Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,777, Josiah Ward, Mass.
Page 1

Service
Mass.

Ward, Josiah
Hannah

Number
W.16777

Contents
Page 2

1985
New Hampshire Concord
Hannah Ward
widow of Josiah Ward
who was a Private
in the Massachusetts line
for 9 months and 10 days
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
31 Dollars and 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
15th day of September 1843
and sent to
William West
Concord
New Hampshire
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol 1 Page 22
Page 3

1019
New Hampshire.
Josiah Ward
private
Captain Asa Rice's company of the reg
of militia comd by Col Cushing during the
Revolutionary War
---
Ratio of disability, Total
Time of [illegible] the testimony 31st of July, 1823.
Inscribed on the roll of New Hampshire
at 8 dollars per month, to commence on the
31st of July, 1823.
Certificate of pension issued the 26th of September 1823
and sent to Joshua Darling, Esquire
Henniker, New Hampshire
Arrears to 4th September 1823, 1 4/30 [illegible] $9.06
Semi-annual. allowance ending 4 March 1824 $48
Dollars 57.06
[Act 10 April, 1806 &
4 February 1822.]
Page 4

Nov 13th, 1906
[illegible]
Page 5

Ward, Josiah
his name appears on a list of applicants for invalid pension returned
by the District Court for the District of Massachusetts, submitted to the house
of Representatives by the Secretary of War on Feby 28, 1790 and printed
in the American State Papers, Class 9, page 162
Disability: Wounded in his left leg by a musket ball
No evidence produced but the deposition of the examining
physicians, who give it as their opinion that the claimant's
wound does not disqualify him from obtaining a livelihood by labor
Page 6

affidavit relating to Josiah Ward
Page 7

I Stephen Ward a resident of Bradford in the County of Merrimack
and State of New Hampshire, Aged 75 years
testify and say that I was well
acquainted with Josiah Ward and Hannah Ward his wife
more than sixty years past and know they have lived together
as man and wife ever since the year 1777, and know they have
had Born to them a Family of ten children, (seven of them are now living)
and further that I moved the said Josiah Ward and
Hannah Ward his wife, from Massachusetts to New Hampshire more then
the five years since.
----
and further testify that Hannah
Ward who has signed the annexed declaration is the same person
named above and wife of Josiah Ward who was an Invalid
Pensioner, and late of Bradford.
Stephen Ward
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss. August 13, 1838 
Personally appeared the above named
Stephen Ward and made oath that the above affidavit by him
Subscribed is true before me
Aaron Whittemore
Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Stephen Ward is a credible person whose
Statements are entitled to full credit 
Aaron Whittemore Justice of the Peace
Page 8

[illegible] Stephen Ward's
Affidavit
Page 9

I Stephen Ward of Bradford in the
County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire
testify and say that I have been well acquainted with
Josiah Ward of Bradford aforesaid, since before
the Revolutionary War. he was a very well athletic rugged Smart young man, when he engaged in the
first campaign in the Revolutionary War, but after he
went onto hog Island & waded through the water
for to drive off cattle, in the line of his
duty, he has ever since been afflicted, with the Arthritis
and has been very much distressed with that complaint
to this day and to that degree that he has not been
able to sleep in Bed for most of the time ever since
and for twenty years last past has uniformly set up
in his chair all night. I also well recollect that
he served the second year of the War 1776 and was also
detached in the Summer of 1777, to go to Bennington
and well recollect, that sometime after said Battle
said Ward, was brought home, and was severely wound
by a musket ball in the left leg. he could not have
the least weight on that leg then nor for many months
Page 10

after. And from my best recollection, the said Josiah
Ward, was under Doctor Moore's care of Bolton
from 6 to 12 months, after. I attended and took care
of him, as a Brother the whole time-- the said
Josiah lived, upward of twenty years in Southborough Massachusetts afterwards and labored as an Husbandman, when
he was able, during that time. he then removed
to Bradford New Hampshire where he has resided ever
since. When able to labor he has as formerly and always
from necessity. his leg has been very troublesome
and much of the time a running issue but for ten 
years past has been totally incapacitated to perform farm hard labor. The said Josiah Ward has been a man
always of temperate, regular habits.
Stephen Ward
Henniker March 15, 1823
Hillsborough SS. March 15, 1823
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Joshua Darling Justice Peace
Page 11

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough SS
March 15, 1823
I hereby certify, that Ensign Stephen Ward
the aforenamed Deponent is a credible and
disinterested, Witness
Joshua Darling Justice of the Peace and
Commissioner
I hereby certify that the Testimony taken before me
by virtue of a Commission from the Honorable John S.
Sherburne Judge of the District Court for the District
of New Hampshire for the purpose of placing
Josiah Ward of Bradford on the Invalid Pension
List, was this day completed
March 15, 1823. Attest. Joshua Darling Commissioner
Justice of the Peace
Page 12

