Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5121, for Jonathan Nichols, Massachusetts
Page 1

(8--1776)
SERVICE Mass.
Nichols, Jonathan Prudence. 
NUMBER S. 5121
B.L. 84.065 - 160-55
CONTENTS  [section empty]
Page 2

[printed form with hand written responses] 
2622 Massachusetts
================
Jonathan Nichols 
of Worcester in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain ------ of the Rgt commanded by Col Whitney in the Mass line for 7 months
================ 
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
================ 
Certificate of Pension issued the 3d. day of Decr. 1832 and deliv'd to I. Davis of Worcester Massachusetts
================ 
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 ____ $34.99
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 March "33 11.69
=====
$ 46.68
===== 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. D. Addison, Clerk, 
Book D  Vol. 2  Page 69

286319 [written vertically bottom towards top of page in center of bottom of page]
Page 3

[left side of page -- at top] H. Woodman. Feb: 2d. /58. 
" Esqr Sept. 13th /58 Bull

[left side of page -- at bottom] Vol A page 92

[right side of page] 
706.319  Act March 3 /58. JnE 23 /58
--------------------------------- 
Prudence Nichols. wid of Jonathan Nichols, pri
--------------------------------- 
Capt Saml Hubbard Col _____________ 
Revolution
------------ 
[unreadable very small print] $ 26.22 $168.94 
AO: 160 AC, Oct. 20 /58 Bryth Specl. B.
-------------- 
H Woodman Boston Mass. 

[written vertically in center of bottom margin, initials: AM] 
[written diagonally across the top half of right side of page, bottom towards top right corner, over other writing]  Wfp AP. 8406 s of Oct 23/58
Page 4

[printed form with hand written responses] 
DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Worcester, Y OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this 14 day of August in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty Two personally appeared in open Court, before Nathl Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester now sitting Jonathan Nichols a resident of Holden in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
In July 1776 I went as a malitia [militia] man into the service for two months, was in a  company command by Capt. Washburn of Leicester in the regiment commanded by Col Whitney of Harvard. the other company officers were from Worcester but I do not recollect their names nor the names of the other officers of the regiment. We were stationed at a point of land in Dorchester and I helped raise a breastwork opposite the [light house -- crossed out] Castle or Fort Independence as it is now called in Boston Harbor [and I saw the Enemy -- inserted] [unreadable] I next entered [unreadable] service in the capacity aforesaid in Oct. as nearly as I can recollect 1776. in a company commanded by Lt. Jabez Fairbank of Harling. The [Capt. -- inserted] was not in command being sick and I do not think I ever saw or knew him. The regiment was command by Col Converse of Brookfield and the Lt Col's  name was Sawyer. We marched to Dobbs [Ferry -- inserted] & Tarry-town in New York being stationed at Dobbs's ferry mostly. We were also at a place called Croatner's Manor  and Croatner's bridge and at the End of two months I left the service. I next Entered the service for three months in 1777, the Exact day I do not recollect, in a company commanded by Capt Samuel Hubbard of Halden, whose Lt. was Holbrook & his Ensign was a Worcester man but I do not recollect his name. We arrived at Bennington the day after the fight under Stack, we then marched to Manchester, thence back to White creek, thence to Cambridge & thence to North Point to join the army against Burgoyne where we remained until after his surrender. The company was in the Engagment [Engagement] & commanded by Sergeant McCracken the officers being sick. [unreadable] Warner was our General & I well remember Gates, Arnold and many other officers. From all these Engagments I was honorably discharged after serving the Entire time but never had any written evidence of it nor have I any written Evidence of the service or discharges

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.  Jonathan Nichols [signature] 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Nathl Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester [signature]

Insm [in bottom left corner of page]
Page 5

[written vertically bottom towards top of page in upper right corner of page: 1161.4 ]

[printed form with hand written responses] 
We a Clergyman residing in the and residing in hereby certify that we are well acquainted with who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

[the following printed lines are crossed out in the original: And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.]

Nathl Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester [signature] 

I Theophilus Wheeler Register, [Clerk -- crossed out] of the Court of Probate --- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Nichols -- for a pension & that the before named Alexander Denton is a Justice of the Peace for said County in full credit. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two.

Theophs. Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts [signature]
Page 6

APPLICATION OF  
widow of 286.319 Jonathan Nichols
for a 160 acre warrant.
Act of March 20, 1835.
Revy War. 

