Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1,716, Phineas Chamberlin, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Chamberlin, Phineas Rebecca
N. 1716
CONTENTS

24.634 New York
Phineas Chamberlin Chatauque in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Moore of the Regt. commanded by Col. Henrich in the N.Y. Mil. for 16 mo. Wages
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Jany 1834 and sent to Hon. A. Hargett H Rep.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833. $133.33 Pension allowance ending March 34. 26.66 $159.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams, Clerk, Book C Vol. 4 Page 130

Reported Let to Abner Lewis Oct 17/50 " " J. M. O'Leary " " "
Quiet
Exp W.S.P.
595 New York
Rebecca Chamberlin widow of Phineas
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Massachusetts
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 53 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June 1850 and sent to
M m . C. Risley Anne J. Risley
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2/1848, Page 70 Vol. 1
July
Burt
14

In the Matter of Plinicker Chamberlain and Appli- cant for a Pension.
S
Over
acmd Hemopri
acmd Hemopri
$53.33

State of New York,
Chautauqua County ss. - On this twenty fifth next day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three three, personally appeared in open court, before the judges of the court of Common Pleas for the county of Chautauqua, now sitting, being a court of record of said county, having by law a seal and clerk, Phinehas Chamberlain, a resident of Harmony in the county of Chautauqua and state of New York, aged twenty two 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 was born, as he is informed and verily believes at Hopkinton in the county of Middlesex and state of Massachusetts, on the eleventh day of September, 1760 - That he has no record of his age in his possession, but there is a record of the time of his birth in the office of the clerk of the town of Hopkinton, as he verily believes, he having a distinct recollection of having seen such record when about twenty two years of age - That he entered the service of the United States in the year 1775, when about fifteen years of age, having enlisted for eight months into a regiment of Massachusetts militia or state troops. He enlisted at Hopkinton, his native town.

town and was marched immediately to the vicinity of Boston which was then in the possession of the enemy - was there when Boston was evacuated by the British and was marched into town when they left it - was stationed principally at Dorchester, at which place he was discharged as soon as he can recollect about a month after the evacuation of the town by the British - His Colonel was one Herrick who resided at Milton not far from Boston - the Major was one Frost of Mendon or Milford. His captain was Peter Moore of Westbury, the lieutenant James Gould of Hopkinton, the ensign one Winchell of Grafton. He He had served the whole period of his enlistment when he was discharged. In April or May 1777, he cannot state with precision which, he enlisted again for four months, at Hopkinton and was marched to Tiverton in the state of Rhode Island, where he remained during the period of his enlistment, served out his time and was discharged. This was in the Massachusetts militia. His officers were Colonel Brown of Reading Massachusetts - Major Frost before named and the same company officers as in his first term of service. - Immediately on his return from Rhode Island, he volunteered to go to the northward for the term of four months under Colonel Brown under whom he had served at Tiverton. The Major was James Knapp of Hopkinton - the captain was one Winchell of Framingham, the lieutenant

James Gould of Hopkinton, the origin Iona- thian Sons of Liberty - was marched to the north - went through Hadley and Partridge field to Bennington in the state of Vermont, where he arrived the day after the battle near that place - staid there a short time and then went to Pawlet, where he was drafted as one of a corps of five hundred to go on a scout under Colonel Brown - went 6 days through the woods - the night of the 6th day was informed that we were within a short distance of the enemy, and the next day had an engagement with them near Lake George Went up Lake George by water for the purpose of taking a party of the British that were encamp- ed on Diamond Island, but did not succeed - retreated down the lake - burned our boats and marched through the woods to Skeneborough, thence to the Hudson river, and joined the north- ern army, the day before the battle at Ben- nington Heights - During the route above descri- bed the party with which he moved took five hund- red prisoners, and released a party of our troops that had been taken by the British. He was pres- ent at the surrender of Burgoyne, and went with the prisoners to Albany, then down the river by water to Tarrytown - thence through White Plains to Kingsbridge where he remained in that vicinity until the beginning of Winter, when he was discharged and returned home to Hopkin- ton. He was also in the militia of Massachusetts

He never received any written discharge. The only regular officers, under whom he served that he knew were Generals Gates & Arnold. He has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services. His residence was at Hopkinton aforesaid at the several times he entered the service of the United States. Soon after he left the service he removed to Goffrey in the state of New Hampshire where he lived two years - thence he removed to Reading in the state of Vermont where he resided four years - thence to Litchfield in the county of Berkshire in the state of New York where he lived about two thirty years - thence to Murray in the county of Orleans where he lived about ten years - thence to his present residence where he has lived upwards of two years. He hereby relinquished 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. - He served the whole time he was in service with an embodied corps - and the several corps in which he served were called into service by the authority of Massachusetts, and whilst he was in service he was not engaged in any civil pursuit. -
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court. -
Arthur H. Root one of the judges of Chautauqua County Courts
Phineas Chamberlin