United States of America
District of New hampshire ss.
On this twenty second day of November A.D. 1822
personally appeared in open Court before the Hon
John S. Sherburne Judge of the District Court of the
United States for the New hampshire district, being a
Court of Record, in and for said district, having the
power of fine and imprisonment, Josiah Ward
aged sixty six years, resident in Bradford in said
District, who being first duly sworn according to
law doth on his oath declare in order to obtain
the provision made by the act of Congress of the
10th of April 1886 and subsequent acts providing
for persons who were disabled by [illegible]
wounds received in the revolutionary
there he was in the revolutionary
was. that he volunteered his services
as a soldier in the defence of his county at
the commencement of the revolutionary war
and joined the army at Cambridge in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 1775. that he with others went onto Hog Island and
took and drove off the cattle of the British.
in performing which service he was greatly
exposed in the water thereby took a violent
cold which was followed by a fit of sickness
and an asthenia with which he has ever since
been troubled-- that in the year 1776 he again
enlisted into the service of the United States as
soldier, went and joined the army at New
York and continued in said service for the
term of five months; that he was again
detached in the year 1777 and marched to Bennington in the State of Vermont in the company
Page 13

commanded by Capt. Price, under General Stark, 
in the battle at Bennington and in that
battle received a wound in one of his legs by a
musket ball which was lodged in his left leg
just above the ankle and settled down between
the cords of his leg that in consequence of said
wound he was greatly disabled, and is now wholly
disqualified for labor and has been for a
great length of time. that from his absence
situation and little intercourse with the world
he was wholly ignorant of the provisions made by the government of his country for invalid soldiers until about the time he
made application for a pension that he made
application in order to obtain a pension to
the Hon Joshua Darling one of the associate
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the
County of Hillsborough in the State of New
hampshire on the 4th day of April 1818
and made oath to his declaration as will 
appear by said Darling's Certificate as Judge
of said Court - that my said declaration
having been forwarded to Washington, was
returned with the following indictment
thereon viz-- "Period & manner of service not
sufficient to entitle applicant to a pension
---
Rejected." that he made application afterwards in November 1819 to the Hon John
S. Sherburne, Judge of the District Court of the
United States for the New hampshire district, in
order to obtain a pension under the [illegible]
providing for persons disabled by
wounds during the revolutionary war, and
then completed the testimony to substantiate
my claim-- but the District Judge, upon examination
Page 14

informed me, that the act of Congress relative to
that subject had expired. Afterwards I forwarded to Congress the petition hereto annexed.
I was informed that my papers were presented
to the Senate and referred to a Committee on
Pensions, who agreed that I should be placed
on the pension roll at six Dollars per
month, but that that report was rejected on the ground that the existing
was sufficient for my purpose. I am
also informed that upon examination it
was discovered that the law had expired and
that in consequence of my application
it was further extended. I have no
property and pray for relief from my
country, which I served with fidelity.
I served in the detachment at Bennington
two months, and after the battle laid
there in consequence of my wounds fifty
days. I have never received any pension
under the General or State governments. my
manner of life has been a husbandman. After I
was discharged from the service I went 
to Southbury Massachusetts, where I
remained until about twenty one years ago
when I moved to Bradford in Newhampshire
where I now live. 
I went in person to Asa Rice the Captain of
the company in which I service in the
revolutionary war, and he at my request
appeared before Josiah Howe a Justice of the
peace in Worcester Massachusetts, and made
oath to the truth of his declaration by him
subscribed and hereto annexed. I also went to
Ezra Nichols and David Mitchel, then
both of said Bradford, and they made oath
to the truth of the declaration by them subscribed before Ebenezer Cussey a justice
Page 15

of the peace in the County of Hillsborough in said
State of Newhampshire. Said Nichols & Mitchel
were both respectable physicians & surgeons.
I have a wife aged sixty five, sickly & unable
to work. I has no property. I have no child or
relation capable of affording me any assistance.
Josiah Ward
Sworn to and declared at Portsmouth in said
District on the 22d day of November AD.
1822 before me Jno. S. Sherburne Judge of the
said District Court of the United States
for the Newhampkine District.
I hereby certify that Josiah Ward on
or about November 1819 appeared before
one and the evidence and testimony he
there produced in order to obtain a pension
and be placed on the land list was then
completed, and that in my opinion he is entitled
to a full pension.
Jno. S. Sherburne Judge of the district
Court of the United States for
the Newhampshire District.
I William Claggett Clerk of the District
Court of the United States for the
Newhampshire District, do hereby certify that the
foregoing oath and declaration, are truly
copied from the record of the said
Court; and that it is the opinion
the said Court that the said
Ward has no property.
In testimony whereof, I
have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of the said
Court on this 22d day of November
1822-
William Claggett, Clerk of the District 
Court of the U. States
for the Newhampshire District
Page 16

Hannah Ward
Page 17

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Merrimack ss 
October the 11th 1838
I Lyndon Ward, a resident of Bradford
in the County and State aforesaid, of lawful age, testify that I have known and been acquainted with
Hannah Ward,
a resident of Bradford, in the
County and State aforesaid, and Josiah Ward,
her husband, for many
years past, and know that the above named Hannah Ward has never married
since the death of her above named husband, and still remains a widow.
Lyndon S Ward
Sworn and subscribed to the day and year above mentioned, before me,
Imri Woods
Justice Peace.
I certify that the above named Lyndon Ward, is a creditable person,
whose statements are entitled to full credit.
Imri Woods Justice Peace
State of New Hampshire
Secretary Office
I hereby certify that at the date of his
Attestation Imri Woods was a Justice
of the Peace for the County of Merrimack in said State, duly
constituted and commissioned, and that his acts and attestations, as such
full faith and credit are, and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
the Seal of the State, this first day of April 1839.
John Whipple Deputy Secretary
Page 18

Hannah Ward
Page 19

I Swain Parker town Clerk of the town of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the following
is a true copy of records in said Southborough in Book
2th Page 201. Josiah Ward & Hannah Morse Married December
fourth one thousand seven hundred and seventy
seven by Nathan Stone Clerk with the exception of
the date which is expressed on the records in fair legible
figures as follows Josiah Ward & Hannah Morse Married
December 4th 1777, by
Nathan Stone Clerk.

