Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15828, Joseph Cody, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
body, Joseph Sarah
W 15828
CONTENTS

Wm R McClelland Sec 2 d March 16/55
11746 New York Albany Sarah Cody, dec d widow of Joseph Cody who died on the 25 th Jan y 1810. of in the State of who was a pri. corp s in the ————— commanded by Captain Serg t of the ————— commanded by ————— in the ————— time for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany, at the rate of 92 Dollars 87 — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836. (She died 12 th March 1842)
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of March, 1835 and sent to
Arrears to the 4 th of Jenkins Semi-annual allowance ending Albany
New York
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838.
J. Y. Kelly Clerk.
Recorded by Book Vol. 2. Page 49

State of New York.
Albany Justice Court ss: - On this sixteenth day of February in the year One thousand Eight hundred and fifty four Personally appeared before the Justice Court of the city of Albany in the state of New York, aforesaid (the same being a court of Record) - Aaron Cody, a resident of the Township of Hine, County of York N. Canada West - aged fiftyseven years - who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain for himself, and the other children of Joseph Cody, and Sarah Cody, the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 - entitled "An act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows:"
The said Aaron Cody, declares on his oath as aforesaid, as follows. That his father the said Joseph Cody - was a Private, Corporal, and Sergeant, in the war of the Revolution, and served - as this declarant has heard his said Father and Mother say - in the state of Massachusetts, under Col. Shepard, and Col. Jackson but declarant cannot recollect the names of the Captains under whom he served -
That he served from the year 1777 - to the close of the war - That his enlistment under Col. Jackson, was for during the war - This declarant further saith that he has always understood by his said Father and Mother, that they were married in the Town of Peru, formerly called "Pittsfield" in the County of Berkshire, in the state of Massachusetts in the year 1783 or 1784, - That they resided but a short time after said Marriage, in the said Town of Peru, and then moved, as declarant has been

informed, to the Town of Marcellis, in the County of Onondaga, in the State of New York - where they continued to reside until about the year Eighteen Hundred - When they removed to the Township of King, in the County of York, Canada West -
This Declarant further saith, that his Father, the said Joseph Gody, died at his residence in the said Township of King, on or about the fourth day of January, in the year Eighteen hundred and eleven, or twelve leaving this declarants Mother, the said Sarah Gody, his widow - That the said Sarah remained the widow of the said Joseph until her death, which event took place on the twelfth day of March, in the year Eighteen hundred and fortytwo - while on a visit to her son Stephen Gody - in the Township of West Gilliansburg in the County of Lincoln in said Canada West -
That the said Sarah left her surviving four children only, Viz - Stephen Gody - aged 60 years - Aaron Gody - this declarant - aged 57 years - Asah Gager, late the wife of William Gager - And Mary Gody - the ages of the two last named children Declarant cannot recollect, but that they are both now dead.
Declarant further saith, that his Father and Mother had other children besides those above named, Viz - Pamelia, otherwise called Milly - Joseph - and Sally - all of whom died before the decease of his said Mother - That the said Pamelia, would if now living be about Sixty nine years of age - That the said Sally, died as Declarant

now recollects in the month of June, of the year of the 1806 - being the year of the Great Eclipse. That she then was about Eighteen years of age as declarant believes —
Declarant further saith, that a Family Record was kept by his said Father and Mother. Which said Record contained the date of their said Marriage, and the Births of their Children — That after the death of his said Mother — The Bible containing said Record passed into the hands of his sister the said Asah Gage, who is now deceased. And if the same bible or record is now in existence, it is probably in the possession of the Husband of the said Asah, who recently removed from Canada into the state of Iowa, but to what part of said state declarant is not informed — This declarant further saith, that the said Sarah Gage never applied for a Pension, on account of the services of her husband the said Joseph, for the reason that she resided in Canada, and not within the jurisdiction of the United States. and therefore supposed that she was not entitled to a pension from the United States government — (The words "his" "said" on second page, and the "Bible or record" on the last page, were interlined before signing.) — Aaron Gage
Subscribed & sworn to, in open Court, on the day & Year first above written.
Witness the seal of the said Court & the signature of the Clerk thereof
H. P. Nugent clerk

Candy
Aug 12/54

Office Clerk Peace. York & Peel Toronto, 12 July 1854.
I certify that Eli Gorham of the Township of Whitchurch Esquire, is one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the United Counties of York and Peel, duly appointed by Royal Commission, and qualified to act in that capacity, and I verily believe that the names "Eli Gorham J.P." attached to the four documents herunto annexed, are of the true and proper hand writing of the said Eli Gorham, Justice as aforesaid.
Eli Gorham Clerk Peace York & Peel

Province of Canada United Counties of York and Peel To Wit
Aaron Cody formerly a resident of the Township of King in the County of Peel one of the United Counties of York and Peel; but at present residing in the Township of Whitchurch in the County of York one of the United Counties aforesaid and Province of Canada - Being duly sworn, saith that he is a son of Joseph and Sarah Cody late of the Township of King aforesaid now deceased: - That he is the identical Aaron Cody who made application in the month of March last for the Pension due the children of his said Father and Mother, under Act of the seventh day of July 1838. - That in his declaration he made mention of the Family Record of his said Father and Mother, as containing a Record of their Marriage - That since making said declaration Deponent has obtained the said family Record from Herbert Sager late the husband of Sarah the Third sister of this Deponent, who now resides in the state of Iowa - He now discovers that the said Record does not contain the Record of said Marriage - but that it is the true and genuine Record of the Family of the said Joseph and Sarah - and contains the date of the Births of all of his Father's family - He further saith that the name of his eldest sister was "Amelia" but is written in the Record "Bille" by which name she was generally called in the family - Deponent further saith that he remembers hearing his Father, the said Joseph Cody, speak of his "Bounty Land", but as it was a great many years since and when he Deponent was quite young - he is unable to recollect his -

distinctly what he has heard him say in relation to it, nor does he know what became of it, or into whose hands it passed, and it is impossible for him to trace it, or to give any further account of it. Deponent further saith, that the family Record above named is hereto annexed and from his own personal knowledge is a true and Genuine Record of the Family of his Father and Mother the said Joseph and Sarah (Cody) deceased.
Sworn to and Subscribed before me at Newmarket this Eleventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Deus o m 60 V
Thi Goshorn J.P.
I certify that I am well acquainted with Aaron Cody the above named Deponent and that he is a credible Witness. And I further certify that I have no interest whatever in the claim to which said affidavit relates.
Thi Goshorn Justice of the Peace
to every man praiseth Lord, saying, Blest place undefiled. He hanged also Nican ent and manifest fig d. And they ordained a to let that day p orate the thirteenth in the Syrian tongu Mardocheus day.

