Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,011, Jonathan Downing, N.H.
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(8-1776)
SERVICE                          NUMBER
Downing, Jonathan        W.16.011
Alice                                 B.L.WN. 3052-100
                                        Issued Apr. 25, 1798 to
                                        Daniel Gookin, assignee
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800   (34)
New Hampshire
Jonathan Downing
Private New Hampshire Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
(Illegible) sent to Peter Chadwick Exeter, N.H. 17th July 1820
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 17th, of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2d. of June 1818 and sent to D.M. Durrell Esq. Dover, N.H.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1818 (crossed out) 4 months 18/30 $36.80
{Revolutionary claim Act 18th March, 1818}
87 Years 
Continued
Durham Strafford at (illegible) N.H.
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6612  (36)
New Hampshire
Alice Downing
Jonathan Downing
Reported to Agent Let. To D. Murray May 12, 1842
(crossed out)
and who died on the 21, Dec. 1826 of Rockingham Co. in the State of N. Hampshire who was a Saratoga. Major in the company commanded by Captain N.H. of the - commanded by - in the N.H. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of N.Hampshire at the rate of 120 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of April 1862 and sent to Mrs. Tristan  Shaw, House of Representatives 
At tears to the 4th of March 1861 $600.00
(crossed out)
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk.
Book A. Vol. 1 Page 38
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STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE}          (2)
Strafford Ss.
On this 31st day of March 1818, before me the subscriber, Chief Justice of the Courts of Common Pleas for the First District in said State, personally appeared Jonathan Downing aged 72 years, resident in Durham in the County of Strafford in said district, who being by me duly sworn, according to law, did, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:”
That he the said Jonathan Downing enlisted in said service in June 1775 in the state of New Hampshire in the company commanded by Captain Benjamin Titcomb of the 2d. New Hampshire Regiment to serve eight months that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the month of January 1776 when he again enlisted in the same company to serve one year and some time in November of the same year he enlisted in the same company to serve during the war  & that he continued in the corps from June 1775 till when he was discharged from service in Newburgh state of New York June 1783 during all (crossed out) which time he was a non commissioned officer more then that was in the battles of Trenton - (illegible) Hubberstown - Stillwater two battles and (illegible) and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; (crossed out)
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
I, DANIEL M. DURELL, Chief Justice of the Courts of Common Pleas for the district in the State of New Hampshire, as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Jonathan Downing did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and now I transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of said Court of Strafford in said district, to be affixed to the same, this seventeenth day of April A.D. 1818
Dan. Waldron Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Strafford
D. M. Durelle
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I William Twombly of Dover in the County of Strafford & State of New Hampshire depose & say, that I served in the second Regt. of the New Hampshire line, in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war, from Novem. 1775 until July 1780, a principal part of which time I was a commissioned officer in said Regt. - there I am well acquainted with Jonathan Downing of Durham in the said County of Strafford, whose declaration is hereto   prefixed & do know that the said Downing was in service in Capt. Benjamin Titcomb’s company & Reg. aforesaid as early as Novem. 1775 that he continued in it so long as I remained in said service & that here remained there in July 1780, when I left it and then was a for a long time before had been Sgt. Major of said Regt. And I have always under stood & do verily believe that the said Downing continued in said service until June 1783.
Wm. Twombly
Strafford Ss April 28th 1818 
Then William Twombly made a oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is just & true before me
D.M. Durell Jus. Peace
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Jonathan Downing
2 June 1818
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STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 
ROCKINGHAM SS.
On this first Tuesday day of July AD, 1820, personally appeared in open court, before the Justices of the Court of the Common Pleas Holden at Portsmouth and for said County in the first District (crossed out) being a Court of Record for the said County of (crossed out) having the power of fine and imprisonment
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SCHEDULE 
CONTAINING the whole estate and income of Jonathan Downing (his necessary clothing and bedding expected,) by him subscribed, exhibited to the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Rockingham, on the first Tues-day of July 1820, and annexed to his oath, viz. 

Son of Downing 

Rockingham and Court of Com Please July 4th 1820
We the Subscriber Justice of said Court do hearby certify that in our Opinion the above Schedule is correct. 

