Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7333, Elkanah French, Mass
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(3-1776)
Service
Mass   French Elkanah
Patience
Number  W 7333
BL.Wt. 8518-160-55
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33.226
Massachusetts
Elkanah French of A in the State of Mass. who was a private in the              commanded by Captain            of the            commanded by 
                   in the Revolution for 8 months 15 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 28 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834 [illegible] 25th August 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of March 1834 and sent to B. Cowell Providence R. I. 
Arrears to the 4th          Semi-annual allowance ending    

Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832        

Recorded H. R. Weightman Clerk
Book E.  Vol. 2 Page 27
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3901
Massachusetts
Patience French
widow of Mass Elkanah French
[page cut off] ry war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 28 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3rd February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 24th day of March /54 and sent to B. Cowell Providence R. I.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 39 Vol. A
32
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Act March 3, 1853
75-340  Apl. 16 /35
Patience French wid. of Elkanah French Pens
Capt. Carpenter
Col. Titcombe
Patience French widow of Elkanah French. Priv
Rev War
Mass Mil. Pensioner 
Mass  Feb 53 - 3901
Ad: 160 Boenton
[illegible] Oct/30-1855
Boynton
[illegible]

Benj. Cowells Providence R. I.  Vol. F 131
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Elkanah French
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To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled - The undersigned would respectfully represent, that I served in the war of the Revolution at the distinct places more than twelve months, that he now is aged and infirm (all but seventy some old) and in low circumstances as to living and one son that need my assistance that can't walk only with crutches, and that I need the assistance of the country which I have faithfully served.
In the year 1775 I served six weeks at the Lexington and then was unwell and got dismissed.
In 1775 I then enlisted and served four months on Winter Hill and in Dorchester part of the time and Capt. Nathaniel Carpenter Company, and part under Capt. Saml. Carpenter I think Colonel Titcombe commanded the Regiment, this serving began the 1st of December 1775.
In 1776 I served six months under Captain Nathaniel Carpenter Company at New York in Col. T. Cary Regiment in Brigadier General Fellows Brigade.
In 1777 I served two months at Jamestown, when the British was on Rhode Island in General Spencer's Ex were commander of the Massachusetts troops on that station.
Dated Seekonk this 24 day of December A. D. 1830.
Elkanah French

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County, ss
Personally appeared the within named Elkanah French and made oath to the truth of the within statement by him made and subscribed 
Before me  Allen Hunt
Justice of the Peace
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Patience French
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol ss
On this sixth day of September AD 1853 personally appeared in open court being the Court of Probate within & for said County of Bristol Patience French resident in Seekonk in said County & State aged eighty four 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 act of Congress passed on the 3rd of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the war of the Revolution viz:  that she is the widow of Elkanah French late of said Seekonk deceased who served as a private in various companies & regiments.  That in December AD 1775 he was called out or enlisted to serve as a private in Capt. Carpenter's company & Col. Titcombe's regiment of Massachusetts troops stationed near Boston in Massachusetts on Winter Hill, in which he continued four months or thereabouts [illegible crossed out] in that company & in Capt John Paine company in same regiment & was honorably discharged.  And she further declares that in same year in the summer he was called out or enlisted in Capt. Nathaniel Carpenter's company in Col. Simon Cary's regiment & General John Fellows Brigade & Marched to the White Plains in the State of New York in which served about six months.  And she further declares that he said
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husband served two months as a private in General Spencer's expedition against the enemy on the island of Rhode Island in the autumn of 1777.
And the said Patience further declares that in the year AD 1830 before any act of Congress was passed by the provisions of which he could be allowed a pension her said husband petitioned Congress to be allowed assistance from his Country for his said services in the war of the Revolution but no act was passed before his death.  A copy of his petition is hereto annexed & also a copy of William Dagget's affidavit & also a letter from the Hon. James L. Hodges a member of the House of Representatives at the time acknowledging the receipt of his petition.  And she further declares that during said war her said husband's father was living & that her husband's name will be found on the Rolls as Elkanah French Jr. as she believes.
And she further declares that she was married to the said Elkanah French on the nineteenth day of May AD 1808.  But she has no record of it, either public or private, but it is proved by the testimony of witnesses whose affidavits are hereto annexed and she further says her husband died on the twenty fifth day of August AD 1831 and since his death she has remained his widow.  That she was not married to him prior to the second of January eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated.  Her name before her aid marriage was Patience Whitaker
Wherefore
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being entitled to a pension according to the provisions of said act [illegible] that the same may be granted.  Patience French
[illegible]

