Shew purports to have been sworn, was on the date of the same duly commissioned a Judge in and for said County, and empowered to administer oaths according to the Laws of the said State; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Jacob Van Arman Judge as aforesaid, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said declaration and certificates of credibility, and said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of Office for the said County of Hamilton Courts, this 20 th day of March Anno Domini 1837.
Samuel Ball Clerk.
4930
Mr. and Mrs. Osborn
Act. July 4. 1836
Recd 13.72 Less - claim 70 cts 15 87 3/4
H. P. Wagner H. P.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No.
16359
Theda Osborn
Widow of
Joel Osborn
Print Rev War
Act
July 7 th 1833
Index: Vol.
III
Page
104
[Arrangement of 1870.]

31893 Buy INVALID.
File No. 31,898
Joel Osborn Rev Rev Rev
Act: June 1 st 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 306
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
7818
P. O. _____
W. Osborn
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

New York N o 24,989
Dead. See letter to J. S. Shew, July 31. 1838
Joel Osborn of Montgomery Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Patterson in the Mass. Troops line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 20 Dollars _____ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of April 1834 and sent to Pensioner Osborn's Bridge Post Office, Northampton, Montgomery Co. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 60.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4. Sep. " 10.00 $ 70.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book E. Vol. 4 Page 110

N. York
Iheda Osborn
to Hon. P. J. Magney March 1840
to Rev. Joel Osborn
to Rev. Joel Osborn 21. Oct. 1840
" John L. Shew Mar. 26, 1841.
" Rev. Saml. May 6 1841
How John Sandford 7 th August 1841
Act July 1836

New York Rev:
Job D. Osborn
Suspended
Letter to OS Brumell
19 Aug t 1835 - do to F. Osborn Nov. 12. 1833
7818
Act. of June '32

- Gostons Certificate.

I Elisha Goston of the town of Richmond county of Berkshire State of Mass—Do hereby certify that I was personally acquainted with Joel Osborn and Huldah his wife, in the year 1778, dur- ing the War of the revolution—and that they then in 1778 lived together as husband and wife—of the part of their lawful marriage I have not the least doubt. —
Elisha Goston
Berkshire ss. March 3 d 1841 The above named Elisha Goston to me well known made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me
Robbins Pillsbury Justice of the peace

Aug 5. 1841.
Rev. Mr. Edwards Theological Seminary of Princeton Washington

House of Representatives August 5 th 1844
Sir
Enclosed I send for your consideration some additional evidence in reference to the claim of Shura Osborn widow of Isaac Osborn - I also enclose a letter from John S. Shura asking for information which I will thank you to answer and am much obliged - being Respectfully your Serv t
John Sanford

Aug 9. 1841
Miss. Calhoun
Free.
J. D. Edwards Esq. War Department. Washington D.C.

4/14/18/19 31 755
Richmond Aug 5 2441
Dear Sir
The evidence of an alleged marriage between Jack Osborn & Miss Hilda Gibson can be obtained from any source -
Yours Respectfully
T. G. ... for ... ..
Richmond Aug 5 1941

June 14. 1841
Wait for Mary's letter M rs D
Miss L. Edwards Commencement Pensylvania Washington
Henry James from H. C.

To the Commissioners of Pensions
Enclosed is a letter from one of my constituents in relation to the claim of the widow Osborn for a Pension - And in pursuance of the request of the writer - I will state - that I was well acquainted with Dea. Osborn the late husband of the applicant, for many years - And that he always, so far as I ever heard sustained the reputation of an honest , and pious man - And I will add also that the widow and most of the family enjoy the same character Washington June 10 th 1841
I am very Respectfully Your obed Servt
John Langford

No 12112
Joel Orban
25
5-16
L. S. Grinnell
Northampton
My

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Isaac Osborn 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 - not so as that amount of pension could be ascertained VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes in one case, not recollected in the other 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? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No — if they are not XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
 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.
1775 Sept 23d 2 M
Augst 1777