Attest Swain Parker Town Clerk of the town of Southborough
I Swain Parker, above named, depose and say, that
I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town, County and
Commonwealth aforesaid, and that the above is a true
extract from the records of said Southborough with the
exception above named as certified by me
Attest Swain Parker
Town Clerk of the town of
Southborough
Southborough November 30. A.D. 1838.
Sworn before me
Willard Newton
Justice of
the Peace

over
Page 20

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss. I, Joseph G. Kendall, Clerk of the Court of Common
pleas within and for said County of Worcester,
do certify that the within named Willard Newton is a Justice
of the peace in and for said County of Worcester - and that his signature to the preceding certificate
in his own
proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set
my name, and affix the seal of said
Court at Worcester this eighth day
of December in the year 1838.
Jos. G. Kendall Cler.
Page 21

Manuel
877
Hannah Ward
widow of Josiah
NH.
dec. July 7. 1838.
-
Vol 14 /93 on 8 mo 75
22 /136 on 1.100   77.
9. 10
married 1777
died 1824

All $31.10 per anm

Wm West
Concord
N H.
Page 22

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to
certain widows.
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss
of August
on this thirteenth day
of August 1838, Personally appeared before me-
Aaron Whittemore a Justice of the
Court of Common Pleas
and State aforesaid,
in and for the County of Merrimack and State aforesaid
Hannah Ward a resident of
Bradford in the County and State aforesaid Aged 80 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 7th 1838, entitled"An Act granting half pay and
pensions to certain widows
That she is the widow of Josiah Ward
who was a private in the army of the Revolution
according to her best knowledge and belief he served more than fourteen months. That he served in Capt Josiah
Fays Company in Col. Jonathan Wards Regt in the Massachusetts
line, Nine months in 1775 and 1776. That he served five months
under Capt Newton in Col. Cushings Regt Massachusetts line
in 1776 and 1777.
who was an Invalid Pensioner at the rate of
96 per year, (placed on the pension Roll 25 Sept 1823. Died April 20. 1824.)
For proof of service reference will be had of the war office
produced when he obtained his certificate, and the annexed
affidavits of the claiments husband.

She further declares that she was married to 
the said Josiah Ward in the month of December AD 1777
as will more fully appear by proof hereunto annexed.
That her husband the aforesaid Josiah Ward
died on the twentieth day of April 1824.
Page 23

She further declares that she was married,
to the said Josiah Ward in the month of December AD 1777.
as will more fully appear by proof hereunto annexed.
That her husband the aforesaid Josiah Ward
Died on the twentieth day of April 1824.
That she was
not married to him (her aforesaid husband) prior to his leaving
the service, but the marraige took place previous to the
first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz
at the time above stated.
She further declares that she
was never afterwards married, and still remains a widow.
Hannah Ward her mark
Witness William West
Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year above written before me.
Aaron Whittemore
Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas for the County of Merrimack
& state aforesaid.
I certify that the above declaration was taken at the
residence of the above named Hannah Ward, she being unable to attend court from bodily infirmity.
that she is a credible person whose statements
one entitled to full credit
Aaron Whittemore
Justice of the Pace
State of New Hampshire
Secretary of State Office
I certify that Aaron Whittemore above named is a 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and
for the County of Merrimack, and Aaron Whittemore
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County Merrimack, his signature
as such is genuine-
In testimony whereof I have
this twenty fourth day of August Anno Domini 1838 caused the
Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
Jno. Whipple Depy Secy
Pensioned under the head of Hillsborough Co)
Page 24

To the Hon. the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States in Congress
assembled at the City of Washington
December 1819-
Respectfully shows Josiah Ward of
Bradford in the County of Hillsborough and
State of New Hampshire formerly of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that he volunteered
his services as a soldier in the defence of his country at the commencement of the Revolutionary war
and joined the Army at Cambridge in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year
1775. that he with others went on to Hog Island
and took and drove off the cattle of the British
in performing which service he was greatly
exposed in the water that he took a violent cold which
was followed by a fit of sickness, and an Asthma
with which he has been troubled ever since, that
in the year 1776 he again enlisted into the service
of the United as a soldier went and joined the
the Army at New York and continued in said
service for the term of five months: that he was
again detached in the year 1777 and marched to
Bennington in the State of Vermont; was in the
battle at Bennington, and in that battle received
a wound in one of his legs by a musket ball which
was lodged in his leg. that in consequence of said
wound he was greatly disabled, and is now wholly
disqualified for labour; that from his obscure
situation and little intercourse with the world
he was wholly ignorant of the provisions made
by the Government of his country for invalid
soldiers until very lately; that as soon as he
Page 25

obtained a knowledge of any of the provisions made by
Congress for revolutionary soldiers he took the necessary steps and applied for a pension as a soldier. that upon application to the war Department
he was informed that such was the nature of his
services as not to entitle him to the provisions
of the late Act of Congress passed in the year
1818 that he then endeavored to procure his
name to be entered on the list of Invalid Pensioners, but upon application to the District Judge
of New Hampshire was informed that the acts of
Congress relative to that subject had expired;
that he is extremely poor and indigent and absolutely stands in need of assistance from his
country for relief and support, but is wholly without remedy, unless provision be made for him
by the Congress of the United States; wherefore the
said Josiah Ward prays your [illegible] his
distressed situation into your wise consideration
and make such provision and afford such relief
as you in your wisdom shall think just
and proper.
Josiah Ward
Bradford NH
Dec. 11. 1819
State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough SS
Decr 14. 1819
Then personally appeared the above named
Josiah Ward, and made solemn oath that
all the Facts contained in the Memorial
aforesaid, by him subscribed are Just & true
of the Town
Before me Joshua Darling Justice of the Peace
for Hillsborough County
N. Hampshire
Page 26

