Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,476, Timothy Childs, Continental Mass.
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SERVICE: Continental Mass.
Childs, Timothy (Rachel)
NUMBER: W. 14,476
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12,277 R 
Massachusetts
Timothy Childs 
of Pittsfield in the state of Mass'ts 
who was a Surgeon in the regiment commanded by 
Colonel Patterson of the Mass'ts line, 
for the term of one year 

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts 
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on 
the 24 of April 1818 

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 of July 1819 
and handed Jonathan Allen Esq of Pittsfield, Mass'ts 

Arrears to 4th of March 1819 207.24 
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4th Sept 1819 120 
[=] $327.24 
10 mo 7/30 6/31
{Revolutionary claim,} 
{Act 18th March, 1818.}
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2259 
Massachusetts
Rachel Childs 
widow of Timothy Childs 
who served in the Revolutionary war Mass., 
as a Surgeon & Lieut. 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 401 [?] Dollars 
66 Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848. 

Certificate of Pension issued the
2d day of Decr 1848 
and sent to Hon. J. Rockwell, H of R 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 26, Vol. 2 

Right side:
Reported
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United States of America 
State of Massachusetts Ss. 
On this twenty fourth day of April in the year of our Lord 1818, before me the Subscriber first Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit personally appears Timothy Childs aged Sixty five years, resident in Pittsfield in the State aforesaid, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary War" that the said Timothy Childs in the latter part of April 1775 was chosen a Lieutenant in a minute Company Commanded by Capt David Noble and marched to Cambridge in the State of Massachusetts - that on the 28th June 1775 he was appointed Surgeon of the regiment of foot whereof John Patterson Esq. was Colonel as will be seen by the Commission hereunto annexed and that he Continued to serve in said Corps to the end of the year - that on the 1st day of January 1776 he was again Commissioned as Surgeon of the 15th Massachusetts [stricken?] regt commanded by Col. John Patterson as will be seen
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Seen by the Commission annexed and that he continued to Serve in said Corps until the 1st day of October 1776 - the whole of my personal Services being about eighteen months - and being greatly reduced in his pecuniary Circumstances Considers himself entitled to the provision made by the ^said late Act of Congress, for the revolutionary army.
[Signed] Timothy Childs 

Taken & Sworn to the day & year aforesaid 
Before me  [Signed] John Hooker
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Left side:
Ribboned seal

Center:
23 
Rachel Childs 
wid. of Timothy 
decd Mass 
2L [?] Act 7 July 1838 

Allow 2 mos. Lieut.  
and 15 mos. as Surgeon 
Mass. Contl. line 
$401. 66 from 4 March 1836.- 

Hon Timo. Childs 
Rochester N.Y.
Page 7

Commonwealth of } 
Massachusett } 
Berkshire County }
Probate office } ss. 
On this thirtieth day of July 1838 personally appeared before me William P. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate of the County of Berkshire State aforesaid Rachel Childs a resident of the town of Pittsfield in said County of Berkshire, aged seventy Eight 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 provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838, entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows That she is the Widow of Doctor Timothy Childs late of the town of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, deceased, that he was a Surgeons' Mate, and ^as she understood, was promoted to Surgeon, in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war - that he received a pension
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for his services for one or two years, about the year 1819, and that the evidence of the service of her said Husband is on file as she is informed at ^the War office in the City of Washington That she knows of no other testimony of her husand service

She further declares that she was married to the said Doctor Timothy Childs at Pittsfield, County of Berkshire, State of Massachusetts by the Rev Thomas Allen on the 11th day of February 1779 - that her husband the aforesaid Doctor Timothy Childs died on the 12th day of February 1821. - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 - to wit on the day above stated 
[Signed] Rachel Childs
Sworn and Subscribed 
on day and year above 
written 
[Signed] W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire County ss. I the Subscriber Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Berkshire aforesaid do certify that the foregoing contain the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Mrs Rachel Childs for a pension- 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & thirty Eight.
[SEAL]
[Signed] Henry W. Bishop Register Probate
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Commonwealth of} 
Massachusetts} 
County of Berkshire} ss. 
On the 28th day of July 1838. personally appeared before me Henry Hubbard a Justice of the peace, in and for the County of Berkshire State aforesaid John B. Root who being duly sworn according to Law on his oath doth say, that he now is and for several years has been the town Clerk of the town of Pittsfield, and as such Clerk has the Charge, and Custody of the town records, that among those records is a book containing the entries of intended marriages as published and proclaimed by the town Clerk in the Congregational Meeting House in said town of Pittsfield pursuant to the Laws of said Commonwealth, that on Examination of said Book of records he finds the following entry "Doct Timothy Childs and Miss Rachel Easton both of the town of Pittsfield ^intend marriage together." I further declare and Certify that the above extract is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures as follows- "Jany 25-1779." and the said John B. Root further says that he
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is a native, and resident of the town of Pittsfield aforesaid, and for thirty five years and more has well known Mrs Rachel Childs now making application for a pension, and untill his death Doctor Timothy Childs, and he has no doubt, that they are the same persons whose intention of marriage is entered on the town records as above stated. And he further says that Mrs Rachel Childs is now a Widow, and has continued a Widow since the death of her husband Doctor Timothy Childs.
[Signed] John B. Root
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me
[Signed] H. Hubbard