— Rossitris Centipeda

I Noah Rositer of Richmond, County of Berkshire, Commonwealth of Mass. - Engr. do hereby certify, that in the year 1749 I became personally acquainted with Jacob Olson of said Richmond, who was then living in the Marriage State with Theda, daughter of Isaac Olson of said Richmond as his lawful Wife. And for several years after, I was acquainted with said Jacob Olson and Theda his wife, and their numerous family of children. My name and place of residence may be found on the pension rolls in the War Department dated Oct. 2, 1833.
In testimony whereof hereunto set my hand and seal March 19 th 1841 - Noah Rositer
Wadsworth
March 18 th 1841 Then personally appeared the above named Noah Rositer who made solemn oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me.
Elazar Williams Justice of the Peace I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Noah Rositer and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity. I am satisfied that the statement made by Abraham Rositer is entitled to credit as he is a man of truth and veracity. Elazar Williams J.P.
I Abraham Rositer brother to Noah Rositer and of the place named here, hereby testify that I am well acquainted with all the facts set forth in the above certificate.
Richmond 19 th March 1841
Abraham Rositer

Spencertown NY } Jan Oct 16 Oct 19/40 M rs S. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Pension Office Washington

Spencertown Columbia Co. N.Y. Oct 16 - 1840
To Col. Edmund Carmine in care of Purvis
Sir - I am a brother of Rev. Thomas Osborn - with whom you became acquainted in Newton N.J. - at the time of the death of your daughter - I am also a living member of the Presbyterian Ch - I have before me a letter you ad- dressed to my Bro Feb 24 - 1834 - In which you work for the christian name, and the P.Os of our father Paul Osborn - ad- vising that you would attend to his case - by cause you did - and are acquainted with the application of Paul Osborn for a pension - and the amount he ob- tained - On this subject I wish to ma- ke inquiry - and receive your advice.
Recently I have found among my papers a short history of my father's services during the Revolution by error - written by myself at his death Nov 5 - 1829 - and is in substance as follows - about 17 years of age I came to Rich mond Mass - About 24 years of age I enlisted as a militia man, in the Company under Capt Root of Pittsfield, Mass - in the Regiment commanded by Col. Patterson of Lenox, Mass - I went to Boston where the British came there - was stationed in Cambridge - was in the battle of Bunker Hill - I went with the army under Capt. Thomas Lusk, of Richmond, Mass, to Crown

Point and Lyndenburgh. — Under Gen. David Rossiter of Pikhurst, Mass, I was upon duty — with Gen. Rossiter, I went to Ben- nington — was in that Battle — When Bennington was taken, I was at Saratoga, in the Regi- ment commanded by Col. Lapping — and was killed off upon the east side of the Hudson to prevent the retreat of the Enemy. — I served at this time 9 months as an enlisted soldier — the remainder of the war, I served as a volunteer — The only compensation I received, was 58 per month continental money. —
When I was about 25 years of age, I mar- ried Huldah Tilden of Pikhurst Mass. — This historical note, was printed for my satisfaction — when my father was in comparative health — without the least knowledge of, or expectation of his applying for a pension. —
A short time previous to my father ap- plying for a pension, he became sick and lost his mind — and most of the time unable to remember past inci- dents of his life —
I would ask — Will the above be of any service in applying for an estimate of pension? —
My aged Mother informs me — that my Fathers pension was only $20 per year — and since his death which occurred 3 years ago last Aug, he has not been able

Though some efforts have been made to obtain her pension, as the widow of Joel Osborn —
My mother is now 81 years of age — dependent entirely — can state the time of her marriage — the clergyman's name who married her — but there is no witness of the past living — and the entire records of Richmond are burnt —
Sir — Will you have the kind- ness to turn to the papers on re- cord — Joel Osborn of North-aptor, Montgomery Co. N.Y. —
See what amount of time, and pension were allowed him? — also give me your advice —
Can the pension of (my mother) the widow of Joel Osborn — be obtained and in what way?
Yours respectfully Joel Osborn
address — Mrs. Joel Osborn Spencertown — Columbia Co. N.Y.