3229 Reps
-
New Hampshire
Hannah Ward
widow of Josiah Ward, Decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of Invalids
and who died on the 20th. April, 1824
of Merrimack in the State of N.H.
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Rice of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Cushing in the Mass. Mil'a
line for 9 months & 10 days-
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord at
the rate of 31 Dollars 10 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of June 1839 and sent to Wm West,
Concord, N.H.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar: 1839 $93.30
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 15.55
$108.85

Act July 7, 1838
Recorded by W M Stuart Clerk
Book A Vol. 1 Page 59
Page 27

To the Hon. J.C. Calhoun Secretary of the
War Department City of Washington, the
within contains the Deposition Asa Rice
taken at the request of Josiah Ward to be
used as evidence to establish his claim as a
Pensioner in the Revolutionary service of the
United States; agreeable to an Act of Congress of
the United States and sealed up by me.
Willard Newton Justice Peace
⎬
Page 28

I Asa Price of Shrewsbury in the County of Worcester
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of Lawful age do testify and say
that some time in the year 1777 I was detached out on alarm, to
go into the service of the United States as a Captain in Colonel Job
Cushing Regiment and to march to Bennington, and Josiah Ward was a
Private in my Company, and the said Josiah Ward was with me
in the Battle at Bennington, and he there received a wound by
a musket ball in one of his legs whilst in said Battle, and
that in consequence of his wound, he was detained there at Bennington for some time, and at the time said Ward was detached
he belonged to Southborough in said county and further the deponant saith not
Asa Rice
Worcester SS on the twenty fifth day of March in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three the
aforesaid deponant was examined cautioned and sworn agreeable to law to the deposition aforesaid by him subscribed, taken
at the request of Josiah Ward to be used as evidence to substantiate his claim as an Invalid Pensioner in consequence of a
wound received in Bennington Battle while in the service of the
United States in the revolutionary War Agreeable to the Acts
of Congress of the United States in such case made and provided.
Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
the aforesaid Deponant is a credible and disinterested witness
Willard Newton Justice Peace
Page 29

State of New Hampshire ⎬ March 13, 1823
Hillsborough SS
(Military District0
(Date. )
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, That Josiah Ward a
Private
in the company of Capt Asa Rice in Col. Cushing's
Regiment of the United States Militia under General Jno Stark is rendered
incapable of performing the duty of a soldier, by reason of wounds or
other injuries inflicted while he was actually in the service aforesaid
and in the line of his duty, viz:
By satisfactory evidence and accurate examination, it appears that
on the Sixteenth day of August
in the year 1777
being engaged in Bennington Battle
at or near a place called Bennington
in the State
district, or territory of Vermont he received by a musket ball
a wound in his left leg. The Ball appears to have entered the fore part of the leg about three inches
the ancle joint, fractured and displaced, the lower part of the Fibula; and to have been extracted nearly
opposite the place where it entered.
and he is thereby not only incapacitated for Military duty, but in the
opinion of the undersigned, is and has been for many years totally
disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor.
Nathan Samborn
Jacob Straw
Physician and Surgeons
N. B. The blank in the last line but one is to be filled up with the proportional ""degree" of disability -- for
example: -- "three-fourths" -- one-half" -- one-third," &c. &c, or, "totally," as the case may be.
N.B. This blank was forwarded from the War
Department
Joshua Darling
Page 30

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough SS.
March 13, 1823.
Then personally appeared Doctors
Nathan Samborn, and Jacob Straw, and
made oath that the within Certificate by
them subscribed, was just and true
Before me
Joshua Darling Justice of the Peace
& Commissioner

I hereby certify that Doctors Nathan
Samborn & Jacob Straw, are both Fellows
of the New Hampshire Medical Society
and are highly reputable in their profession
as Physicians & Surgeons
March 15. 1823. Attest.
Joshua Darling Justice Peace &
Commissioner