This book bought in 1804 Price Five Dollars
Joseph Cody His Book God give him grace therein to look
Joseph Cody born 1757
Sally my wife in 1767
Mille Born Sept. the 15 th 1785
Sally Born Sept. the 10 th 1787
Joseph Born October the 26 th 1789
Stephen Born May the 27 th 1793
Aaron Born August the 10 th 1796
Achsa Born January the 8 th 1799
Sally Departed this Life June the 19 th 1806 Aged 18 years 9 months & 5 days
Jay Born the 21 st of November 1806
Joseph Cody Departed this Life January 25 th 1810 aged 53

Province of Canada United Counties of York and Peel Township of East Gwillimbury To Wit.
Stephen Cody, a resident of the Township of East Gwillimbury in the County of York one of the United Counties of York and Peel and Province of Canada. Hereby affirmeth that he is a Son of Joseph and Sarah Cody deceased and that he knows the annexed Record to be the true and genuine Record of his Father's family, and that it has existed ever since his earliest recollection.
Deponent further affirmeth that the family Record above named is hereto annexed, and from his own personal knowledge is a true and genuine Record of the family.
Affirmed and Subscribed to before me at Newmarket this Eleventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Eli G. Shaver
Stephen Cody
I certify that I am well acquainted with Stephen Cody the above named Deponent and that he is a credible witness - And further that I have no interest whatever in the claim to which said Affirmation relates.
Eli G. Shaver Justice of the Peace

County of York To Wit
Esther Doan of the the Township of King in the Said County and Province of Canada Minister of the Society of Friends personally appeared before Me John D Phillips one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the Said County And being duly Affirmed according to law deponeth and Saith that I am Now Seventy One years of age and upwards and being a Minister of the Friends Society I attended the funeral of Sarah Cody Widow of the late Joseph Cody, the Said Sarah died on the twelfth day of (4 th Month) March Eighteen Hundred and forty two and was interred the day following in Friends Burrying ground in the Township of King upon which Occasion I found it to be My duty to Speak to the Friends then assembled
Affirmed before Me } Esther Doan Minister at King this Nineteenth } J.D.P. day of January One thousand eight Hundred and fifty four J.D. Phillips J.P. I believe
I Certify that I am acquainted with the Aboved Named Esther Doan and have been for Twenty Years and upwards that She is a Minister of the Society of Friends And Was at the time of Said funeral as aforesaid that She is a person of strict Veracity and further from personal knowledge Know the above Statements to be true and Correct J.D. Phillips J.P. I believe

Province of Canada
To all to whom it may concern
This is to certify that John D. Phelps within named has been duly appointed Deputy Reeve for the Township of King in the County of York, one of the United Counties of York and Peel in the Province of Canada, and by virtue of his office as Deputy Reeve as aforesaid is entitled to take Affidavits on oath or by affirmation
Witness my Hand and the seal of the said United Counties. This 23 day of January in the Year of Our Lord 1854
John Ellis County Clerk

State of New Albany County ss. Aaron Coady of the Township of Ken, in the county of York - Canada West being duly sworn, deposes, that he is one of the children of Joseph and Sarah Coady, late of said Township, now deceased. That his Father, the said Joseph, was as this deponent has always understood and believes, a soldier in the service of the United States, in the war of the Revolution. That he died in said Township, in the year 1811, or the year 1812 - leaving the said Sarah his widow - that she continued to be his widow until the 12 th day of March 1842 - when she died in Canada West aforesaid - That she left the following, and no other children her surviving. Viz. this deponent and his Brothers Stephen and Jay Coady - and their sister Sarah Coady - That the said Jay, and Sarah are both now deceased, and that this deponent, and the said Stephen are now the only surviving children of the said Joseph and Sarah Coady, and reside in Canada West aforesaid. Sworn to and subscribed Aaron Coady before me, this 16 th day of February AD 1854 and I certify that deponent is a credible witness.
H. P. Mudget Justice of the Peace

surviving. Viz. this deponent and his Brothers Stephen and Jay Cady - And their Sister Sarah Cady -
That the said Jay, and Sarah are both now deceased, and that this deponent, and the said Stephen are now the only surviving children of the said Joseph and Sarah Cady, and reside in Coeymans West aforesaid
State of New York, City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office, } ss:
I, Robert Harper, Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby CERTIFY, that Henry P. Nugent , whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was, at the time of taking such Proof or Acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same: That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine: And that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 18 day of February 1854.
R Harper Clerk.
co the Peace

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15828
Sarah Cody Widow of Joseph Cody Corp New York
Act July 5 th 88
Index: Vol. a , Page 149
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pontelata 17 Mch. 1833.

Passion Office, March 16 th 1855.
Sir:
In compliance with your request, I have the honor to submit, herewith, an amended brief in the case of Sarah Cody, deceased, who was the widow of Joseph late of the Province of Canada. I have carefully read it, and think that it fairly exhibits the points of the case.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt, L. P. Vallee Commissioner.
Hon. R. McClelland, Secretary of the Interior.

