Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15876, David Betts, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Betts, David Rhoda
NUMBER
No. 15876.
CONTENTS

4930 New York.
Rhoda Betts widow of David Betts who died on the 20 March 1823 of in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Wing of the Reg t commanded by Mac in the Mass a . line for 8 months & 18 days
Rejected
619
Entered on the Roll of Albany the rate of 28 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 11 th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of February 1850 and sent to Alonzo Bruce, Albany, NY
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by J. P. Chase Clerk, Book D Vol. 2 Page 356

State of New York County of Saratoga } ss
on this the 8 th day of January A. D. 1845, personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of the County Court in and for the County of Saratoga and State aforesaid, Rachel Betts , a resident of Moraine in the County and State aforesaid age 87 years, who being first duly sworn acc- =ording to law, doth now her oath make. The following declaration is made to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 14 th 1838. That she is the Widow of David Betts who was a private in the War of the Revolution, and served in the State of Massachusetts, a part of the time under Capt. John Wood, and a part of the time under Capt. Cobbs in Col. Brown's Regiment in all as near as she can now recollect he served one year or more. She further declares that she was married to the said David Betts on the twenty fifth day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy Eight, in the town of Sheffield, and State of Mass. by the Rev. John Root. That her husba- =nd the aforesaid David Betts died on the twenty sixth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three, and that she has removed to Wadsworth Ave. or will more fully appear by references to the proofs designated to be forwarded here with and that she has no record of her marriage but there is a record of the births of her children which is a true and correct record. She further declares that she knows of no man.
Re January 18. 1845. 6406.

By the name of Rhoda B. Bets , who resides in the town of Argyle in the County of Washington and State aforesaid, who was present and saw her marriage, and that her maiden name was Rhoda Spade , and that she cannot write her name on account of old age and bodily infirmity — Sworn to and subscribed } Rhoda Bets the day and year first above } Mark written Before me — N. B. Doo
Judge of Chautauqua County Courts.
I Nicholas B. Doo — Judge aforesaid do hereby = by declaration of opinion that Rhoda Bets who is described as and who executed the foregoing declaration is the Widow of David Bets who was a private in the War of the Re- bellion and served in the State of Washington who died on the twenty eighth day of March 1823, and I do hereby certify that the said Rhoda Bets is unable to be present in open court to make her declaration, on account of bodily infirmity, and that she is a person of known credibility. N. B. Doo
Judge of Seneca Co. Courts.
Saratoga County Writings Office
I Horace Goodrich Clerk of the County of Saratoga do hereby certify that Nicholas B. Doo was, on the day of the delivery of the above certificate & affidavit, a Judge of the County Courts in and for said County, duly appointed & sworn qualified. And that the signatures above purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office & subscribed my name, this 9 th day of January A.D. 1875 Horace Goodrich Clerk Note The word "sworn" erased Evans

State of New York Washington County } 37
Messiah Betts of the Town of Argyle in the County and State aforesaid - aged 75 years, who being first duly sworn according to law - doth depose and say - that he is a brother of David Betts who resided in Berkshire Co Mass in the time of the Revolutionary War - that deponent knew of his brother's enlistment as a soldier under Capt John Spood - and at another time under Capt Elisha Denny and that - in Col. Brown's Regiment - that he was not recollect the exact amount of service performed by his said Brother but that he must of service in all more than one year and all at different times, under different officers - that he distinctly recollects of his service under the above named officers - deponent further states that in January 1778 deponent in company with his father and mother went to the home of the aforesaid Capt John Spood in the Town of Sheffield in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts - and there in company with his father and mother found he saw his Brother David Betts and Rhoda Spood the aforesaid Capt Spood daughter stand up and that deponent saw and heard the Rev John Root a protestant minister who was pastor church in that Town aforesaid, pronounce the marriage of said David Betts and Rhoda Spood - deponent further states that his Brother David Betts aforesaid was out as a soldier one or two times as more after the marriage took place - and that the his Brother aforesaid died in the Town of Morrise in the County of Saratoga and State of New York - on the Twentieth day of March one thousand eight hundred and twenty three - and that the said Rhoda Betts had

