Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4980, Joseph Bumstead, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Burnstead, Joseph
S 4980
carded
CONTENTS

3382.
Massachusetts
Joseph Bumstead
of Walbraken in the State of Speas who was a Drummer in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Reg t commanded by Col Vose in the Speas line for 1 Year
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 24 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of Dec 1832 and sent George Holton Springfield Mass
Warrants to 4th of Sept 1832 $66 - Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 Jan 33 22 -
588~
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J H McBlain Clerk Book D. Vol. 2 nd Page 95.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire Co.
On this eighth day of August, 1832. Personally appeared in open Court before Isaac Bellows Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting in Springfield Joseph Annstead of Wilbraham in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts, age eighty six 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, 1832 - That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the latter part of the month of June or first of July 1780. That he was mustered at South Hadley by Col. Woodbridge for six months service, and was marched by Col. Dyer of the Continental army to West Point and joined Col. Dyer's Regiment, and was soon afterwards taken out of said Regiment and placed in the Light Infantry as a Drummer, Capt. name not recollected. Col. Shepherd commanded the Regiment and Genl. Poor the whole Corps at first, after Genl. Poor was taken sick Col. Shepherd took the command of the whole Light Corps, marched to a number of places in the States of N. York and New Jersey, continuing towards the close of my term of service we returned to West Point where he received a written discharge but has lost it. John Strummidon of Wilbraham whose deposition is annexed enlisted with me and marched to West Point with me but did not leave in the same Company or Regiment. Ebenezer Cady whose deposition is annexed testifies that he saw me with the army in New Jersey in 1780 -
That previous to the above term of service in the regular army, he enlisted as he believes in the month of Sept. 1776. as a Drummer in Capt. Rankin's Company of Mass. Militia and marched to Newbury and Boston where he served three months and was dismissed. John Shibley whose deposition is annexed served with me in the same Company, and Levi Candler of Englewood whose deposition is annexed served with me in the same Company during his term of three months - and that at the end of his term of three months he re-enlisted in a Company of Mass. Militia commanded by Capt. Elijah Bangs and served three months more as a Musician at Boston and was dismissed about the first of April 1777 - does not know of any person now living who served the last three months with him -

That he was born in Boston Mass. in Union Street No 20. in the year 1746. That the time of his birth is entered on the town records at Boston and in Scituate where he afterwards lived -
That he lived in Milford when called into service has lived in said town of Milford ever since, and now resides in Milford
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
Sworn to and subscribed the 29 th of August day and year aforesaid -
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant has a revolutionary father and is entitled to a pension -
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Burnstead for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this eighth day of August A.D. 1832. Justin Willard

2147 Joseph Burnstead
Quinn
12 Months
adm
The 8-11. 12. 14 & 15- investigations in the brief not coupled with
$44~
George Colton E Hinsfield Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Joseph Burnstead  of  Wilbraham  in the State of  Mass  (Act 7 June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Goshute Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 86  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.     In 1776 (Sept.) 3 Drummer Capt. Reuben Munn, at North   (Decr.) 3 Musician Capt. A. Bangs at Canton   1780 (June or July) 6 Private Col. Woodbridge at South Hadley. Col. Vose at West Point.   Drummer in Light Infantry. Col. Shepherd Gen. Root  
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? at South Hadley, he left home & Wilbraham, Mass.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses, except the 2d line  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? no certificate by a clergyman 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Wm Ward Examining Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Joseph Burnstead a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. 4980
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Sept. 1776 3 mos Drummer Beuben Munn. ✓ Mass.   Immediately 3 mos Musician Abijah Bangs. ✓   June or July 1780 6 mos. { Drummer ✓ Vose Shepard  
Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not stated
Date of application for pension, Aug. 8. 1832. Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Wilbraham, Hampden Co. Mass.
Age at date of application, born at 20 Union St. Boston Mass in 1746
Remarks: There is no family data on file.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1914 Aug 6: History to Mr Dale Burnstead 80.12H
Rev War
4980. INVALID.
File No. 4980
Joseph Burnstead Draft Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. M , Page 50
[Arrangement of 1870.]

2867 Joseph Branthead Declaration & Depositions of Titus Chandler Levi Chandler Alvus Cady 2 John Chaffey -

I Titus Ammerdon of Milbraham of Hilldale in the County of Hampshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawfull age do testify and say - that Joseph Brumsted of Milbraham aforesaid was mustered at South Hadley as a continental soldier the last of June or the first of July 1780 before Col. Woodbridge of South-Hadley for six months and was marched from Springfield to West Point by a continental officer. Titus Ammerdon Milbraham 6 th  August July 1832
Hampden ss. 6 August July 1832 Then Titus Ammerdon Personally appearing made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed.
Before me - Walter Stetson Just Peace

Witness (Deponent)
Member of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Nov 8 th 1852 I hereby certify, that I have been acquainted with Silas Comden who signed the within deposition for a num- ber of years, and believe him to be a man of truth & veracity and believe him considered so in the neighborhood where he resides
Mattew Stubbins Just here