Brief in the case of Sarah Gody, who was the widow of Joseph, late of the county of York, Canada: Act July 7 th 1838.
On the 16 th of February, 1854, Aaron Gody, a resident of the Township of King, in the county of York, and Province of Canada, made a declaration before the Albany (New York) Justices, claiming, on behalf of his mother, Sarah Gody, deceased, who was the widow of Joseph, the benefit of the Act of July 7 th 1838. He alleged that his father, the said Joseph, was a private, corporal, and sergeant, in the Massachusetts troops, and served in the regiments of Colonels Sheppard and Jackson, but he could not recollect the names of his captains, &c; that he served from the year 1777 to the close of the War; that his parents were married in the town of Peru, formerly called Partridgefield, in the county of Berkshire, Massachusetts, in 1783 or 1784; that a short time after, as he had been informed, his parents removed to the town of Marcellus, and county of Onondaga, in the State of New York, from whence they removed about the year 1800, to the township of King, in the county of York, and in the Province of Canada; that his father, the said Joseph, died in the township aforesaid, and his mother, the said Sarah, in the township of Gilliam-burg, Canada West, March 12 th 1842.
The date of the marriage prior to 1794, is established

by the production of the original family record, which shows that a child was born to the parties as early as September 15 th 1785.
The service is established—
1st. — By the production of a certificate from the Secretary of Massachusetts, the result of an application of an agent of the parties, dated February 20 th 1854, showing that a soldier named Joseph Cody, from the town of Dudley, rendered, in all, under Colonels Jackson and Shepard, 21 months and 17 days' service, commencing January 1 st 1777.
The father of the claimant is identified, 1 st . — By the affidavit of Cyrus Howell, aged 86, a resident of the town of Peru, Massachusetts, formerly Partridgefield, who is certified to be a man of high standing in his community, who states that he was well acquainted with the Joseph Cody aforesaid, who was a Revolutionary soldier; that he married Sarah Payne on or about the year 1785, &c, and that not long after their marriage, they removed to the western part of New York, &c.
2 o . — By the affidavit of Pitt Cody, of the town of Bloomingdale, in the State of Illinois, who is certified to be a credible witness. His affidavit was made on the 21 st of December, 1854. He states that he is 57 years old, and is a son of Samuel Cody, late a pensioner of the United States; that his father, the said Samuel, had a cousin named Joseph Cody, about

whom he was in the habit of conversing frequently, and that he, deponent, has often heard him say that his cousin, the said Joseph, was bound out as an apprentice in the town of Partridgefield aforesaid, and that, becoming dissatisfied, ran away, and went down to the town of Dudley, Massachusetts, and there enlisted into the service, and served during the whole War, after which he returned to Partridgefield, and there married. The fact that such conversations were held by Pitt with his father, is confirmed by the affidavit of Pitt's wife.
3 o — By the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, dated February 8 th 1855, that there is but one man on his books named Joseph Cody, and that he enlisted from the town of Dudley.
The only doubtful part, to my mind, in the case, was in relation to the administration bond, which was executed in the Province of Canada; for, though the usual certificate as to the periods of the deaths of the parties, and the number and names of the children, was from a court of record in New York, so long a time had elapsed since it was given, that there was some reason to believe that one or more of the children had, since its date, departed this life; in which event, if the proceeds of the certificate should be misapplied, I doubted whether a suit could be maintained against the administrator in Canada. I therefore required that letters of administration should be taken out

in some court within the limits of the United States; but on the protest of the Agent, the commissioner, on carefully considering the case, directed the certificate to be issued.
Wm Ogden Niles Examining Clerk.
March 14 th 1855.

15130
Sarah Cody decd. widow of Joseph NY.
  SH Marks  Mch 22  1852  (Trip)    " "  10 Nov  1852  (Rhet)    L Jenkins  22 Jany  1853  ( " )    " "  27 "  "  ( " )    " "  20 Feby  "  (Niles)    " "  28 "  "  (Trip)  
July 7 1838.

Brief in the case of Sarah Cody, dec d , widow of Joseph. Peel Township County and State of Province of act July 7, 1838. Canada.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Mrs Cody was a resident of Canada when the Act of July 7, 1838 was passed, and remained in that Province until the day of her death, which took place on 12 th of March 1842. The claim for annuity is asserted by her children, who have established the service and date of marriage by Record, proof. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Levi Jenkins, Albany New York
Examining Clerk.
Asden Nels

Albany March 3 d 1855.
L. P. Waldo Esquire, Comr. of Pensions,
Sir,
Your letter of the 28 th ult. in relation to the claim of the Children of Sarah Cady is received.
If you knew all the reasons which prompted the warm expressions in my last letter, perhaps you would not be surprised at them.
I shall omit some of them at present, as I do not wish to have a controversy with any person connected with your Office, and shall avoid it, unless I find it necessary in order to protect my own rights or those whom I represent. I will merely remark for the benefit of whomsoever it may concern, that I do not intend to submit to wrong from any quarter, when I have the means of redress in my power.
In this letter I shall confine myself to a brief reply to your last, and must request you to reconsider your decision requiring the production of additional proof of the number of Mrs. Cady's children now living.
I think I can show it to be wholly unnecessary.

In my letter of the 22 d ult o I stated that according to a memorandum of Mr. Maikes, it was proved before the Albany Justice's Court that Mr. Cody left four children viz Stephen Aaron, Jay, and Asaiah - and that the two latter were not then living - These facts are not controverted or denied in your two last letters, but you ask "Is it at all improbable that one of these children should have died since the proof referred to was filed?"
I reply, it is not - But is it not much more probable that they are both living, since it is only about a year ago that the proof was taken - And such is really the fact - Again you ask if it is difficult to show the fact that they are alive, or a great hardship to be required to do it - I answer it would not be difficult if the parties & witnesses did not reside in Canada, and if you did not require the proof to be made before a Court of Record in the United States - This makes it both difficult & expensive; and for the reasons I gave in my letter of the 22 d ult o I think it a great hardship, also, to be required to do it - Not so much a hardship to me as to the Claimants - And I think so for another reason.
In your letter of the 22 d March last, you required that an administrator of Mr. Cody should be appointed, and that he should give a bond for. This requirement has been