Commonwealth of} 
Massachusetts} 
Berkshire County} ss. 
I Henry Hubbard a Justice of the Peace residing in the town of Pittsfield County and State aforesaid do Certify, that I know John B. Root, the subscriber of the above affidavit, that the signature is his handwriting made in my presence, that he is town Clerk of said town of Pittsfield, and that his statement, and evidence is entitled to full faith and credit 
[Signed] H Hubbard
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The words "marriage is intended between" were Erased, and the words "intend marriage together" were interlined in presence of the Justice before signing. 
[Signed] John B. Root 

I hereby certify that I was present at the above erasure & interlineation, which ^were made as above stated. [Signed] H. Hubbard
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Commonwealth of }
Massachusetts} 
County of Berkshire} ss. 
Timothy Childs of the City of Rochester in the State of New York being duly sworn, according to Law, says that he is forty years of age and upwards, that he is the son of Mrs Rachel Childs who is applying for a pension, and whose declaration is hereto attached - that he knows that the said Rachel Childs is the Widow of the late Doctor Timothy Childs of Pittsfield, State of Massachusetts, who for one or two years received a pension for revolutionary services, and whose papers touching that subject are now on fill at the War office in the City of Washington - He further says, that the said Rachel Childs, has never been married, as he believes, except to the said Doctor Timothy Childs, and has continued a Widow from the death of her said Husband to a present time 
[Signed] Timothy Childs 
Sworn and subscribed this 28 day of July before me [Signed] H Hubbard
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Massachusetts}
Berkshire County} ss. 
I Henry Hubbard a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Berkshire State aforesaid, do Certify, that Timothy Childs to me known, personally appeared before me, and made oath to the truth of the affidavit by him within subscribed.
[Signed] H Hubbard

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss. I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Berkshire do certify that Henry Hubbard Esq. before whom the foregoing Deposition of John B. Root Horatio N. Brinsmaid & Timothy Childs were taken is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County duly commissioned & qualified & that the signatures to said depositions purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this thirtieth day of July 1838.
[Signed] Chs. Sedgwick Clerk
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Crosswise:
Hon. Timo. Childs
Prest
apl 3 1843

Center:
Massachusetts Roll
$401.66 per ann.
act 3 March '43

Send cert to the Hon. Timothy Childs, M.C.
Present
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Commonwealth of} 
Massachusetts} 
Berkshire County} ss. 
On this twenty seventh day of March 1843 personally appeared before the undersigned a justice of the Peace in for the County of Berkshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rachel Childs a resident of the town Pittsfield County and State aforesaid aged eighty three years who being 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 third day of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war - that she is the widow of Timothy Childs deceased who was a Surgeon in the Army during the war of the revolution and that she received a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 of the annual amount of four hundred and one Dollars and sixty six Cents ($401.66), and she further declares that she is still a widow 
[Signed] Rachel Childs
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year 
above written before me. [Signed] Henry Hubbard Justice of Peace 

I hereby certify that Henry Hubbard whom the above declaration and oath were made is a justice of the Peace for the County of Berkshire , Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that the above is his genuine signature.  Dated Pittsfield March 27, 1843. 
[Signed] Jonathan Allen Just. Peace
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I hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Rachel Childs whose signature is made to the within affidavit, and with her hand writing, and that the said signature is her genuine hand writing and I further Certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Hubbard the justice of Peace before whom the within affidavit is taken, and that I know that he is an acting justice of the Peace in and for the County Berkshire State of Massachusetts, and I further Certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Henry Hubbard, and that his signature to the within jurat is his genuine hand writing. Dated April 3. 1843 
[Signed] Timothy Childs 
M. C.
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Pittsfield 
Berkshire County
Massachusetts 
March 7 1844 

Sir
I hereby withdraw my agency given to Nicholas Carroll Esqr of Washington City under my hand at a former date, and do Now authorize and impower the Hon. Thomas H. Seymour Member of Congress from the State of Connecticut to respectfully ask you to increase the Pension allowed to me for my husbands (Timothy Childs) Service as a Surgeon in Col Pattersons Regt in the Revolutionary War upon the ground of a late decision of your Department allowing Surgeons 600 Dol'rs per annum instruct of of 480 Dol'rs. 
[2 witnesses - written under the signatures]
Anne D. Childs
Eli Taintor
I have the honor to be very respectfully yr obt. Servt 
[Signed] Rachel Childs 