John Harvey 
Hall Burgh
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     [???] 2.
Alice Downing
and of Jonathan
    N.H.
Act July 7 1838
d. 1824.  married 1785.
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I Seth R. Shackford of Newmarket in the County  of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire depose and say, that I am a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Rockingham, that I was born in Newington in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, in the neighborhood of the Rev. Joseph Adams late Minister of said Newington who was my Great Grandfather, that I resided in that neighbourhood upwards of fourteen years, and have ever since that period resided within ten miles of that place, that I am acquainted with the said Rev. Joseph Adams hand writing, I have frequently examined his ministerial or Church cords, and find therein recorded the following record namely, 
Church records of Newington Anno Domini 1715. 16 Nov:
The Rev. Mr Joseph Adams was ordained Pastor of said Church,
Also in the same book, and amongst other record of marriage is the following record namely- 
"Feb 10th. 1774. Mr Jonathan Downing & Miss Alice Nutter  both of Newington, married.."
The record of marriages are continued in the same book, and in the hand writing of the said Rev. Joseph Adams to July 3rd. 1782-
I have been acquainted with Jonathan Downing and Alice Downing his wife of the said Jonathan Downing from my earliest recollection till the period of his death, which took place the twenty first day of December A.D. 1824, that the said Jonathan Downing and Alice his wife both resided in
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said Newington prior and at the time of their marriage, several years after their marriage, that the said Jonathan Downing was a revolutionary pensioner for many years prior and at the time of his death, that the said Alice who is now the applicant for the pension is the widow of the said Jonathan Downing, and has remained unmarried ever since the death of her husband the said Jonathan Downing.

December 20th, 1837              Seth R. Shackford 

                State of New-Hampshire 
Rockingham Ss.          Newmarket Dec. 20 1837
Then personally appeared the above named Seth Shackford and made solemn oath, that the above declaration my him subscribed is just and true 
Before me. Bradbury Bartlett
Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas
for said County 