Subscribed and sworn to by the said Patience French on the day and year above written in open court
Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County SS
I John Daggett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said county do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver Prescott before which the foregoing Declaration was made and whose signature is affixed in the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof Judge of said Court duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and the seal of this Court this tenth day of September eight hundred and fifty three.
John Daggett Register
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75 [illegible]
Patience French
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State of Massachusetts [Rhode Island crossed out]
County of Bristol
On this 26 day of March A. D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-five, personally appeared before me, William Ide a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, Patience French aged 86 years, now resident in the Town of Seekonk in said County, who being duly sworn according to law declares and says she is the widow of Elkanah French who was  a private in Capt. Carpenter & other company and in  Regiment commanded by Col. Titcombe in the war of the Revolution, and that her said husband was in actual service more than six months in said war, and was honorably discharged.
And she further declares that she was married to said Elkanah French on the 19 day of May A. D. 1808 by Daniel Perry a Justice of the Peace and that her name before marriage was Patience Whitaker and that her said husband died on the 25 day of August A. D. 181 and that she is now a widow.
And she further declares that she is now a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $28.32 per annum; which pension was granted her on account of her said husband's services in said war, which pension is payable at the Agency for paying pensions in the City of Boston [Providence crossed out].  And she further declares that when she made a declaration to obtain her said pension she produced satisfactory evidence of her said marriage to her said husband and of his death, to which declaration and the evidence therewith filed, she now refers for proof of her said marriage, of her said husband's death, and her claim to Bounty Land under the Act of Congress of March 3d, 1855, and she make this declaration for that purpose.  She further declares that she has never made any application for Bounty Land before the present.
Patience French
Mr. James Workman and Betsey F. Lawton residents of the Town of Seekonk in said state when on oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by said Patience French in our presence and that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
James Workman
Betsey F. Lawton
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The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Willaim Ide Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Bristol Ss
I James Sproat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said County of Bristol do hereby certify that William Ide Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate is and was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Taunton this twelfth day of April in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-five.
Jas. Sproat
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No. 75340
Act of March 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 16th 18[illegible]5

Elkanah French Decd. Priv.
Capt. Carpenter
Mass Mil.
Rev. War

928-160-55
Benj. Cowell Providence R. I.
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[Stamp] Providence RI Jan 16  Free
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Patience French [illegible] 3 Feb.

Patience French [illegible] Elkanah French 
Boynton Mar 22/54

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
[Stamp] Providence R. I. [illegible] 2-
Free
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9528
[illegible]
No 3.496
Massachusetts
Patience French wid. of Elkanah
1853 [illegible] 2 Sent to B. Cowell
54 [illegible] 25 " same --

Act 3 Feb. 1853
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Revy.  WIDOW, &c.
File No 7333
Patience French Wid.
Elkanah French
Priv. Rev. War
Act:  Feby. 3, /53

Index -- Vol. A , Page 252
[Arrangement of 1870]
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Certificate of Service

Mass. Sect. of State
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Secretary's Office, Boston,
March 10th 1854

