Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19351, for Samuel Shepard, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Shepard, Samuel Sabra
N. 19351
CONTENTS

Letter to W. Heaton 24. Sep 1843. { 3 Auds
Vermont 28.251
Samuel Shepard Orange Co in the State of who was a 1 st Lt in the Company commanded by Captain Adams of the Regt commanded by Col Goodwin in the Conn. line for a
8 e No 1250 P 28.33 1/2
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 28 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of April and July 6 th 1834 J. D. D. 1834
Arrears to the 14th of March 85.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 12/24 14.16 1/2
$ 99.16 1/2 { Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. D. D. Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 93

Reported
614, Vermont. Montpelier Sabra Shepard widow of Samuel Shepard born who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 28 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of July 1848. and sent to
J. G. Newton. Post Mills Vermont
Entered on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 86 Vol. 3.

Widow Sabra Shepard 9,222

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress of 7 th July 1835 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of Vermont Orange County } ss. Probate District of Bradford }
On this 8 th day of June A.D. 1843 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate held at Bradford within and for said District a resident Sabra Shepard of Bradford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont aged 74 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 1835 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Samuel Shepard who was a private during the Revolutionary War and a Pensioner of the United States upon the Roll of the Vermont Agency at the rate of twenty eight dollars and thirty three cents per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Shepard on the twenty ninth day of March in the year seventeen hundred ninety two and that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Shepard died on the tenth day of October eighteen hundred and forty one 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 ninety four viz at the time above stated
Sabra Shepard

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court- the day and year above written. In testi= mony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of said Probate Court and subscribe my name at Thetford this 8 th day of June A.D. 1843.
Stephen Thomas Register

Sam l Shepard Application Certificate
19102
Action to be made to Simon Root Phelps Orange County Vermont

State of Vermont } On this 28 th day of August Probate District of Bradford } A.D. 1832 personally appeared in the County of Orange } in Open Court before the Probate Court within for the District of Bradford in the County of Orange State of Vermont being a Court of record now sitting. Samuel Shepard a resident of Petherton in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged 71 years last February who being first duly sworn according to said oath on his oath make the following declara- tions in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated viz. That in the year 1777 as he believes he knows it was when the British had possession of Rhode Island in the fall of the year, the month he cannot certainly tell, but the inhabitants were making Cider, there was a call made for the militia in the town of Plainfield Connecticut, where he then lived in that region, to go & assist in driving the British from Rhode Island, That he with many others volunteered & enlisted (as it was called) for one month to go on that service joined a company formed by men from S d Plainfield Canterbury & Killingly Connecticut, the Captain's name he does not certainly recollect, but thinks it was Adams; but he well remembers his Lieutenants name was John Cobb of Canterbury that he joined the Regiment at Providence; the Col. s name he does not recollect, but the Lieut. Majors name was

John Pearce of S d Plainfield. That the American Army at Rhode Island was then under the command of Genl Spencer; that the company regiment to which he belonged was stationed most of the time at a place called Vionston or Newton - if he rightly recollects the name. That while he was there Genl Spencer made several attempts in the night time, to get on to Rhode Island for the purpose of driving off the British then in possession of it, but did not succeed. He is certain, that he & his company & regiment marched down on to the beach opposite the Island as many as three times for this purpose, but for some reason which he does not now recollect, the attempt was not made to cross over. He served out his full months & returned home. He further states that in the month of July - first of Aug t in the year 1778 as he believes, though he is not certain about the year. Another call was made for the militia in Plainfield & the region around to assist in driving the British from Rhode Island. That he among others in Plainfield & the vicinity engaged or enlisted as it was called for the term of one month to go on this service, & joined a company under the command of Capt David Cady of Killingly Connecticut, which company was attached to Col Goodwin's Reg t of Militia then Col Goodwin belonged to Voluntown, Ct. That he marched to Providence, where he joined his regiment & remained a few days, & then crossed over on to Rhode Island & joined the regular Army under the command of Genl Sullivan. That he continued there until the battle with the British which took place about the

