Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19785, Samuel Hill, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Hill, Samuel Oliver
W. 19785
CONTENTS

Vermont N o 28,334
Samuel Hill
of St Johnsbury in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Co m y commanded by Captain Hill — of the Reg t commanded by Col. ————— in the Massachusetts line for 9 months 25 days
Entered on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 32 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of May 1834 — and Hon. B. F. Denny, H. R.
  Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834  98 33    Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 th Sept.  16 33     $114 66  
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book 6 — Vol. 3 — Page 72 —

4186.
Deborah Mansfield Oliver Hill widow of Samuel Hill who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Increased from 21 66 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 32 Dollars 77
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of March 1849. and sent to
H. G. May Concord Vt
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 55 Vol. 3.
Reported March 15/49 Extr. from Vermont March 21/49 to H. G. May Concord Vt

... record book
Samuel Miller, Pitts, ... 1720
Samuel Miller ... in ... the ... N 3 ...
1798 Samuel Miller — born May 11 1798 Cyrus T. Miller born Nov 4 th 1810

General Hills
Colorado
29.162
6 mo 1530 per
1121 66
Hon. B. F. Deming

...that I, John ... December 22, 1853. ...the ... of the ... ...sitting ... ...all of ... a record of ... ...seventy two ... ...to law ... ...the following ... in order to ... ...the ... of the ... of Congress ... ...that he entered the service of the United States ... ...the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated
That at Harvard in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts ... ...the first week in Feb ... ...that accounts were ... ...the progress of Gen ... ...that ... in the Camp ... ...the ... of ... ...Surrender of Burgoyne ... was present at the ... ...thence marched back to ... ...three discharges ... service not less than ... ...he enlisted this term for one month
That at S. Harvard on the ... day of April 1778 he entered the service of the United States for the term of nine months in the Company of Col. White ... ...where the reg ... ...there about two days when eleven men were drawn out all from Capt. White's company and all of them

resident of S t Harvard & were ordered to Watertown Mass. about seven or eight miles from S t Roxbury - and this declaration being one of S t number marched to S t Watertown and there served out the full term of his enlistment in accordance the May 9 th at that place. Sergeant Whitney commanded said guard.
That the undersigned makes an earlier application for a pension than that on hearing of the passage of an act allowing pensions for services in the militia. This declaration made from his present residence to a brother of his eleven years younger than himself to get the credit of his elder brother and some other persons as to his service and received answer that his elder brother and all persons engaged in S t service were dead and from that time until the present he had been delayed application on account of his poverty & old age and idea that was circulated that no pension could not be obtained without living residence.
Was born at Warblehead in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1760. Has no record of his age.
Resided at S t Harvard about seven years after the war then removed to Bethlehem S t & and there resided until about seventeen years since when he removed into Concord in the County of Essex S t and there resided and in the adjoining town of Kirby about sixteen years - and then removed to S t Johnsbury in S t Caledonia County where he now resides having resided at S t Johnsbury about one year. Served at each term as a private and by voluntary enlistment. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except his present and declared that his name is not on the pension roll in the Agency of any State.
At the end of his nine months service he was discharged

by John C. Whitney and did not receive a worth discharge from either service. I am still
Stem Cells Image of Robert

11715
R d Feb. 13. 1845.
Oliver Hill
Yt
act. 7 July 38
husband died July '44 rejected
act 3 March 43 rejected
act 17 June 44 adm d "N o 68"
6 mo. Bds prn 21.66 from 19 July 1844
Harvey G. Fry Esq Concord Vt