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 Elkanah French Jr. is borne on list of Capt. Pain's Comp. stationed at Winter Hill Dorchester about two months (Dismissed April 1, 1776.
Also on list of Capt. Carpenter's Comp. stationed at Brooklin for six weeks dismissed Jany. 15 1776.
Also on list of Capt. Carpenter's Comp in Col. Simon Cary's Regt. in Gen. John Fellows Brigade N. Y. White Plains for 5 mos. dismissed Dec. 1 1776.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
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Providence January 16, 1854
Sir
In answer to your letter of Nov 2/53 respecting the claim of Patience [illegible] French widow of Elkanah French for a pension, I have to say that the name of her husband is not found on the Rolls of Revolutionary service in Boston in the Secretary's Office as appears by the enclosed letter.
I have however to say that the Rolls in his office, especially of the Militia service are very important.  This I know to be a fact from the [illegible] that I have many rolls in my possession of Massachusetts troops of which there is no record in the Secretary's office, and I have copies of most of the rolls of the companies referred to by Mrs. French in her declaration upon which her husband's name is borne.  And I have reason to expect that the originals of these rolls are in the Pension Office at Washington, Mr. Edwards, the late Commissioner has spoken of them & referred to them as being in the Pension Office, especially of Capt. Carpenter's Co. & Col. Cary's Regt. in 1776, a soldier of 5 months & experiences in which Mrs. French asserts her husband served & so it appears upon a copy of that roll now
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now in my possession, I obtained this copy as well as several others from the originals which belonged to Jonathan Carpenter of Randolph, Vt. who lived in Rehoboth in the time of the Revolution (from which town, Seekonk was afterwards set off).  He sent these rolls in a letter dated Randolph July 21, 1832 to ascertain what soldiers were [illegible] who could testify to his service.  I presume he was pensioned under the act of June 7, 1856 and it may be all the original rolls of the companies in which he served are now to be found among his papers in the Pension Office.  And if so, you will find the name of Elkanah French, Jr. on several of them, proving the service as claimed by his widow & thereby proving also that the rolls in the Secretary's Office in Boston are important.
But if these rolls cannot be found, Mrs. French must rely on the affidavits taken by her husband in his lifetime & which accompanied his petition to Congress & which are now among the Archives of the House of Representatives.  Mr. Hodges a member of the body had charge of his petition as appears by his letter which accompanied [illegible] widow's claim for a pension.
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and to these I must refer you, or if duplicate copies of the roll now in my possession will aid in this investigation of this widow's claim I shall be happy to furnish them.
I am very respectfully your obt. servant
Benja. Cowell


Hon. L. P. Waldo
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P. OH.
Memorandum

Memorandum
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Pen. Off  Act 3 Feb '53 Massachusetts Bristol
Mem:
Patience French = formerly Whitaker - widow of Elkanah French
Statement of Service
1775 Dec. private Capt. Carpenter's Co. Col. Titcombe's regt. Mass. troops = 5 mos. claimed altogether & in Pain's Co. same regt.
Summer of same year in Capt. Nathaniel Carpenter Co. Col. Simon Cary's regt. Gen. Fellows Brigade to White Plains NY.  6 mos. service claimed 
Gen. Spencer's Expedition to Rho. Isle. in 1777 
2 months claimed.
Rolls not in Col.  Niles room - case can be admitted when service is certified from Massachusetts State Dept.
Identity & marriage proved by witnesses
Death certified by Cat.
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Secretary's Office Boston:
January 10, 1854
[Sir crossed out]
Mrs. Patience French
Madam,
I have made two [illegible] searches for Elkanah French and I can make to further evidence of [illegible] them given to you April 29, 1853.  I cannot find Elkanah French or Elkanah French Jr. or Elkaney French and although you late husband may have made all the service you claim, our records do not show it.  I am sorry that you are not able to make proof.  I am unable to help you this matter.
I am most cordially your obt. servt.
N. Lyman Strong 
Clerk of Pensions for the Secretary
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No. 38.716
Massachusetts
Act of June 1832
Elkanah French deceased
Adm. 8 mos. 15 days
private  $28.32 from March 1831 to 26 Augt. 1831 when he died; payable to the widow Patience French


No. 3496
Act 3 Feb. '53
Adm. Patience French
widow & c.  $28.32
per ann from 3 Feb. 1853
B. Cowell
Providence R. I.
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Brief in the case of Elkanah French decd. & Patience his widow
County and State of Massachusetts
act of 7 June, 1832 & 3 Feb. '53