Hon J.L. Edwards}
Commr of Pensions} 
Washington DC}
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Rachel Childs
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State of Massachusetts}
County of Berkshire} Pittsfield December 13th 1843 
I Rachel Childs, widow of Timothy Childs, who was a Surgeon in the Revolutionary War do hereby constitute and appoint Nicholas Carroll Esqr. Now of the City of Washington D.C. My attorney to respectfully ask J L Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions to examine the papers on which my late husband Timothy Childs was pensioned and also examine the papers on which My pension was allowed and grant such an increase as the additional proof that may be presented will Justify and equitably entitle Me to
[Signed] Rachel Childs
[Witnessed:]
[Signed] Eli Taintor 
[Signed] Anne D Childs
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Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution."
State of Massachusetts} 
County of Berkshire} ss. 
On this Twenty Eighth day of August in the year one thousand Eight Hundred & forty Eight, personally appeared before Ezekiel R Colt a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County Rachel Childs a Resident of Pittsfield, in said County aged Eighty Eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary War 
That she is the Widow of Timothy Childs who was a Lieutenant & Surgeon in the Revolutionary Army- that she received a pension under the act of the 17th June 1844 of Four Hundred & one Dollars and sixty six cents per annum 
She further declares that she is still a Widow 
[Signed] Rachel Childs
Witness 
Anne D. Childs 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written - before 
[Signed] Ez R Colt 
Justice of the peace 

I certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me to be the individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit 
[Signed] Ez R Colt 
Justice of the Peace
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Berkshire ss. 
I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Sup Jud Court for said County of Berkshire do certify that Ezekiel R Colt Esq before whom the within declaration of Rachel Childs was sworn is a Justice of the Peace within for said County duly commissioned & qualified That his commission is dated Jany 12. 1847 & will expire Jany 12, 1854 & that the within Signature purporting to be his is genuine 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 29 day of August 1848 
[Signed] Charles Sedgwick Clk
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Crosswise:
Cole Mass
Oct 48

Free [postage]
J. Rockwel
M.C.

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 24

Crosswise:
Oct 3 1842
Jurat
Mass.

Childs
G.N. Briggs
MC
PITTSFIELD Mass. SEP 29 [postmark]
FREE [postage]
Col. J.L. Edwards
Comssr of Pensions
Washington DC

Upside down at bottom:
Answered Oct 8 '42
Page 25

Pittsfield 29 Sept 1842 

Sir
I am desired To Enquire after the case of Mrs Rachel Childs of this town, the papers in which I sent you some time before Congress adjourned. 
Respectfully 
Yours 
[Signed] G. N. Briggs
Page 26

Letter from N Carroll
enclosing Power of Atty
from Mrs. Rachel Childs
widow of Dr. Timothy Childs

Crosswise:
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington
Page 27

180 Prince STREET, NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON, D. C. 
New York, July 30th 1844
Sir
I enclose the Power of Atty. of Rachel Childs widow of Dr Timothy Childs. 
She claims the arrearage due, as the widow of Dr Childs, who was a Surgeon during the War of the Revolution - at the increased rate now allowed by the Pension Office 
Referring you to her papers now on file, together with Dr Childs who was a pensioner under the act of 1818 
I am Sir 
Very Respy 
Yr. Obt. Servt.
[Signed] Nichs. Carroll

Hon. J. L. Edwards 
Com. of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 28

Resolve on
discharging the bondsmen
of the late Treasurer Skinner.
40 cents
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
June 13th 1816 
On the Representation of Albert Smith and John Chamberlain, two of the sureties of the late Treasurer, Thompson J. Skinner, in behalf of themselves & others of said sureties, praying a discharge from their suretiship [sic]: 
Resolved, That Albert Smith, John Chamberlain, Ezekiel Bacon, James Baldwin, John Picket, Joseph Wilson, Simeon Griswold and Timothy Childs, sureties of the late Treasurer Thompson J. Skinner, be, and they are hereby released and discharged from all debts, obligations, Judgments, executions, warrants of distress. and demands due or payable from them, or either of them, to the Commonwealth, for, or ^on account of said Skinner: Provided nevertheless, that nothing contained in this Resolve, shall prevent the Commonwealth from satisfying their Judgment against either of said sureties out of any property heretofore conveyed, or secreted by them, or either of them, for the purpose of defrauding the Commonwealth of said judgment. 
Approved by the Governor 
June 13th 1816 
A true Copy.
Attest. A. Bradford 
Secy. of County [?]