complied with at a very considerable expense / about $26 as I am informed) and you have admitted that the proceedings were regular & satisfactory -
You say in your last letter - "You are aware that Certificates of pension are issued to surviving children."
I am aware of that in cases where there is no administrator. But in this case you required the appointment of an administrator, and such, I believe, has been the practice of your Office for some time past - If you have changed it since the 22 d of March last, I am not aware of it, nor do I see the propriety of your adopting a new rule in this case -
Mr. Aaron Cody obtained letters of administration in Canada, where he & his mother resided & where she died, and from the only proper & competent authority, and according to your instructions he has given a bond with sufficient sureties -
If he receives the pension he is of course responsible, (to his sureties also) to the other children or their legal representatives, for their respective shares -
What more can be required, & what possible objection can there be to the issuing of a pension Certificate payable to him as administrator, for the benefit of himself and the other children or their legal representatives?
The case is too plain to need any argument -

I therefore confidently expect you will cause a pension Certificate to be issued to him, as administrator, in the usual manner, without further proof.
It does seem to me that unnecessary obstacles have been thrown in the way of this claim - but I may be mistaken in suspecting the motives of the person or persons who have had the examination of it in your office - If so I regret that having entertained such suspicions.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully
Yours ob t Serv t
Samuel Jenkins.

L. P. Waldo Esq. Sir,
Albany October 21 st 1854
After a very great delay in procuring the necessary documents to enable me to answer your letter of the 22 nd March last relating to the claim of the children of Sarah Cody deceased, Widow of Joseph, for a pension under act of July 7 th 1838, — I am now enabled to answer, although not prepared fully to comply with the request of your said letter — The children are entirely unable to trace the land warrant issued to their father, or to show what he did with it, they being too young to remember any particulars relating to it —
Therewith enclose the Family Record of Joseph & Sarah Cody, which although it does not show the date of their marriage, yet it shows the date of the birth of their children, which must fix the marriage at about the time stated by the declarant, & the affidavits of Cyrus Stowell & Sam l Cody, now on file in your office —
I also herewith enclose the certificate of the proper court, showing that letters of Administration have been issued to Aaron Cody, upon the estate of Sarah Cody deceased, & also the amt. of his official Bond, as required by your letter of March last, — And confidently trust & believe, that the evidence herewith shown, in addition to that now on file in this case, will be

considered sufficient, and satisfactory, to the Department I am Sir,
With very great respect Your Obedient Serv t Sam l H. Marks

State of New York Albany Justice Court ss. I H. P. Nugent, clerk of the justice court of the city of Albany do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited this day, to the said court. To Wit the affidavits of Esther Dean, William S. Philips, and Aaron Cody. unto annexed. Showing that Joseph Cody late of the Town- -ship of King, County of York, Canada West, was a soldier in the service of the United States, in the war of the Revolution That he died in said Township in the Year 1811 or 1812. having a widow named Sarah. That she continued to be his widow until the twelfth day of March Eighteen hundred and fortytwo when she died in Canada West aforesaid. That she left the following, and no other children her surviving. Viz- Stephen Cody Aaron Cody. Asah Gagn, and Jay Cody. That the said Asah, and Jay, are both now deceased, and that the said Stephen and Aaron, are now the only surviving children of the said Joseph and Sarah Cody. and both reside in Canada West aforesaid In witness whereof I have hereto set the seal of said court & sub- -scribed my name this 16 th day of February A. D. 1854
H. P. Nugent Clerk

County of York } William Phillips of the Township of to Wit } King in the said County of York and Province of Canada (yeoman personally appeared before me (J D Phillips) one of her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said County and being duly Affirmed deposes and says that he is sixty one years Old and upwards that he has resided in the said Township of King for the space of fifty three years past that he was well acquainted with Joseph Cody and his Wife Sarah that the said Joseph died about the year One thousand eight hundred and eleven in the Township of King leaving the said Sarah his Widow that the said Sarah Cody continued the Widow of the said Joseph up to the day of her death which event occurred in the spring of the year One thousand eight hundred and forty two at the residence of her son Stephen Cody in the Township of West Gowllandburg in the County of Simcoe, that the said Joseph Cody lived with Sarah Cody live together as husband and wife and were always recognized in the community where they resided as such that the said Sarah left her surviving the following children  children children and no others viz Stephen Cody Aaron Cody, Apsah Cody late Jager and Mary Cody each of whom are the children of the said Joseph Cody deceased
Affirmed to and subscribed before } William Phillips Me at King this nineteenth day of January (One thousand eight hundred and fifty four)
J D Phillips J. S. Reeve
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named William Phillips and have been for twenty years and upwards that he is a person of strict veracity
J D Phillips J. S. Reeve

State of New York. County of Onida ss- Samuel Cody, a resident of the Town of Vernon, in the county aforesaid State aforesaid, being duly sworn, saith that he is Ninety Three years old, that he is a Revo- lutionary Pensioner of the United States. That he was well acquainted with Joseph Cody, late of the Township of King, in the county of York, Canada West- That the said Joseph Cody was a resident of the Town of Partridgefield, in the county of Berkshire, in the state of Massachusetts. That the said Joseph was an own cousin of this Deponent. That he, (the said Joseph) enlisted in a Company commanded by Capt Mow, according to his best recollection, about the year 1776, or 7 in Col W m Shephard's Regiment, in the war of the Revolution- and Deponent distinctly remembers, that the said Joseph served several years under Col Shephard, and that part of the time he was a Sergeant. Deponent further saith, that the said Joseph served to the close of the war. That immediately after the close of the war, his cousin, the said Joseph, was reported to have been married, to a Miss Paynt, at the Town of Partridgefield aforesaid. That Deponent was present and heard the said Joseph Cody and Miss Paynt, published. That he knew the said Joseph & the Miss Paynt aforesaid, to live together as Husband and wife, after their reported marriage. That shortly after said marriage they moved to the Town of Marcellus, in the county of Onondaga, in the state of New York - and that they resided there until about the year 1800 - when they removed to the Township of King Canada