We Thomas Grinnell, a clergyman, residing in the town of Hermans  St. Lawrence in the county of Chautauqua and in the neighborhood of Phineas Chamberlain named in the annexed declaration and Aaron Baldwin residing in the town of Clymer in the county of On- tario, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Phineas Chamberlain who has has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ninety two years; that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we con- cur in that opinion. —
Thomas Grinnell
Aaron Baldwin
Sworn & subscribed the 3 day and year aforesaid.
Interrogatories a judge of Chautauqua county courts
Interrogatories propounded by the court to the above named applicant. —
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
I was born at Hopkinton in the county of Middlesex and state of Massachusetts on the 11th. day of September A. D. 1764 —
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so when is it?
I have none in my possession; but there was a record of it at Hopkinton at in the office of the clerk of that town. —

3. When were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
I lived at Hopkinton when called into service. At that time I have lived at Goffrey in New Hampshire, Reading, Vermont, and, Litchfield and Murray in the state of New York. I now live at in Harmony in the county of Chautauqua & state of New York. -
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom?
He enlisted twice as stated in his declaration - He served as a volunteer during his third term of service -
5. State the names of some of the regular officers shown with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
I recollect only Generals Gates & Arnold of the regular army. The names of the officers under whom I served and the circumstances of my service are set forth in my declaration. -
6. Did you ever receive discharge from the service? and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
I never had any written discharge -
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. -
Thomas Grinnell, Aaron Baldwin, Joel Corliss, & Robert Clark -

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 such as he stated, that it appears to them that Thomas Grinnell who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Ulster, Chautauqua County and that Aaron Baldwin who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Clymer in the county of said and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. —
I James B. Lowry, Clerk of the court of Common Pleas for the county of Chautauqua, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Phineas Chamberlain for a pension. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three. —
James B. Lowry Clerk
I James B. Lowry, Clerk as aforesaid do further certify that Artemas Pease, Esquire, is a judge of the county court for Chautauqua County, and that his name subscribed to the foregoing affidavit is his genuine signature. —
James B. Lowry Clerk

1838 Declaration of Rebecca Chamberlain for a Pension
Pr. Adm
Quart
Hon E. Risley H. Rep
Act 29 th July 1838,

State of New York } ss. On this Seventeenth day of December Chautauqua County } ss. in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty nine personally appeared before me, Nathan Lewis, Judge of Chautauqua County Courts, Rebecca Chamberlin a resident of the town of Glymer in said County, aged eighty three 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 provisions made by the act of Congress Passed July 29 th 1848. relating to pensions.
That she is the widow of Phineas Chamberlin of the State of New York who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and that according to her best recollection, her husband the said Phineas Chamberlin served in the said war, as such private aforesaid for the space of more than one year, but the precise length of time she does not know, and begs leave to refer the Commissioner of Pensions to the declara- tion made by her said husband in order to procure a pension, and which declaration setting forth the time he served, is now on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions in the City of Washington.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Phineas Chamberlin in March or April, One thousand seven hundred and ninety one, as near as she can recollect, but whether in March or April she does not now remember. She has no record of her marriage in her possession, or within her power to obtain it. That her husband the said Phineas Chamberlin died on the twenty second day of March, One thousand eight hundred and forty seven.

She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Phineas Chamberlain, and has not intermarried since his death, and that her husband received a Pension Certificate from the War Department some time in the winter of Eighteen hundred and thirty four, and retained said Certificate in his possession until he died and was afterwards returned by this declarant to the War Department; and she further declares that the following is a true copy of said Certificate
"War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832, Phineas Chamberlain of the State of New York, who was a private in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Fifty Three dollars and thirty three cents per annum during his natural life, Commencing on the 4 th of March 1831. and payable semi-annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year
Given at the War Office of the United States, the twenty fifth day of January One thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Examined & Corrected J. L. Edwards
Levi Coles Secretary of War
Commissioner of Pensions
Witness Abner Lewis,
Rebecca her Chamberlain mark
Subscribed & Sworn before me this seventeenth day of December 1849.
Abner Lewis, Judge of Chautauqua County Court.