Doctors N. Samborn & J. Straw
Affidavits
Page 31

Doctors
Samborn & Straw
Certificate ┃
in
Josiah Ward
Case
Page 32

It is hereby certified, that Josiah
Ward, a private in the Company
of Capt Asa Rice, in Colonel Cushing's
Regiment of United States Militia
is rendered incapable of performing
the duty of a Soldier, by reason of
wounds or other injuries inflicted while
he was actually in the service aforesaid, in the line of his duty,
Viz.
By Satisfactory evidence and animate 
examination, it appears, that on the
Sixteenth day of August in the year
1777 being engaged in the Bennington
battle at or near a place called
Bennington, in the State district or
Territory of Vermont. He received a
wound by a musket ball in his left leg. 
The ball appears to have entered the
fore part of the by about three inches
above the ankle joint, fractured and displaced the lower part of the Fibula, and to
have been extracted nearly opposite the
place where it entered. In consequence
of this wound, the size of the limb above it
is considerable diminished. The ankle
joint enlarged and almost deprived of motion.
There are now and have been for several
months past open sores on the leg and ankle. It
has been for some time past and frequently
for many years, so disabled it entirely to
deprive him of its use,
Page 33

and he is hereby not only incapacitated
for military duty, but, in the opinion of
The undersigned is totally disabled from
obtaining his subsistance by manual
labor.
Nathan Samborn
Jacob Straw M.D. 
Physicians & Surgeons
State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough SS.
July 31, 1823
Then personally appeared the above
named Nathan Samborn and Jacob Straw
(M.D.) and made oath that the foregoing
affidavit by them subscribed was factual.
Before me
Joshua Daling Commissioner
appointed by the
Hon Jno S Sherburne
Dist. Judge
I hereby certify that Jacob Straw and
Nathan Samborn the aforesaid examining
Physicians & Surgeons are reputable in
their profession
July 31, 1823
Joshua Darling
Commissioner as aforesaid
Page 34

Jos Darling's
Letters
Page 35


Henniker March 15, 1823
Hon Sir
Enclosed you will find the
Depositions, of Doctrs Sanborn & Jacob Straw
and Stephen Ward, taken before me by virtue
of a Commission from the Hon. S. Sherburne
Judge of the Dist Court for the District of the
State of New Hampshire for the purpose of
placing Josiah Ward of Bradford N.H. on the
Invalid Pension List. I have also forwarded
at the special instance & request of the applied
to all his old papers, to wit, the said Ward's
Affidavit and declaration & my own depo
taken before the said District Judge Novr 22
1822 for the same purpose, which I supposed
might be proper but you will find some old
papers which may be deemed irrelevant - Judge
Sherburne also made a Commission to Willard
111
a
Newton Esq of Southborough ass to take
Capt Rice Dept if living if not any two
other credible witnesses to establish said
Ward, being wounded in Bennington Battle
in the Revolutionary war & when said Newton
Page 36

shall have completed & transmitted said Testim
ony. I have no doubt, you will send him his
Certificate & regret that the Law will not justify
you in dating it back many years
Your Obedt Servant
Hon Joshua Darling   Joshua Darling
Secy of War
Page 37

Deposition of Nathaniel Clough
and David Clough, Jr. in the case of 
Josiah Ward
Page 38

We the Subscribers Inhabitants of Henniker in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire certify and say that we are well acquainted with Josiah Ward of Bradford in said County of Hillsborough, who is aged and infirm, and in reduced circumstances as to property, as to need assistance from his Country for support.

April 6 1818

[signatures] Nathl Clough
David Clough Jr

Sworn to before me
Joshua Darling, Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough SS
Dec. 17, 1819

I hereby certify that the Deponents are highly credible and disinterested Witnesses and from my own Knowledge can state that I know said Josiah Ward to be in very reduced circumstances in life [illegible] is very infirm, by reason of his wound in his leg & by reason of his old, chronic Asthma, is entirely incapacitated for manual labor and stands in need of aid and assistance from his Country for support.

Joshua Darling, Justice of the Peace & of the Quorum
Page 39

Newhampshire District ss.
The President of the United States of America

To Willard Newton Esquire
of Southborough in the County of
Worcester & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts
Greeting
We reposing full true and confidence in
your legate & ability do hereby authorize
empower and request you to take the
depositions of any person or persons to
support the claim of Josiah Ward of Bead
said County of Hillsborough & State of
New hampshire, yeoman, to be placed
on the pension list, in consequence of
a wound received in the Revolutionary war
while in the service of the United States
depositions are to be used at the
war department of the United States
which depositions, with on captain
on other with this commission
you will seal up and return to this effed
or to the said War department
they have caused
In testimony whereof to State in the N.W. Dist
sale thereto
affixed
I
Witness
John S. Sherburne Vigince at Salmouth
the 17th day of February AD. 1823
William Claggett Clerk of
the District Court of the
the States of the M H. distant
Page 40

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss.

J, Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the judicial
Courts for
said County of Worcester, Do certify, that it
and Newton Esquire, named in the within Commission is a Justice
of the peace in
and for said County, duly authorised and
empowered to act as such, by and that the faith and credit
and ought to be given to all his doings as such Justice.-
In witness whereof I hereunto affix the seal of the Supreme
Judicial Court this 28th day of March, Anno Domini 1823.
Abijah Bigelow, it
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Southborough, County of Worcester
William Newton Esquire
Page 41

Newhampshire District ss.
The President of the United States of America
to Joshua Darling of Hen
niker in the County of Hillsborough
and State of Newhampshire
Esquire
Greeting
We reposing full trust and confidence in
your integrity and ability to hereby authorize
empower and request you to like the depo
sitions of any person or persons to support
the claim of Josiah Ward of Bradford
the County of Hillsborough and State of New
hampshire yeoman, to be placed on the
pension list, in consequence of wound
received in the revolution here, while in
the service of the United States, which dep
tions are to be used at the war department
of the United States, and which [illegible]
with your caption thereon together with
this commission, you will seal up and
return the same to this office, or to the War 
Department. In testimony whereof we have
caused the seal of the District bout of
the United States for said Newhampshire dis
trict to be hereto affixed Witness John
S. Sherburne Esquire at Portsmouth the
17th day of February AD 1823
William Claggett, Clerk
Page 42