Warrant [rest of lines at bottom of page are unreadable]
Page 7

[printed form with hand written responses] 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
-----
Secretary's Office, Boston, Jany. 19 1858

I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestations hereunto annexed, Geo. Edd. Rice was a Justice of the Peace for the County, and Charles Chaffin and Aaron C. Winter were Justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester 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 of which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written. F. Demill Secretary of the Commonwealth. [signature] 

[round seal with jagged edges attached to bottom left corner of page]
Page 8

[printed form with hand written responses] 
State of Massachusetts, County of Suffolk
On this twenty fifth day of November, A.D. 1857. personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Timothy Parker ---- , a resident of Holden ---- in Massachusetts, who being duly sworn according to law, declared that he is the legal guardian [and next -- inserted] [unreadable] of Prudence Nichols who is insane and the widow of the [only minor child of -- crossed out] Jonathan Nichols deceased, who was a private in the Companies commanded by Captain Samuel Hubbard, Lt. William Muzzey, Maj. Danl. Clapp in the Regiment ---- commanded by Col. Job Cushing & also under Capt. John Wallace [unreadable] Col Henry.} in the [war with Great Britain, declared by the United States, on the 18th day of June, 1812, -- crossed out] [Revolutionary War -- inserted] that the said Jonathan Nichols [was drafted at -- crossed out] enlisted on or about the fifth day of Septr. A.D. 1777 -- for [the term of -- crossed out] an uncertain time and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of 2 yrs. & 2 mos. and was honorably discharged at a place [on or about the -- crossed out] unknown [day of -- crossed out] to applicant, [A.D.18 -- crossed out] as will appear by reference to the rolls, that he received no printed or written discharge, and that neither he, nor his widow, nor the said [minor -- crossed out] guardian ever received or applied for, or is or are entitled to bounty land for any other service, [except that received for the same service under the act of September 1850, a 40 acre warrant, No. which has been sold and cannot be returned. -- crossed out] 

He further states that the mother of said minor, was married to the said Jonathan Nichols in on the day of 18, by a and that her name before her said marriage was and that she died at on or about the day of 18, that the said died at on the day of 18, proof of which will be found on file with the said previous application, -- that he makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which the said minor may be entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3, 1855, and that he prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for him to Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass.  Timothy Parker [signature] Guardian of Prudence Nichols

Subscribed and duly sworn to, the day and year first above written. I certify that he and the said [minor -- crossed out] [widow is -- inserted] the identical person above described. I have no interest in the case. 
Geo. Edward Rice [signature] {Justice of the Peace.
Page 9

[printed form with hand written responses]
State of Massachusetts, County of Worcester,
We Paul Davis and Jacob Howard having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Jonathan Nichols who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Timothy Parker, Guardian of whose widow now applies for bounty land, -- that we knew him for more than forty (40) years before his death, which occurred at Holden, Massachusetts, about twenty years ago, -- that we know that he died about that time because* we then lived in the said town of Holden and know it by conversation with others at the time, and general report. --- that we are residents of Holden in the County of Worcester. --- that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried, -- that her declaration was signed and acknowledged by her [Guardian --inserted] in our presence, -- that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, -- and that we are disinterested. 
Paul Davis [signature] Jacob Howard [signature] 

Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this thirty first day of December A.D. 1857  Charles Chaffine [signature] } Justice of the Peace.

It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Paul Davis and Jacob Howard of the said county and state, who are personally known to me, who are entitled to credit, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Prudence Nichols is the widow, remaining unmarried ---- of the late Jonathan Nichols, who was a revolutionary soldier, and that the said Jonathan Nichols died at Holden, Massachusetts, on or about the twenty second day of October, A.D. 1837. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Thirty first day of December 1857 I have no interest in this case.     Charles Chaffine [signature] Justice of the Peace.

* "We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.
Page 10

[printed form with hand written responses] 
State of Massachusetts County of Worcester Town of West Boylston
(a) The following persons I have joined together in marriage the year past viz -- Jonathan Nichols of Holden and Prudence Headley of West Boylston.  Barnabus Davis Jus Peace [signature] November Eleventh Eighteen hundred and Seventeen

I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows: -- (b)  "1817. November 11"  Horatio Houghton T. Clerk [signature] 

I, Horatio Houghton above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, county, and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said city, with the exception above named, as certified by me.  Horatio Houghton } [signature] 

Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this twenty six day of November A. D. 1857. I have no interest in this case. Aaron E. Winter Justice of the Peace [signature] 
---------------------------------------------------- 
(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the records, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full
(b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.
Page 11