State of Vermont } ss Caledonia County }
On this Eleventh day of January A.D. 1845 Personally appeared before me John P. Ingalls Judge of the County Court of the County of Caledonia aforesaid, Olin Hoile a resident of Waterford in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, cloth on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 March 3rd 1843 and June 17th 1844 That she is the widow of Samuel Hoile who was a private in the army of the Revolution. She further declares that she was married to said Samuel Hoile on the Seventeenth day of November in the year Seven hundred and ninety one that husband the said Samuel Hoile died on the Nineteenth day of July A.D. 1844. And that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She further declares that her late husband the said Samuel Hoile was a pensioner at his death under an act of Congress. That his pension Certificate was dated the 9th day of May 1834 and numbered 28,334 But that she cannot specify the service performed by her late husband. She further declares that she was married in Roxbury Massachusetts by Joseph Willard Minister of the Gospel.
Given under my hand this 11th day of January A.D. 1845 Before me John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court
I certify that Olin Hoile the person who signed the above declaration is unable to attend Court by reason of bodily infirmity. John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court
I Hanny Whitcomb of Waterford in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont Testify and say that I was acquainted with Samuel Hoile a pensioner of this town That he died July 19th 1844 That he left a widow whose name is Olin Hoile who still remains a widow. Given under my hand this 11th day of January A.D. 1845 Before me John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court

State of Vermont } Caledonia County } ss
On this Eleventh day of January A.D. 1845 Personally appeared before me John P. Ingalls Judge of the County Court of the County of Caledonia aforesaid, Olin Hoile a resident of Waterford in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, cloth on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 March 3rd 1843 and June 17th 1844 That she is the widow of Samuel Hoile who was a private in the army of the Revolution. She further declares that she was married to said Samuel Hoile on the fourteenth day of November in the year One thousand eight hundred and ninety one that her husband the said Samuel Hoile died on the nineteenth day of July A.D. 1844. And that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She further declares that her late husband the said Samuel Hoile was a pensioner at his death under an act of Congress. That his pension Certificate was dated the 9th day of May 1834 and Numbered 28,334 But that she cannot specify the service performed by her late husband. She further declares that she was married in Roxbury Massachusetts by Joseph Willard Minister of the Gospel.
Sworn to and subscribed this 11th day of January A.D. 1845 Before me John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court
I certify that Olin Hoile the person who signed the above declaration is unable to attend Court by reason of bodily infirmity. John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court
I Hannah Witham of Waterford in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont testify and say that I was acquainted with Samuel Hoile a pensioner of this town. That he died July 19th 1844. That he left a widow whose name is Olin Hoile who still remains a widow. Sworn to and subscribed This 11th day of January A.D. 1845 Before me John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court

I Almon Ladd of Waterford in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont Testify and say that I was acquainted with Samuel Hill late of this Town I know he was a pensioner and that he died July 19th 1844 That he left a widow whose name is who Alice Hill, is not married but still continues the widow of said Hill. Almon Ladd
Sworn to and subscribed this 11th day of January A.D. 1845 Before me John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court.
I hereby Certify that Alice Hill Fanny Whitcomb & Almon Ladd the persons who subscribed the foregoing affidavits are persons of Truth and their Statements entitled to full credit John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court.
I Certify that the word "then" in the declaration and the word "when" in Mr. Ladd's affidavit were introduced before signed. John P. Ingalls } Judge of Caledonia County Court.

State of Vermont, ss. Caledonia County ss. I Samuel D. Wallock the undersigned clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the Honorable John T. Bragg is one of the Judges of the County Court for said County duly com- missioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the 31 st day of October A.D. 1844 and will expire on the last day of November A.D. 1845 and that his several signatures to the annexed certificates are all genuine. — I further certify that Calvin Morrill Esq. is an acting justice of the Peace in and for said County that his Commission was dated the 31 st day of October 1844 and will expire on the last day of November 1845 and that his signatures to the certificates attached to the description of forms (kindly peruse annexed) are genuine. — Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court at Danville this 18 th day of February A.D. 1845. Samuel D. Wallock Clerk.