Claim ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by roll?  If either, state the substance.
Service proved by record evidence.
Marriage & identity by witnesses as also death of husband 25 Aug. 1831.  The widow is therefore allowed the arrears under Act of 7 June 1832 to 25 August 1831 when her husband died.  She is also pensioned under Act of 3 February 1853, having been married since 1800.
(if for increase.)  Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and evidence of Agent
B. Cowell
Providence R. I. 
R. McRae Examining Clerk.
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Providence Sept. 23, 1853
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Patience French widow of Elkanah French for a pension under the [illegible] of the act of Congress Feb. 3, 1853.  I presume the original petition of her husband is on file in the House of Representatives to which she refers & may be examined if thought necessary & also the other evidence.  I take the liberty to add altho it is no doubt true that he served "four months" in the latter end of the year 1775 & the beginning of 1776 as he has stated in his petition but I believe he served the "two months" ["6 months" crossed out] of that service in Capt. John Pain's Co. & not all in Capt. Carpenter's .  It appears [illegible] by the rolls in my possession.  It appears he served 6 months in Capt. Carpenter's Co. & about two months in Capt. Pain's.  I presume you have these rolls, if not, I can send you copies.  The roll of Simon Cary's regiment in Gen. Fellows Brigade I
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am very certain is in the Pension Office and will confirm the statements of the applicant.  Elkanah French stated in his petition to Congress that he served "more than twelve months" & for this amount of service the widow claims a pension.
I am respectfully your obt. servt.
Benja. Cowell


Hon. L. P. Waldo
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Providence March 20 1854
Sir
In reply to your letter of January 25 [illegible] respecting the claim of Patience French widow of Elkany French, formerly Elkany Jr. for a pension under the act of Feb. 3, 1853, I herewith enclose further evidence from the Archives of Massachusetts.  The certificate of the Secretary of State proves 81/2 months service, but her husband in his petition to Congress December 24, 1830 asserts 12 months & produced evidence to prove it.  I hope therefore the whole amount of service may be allowed.  I have to express also that the arrears of pension which accrued from the 4 of March 1831 to Aug. 25 1831 when her husband died may also be allowed to her annuity to the provisions of the act of July 4 1836, which entitles her to such accruage.
I am respectfully your obt. servt.
Benj. Cowell

Hon. L. P. Waldo
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol Ss
I Cyrus M. Wheaton of Rehoboth in said County do certify and say that I am Town Clerk of said town and by virtue of my office have the custody of the records of births and marriages which have taken place in said town.  And I further certify that after a careful examination of said records, I cannot find the record of the marriage of Elkanah French to Patience Whitaker entered therein.
Cyrus M. Wheaton


Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss
July 20th 1853
Personally came before me the above-named Cyrus M. Wheaton known to me as the town clerk of the Town of Rehoboth in said County and made oath to the truth of the above certificate him signed.

Leml Morse Justice of the Peace
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I Matilda Bolkcom of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged seventy eight years do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Elkanah French late of Seekonk in said County and the husband of Patience French now his widow and I further testify and say that I was present at their marriage.  They were married by David Perry Esq. in the year AD 1804 on the nineteenth day of May.  I have a distinct recollection of this fact.  Her maiden name was Whitaker and her name at that time was Patience Whitaker and they lived together as man & wife until his death and she is now his widow.  Matilda Bolkcom

Bristol ss June 25th 1853
Subscribed & sworn before me and I further certify said Matilda Bolkcom is a credible witness.
William Ide Justice of the Peace
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I Jacob Bolkcom of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol in the State of Massachusetts aged eighty four years do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Elkanah French late of Seekonk in said County and the husband of Patience French now his widow and I further testify and say that I was present at their marriage.  They were married by David Perry Esq. in the year A.D. 1808 on the [illegible] nineteenth day of May.  I have a distinct recollection of this fact her maiden name was Whitaker and her name at that time was Patience Whitaker and they lived together as man and wife until his death and she is now his widow.
Jacob Bolkcom X his mark
Bristol ss June 28th 1853
Subscribed and sworn to before me and I further certify said Jacob Bolkcom is a credible witness.  William Ide Justice of the Peace
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Secretary's Office, Boston, September 22 1853
I here Certify That on the thirty first of March 1853 William Ide and on the nineteenth of October 1853 Lemuel Morse were appointed for the term of seven years each, Justices of the Peace for the County of Bristol.