Northampton 5 March 24 5
J
May 1. 1841
Miss Ann
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

Northampton Fulton County N. York.
April 23 rd 1841 --
Dear Sir,
In the early part of the year 1839 I forwarded to your office the claim of Mrs. Theda Osborn, (widow of Joel Osborn,) for a pension under the Act of July 4. 1836, and the joint resolution of July 7. 1838. I received an answer that, on examining the rolls which had been received after her husband had been pensioned under the Act of June 7. '32 it was found that he had served only 7 days as fifer in the Lexington Alarm. I have ever since been dissatisfied, believing that he served at least 8 months in 1775 and more or less until the close of the war in each year. Be pleased Sir to carefully examine the rolls over again. Before the old man was pensioned he stated that he enlisted as a minute man under Capt. Root of Pittsfield M p . Col. Patterson. That he was in the battle at Tunkerhill. He went to Brownpoint & Disendroga with a company commanded by Capt. Lusk. He went to Bannington by order of Genl. Ropetree and was engaged in the battle fought there. When Burgoyne was taken he was there also; probably in Colonel Coffins Regiment. He stated also that he served 9 months as an enlisted soldier but did not say in what regiment. He also stated that he did not fail on any occasion to turn out in case of alarm during the whole period of the war.
That on the 28 th Oct. 1840, (by request of Rev d Joel Osborn,) you re-examined the claim of his mother, (unknown to me her attorney,) and found that the said Joel Osborn served Seven days as a fifer in the Lexington Alarm "in April 1775, and also eight months in the same year as private." A few days ago he sent that to me.
Be pleased Sir, now to accept my sincerest thanks for this & all other favors which I have received from the Pension Office, and re-examine the claim once more in compliance with the statement which I have made above which may possibly cause you to find more service credited to him and report to me the result of your search. As it respects the time of marriage, if we cannot in any way prove it positively to have taken place before he closed his services; we will apply under the Act of '38 and prove the marriage satisfactory by circumstances which will undoubtedly be received.
Very respectfully &c.
John J. Shero
Hon. J. G. Edwards Comr. Pensions
N. B. Please let Mr. D. Brown examine this claim —

Mar 24 1841
Mr Hampton N. M. [unclear]
J
In at
Mr J.
Thos Osborn
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Northampton, Fulton County, N.Y.
Dear Sir,
March 17 th 1841.
I prepared the papers for the widow of Joel Osborn, (Mrs. Thea Osborn) for a Pension under the joint Resolution of Congress which embraced those whose husbands died after the Law had been passed in 1826, and they were filed in your office. An answer was sent to me that her husband had been pensioned on testimony under the act of June 7 th 1832 and since that time rolls had been received to show that he had not served as long as he stated in his declaration. This letter was dated in March 1840. In October last by request of Revd. Joel Osborn, (unknown to me,) her claim was re-examined and it was found and reported to him that his father had served 7 days as a fifer in the Lexington alarm and eight months in the Massachusetts service. Only last week he sent that to me. It appears that you have not any rolls or records to show that he served after the date of her marriage as stated in her declaration. Now Sir, as the act of July 7 th 1838, (the five years Pension act,) has expired I would ask whether it is, or is not yet in time for her to make out another claim under that Act? Please inform me and I will be governed accordingly.
(With sentiments of much respect &c.)
John D. Shew
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
N. B. Immediately after writing the above, application was made to me to prepare a claim ( original ) for a widow entitled to the benefits of the Act just expired (the said five years Pension act.) I would also ask whether it would or would not yet be in time for her to make out a claim?

June 12 1824
St. Marquette U.S.
J
Dear Sir,
Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.

Northampton Fulton County N. York State. June 7 th 1841.
Dr. Sir,
The enclosed affidavit has been sent to me with a request that it shall be examined and filed in the pension office with the claim of Mrs. Theda Osborn, (widow of Joel Osborn,) an applicant for a pension under the act of 1836, and the joint resolution of July 7 th 1838. It is probably impossible to prove by any person now living the precise day and year of their marriage. Every search for a record has proved unavailable. Every search for a living witness that was present at the consecration of the marriage ceremony has also proved unavailable. In the enclosed affidavit the deponent declares upon oath that they were living in "the marriage state" prior to the year 1776. Now Sir, as it appears by the enclosed letter to me, he served 7 days & also 8 months in the year 1775. And if he did not close his services until after the month of August 1775 it was after (as you can probably ascertain by examining your rolls,) it would appear that the enclosed affidavit must be satisfactory evidence of their marriage, either in the year 1774 or 1775. I however, leave it for your better judgment to decide and communicate to me the decision.
With sentiments of much respect &c. John J. Shaw
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
N. B. Please take particular notice of the 13 line of the enclosed affidavit.

