Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 33323, John Holden, Continental Mass.
Page 1

SERVICE
Continental
Mass.
Holden, John.
NUMBER 
S. 33323
B.L. Wt.927-200 Lieut.
Issued May 1, 1792 to David Quinton assignee 
no papers.
CONTENTS
Page 2

[page one]
[written vertically] Notification sent Nov. 9th 1820 to Abijah Bigelow Worcester. Mass.
[page two]
Massachusetts Roll
died March 13 1828
1,701
died March 13 1828 [illegible] widow Jany 1827
John Holden
in Co Capt. Wheeler
Lieutenant
Massachusetts line
1775 to Nov. 178[paper torn]
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary [paper torn]
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence the 11th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 of June 1818. and sent to the War. Issac Parker, Worcester, Massa.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818.
4 months 24/30.
$96.00
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818
Continue
Leicester
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Lieutenant
John Holden
11 april Leicester
Correct DH
Page 4

State of Massachusetts County of Worcester
I John Holden a citizen of the United States, now resident at Leicester in the County of Worcester in the State aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, in April AD 1775
I entered and was engaged in the [illegible] service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to November AD 1783
as a a [sic] private, a sergeant and Ensign & ^ a Lieutenant against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence: that I belonged first to Captain Adam Wheeler's company and Thomas Nixons regiment being the 6th Massachusetts  & in January 1777 was commissioned an ensign in said company- in May 1782 was commissioned a Lieutenant in the same company and to continue until the end of the war-
and I left the service on in November AD 17 83 and was permitted to return home
and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of 65 years
And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.
[signed] John Holden
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this 11th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of March, A.D. 1818, personally appeareth [sic] before me, Isaac Parker Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts
the abovenamed John Holden and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the Judge, it appeareth [sic] to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.
Witnessed my hand & the Seal of said Count the day & year aforesaid
Isaac Parker C.J.S.C
[Paper seal]
Page 5

John Holden
1701
Leicester June 1818
Con
Page 6

Schedule of the Estate of John Holden of Leicester in the County of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of May 1. 1820.
1 large Rocking chair 1.50-| 6 dining chairs 2..00-| $3.50 
6 old kitchen chairs 2.00 | small looking glass 1..00 | 3..00
1 old desk 2.50 | 1 Warming pan | 2-3 foot table 2.- | 6..50
2 old kitchen tables $1..20 | 2 old chests 2.50--| 3..75
1 Brass kettle 3..00| 1 Iron kettle 2.50| 1 Iron pot.42 | 5..00
1 dish kettle 1..25-| 1 Skillet,25 | 2 dy Edg plates 67 | 2..17
3 old pewter platters,| 80 Milk pans, 60-- | 1..40
6 earthen Bowl,  48| 1 tea pot, 42  |2 pails 50-|1..70
2 [illegible] ..50 1 hoe, 42 1 Shovel $1..-----| 3..92
1 Scythe and Snaith 1..50 | [illegible] & 2 Wedges. 75-| 2.25
1 Case knives & forks 1..00 | 1 Trunk 2.25-----| 3..25
2 Earthen pots, 80 1/2 | set Tea cups & lances 30-| .60
3 Cider Barrels 1..00 | 6 silver tea=spoons 2..50-| *2.50
1 Swine 3.00 | 2 Bibles 2..00--| -5..00
2 Testaments .60 | 1 sickle 40 | 1 Rake 25 - | 1..25
1 pitchfork.. 42                                      |..42
47..13
 *Error |1..-
$48..13