[printed form with hand written responses] Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
-----
Copy of a Certificate of search Made April 11th 1856 in Case of Jonathan Nichols. 
Secretary's Office, Boston: Nov. 25th 1857.
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 Jonathan Nichols is borne on pay roll of Capt. Samuel Hubbard's Comp. Col. Job Cushing's Regt. from Sept. 5th. to Nov. 29th. 1777 8 mos. 5 days. as private, travel included. 
Also on pay roll of Lieut. William Mussey's Comp. Major Daniel Clupp's Regt of Guards, at the 13 weeks in Rutland from July 5, 1778 11 days as private.
Also on pay roll of Capt Joshua Walker's Comp. Col. Samuel Denney's Regt from Oct. 22 to Nov. 16, 1779 1 month 11 days as private travel included.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. F. DeMill [signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 12

Jonathan Nichols
Forwarded by J Davis
Holden, Worcester Co. Mass
No 1911
Page 13

[printed form with hand written responses] 
BRIEF in the case of Jonathan Nichols of Worcester Co. in the State of Massachusetts 
(Act 7 June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? Eighty Two
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 

[table with 6 columns and 4 rows including row of column headings]
[column headings] Period. | Duration of Service. Years, | Months, | Days. | Rank. As a | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen. 
[row 2] In 1776 |  | 2 |  | Private |  Col. Whitney
[row 3] "76 |  | 2 |  | " |  Col Converse
[row 4] "77 |  |3 |  | " |  Capt. Hubborne

5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Worcester Mass.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. C. D. Addison [signature] Examining Clerk.
Page 14

3d. Auditor's Office Oct 16. 1858.
Sir:
Jonathan Nichols, Massa: roll. Act 7 June 1832, at $23.33/100 per annum, appears to have been paid to Sept. 4. 1837.
Very Resp'y R J Morrison, Auditor [signature] 

Geor C. Whitney Esqr. Commr of Pensions } [signature]
Page 15

Pension Office Oct: 15 /58
Sir.
Be pleased to certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid or the date of his death.
Yours Respectfully. Geo. C. Whiting [signature] 
Commis. Gen. 
Mr E. Mathews
R. J. Atkinson Esqr.
[unreadable]
Page 16

Free [in upper right corner of page beside postal stamp]
[round postal stamp: Boston -- rest unreadable]
Commissioner of Pensions.  
Washington D.C. 

286.319 [written vertically bottom towards top of page in center of left margin on page]
Page 17

Jonathan Nichols Died 22d. Oct: 37.
No Pen: Apl. Av. for bounty land, if death Alpies
B.
Page 18

Jonathan Nichols died
Jonathan Nichols [Nichols written over another word -- unreadable] 
185 [ very faint]  286.819 [underlined]
No of Lusfiles  Oct 4th 58 [Oct written over word "Off"]
Boynton Jan 25/58 

[written vertically bottom towards top of page in upper left margin: Refo Oct 4/58]

[written vertically top towards bottom of page in center of page: To Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.] 

[written vertically top towards bottom of page in bottom right corner of page: Official Business FREE]

[postal stamp in center of bottom of page: Boston 30 -- rest unreadable]
Page 19

84.065
160 acres
Page 20

[printed form with hand written responses] 
[written in top left corner of page: Rev War] 

5121 [checkmark inserted] INVALID.
-----
File No. 5121
Joathan [Jonathan] Nichols Privt Rev War
-----
Act: June 7" 1832.
Index:-- Vol. M, Page 275
[Arrangement of 1870.] [square brackets in original]
Page 21

Feby -- 16 -- 1901
E. P. Simpson 
Chicago Ills. [underlined]
Page 22

Jonathan Nichols
1911 [underlined] 
Private 7 Mos Admd $23 33
Hon I Davis House of Reps 
Worcester [crossed out] Co Mass
Page 23

[printed form with hand written responses]
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jonathan Nichols which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 24

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Y
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
---------

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ---- year ---- months, and ---- days, I served as a ---- . For ---- months and ---- days, I served as a ----- ;  and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 25

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [about three or four months -- in italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

+QUERE XIV.  [Proof of Service -- in italics]
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed. 