As described, Widow of the said David Betts has since a certain time since the death of her said husband - and that the above described Rebecca Betts is as the deponent has been informed the officiant for a Russian priest who has as deponent has been informed set up her declaration before Judge Darr of Cortland County - That the said Rebecca Betts who now resides in the town of Moravia in the County of Cortland and as deponent is informed in the affidavit for a Russian priest the act of July 4 th 1834, is the identical person that deponent knew married to the said David Betts in January 1778. and further the deponent says the rest hereof to be true and substantiated This the 8 th day of January 1845 Before me Henry K White Justice of the peace
I Henry K White do hereby certify that the words aforesaid pronounce the ceremony which constituted them Husband & Wife between the 26 th & 27 th lines from the top was inserted before signing & that I am personally acquainted with Aszekiah Bell who executed the above Deposition & knowing him to be a person of creditability.
Henry K White Justice of the peace
State of New York Washington County ss 3 I Henry Shipboard Clerk of said County do hereby certify that at the date of the above Final & certificate Henry K White Esq was a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified & that his signatures above subscribed are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 8 th day of Jan- uary 1845 H Shipboard Clerk

Marriages to David Betts his wife and Children
th 2 1818
David Betts was born November 15 th 1954 Rhoda Betts was born January 29 th 1957 Hannah Betts was born December 11 th 1982  April 12 th 1980 Stephen Betts was born August 10 th 1984 Rachel Betts was born April 12 th 1988 Sally Betts was born May 4 th 1990 Polly Betts was born May 6 th 1992 Caroline Betts was born March 12 th 1994 John J. Betts was born August 12 th 1996 Louis Betts was born October 29 th 1998 Izubai Betts was born November 26 th 1860 Raymond Betts was born October 29 th 182 Lucinda Betts was born October 3 rd 186 Chancery M. Betts was born October 29 th 186

IN REPLY REFER TO
3-2562
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
MMHF/HMM
March 8, 1930.
Mrs. Darwin G. Erdle 33 Elmhurst Street Rochester, New York.
Dear Madam:
I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained in your letter.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.
First name of widow Rhoda Spoor
Full name of soldier John Betts
Residence of soldier at enlistment Sheffield Mass.
Residence of soldier after service Saratoga Co. N.Y.
Name of state from which he enlisted Mass.
Approximate date of birth Apr. 9 1757
Approximate date of death Mar. 20 1823
Kindly return attached letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
Earl D. Church
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Apr. 11. 4.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
July 22-1902 Ino. W. Howe. Saratoga
1930 - May 6 - Mrs. D. G. Erdle adv. res John Felix - MMST
File No. 15876
Richard O'Call
Widow of
James O'Call
(Pri. near 1840)
Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 52
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 6406
Rhoda Bell
Act 4 th  NY July, 1836.
William Valentine 08.45 April 18 th
Henry Moore July 1/49 16s
Hon J. A. Clarkson
March 9, 49
Same to same Bridge 29 th Aug t 1849
Act 4 July 1836
over
Letter to Henry Moore Feb 23/49. Same after 28/49 to same 24 th Oct r 1849