My occupation is that of a farmer, and I have no means of supporting myself and family but by day labour [sic]. I have ten children in the whole, for with me and one Grandchild. Those in my family are Hannah, aged 18 years Edmond aged 16 years, Abigail aged 14 years, Asa aged 12 years, Susan aged 10 years, Mary aged 3 years, my grandchild aged 3 years as no mother living and her father has absconded to parts unknown to me, went off destitute of property. My children who have left me are not able to assist me in any measure, and those with me are not able to Support themselves.
[signed] John Holden.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CONTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
On this eleventh day of July 1820, personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record, within and for said County of Worcester, established as such by the laws of said Commonwealth, John Holden aged sixty eight years, resident in Leicester, in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: [handwritten] In the beginning of the War, I enlisted under Capt. Adam Wheeler, in Col. Doolittle's Regiment. In the for=part of the year 1777, I was appointed ensign in Capt. Wheeler's Company in the 6th Mass. Regt. commanded by Col. Nixon, and served in said Regt. until near the close of the War, except when on a detachment with the Marquis De La Fayette to Virginia, where I tarried about one year, and then returned to said Regt. and served until the close of the war. I was in the Battle at Bunker Hill; at Danbury ; when Burgoyne taken; when Cornwallis was taken and many others. Original declaration was made April 11. 1818; of pension certificate, 1701; [printed]and I do solemly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the Untied States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an 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," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
John Holden.
Sworn to and declared, on the eleventh day of July, 1820. before the said Court.
Attest, Abijah Bigelow. Clerk
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is forty eight dollars and thirteen cents.-
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this eleventh day of July.- 1820.
Abijah Bigelow. Clerk of the Court for the County of Worcester.
[seal]
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page one]
33323
Revy INVALID.
File No. 33,323
John Holden 
Lient [sic] Rev War
Act: 18th March 1818
Index:-Vol. 2, Page 231
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[page two] [handwritten]
1889
Jany 6. Dr Edgar Holden-history-pros
Feb, 1/90. Original [illegible] sent to Edgar Holden R. copy [illegible] M.Y.
mch. 4. 1903-Hist to
Helen Laning Barrett
Plattsburg NY
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In CONGRESS.
DELEGATES of the UNITED STATES of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Countries of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, TO John Holden Gentleman
We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour [sic], Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Ensign in The Regiment of [illegible] whereof Thomas Nixon is Colonel
in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defense of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duties of Ensign by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Ensign And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. Dated at Boston the first Day of January Anno Domini 1777
By order of the Congress,
John Hancock PRESIDENT [Signed]
ATTEST. Chas Thomson clk
Page 10

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN Congress ASSEMBLED
To John Holden Gentleman- Greeting.
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour [sic], Conduct and Fidelity DO by these present, constitute and appoint you to be Lieutenant in the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment -in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such- from the Seventeenth day of April 1779- You are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant- by doing and performing all manner of things thereto belonging. And we do Strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Lieutenant. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress forth a United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness His Excellency John Hanson Esq. President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia- the Seventeenth day of May- A.D. 1782 and in the Sixth- Year of our Independence.
John Hanson Presd
By Order of Congress
B Lincoln Secretary at War.
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THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
For John Holden Gent. Greeting We Preposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour [sic], and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitutes and appoint you to be an Ensign in the sixth Massachusetts Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank as Lieutenant from the 27th day of April 1778: You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty the of an Ensign- by doing and performing all nature of things thereto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue inforce [sic] until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness his Excellency Sam Huntington President of the Congress of the United States of America; at Philadelphia the 29 day of September 1779, and in the fourth Year of our Independence. -
Secretary of the Board of War
Sam Huntington President
Entered in the War Office and commend by the board  
Attest
Ben Stoddert.
Page 12

General Washington presents his Complements to L.' Holden and requests the favor of his Company at Dinner tomorrow at 3 o'clock
Monday Jany 27. Answer if you please

The above is a facsimile of the original sent this date to Edgar Holden M. W. Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co, 752. Broad W. Newark. N.J. by order of Commissioners. J&G 1/90.
C. W. Hiler
clerk CW and of DW
Feb 1/90