++QUERE XVI. [Mode of authenticating papers. -- in italics] 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 26

Nathl. Taylor's
Affidavit
Page 27

I Nathaniel Taylor of Sterling in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, testify and say that I am Seventy six years old; that in the year 1776. I belonged to a Company of Militia, commanded by one Capt. Goss of Lancaster in said County. Jabor Fairbank of that part of said Lancaster called Chocksett, now Sterling, was one of the Lieutenants of said Company. Some time [in -- inserted] the summer of said year, the month I do not recollect, I volunteered as a soldier in said Company [inserted -- for the term of three months. I think and, I with the other soldiers of said Company met at the Inn of Ezra Braman in West Baytator hegs. where the roll was called and we marched through the town of Worcester in said County. -- through the State of Connecticut to Dobbs' Ferry and Terry-town in New York, being the principle part of the time at said Dobbs' Ferry. We crossed the River to New Jersey just before the British came down the River and took our places; but they remained there but a short time;-- we returned back over the River, and marched to a place called Croatner's Maynor, or Croatner's bridge; and after the expiration of said term I was dismissed; that the Regiment was commanded by Colo. Converse of Brookfield. the Lieut. Colo's name was Sawyer of Lancaster;-- that Jonathan Nichols now a resident of Holden in said County was a soldier in said Company, and was present when the Roll was called at said Braman's Inn; and he continued to perform service in said Company, the term of time I do not recollect. [as above stated -- inserted] but recollect seeing him at Croatner's Bridge, when we were dismissed, and our [word crossed out] packs were put into the baggage wagon together & sent home. Nathanel Taylor [signature] 

Worcester Ss. August 11th 1832.
Then personally appeared the above named Nathaniel Taylor, subscribed and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit; and I certify that said Taylor is known by me and is a credible Witness. Alex. Dustin Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 28

I Artemas Dryden of Holden in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 75 years do on oath testify and say that in the fall of 1777 I belonged to a company of Militia commanded by Samuel Hubbard of Holden in the regiment commanded by Job Cushing of Shrewsbury, which company was detached from the militia to march against Burgoynes army and we arrived at Bennington the day after the battle fought by Stark and his men. We proceeded by the way of Manchester, White Creek & Cambridge to North River and joined the army and cooperated with it until after the surrender. We then descended the river to White Plains and were discharged a little above Kings bridge in N. York. Jonathan Nichols of Holden was a member of said company and faithfully served during the whole term of three months for which we were detached and was honorably discharged. I also testify and say that I was in the service at Dorchester near Boston in 1776 at the time represented by the said Nichols in his declaration and saw him there in the service but not being in the same company I cannot say how long he was there and I also state that he has always been reputed to be a soldier of the revolution. I further state that he & I have always lived in Holden & he is Esteemed a man of truth Artemis Dryden [signature] 

Sworn and examined the 14th day of August A.D. 18832 Before Nathl Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester [signature]
Page 29

At Worcester Ss. Augt 7. 1832 
Then personally appeared Art Dryden who subscribed the within in my presence and made oath to the truth of the same and I certify that he is known to me and is a credible witness
Before me John Davis Justice of the Peace [signature] 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts -- Worcester Ss. 
I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that Alexander Dustin, Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavit of Nathaniel Taylor, and that Samuel Daman, Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of Samuel Rowe, and that the Hon. John Davis before whom the foregoing affidavit of Artemas Dryden, were made and sworn to, are Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester, and that their signatures appear to me to be in their own proper hand writing --

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the County Seal, this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. Abijah Bigelow, Clerk. [signature]
Page 30

I Samuel Rowe of Holden in the County of Worcester and CommonWealth of Massachusetts. A revolutionary Pensioner Aged 75 years, do on Oath Testify & say that I was in the Army of the Revolution nearly five years and that in the year 1776 I was stationed at a place in Cambridge near Boston called Winter hill. that went to Dorchester point a short time before the British evacuated Boston and there saw Jonathan Nichols, who was in the service as stated in the Declaration made by him the Sd Nichols - Witness Sam Daman.  Sam his X mark Rowe

Worcester S.S. August 13, 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Samuel Rowe. subscribed by his mark and made oath to the truth of the above deposition and I certify that the Sd. Row is known by me and is a creditable witness. 
Samuel Daman Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 31

Worcester ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Probate Court at Worcester on the 14th day of August A.D. 1832.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & serves as he states.