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court being a Court of Record in the County of of Hampden do hereby certify
to the memorandum
that Walter Stebbins Esq. before whom the within deposition was examined as a part of the cause for the County of Hampden & that I believe his name thereto subscribed to be his true & proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Common Pleas at Springfield on this Eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two John Ingersoll Clerk

I Levi Crandall of Longmeadow in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy two years, Depose & say that Joseph Burnstead of Wilbraham in said County of Hampden served in the Militia of this Commonwealth at Roxbury & Boston in war of the Revolution in the year 1776 - as a Drummer in the Company of Captain Reuben Munn the term of three months. I also further testify that I the said Levi served in the same Company with said Burnstead during s d term
Levi Crandall
Hampden ss, August 6 1832 Then the above named Levi Crandall personally appeared & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed Before me Ethan Ely Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court holding a Court of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that Ethan Ely Esq. before whom the above deposition was verified is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Hampden and that I believe his name there subscribed to be his true & genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this Eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred & thirty two John Ingersoll Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden ss. November 27 1832
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Levi Crandall signer of the within Deposition for many years, and believe him to be a man of truth & veracity & also that he is so considered in the neighbourhood in which he resides
Ethan Eby Justice of Peace

I Abner Cady of Stafford in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut being seventy two years of age depose and say that I was in the army at the Forts in the year 1780 and while I was there I saw Dea Joseph Burnstead who now is living in South Wilbraham in the State of Massachu- setts driving Col. Shepard's baggage-waggon for the officers of the army in the Forts
Abner Cady
Tolland County ss Stafford August 7th 1832 Personally appeared Lunt Abner Cady and made Solemn Oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth before me
Nathaniel Brantlett Justice of the Peace
I John Ashley of Springfield County of Hampden Commonwealth of Massachusetts Being of Lawful age Testify & say that the Joseph Burnstead of Wilbraham in sd County served in the Militia of this Common- wealth at Roxbury & Boston in the Revolutionary war in the year 1776 as a Drummer in the Company of Capt. Reuben Munn The term of four months I was there with the said Burnstead in that service myself during sd term
John Ashley
Hampden ss
Springfield August 2nd 1832
Then personally appeared John Ashley & made Solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition before me
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss November 15th 1832 This may certify that John Ashley signer of the foregoing Deposition is a man of truth & veracity & that he may be relied upon without corroboration - certified by me Jonathan Torrey Justice of the Peace

Salem County SS Stafford November 23 rd AD 1832
This is to certify that Lieut. Abner Cady that signed the within Deposition is a man of truth and veracity & is generally believed to be such in the neighborhood where he resides I think there can not be a Person to dispute it
Nathaniel Bartlett a Justice of the Peace in Stafford
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable ss. I, Solomon Durgin, a Clerk of the Common pleas Court holding a County of Records in the County of Barnstable do hereby certify that for the year 1832

We Alvin Bennet a clergyman residing in the town of Milbraham, county of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts and Comfort Chaffer residing in the same town, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Burnsted who has subscribed and sworn to a declaration in order to obtain the benefit benefit of the act of congress passed June 7 th 1832, that we believe him to be more than eighty years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Alvin Bennett Comfort Chaffer
Hampden ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Nov 9 th 1832. Then personally appearing before me Walter Stebbins one of the justices of the Peace for the county of Hampden Alvin Bennett and Comfort Chaffer who have subscribed to the above certificate, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, and I do further certify that Alvin Bennett who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Milbraham, and Comfort Chaffer who has subscribed the same is a resident in said town, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to full credit.
Walter Stebbins Just Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire ss:
I, Justin Willard Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Hampden, the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Walter Stebbins who has signed the preceding certificate & before whom the foregoing deposition of Alvin Bennett & Comfort Chaffer was executed is a justice of the Peace within & for said County & was so at the time of executing said deposition & that I believe the his name subscribed to said certificate is his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth

2147
Joseph Brunshead
Drummer
17 years
With col. of a Clunyman and one other person
86 years of age
6 months in reg. Army
6 " " Militia
12 " " Adm
George Colton Esq Stratford Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph Burnstead  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? Yes, but not the date at which each term commenced. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes 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? no XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no 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? had a discharge the last term, but has lost it XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no 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, except to the last term XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
 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.
† 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ 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.

Springfield Nov. 27th. 1832 ~
Hon. Lewis Cass
Dr Sir, I have enclosed the declarations and Depositions in the cases of Jos. Prinsteed and Titus Ammidon with such additions as were required by the Department and I presume that they will be found satisfactory ~
With much respect
Your friend George Cotton ~

S 4980
Chicago, Ill. July 29/14
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Am endeavoring to ascertain some knowledge of one Joseph Bumstead , Wilbraham, Mass. I have not his birth or who he married, but do know he served in the Revolution.
Will you kindly give me certificate of his service if your office shows him to have been a pensioner with what data you can?
Thanking you most kindly, I am,
Respectfully,
DALE BUMSTEAD,
Room 1333-#30 North LaSalle St., Chicago, Ill.