Last of August. In the order of this battle, he recollects that the right wing was formed formed of our regular troops, the center by Connecticut Militia & the left wing by Rhode Island Militia or State Troops. The attack was made on the right wing of our army & the enemy were at first driven back on to a small hill or rise of ground where they made a stand, the Connecticut Militia did not were not immediately engaged in the battle, some of our regular soldiers were killed & wounded. As the British had a short time before this received reinforcements, & the French Fleet had been much injured by a storm & had left their station at Rhode Island, it was deemed expedient by Genl. Sullivan to evacuate Rhode Island which was done the next day at night after the battle, that immediately after our evacuation of the Island this applicant, was discharged from service & returned home, after having met his engagements. He further declares, that in the month of May or June 1779 as he earnestly believes, though he is not positive whether it 1779 or 1780, he knew it after Fairfield in Connecticut was burnt. he enlisted into Capt Joseph Dake's company & Col Levi Wells Regiment of Connecticut State Troops as he supposed for the term of eight months, at Plainfield where he lived. The name of the battle ensign he does not recollect, but his ordinary regimental name was Wells. He further recollects that the name of the Adjutant of the regiment was Root. That he went to New London & joined his com-

pany & regiment there. I was stationed at New London through the summer. I was employed in officering the Fort which had been begun at that place, chopping wood & standing upon guard. That in the month of Sept he was desirous of returning home & procured his brother Timothy to take his place in the company against him or his weeks who was accepted by the officers as a substitute. That this applicant then returned & took his place in the company. That late in the fall he thinks last of Jany the company to which he belonged & thinks one or two other companies made an excursion to New Haven, that they went to Fairfield & saw the reins, that they also went to Old Mills so called near Fairfield & that this applicant was there discharged after serving out his full period of enlistment. He does not know what this excursion to New Haven was for; it was done under the order of the Col. He thinks there was no other regiment at New London except the one to which he belonged - he does not recollect of any. He thinks his brother who has given his deposi- tion for him, which is herewith transmitted must be mistaken as to dates. He is quite certain it could not have been so late as the year 1781 when he performed the 8. months he avers. On question to interrogatories submitted by the War Department & propounded by the Court the said applicant answers, that he was born in Plain- field in Connecticut in the year 1751. That he has no record of his age. I do not know that it is any where recorded. That he lived in Plain field in Connecticut when called into service at New London. That about

ten years after the close of the war he moved to Canterbury in Connecticut & lived there about two years & then moved to what is now called Orange in the State of New Hampshire where he six months, returned to Canterbury & resided about one or two years, cannot recollect precisely then moved into Sharon, Windsor County Vermont State, where he lived about 10 or 12 years & then moved into Hartford where he has ever since & does still reside. That he restored the brain voluntarily as before stated. That he cannot be more particular in stating the names of officers, regiments or other circumstances than he has before done, that he remained any written discharge & has no documentary evidence of his brain & does not know of any person now living except his brother who can testify of his brain. & he refers to Col Lyman Fitch, Det M c Quade, Stephen Eastman Esq & John D. Ladd Esq as persons to whom he is known in his neighborhood, who can testify of his character for truth & veracity & his belief of his brain as a soldier in the revolution. He hereby relinquishes & any claim whatever to any annuity or pension except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State.
at present - 1848

We Timothy Spalding Clergyman President in the town of Thetford in the County of Orange State of Vermont & John Hall of said Thetford hereby certify that we are well ac- quainted with Samuel Shepard who has subscribed sworn to the above declaration believes him to be 71 years of age; that he is reputed to be lived in the neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revo- lution that we concur in that opinion having subscribed to Timothy Spalding Clergyman of said Thetford John Hall
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the questions prescribed by the war department & hearing the depositions of Timothy Shepard & Peter Shepard herewith transmitted. That the above named Applicant was a revolutionary soldier thereof as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Timothy Spalding who has subscribed the preceding certificate is a Clergy, man resident in the said town of Thetford & that John Hall who has also signed the same is also resident in said Thetford his a credible person & their statement is entitled to credit. And the Court also certify that Peter Shepard, whose deposition is hereto annexed ever duly sworn to the same in Court is a credible person. I Simon Root Clerk or Register of the said Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- ceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Shepard for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal of office this 28th day of August A.D. 1882 Simon Root Clerk