State of New York Chautauqua County } ss. David Lucas being duly sworn, says that he has acquainted with Rebecca Chamberlin, and has been acquainted with her for twenty seven years last past, That he was also acquainted with Phineas Chamberlin her husband, who is mentioned in the foregoing declaration of the said Rebecca Chamberlin, That the said Rebecca & the said Phineas lived together as husband and wife from the time he first became ac- quainted with her until the said Phineas died, that the said Phineas Chamberlin died at the house of this deponent on the twenty second day of March 1847
This deponent further says, that the said Rebecca Chamberlin has resided with him ever since the death of her said husband, That she has never inter- married, but still remains the widow of the said Phineas Chamberlin, That the said Rebecca is so infirm that she cannot write her name, and that it was written by Abner Lewis by her direction, and that she made her mark between the two parts of her name signed by said Lewis to the foregoing declaration made by the said Rebecca.
David Lucas
Subscribed & sworn before me this seventeenth day of December 1849.
Abner Lewis, Judge of Chautauqua County Court

16200
Thomas Chamberlain Chautauqua co N.York
e.
Ref to E. D. Bangs - Oct. 5. 33
adm d        2
106.66 26.66 133.33
Abner Haseltine Lamstown N.J.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined 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. Those 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 Phinehas Chamberlain  Chautauque co NY
   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.     Enlisted 1776 8 private Capt Moore Lieut Gold Col. Fenwick Maj. Frost to Boston 72 Middlesex County Massa tradition   ds 1777 4 Col. Brown Maj. Frost Lake George took 500 prisoners to Rhode Island   4 Capt. Mitchell Col. Brown Benington heights Saratoga Benington to Pownal to Shrewsbury  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court:]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ 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 he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
J. E. Bradford

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
N 4. 1716.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Phineas Chamberlin 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.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775- 8 mos. Pvt. Seth Moore Herrick Mass   Apr or May 1777 4 mos. Seth Moore Brown   Immediately after 4 mos. Winchell Brown  
Battles engaged in, engagement near Lake George. Surrender of Burgayne
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hopkinton Mass.
Date of application for pension, June 26 1832. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Harmony Chautauqua Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, b. at Hopkinton Middlesex Co. Mass. Sept. 11. 1760
Remarks: d. Mch. 22. 1847
He mar. Mch. or Apr. 1791, Rebecca --- She was al. pens. on an appl. executed Dec. 17. 1849, while a resident of Harmony, Chautauqua Co. N.Y. aged 89 years. No further family data.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Nov. 26 1833.
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 I discover no evidence of the services of Phineas Chamberlain as claimed by him, owing very probably to the incomplete & imperfect condition of the Rolls - There being no Rolls on file answering to those by him described. - There was a Captain by the name of "Seth Moore" - but none of his rolls are remaining. - Phineas Chamberlain claims also for services in 1777, when one of his Officers was named Winchell. I find that there was a "Lieutenant Job Winchell;" and there are two rolls of a Company commanded by him, but they bear date one in 1780, and one in 1781. - and Chamberlain's name is not thereon. - A large portion of the original Rolls have been lost.
Edward D. Bangs Esq

Panama Oct 10 th 1880.
Dear Sir.
Sometime in July last, I received from the Pension Office at Washington a certificate of Pension for Rebecca Chamberlain of Albany N.Y. bearing date the 20 th June 1880. I subsequently made out the necessary papers and sent them to the Agent for Paying Pensions in the City of Albany N.Y. who returned saying that he could not find the name of Rebecca Chamberlain in his office.
I suppose the Department at Washington sent a duplicate Certificate or something to that office to the agent at Albany, but that it must have miscarried and failed to reach its destination.
Will you have the goodness to inform me, how this is, so that the old lady can draw her money? Please forward the evidence of her right to pension to me. Yours, Truly
Oliver Lewis

Rebecca Chamberlain widow of Phineas New York Chautauqua Co.
admitted
Printed $53.33 for an errand March 1878
h.d. 22 March 1877.
Set 29 July 1878
Rev: E. Risley, A.R.

Wm. L. Edwards. Washington

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Dear Sir,
Mrs. Chamberlain concluded to continue her application under the Act of Congress, passed July 29 th 1848, for the reason, that she cannot prove positively, that she was married before 1794. She supposed she could by the witnesses, Cashman & wife, as she was acquainted with them previous to 1794. They realized that it was before 1800, but they cannot positively say as early as '94.
Yours Truly Homer L. Smith

Phineas Chamberlin
Quit
A. Hargreaves.
Immediate attention
Hon. James L. Edwards Pension Office.
Hand & Elizabeth

House of Representatives
Jan. 16. 1834
Hon. J. L. Edward,
Dear Sir,
Some time past I received transmitted to you the application of Phineas Chamberlain of Chautauqua County New York for a pension on account of Revolutionary Service. About the first of November, I received a communication from your office, informing me that Mr. Chamberlain claimed as having served in the Massachusetts militia, he could probably find evidence of his services, in the office of the Secretary of State for that state, who was understood to have the original rolls in his possession. In compliance with that intimation, I immediately wrote to Mr. Bangs, the secretary. His answer, which you will receive herewith, did not reach me until today, having been sent to my residence. It seems from his certificate, that a large portion of the

rolls have been lost. Under these circumstances, it strikes me, that the secondary evidence, ordinarily received and relied on in your office, should have as much weight in Chamberlain's case, as though no rolls existed in Massachusetts. The impressions made on my mind by Chamberlain, when I drew up his application, were strongly in his favor. They were strengthened too by the fact, that several of the names mentioned by him, or those of the officers under whom he served, had been familiar to me from my infancy; my ancestors having resided in the immediate vicinity of Hopkinton during the revolutionary struggle; and in their accounts of those days, frequently mentioned some of the same individuals as prominent men in that eventful period. The letter of Bangs also shows, that officers of the same name or those under whom Chamberlain claims to have served, were officers at a little later period in the Massachusetts militia -
I have the honor to be, &c. Oliver Hazard Perry

Washington June 17 th 1850.
Col. Edwards
to Sir
Will you have the goodness to give me the information called for in the enclosed note.— Judge Lewis was a former Member of Congress. Resides in the County of Chautauqua N.Y.
Respectfully yours E. H. Hovey

Say to him
has been off
asks attention to this case
Mr. Allison has this case of mine
Quitt.
Hon Mr. Rule H. Q.
Division office

Hon. C. Riley
Banana Dec 21. 1849
Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you a declaration made by Rebecca Chamberlin for the purpose of procuring a Pension. I wish that when you have occasion to go to the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, you would present it to Col. Edwards, and as soon as he has leisure to attend to its examination, if he shall grant a Certificate of Pension, you would forward the same to me. If there should be further, or other proof, necessary, he will advise me.
Very Respectfully Yours!
Your Sir

Cent 24634
# 608 Summit st.
Pueblo, Colo
Apr. 5 th
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D. C.
I desire the record of service of one -
Phineas Chamberlin
Clymer
Chautauqua Co. N.Y.
who was in the Rev.
war & drew a pension.
I was advised by Sec. of War to write you for the desired information.

I want to give the "Daughters of Rev." & he was my Great Grandfather & certain- ly served in the war for my Father can remember when a boy of 10 years seeing his "musket" & his telling him about it & he drew a pension. Hoping this will receive your kind attention. I remain

Mrs. Elias Kingsley # 608 Summit St Pueblo, Colo.

Alfred M. Rev Sec
No 596 1917 Rec
Department of Interior of Records. Washington B.C.
Dear Madam;
I wish to receive the certificate of service of my ancestor, Phineas Choutain,
I believe he served from the state of Massachu- setts.
Following is a refer-

here as to authority of records, given to me by present members of the D. A. R. in my family.
T. L. M. } Revolutionary W. F. 1716 } non Record.
Most Sincerely Mrs Ruth Morton Reynolds Lyons N.Y. Alfred N.Y.

Revolutionary War Records. Recently you have sent a copy of Pension Records of Pheneas Chamberlin to Mrs Eliza B. Cravens of Fredonia. N.Y. I am Registrar of the Benjamin Preston Chapter. D.A.R. Fredonia N.Y. and she placed in my hands said paper. to be used as proof in joining the society. To my regret, it has disappeared. and I am appealing to you. asking if you will make another copy & send me. the record can be found "V. L. M. W. F. 1716". I am willing to pay a reasonable amount for this copy. I feel I must make it good to Mrs Cravens. and the papers are held until the paper arrives
Respectfully
(Miss) Isabelle Wheeler
Reg. Benjamin P. Preston Chapter Fredonia N.Y.

Rev Ser December 3-1919-
Department of the Interior Washington D. C.
Knowing that the name of Phineas Chamberlin is on the Pension list, I am writing to ask if you can tell me some- thing of his military record as a revolutionary soldier.
He is buried in the town of Harmony, Chaut. Co. N. Y.
Respectfully
Miss Kate B. Keeler 17 Fulton St. Jamestown New York

586 Rebecca Chamberlin widow of Minias New York Suspended By W. M. G. Ryley January 8. 1850.
Act 29 th July 1838

Rev. Olincha Chamberlain New York Suspended not 7/10 '32
letter 24 Oct 1833
To A. H. G. [?]

