Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,893, Aaron Howard, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Howard, Aaron
S 15893
CONTENTS
carded

15270.
Massachusetts
Aaron Howard
Franklin in the State of Mass who was a Pirate in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ Douglas in the Mass line for _____
Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of June 1830 and sent to Aaron Franklin
Arrears to the 4th of March 1830 $73.32 Semi-annual allowance ending 24 Sept 1833
$91.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H McBlain Clerk Book 8, Vol. 2, Page 32.
76 Franklin
Aug 7, 1836

17430 Aaron Howard Mass
Period $36.66
Small amounts adm'd
E Wood Clerk Court Franklin Co Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Aaron Howard  County of Franklin  in the State of Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Dec Enlisted In 1775 — 3 — priv. Gen. Capt. Masey Col. Douglass   " Augt. 1776 about 3 — — Capt. Lyon. Col. Williams   " Dec — — 3 — — " Woodbrook - Brig —   Sept 1777 — 2 — — " Chapin - Bkrt  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Surrender of Burgoyne  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Pomfret Connecticut  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 3 Living Witnesses } 2 Certified as credible  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not attached 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
M. Clegg
Examining Clerk.

Aaron Howard Severett Militia & Continental
17430

DECLARATION,
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this fourteenth fifteenth day of August personally appeared in open court, before the court of Common Pleas now sitting, Aaron Howland a resident of Leverett in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged twenty four 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 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That at Pomfret in the State of Connecticut, in the month of December 1775. he enlisted for the term of three months, into the Continental Army, in the Company of Capt. Macey, and Reg't of Col. Douglass - Marched to Cambridge near Boston, where we remained until sometime in February following. While here, we were stationed, a part of the time in the East College & the College Chapel. The Marblehead men were in the West College. Thence we marched to Roxbury, where & assisted in the fortification on Dorchester Neck & Dorchester Point. I was with the Army here, when the British evacuated Boston, & marched with our army into Boston after it was so evacuated.
Sometime in the month of August, or the first part of September 1776. at Pomfret aforesaid, I was called out as a Militia man to go to the City of New York. Our Army being in great distress on Long Island. The names of my Company officers were Capt. Daniel Lyon, Lt. Ruggles & Enst. Brown, in Col. Williams' Reg't. We arrived at New York on the same day on which the American Army retreated from Long Island. Col. Williams' Reg't was then united with Col. Durkee's Reg't who assumed the command. We then crossed, at Fort Washington, over to Bergen thence to a place called English neighborhood, about 12 miles up the River. I remained here with the army, until about December, when I was discharged, but not in writing.
In the month of December 1776. immediately after my return from New York, as above stated, I again enlisted at said Pomfret, into the Continental service, for the term of three months. The name of the Capt. who commanded the Company to which I belonged, is not recorded  is not recorded . The name of the Col. was Ely, of Saybrook in said Connecticut. I went immediately to Providence in the State of Rhode Island, where I remained, the whole term of three months. While there, our Reg't was stationed in the College. At one time, also, while I was there, 200 men were wanted to man two 32 Gun Ships to go to Boston after supplies. It was late in the fall - I turned out among the number - while lying in the River, there was a severe storm, which lasted eight or ten days - we suffered much from cold, & finally did not go on to Boston, but returned to land. I was discharged in April 1777, but had no written discharge.