- West, where - as Deponent has been informed the said Joseph died - Deponent further saith, that during the time the said Joseph Cady and his reputed wife lived in the aforesaid Town of Marshall, they lived together as Husband and wife, and were recognized and reputed as such, and Deponent has no doubt that they were Husband and wife - Subscribed and sworn to on this 18 th day of February 1854 before } Samuel Cady Me. [The word "You" upon the 2 nd line from the bottom upon the first page was interlined before signing] } Levi T. Mearnsdale Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Samuel Cady the above named Deponent, and that he is a man of sound mind, and a credible witness. And I further certify, that I am in no way interested in the claim of the children of Joseph Cady to a Pension - or in the prosecution thereof.
Levi T. Mearnsdale Justice of the Peace
State of New York, ONEIDA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That
Levi T. Marshall
Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate & jurat - and thereon written, was, on the Eighteenth day of February 1854 a Justice of the Peace, in, and for said County, and sworn and duly authorized. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate & jurat are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said County, and subscribed my name, this 23 rd day of Feb 1854
R. Hulbert CLERK.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
February 20 th 1854.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The name of Joseph Cody is borne on Roll of 8. mos. Service in Capt. Healy's Comp. Col. Ebenezer Learned's Regt. An Return of Oct. 6. 1775. as borne on "Cont Coll" dated Roxbury Camp Nov. 2. 1775. as private from Dudley.
Also on Army Book, Capt. Moore's Comp. Col. Shepard's Regt. from Jan'y. 1. 1777 to Dec. 31. 1779 36 mos. as private, from Dudley.
Also in Army Book Capt. Moore's Comp. Col. Shepard's Regt. from Jan'y 1. to Dec. 31. 1780.
12 Months. 9 m 19 days of said 12. mos. as Corporal.
Also in Capt. Moore's Comp. Col. Shepard's Regt. was Corporal till Aug 19 th 1781. when said Cody was appointed Sergeant. and served through the said year 1781.
7. 19 Corp. 79. 8 4. 9 Serjt. 21. 17 2. 13 00
For the year 1776 there is very little service in this office, none for the regular Continental Line and the name of said Cody does not appear.

Also on List of Final Settlement. No. 15.530. Nov. 4 th 1783. $ 80. " 15.896 " " " " 80.18. Both numbers are of the same date.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. N. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of New York, City & County of Albany ss:
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls and Records of his office, of the Military service of Joseph Cady, in the army of the Revolution.
It is alleged that Joseph Cady served under Col Wm Shepard, as a Sergeant, and that he served nearly during the whole Revolutionary war.
The subscriber is the duly authorized agent of the children of the said Joseph Cady, who is now deceased - and as such agent, makes this request.
Very respectfully Your Obt Servt
Sam l C. Marks Albany N.Y.
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 17 th day of July 1854 John G. Perkins Not Public

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, February 8 th 1855.
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 there is but one man in the Continental Army by the name of Joseph Cody, and he appears to be from the Town of Dudley, and that he enlisted June 1, 1777 for during the war.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Claim of the children of Sarah Cody, widow of Joseph, for a pension under the act of July 7. 1838. —————
Affidavit of John D. Phillips, Phoebe Boltsford Pitt Cody & Phoebe C. Cody
Dec 21/54

United Counties of York and Peel
I John D. Phillips of The Township of King County of York aforesaid Maketh affirm- ation and saith that Sarah Cady Widow of the late Joseph Cady died on or about the twelfth day of March one thousand eight Hund- red and forty two. I do further state that I recollect the above facts from the following Circumstances viz that on Wednesday the Ninth was Married on Saturday following I moved a House While at that Work was informed of the death above referred to that on Sunday the thirteenth I atten- ded her funeral Affirmed and subscribed before me at King in the said united Counties of York and Peel the 20th Decr 1854
J. D. Phillips
S. E. Phillips J.P.
not in any way interested in the claim in which this Affidavit is to be used -
Robert Smith J.P.

I hereby certify that John D Phillips the above named affirmant is personally known to me to be a credible witness - And I further certify that I am in no way interested in the claim in which the above affidavit, or affirmation is to be used -
Joseph Hetherington J.P.
I hereby certify that the above  within named J. D. Phillips and Joseph Hetherington are both Justices of the Peace in and for the United Counties of York & Peel in the Province of Canada & as witness my hand and the seal of said Counties
Toronto January 9 th 1855
Mr Elliot Clerk of the Superior Court of the United Counties of York & Peel - Province of Canada.

United Counties of York & Peel To Wit
I Phebe Betsford Widow of the late John I Betsford in his life time of Newmarket in the said County of York - Maketh oath And saith that her late husband John I Betsford made the Coffin for and attended the funeral of the late Sarah Cody deceased as undertaker; - And that the deponent also attended the said funeral, which took place on a Sunday And to the best of deponents recollection was on or about the thirteenth day of March One Thousand Eight Hundred And Forty Two -
Sworn and Subscribed to before me at Newmarket, in the said United Counties of York and Peel the 22 nd December 1854
Robert W. Smith - J. P.
Phebe Betsford
I hereby certify that Phebe Betsford above named is known to me to be a reputable and credible witness - And I further certify that I am not in any way interested in the claim in which this affidavit is to be used -
Robert W. Smith - J. P.