Secy Office 29th May 1819
Page 30

West Hartford 
Conn't.
Augt 13th 1844

Sir 
I send you herewith enclosed a Certificate from the Secy of State for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Shewing the Service of Timothy Child as Surgeon in 1775 for 5 months 
I also send you a Copy of two Letters One addressed to the Honl. George N Briggs in Augt. 1842 and a Copy of an extract from a Letter addressed to the Honl. T. H. Seymour in Apl 1844 and from the discrepancy in their contents Seems to require Some explanation from your Dept. 
The inferrence [sic] to be drawn from your Letter to the Honl. Mr Briggs is that Mr Child pension was computed at the rate of 40 Dols per month and the Letter to the Honl. Mr Seymour Computes it at the rate of half pay of fifty Dols per month and of course one or the other statements is wrong 
It appears by the Certificate of the Secy of State that Timothy Child Name is borne on Col. Pattersons roll for 5 Months in 1775 as Surgeon and that Col Pattersons roll does Not appear there for the year 1776. It appears by a roll in the hands of Judge Walker of Lenox Mass that Timothy Child was in Service
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the year 1776 and if that proof in Not in your Dept and the proof now forw'd to you has Not also been allowed that Mrs Child is now entitled to an addition to her pension at Same rate or other 
Will you do me the favor to State what years the proof of the Service of Timothy Child refers to in your Dept. and that will Show whether the service in 1775 & 6 has been computed in Mrs. Childs pension and allowed 
If the Copy of the Letter to the Honl. T H Seymour is Not Satisfactory the Original can be Sent on to you. The proof referred to in the hands of Judge Walker Can also be Sent on if required. 
I am very respectfully 
Yr. Obt. Servt.
[Signed] Benjn. Colton 
 
J L Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions 
Washington DC
Page 32

12 Aug 1842

Sir
Enclosed I send you the Application of Mrs Mary Child of Pittsfield for an increase of pension
Respectfully
[Signed] G N Briggs
Page 33

To what time was Timothy Childs
Mass. act 1818 last paid?

Paid to 4th March 1820 as appear by the Books in the Second Comptrollers Office
[Signed] J Manahan Clk
Page 34

Copy
Pension Office 
Aug. 17. 1842 

Sir
The additional statement of Rachel Childs enclosed in yours of 12' inst has been examined and filed. The length and grade of her late husband's services are established by the rolls and her pension has been correctly computed. Surgeons are not entitled to a higher rate of pension than $480 pr annum under the Act of 7 June 1832. 
I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully 
Your Obed Ser
 Signed, J.L. Edwards 

Hon. George N. Griggs 
H. Representatives
Page 35

The following is an extract and true and exact copy of a Letter addressed to the Hon T H Seymour dated "Pension office Apl 20th 1844" 

"The Certificate in the Case of Rachel Child was Computed for the Service as Surgeon at the highest rate of Pension viz. fifteen months Surgeon at half pay of Fifty Dols per Month and two Months Lieut. at half pay of twenty Six dollars and Sixty Six cents per Month Making an aggregate of Four hundred and One dollars and Sixty Six cents which She has recd" 
Surgeons were, at One time allowed the highest rate and then reduced and Now restored to the Original rate 
I have the honor to be 
very respectfully
Yr Obt Servt.
Signed J L Edwards

Honl. T H Seymour}
House of Reps}
Page 36

Pittsfield Aug 30 1848
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Enclosed is the application in behalf of Mrs Rachel Childs of this town for a pension. I hope the certificate may issue in time so that she can draw by up to September 4th
Your obedient servant
[Signed] J. Rockwell
Page 37

Massachusetts}
Berkshire County}
Probate Office} ss.  On the thirtieth day of July 1838 before me William P. Walker Judge of Probate for said County of Berkshire, State aforesaid, personally appeared Jared Ingersoll, to me known, who being duly sworn, on his oath doth say, that he well knew Doctor Timothy Childs, late of the town of Pittsfield in said County of Berkshire, now deceased, that he he knows that the Doctor Timothy Childs is dead that he attended his funeral, that he cannot now recollect the precise day or year of his death but that it occurred more than twelve years since - that the said Doctor Timothy Childs while living was the husband of Mrs Rachel Childs now making on application for a pension 
[Signed] Jared Ingersoll 
Subscribed and sworn to, 
the day & year aforesaid 
Before W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
And I certify that the affidavit of said Ingersoll, is entitled to full credit 
[Signed] W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
Page 38

Hartford July 13th 1846 

Sir
Rachel Childs widow of Doct Tim'y Childs late of Pittsfield in the State of Massachusetts deceased prays an increase of her pension on the ground that her husband served 19 months as Surgeon, whereas she is pensioned for only 15 months of his service as Surgeon 
If the Commr will reexamine the documentary evidence furnished in her case he will see that Doct Timothy Childs is fully recognized in service as Surgeon from his appointment June 1st 1775 to January 1st 1777- making a [illegible] of 19 months, and she prays the Commr to grant her a new Certificate accordingly 
Rachel Childs 
by her Atty 
L T Pease 