the river, there was a severe storm, which lasted eight or ten days - we suffered much from cold, & finally did not go on to Boston, but returned to Ladd. I was discharged in April 1777, but had no written discharge.
In September 1777, at the  the  time  time of the Saratoga campaign, I was again called out as a militia man to go to Saratoga to oppose Burgoyne, and was with our army until Burgoyne's surrender, which was about two months. Capt. Chapin commanded my company, and Col. Burt of Col. Burt Longmeadow in Massachusetts, the Regiment to which the company was attached.
On my return from Saratoga, in going through the woods in Hoosack, I was taken sick - suffered much from the want of comfort & even necessary, and was sick on the road so long that I was obliged to defer for Physicians & nurses, the sum of sixty dollars, for which I never received any compensation.
While at Saratoga, we were stationed East of an Island in the river below Schuyler's. I saw the brand carried to Schuyler's house, by which it was set on fire, and saw the house burn. Our business was to guard the boats.
I was born in Pomfret in the State of Connecticut, on the 11 th January 1759. I do not know where My birth was then recorded. I lived in said Pomfret, until 18 years of age, when I removed to Longmeadow in Massachusetts, where I stayed about ten years - when I removed to Leverett in the County of Franklin, in Mass t , where I have ever since lived.
I do not know that any of the officers of the company or Reg t to which I belonged are still living. I served eight months in the war  all the time besides much time spent in which I worked to great expense .
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk
Haron Howard
We, Eliphalet S. Darling residing in the town of Leverett and Conos Broad residing in Leverett hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Haron Howard who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 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.
Eliphalet S. Darling Conos Broad
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Eliphalet S. Darling who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Justice of the Peace resident in Leverett and that Conos Broad who has also signed the same, is a resident in Leverett and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk
I, Elijah Alvord Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Haron Howard for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this fifteenth day of August — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
E. Alvord
Clerk.

Aaron Howard William Howards Aff
Mr. Howards dep n for Ann Howard
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

I William Howard of Royalston in the County of Windham in the State of Vermont, aged twenty nine years, do testify & say: that I am a brother of Aaron Howard of Herk in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and lived in my Father's family together, in Pomfret in the State of Connecticut until April or May nineteen hundred & twenty four; in December nineteen hundred & twenty five, I well remember, that the said Aaron enlisted into the Am- erican army, for three months, in Capt. Mance's Company & Col. Douglass' Regiment, & marched, as it was always said, to Cambridge near Boston in Massachusetts; & after his return, which was after the expiration of said three months, I well remember his telling of being at Roxbury and at Dorchester Neck & Dorchester Point, & of being in the vicinity of Boston when the British evacuated it, in March nineteen hundred & twenty six; & afterwards of his marching into Boston with the American army.
I further testify, that in August of this year, viz. nineteen hundred & twenty six, my said brother Aaron Howard & myself, having both enlisted into a company of Grenadiers, as minute men , in the spring before; & having been expect- -ly disciplined from that time; & at any hour ready to march, if called out; did march to New York, our army being then in great distress on Long Island. Our Company officers were Capt. Daniel Lyon, Lt. Ruggles, & Ensign Brown, in Col. Williams' Regiment. We arrived at New York the same day the American army left Long Island. Col. Williams' Regiment was then united with Col. Duer's Regiment. We then opened the command. We crossed the North River at Fort Washington, over to Bergen. After staying at Bergen some time, we moved to a place called Eng- -leth Neighborhood, about twelve miles up the River, where we remained until discharged, which was in December following.

My said brother Aaron enlisted, served, & was discharged, with me; or both being out the term of four months, besides the term of about four months more, when we stood enlisted as minute men. & were so much engaged in our preparation & discipline, that we could do little else.
I further testify, that soon after we returned, home, my said brother Aaron re-enlisted again for three months , to go to Providence in Rhode Island; that he went away with the other soldiers of his company, & was gone from home three months or more. that I always understood, & have no reason to doubt, that he did pass out of his said term of enlistment, of three months. I have heard him often speak of the transactions of that company, & particularly of his having turned out, as a volunteer, to man a thirty two gun ship, which lay in the River between Providence & Rhode Island; and of the sufferings he endured in that service. He enlisted & went away in December & returned the next March. During all this time my said brother & myself both lived together in my father's family, & I was knowing well to the above.
I further testify, that though I have no personal knowledge of his having been at the taking of Burgoyne, I have always understood from the family & the neighbors, that he was there, and out some weeks; & that he was taken sick on his way home, & remained so, for some time, in consequence of the fatigues of the camp. I then did not live with him - he had before that time moved to Long Meadows in Massachusetts. I have also frequently heard him make the same statements, & say that it cost him sixty dollars.
William Howard

