American AcornsPension file W.25398 (Nathaniel Oak, Athens, Vt.; widow Susan), scan 00093: Lucy Chaffee's affidavit of 30 Oct 1838 on the marriage of Nathaniel Oaks and Susan Evans (Athens, 3 Dec 1787). Lucy Chaffee of Westminster, Vt., testifies she was present at the marriage of Nathaniel Oaks to Susan Evans at Athens on 3 December 1787, that their first two children died small and that Willard Oaks, the third, is 47 or 48.
Image · dated 30 Oct 1838 · source: U.S. National Archives (public record), supplied by the owner
Transcription
Word-for-word transcription (spellings kept; uncertain letters in brackets).
I Lucy Chaffee of Westminster in the State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that I was present at the marriage of Nathaniel Oaks to Susan Evans, they were married at Athens in said State by James Shafter Esquire a Justice of the peace on the 3d day of december one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven.
I saw the marriage ceremony performed — their two first children after their marriage died when they were small children, Willard Oaks, their third child who is now living is forty seven or forty eight years of age — the said Nathaniel Oaks has been dead about Eight years. Susan Oaks widow of the said Nathaniel formerly Susan Evans now lives in Athens and continues single and unmarried —
Lucy Chaffee
State of Vermont Windham County ss October 30. 1838 Then personally appeared Lucy Chaffee who is a credible person and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed is true.
Before me Alexander S Campbell Justice Peace
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Keep in mind: Part of pension file W.25398 (Nathaniel Oak of Athens, Vt., died 25 March 1830, married Susan Evans 1787; widow Susan Oaks). The file itself is a Confirmed record of that man. That he is the Nathaniel Oak born 1762, son of Seth Oak of Winchendon and Athens, is Likely: an inquirer's 1923 letter (scan 00116) says so and the Pension Office reply fits his 1780 service; the file never names his parents. Keep this file separate from the Chelsea pensioner's S.18534. The affidavit names a son Willard; no parents of Nathaniel are named.