[Vertical left margin]
Original sent 75 Edgar Holden MD [Illegible] NJ
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(3-046.)
RECORD DIVISION
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., Jan. 24, 1890
To aid in tracing the claim referred to in the inclosed papers, THEY SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THIS OFFICE with answers as FULL AS POSSIBLE to the subjoining interrogations, which answers should be inserted on the blank lines below.
Any communications heretofore received from this office relative to the claim should also be returned.
Very respectfully,
GREEN B. RAUM,
Commissioner.
Dr Edgar Holden
752 Broad Dr.
Newark, N. J.
INTERROGATIONS.
1st. What is the claimant's full name and address, and what relation to the Soldier? Edgar Holden MD
Newark N.J.- Grandson
2d. What is the SOLDIER'S full name and address, his COMPANY and REGIMENT, and from what STATE did he enlist
John Holden 6th Reg Mass Continental Army Capt Adam Wheeler Co {Doolittle Col
Nixon Col
3d. Had he any other service than the one referred to, if so what?
was detached to Va under Gen Lafayette one year
4th. What No. (if any) was given to the claim by the Pension Office?
not Known
5th. When, or about when, was the claim filed?
April 1818 (or 1820?)
6th. If Pension has been paid, at what Agency?
Think my father Asa Hall Holden received his share but year forgotten & he is dead
(Signature:) Edgar Holden MD
18213 b-5m
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[stamp] TO CHF. [illegible] War DTV.
ACTION Fw [illegible]
JAN 28 1890
COMISSIONER.
[handwritten] 33323
File Number
Reg. no
[upside down stamp] O. W. & N
OSPS [In corners of Stamp]
FEB 1 1890
RECEIVED
SS
23
[stamp] FILE WITH CASE.
[stamp] US PENSION OFFICE FEB 5 1880
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6059 a.q.o. 1889.
Page 16

John Holden
He was b. Concord, Mass., 1753; was adjutant and lieut. of Joseph Read's reg. 24 Apr. 1775; ensign in Nixon's reg. sixteen months, and until com. 2d lieut. 17 Apr. 1778; com. 1st lieut. 13 Apr. 1780; in C. Smith's (96th) reg. 1781-82; present at the battle of Bunker's Hill; one of the storming party at Stony Point; brigade major in C. Greene's brigade in Sullivan's division in R.I. campaign of 1778-79, and served to the end of the war. He then settled in Holden, but removed to Leicester before 1804, and d. there 13 Mar. 1828. He m. Zipporah Hall in 1789. She d. Jan. 1827. [crossed out - He left a son Asa, who has numerous descendents.] a son
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13 Central Ave
Newark NJ
Dec 16 89
Adj Gen War sept-
Dear sir
Will you greatly oblige if in your power by giving me any information touching the revolutionary record of Major John Holden of Mass: the one from whom I inherit membership in the order of the Cincinnati is the one alluded in the printed slip enclosed this heirs received some sort of a pension or bounty some 12 or 14 years ago under a special act of Congress- this I state as a possible clue to his record. I think there were two of same name & then record has been conformed my ancestor was first promoted at Bunker Hill for gallantry. Any information you can find to Complete
Page 18

the record of the "Cincinnati" will be gratefully appreciated and any necessary Expenses cheerfully met
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully
Yr Ob Serv
Edgar Holden M D
late U. S. N.
13 Central Ave
Newark N.J.
Page 19

Search for which I will gladly remit the necessary Expense He Extended from Paxton Mass. I quote from ^ your report of Jan 6th " In Apr 1818 he was residing in Leicester Worcester Co Mass aged 65 years & stated that he served in the war of the Revolution from April 1775 without interruption or absences marked Nov 1783 as a Private Sergeant Ensign & Lieut" He married Zipporah Hall "Those in his family were Hannah are 18 Edward aged 16 Abigail 14 years Asa age 12 yrs (my father) Susan aged 10 Mary age 3" &c &c He died Mar 13 1828 
With thanks for past courtesy
I have the honor & be
Your Ob Serv
Edgar Holden
[stamp with the words "US PENSION OFFICE JUN 7 1890]
Page 20

Newark NJ
June 5 90
[Illegible - black stamp]
Hon Green B Raum
Dear Sir
   I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your [form] of the 20th May & to regret that my absences has delayed reply and still farther regret to trouble you again but unfortunately the party referred to is not the right man. 
   I take the liberty of returning the letter & would say that the John Holden I am after is the one whom you wrote me about Jan 6th 1890- He was in Capt. Adam Wheeler's Co. 6th Mass Reg Continental Army- The point I am after is to ascertain whether he filed his Commission when he applied for pension & whether you have it on record. 2nd whether he was as family tradition holds a Brigade Major at Close of War The last Commission Traced is that of Lieut Apr 17. 1778. 6th Mass I know the difficulties in the way and hoped to have called in person but trust that reference to the record.  Kindly forwarded me with you letter of Jan 6th. will aid in continuing the
90
Page 21