Hon J L Edwards 
Commr Pensions
Page 39

West Hartford 
Conn't 
Augt. 23d 1844 

Sir
I send you herewith enclosed the deposition of Judge Walker stating the proof referred to of the Service of Timothy Child in my Letter of week or more since, enclosing the Certificate of the Secy of State of the Commonwealth of Mass: 
I am very respectfully 
Yr Obt Servt 
[Signed] Benjn Colton

J L Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Page 40

Pittsfield (Mass) Aug 9. 1847. 
J. L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 

Dear Sir 
I am requested to write you in relation to the Pension of Mrs Rachel Childs of this town the widow of Doct Timothy Childs. I am informed that the Certificate of the Secretery of this State, together with the deposition of William P Walker, Judge of Probate, have been sent to your office, and it is supposed that they shew, that Doct Childs served as Surgeon ^in the Revolutionary army twenty months; and that therefore she is entitled to a larger Pension than the now received. Will you be kind enough in due time to have examination made and ascertain whether those papers are in your office, and whether the evidence is not now sufficient to entitle her to an
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increase of her Pension? It is said these papers were sent to your office in 1844.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
[Signed] Julius Rockwell
Page 42

I William P. Walker of Lenox in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, depose and say, that I have in my possession an ancient Record, purporting to be "A Return of one Brigade in the Service of the United Colonies, commanded by Lord Sterling the 13 of April 1776" and in the return of the Staff Officers present in Col. Paterson's Regiment, there is "one Surgeon" - To the Return of Lord Sterling's Brigade, there is attached, "A Return of the 15th Regiment of Foot in the Service of the United Colonies of North America, commanded by Col. John Paterson" dated at Montreal May 17, 1776, in which is minuted among the Staff Officers present, "One Surgeon" then also appears on the Return of said Paterson's Regiment dated "Crown Point July 3d 1776 among the Staff officers present, "One Surgeon." The weekly returns of said Regiment from July 3d dated at Ticonderoga and Mount Independence down to August 30. 1776 all State one Surgeon among the Staff Officers as being present on the Return dated Sept 6. 1776 no Surgeon is stated as present. But in the list of absent Officers, there are these words "Surgeon Tim'y Childs, Since Sept 5th 1776, on Command" and the same appears on all the weekly Returns of said Regiment, down to Oct. 18, 1776 when the Returns end - and from the appearance of the Record, it would Seem, there had been more leaves attached, which are missing and lost. And further this deponent saith not. 
[Signed] William P. Walker
Page 43

Berkshire ss. Augt 19 1844 Personally William P. Walker & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed and I certify that said William is a man of truth & veracity.
Before W.J. Tucker Just Peace 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire, ss. 
I Charles Sedgwick, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Berkshire, do certify, that William J. Tucker 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 Tucker and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this nineteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four 
[Ribboned Seal] Charles Sedgwick Clerk.
Page 44

Rachel Childs
Con
Act 7. July 38
increased
3 mo. Lt.
15 Surgeon
Page 45

Washington April 16 1844 
J. L. Edwards Esqr 

Sir
Herewith I enclose you a power of Atty from one of the heirs of Caleb Austin withdrawing the agency some time since given to Nicholas Carroll Esq.; also a letter from Rachel Childs of Pittsfield Mass withdrawing the agency given to Mr Carroll. Upon the two cases I hope you will act very soon and oblige 
Respectfully 
Your obt Servt
Thos. H. Seymour
Page 46

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire ss. 
I William Walker Esqr. Judge of Probate of Wills &c. do hereby certify, that in the month of April 1775, immediately after the battle of Lexington, Doct Timothy Childs then & now an inhabitant of the town of Pittsfield, County of Berkshire, marched from sd Pittsfield as a member, & as I am credibly informed, an Officer of an independent company, for Cambridge in the vicinity of Boston, to join an army there forming, for the defense of American liberty; 
That soon after his arrival there, was attached to a regiment commanded by Col John Patterson, with an engagement to serve until the first of Jany then next ensuing, in which regiment the sd Childs engaged & served as a Surgeon for the sd term - of which regiment I was then Adjutant. 
That on the first of January 1776, the sd Childs engaged as Surgeon in the 15th Regiment of foot commanded by Col John Patterson, for the year next ensuing of which regiment I continued Adjutant. 
That the sd Childs continued with the regiment until the Brittish [sic] troops evacuated Boston; He then marched with the regiment to New York, from thence to Canada & from thence, in the retreat, to Mount Independence near Ticonderoga, where he continued till the 5th of Sept 1776 when he was ordered on command by Maj. Genl Gates ^ and continued on command to the 18th October next, after which my returns are lost. These facts appear to me from general orders & regimental returns
Page 47

then taken in my own hand writing & now in my possession. I also certify that I considered the sd Childs as Surgeon of the 3d Regiment till the close of the year & that he was considered as very reputable in profession
Lenox Novr 24th 1818-  [Signed] William Walker 
The interlineation of the third line from the bottom of the last page was made by me December 5th 1818  [Signed] William Walker 