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston: September 1 st 1848.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the town to which David Bell belonged was Sheffield.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the Commissioner's letter of July 1 st 1848 was filed in this Office; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said letter, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W m D. Briggs Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Additional
Secretary's Office, Boston :
December 13. 1849.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that all the rolls on which the name of David Betts is found, state that the service was by men from the county of Berkshire. It appears from orders in the Treasurer's office, that the service in Capt. Kingsley's, & in Capt. Grew's Co. was by David Betts of Sheffield. Capt. Russell Downing belonged to Sheffield, & many of the names on this roll are on another roll of the same Capt. which states they were from Sheffield, which is also the case with that of Capt. Deming (except being the same Capt.). There appears to be no evidence of any other service by any person of the name.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
M c Callum, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of New York County of Washington } p
Henry Rich Betts of the Town of Argill in the County & State aforesaid Aged Twenty Eight years past who being first duly sworn according to law doth Depose & say that he is a brother of David Betts deceased who resided in Berkshire County Mass in the time of the Revolutionary War that Deponent knew of his brother's enlisting as a Soldier under Capt John Spoor and at an other time under Capt Elijah Drumming One time in Col Brown's Regt That he does not recollect the exact amount of service his brother performed but knows his brother was in the service more than six months and believes more than one year he distinctly recollects his serving under the above officers and knows that his brother was absent from home in the service after he married Rhoda Spoor He further says that when he was a boy he went with his father and mother to the house of Capt Spoor and there saw his brother David Betts married to Rhoda Spoor and daughter of Capt Spoor and that they were married by the Rev John Hook in Sheffield Mass, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty eig- ht, in Jan, and that he was nine years old at the time they were married and that he knows the time from his own age and from the fact he went with his father and mother to see his brother married Deponent further says that

that his brother died in the Town of Marion County of Saratoga on the 20 day of March one Thousand Eight hundred and twenty three and at the time of his death left a widow viz Rhoda Betts and that she has not married since his death
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7 th day of 1847 January 1848
Henry C. Maitland also Justice
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Hephzibah Betts the above deponent, and that he is a man of truth and veracity and that full credit may be given to his affidavit
Wm. H. King Justice of the Peace B. D. L. Livingston Daniel C. Townsend Notary Public
State of New York } Washington County } I, Henry Shipley Clerk of said County do hereby certify that at the date of the foregoing affidavit - Henry C. Maitland Esq. was a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and sworn and that his signature subscribed to the jurat of said affidavit is genuine
Witness my hand and official seal this 8 th day of January A.D. 1848 H. Shipley Clerk

State of New York Washington County 3 d ss. I Wm. R. Miller Deputy Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Wm. H. King whose name is subscribed to the affidavit or certifi- cate within written was at the time of signing said certificate a justice of the peace in and for said County, and that his signature subscri- bed to the same is in his proper hand writing and that the signatures of Daniel Livingston, Daniel Can- well and J. H. Savage are also genuine, and that they are credible witnesses.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 20 th January 1848
Wm. R. Miller Dep. Clerk

Decorum Certificate
Seas State

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston ;
Nov 1. 1844.
No other service is found upon the rolls in this Office
8. 08
401
198
98

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sawyer. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Morgan Sept 11 th 1843
Sir I received your letter of May also the one of August 29 and shall ende- avor to answer the same to the first question I answered no he never drew a pension he died March 20 th 1823 we were married January 25 th 1778 there is a record of ages but none of the marriage but that point is susceptible of proof he served a part of the time under Captain Joseph Spooner a part under captain Noble Colonel Brown's Regiment in the State of Massachusetts he was a private I think he was in the service for one year or more his name was David Betts mine is Rhoda Betts my age 85 years January 29 th 1843 in town of Sheffield was married in the town of Sheffield in the State of Massachusetts by the Reverend John Beech a presbyterian minister Witness my hand and seal the above named Rhoda Betts
Rhoda Betts her mark
being duly sworn states that the above statement is true according to the best of her knowledge and belief sworn before me this 11 th day of Sept 1843
Frederick Van Euren Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire }
Michael Halonheath of the Town of Egremont County & State afore said being duly Sworn according to Law Says that he is Eighty two years old last January and that he was born in this Town and has lived here all his life time and that he knew David Butts & Rhoda Spoor ever since his earliest recollection and that David Butts & Rhoda Spoor both lived in the same Neighborhood with himself during the Revolutionary War he Depenant lived in the Town of Egremont and they lived in the Town of Sheffield and that Rhoda Butts was a Daughter of Capt John Spoor and lived not more than two miles from his father and David Butts lived about one mile from his father between Depenants father and Capt John Spoor Depenant further Says that he was Cousin to Rhoda Butts wife of David Butts Depenant further Says that he well recollects the time that Rhoda Spoor Married David Butts and that they were Married in the Town of Sheffield in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Eight and that he was not present at the Marriage but knows the time from his age and his Marriage and that David Butts and Rhoda Spoor were reported to have been Married at Seventy Eight and lived together as husband & wife every after until his death and that they moved from Sheffield to the State of New York after the war. Depenant further Says that David Butts was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and served under Capt Spoor and other officers as he believes and that he served more than six months and he thinks more than one year he further Says that David Butts was out in the Service three or four times after he Married Rhoda Spoor Depenant further Says that it is universally believed in the Neighborhood