X
Memoranda in engrav.
Washington City
D. 601
Genl. J. J. Wagner
Washington Ms. A. 9. 283

Catharpin Fulton County N.Y.
February 23 d 1840.
My Dear Sir,
The mail of last evening brought me a certificate in favor of Mrs. Mary Simpson for which you will please accept our sincerest thanks, and on receiving this you will confer a favor by tendering to the Com ee of Pensions our acknowledgements for issuing the certificate. This community speaks with a loud voice, saying that is right.
I herewith send you (enclosed,) the claim of Mrs. Theda Olson, widow of Joel Olson who was a Pensioner under the act of June 7 th 1832. You will discern that it is now almost one year since the papers were sealed together by the Clerk of Hamilton County. They have been delayed with the hopes that proof (positive,) both of service and the marriage would be found, but as that is still doubtful we have thought advisable to have the claim filed in the Pension Office and examined and a report thereon communicated to me. Let the report state what length of time he served and the annual amount the widow will be allowed; provided we hereafter prove (satisfactorily,) the marriage. Your early attention to this claim, and a report from the Pension Office in this case will be most thankfully received. Let a rigid examination be made as to the length of service time the said Joel Olson served. Perhaps some rolls have been received since he was pensioned which might show more service.
Most respectfully &c.
John A. C. Shaw
Hon. W. J. Wagner
House Representatives

I Gamaliel Edwards of Stett. Stockbridge in the county of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do depose & say, that I formerly resided in Richmond in said county of Berkshire That I was personally & intimately acquainted with Joel Osborn and Huldah Tilden previous to the year seventeen hundred & seventy four & prior to their marriage - I was not witness to their marriage but I saw them a few days after their marriage - I was often at their house during the Revolutionary war in Richmond aforesaid, previous to their having a family, & do positively know that they were living in the marriage state prior to the year 1776 and continued my acquaintance with them more than twenty years after their marriage
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name this 2 nd Day of June A.D. 1841
Gamaliel Edwards
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire county ss. On this second day of June 1841 The aforesaid Gamaliel Edwards to me well known personally appeared & made solemn oath agreeable to facts to the Deposition aforesaid by him sub- scribed before me
Robbins Kellogg Justice of the peace

844 17. Sep 1841. Theda Asbar D Madame John Fulton St. N.Y. 7/8ths of a pound Brink
Free L. Garforce Me
FREE
L. Edwards Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.

In the Enclosure is the application of Thuan Abbot — which is supposed to be made out in accordance with your letter of the 7th August 1841 —
You will please forward the certificate to me at the place
Respectfully yours
John Langford
Methuen N.Y. Sept 14th 1841 —

4930 Mar 5. 1840.
Nov. July 4. 1836
J. L.
J. Wagon M rs J. Wagon J. L. Edwards 6547 Washington H m J. B.

State of New York
(Montgomery County) (Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Commissioner of Doe Osborn who being duly sworn, deposes 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 periods, in the year 1775 I served as a private at least three months under Capt. David Roper, Lieut. Welch, & Ensign Collins, the service was rendered between the months of January & middle of April in said year at the place mentioned in my original declaration my time was required to be spent in military exercises & the use of arms in the said month of April our company marched to Cambridge when we arrived there I agreed to serve for eight months as which I did faithfully under the officers named in the manner specified in my original declaration a part of the time was spent in field service and a part in garrison at P'keepsie - upon my return to Richmond in Dec 1775 I joined a company of Minute Men as a private commanded by Capt. Roper and continued to serve as such until August 1777 during the time I was engaged in several field service at least four months in securing

the wilderness North West of Berkshire County Mass in pursuit of the Indians - I was in active field service at the battle of Bennington at least two weeks including the time in going to and returning from Bennington and for such service I claim a pension She was a private between 1808-9 lines the 1808-9 lines intervened before Francis also she was a private between the 25-20 lines
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 3 day of December 1833
Geo: D. Ferguson to take affidavits &c.
State of New York Montgomery County ss:
I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of this county of Montgomery in the state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Clerk S. C. Cunnell, Esq. before whom the foregoing supple- mental application of Abel Osborn, heretofore have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Commissioner of Deeds in for said county & duly authorized by law to administer Oaths & to take affidavits. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe that his name subscribed to the said supplemental application is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Office this tenth day of December 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson