Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10305, Elisha Collins, Conn. Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn. Noass.
Collins, Elisha Roxa
W. 10305 B.L.Wt. 96060-160-55-
CONTENTS

m c L t Rop Aug 19 1853 Mr. Jesse Adams June 1/53 Return? to Files - let. 12 B. Land N o 307.198 - May 25/50.
50 40 11 60 63 00
307198
25.057  New York  Elisha Collins  of Essex Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain Collins of the Regt. commanded by Col. Sprout in the New York line for 7 months and 17 days - Comm. M c 
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 25 Dollars 20 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Oct r 1833 and to Elisha D. Eason Essex
Arrears to the 4th of Sep r 33 $63.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 M c 22.60 $85.60
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. } G. C. Stiles
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4. Page 95

6.950
Illinois Roxa Collins, widow of Elisha Collins
Conn who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 25 dollars 20 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 27 th day of Nov. 1862 and sent to
J. T. Stevens Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
January 3, 1853 Page 242 Vol. 1

307, 198 act Mar 1 35
Ship 880 60
Roxa Collins wid Elisha Collins dec 96.060. Pmale
Capt. Collins - lost Sprout's Nest N. York Line - 7 mths & 17 days Revolutionary war se Penna papers - Act Feb 3 53 - All. 160 ac. Nov. 24/60. M.A.W. Set. May 28/60. M.A.W.
MS 82-24059
G. H. Lewis Esq M. Cleveland Mrs
E. B. Butts
Vol 2, page 81

of New York county of ... On the twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open court before the court of Common Pleas of said county now sitting Elisha Balling a resident of the town of Millersburg in said county of Erie State of New York aged in his fiftieth year 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 bankruptcy passed June 22 nd 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States firstly at the town of Gilford in the county of New Haven State of Connecticut as a substitute for Oliver Balling in a company of Militia com- manded by Capt Balling. That a certain number of men were required from each company of Militia to go down as a guard at the sea shore at Gilford aforesaid, and that he this deponent went along with them, on that service as a substitute as aforesaid, and remained in that service for about three weeks, this was in the summer of the year one thousand eight hundred twenty eight. That soon thereafter the Father of this deponent moved to the town of Lee in the county of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts and this deponent also went there with the family, & that in the year nineteen hundred & twenty nine at the place last aforesaid he this deponent was drafted as a Militia man & went into service at New Haven in Connecticut under the command of Capt Goodridge & remained in that service about four weeks or more, & that this draft and service was immediately after the British burnt New Haven. And this deponent further saith that in the month of June in the year nineteen hundred & thirty he enlisted into the regular service in the said town of Lee for

term of six Months. Capt Main was his captain There were five others enlisted at the same time (viz) Jared Bradley. Jared Englehart. Jedediah Brocher. Asa West & John Ellis - that he and these others passed muster at Stockbridge & marched from there to Fishkill New York and remained there three or four weeks. & then went on to Westpoint New York, and there joined the Regiment of Col. Goffe, who then did the duty of an Inspector. Goffe left his command of the Regiment to Burhans as Commandant. This regiment was No 12 & attached to Genl. Miles and Brigade. That this Regiment was marched to Beekers Hill & crossed the River at Kings Bridge to the New Jersey side & went to Orange town in the State of New Jersey & remained there a number of weeks, when there when Maj. Under was appointed and this Regiment left & he remained at Orange that position until regularly discharged by Capt. Main at Westpoint. And this deponent further saith that in the next year 1781 he volunteered as a Militia Man at Lee aforesaid with about half of the Company went with his Capt. Luther Gale to Stillwater New York & served in said Company there as a Company after remaining there about a week the Company was then discharged except those who volunteered to remain in service & that he this deponent remained in service there, during four or five weeks longer than discharged. And this deponent further saith that he has no written discharge which he can produce & that he cannot now produce more positive witness of his leaving than what is here expressed. That the cause of time is such that he does not know or with he could find any one now living that would testify positively to his service &

fully too much reduced in circumstances to take upon himself any journey in search of proof even if by these means they might be found. That he knew Luke Raper who commanded the troops when he was in the last service against. and farther south not.
Sworn & subscribed to this 26 day of September in open court.
Elisha Colbire
Leonard Stone Clerk of Court
To the above applicant Elisha Colbire the court prepared the following interrogatories (vds) First Interrogatory - Where in what year were you born - To this Interrogatory this deponent saith, he was born in the town Killingsworth in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut in the 1762 as he has always been informed & believes
Second Interrogatory - Have you any record of your age, if so where is it - To the second Interrogatory this deponent further saith he has understood there was a record kept of his age in the town where he was born to have named -
Third Interrogatory - Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, & where do you now live -
To the third interrogatory this deponent saith that when he first entered the service he lived in Gilford, in the State of Connecticut & that since the war, he lived in the town of Meriden in the County of Addison, Connecticut, & after that has lived in the County of Essex New York I now living in said County of Essex in the town of Middlesex.

Fourth Interrogatory - How were you called into service, when you deserted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, if a substitute for whom?
To the fourth Interrogatory this deponent saith, that he was a substitute for Oliver Balling, the father of this deponent, was enlisted, was drafted, & was a volunteer as before related.
Fifth Interrogatory - Have the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops, when you served such Continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service - To the fifth Interrogatory this deponent saith that he does not now recollect anything in relation to this interrogatory, other than what is before related, in his declaration, calculated to throw any light on this subject.
Sixth Interrogatory - Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it.
To the sixth Interrogatory this deponent saith that he received a written discharge from Capt. Main, & what has become of this discharge is not able to ascertain ---
Seventh Interrogatory - Have the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, & who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution -
To the seventh Interrogatory this deponent saith, that he is known to Nehulan Adams of Williamstown & Abijah Fisher & Bally Fisher now resident in Skaneateles in said County of Onondaga where testimony he is making to call for.

Elisha Collins
Sworn & Subscribed this 28 th day of Septm r 1832 in open court
Leonard Howditch of Essex Com. Pleas

State of Illinois } Woodford County } ss
On this fifth day of April A D one thousand eight hundred and sixty personally appeared before me a clerk of the County Court within and for the County and State aforesaid Rosa Collins aged seventy four years a resident of Woodford County State of Illinois who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Elisha Collins deceased a Revolutionary Soldier in the Company (Captains name not known) neither the name of the Colonels name) in the war with Great Britain declared July 4 th 1776. My husband drew a pension for his services in said war at the agency at (Albany N.Y.) probably. She desires that reference be had for the proof on file on which said pension was granted for evidence of his service. She further states that she was married to the said Elisha Collins in Millsborough in the County of Essex in the State of New York on the 10 th day of June A D 1834 by the Rev Mr. Heilchevet a Residing Elder of M c E Church and that her name before her said marriage was Rosa Smith, that her husband died at Millborough in the County of Essex in the State of N.Y. probably in the year 1854 (day of the month not remembered) and that she is now a widow, that there is no public record of her marriage that she knows of, that there is a private record of her marriage (but not in her possession) and also of her husbands death. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County land to which she may be entitled on account of said service and mileage under the Act passed March 3 rd A D 1855 and such other acts as apply to her case. That she has never applied for or received under this or any other act of Congress any County land warrant. She hereby Appoints G. F. Lewis of Cleveland Ohio her true & lawful Attorney with power of substitution to prosecute this her claim for land to receive the Certificate when issued and to do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises.  Rosa Collins Seal
307. 198

Sworn and subscribed before me on the day and year above mentioned and I hereby certify that I know the said deponent Rosa Collins and believe that her age as above stated is correct and that she is the identical per- son she represents herself to be, and further that I am not interested in this claim of hers as Attorney or otherwise Witness my hand and seal of office at Metamora this day and year aforesaid R. B. Hanna Clerk Co Court
State of Illinois } ss On this 5 th day of April A D 1860 personally Woodford County } appeared before the subscriber a Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths, Aaron Walker and Henry M. Walker residents of the County of Woodford in the State of Illinois who being duly sworn according to law declare that they are personally and well acquainted with Mrs Rosa Collins who saw her sign her name to the foregoing declaration that they know believe her to be the identical person therein represented and that she is now a widow, and that they are disinter- ested witnesses, Aaron Walker Henry M. Walker
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written
And I certify that said affiants are credible witnesses
Witness my hand and official seal
R. B. Hanna Clerk Co Court

The Hon. GEO. C. WHITING, Commissioner of Pensions, will please recognize J. T. STEVENS, of Washington, D. C., as my Attorney to prosecute the claim for Bounty Land No. 207198 Act 3d March, 1855, and to obtain the warrant to which my client may be entitled. also the Pension Certificate
Dated, November 19 186 9
G. P. Lewis Attorney
For Roxa Collins Widow of Elisha Collins
D 289)
over

(D, 289) The State of Illinois County of Woodford ss
On this 31 st day of October A D 1860 Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County and State Personally came Rosa Collins a resident of Meatamora in said County aged 75 Years Who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of February A D 1853 Granting Pensions to persons who served during the Revolutionary War That she is the widow of Elisha Collins who was a Revolutionary - Pensioner and received his Pen- sion at Essex County in the State of New York and to whose papers on file she desires reference may be had to establish her said husbands Service she further declares that she was married to the said Elisha Collins at Willoughby Exeter County State of New York on the 10 th day of June A D 1834 By the Reverend Mr Hitchcock a minis- ter of the Gospel That her said over

husbands died at Mil l buryh Es t Com ty state of New York on or near the 1 st  January day of of January A D 1854 That she was not married to him prior to the 2 d of January 1800 But at the time herein stated she further declares that she is now a widow and hereby appoints G B Lewis of Cleveland Ohio her attorney with authority of substitution to obtain the Pension Certificate Mrs Roxa Collins
Sworn & subscribed on the day above written before me I certify that said applicant from bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court That I am satisfied she is the identical person she claims to be
J Fairchild Justice of the Peace
STATE OF ILLINOIS, WOODFORD COUNTY.
} ss.
I, ROBERT B. HANNA, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County do hereby certify that D. Fairchild Esq., whose name appears subscribed to the foregoing certificate, was, on the day of the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, as appears of record in my office: as such full faith and credit are due to all his official acts; that the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine, and that said certificate is in due form of law.
Witness my hand and official seal at Metamora, this 31 st
day of October
A. D. 1860 :
R. B. Hanna
Clerk County Court.

18148
Elisha Collins
Essex county
New York
18148
Admitted
Private of mo & 14 days
27 1/2 2520
D. Eason
Essex, Essex co. N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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, shewing the Service of Elisha Collins, Essex county New York.
   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.     Substitute for Oliver Collins 1778 About 21 private Capt Collins sea shore 70 Gilford Connecticut tradition   draft 1779 28 Capt. Goodridge See in Massachussetts Berkshire county Writings prove the 6 month term & various other services   June 1780 Enlisted 6 Capt Maini Col Sprout Col Burbanks Fishkill West Point King's Bridge Stillwater   Volunteer 1781 4 or 5 weeks 28 Corporal Capt Gale   On rolls. 6 mo.   7 17  
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 do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ of the Court 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 absence.
[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, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot state precisely 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, or ten months, 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 corps, the name 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 organized 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 a piece of ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[1] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrates who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrates must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[2] The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule (a) applies to continental troops only.
[3] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[4] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[5] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
J. G. Woodford

W. 10305
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 Elisha Collins 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.     Summer 1778 3 mos Pvt Collins ✓ Conn.   Summer 1779 4 " " Goodridge ✓ Mass   June 1780 6 mos " Main Sprout Mass   1781 4 mos Corpl. Josiah Yale ✓ Mass  
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, St. John's Church, New Haven Co. Conn. See Berkshire Co. Mass -
Date of application for pension, Sept. 25, 1832. His d. was at
Residence at date of application, Willsborough, Essex Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, Feb. 1762, Willingworth, New Haven Co. Conn. ch. at Willington N.Y. Jan 1854.
Remarks: He was the son of Oliver Collins. He was at Willsborough N.Y. June 10, 1834 Rosa Smith she was at pension on an afs ee. Oct. 31, 1860, at which time she was residing in Woodford Co. Ills with her dau Nancy wife of Norman Dutton who states that the soldier & his wife lived together until they were too old to care for each other when he went to his children and she to hers. names not given  Respectfully,
Commissioner.

by [unclear] of [unclear] Agent for [unclear] ers in the [unclear]
New [unclear]
Recorded in the Pension Office file in Book E. Vol. 1. Page 95 by [unclear] Clerk.

...the law of the United States Elisha Collins of New York Private in the Revolutionary Army
entitled to receive Twenty Five dollars and Twenty five cents per annum, during his natural life, com- mencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi- annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in
Given at the War Office of the United States this 29 day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
James P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
COLLINS, ELISHA (CONN., MASS.) W-10305

Mc Smith
✓

1316 Ritchie Place Rev Sec Chicago, Ill.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: - Will you please forward the pension record of Elisha Collins, of Essex County, New York Pensioner of Revolution placed on roll October 29, 1833 - pension commenced

March 4, 1831.
With many thanks for the courtesy.
Very truly yours, (Miss) Maud C. Smith
September 30, 1916.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10305
Rebecca Collins
Wid
Elisha Collins
Print R.W. War
Act: Febry 3 d  1853
Index:—Vol. SA , Page 1416
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1916. Oct. 21. Heir to Maria L. Smith

glabro
150 Acres

The State of Ohio, { LORAIN COUNTY, ss.
J. ROSWELL G. HORN, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, a Court of Record, in and for said County,
do hereby certify, that C. W. Warden Esq., is now, and was on the 21 st day of April A.D. 1860, an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly Commissioned and Qualified; that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such; and that the signature purporting to be his to the annexed Certificate is in his own proper hand-writing and genuine; and that said Affidavit is executed and acknowledged according to the Laws of the State of Ohio.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Elyria, in said County and State, this 25 th day of April A.D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty  Sixty .
R. G. Horn Clerk. _____ Deputy Clerk.
207.198

The State of Ohio } ss County of Lorain
On this 21 st day of April AD 1860 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State Personally came Sophia Towner Age 58 years who being duly sworn, saith that she is well acquainted with Roxa Collins who has appeared through G. F. Lewis for a land warrant as the widow of the late Elisha Collins Deponent was well acquainted with the said Elisha Collins in his life time and has known him for the space of
10 years previous to his death. Deponent knows that said Elisha & Roxa Collins lived together as man & wife for the of at least 4 years. Deponent never heard the fact of their marriage disputed, and knows that they treated each other & were treated by others as man and wife between the years 1834 1834
1838 Elisha Collins died in the County of Erie State of New York in the year 1834 and the said Roxa has continued his widow ever since that time and is now a widow. I well know she is the widow of the identical Elisha Collins who in his life time was a Revolutionary Pensioner Sophia Towner
Sworn & subscribed Before me, day above written I Certify that said Sophia Towner is a credible witness Columbus April 21 st 1860 B. H. Warden Justice of the Peace

Elisha Collins, N.Y. State Revolutionary claim - for Increase of Pension & Bounty Land - -
Paper L.M.

The State of Ohio } County of Lorain } RS
On this 19 day of April A D 1860 Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & State Personally Came Samuel M Darnes aged 63 years who being duly sworn saith that he is well acquainted with Rota Collins who has applied through 48 Lewis for a dower warrant as the Widow of the Late Elisha Collins Depo- nant was well acquainted with said Elisha Collins in his life time and has known him for the space of  thirty  years years previous to his death Dependant knows that said Elisha & Rota Collins lived together as man & wife for the space of at least four years. Dependant never heard the fact of their marriage disputed and knows that they treated each other since treated by others as man & wife between the years 1834 and 1838 Elisha Collins died in the County of Port & State of New York in the year 1854
and said Rota has continued his widow ever since that time and is now a widow. I will know she is the widow of the identical Elisha Collins who in his life time was a Revolution- ary Pensioner

Sworn & Subscribed Before me day above written I Certify that David Downer is a credible Witness Samuel W Downer
Columbia April 19 th 1860
B. W. Reden Justice of the Peace
27

Rosa Collins
D 289

Osceola June 2 nd 1853
Sir
Enclosed Please find Olisha Collins application for increase of Pension and his application for Bounty Land an early attention will confer a great favor he has long delayed sending on his application on account of the confusion necessarily arising in Washington from the change of Office
Respectfully Yours M c D. Rusk

Willsboro May 2 nd 1855 Mr Secretary
Dear sir I take the liberty to write you con- cerning the Pension paper of Elisha Collins, an applica- tion was made for an in- crease of Pension also for Po- ty Land & the Papers sent by Mr Ross & I wish to know what has been done with them or whether any thing, he told me that the land was granted some thing like a year ago. If you will write me & let me know about it as Mr Ross has left the place & I cannot find out any thing about it Direct to Willsboro Essex Co N Y Jesse Adams

No.
Rosa Collins widow of Elias die? Woodford Co. Ills.
Admit. Act Feby 3. '53 at the rate of $25.00 per yr. annum, commencing with date of the Act.
Certificate to be sent to J. T. Stevens Present.
Act Feby 3 d 1853.
No. 307. 198. B. Land. all? the cur. Nov. 24/66

D 287
Pension Office, May 25 th 1860.
Sir:
The certificate of pension granted to Eliza Collins has been received & filed with the papers of her widow's application for bounty land, Act 35, No 307.198. You will find herewith the form & instructions prescribed for an application for a pension in compliance with your request of April 26 th 1860, which do not appear to have been heretofore forwarded.
When the same party makes application for pension & bounty land it is the usage of the office to dispose of both at the same time, as they both depend upon the same evidence. It will be necessary to establish very satisfactorily the identity of the claimant as the widow of the pensioner. The evidence now on file with the

application for County land is not satisfactory. It simply establishes the fact that a man by the name of Elisha Collins of N. York, was a pensioner of the government at the rate of $25.20 per annum. And it is not very clear how a witness living in Ohio would know that Elisha Collins died in N. York in 1854.
(very respectfully) Abraham Lincoln Commencing
G. F. Lewis, Esq. Cleveland, Ohio.
(Enclosure.)
M.H.W. (Vol. 29, p. 91)

BANK OF CLEVELAND,
(Banking House formerly occupied by COMMERCIAL BRANCH BANK,)
Cleveland, O., May 8 th 1860
Hon Geo W Whiting Commr of Pensions Sir
Enclosed is the Pension Certificate would to Eliza Collins where widow Rosa Collins has applied for Lands Claim N o 307 198 - I have only just read it and send it for the purpose of enabling you to find the evidence of Ben's early Please return when through with it
Respectfully
G. B. Lewis
D 289

BANK OF CLEVELAND,
(Banking House formerly occupied by COMMERCIAL BRANCH BANK,)
Cleveland, O., April 26 1860
Hon Geo B Whiting
Commr of Pensions
Enclosed is the application of Rosa widow of Elisha Collins for a Land Warrant. As soon as granted please send instructions how to prepare an application for a Pension. They expect to get the Pension assigned to the old gentlemen. They think it was payable at the Albany NY Agency but am not sure. It was left with a justice of the Peace and as yet they have been unable to get it.
Yours G T Lewis

Brief in the case of Rosa Collins, widow of Elisha Collins a. 2 Woodford County and State of Illinois All 2 act Feb y 3 rd 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Claimant's husband was a pensioner under the Act of Jan 7. 1832 upon service on Private N.Y. York Line, for seven months & 17 days. Marriage of the parties, death of husband, widowhood & identity satisfactorily proved by parole evidence. —
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Allowed at the rate of $25.20, to commence the 3 rd of February 1853. —
J. J. Stevens, Esq. Present. Name and residence of Agent
M. A. Woodley. Examining Clerk.

Columbia Station Lorain Co Ohio Sept 28 1860 (D) 289
for G F Lewis
Sir
Yours of 26 inst came to hand to day your engine where Mrs Roxa Collins resides she lives with Norman Dutton whose wife is her daughter Their post Office address is Mattamora Woodford Co Illenois My wife is her oldest daughter was present at the marriage of her Mother & Elisha Collins who was her second husband we (Mrs Townen and Me) have well known both parties for many years while living in Willborrough Essex Co N.Y. I suppose our knowledge of the parties were fully set forth in the affidavits we sent you respectfully yours S V Townen P.S. E Collins died in Willborrough Essex Co N.Y. we think in 1854

Rev. Pension claim Act 3 rd Feby 1853
Washington D.C. 24 th Nov 1860
Sir.
I have the honor to enclose the application of Loza Collins, Widow of Elisha Collins for Pension Act of 1853. Also my authority as Attorney.
In explanation of the fact that this claim comes from Ohio  Illinois where Elisha Collins resided, and received his Pension in N.Y. I am informed, both Mr & Mrs Collins had been previously married & that after their marriage & when they had become so aged and infirm as to be incapable of taking care of themselves Mr Collins remained with his children in Essex Co N.Y. & Mrs Collins went to live with her children in Ohio Illinois
Very Respectfully Yours J. C. Stevens
Hon Geo C Whiting Comm ee of Pensions Punk.

State of New York
Empire State ss: We Abijah Fisher of Eliza = between in the County of Essex & Deborah Adams of Willoughby in said County Do certify that we are well acquainted with Elisha Collins who has subscribed & sworn to the declaration above, & that we have known him for more about twenty years, that we believe him to be for- =enty years of age, & that he has always since we have known him been reputed the person who has resided, in this County, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we can say in that opinion -
Abijah Fisher
Sworn & subscribed the 26th of Sept 1832 in open court
Deborah Adams
Leonard Stow Clerk of Essex County
State of New York Essex County ss.
I Leonard Stow Clerk of the County of Essex do hereby certify that I am well and personally acquainted with Abijah Fisher one of the persons who subscribed and swore to the above or foregoing affidavit and that he is a man of both sincerity & in all respects a credible Witness & that Deborah Adams the other person who subscribed and swore to the same affidavit before me was officially identified to me to be the same person whose name is subscribed to be a credible witness
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this twenty fourth day of August in the year 1833
Leonard Stow Clerk

I Ichabod Sherman of Monkton in the county of Addison and State of Vermont of lawful age do certify and say that I have been acquainted with Elisha Collins of Williamborough in the State of New York for the space of 35 years that I have frequently heard him and others of his family speak of his being out in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war one time on a draft and another time under an enlistment for the term of six months and always understood that he was in said service for a considerable portion of time but could not specify any particular length of time except the six months above named Ichabod Sherman
State of Vermont — Monkton Sept 20th 1832 Addison County The above affidavit of Ichabod Sherman was sworn to in due form of law
Before me John M. Finney Just Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the within and before named Ichabod Collins Ichabod Sherman & Avis Sherman and believe them to be persons of truth and veracity and have no doubt of the truth of the statements by them made
John M. Finney Just Peace

Ichabod Sherman
affidavit
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal statement or affidavit.]

affidavit of Archibald Collins and Avis Sherman
Elisha Balling Application for a pension - Willsborough New York

Avis Sherman of Monkton in the County of Addison and State of Vermont of lawful age Do testify and say that I recollect in the time of the Revolutionary war when my Father and his family lived in Connecticut that he and his son Elisha Collins now of Withborough in the State of New York was frequently called out to do duty in the Service or guard and that Elisha was out in that way a number of times I recollect of his going into the Service after my Father moved to Lee in Massachusetts and I understood he went to New Haven in the State of Connecticut and there my idea has always been he served two months at that time and one circumstance made a deep impression on my mind when he returned home which was his firing off a gun before any of the family knew he had got home
I recollect that after he had been to New Haven as above stated he enlisted into the United States Service for six months went away in the Spring and staid till late in the fall that he sent home after clothes for winter wear and I remember of their being sent to him and his summer clothes were sent home
I have some recollection of his going another time in the Service of the United States to a place called Stillwater but cannot tell the length of time he was absent
Avis Sherman
State of Vermont Addison County ss
Monkton Sept 20 th 1832
The above affidavit of Avis Sherman was sworn to in due form of Law
Before me Johnson Ginnery Just Peace

I Archibald Collins of Ferrisburgh in the County of Addison and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say that I have been acquainted with Elisha Collins now of Williamstown in the County of Essex and State of New York from my youth till the present time that I was knowing of his being out in the Revolutionary war from the town of Worth Guilford in the State of Connecticut several many times to do service on guard at the several in the year 1778 according to best of my recollection and was about on duty as I understood considerable time during the year but am not able to recollect the precise length of time I recollect that in the year 1779 my father and his family moved into the town of Lee in the State of Massachusetts and that the said Elisha Collins in the spring of 1780 enlisted into the United States Service for the term of six months and marched for the Army and staid through the season and returned home after he had received his discharge which I think was in November I was young at the time of the revolutionary war and cannot so many circumstances as should first after had I have been old I recollect some time when he returned from the service of his being a gun which alarmed our family until they saw him which turned their fright to joy to see him
I further testify and say that in the year 1781 that the said Elisha Collins volunteered in the service and went to Stillwater in York State that I went with him that I staid about a week when I returned home and left him there but cannot say how long after I went home I recollect that he was a corporal in the company at that time and the occasion of his staying longer than I was at the request of the general to have a part of the company stay longer and further Archibald Collins Say not
State of Vermont Addison County ss Monday Sept 20th AD 1832 the above affidavit of Archibald Collins was sworn to in due form of law Before me Johnson Linnsey Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont, I, Samuel Swift Clerk of the County Court for the Addison County ss. Said County of Addison, do hereby certify that Johnson Finney before whom the foregoing affi- davits of Deborah Sherman, Abigail Collins & Abigail Sherman were made was at the time a Justice of the peace for said County; and his name severally subscribed thereto is his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this fifth day of October 1832.
Sam. Swift Clerk
affidavit of Abigail Collins and Abigail Sherman
Abigail Collins Application for pension Wetherbee Newbury

Elisha Galt
papers for a pension.
Willebrough Essex County N. York
1814/8
S. E. W. of Essex County of Essex N. York - Agent.
found on rolls for Ohio

Then the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigations after matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and send as he states that the court further certifies that it appears to them that Abijah Fisher and Zebulon Adams who have signed the preceding certificate and which was duly sworn to before me are residents the one of the town of Elizabethton and the other of the town of Millborough in said County of Grae and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Leonard Snow Clerk of the court of common Pleas of the county of Grae do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Elisha Collins for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty sixth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Leonard Snow Clerk
State of New York
Essex County ss.
I Leonard Snow Clerk of the county of Essex do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Elisha Collins for a pension - that they are the identical papers and records in full as certified by me on the twenty sixth day of September last past
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 24th day of August in the year 1833.
Leonard Snow Clerk

Elisha Collins Aged Ninety years and now a President of Hillsborough in the County of Osser & State of New York makes the following declaration under Oath in order to obtain an increase of a Pension allowed him for services in the Revolutionary War
That some time in the Month of June or July A D 1780 he enlisted in the service of the United in the Revolutionary War in the Town of Lee County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts in the Fourth Regiment of Infantry called Spotts Regiment and served under Captain Main and Lieutenant Whiting in said Regiment & said War for the term of six months at the expiration of which time he was discharged at West Point by Captain Main and from him received a Certificate of discharge which he has mislaid and lost. And this Deponent further says that in the Year A D 1833 he applied for a Pension under the Law of the United States of the seventh of June A D 1832 And on the 25 th Day of October A D 1833 he received a Certificate of Pension making provision for the payment to this Deponent of the sum of twenty five dollars and twenty cents per Annum during his natural life commencing on the 1 st of March 1833 and payable semiannually on the 1 st of March and 1 st of September in every Year which Certificate is signed by Lewis Cass then Secretary of War and examined & countersigned by J S Edwards then Commissioner of Pensions. And this Deponent further says that he is possessed of no property whatever either real or Personal and that his only dependance for his support is on the above described Pension which is wholly insufficient for his support & maintenance And that he is unable on account of his infirmity arising from Old Age

to do anything to aid in his support And Your Deponent further says that he is now confined to the House and wholly disabled from performing any business whatever by a shock of Paralysis and that he is now miserably poor and destitute having no means whatever of his own to rely upon for his support We therefore pray that his Pension may be increased to such a rate as will enable him to procure the necessaries of life and that the same may be ordered to commence immediately And as in duty bound he will ever pray
Elisha his Collins mark
Sworn & Subscribed
Before me this 15 th Day of February A D 1853
As I certify that the reason
on Elisha Collins making his mark is on account of a shock of Paralysis that disables him from writing his name
Lyman Chamberlin Justice Peace

State of New York Essex County p }
Be it known that before me Lyman Chamberlin a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized by Law to administer oaths personally appeared Elisha Collins the Petitioner named in the foregoing Affidavit & a President of Millsborough in the County & State aforesaid and made oath in due form of Law that he is the identical Person named in an Original Certificate in his possession of which I certify that the following is a true Copy Elisha Collins his mark
War Department Revolutionary Claims
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 1 st of June 1832 Elisha Collins of the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Twenty Five dollars and Twenty 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 this - 29 Day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Francis his Cap Secretary of War
Examined & Countersigned J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
his Elisha his Collins Mark

Sworn and subscribed before me this 13 th Day of February A D 1853 and I further certify that I believe the said Elisha Collins to be the Person named in the above described Certificate of Pension And that in my opinion he is now of about the age of Ninety Years Lyman Chamberlin Justice Peace

State of New York Essex County p }
On this 15 th Day of February A D 1853 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Lyman Barton a Resident of Millsborough in the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth & saith that he is by Profession a Physician residing and practicing in the said Town of Millsborough and that he is well acquainted with Elisha Collins a Resident of said Town of Millsborough and with his pecuniary affairs That the said Elisha Collins is in his opinion of about the age of Ninety years and is wholly incapacitated from gaining his subsistence by manual labor on account of the infirmity arising from his age And this Deponent further says that the said Elisha Collins is now prostrated and confined to the House by a Shock of Paralysis which wholly unfits him from in any manner doing anything to aid him in procuring his living. And this Deponent further says that the said Elisha Collins is a Man possessing no property whatever either real or Personal excepting a Pension from the United States Government granted him for services in the Revolutionary War, which Pension provides for the payment to him of the Sum of Seventy five dollars and twenty cents Per Annum during his Natural life payable Semiannually and is wholly insufficient for his support. And that for the remainder of his living the said Elisha Collins is dependant on the Charity of his Friends and Neighbors And further this Deponent says not
Lyman Barton

Sworn Before me the Day & Year above written & I further certify that the said Lyman Barton — is a Man of standing and Reputation in his Profession Lyman Chamberlin Justice Peace

State of New York Renss County p }
On this 15 th Day of February A D 1853 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid James Carr a President of Millsborough in said County and State who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Elisha Collins a President of said Town of Millsborough and with his pecuniary matters that the said Elisha Collins is a Man in his opinion of about the age of Ninety Years and is possessed of no property whatever either real or personal and having no means of his own whereon he can depend for his support except a Pension from the United States Government for services in the Revolutionary War which makes provision for the Payment to the said Elisha Collins of the Sum of Twenty five dollars and twenty cents per annum during his natural life payable Semi-annually And that the said Pension is wholly insufficient for the support and maintenance of the said Elisha Collins And this Deponent further says that the said Elisha Collins is now incapacitated on account of the infirmity arising from old age from performing any kind of manual labor whatever or doing any kind of business to assist in his own support And that he is now confined to the House and unable to move therefrom on account of a shock of Paralysis And that he now obtains his subsistence by the charity of his friends. And this Deponent further says that he has no interest whatever of any kind name or nature in the application of Elisha Collins for an increase of his Pension but is wholly disinterested in the same.
Sworn Before me This 15 th Day of February A D 1853 }
James Carr Symon Chamberlain Justice Peace

State of New York Renss County p }
On this fifteenth Day of February A D 1853 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Gordon Allen President of Millsborough in said County and State who being duly sworn according to Law deposes and saith that he is well acquainted with Elisha Collins a President of said Town of Millsborough and with his pecuniary matters That the said Elisha Collins is a Man in his opinion of about the age of Ninety years and is possessed of no property whatever either real or personal and having no means of his own whereon he can depend for his support except a Pension from the United States Government for services in the Revolutionary War which makes Provision for the payment to the said Elisha Collins of the Sum of Twenty five dollars and twenty cents per Mensem during his natural life payable Semi annually And that the said Pension is wholly insufficient for the support and maintenance of the said Elisha Collins And this Deponent further says that the said Elisha Collins is now incapacitated on account of the infirmity arising from old age from performing any kind of manual labour whatever or doing any kind of business to assist in his own support And that he is now confined to the House and unable to move therefrom on account of a Shock of Paralysis. And that he now obtains his subsistence by the Charity of his friends. And this Deponent further says that he has no interest whatever of any kind name or nature in the application of Elisha Collins for an increase of his Pension but is wholly disinterested in the same
Sworn Before me This 15 th Day of February 1853
Gordon Allen Lyman Chamberlain Justice Peace

signature to said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF , I have subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county, this Seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty Third
E. D. Adams Clerk

Act 3 rd Feby 1853 Revolutionary Pension claim & Bounty Land claim of Roxa Collins a widow of Elisha Collins
Received from G. F. Service of Cleveland Ohio J. C. Stevens Atty Present.
Edward Stearns Boston

The State of Illinois County of Woodford ss)
On this 31 st day of October A D 1860 Before the Subscribed Personally Came Mrs Nancy Dutton aged 52 Years who being duly sworn saith that she is the Daughter of Rota Collins That she knows she Rota Collins is the Identical Person who was the wife and is now the widow of the late Elisha Collins the identical person who was a Revolutionary Pensioner she did not see them married but she knows that they did live together as such until they were not capable of taking care of themselves and he went to live with his children and her with hers Deponent knows that said Elisha Collins died at Wilt buryh Essex Co New York on or about the first day of January 1854 and that Rota my mother has remained his widow she resides with me and I know these facts as well as any one can know them
Nancy Dutton affiant's signature
Sworn to and subscribed Before me the

day above written I certify that said affiant is a credible witness
D Fairchild
Justice of the Peace
See Clerk's Certificate on first affidavit

State of Illinois } ss County of Woodford } On this 31 st day of October A D 1860 Before the Subscriber Personally came Norman Dutton aged 50 years who being duly sworn saith that he is the husband of Nancy Dutton Daughter of Roxa Collins and states that he is acquainted with Elisha Collins and knows him to be the identical person who was the husband of Roxa Collins who now lives with me and I have read letters from him to her recognizing her as his wife. That after they become old and infirm he went to live with his children and his wife with her children and she now lives with me in regard to his death it was as early as Roxa Collins has stated and might have been a little earlier she was not living with us at the time of his death and has lost her papers in regard to the exact time of it Norman Dutton
Sworn & Subscribed Before me the day and year above Written I certify that said Affiant is a credible witness J o Fairchild justice of the peace
In Clerk's Certificate on fine paper attached