Neighborhood that David Bell, was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution. Deponent further Says that he knew Brumley at the time Bell left the army that Maria Rhoads Spence Deponent further Says that he has been informed and believes that David Bell died in the State of New York some years since and left a widow who now resides in the Town of Marion Saratoga County.
Deponent was interlined before Execution
David Bell's widow
Michael Hollenbeck
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 16 th August 1848
Samuel C Newman Justice of the Peace
Washington Co. Vermont August 16 th 1848
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the foregoing Deponent Michael Hollenbeck and that he is a man of good Moral Character and strong mind and memory and full faith may be given to his deposition
Samuel C Newman Justice of the Peace Washington Co. Vermont I Charles Ledyard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do certify that Samuel C Newman Esq. before whom the foregoing deposition of Michael Hollenbeck was sworn to over on the 16 th day of August next a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned & qualified & that the signature now first appearing to be his is genuine - In witness whereof I have set the seal of said Court this 24 th day of August 1848
Charles Ledyard Clerk

Albany Sept 4 1848
Sir
I enclose the Certificate from Boston showing that David Butts was from Sheffield Mass the very town where all the United Services he resided during the Revolutionary War and the town where he was married Will the Department give this case early attention
Yours Respectfully
J. L. Edwards Esq. Chair of Pensions
Albany Penn

State of Massachusetts- } ss County of Berkshire }
Minor Owen of the Town of Sheffield County & State aforesaid being duly sworn according to law says that he is eighty three years old last April that he was born in this Town and has resided here all his lifetime that he knew David Butts and Rhoda Spoor from his earliest recollection that they both resided in this Town before and after they were married that David Butts married Rhoda Spoor he thinks in Seventy Eight Deponent further says he married Rhoda Spoor's Sister and that he was married in the year one Thousand eight hundred and eighty five and that he knows the time he was married from his age and that he has a record of the same and that David Butts married Rhoda Spoor a number of years before he was married and he thinks Seven which he believes was in the year Seventy Eight he will recollect the time from the fact that he went past the house the same Evening. Deponent further says that Rhoda Spoor was a daughter of Capt John Spoor and that David Butts was neighbor to Capt John Spoor and that they lived not more than one mile from each other in the Town of Sheffield. Deponent further says.

That David Butts was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and served under Capt Spear and other officers and that he was in the Service more than six months. He recollects one time that he was in Service and that his brother was with him who is now dead and that he believes that he was in the Service after he was married and Deponent further says that he never knew any other David Butts about the time that he married Rhoda Spear. Deponent further says that he was not in the Service two or three times after he married Rhoda Spear. He thinks they moved from this State to the State of New York in eighty five or six.
Minor Owen
On this day personally appeared the above named Minor Owen & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him signed.
Before Me Billings, Palmer Justice of the Peace. I also certify, that I am personally acquainted with the above deponent, & that he is of sound mind & memory, & that full credit may be given to the above affidavit.
Billings Palmer Justice of the Peace.