I hereby certify that the above  within named Robert H. Smith is a Justice of the Peace in and for the United Counties of York and Peel in the Province of Canada - so witness my hand and the seal of the said United Counties
Toronto 9 January 1855
J. M. McCulloch Clerk of the Court of the United Counties of York & Peel - Province of Canada

State of Illinois DuPage County ss: Pitt Cody, a resident of the Town of Bloomingdale in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn according to law, Deposith and saith, that he is fifty one years old. That has resided in the Town of Vernon in the County of Onondaga, in the State of New York for the space of fifty one years last past, until about the middle of October last, when he moved with his family to the Town of Bloomingdale in the State of Illinois aforesaid. That he is a son of Samuel Cody, late a Pensioner of the United States now deceased. That his said Father died at the residence of this Deponent, in the aforesaid Town of Vernon, on the sixth day of May last past, aged 94. years, lacking six days. And Deponent further saith, that his Father the said Samuel, had a Cousin by the name of Joseph Cody, about whom he was in the habit of conversing frequently. And Deponent has often heard him say that his Cousin the said Joseph Cody was bound out, as an Apprentic to a man in the Town of Partridgefield, in the State of Massachusetts. That the said Joseph, becoming dissatisfied, and ran away, and went down to the Town of Dudley, in said State of Massachusetts, and there enlisted into the Service, and that he (the said Joseph) served during the whole Revolutionary

war, in different capacities, and that immediately after the close of the war he returned to the said Town of Partridgefield, and, there married a wife — Deponent has been informed that the said Joseph Coady died some years since in Canada —
Subscribed and sworn to this 21 day of December A.D. 1854 before me, and I certify that
W. Coady
the above named Deponent is well known to me, and that he is a credible witness — And I hereby further certify that I have no interest whatever in the claim to which this affidavit relates
Sherman P. Sedgwick
Justice of the Peace
State of Illinois Du Page County } I Myron C Dudley Clerk of the County Court of the County of Du Page in the State of Illinois, Do hereby certify that Sherman P Sedgwick Esqr, whose name appears to the above Certificate, as also to the certificate below, both of which Certificates dated the 21 st day of December A.D. 1854, was at the date of the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Du Page, duly commissioned, sworn and authorized to execute the same, and that full faith and credit are due to all his Official acts as such Justice; and further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe that the Signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed My Name and affixed the Seal of said Court at Naperville in said County this 22 nd day of December A.D. 1854
Myron C Dudley, Clerk by John L. Ricketts, Deputy

State of Illinois } DuPage County } ss:
Phoebe C. Cody, wife of Pitt Cody, a resident of the Town of Bloomingdale in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn, saith that she is forty seven years old, that she is the wife of Pitt Cody named in the annexed affidavit. That she has lived with her said husband, for the space of twenty six years last past. — And she further says that she has examined the annexed affidavit of her said husband, and that the conversations of her Father in law the said Samuel Cody deceased, as mentioned therein are in all respects true from her own personal knowledge.
Sworn to and subscribed }
on this 21 st day of December }
A.D. 1854 before me, and }
Certify that Phoebe C. Cody the above named deponent is known to me to be a credible witness.
Sherman P. Sedgwick
Justice of the Peace

In the Court of Probate in and for that part of the Province of Canada formerly constituting Upper Canada
I do hereby certify that on the sixteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four Letters of Administration of all and singular the Goods Rights Credits and Chattels which were of Sarah Coody late of the Township of King in the County of York one of the United Counties of York and Peel and Province of Canada Widow deceased, were granted and committed unto Aaron Coody of the Township of Whitechurch in the said County of York Yeoman, one of the sons of the said deceased: And I further certify that the said Aaron Coody has duly executed and filed in this Office a good and sufficient Bond for the faithful performance of his duties as such administrator with two sufficient sureties in the penal sum of Two hundred and fifty pounds of lawful money of Canada and that said Bond is now on file in this office
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court of Probate at the City of Toronto in the Province of Canada this Seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
John B. Maclaren Official Principal
Charles Fitzgibbon Registrar

State of New York
County of Erie
Surrogate's Court
ss: J. Charles D. Unton - Surrogate of said County, Do hereby certify that it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Court, by the testimony of John D. Phillips & Joseph H. Collins residents of the County of York in Canada West
That Sarah Cody late of the Township of King York Co., Canada West, was the widow of Joseph Cody late of said Township deceased. That the said Sarah Cody died on, or about the 12 th day of March A.D. One thousand Eight hundred and fortytwo. That she left the following named and no other children, her surviving. To Wit: Stephen Cody, Aaron Cody, Issah Gage, and Jay Cody.
That the said Issah Gage, and Jay Cody, are now dead, and the said Stephen Cody and Aaron Cody are now living. The said Sarah Gage left her surviving children viz, Jay, William, Mary, Griffin, Nelson, Aaron, Alfred, Sarah, John and Susan Gage, the said Jay Cody left a widow (Anna) and two children viz, Nelson, & Jay Cody.
And that I am satisfied, that the witnesses above named are credible & disinterested persons.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Buffalo this 26 th day of March A.D. 1855.
J. Charles D. Unton Surrogate's Court.

Washington D.C.
January 17. 1855.
L. P. Waldo Esq.
Comt. of Pensions,
Sir,
I herewith hand you the affidavits of John D. Phillips, Phoebe Battsford, Pitt Coady & Phoebe C. Coady, in support of the claim of the children of Sarah Coady, Widow of Joseph, under the Act of July 7. 1838.
I think they satisfactorily establish the fact of the death of Mrs Coady on the 12 th of March 1842 - and the identity of her Husband, Joseph Coady, as the soldier who served in the War of the Revolution as certified by the Secretary of Massachusetts, whose Certificate in this case is now on the files of your Office.
As this claim is for a pension under the Act of July 7. 1838, and cannot extend further than to the 2 nd of March 1841, the precise date of Mrs Coady's death cannot be material provided it is shown that she died after the 2 nd of March 1841 - and all the Witnesses concur in testifying that she died in 1842 .
It is impossible, at this late date, for the children to trace the conveyance made by their Father, of his bounty land, which it seems, is required of them, and which, if insisted upon, much defeats this claim -
I do not believe there is one in a thousand of the Descendants of the soldiers of the Revolution who know whether their Fathers received bounty land or not - or if

they die, have they disposed of it.
It seems to me, therefore, that to require such proof in this case, when the evidence of the soldier's identity is otherwise very clear and satisfactory, would be harsh, and I think, unjust - and I hope it will not be insisted on.
As this is the only claim I have to present to you at this time, & I expect to leave the City in a few days, I have to request that it may now be taken up & disposed of.
I am, Sir,
With great respect
Yours ob't Serv't
Conrad Janney.
Please address me at Miss Janney's - Corner of 8 th Street & Penn a Avenue.
P.S. Should the Examiner to whom this case shall be referred, insist on further testimony in support of the claim, I ask the favor of being heard before you in person in reply to his objections, feeling confident that I can satisfy you of the justice of the claim and the sufficiency of the proofs.