Berkshire SS. December 9th 1818 - The above named William Walker Esqr personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him Subscribed and I certify that the Said Walker is a man of truth and veracity.
Danl. Williams Justice of the peace 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss. 
I the undersigned Joseph Woodbridge Clerk of the Judicial Courts within & for the County of Berkshire aforesaid do certify, that Henry C. Brown Esqr named within is Sheriff of the Said County, and has held that Office Since the Month of May 1812 - That Jonathan Allen and Daniel Williams Esqrs are Justices of the Peace within & for the Same County, duly commissioned & qualified as the Law directs - and that their respective Signatures affixed to the foregoing affidavits, are their respective hand writings with which I am well acquainted - And that the aforesaid Deponents, and Magistrates, and the Said Doctor Timothy Childs, and all reputable Gentlemen in the Same County. In Witness whereof I have hereto affixed the Seal of the Said Courts &c the ninth day of December A.D. 1818 
[SEAL]
[Signed] Jos. Woodbridge Clk
Page 48

I Theodore Hinsdale Jun of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esq for many years last past a Deputy under Henry C Brown Esq. Sheriff of said County, certify that in the month of July A.D. 1813, an Execution in favor of said Commonwealth against Timothy Childs of sd Pittsfield Esq. for fifty five thousand, two hundred & ninety one dollars was delivered me for collection which debt originated against him and a number of other persons in consequence of their haveing [sic] ^been previously bail & surety for one Thomson J Skinner Esq on his appointment as Treasurer of said Commonwealth, who failed and was found in arrears in the sum above mentioned. These were separate Executions against each of sd bail and were all delivered to me at the same time. On receiving said Executions I had particular direction from Mr. Davis the Solicitor General to take all their property both personal & Real except what was exempted by Law. I took ^& sold all the personal estate of sd Childs being all his horses, Cattle sheep &c on his farms. I also sold all his real estate at public Vendue in my precinct, being two valuable farms in Pittsfield, and which as yet I believe he has never been able to redeem - and after haveing [sic] completed all the sales of his and the property of the others which I could find, the Executions were returned unsatisfied for more than $2500.00 due 
Pittsfield Nov 16 1818 
[Signed] Theodore Hinsdale Jun
Page 49

Berkshire ss. Pittsfield Mass. Nov. 23. 1818. Then personally appeared before me the within named Theodore Hinsdale Jr and made oath that the within certificate by him subscribed was the truth. 
[Signed] Jonathan Allen Just of the Peace 
[SEAL]
Berkshire ss I hereby certify that Theodore Hinsdale Jr is now & was at the time within stated a Deputy Sheriff under me & that all the facts by him subscribed are true. I further certify that other Executions have been issued against the said Doct Timothy Childs since the period within stated & put into my hands to collect & that many of them remain unsatisfied to this day 
Given under my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of November AD 1818. 
[SEAL]
[Signed] Henry C Brown Sheriff of Berkshire County 

This certifies, that I am well knowing that Honl Timothy Childs was one of the unfortunate Sureties on bond for the late Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Thompson J. Skinner Esquire for the faithful performance of the duties of his office, that upon the suit of the Commonwealth against the said Thompson J. Skinner and his sureties, all the Estate of the said Timothy Childs Esquire, as one of said Sureties, that could anywhere be found, was attached to respond to the Commonwealth, their demands against said Skinner for his defalcations in office, that the same Estate of said Childs was levied upon by Execution in favor of the Commonwealth to satisfy the judgment, that a large balance remained due to the Commonwealth, which no estate of any of the bondsmen could anywhere be found to satisfy - and that when
Page 50

[from previous page] their demands against said Skinner for his defalcations in office, that the same Estate of said Childs was levied upon by Execution in favor of the Commonwealth to satisfy the judgment, that a large balance remained due to the Commonwealth, which no estate of any of the bondsmen could anywhere be found to satisfy - and that] upon the conviction of the Legislature, that the Sureties had bona fide surrendered all the property, they possessed, real and personal, the resolve of 13th of June A.D. 1816 was passed [illegible] discharge the said bondsmen, (among which the said Timothy Childs is named,) from the payment of a large balance then due to the Commonwealth - with the proviso, that if any of them had fraudulently conveyed or secreted their property with intent to defraud the Commonwealth the discharge should not avail them - And I further certify, that no appearance, or even suspicion of said Childs having secreted his property to his own use has ever yet been made or attached to him, but as this Certifier verily believes he has truly surrendered all his property, and now in his advanced age left without comfortable support. 
[Signed] Perez Morton 
Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