State of New Hampshire 
Rockingham Ss.   December 20th 1837 
I do hereby certify that the within named Seth R. Shackford is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Rockingham-
Bradbury Bartlett
Judge of the Court of 
Common Please for said County
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State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss. J. J. Bartlett Hoitt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Rockingham hereby certify that the Hon Bradbury Bartlett who has subscribed the foregoing certificates and whom the foregoing declaration of was sworn to, was on the twentieth day of December Instant, and still is a Judge of said Court of Common Pleas, duly Commissioned and qualified as such, that full faith and credit should and ought to be given to all his official acts as such, that the signatures thereto purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our Court of Common Pleas this twenty first day of December Anno Domini 1837 J.B. Hoitt Clerk C. C. J. R. County hereby certify that we have, this eighth of August, 1839, examined the preceding nineteen pages with the original papers in this office and find them to be correctly copied Rezin Orme S.S. D. Elliot Clk P. Office
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the section of act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 State of New Hampshire, Rockingham Co. W. On this twentieth day of December, A.D. 1837 personally appeared before me Bradbury Bartlett, Esq. one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Rockingham have at Newmarket in said County Alice Downing now resident in said Newmarket aged eighty years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July the 4th 1836. that she is the widow of Jonathan Davie who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution and served as a soldier in the army for the term about eight years he enlisted at the commencement and served till the close of the war, that he received a pension an the United States for his Revolutionary services by virtue of the act of Congress passed as she believes in 1818 up to the time of his death which happened in the 2d day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four. She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Downing on the tenth day of February in the year of our Lord one there and seven hundred and seventy four that he died on the 21st day of December A.D. 1824, at New Market aforesaid and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will now fully appear by reference to proof hereto annexed. she was moved to the said Jonathan Devining by the Rev Joseph Adams of Newington in said County of Rockingham who has lay since been her Attes to Signature Seth R Shackfod Alice Downing Bradbury Bartlett, mark
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State of New Hampshire, Rockingham, ⎬ Newmarket Decr 20 A.D. 1837 Then personally appeared Alice Downey and made solemn oath that the above declaration by her subscribed is just and true Before me Bradbury Bartlett Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County. I hereby certify that the within named Alice Downing by reason of bodily infirmity is not able to attend Court December 20, AD. 1837 Bradbury Bartlett, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County I certify that Alice Downing who subscribed the within declaration sustains a good moral character and is entitled to full belief - December 20, 1837 Bradbury Bartlett, Judge of the Court Common Pleas for said County State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss I Bartlett Hitt, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Rockingham hereby certify that the Hon. Brad bury Bartlett who has subscribed the foregoing certificates is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Rockingham duly commissioned and qualified as such, that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such, that the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas this 21st day of December, Anno Domini 1837 L. J. B. Hoitt, Clerk C.C. Pleas Rockingham County
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Jonathan Downing was born November 3d 1746 Died December 21st 1824. Aged 78 Marred January 20th 1785 1 Jonathan Downing born December 22 1785 on Thursday Patience Downing " May 25. 1787 on Friday more Alice Downing born March Sept 8th 1788 on Monday Temperance Downing born March 3d 1790, on wensday Susannah Downing born Oct 17 1791 on Friday - Died Oct 26th Sunday 3 OClock P.M 1817. aged 26 years Mathies & John Downing born Dec 15th 1792, and Saturday 9 O Clock afternoon 1 Eliza Downing born March 29. 1794 and Sunday Joseph Downing born April 9th 1799 on Monday Samuel Downing born March 23d 1801. on Monday Nabby Downing born Sally February 19. 1803. P.M. Died May 7th 1833 on Tensday 5 O Clock Dear Sir Bernard Decr 20th 1837. The enclosed declarations numbered from 1 to 3 and the evidences of Mrs Alice Downing claim to a Pension in pursuance of an act of I Congress, passed July 4 1836, should there be a grant of evidence as any informality in the 1 1 evidence exhibited, please give me information as soon as convenient by letter directed to her Attorney, William A Blackford E. New Market
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New Hampshire I am, respectfully, your Servt William A. Shackford J.L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Jonathan Downing of New Markel in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, depose and say that I am the son of Jonathan Downing late of said New Market, United States Pensioner and Alice Downing, now widow of the said Jonallian Downing, that I am sixty two years of age and upwards, that the said Jonathan Barning and Alice Downing (my father and Mother) had eleven children, nine of them are now living, that the said Alice Downing is the only wife, the said Jonathan Downing even had that the said Jonathan Downing his 1 wife, were both born in the town of Newington in said County of Rockingham, and resided in said Nervington, several years after their mar riage, that he the said Alice Downing made 1 name was Alice Nutter that the said Alice Downing is now the Widow of the said John than Downing, and has ever remained his Widow since the time of his death which took place the twenty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and twenty four, that the said Jonathan Downing was a revolutionary Pension for several years prior and at the time of
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his death, and that the said Alice Downing is his widow, and is the present applicant for a pension. New Marke Dec 20th 1837 State of New Hampshire Newmarket December 20th 1857. Rockingham Then personally appeared the above named Jonathan Downing and made Solemn Oath, that the above declaration by line subscribed is just and true Before me Seth R. Shackford, Justice of a I certify that the above named Jonathan Downing who subscribed the above declaration Sustains a good moral character and is entitled to full belief December 20th 1837. State of New Hampshire Seth R. Shackford, Justice of have Rockingham - J. J. B. Hoitt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, hereby certify that Seth R Shackford Esq. who has subscribed the within certificate, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such, that his signature thereto purporting to be his is in my belief genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of our Court of Common Pleas this 21 day of December Anno Domini 1837 = J.B. Hoitt Clerk Lee
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I David Murray of New Market in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, aged forty one years last October, depose and that I have been acquainted with Mrs Alice Downing Widow of Jonathan Downing decd late a Revolutionary pensioned of the United States for more than twenty years last part, and have known her to be a woman whose character for truth has not been questioned. I further depose and say, that the said Alice Downing, some time last year enquired of me, whether or not she was entitled to a pension under the act of July 4th 1836, I then enquired of her at what time she was married, she answered not till after the close of the war, I then informed her that she was not entitled to the Pension aforesaid sometime after this I heard that she had made a declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the Act of Congress of July 4th aforesaid in making or signing which declaration. I verily believe that the said Alice Downing in regard to the language therein con tained by the person who wrote her declaration said declaration it is generally supposed was written by a man by the name of Shackford of this town, who has since left the part of the Country. I further depose and say that I hone from a very ancient looking book (the title page of which was gone) produced by the said Alice Downing, a leaf containing the record of the up of the said Jonathan and Alice the time of their ┃
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Marriage and the date of the births of their several Children I further depose and say I have 1 made search for but can find no other record of the marriage of the said Jonathan and Alice excepting the one above named, which record herewith transmit to the Department. I further depose and say that the said Alice Downing has never intermarried but continues to be the Widow of the said Jonathan Downing State of New Hampshire David Murray July 27. 1838 Then the above named David Murray personally appeared before me, and made oath, the the above affidavit by him Signed is true. I am well acquainted with said David Murray, and certify that his statements are entitled to implate John P. Hall Justice of Peace State of New Hampshire Strafford County Frances Cogwell Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for said County hereby certify that John P. Hall Esq is a Magistrate as within and that the within signature is in my belief genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the twenty seventh day of July A.D. 1838 F. Cogwell Clerk
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I Arthur Branscom of New Market, County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, Merchant, aged forty nine years, depose and say, that I have been well acquainted with Alice Downing of this town, widow of Jonathan Downing decd late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and have known her to be a woman of unquestionable character for truth I further depose and say that the said Alice Downing, enquired of the sometime in the year 1837. whether she was or not entitled to a pension 1 as the Widow of the said Jonathan Downing, that I then enquired of her at that time she was married, she freely answered that she was not married until after the close of the War. I then told he that she was not entitled to a pension. I further depose and say that I since heard that she had made a declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of July 4th 1836; in making which declaration I verily believe, that the said Alice Downing was deceived in regard to the language therein contained by the person the wrote her declaration, said declaration is gen erally supposed was written by a man by the name of Shackford of this town, who has since left this part of the Country. I further depose and say that the said Alice Downing has never intermarried since since the death of her late hus and the said Jonathan Downing, but has remained 1 his widow said Jonathan Downing died the latter part of 1824 as first part of 1825. I further depose & ┃
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say that I was present at the house of the said Alice Downing, when David Murray, are from a very Ancient looking book (the title page of which was gone) produced by the said Alice Downing all of containing a record of the ages of the said Jonathan and Alice, the time of their marriage and the date of the births of their several children I further depose and say that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Jonathan Downing, that said Downing traded with me before his death, that I have his name on the books and notes signed in my presence, and that I have no doubt that record of the leaf torn 1 from the book aforesaid, down as for as the 1 name of Samuel Downing, excepting the deaths interlined are in the hand writing of the said Jonathan Downing Arthur Branscomb State of New Hampshire Rockingham County ss. Before the Subscribed a Justice of the Peace for said County, person ally appeared the above named Arthur Branscomb on the 27th day of July A.D. 1838 and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true, and I certify that Arthur Branson for truth is good David Murray Justice Peace
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State of New Hampshire Rockingham J. B Hitt, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, hereby certify that David Murray Esq of is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, and I believe the signatures on the annexed affidavits purporting to be his is genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this third day of August Anno Domini 1838.
J.B. Hoitt Clerk of Said C.C. Pleas