Nath. Paine } Judge of the Court of Probate for Worcester Co. [signature] 

I Theophis Wheeler Register of Probate for the County of Worcester do hereby certify that the foregoing are the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Artemas Dryden for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the Court of Probate of Probate [words repeated in original] this 14th day of August AD. 1832. Theophis Wheeler [signature] Register of Probate for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts 

[remains of a round seal in center of left margin of page]
Page 32

Boston, Sept. 8, 1858.
Sir. In the case of Prudence widow of Jona. Nichols. No. 286319, act of '55, I wrote to your office on the 15th day of last June asking for a  copy of your letter of suspension which had been mislaid or lost. 
To this request I have had no reply. 
Yr. Obt. Svt. Horatio Woodman [signature and underlined] 

To the Comr. of Pensions.
M Steven Mombly. [signature] 

[written at angle from bottom left to top right of page, in bottom right corner of page]  This case has never reached the examiner [underlined] Revolutionary claim in hands of Mr Boynton.
Page 33

Act 1855. Claim of Prudence Nichols Widow of Jonathan No. 286,319
-----
To Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the proof Called for in this case. The Husband Jonathan Nichols was a Pensioner of Holden Mass. There can be no doubt in this case now the facts are obtained.
Respectfully Yours Horatio Woodman [signature] J. P.
Page 34

Prudence Nichols 
Setter  J.
Page 35

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
-----
Secretary's Office, Boston, Sept. 29 1858. & etc.

I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestations hereto annexed Thomas Kinnicutt was Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester and Cyrus Chenery was a ----- Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester ---- 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 of which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written. Oliver Warner. [signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.

[round seal attached in bottom left corner of page]
Page 36

I. Timothy Parker, a resident of Holden in Worcester County State of Massachusetts, being duly sworn, depose and say That I received the appointment of Guardianship, from the Judge of Probate of Worcester County, and gave the required Bond as in such cases are required by law, that the Letter of Guardianship attached to this affidavit, is the original -- and identical paper and Guardianship granted to me, and that Prudence Nichols is the widow of Jonathan Nichols deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States, and resided in Holden Massachusetts. Timothy Parker [signature] 

State of Massachusetts Worcester County Ss.
On this twenty Eighth day of September A.D. 1858, personally appeared Timothy Parker, a credible person and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true
Cyrus Chenery Justice of the Peace. [signature]
Page 37

I, James Dodd and I. Lois P. Parker, residents of Holden in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, of lawful age, having been duly sworn depose and say That we each of us were well and personally acquainted with Jonathan Nichols, a Late pensioner who lived and died in the Town of Holden aforesaid that he was known to us more than ten years previous to his death, and we knew him to be a pensioner, and that he died about Twenty years ago, we think in the year 1837 or 1838, were intimately acquainted with Jonathan Nichols and Prudence Nichols widow of the Said Jonathan  that she has not married since the death of her said husband, and are informed that her claim to Bounty Land is Suspended.  and we know that the said Prudence Nichols is the widow of the said Jonathan Nichols who was a Pensioner of this Town, and we have no interest whatever 
James Dodd [signature] Lois P. Parker [signature] 

State of Massachusetts Worcester County. Ss.
On this twenty Eighth day of September A.D. 1858, personally Came Before me James Dodd and Lois P. Parker, credible persons to me well known, who severally subscribed the foregoing affidavit, and made oath to the same as being true, and I have no interest. 
Cyrus Chenery [signature] Justice of the Peace
Page 38

[printed form with hand written responses] 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By the Honorable THOMAS KINNICUTT, Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Worcester. To Timothy Parker, of Holden, in the County aforesaid, GREETING.

WHEREAS, it hath been made to appear to me necessary, that a Guardian be appointed to Prudence Nichols, of said Holden an insane person, And whereas, after due proceedings had in the premises, it hath been decreed by said Court, that such guardianship be granted to you. And now, having given bond for the faithful discharge of that trust, in pursuance of said decree, I ordain, constitute and appoint you, Guardian, with all the powers, and subject to all the liabilities, in that behalf provided by the laws of this Commonwealth.

You are, agreeably to law and the condition of your bond, to make a true inventory of all the real estate, and all the goods, chattels, rights and credits of your said ward, that shall come to your possession or knowledge, and return the same into the Probate Court for said County of Worcester, within one year; you are to dispose of and manage all such estate according to law, and for the best interest of said ward, and faithfully to discharge said trust in relation thereto, and also in relation to the custody, and maintenance of said ward; you are to render an account, on oath, of the property in your hands, including the proceeds of all real estate sold by you as Guardian aforesaid, and of the management and disposition of all such property, within one year after your appointment to said trust, and as often as once in three years at least, and at such other times as the Judge of Probate shall direct; and at the expiration of said trust, you are to settle your accounts with the Judge of Probate, or with said ward or her legal representatives, and to pay over and deliver all the estate and effects remaining in your hands, or due from you on such settlement, to the person or persons who shall be lawfully entitled thereto. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of said Court, at Worcester, the fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six. T. C. Kinnicutt [signature]