Hon Joshua Darling
of Henniker in the County
of  Hillsborough in the state
of Newhampshire
Page 43

189.
16 Cong
1 [illegible ss
 
Petition of Josiah
Ward of New Hampshire
a soldier of the Revolution
praying
relief
1810 Decr 28
read [illegible] to
Comr on Pensions
Page 44

Captain Asa Rice's 
Affidavit
Page 45

I Asa Rice of Shrewsbury in the County of Worcester
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age,
do testify and say, that Josiah Ward was in the
Company of Malitia [Militia]  of which I had the command
in the year 1777 and that he the aforesaid Ward
was wounded in the battle at Bennington in
one of his legs, which has been of great injury
to him ever since
Asa Rice Capt
Worcester ss. October 2d 1819 Personally appeared the above
named Asa Rice and made oath the the truth of the
above deposition by him subscribed
Before me
Jonah Howe Justice Peace
Page 46

I Joshua Darling of Henniker
in the County of Hillsborough and State of
New Hampshire Testify and say that
I have been well acquainted with Mr
Josiah Wade of Bradford upwards of twenty
years and have always known him to be
very infirm man, much troubled with
the Asthma and a wound in the Leg
which he say by a bullet in the Battle of
Bennington and General John Stack
when I first knew him he was for several
years capable of doing but little manual
labor, and for the years last I should
think he had not been able to do any
labor whatever - I know him to be
a man of integrity and whose statements
an entitled to full credit
Ezra Nichols and David Mitchel
was credible witnesses and reputable
in their profession as surgeons & Physicians
Mitchel is since deceased
I further certify that I know said Ward
is
and entirely destitute of property
Nov. 22. 1822 - Joshua LDarling
Page 47

November 22. 1822 then the said Joshua Darling
who is a respectable and credible witness, Appeared
before me
in open Court and made oath to the truth. of
the within declaration by him subscribed
the said Darling is now Chief Justice of the
Court of sessions in and for the county of
Hillsborough in said State of Newhampshire
John S. Sherburne Judge of the [illegible] Court
[illegible] for New Hampshire
Page 48

1187
Josiah Ward,
private, Capt Asa Rice's
co. during Rev. War
Suspended see letter to
Joshua Darling, Esqr
Henniker, New Hampshire
April 24th 1823-
Ditto see letter to Joshua Day
ling, Henniker, N.H. July 9th
1823.
To com: 23 July 1823
Total disability
Page 49

Tomotha Ballows
Wm Onthank
Page 50

Southborough September 28th 1819
This may certify whom it may concern that
fore part of the
Josiah Ward Volentered [volunteered] his service in the Amerian [American]
Revolutionary War, went and joined the army at
Cambridge and continued in the service for eight months
under Captain Josiah Gay & in the Regiment of Col. Jonathan Ward
Signatures of Timothy Bellows
Wm Onthank
Page 51

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16.777
Hannah May
--- Wife of 
Josiah Ward
Pri Rev War
---
Act: Mrh 3rd  /43
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 31
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 52

Apr 7 -1897 - History to 
Miss M. C Sawyer
Boston, Mass
Page 53

to the
Comissioner of Pensions,
Dean his
&
Department of the Interior
Washington, DC
Dear Sir-
Will you inform me if you
have any record of a pension
having been paid to a Josiah Ward -
a soldier in the Revolutionary
War or to his widow
Hannah Ward
have you [illegible]
and records of pensions having
of
been paid to two different men of this name one of
Page 54

[duplicate of previous page (53)]

[illegible initials in top right corner - JW?]

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,

Will you inform me if you have any record of a pension having been paid to a Josiah Ward - a soldier in the Revolutionary War - or to his widow Hannah Ward. Should you find records of pensions having been paid to two different men of this name, one of
Page 55

Southboro, Mass. the other of
West Springfield, Mass. Will
you send me a certificate of 
each & oblige Very Respectfully,
Mary C. Sawyer
34 Fairfield St
February 28 1897.
Address
Miss M. C. Sawyer
34 Fairfield St
Boston
Mass
Page 56

To the Hon. J.C. Calhoun Secretary of the
War department of the United States Washington City
the within contains the Deposition of Lemuel Cham
berlain taken at the request of Josiah Ward to be used
as evidence to establish said War claim as a pension
in the revolutionary service of the United States
agreable to an Act of Congress in such case
made and provided and sealed up by me
Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
Page 57

i, Samuel Chamberlain of Southborough in the
County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
of lawful age do testify and say that Josiah Ward with
myself and others were detached on alarm in the year 1777
to march to Bennington in the company of Capt [Asakinand?]
Col Chushing Regiment and that the foresaid Josiah Ward
was in the Battle at Bennington and was wounded in one of
his days with musket Ball, and in consequence of his
wound the said Ward was detained a Pennington about
three months, and that I was well acquainted with said Ward
for many years after he received his wound, and know that
it was a great injury to him in his [illegible] labour, and
about twenty years ago he moved from Southborough in
said County to Bradford in the State of New Hamshire [Hampshire] 
the aforesaid and was by occupation a labour or Farmer
and further the deponent saith not--
Signature of Samuel Chamberland
Worcester ss on the twenty forth day of March in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three the afore
said deponent was examined cautioned and sworn agreeable to
law to the deposition aforesaid by him subscribed taken at the
request of Josiah Ward to be was as evidence to substantiate his
claim do an Invalid Pension, in consequence of a wound received in
Bennington Battle in the service of the United States in the
Revolutionary war agreable to the date of Congress of the
United States in such case made & provided--
Signature of Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
As the  aforesaid Deponant is a credible and the witness
Signature of Willard Newton Justice Peace
Page 58

Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D. C>
Page 59

Sir
Concord N.H. June 23 1843
I herewith transmit to the department
the Declaration of Hannah Ward, widow
of
Josiah Ward for a pension under the act of
Congress of the 3 March 1843
When examined please to return the result to
me of Concord N.H. Post office
I am very
Respectfully your
Obt.  Servant
Wm West [illegible] 
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 60

To the Hon J C Calhoun Secretary of
the War Department of the U.S. City of Washington
the within contains the Deposition of
taken at the request of Josiah Ward to be used
as evidence to establish the claim said Ward
as Pensioner in the Revolutionary service of
the U.S. agreable to an Act of Congress
and sealed up by me
Signature of William Winton Justice Peace
Page 61

I Peter Fay of Southborough in the County of Worcester
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify & say
that Josiah Ward formerly of Southborough, but now of Bradford
in the State of New Hampshire was detached out with about
twenty four others out of said Southborough in the year 1777
to march to Bennington under Capt Asa Price, in Col. Cushing
Regiment, and the said land was in the Battle at Bennington
with me, and I was knowing that he was wounded in one of his
lays by a musket Ball, and in consequence of the
there received he was detained for some months and I
believe the injury which he recd by the wound has troubled him
ever since, the said Ward with the others was detached out
in Alarm, not for any length of time, the said Ward move
from Southborough about twenty years ago to Bradford in
the State of New Hampshire, said Ward was a labour or a farmer
And further the deponent saith not--
Signature of Peter Fay
Worcester ss On the twenty fourth day of March in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three the ap
said Deponant was cautioned examined & sworn agreable to law to the
deposition aforesaid by him subscribed, taken at the request of
Josiah Ward to be used by him as evidence to substantiate his claim
as an Invalid Pensioner in consequence of a wound received in Bennington
Battle in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war
agreable to acts of Congress of the United States in such case made
and provided--
Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
the aforesaid Deponant is a credible and disinterest witness
Signature of Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
Page 62

To the Honorable Joshua Darling one of the Associate
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the first District
in Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire
Josiah Ward of Bradford in the County of Hillsborugh
and State of New Hampshire
do Testify and say that I enlisted
United States in the Revolutionary War
unto the service of think
private Soldier in the month of May 1775
term of eight months and served through said time under Capt Josiah Fay in 
Col. Jonathan Ward Regiment of the Massachusetts line,  I further tetify that just before the expiration of [illegible] time, I 
I feel that just before the expiration of
said eight months service I enlisted for one month and see
the said eight month and said one month engagement without
intermission or absence or last pay the said Collins
Regiment and was regularly discharged from said service
I further testify that in the month of May June I think In 1776 I 
again enlisted into the service of the United  States in the Revolutionary 
war for the term of five months and served through said time under
Capt  Seth Newton in Col. Job Cushing's Regiment of the
Massachusetts line and was regularly discharged-
April 4, 1818
[Signature illegible]
State of New Hampshire with Congress April 4 1818 Then personally 
appeared the above named Josiah Ward and made oath that the forgoing
affidavit by him subscribed is just and true before me
Signature of Joshua Darling
One of the Associate Judges of
the Court of Common Pleas
for the first District in
Hillsborough County and
State of New Hampshire
Page 63

[test to left]
Josiah Ward affidavit
on application for Pension 
April 6 1818  No. 85

Bradford
[illegible]
State of New Hampshire 
Hillsborough ss. 
I Joshua Darling Judge of the Court aforesaid hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction
that the said Josiah Ward served in the Revolutionary Army
on the continental establishment against the Common
enemy the term of nine months at one period of continued service
I further certify that it has to my satisfaction that the
said Applicant is in reduced circumstances in life and in great need of service
from his country for support. Given under my hand and the seal of
said Court this fourth day of April A.D. 1818
State of New Hampshire
Signature of Joshua Darling

I Moses Eastman Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas for the first District in Hill Count County New Hampshin
do certify that the Hon John Darling Judge of said Court, that the
above is his signature, and that the seal hereto affixed is the seal of
said
Mour Castman Clerk
Page 64

3343.
Hannah Ward - 1 x 43 at
$31.10 per annum
Wm West
Concord
N.H.
Page 65

State of New-Hampshire
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Josiah Stevens, Jr., Secretary of the State aforesaid, do
hereby certify, that William West- is an acting Jus
tice of the Peace, in and for the County of Hennemack duly
Commissioned and qualified. His Commission was dated on the
Eighteenth day of June 1840 and will expire on
the Eighteenth day of June - 1845 and his signature
to the annexed instrument is genuine
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State, this third day
June 1843
Signature of Josiah Stevens Secretary of State
Page 66

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year
to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
Merrimack ss.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
On this Eighth day of April 1843. Personally appeared before
William West Justice of the Peace in and for the County and
State aforesaid, Hannah Ward, a resident of Bradford in the
County of Merrimack and State aforesaid, aged 85 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 3d day of March, 1843, granting pensions to Widows of
persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Josiah Ward, who was a private
during the Revolution in the Massachusetts line-
That she was a pensioner under the Act of 7th July, 1838, which she received at the rate of Thirty one
dollars -- 10
cents per annum,
her
She further declares that she is still a widow.
(and Sybester Ward
Hannah Ward
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me
---
Wm West Jus of the Peace
-
I certify that the above named declarent is
personally known to me. That she is a credible
witness whose statements are entitled to full credit
Wm West, Jus Peace
Page 67

Doctor
Nathan Sanborn
Jacob Straedy(?)
Certificate in
Josiah Ward's
Case
June 14. 1823-
Joshua Darling
Henniker, N.H.
Recd of July 1823
Page 68

Miliatry District,   (Date.)