Albany April 2 d 1855
L. P. Waldo Esq. Comt. of Pensions, Sir,
In compliance with the demand contained in your letter of the 28 th of February last, in regard to the Claim of the children of the children of Sarah Body , I herewith transmit the Certificate of the Surrogate of Erie County, N.Y. showing that there are but two of her children, now living, viz. Stephen and Aaron - the latter being her administrator.
I trust this evidence will be found satisfactory, and that the pension certificate will be issued without further delay.
I am Sir, very Respectfully Your obedt. Servt Lemuel Jenkins.

Albany Feb. 22 d 1855.
Se. P. Waldo Esq. Comt of Pensions, Sir,
Your letter respecting the pension claim of the children of Sarah Cody decd., is received.
I confess I am surprised at the new requisition it contains. When I was at Washington in January last, I had a conversation with Mr. Rhetts, the Examiner in the case - the result of which was that he distinctly told me if I would procure the Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts that there was no other person of the name of Joseph Cody, who enlisted from the Town of Dudley, at the time when it was alleged that the Husband of Sarah Cody enlisted, the claim would be allowed. That Certificate I have procured, and in your letter of the 20 th inst., you admit its sufficiency to establish the identity of the Husband of Sarah Cody as the soldier of his name who served in the Continental Line of Massachusetts." And now I am required to furnish further evidence of the names and ages of the children of Sarah Cody, now living.
It does seem to me that this new requirement is quite as unreasonable as the one which was made respecting the disposition made by Joseph Cody of his bounty land, which has been abandoned.
And it also seems to me that the manner in which this claim has been treated, whether owing to carelessness or some other cause , does no credit to your office.
Of course I mean no reflection on yourself

personally, for I am aware that it is impossible for you to give your personal attention even to any considerable number of the numerous claims presented at your office.
I had intended to give a particular history of the course pursued in this claim by the person or persons who have examined it, but I forbear for the present and shall confine myself to the proofs now on file in your office, which I think substantially if not literally answer the demand made for further proof in your letter of the 20 th instant.
I regret that Mr. Marks, the former agent of this claim did not keep copies of the declaration of Sarah Cody, and the affidavit annexed thereto, which he transmitted to you on the 17 th of March last, nearly a year ago.
But he has a copy of the letter, and a synopsis of the declaration and affidavit, from which it appears that satisfactory proof was made to the Court, (the Albany Justices Court which is a Court of Record of this State ,) of the following facts, in relation to the children of Sarah Cody, Wig. - That Sarah Cody left her surviving the following and no other children - to wit: Stephen Cody, Aaron Cody, Sarah Gager and Jay Cody - that the two last named were dead - and that there were then, (at the date of the certificate of the Court) only two children of Sarah Cody, living, to wit: Stephen and Aaron.
As to the ages of the children, I refer to the family record on file in your office, forwarded to you by Mr. Marks on the 21 st of October last - which I deem ample proof on that subject.

So that with regard to the number of children living you have the Certificate of a Court of Record "having jurisdiction within the limits of the United States" and the names and places of residence of the Witnesses (given in their affidavits) by whom the facts are established. And as to the ages of the children, you have the family record above mentioned. I think I am, therefore, fully justified in saying your requisition is already complied with, and that it is unreasonable to ask any thing more. In addition to this I would remark upon the hardships of requiring further proof of these facts, owing to the residence of the parties interested, and of some of their Witnesses.
They reside in Canada West, and at a considerable distance from the nearest point of the line which separates Canada from the United States. And it would cause them much trouble and expense (and perhaps be impossible) to procure the attendance of the Witnesses before a Court of Record within the limits of the United States. And it is believed they cannot prove the fact by Witnesses residing in the United States. For the reason that they have so long resided in Canada that their family history during that time is not fully known, except by their near neighbors and friends.
But allow me to ask, are affidavits taken in Canada and duly certified, regarded by your office as evidence, or are they not? And I would further ask, is it credible that the number of Witnesses who have testified in this case, would perjure themselves to establish a claim for only about $500. in which they evidently could have no personal interest.

With these remarks, I submit the case for a review upon the evidence now on file in your office, and confidently expect a favorable answer - and shall be pleased if you will give it a personal examination. I am Sir,
with great respect
Yours, B. H. Clayton
Emuel Jenkins.
Stephen Cady
Aaron Cady
Isaac Gage
Guy Cady

Albany March 17. 1854.
L. P. Waldo Esq. Commr of Pensions.
Sir,
I herewith enclose the Papers in the claim of the children of Joseph and Sarah Cody deceased, for a Pension under Act of 7 th July 1838, as follows Viz: — 1 st The declaration of Aaron Cody one of the children of the said Joseph & Sarah — 2 nd The affidavit of Sam l Cody a Rev. Soldier & Pensioner of the U.S.A. cousin of the said Joseph, as to Services, Marriage &c, — 3 rd The Cert n of the Secretary of Massachusetts showing the services of the said Joseph, during the war , 4 th The affidavit of Cyrus Stowells relative to the reputed Marriage of the said Joseph & Sarah, at Pun. (formerly Partridgefield) in Mass — etc. etc. 5 th The Cert n of the Albany Justices Court, as to the identity, and death, of the said Joseph & Sarah, based upon the affidavits thereto annexed — all which I doubt not will be sufficient to establish the claim of said children under said act
I am Sir,
With great respect Your Ob t Serv t .
Sam l H. Marks