State of New York } Is Timothy Shepard, St Lawrence County } of the town of Potsdam in the County and State aforesaid, being sworn, saith that he is the brother of Samuel Shepard, of the town of Hartford in the State of Vermont, and about four years younger than the said Samuel Shepard; and that this Deponent in the year 1781, resided with his parents in Canterbury in the State of Connecticut, and the said Samuel re- sided in the town of Plainfield adjoin- ing, and their residences about one mile apart, except during their absence therefrom in the military service of the United States as hereinafter mentioned; and this de- ponent well remembers that in the forepart of the summer season of that year (and at what time particularly he cannot recollect) the said Samuel Shepard left his said residence and went into the said service in the Con- necticut line, in Colonel Wells Regiment & Captain Joseph Duskies Company, and was stationed with the said Regiment at New London, that this Deponent does not know certain that the said Regiment remained there during the whole term of service of the said Sam- uel; and this Deponent well remembers that the said Samuel returned from the said service in the winter (this Deponent thinks late in the winter) next following the time of his entering

The said Irwin as aforesaid, and this De- ponent saith that from the last of his recol- lection and belief, the term of time for which the said Samuel entered the said Irwin and during which he served was eight months, except that about for about six weeks of the said term, (commencing in the month of September) this Deponent, living then in his sixteenth year, took the place and perform- ed the services of the said Samuel Sharp- and as a substitute for him in the aforesaid Company & Regiment at New London.
And this Deponent further saith that he well remembers that, at another time & he believes, the year preceding the aforesaid service, the said Samuel performed another term of service in the United States army, in the Can- nected line, living in the summer season, and according to the best of this Deponent's recol- lection and belief, of the period of two months, that this Deponent did not personally see the said Samuel in the said Military service, ex- cept at the commencement and expiration of the term of this Deponent's service as his substitute as aforesaid, but that he knew of his leaving home for the proposed and ostensible object of such service at each of the said terms of service, and of his returning after his repeated absence at each of the said times in such service and that at this Deponent, after the said periods of service, respectively, often heard the said Samuel say, and was often told by him circumstances and transactions attending his said periods of

knowing going to establish the fact that he performed such service as aforesaid; and fur- ther that it was currently understood and reported, in the family of this Deponent & the said Samuel and among all the Relatives of the said Samuel that he did perform such Military service as aforesaid, which fact this Deponent never heard questioned, and believes never was by any such Relative or by any of their acquaintances in their vicinity at the times aforesaid, questioned or doubted. Given this 24 th day of July 1832 before me (Sundry verbal alterations being first made) Horace Allen, Justice of the Peace.
Timothy Shepard
I certify that the above named Timo- thy Shepard is a person with whom I am well acquainted, and is a credible person. Dated July 24. 1832. Horace Allen, Justice Peace.

State of New York } ss: I Alvin C. Low. St Lawrence County }
Clerk of said County.
do hereby certify that Horace Allen, before whom the above affidavit appears to have been taken, was at the time when the same purports to have been taken, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County - and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and his signature to the said affidavit is genuine -
Given under my hand and the seal of said County at Canton in said County this twenty second day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
ALVIN C. LOW.