Bethlehem
I Charles Sedgwick clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, do certify that Billings Palmer Esq. is true on the 15 day of August Inst. a Justice of the Peace within said County, duly commissioned & qualified.
That his Certificate to the Deponent of William Dyer is in due form.
That his signature, feminine Interline, whereof I have hereto set my hand & the seal of said Court this
14 day of August 1848
Charles Sedgwick Clerk

Sheffield Ms. No. 25 }
10
Stephen Valentine Albany N.Y.
Sheffield Ms. No. 25 Stephen Valentine Albany N.Y.

Stafford Nov 15 1844
Dear Sir
Your letter of inquiry of the 18th is just rec d by me - having been absent at the time of its arrival at the postoffice - Rev John Keep left no records - or if he did they cannot be found - And there are no records of marriages on the town books, at that period -
Respectfully
Wm H D Lath
E. F. Sulligan
Mrs Clarke

State of New York, } ss. Saratoga County Clerk's Office.
I, JAMES W. HORTON, CLERK OF THE COUNTY OF SARATOGA, do hereby certify, That H. S. Newhaz whose name is subscribed to the annexed INSTRUMENT, is a Justice of the Peace of the County of Saratoga, dwelling in said county; duly qualified. And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. And that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the state of New York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of the year 1873. James W. Horton 9 day CLERK.

State of New York County of Saratoga) Jonathan Betts of the Town of Warren County and State aforesaid being first duly sworn according to law says that he he will be eighty years old on the fifth day of Next October and that he has a record of his age in his family Bible and that he was born in Connecticut and moved into Sheffield with his father when he was four years old and that his said father lived in Sheffield Mass a not more than one mile from Capt John Spence in the time of the Revolution. Dependant further says that he is Brother to David Betts deceased and that his said Brother David Betts was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and served under Capt John Spence and Capt Dunning, he well recollects and he thinks under other officers. Dependant further says that his Brother David Betts married Rhoda Spence Daughter of Capt John Spence and that they were married in Sheffield in the State of Mass in the year one Thousand seven hundred and seventy eight by the New Year Book, he further says that he knows the time from his own age and that fact from his being present and saw them married well recollects the time from his being a boy between eight and nine years old when they were married. He further says that his Brother David Betts was out in the Service a number of times after he married Rhoda Spence and that Rhoda his Brother's wife was at his fathers, frequently while his said Brother was in the Service. He further says that his said Brother David Betts died in this town

in this year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and left in witness here, Richard Betts Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30 th July 1849 Jonathan Betts D r Newton Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Jonathan Betts the foregoing Dependant in that he is a man of good name character and that full faith and credit may be given to his deposition D r Newton Justice of the Peace

Albany Dec 15 th 1849
Hon Sir
Inclos'd I send you the certificate of the Secretary of War, agreeable to your request of Nov 24 th , In the case of Rhoda Betts widow of David Betts, I would solicit your careful attention to the affidavits now on file of Minor Owen, Michael Hollenbeck, Elizabeth Betts & Jonathan David Betts all of which testify that David Betts was married in 1778 or 1779. They also testify that he was out in the service after he was married a fact which they could not be mistaken in. The family record if admitted shows that the first child was born in Dec 1782 The last service of the service is in 1781 The proximity of the last service with the birth of the first child is so near I think there can be no doubt in this case. The proof being so clear and conclusive in this point. Have ever if the Department will not allow this claim under Act July 4 th 1836 They may issue a certificate under Act 7 July 1838 and subsequent acts, and I will reserve the right to satisfy the Department under Act July 4 th 1836 J. L. Edwards } Com. of Pensions }
Respectfully
Alonzo Bruce Albany N.Y.