Department Interior March 13. 1853
Sir:
The Secretary of the Interior directs me to return to your Office, the enclosed Brief, and respectfully to request that you will, direct that he be furnished with a concise summary of the evidence upon which the statement of facts therein given, is based.
I have the honor to be
With great Respect
Your Hon. Sir
R. Pritchett
Clerk Dept. Int.
Hon. L. P. Waldo Commissioner Pensions

Albany N.Y. Feb. 7. 9. 1855.
L. P. Waldo Esq. Comt. of Pensions, Sir,
In the case of Sarah body dec'd, referred to in your letter to me of the 27 th ult o . I herewith send, in compliance with the requisition contained in it, the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, "that there was, but one man in the Continental Army by the name of Joseph body, and that he appeared to be from the Town of Dudley, and enlisted Jan'y 1. 1777, for during the War."
You will please enclose the Pension Certificate, addressed to me at this City.
I am Sir,
With great respect
Yours obedt Servt Daniel Jenkins.

Albany November 26. 1854.
L. P. Waldo Esq. Govt. of Russia, Sir,
In consequence of severe & serious illness I am unable to attend to business, and cannot anticipate when it will be in my power to do so.
I have, therefore, empowered Samuel Jenkins Esq. of this city to act in my place as the Agent of the claim of the children of Sarah Cody deceased, which claim is now pending in your office.
You will please to regard him as the authorized Agent of said claim, and correspond with him in relation thereto.
I am, Sir,
with great respect
Your ob t Serv t
Stearns H. Marsh

L. P. Waldo Esq. Asst. of Pension Washington D.C.
Frank Body MM - Jan 38 ALBANY N.Y. JAN 25

Washington D.C.
L. P. Waldo Esq. Comm. of Pensions, Sir,
Your letter of the 22 d inst. respecting the case of Sarah Gody, Widow of Joseph is received.
Respectfully submit that the testimony now on file in your office, is and ought to be considered satisfactory evidence of the identity of Joseph Gody, the husband of said Sarah, as the soldier who rendered the service certified by the Secretary of Mass: and that if the same testimony was submitted to an intelligent Court & Jury, they would so decide.
Your letter states that "this office is not in possession of any knowledge that the children have made the slightest effort to ascertain what disposition Joseph has made of his bounty land."
It seems to me that after all the evidence which has been offered in proof of his identity, the call for evidence on that point, is not only unnecessary , but unreasonable .
There are only two children of Joseph & Sarah Gody now living - Stephen & Aaron, and I believe both of them reside in Canada, at a great distance from all sources of information on the subject, and not in a situation to make the effort required of them. And they have no clue that I know of, by which to trace the disposition their Father

Made of his bounty land - perhaps some sixty or seventy years ago -
If the Department will suggest any clue by which this evidence may be obtained, the children will, doubtless, be willing to pursue the inquiry. But if the evidence is insisted on, I see no other way than to abandon a just claim for the want of that which it is hardly possible, at this late day, to procure -
In my opinion, it is not at all strange that the children have no knowledge or information on the subject.
I have myself, been applied to, in several instances, by the children of Officers who served to the end of the Revolutionary War, to ascertain whether their Fathers ever received Commutation pay, who stated that they did not believe they had, as they had never heard it spoken of in the family - But on inquiry at the proper official source, the answer showed that the children were mistaken, and that the Commutation pay or Certificate had been received, by their ancestor -
I mention these cases (for the truth of which I vouch) to show that it is not at all extraordinary or unusual that Children should be ignorant of facts of this kind, which occurred so long before their own time, in their earliest recollections -
Without intending any disrespect to the person who examined this claim, and who would naturally adhere, perhaps tenaciously to his former decision, I have to request the form, that the Commissioner himself, will examine this claim,

upon the evidence now on file in his office - and that, if possible, I may be informed of the result, in the course of the present week , as it is my intention to return to Albany, the place of my residence, next week.
This being the only claim I have depending in your office, I am anxious to have it disposed of before I return home - and hope I may be indulged by a compliance with my request.
I am, Sir,
Very Respectfully,
Yours & c. Serv t
Emuel Jenkins
at Miss Janney's - Corner of 8 th St. & Penn a Avenue -

Massachusetts State of New York
Berkshire County } ss. Cyrus Stowell, a resident of the Town of Peru (formerly called Partridgefield) in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn according to law, saith, that he is Eighty six years old; that he has resided in the said Town of Peru, for the space of Eighty five years last past, That he was well acquainted with Joseph Cody, a Revolutionary soldier, who soon after the close of the war, and (according to deponent's recollection) on or about the year 1785, was reported to have been married to Sarah Payson with whom deponent was acquainted also,
That the said Joseph and Sarah lived together as husband and wife from the time of their reputed marriage, during their residence in said Town - That the said Joseph and Sarah were persons in good repute, and were recognized as Husband and wife by all who knew them, and deponent has no doubt whatever that they were Husband and wife
Deponent further saith that not long after the marriage of the said Joseph and Sarah, they moved to the western part of the State of New York, but to what Town or County deponent does not know, Sworn to and subscribed }
this eighth day of March A.D. } Cyrus Stowell -1854 before me The figure } 5 on the 11 th line was altered } before signing }
Oliver Haskell Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Cyrus Stowell, above named, That

is a Man of high standing in this Community, and that his statements are entitled to full credit. And I further certify that I am not in any way interested or concerned in the claims to which this affidavit relates
Ebenezer Haskell. Justice of the Peace
The interlineation of the word 'way' in the fourth line on this page was made before signing
Ebenezer Haskell. Justice of the Peace

No 15130
Sarah body dec, Widow of Joseph NY
Act July 7 1835
Mar 8/54

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Ebenezer Haskell Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth
and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Ebenezer Haskell and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for said Commonwealth, this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfour.
Chas Sedgwick
Clerk.