I Titus Shepard now resident in Sharon in the County of Windsor State of Vermont aged 66 years. I depose to say that my brother Samuel Shepard who has this day made application for a pension in the Probate District of Windsor Vt. enlisted (as I understood) as a soldier in the United States in the revolutionary war. I well recollect, though I was then young, that he left home for the purpose (as it was said by him & the family) of going to Rhode Island. That he was gone about a month in the year 1777 or 1778 the year I do not positively recall. I heard him say when he returned that he served under Genl Sullivan. I recall that he entered another time for a month & was gone about that time from home, but I am not certain when he went & am not certain about the year. I also recollect that he enlisted for eight months, which was after the two terms of service above mentioned, but I am not certain about the year. That he left home to go to New Bedford & was gone about eight months & returned home the next winter or spring. I have often heard him say after he returned home that he served under Capt. Dakee, & it was well understood & believed in the neighborhood, that he was a soldier in the revolution & I never heard it doubted by any one - & for the say not known to us least & subscribed Titus Shepard Augt 28. 1832 -

State of Vermont Windson County } Town Clerk's office June 30 1843 I Samuel Shattlworth Clerk of the town of Shurton in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the following certificate appears upon the records of said town. It is certified to me that Samuel Shephard of Shurton and Sabra Burnham of Shelburne were legally joined in marriage March twenty ninth Seventeen hundred and Ninety two by the Rev Asa Burton Joel Marsh Town Clerk
I further certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of date which is expressed on the record in plain legible words and figures as follows "March 29 th 1792"
I Samuel Shattlworth observe and say that I held the office of town Clerk in the County town and State aforesaid and the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Shurton with the exception above named as certified by me Samuel Shattlworth Clerk of the town of Shurton
County of Windson Shurton July 3 rd 1843 soon before me
Fremont Page Justice Peace

STATE OF VERMONT, ) ss. Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the Conn- Windsor County, ss. Sty of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Freeman Paige
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this 4 th day of
July
A. D. 1843
N. Williams, Clerk.

19.102
Samuel Shepard orange 6° Verm t
21 days
Admitted
8 Mo 15 Days A
 26. 66 2  1 66 2   28 33 
S. Short Esq. Sturtevant V t
8

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 8 1833
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 subjunctive 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, showing the Service of Samuel Shepard
   Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1777 1 Private Capt A. C. Cady Genl Spence Col Hudson 71 years Two living   July or Aug 1778 1 Capt Cady Genl Gardin Trenton Princeton Witnesses   June 1779 8 Capt Capt Darkel Genl Gardin Col Wills Long Island Long Island Con't a Col. of men   *His brother took his place as a substitute for 5 or 6 weeks Red Bank Titus Shepard's deposition is not in that contest before a Magistrate  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
h. 2 8 115

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) _____ 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 day 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.
[1] 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.
[2] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is note [1] applies to continental troops only.
[3] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[4] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[5] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
For how long a time was his brother substituted for him? This should be stated exactly.

Rev 19351
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
19351
Sabra Shepard
Widow of
Samuel Shepard
Pris Rev War
Act:
Feb 22 48
Index:—Vol.
M
Page
208
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nov. 23/97 W. H. Shepard Brooklyn N.Y.
Dec. 8/97 - Hist. to Mr. W. H. Shepard (c/o Hon. J. F. Fischer H of R.) Brooklyn N.Y.

7671.
Vermont Mount. 2
Sarah Shepard
widow of Samuel Shepard
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 12th Oct. 1841 of Orange in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Leahy of the Regt. commanded by Col. Goodwin in the Conn. line for 8 mos & 15 days
Recd Sept 18
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 28 Dollars & 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1856.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Sept. 1842 and sent to D. A. Churchill
Syme D. H.
Total amount, $141.65
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thomas Sampson clerk. Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 57

4630. Vermont
Sabra Shepard
widow of Samuel Shepard who was a private in the Connecticut line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 28 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 d day of January 1841 and sent to D. C. Churchill
Syme N. H. -
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 - Page 33-
Paid at the Treasury under the Act 6 th April 1838 from 4 Sep 1841 to 12 Oct 1841. Age Notified May 3 d 1845
Deed January 25