J. L. Edwards Can. of Mr. B. H. S.

Dear Sir
Albany May 3 d 1849
Will You do me the favor to examine the papers and Proofs now on file (personally) in the case of Rhoda Bitts widow of David Bitts. In your reports of April 25 th I think You must have over looked much of the proof, the witnesses (three in number) all swear that David Bitts was out in the Service after the marriage which was in 1778, Mr Owen swears positively to the fact as does H o Bitts and Mr Holmbeck and if the Department require it I can get others to swear to the same thing. In Your report of April 28 th You acknowledge the receipt of the Certificate of the Sec of War showing that all of the Service rendered to David Bitts was from Sheffield & Mass and the witnesses swear that no other David Bitts resided in the town Mrs Bitts being a Daughter of Col o Spear and living in the same neighborhood, leave there less a doubt in this case. If the Department will (or rather if Mr Edwards) will) do me the favor to examine all the proof now on file I doubt not but it will fully satisfy him. The character of the witnesses are all certified by the Justices and one of them by others all the witnesses corroborate the Declaration of the Widow. If the proof is not satisfactory on re-examining the case, will Mr Edwards inform me what more is required Very Respectfully Alonzo Brew J. S. Edwards Esq

Albany August 26 th 1848
Sir
I herewith inclose additional proof of two depositions in the case of Rhoda Butts widow of David Butts, deceased. These depositions together with the Proof now on file I think will place this case beyond a doubt. I would most respectfully refer the Department to the Certificate of the Secretary of State from Boston which shows that all of the Service was from Berkshire Co Mass the residence of Claimant's husband during the war of the Revolution. I would also refer the Department to his Application for Pensions in Boston which identifies him under Capt Spoor & Noble. I would also refer the Department to the Deposition now on file showing the time of the marriage and also that David Butts was in the Service six months or more. The two depositions now inclosed show the marriage to have taken place in 78 and also shows that David Butts was in the Service more than six months which fully corroborates the records of the Secretary of War and also corroborates the records of the births of Mrs Butts Children and her Declaration and I believe places the date of the marriage beyond a doubt. Will the Department give this case as requested early attention.

for the old Lady is poor and needy Supported wholly by Charity
Very Respectfully
Mongo Draw Albany N.Y.
J. S. Edwards Esq. } Comm. of Pensions }
Letter

Sir
Albany Jan 26 1848
I herewith inclose the Deposition of Hezekiah Betts to establish the claim of Rhoda Betts for a Pension under the Act of 1836. Mrs Betts applied for a Pension in June 1845. The case was reported in April 1845 to Mrs Valentine. In that report the Department required that Mrs Betts should prove that her husband was in the service six months. In the affidavit inclosed Hezekiah Betts swears that David Betts was in the service six months and he thinks more than one year. He also swears that he saw them married and knows that he was in the service after they were married. The record evidence of the service and the family record of the age of Mr & Mrs Betts and their childrens births now on file corroborating the Deposition I believe will fully satisfy the Department and establish this claim. Will the Department examine all the proofs on file together with the papers herewith inclosed. The Deposition is supported by the Certificate of the Justice together with three highly respectable Citizens. The old Lady is very Poor and supported wholly by Charity. She cannot survive long a small Pension would be thankfully received by her. I have thought proper to support the Deposition inclosed in order to place this case beyond a doubt it is all the proof that can be obtained in the case and as I have said before the result of

The service, ages, births, and family connections, with some of the officers or rather with Capt Spoor their residence in the time of the war and the old Ladies Statement under oath for the services to be made in Mops without any knowledge of the records which is now on file I believe will fully satisfy the Department, until the Departmental report in this case as soon as convenient and very much oblige
Respectfully Yours
Alonzo Bruce Albany N.Y.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions

Oct. 23 rd 1849
addl. end. case
Rhoda Bells
md. David
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions Washington D. C.

Letter N. 6406 Rhoda Bell Morn of Pail N.Y.
Act 4 July 1836
Mamma 1778
Instan due 1823
born 8 mo 18 days
1m 28 1/2 pm
Mm 4 March 1831
Almyra Price Albany N.Y.