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED. That
Josiah Ward
Private
in the company of
Capt Asa Rice, in Col
Cushing's
Regiment of the United States Militia is rendered
incapable of performing the duty of a soldier, by reason of wounds or
other injuries inflicted while he was actually in the service aforesaid
and in the line of his duty, viz:
By satisfactory evidence and accurate examination, it appears that
on the Sixteenth day of August
in the year 1777
being engaged in Bennington Battle
at or near a place called Bennington
in the
district, or territory, of Vermont he received by a musket
Ball a bound in his left leg. The ball appears
to have entered the fore part of the less
about three inches above the amt paint
fractured & displaced the lower parts of the
[illegible], and to have been extracted nearly
opposite the place where it entered
and he is thereby not only incapacitated for Military duty, but, in the
opinion of the undersigned, is and be been for many years totally
disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor.
further certify that we
estimated the degree of
disability 
in this case from the Regiment
described wound alone.
June 14. 1823
Nathan Samborn 
Jacob Straw M.D.
Physicians & Surgeons
N. B. The blank in the last line but one is to be filled up with the proportional ""degree" of disability for
example: -- "three-fourths" -- "one-half" -- one-third," &c. &c or, "totally," as the case may be.
Hillsborough SS. June 14, 1823
Then personally appeared Doct Nathan Sanborn and Jacob 
Straw M.D. and made solemn oath that the foregoing
Certificate by them Subscribed was just and true.
Before me Joshua Darling
to take Testimony to [illegible] Jonah Ward[illegible]
Page 69

State of New Hampshire } Hillsborough ss.
June 16, 1823
I hereby certify that the within named Nathan  Sanborn andJacob Straw in my opinion are credible and disinterested witnesses. and also that the said Physicians and Surgeons are Fellows of the New Hampshire Medical Society and are reputable in these professions.
Signature Joshua Darling, Commissioner as aforenamed.
Page 70

Ebenezer Newton
Silas Newton
Page 71

Southborough  Sept. 29th 1819
This may certify to whom it may concern that Josiah Ward enlisted into the service of the American Revolutionary War in the year 1776 and joined the Army at New York and continues in the service five months, in the company of 
Capt Seth Newton and in the regiment of Col. Smith.
Signatures of Ebenezer Newton
Silas Newton
Page 72

Deposition of 
Leml. Chamberlain
Page 73

Lemuel Chamberlain of Southborough in the
County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of
Lawfull age do testify and say that Josiah Ward was
Detached out as a soldier to go and join the Revolutionary
Army at Bennington in July AD 1777 and that the aforesaid
Ward was in the Battle at Bennington and was wounded in the
action, and that it had been a great injury to him--
Signature of Lemuel Chamberlain
Worester ss Personally appeared Lemuel Chamberlain
and made oath to the Deposition by him subscribed
Before me
Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
Southbor Sept 27th 1819
Page 74

Deposition of 
Peter Fay
Page 75

I Peter Fay of Southborough in the County
of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawfull age
do testify and say that Josiah Ward was in the Battle at
Bennington in the year 1777 and that the aforesaid Ward was
wounded in the action in one of his lages (legs) which has been a
great injury to him eversince-
Signature of Peter Fay
Worcester ss Sept. 28th 1819 Personally appeared Peter Fay
and made Oath to the above deposition by him subscribed-
Before me
Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
Page 76

Solomon Newton's 
Certificate
Page 77

This may certify to whom it may concern that
Josiah Ward of Bradford in the County of Hilsbury and in
the State of New Hampshire had lived with me a number of years
before the American Revolutionary War commenced, and was a
hearty will young man, he volunteered his service in the
cause of his county went and joined the Army at Cambridge in the year AD 1775 he, with others went on to Hagg (?) Island
and drove off of the British Cattle, in performing hi expedition they
had to wade through the water, and consequently took a violent cold 
and had a fit of sickness, and ever sence (since) has been badly troubled 
with the Asthenia and in the year 1776 he again enlisted into
the American service went and joined the Army at New York and
continued in service five months, he was again detached out
and marched to Bennington in the year 1777 and was wounded in
the Battle at Bennington, which has been a great trouble to him
and for the injury he has sustained, in his countries cause, and the
services he has endured justly entitled him to a pension from his
Country
Southborough
September 29th 1819 Solomon Newton,
Page 78

Address Miss Mary C Sawyer
34 Fairfield St
Boston Mass
Page 79

S.W.
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C
Dear Sir
Some time since I
wrote asking if you had on the
files at your office any record
of the service of Josiah Ward
South Boro & Bradford
Mass. in the War of the
Revolution As I have not received
any reply to my
letter I fear that it may