I Henry C Brown do testify and declare that I am Sheriff of the County of Berkshire and a near neighbour of the Hon Timothy Childs & the facts above stated in the certificate of the Attorney General are true and am knowing to the present unfortunate situation of Mr Childs in point of property and that he truly stands in need of the aid of his country for his comfortable support. 
[Signed] Henry C Brown
Page 51

he truly stands in need of the aid of his country for his comfortable support. 
[Signed] Henry C Brown

Massachusetts. Berkshire ss. }
Lenox. May 13. 1819 Sworn to } 
by the above named Henry C. Brown} 
before me, [Signed] Chas. Jackson Just. Sup J. Court 

I, Charles Jackson, one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, do herby declare that it appears to my satisfaction that the above named Timothy Childs is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of assistance from his country for support: and I do transmit to the Secretery of the Department of War the above written affidavit of the said Henry C. Brown, & also the Certificate of the Attorney General of this Commonwealth, with the other documents hereto annexed, in addition to the papers formerly transmitted by the said Childs, & now returned by the said Department. Given under my hand at Lenox this thirteenth day of May 1819. 
[Signed] Chas Jackson, Just. Sup. J. Ct
Page 52

Left side:
Tim'y Childs
Surgeon
Patterson's Regt. Mass'ts
one year - commission
within

Center:
Timothy Childs Esqr
24 April
Certificate of 
Reduced circumstances
annex'd

[stricken:]
Inadmissible - the
Judge having erased that part of his certificate 
relative to the claimant's circumstances -
War Dept.
Pension Office
Page 53

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Berkshire ss.
[SEAL]
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty fourth day of April A. D. 1818, came before me, JOHN HOOKER, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit in said State, and including the said county of Berkshire the above named Timothy Childs 
made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed, and hereto annexed. I do thereupon hereby declare, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Timothy Childs the applicant did serve in the revolutionary war, against the common enemy, for more than nine months, as set forth in his affidavit aforesaid, and that he is yet a resident citizen of the United States In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the said Circuit Court for the said county of Berkshire to be affixed hereto, this 27th day of April 1818 
and I do certify the above as the testimony & proceeding had before me in the above Application & transmit the same to the Secretary of the department of War 
[Signed] John Hooker

Crosswise, left margin:
[Signed] Jos. Westbridge Clk
Page 54

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14,476
Rachel Childs
Widow of
Timothy Childs
Priv. Rev War
Act: Feb 2d 1848
Index:-Vol. A, Page 130
Page 55

Mrs. Rachel Childs
Declaration & other
Pension Documents
Page 56

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Secretary's Office, March 26 1844 

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 Timothy Childs of Pittsfield is borne upon the August 1st return of Col Pattersons regiment as Surgeon 3 mos & 2 days and upon the October return, for the year 1775 
There are no rolls of Col Patterson's regiment for 1776 in this Office.

[cont'd p. 58]
Page 57

Write to
Eli Taintor
Lee [?] Mass

Upside down at bottom:
154 
Timothy Childs
Page 58

[continued from p. 56]

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 which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
[SEAL]
[Signed] John G Palfrey 
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 59

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
County of Berkshire Town of Pittsfield 
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence, from the Rolls in his office, of the services of my late husband Timothy Childs.
He entered the army in the year 1775, as Lieutenant from the Town of Pittsfield, in the County of Berkshire, and State of Massachusetts, in the company of Capt --- in Col. Patterson's Regiment, and served as Lieutenant & Surgeon until 1777 
We were married in the year 1779. He died in the year 1821. 
The only other facts which I recollect are as follows, viz

I am now 84 years old, and my memory does not enable me to state anything farther, material to the search required. I have empowered Eli Taintor Esqr of Lee, to act in the premise as my attorney. 
Witness my hand, this seventh day of March A.D. 1844. 
[Signed] Rachel Childs
Signed in my presence }
by said Rachel Childs }
[Signed] Jonathan Allen  Justice of the Peace
Page 60

Commonwealth of }
Massachusetts } 
County of Berkshire } ss. 
On the 28th day of July 1838, personally appeared before me Henry Hubbard a Justice of the peace in for the County of Berkshire, State aforesaid Horatio N. Brinsmade who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath say that he is now, and for the last three years and more has been the regular ordained and officiating Minister of the Congregational Church in the town of Pittsfield County and State aforesaid - And as such Minister has the Charge and Custody of the Records of said Church. That among those records is a Book containing entries of Marriages performed by the Rev Thomas Allen, beginning with the year 1776, and Continued down to the year 1810. That the Rev Thomas Allen was the regular Minister of said Church during that period. And the said Horatio N. Brinsmade further says that in the said Book Containing the Record of Marriages in the said town of Pittsfield he finds in the hand writing of the Rev Thomas Allen the following entry "Doct Timothy Childs and Mrs Rachel Easton
Page 61

were married," which is a true Copy from the said record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "February 11th 1779." And he has no doubt that the Book from which the above extract is made is the genuine Church record of Marriages performed by the said Rev Thomas Allen. And the said Horatio N. Brinsmade further says that he is well acquainted with Mrs Rachel Childs of Pittsfield County and State aforesaid who is now making application for a pension, and that from reputation, and information he has no doubt that she is the Widow of Doctor Timothy Childs whose marriage is recorded in the Book from which the above extract is made and that the Character and standing of the said Rachel Childs entitle her declaration and statement to entire faith and credit - And the said Horatio N. Brinsmade further says that "Mrs" instead of "Miss" is generally prefixed to the name of the
Page 62

name of the woman who is stated in the said record to have been married- 
[Signed] Horatio N. Brinsmade
Sworn and subscribed
day and year above written 
before me [Signed] H Hubbard 