in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their 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 Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County ss.  At a Court of Probate begun and held at Taunton in and for said County on the sixth day of January eighteen hundred and forty three, it was satisfactorily proved to said Court that Elkanah French late of Seekonk in said County deceased died on the twenty fifth day of August eighteen hundred and thirty one, that he had been a Revolutionary soldier and was the husband of Patience French who is his widow and is still living in said Seekonk.
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this sixth day of January eighteen hundred forty three.
A. Bassett
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(Copy)
William Daggett of Seekonk in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, laborer, makes oath and saith, that he was private in the company commanded by Captain Nathaniel Carpenter and a part of the time by Captain Samuel Carpenter, in the regiment I think commanded by Colonel Titcombe at Dorchester and Winter Hil in the State of Massachusetts in the year A. D. 1775 and 1776. and that I was acquainted with Elkanah French of said Seekonk who was a private in said company and served as such four months.  And that I also served as a private with said Elkanah French at New York in the year 1776 six months in Captain Nathaniel Carpenter's company in the regiment commanded by Colonel L. Cary and the Brigade commanded by General Fellows.  And that the said Elkanah French now lives in said Seekonk and within two miles of me.  And that he is poor and needy and stands in need of relief for the common comforts of life.
And further your affiant saith not.
Dated at Seekonk this 24th day of December AD 1830
William Daggett

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County Ss
Personally appeared the above named William Daggett and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed.
Before me
Allen Hunt Justice of the Peace
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Mrs. Elkanah French

[illegible]
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House of Rep. Washington Jany 4th 1830

Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 24 [illegible] yesterday with your memorial [illegible], I have presented to the House, and it is now before the appropriate Committee.  The Bill to which you refer, [illegible] the House and has not fully acted on in the Senate, was again this morning reported by the Committee on Military Pensions to the House.  It is under this Bill or some one of similar [illegible] that you and thousands [illegible] like you can hope for that relief that you deserve and ought to receive at the hands of your Country whose prosperity and strength may be [illegible] to the value and services of the soldiers of the Revolution.  I enclose the Bill with the [illegible] of my devotion to the cause of the soldier of the Revolution.
Yours with respect & esteem,
James L. Hodges
Elkanah French Esquire
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Patience French
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Providence September 23 1853
I Benjamin Cowell of the City of Providence in the State of Rhode Island do certify that about ten years ago Mrs. Patience French of Seekonk widow of Elkanah French placed in my hands several of the documents which she has now annexed to her declaration viz:  a copy of her said husband's petition to Congress, copy of William Daggett's affidavit, an original letter of the Hon. James L. Hodges then a member of the House of Representatives & the certificate of the Court of Probate of the time the said Elkanah died with the view to present her claim for some arrears of pension due her as his widow under the acts of Congress of June 7, 1832 and July 4, 1836.  But it appearing that the amount to be received was so small the claim was abandoned.
I also certify that I have a copy of a Roll of Capt. John Pain's Company, a Captain of Militia from Rehoboth, from which town Seekonk was subsequently taken & incorporated as a town; on which is borne the name of "Elkanah French Jr." her said husband's father being then living.  The Roll is headed thus "A List of Captain Pain's Company stationed on Winter Hill at Dorchester about two months dismissed April 1, 1776."  I have also copies of Rolls of Capt. Nathaniel Carpenter for six weeks service January 15, 1776 & also for the five months service in Col. Cary's regiment & General John Fellows Brigade at White Plains at New York on each of which is borne the name of Elkanah French Jr."
Benja. Cowell
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State of Rhode Island
Providence ss
In the City of Providence this twenty third day of September eighteen hundred and fifty three personally appeared Benjamin Cowell and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him signed.  I also certify that the statements of the said Cowell are entitled to full credence.
Before me Thomas C. Greene Justice of the Peace
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THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
Providence, SC.
Clerk's Office, Supreme Court,
Providence, September 23rd A. D., 1853

I Edwin Metcalf Clerk of the Supreme Court of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
Do Hereby Certify, that Thomas C. Greene Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature in the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his is genuine.
In Attestation Whereof, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.
Edwin Metcalf Clerk