Act
Act '44
at $32.77 per annum coming 19 July 1844. Ded 6 former payts at $21.66 per An
Act Act '48
at $32.77

State of Vermont } On the 2 d day of October A.D. 1848 Essex County ss. } Personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Olive Hill a resident of Waterford in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont aged Eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 d day of February A.D. 1848 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the War of the Revolution, that she is the widow of Samuel Hill who was a private in the War of the Revolution from the State of Massachusetts $21,66 2/3 and that she drew a pension under the act of 17 th June 1846 at the rate of $21,66 2/3 per annum She further declares that she is still a widow Witness
Harvey G. Fry } Olive Hill
Olive Hill
Sworn to and subscribed on this day and year above written
Before me
H. G. Fry, Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named officer is personally known to me and that she is the identical person who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit
H. G. Fry Justice of the Peace
I certify that the sum $21,66 2/3 was erased and the word "Massachusetts" interlined before signing, H. G. Fry Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } I William H. Hartshorn Clerk of the Essex County ss } County Court of the County of Essex in the State of Vermont do hereby certify that Horacy G. Gay is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified that his Commission was dated on the third tenth day of November A.D. 1847 and will expire on the thirtieth day of November A.D. 1848 and that his signatures to the annexed certificate are genuine. —
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court this 3 rd day of October A.D. 1848.
William H. Hartshorn Clerk

The Peter Stites a 22 Lezayn and ... in ... ... Nathl Willis ... ... Samuel Hill ... ... that ... three years of age ... that ... neighborhood where he has  resided to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in ... further certify that P. Hill's ... ... for truth & veracity
Peter Stites Nathl Willis Samuel Hill
State of Vermont } ss } Jan 5 1834 ss } Personally appeared before me Rev. Peter Stites, Nathl Willis and Samuel Hill and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing certificate Nathl Willis (Judge Peace)
... of the County of ... ... that the above signature purporting to be his ... to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 5th day of January A.D. 1834 Amos Paul Clerk

Oct 10 45
Wm Lloyd 11.1 83
Paid 10
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.
Han Woodbury - Patty Adams Oliver Hill V.H. Hill

Concord H. Oct 11 '45
Dear Sir
There is a man in Washington by the name of John M. Shayne who has created considerable excitement here among the heirs of Pensioners by sending them letters of encouragement of what help he can render them in obtaining money. They have applied to me to answer their letters & instead of writing to him I have thought proper to write to you on the subject
Our case is that of Hannah Woodbury who died March 25th 1845 - her husband died Dec 4th 1827 - Another is that of Patty Adams who died in March 1843 - drew 8 years pension which was all paid in 1841 - Are the heirs in those cases entitled to any thing more? -
Is a widow who married a pensioner since 1800 entitled to a pension? As I have not the last pension Laws I have written to you, as I have confidence in you for all any of the Speculators in that region - a prompt answer and information on the above cases will be thankfully received
Your humble Servant Warren G. Liny
Warren G. L. Edwards
P.S. I got a pension certificate for Olive Hill last Spring for a little over $21. per ann. She expected to draw as much as her husband did, who drew some 32 or 33 Dollars & she is afraid there is some mistake about it
W. G. L.

I Relating Respect of Batholomew in the County of Grafton and State of Massachusetts. Testify and say that I have been acquainted with Oliver Hill (widow of Samuel Hill late of Waterville in the County of Grafton and State of Vermont deceased) from a child, I further say that I was present when said Samuel & Oliver were married at Roxbury Massachusetts, I think it was fifty one or fifty two years last December. That they were married by Rev. Joseph Willard then settled minister of said Roxbury. I further say that I know that said Samuel & Oliver always lived together from the time they were married; as husband and wife until the death of said Samuel Hill which took place on the 19th day of July 1846. That I attended his funeral. I further testify and say that said Oliver Hill has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband, the said Samuel Hill. I further say that said Samuel Hill was a pensioner at his death. I further testify and say that I have positive that it is over fifty years since said Samuel Hill & Oliver Hill were married. I further say that I am seventy three years of age.
Deborah Russell
Subscribed to me this 21st day of January A.D. 1845 Before me W. G. Fry Justice of the Peace
I certify that Deborah Russell, the woman who subscribed the above affidavit is a person of truth and her statements entitled to full credit.
W. G. Fry Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Dorset County ss
I, Isaac Cummings clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Essex do hereby certify that the foregoing copy is a true copy of the same within and for the County of Essex duly qualified that this Commission bears date the 31 st day of October A.D. 1844 and will expire on the 30 th day of November A.D. 1845
That the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at Guilford in said County this 25 th day of January A.D. 1845.
Isaac Cummings Clerk

I am the undersigned of Whitefield in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that I am seventy seven years of age, that I am well acquainted with Oliver Hall in case of Samuel Hall late of Waterville in the County of Coos now in the State of Vermont deceased I further say that I was present at the wedding at the time said Samuel & Oliver were married at Roxbury Massachusetts, I further say that they were married by Rev. Joseph Willard then minister of said Roxbury, but cannot state the year, but think it was in the fall of the year that they were married & think it was some time between the time that I was twenty and twenty five years of age. I know that said Hall was a pensioner that he died some time last summer that he lived with said Oliver at his death, and never had any other wife.
Oliver Sawyer
Subscribed and sworn to this 21 st day of January A.D. 1846
Before me Richd Montgomery Justice of the Peace
I certify that Oliver Sawyer the man who signed the above affidavit is a person of truth and his statements entitled to full credit.
Richd Montgomery Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire I, Clerk of the Superior Court of Probate in said County do hereby certify that Richd Montgomery is a Justice of the Peace in said County & that full credit ought to be given to that the above deposition in time substance is genuine.
Given under my hand & seal of office this 21 st day of January A.D. 1846
Asa H. Smith Register

Olin Hill widow of Samuel Hill Declares she was married 17 Nov. in 1791. her husband who died on 19 July 1844 was a pensioner
Nelick Russell was present at the marriage thinks it was fifty one or fifty two years ago last Nov. Testifies possibly that it was more than fifty years ago. She is 73 years of age and has known Olin Hill from childhood (no associated event)
Oliver Sawyer aged 77 was present at the marriage. Knows it took place in the fall of a year but the year he does not recollect thinks it was between the time he was twenty & twenty five years of age
Family record bears evidence of age and states the marriage to have taken place 17 Nov. 1791.

Concord Vt March 22 March 29, 1841
Paul 10
Rev. H. James L. Colburn Pine Hill
Washington D.C.
Commission of Slaves

Dear sir
Concord, Vermont, March 19 th 1847
I am requested by Widow Oline Hill, to enquire of you, why she does not draw as much pension as her husband, the late Samuel Hill did - and that if she is not receiving what she is entitled to by law, that she have a new Certificate and an order for the back pay - I wish dear sir you would have the goodness to put down the amount of what she annually draws, in figures There is some suspicion that the language was been mistaken if not so, the pension is unquestionably too small - I will also thank you dear sir, to put down what the annual amount of Mrs. Hannah Jenkins pension was - and oblige
Your humble servant
Harvey G. Gray
Hon. James L. Edwards,

3
Invalid &
Mr Smith
26 Oct 1848
Providence R.I.
Dear
Mr
James L. Colwell
Commission of Rev.
Washington
D.C.
Mr Smith

Concord Vermont Oct. 20 th 1848
Dear Sir
I hereby send you the affidavit of Widow Olina Hall and her request to have you send an answer as soon as convenient; But in all probability she will be dead before it will get round, and if so and she does not draw any more pension than she did before, it will hardly pay the cost of getting an Administrator appointed - But perhaps you may grant her a certificate for more, as she believes she should have drawn at least as much as her husband did, under the law - He drew under the act of 1832 some 10 or 11 $ pr. annum more than she did -
Your humble servant
H. G. Day D. D.
Hon. James L. Edwards