Massachusetts} 
Berkshire County} ss. 
I Henry Hubbard a justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, residing in the town of Pittsfield, County and State aforesaid, do Certify that I know Horatio N. Brinsmade who subscribed the above affidavit, that his signature to the same was made in my presence, that I know him to be the regular Minister of the Congregational Church in the said town of Pittsfield, and that statement is entitled to entire faith 
[Signed] H Hubbard
Page 63

Hon. G.N. Briggs
HR
Page 64

State of Massachusetts}
County of Berkshire} ss. Pittsfield Augt 5th 1842 
On this fifth day of August in the year One thousand eight hundred and forty two personally appeared before Henry Hubbard Esqr Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State Rachel Childs aged eighty two years & upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an increase of pension: That she was pensioned under the Act of the 7th of July 1838 for her husbands Service as a Surgeon in the Revolutionary War: That her said husband was appointed by the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts a Surgeon in Col Pattersons Regt on the 5th of July 1775 which will appear by reference to a Book entitled "Journal of such Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1774 & 5" Page 449 and as she has been credibly informed served two years or more after that period:  That she was pensioned at the rate of 400 one & 42/100 pr annum and she now thinks she was not allowed what she is entitled to by law:  That the law provides that no officer shall receive a higher rate for his pension than that that was allowed to a Capt in the Revolutionary War and that the Commr of Pensions has admitted that a Capt of Artillery rec'd 50 Dols pr month for ^his
Page 65

monthly pay and that a Surgeon was allowed by law a higher amount than 50 Dols. which will appear by reference to the Journals of Congress fixing the rate of pay of Officers & Soldiers in the Revolutionary War. She Now authorises and respectfully requests the Honl. George N. Briggs Now Member of Congress, to ask the Commr of Pensions to examine the papers on which she was pensioned and also to examine the roll of Col Patterson and all other papers in the Dept. that will give evidence of the length of service of her sd husband Timothy childs and if it should appear that he served two years, She Confidently expects that ^she will be allowed what would be equivalent to 600 Dols. pr annum for 5 yrs upon the principle that others that served in ^the same Capacity were allowed that amt. 
[Signed] Rachel Childs 

Commonwealth of Mass
Berkshire ss. Augt 3th 1842, personally appeared ^before me Rachel Childs of Pittsfield in sd County subscriber of the above Declaration in my presence (& with whom I am well acquainted) and made oath to the truth of the same according to her best knowledge & belief and I further certify that she remains the widow of Timothy Childs late of Pittsfield, who was reputed to be a Surgeon in the Revolutionary
Page 66

army, and I further certify that she is a very respectable & credible person. And further that I find in the "Journal of of each provincial Congress of Massachusetts 1774-5" on the 449th page these words "Doct. Timothy Child, Surgeon, in Col. Patterson's (regiment) 
[Signed] H Hubbard Just Peace
Page 67

Left side:
Massachusetts 33
Rachel Childs 
widow of Timothy Childs decd 
who died on the 12 February 1821 
of Berkshire in the State of Ms [Mass] 
who was a Surgeon & Lt in the Company commanded 
by Captain --- of the Regt. commanded 
by Col. Patterson in the Massa.
line for 15 mos. surgeon
2 " Lieutenant

Inscribed on the Roll of Massa. 
at the rate of 401 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of Augt 1838 
and sent Hon. Timothy Childs Rochester N.Y.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $803.32 
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept."  200.84
[=] $1004.16 
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 7, 1838} 
D. D. Addison Clerk 
Vol. 1 Page 79 

Right side:
Let to Hon Geo N. Briggs }
Aug. 17, 42} 
same Oct 3, 1842
Page 68

Massachusetts 2.
Rachel Childs 
widow of Timothy Childs 
who was a Surgeon & Lieutenant 
in the Revolution 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
401 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to 
commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 
3d day of April 1843, and sent to 
Hon. Timothy Childs, M.C 
Present 

[Act of March 3, 1843.]  
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1 Page 39. 

Right side:
Rep
Let to Hon T. H Seymour April 201844 
Oct. 23d 44 - to N. Carroll 
L. T. Pease July 24 /46 
Let to Hon. J. Rockwell Augt 14 '47