This certifies that Capt. John Holden is now a resident of the town of Leicester, He is an aged man & infirm. He is in Indigent Circumstances, having a large family to support. We therefore recommend him as having every requisite claim to the pension, and hope his name will soon be placed upon the pension left   

Leicester April , 1878  
[signed]
Anthony Flint
Henry Sargent
Samuel Watson
John King 

Selectmen of Leicester
Page 22

Dr Edgar Holden S J
Revy March 22 1890
John Holden Map
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE MAR 24 1890
Page 23

To the records of the Cincinnati and the latter is of importance only to my boys
I have the honor & be
Yr Ob Serv
Edgar Holden M D
Dr Edgar Holden
Page 24

13 Central Ave
Newark N J
Mar 22 90
[Black Stamp: PENISION OFFICE US A MAR 24 1890]
Hon Green B. Raum
Com Pensions
Dear Sir
I add to the obligation under which your Esteemed form of the 6th of Jany last has placed me may I ask you to inform me whether my grandfather John Holden of the 6th Mass reg Continental Army received the pension applied for as Lieutenant or Captain? Whether his Commission was filed in your office- if so whether I could be granted possession as in Case of the letter of Gen Washington heretofore received I trust you will not regard this as presuming to much on your forbearance but the first question is of importance to
Page 25

[mostly printed] O. W. & N Div.
McG. Ex'r.
CW
Old War Inv No. 33323 Filed
John Holden
Co. Reg't
Return this letter with your reply.
[Letterhead]
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C. Feby 1st 1890
[handwritten]
Sir:
In reply to the enclosed letter & forward herewith General Washington's written invitation to Lieut Holden to dine with him. This paper was on file in above noted pension case
Please acknowledge receipt in back of this letter.
Very Respectfully
Green B Raum
Commissioner
Edgar Holden M.D.
752 Broad St
Newark N.J.
over
Page 26

Newark N J.
Feb 4th 1890
Hon Green B Raum
Dear Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor enclosing the letter of Gen Washington & my Grandfather and to thank you most heartily for the same
Edgar Holden MD
Late [illegible] USN
Page 27

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE JAN 10 1890
Page 28

Newark NJ
Jan 8 90
Hon G. B. Raum
Com
Dear Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th with valuable information Concerning major Holden and to thank you for the Same. Any Expenses incurred will be cheerfully met
Your Very Truly
Edgar Holden MD
Page 29

36 Lorraine St.
Plattsburgh N. Y. 
Pensions Bureau: Dept Int.
Dear Sir:
I have been told that Gerritt J. Lauring, son of Elvanus Lauring, who was probably born at Battle Kill Wash. Co. N. Y. and enlisted either from that place, or Perryville N. Y. participated in the capture of Burgoyne, and later received a pension Can you give me any information?
Page 30

Also, one John Holden, from Cayuga Co. N. Y. who I am told was a Lieut. in the war of the Rev. Any information about both of these ancestors, I shall be very gratified for, and shall be pleased to pay any expenses
Respectfully
Helen Lauring Burritt
Reg. D. A. R. 
Feb. 22-1903
Page 31

Possibly Elvanus Lauring may have served also.
[stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE D FEB 24 1993
Page 32

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE A JAN 11 1890
Page 33

The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co.
752 Broad Street.
Newark, N.J. January 10th, 1890.
Hon. Green B. Raum, Com.
Dear Sir:-
I am exceedingly desirous of obtaining the original invitation from Gen'l Washington to my grandfather, Lt. Holden, alluded to in your recent favor of the 6th inst.
"Gen'l Washington presents his compliments to Lt. Holden and requests the favor of his company to dinner tomorrow at 3 o'clock. Monday July 27"[Handwritten note: Can you not grant this?]
As this paper can be of no official value as endorsement to the old claim for pension, I trust that you will be able to consign it to my care. I am the holder of his eagle in the "Cincinnati" Mass. and member of same by hereditary right.
Trusting to have a favorable reply,
I remain 
Yours Truly,
Edgar Holden MD
Med Director