Boxboro Nov 28 th 1814
Mr H. B. Day
Dear Sir
Your line of Nov 7 th , is now before me having just this moment arrived and lest it should get misplaced and forgotten as did your former I now improve a few moments in writing you it in answer to your inquiry The day I received your other I gave it to the Town Clerk and requested him to examine the records as therein mentioned and he did so and found no trace of any such event recorded there. The Mr Willard of whom you spoke was the settled Minister in Town at the time of which you spoke and for many years after but did not have many (probably not one in line) of his Marriages recorded on the Town record. Perhaps if the Old Church record could be found it might be recorded thereon but I cannot as yet learn that any such record exists it may - however and if it does perhaps that would not answer your purpose.
Respt Young & Geo B Tolbot Asst Clerk
Our P.M. is absent and we cannot thank you better

Concord Vermont March 22 d 1849
Dear Sir
I find a mistake in this Pension paper & return it forthwith to be corrected. The year when the pension should commence is put down 1848 when it should be 1844 as I suppose I know I am right. As you sent a new certificate with this one commencing a pension of $32.77 on the 4 th of March 1848 of course I can see no reason in commencing this in July after - It is undoubtedly the case that the authority signing this, intended that the increase should commence at the death of her husband, will you please correct it and return the same forthwith - And oblige
Your humble servant
Mrs J. L. Edinburg
R. G. Frye

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, April 24 th 1834.
* 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 roll of Capt. Saml Hill's Company in Col. Josiah Whitney's Regt. from the 2 d to the 26 th of October, 1777, is found in this Office. Saml Hill, as a Private, claims for services under the said Captain, in October, 1777, but his name is not borne on the above mentioned roll.
Saml Hill claims for services in guarding the Magazine at Watertown. The following Abstracts are found in this Office. "An Abstract for pay for the Guard to the Powder Magazine in Watertown Inlisted by order of the Hon ble Council and were in the Service from the second day of July, 1778, to the sixteenth day of Jan y , 1779, being six Months and an half. By a resolve passed Oct 8 th 1 Sargeant 1 Corporal, & 7 Privates. No names mentioned.
An Abstract for pay for the Guard to the Powder

Magazine in Watertown (made agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court of Apr 9 th of Jan y last) from the seventeenth day of January 1779 to the sixteenth of this Instant July inclusive, being six Months. (With)
1 Sergeant. 1 Corporal. 1 Privates. No names mentioned.
Edward D Bangs Esq
7-72

August 18th 1881
Hon B.F. Downing
Hq R
Claim of
J. D. Bill
Amount as per note
9 mo 25 days
$32.77
vid. Supt. certificate
Hon B.F. Downing

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined 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 Samuel Hill
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES 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 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), who has 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 days 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
It does not appear in the abstracts of the Massachusetts Records in the War that any troops were raised in Massachusetts for the purposes stated in 1775 for the term alleged. A claimant served as a guard at Watertown that year he can show it by the rolls of the guards in the office of the Secretary of State at Boston
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 ample 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 the 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 inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B., who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For year months, and days, I served as a For months and days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Montpelier "39" Vermont
Oliver Hill, widow of Samuel Hill, who was a Private, in the Mass s Line,
reported, let H ts H ts Fry Oct 10. 1845 let to same Apr 14 th 1849
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March , 1844.
19 th " July. Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of April 1844 and sent to
Henry S. Day Concord Vermont.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 63

39
Vermont National Guard
Oliver Hill
widow of Samuel
who was a Private
in the Mass Line
Increased from $21.66
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
32 Dollars 77
Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March , 1844.
19th July.
Certificate of Pension issued the
15 day of March 1849.
and sent to
W. G. Tracy Concord Vt.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book W
Vol. 2, Page 63.

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19785 David Hill Widow of Samuel Hill 2nd New Mass Act: Feb 22 48 Index:—Vol. 14 , Page 336
[Arrangement of 1870.]