Albany N.Y. January 14 th 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the declaration & proofs in the case of Rhoda Betts widow of David Betts, deceased. And would respectfully beg leave to submit it without comment, except I would refer the Dept to that portion of the deposition of Heretial Betts which shews that her husband was in the service after the marriage —
I am Yours very respectfully Wm Valentine
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr of Pensions Washington

Dear Sir
Albany N.Y. Oct 20 th 1849
I enclose additional Proof in the case of Rhoda Betts widow of David I most respectfully solicit a careful Examination of the Papers now on file together with this Deposition of our witnesses. I swear that David Betts was in the Service after he married Rhoda Shoar, two of which was Present and saw him married and know the time from their own age and from other facts. Minnie Owen Swears that they were married seven years before he was married, and that he was mar- ried in the year 1785 Michael Heal enbeck Swears to the time of their mar- riage and knows the time from his age. all four of the witnesses swear that David Betts was in the Service after his marriage. One important fact is that the Certificate of the Secretary of the State of Mass shows that the Service of David Betts was from Sheffi- eld the very town in which Betts lived during the Revolution also where he was married, all the witnesses swear that he was in the Service more than six months. The high Standing of all the witnesses and the circumstan- ces connect with this case I think will fully satisfy the Department Will the Department carefully examine the Papers & Deposition now on file

together with the on name and , I would not desire ask the Depart- ment to re-examine the Proof now on file with this, if I did not think facts connected with the  case would not satisfy any one an "Carefull Examina- tion". One of which is that he married the Daughter of the officer under whom he served a part of the time viz Capt John Spoor
Respectfully Yours
Alanzo Bruce Albany N.Y.
J. S. Edwards Esq. } Com of Pensions }
Letter Rhode Island

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section MMHF/eel Q
May 6, 1930
Mrs. Darwin G. Erdle 33 Elmhurst Street Rochester, New York
Dear Madam:
I advise you that the Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to show a claim for pension or bounty land on file on account of the services of a soldier named John Betts.
Rhoda Betts (nee Spoor) was pensioned on account of the services of her husband, David Betts.
Very truly yours
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
I did not read hist. as she was interested in John & perhaps not descended from David

15876 wit David Retts Jay 8. 1845 - 87 Saratoga Co. N.Y.
Mrs. Rhoda Spooner Jay 25 1778. Sheffield Mass.
Amelro 1823 Aug 15. 76 - Cpt for King Sheffield Mass. Cal Hopkins 25 d Sept 26. 77 - Cpt Spooner Cal Simond 30 " Aug 14 77 - Cpt do Cal Ashley 21 " Aug 21 77 - Cpt for King 29 " Cal do Sept 19 77 - Cpt Spooner Ashley 1 mo 5 d June 28 Cpt Elizah Dennis Cal do 44 d Aug 19 79 - Cpt Roswell Downing Cal Ashb 1 mo 12 d Jan 27 82 Cpt for King Cal do 11 d Oct 15 82 Sharon do 4 " Oct 12 82 Sharon do 15 d
Mr. Root Record of service from Secy of State

Jan 14 1930 33 Elmhurst St Rochester N.Y.
Dept of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Dear Sirs:
Will you kindly find record of John Betts who enlisted at Sheffield, Mass. 1776. His first Capt. John King and Col Hopkins
A pension was granted

his widow on Jan 8 1840-
I wish this record from Washington that I may join the D.A.R if record can be found.
Sincerely
Mrs Darwin G Erdle 33 Elmhurst St Rochester NY

Saratoga Daily Independent,
402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, N. Y.
WEEKLY INDEPENDENT ISSUED EVERY THURSDAY.
July 14 th , 1902
Commissioner Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Can you give me the Regt line of enlistment or discharge of David Bell of the Town of Moreau County of Saratoga and State of New York. Who served in the Revolutionary War with Genl Rutter. There was a man of that name that drew a pension in said Town. I should say about 40 or 45 years ago and we desire to know in what Regt or Company he served. any thing you can give us in regard to him will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly Yours John W Howe