5077 Widow Sahara Shepard, Application.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 d March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7. 1838
State of Vermont Orange County ss.
On this 12 th day of December 1843 Personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for the county aforesaid, Sabra Shepard a resident of Sturges in the county of Orange and State aforesaid age 74 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 on the 3 d day of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Samuel Shepard who was a Private during the Revolution.
That she was a Pensioner under the act of 7 th July 1838 which she received at the rate of twenty eight Dollars and thirty three cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sabra Shepard
Sworn to and subscribed on this day and year as above written before me. Stephen Eastman Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the above declaration is personally known to me.
Stephen Eastman Justice of the Peace.

State of Vermont, I. Percy C Jones Clerk of the Orange County of County Court of the County of Orange in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Stephen Eastman is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 31 st day of October A D 1843 and will expire the 30 th day of November next, and that his signatures to the foregoing declaration are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court this 18 th day of December A D 1843.
Percy C Jones Clerk

Lyon N.H. December 21. 1843
Sir
At the request of the widow Sarah Shepard I herewith forward her declaration for a Pension under the Act of March 3. 1843. for your examination & decision.
I have the Hon: to be very Respect- fully your Obedient
D. C. Shurcliff
Hon J. S. Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington D. C.

Sims N.H. July 8. 1803
Dear Sir
At the request of the widow Sabra Shepard I herewith transmit her declaration and other documents to support her claim to a Pension, for your examination & decision.
I have the Honor to be very Respectfully your obedt Servt D. C. Churchill
Hon ble J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions Washington D. C.

Declaration of Salva Shipacee for the Benefits of the Act of the 2 nd February 1848
Admitted
D. G. Henton Post Mills p5

State Vermont, District ninth day of June County of Bennington 1848 Personally appeared before me Subscribing authority a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington Selva Shepard a resident of Bennington in the State and County aforesaid. I give hereby notice I am 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 on the 20th day of February 1848 granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Samuel Shepard who was a Private in the Army of the revolution but to what Regiment or Corps he belonged she cannot state but understands to reside in the war department. That she is entitled under the act of 17th June 1844 Twenty Eight Dollars and thirty three cents per annum. The further declares that she is still a widow.
Subscribed & Resided. Selva Shepard
J. G. Hutton
J. A. Hutton
Subscribed to and sworn to on the day and year above written
Before me J. G. Hutton Justice Peace

I hereby further certify that the foregoing declaration is presently known to me and that she is the same individual that gave a Preamble to the Act of 17-June 1844 as stated by her in the foregoing declaration
J. G. Hutton Justice Peace

STATE OF VERMONT, ORANGE COUNTY, ss.
I, Calvin Rodyle Clerk of the County Court of the County of Orange in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
S. G. Hutton Esq.
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature Veritas affixum is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said County Court, this 23 rd day of June A. D. 1848
Calvin Rodyle Clerk.

N o 9222 Laura Sheppard Kermont Act 7 th July '38 Adm d 8 mo. 15 ds priv $ 28.33 p.m.w.
D. C. Churchill Esq. Lyons. N Hampshire

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Sept. 30 th 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Samuel Shepard, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Montpelier, V t — Agency, at the rate of Twenty eight Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th June 1802, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1841, to the 12 th Oct. 1841.
Respectfully, yours,
J. W. L. Tappan Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