State of Vermont Windsor County S Royallston August 2 d 1832
Personally appeared William Howard of Royallston afore said, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before Orl. Billings Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } Woodstock County Clerk's Office August 3 1832 Windsor County S. } I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court Do hereby Certify, that Orl Billings is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County and that the above is his Signature. —
In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the Seal of said Court, and subscribe my name the day & year last above
Benj. Swan

I
15893 INVALID.
File No. 15893
Jason Howard
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 185
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Aaron Howard which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? ys
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? ys
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? ys
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? no
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? ys
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? ys
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? ys
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? ys
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? ys

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 2 Citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Witnesses
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? ys
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? ys
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? ys
XVI. †Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Aaron Howard Robt Sessions atty
Robert Sessions Depositor for Aaron Howard

I Robert Sepians of Wilbraham in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty years, do testify and say that Aaron Howard, now living in Leoville in the County of Franklin in said Commonwealth then in the year A.D. 1776 lived in Pownut in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, where I then lived, it being our native town; on or about the eighth day of September in the year aforesaid, I and also the said Howard both set out, and marched to New York, in the same Regiment of the Militia of Connecticut under the command of Col. Ebenezer Williams, the said Howard belonging to Captain Daniel Lyon's Company of Grange's the said Militia being ordered out by Gen. Trumbull to the aid of Gen. Washington, Army; that we went to New York and were detained, myself and the said Howard about three months, being discharged the first part of December then following; And do further say that in the month of December A.D. 1776 1776 the said Howard and myself enlisted in a Regiment of State Troops under Col. Ely; and marched to Providence R.I. on the first of January A.D. 1777 we both belonged to Capt. Hallock's Company, the said Howard and myself marched to Providence, and were detained in service in keeping Garrison at Providence three months, being discharged the first of April then following; and further the deponent saith not Robert Sepians.
Hampden ss August 10 th 1832 Then Robert Sepians above named personally appearing, made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed - Before me William Knight Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Robert Sepians for more than twenty years and that he is a person entitled to full credit for truth and veracity Wm Knight Justice of the Peace

Harmon Howard Pro Se Sessions Atty
Robert Stephens Deputy Atty for Common Pleas
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Wampanoag Is. I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court being a Court of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that William Knight Esqr. before whom the within deposition was executed is a justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden & that his name hereunto subscribed is his true & genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this tenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty two
John Ingersoll Clerk

Aaron Howard Dan Switland's aff
Deerest Switland's Depositor for Aaron Howard

I Daniel Sweetland of Springville in the county of Hampden and Commonwealth of Mass- chusetts aged 78 years testify and say that I will know Aaron Howard of Leverett in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth aforesaid aged about 74 years — that he and myself lived near neighbors in Longmeadow in s d county of Hampden in the year 1777 & belonged to the Massachusetts Militia — that after the battle of Bennington a requisition was made for troops to take Burgoyne as it was said — said Howard and myself volunteered from our company with others sometime in the month of September 1777 August or early part of Septem- ber 1777 — we joined Capt. Israel Chapin's Com- pany & immediately marched to Saratoga & the duty assigned to us, was, to guard the boats which had been previously taken from the Enemy — we remained there in service till after the surrender of Burgoyne — on our return said Howard was taken severely sick upward of 100 miles from home & was left behind by the company, under my charge & we were obliged to encamp out in the woods when I struck up a fire. We were enabled to reach inhabitants on the following day — He sent for his friends who came & took him home — It was near Novermber before we reached home & he was there sick a long time. He then told me that he had expended for his sickness about the sum of sixty dollars — said Howard moved into Longmeadow from Pomfret Co. early in the year 1777.
Aug. 10. 1832
✓ Daniel Sweetland

Springfield Aug 10 1852
Subscribed to the within deposition personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts therein contained before me.
and I certify that the s d Sutherland is known to me and his character for truth & veracity is good.
William Bliss Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court being a Court of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that William Bliss Esqr before whom the within deposition was executed is a justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden & that his name above subscribed is his true & genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this tenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty two
John Ingersoll Clerk