February 19, 1931
Bureau of Pensions Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War pension claim, Phineas Chamberlin, W. 1716.
Actual
2 of each page
Remitter:
Miss Hattie B. Jones Hotel Samuels, Jamesstown, Chaut. Co. N. Y.
$6.20
21 pages
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 inches at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" is written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief of Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

February 27, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions. Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
541
Rev. War claim for pension of Phineas Chamberlin, File No. W. 1718.
21 pages which were omitted from order of February 18, 1931.
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1½ in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

February 19, 1931
cash - $3 15 FINANCE DIVISION BOOK-KEEPER FEB 20 1931 DIVISION OF PENSIONS
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Kindly furnish me uncertified photostatic copies of 21 pages from Rev. War pension claim, Phineas Chamberlin, W. 1716.
Very truly yours,
Remitter Miss Hattie B Jones Hotel Samuels, Jamestown, Chautauqua, New York
Mail to-- Mrs Jella McConaughy 4715 - 48th N.W. Washington, D.C.
Received payment $3.15 February 19, 1931
M. Christine Stokes
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

February 19, 1931
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Kindly send me uncertified photostatic copies of 21 pages from Rev. War pension claim, Phineas Chamberlin, W. 1716.
Very truly yours,
Cash - $3 15
Mail set to: Remit to Miss Hattie B. Jones, Hotel Samuels, Jamestown, Chautauqua, New York
Received payment $3.15 February 19, 1931
M. Christine Stokes
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

May-1, 1900 Mrs Chas. Kingsley Pueblo Colo.
1913 Jan 28 Hist. to Ed B. Coardeno, V. L. M. 1913 Feb 15 Hist. to Eliza Cravens thro Miss Rebecca White, V. L. M. 1917 Apr 9 Hist. to Ruth M. Ray 1919 Dec 18 Hist. to Kate B. Keeler 1931 Mar 6 Photos mailed to H. B. Jones & Mrs. Zella McCona + Pin. Mrs. M. F. G. Key.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1716
Rebecca Chamberlin Widow Phineas Chamberlin Paw. Rev. War.
Act July 29, 1848.
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 127

Affidavits in the Matter of the application of Rebecca Chamberlain for Pension

Chautauqua County ss
Joshua Cushman being duly sworn deposes and says he was born April second in the year Seventeen hundred and sixty seven, in the town of Freeland in the State of Massachusetts.
He further states that he has known Phineas and Rebecca Chamberlain, for over fifty years, and that they lived together as husband and wife when he first became acquainted with them, that at that time they lived in the town of Litchfield, Herkimer County in the State of New York, and he further says he lived their nearest neighbours for the first nine years after he first knew them, when this deponent moved away but often saw them for five or six years after when on business in Litchfield.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 27 th day of March 1880 Joshua Cushman A. G. Stevenson J.P.
Chautauqua County ss
Elizabeth Cushman being duly sworn deposes and says she is the wife of Joshua Cushman, and is eighty two years old and was born at a place called Thompson about 20 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. This deponent further says she has known Phineas and Rebecca Chamberlain for more than fifty years and that at the time she knew them first they lived together as husband and wife, in the town of Litchfield in Herkimer County New York, that when she first became acquainted with them she lived  resided a near neighbour to them for nine  five years.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 27 th day of March 1880 Elizabeth Cushman A. G. Stevenson J.P. Mark
I certify that I have been acquainted with the above deponent sworn years, and believe them to be entitled to full credit.
A. G. Stevenson J.P.

Chautauqua County, ss. I hereby certify, that Martin L. Stevenson, before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken is an acting Justice of the Peace of the said County, and duly authorized to administer oaths, and that the signature "Martin L. Stevenson" above subscribed is genuine, being acquainted with his hand writing.
Dated April 20 th 1850.
Abner Lewis Judge Chautauqua County County.

Tredonia N.Y. Jan 17 — 1913
Pension office Washington D.C.
I write you in regard to the Revolutionary Soldier Phineas Chamberlin he being a Private in that war H.S. being my own Grandfather (His wife Rebecca Chamberlin) My own Grandmother Parents of my Mother Permelia Chamberlin Baldwin Aaron Baldwin being my Father Eliza Baldwin Greaves being a daughter of the two last named (Baldwins) What State did Phineas Chamberlin the enlist in and the date how old when enlisted in, long he served Give his birth and death if possible marriage I will send a true copy of certificate of Pension which was given him in Albany N.Y. in 1841 I have the old certificate that was given at that time but it is pretty old to travel but will send it if necessary hoping I may secure these dates
Mrs Eliza Baldwin Greaves 47 Day St Tredonia N.Y.