H. M. Gleason, affidavit

I R. M. Gleason of aged 45 years Hutzford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, depose and say that Samuel Shepard of Hutzford in the County and State aforesaid died at his residence in said Hutzford on the twentyth day of October 1841 I was present with him at the time of his death
I further say that said Samuel Shepard was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. at the rate of twenty eight dollars and thirty three cents per annum his Pension certificate being now before me
I further say that Sarah Shepard who was formerly the wife and is now the widow of Samuel Shepard is now living and is now in my presence and has not since been married since the death of said Samuel Shepard but is still his widow
R. M. Gleason
Sworn to before me this 8 th day of June A.D. 1843
Stephen Thomas Justice of the Peace
I further testify that the above named R. M. Gleason is well known to me and is a credible witness
Stephen Thomas Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont, Orange County ss
I Perley C Jones, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Orange hereby certify that Stephen Thomas is a Justice of the Peace in and for said Orange County duly commissioned and qualified that his commission is dated on the 9 th day of November A D 1842 and will expire on the 30 th day of November 1843 and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal at Orange County Court this 23 rd day of June A D 1843 Perley C Jones, Clerk

5077 Decem. 26 1843
NH VT Sabra Shepard March 1843
$ 28:33 per an
D. C. Churchill Lyne N.H. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pension Washington D.C.
PAID

State of Vermont } On this 18 th day of Sept District of Bennington } A.D. 1833 - personally appeared in the County of Orange } in Open Court before the Probate Court, within the said District of Bennington now sitting. Samuel Shepard who made his declaration for the purpose of obtaining a Pension before this Court on the 28 th day of Augt 1832. After being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following additional declaration viz. That by reason of old age & the course of great loss of memory, he cannot be positive as to the precise time, his brother took his place as a substitute in the eight months he was as stated in his declaration, but according to the best of his belief it did not exceed six weeks. his impression is that it was not more than five. That he is not able to recollect any thing more particular respecting his service than he has stated in his declaration. Subscribed & sworn to the Samuel Shepard day & year aforesaid -
In testimony whereof I Simon Root Clerk of the of the said Probate Court do hereunto set my hand the seal of said Court the day & year aforesaid Simon Root Register

Telephone call 68 Gray Ridge.
Ans W. H. Shepard, M.D.
Office Hours. 8 to 10 A.M. 2 to 3 P.M. 7 to 8 P.M.
202. Fifty second St.
Brooklyn, Nov. 4/97 189
Commissioner Of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:--
I have been referred to you by Col. F. E. Ainsworth, of the Record and Pension Office, for a full copy of the pension claim of Samuel Shepard, and affidavit of Timothy Shepard brother of Samuel, Samuel Shepard's application is dated August 28th. 1832, giving his age as 71, and Timothy's affidavit is dated July 24th. 1832. Timothy testifies to having served about six weeks in his brothers place in the Revolutionary army in 1781, his brother Samuel having enlisted from New London. I am a descendant of Timothy Shepard, and desire this copy of Pension Claim and affidavit simply as family record, and will be greatly obliged if you will furnish me with the same.
Very truly yours,
W. H. Shepard

Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of the 2nd inst. I have the honor to inform you that the enclosed papers are being returned to you under separate cover. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, [Signature] Secretary of War.
Nov 10 1897
Major General John D. Root Commissioner of Pensions
Nov 10 1897

L. W. B. W. 19351.
November 23rd, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Timothy and Samuel Shepard, supposed to have been soldiers in the Revolutionary war, you are advised that a very careful search has been made and from the data given the name of Timothy Shepard has not been found upon the Revolutionary war pension records.
Samuel Shepard made an application for pension on August 28th, 1832, at which time he was 71 years of age and residing at Thetford, Vermont, and his pension was allowed for eight months and fifteen days' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Adams and Col. Goodwin. He enlisted at Plainfield, Conn. His widow, Sabra, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. W. H. Shepard,
202 - 52nd St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

L. W. B. W. 19351.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
Samuel
December 8th, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for copies of certain papers on file in the pension claim of Samuel Shepard , a soldier of the Revolutionary war, I have the honor to advise you that there is no appropriation by Congress for carrying on work of this character and owing to a pressure of other and more important work this Bureau must decline to comply with your request. If, however, you will designate some responsible person he will be allowed, upon the presentation of this letter, to examine the papers on file in the above named claim and make such copies of the papers therein as may be desired.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Hon. I. F. Fischer,
House of Representatives.
1901