I Temperance Pickering of Herrington County of Rockingham and State of Hampshire aged Seventy Six last September depose and say that I was well as ted with Jonathan Downing former the has town and late of New Market and Alice Downing  the Widow Jonathan Downing before their marriage. the depose and say that the said Maiden name was Nutter, and that present at the Rev. Samuel McClintock Greenland, when when the said Jonathan was married to the said Alice Nutter by the said Samuel McClintock, then minister in
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said Greenland. I further depose and say that the said Jonathan and Alice were married about two years after the close of the Revolutionary (spelling), the exact time cannot remember.  Temperance Pickering Witness Nelvey Hoit State of New Hampshire Rockingham County Ss. July 28th 1838. Personally appeared the above named Temperance Pickering and made the before David Murray one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, that the above affidavit by her subscribed is true, and I certify that said Temperance Pickering character for truth is unquestionable David Murray Justice of the Peace John Downing of Newmarket County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire depose and that I was forty five years old last December. That I am a Son of Jonathan Downing late of said New Martier decd and late of the United States, and Alice Downing his widow, that thy mother had by my Father the said Jonathan Downing and
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and four daughters older than myself, that I lived with my Father and mother from the time of my infancy up to the time of my Fathers death. that since that time I have lived and do now live with my mother the said Alice Downing, who is now living and resides in said Newmarket. I further depose and say that he mother the said Alice Downing has here inten married since the death of my Father, the said Jonathan Downing, but has ever since remained and his widow I further depose and say, that the record of the ages of my Father & Mother the date of their marriage, the time that their children were born, I have no doubt is in the hand writing of thy Father John Downing State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss. August 1st 1838. Personally appeared the said John Downing and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true, and I certify that the said John Downing is man whose charac ter for truble is good David Murray Newmarket N.H. Augt 1838 J. L. Edwards Esq Sir Enclosed is the declaration of Mrs Alice Downing, made in order to obtain the
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Benefits of the provisions of the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838 and the accompanying affidavits showing the time of her marriage, the death of her husband, and that she is now living and remains his widow. She has submitted no evidence to show the services of her late husband in the Revolutionary War believing that the same has been filed in the War Office Department. The claims for services as Sergeant Major during most of the War; and that such were rendered she has in her possession abundant evidence which can be transmitted to the Depart ment if necessary on account of any want of evidence or informality in making the Papers please Adare David Murray 8
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Form VAM-51 12 - 5 - 41 Downing, Jonathan Sergt. Major WARRANT NUMBER 3052 - ACREAGE The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives. BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* Division of Veterans' Administration Archives New Hampshire ISSUED Apr. 25, 1798 to Daniel Gookin, assignee Certified April 3. - Hon. Mr. Parrot
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18 the R 11 George Reid Isqr Ferr Colo Commanding the second Regiment of Troops raised by the state of F.W. PAPIRE. for the defence of the American states to Jonathan Downing Whereas by the Authority to me given by General Court of the State of New Bursups his Reposing special trust and confidence in your Fedelity courage & good conduct, do Constitute & appoint you the said Jonathan Downing to be Serjeant Major  in this Regiment, and you are hereby authorise the and commanded to do the duty of a Serjeant Major and to observe & Obey all such orders as from time to time you shall receive from your superior Officers for the Benefit of the AMERICAN STATES, For the doing of which this shall be your sufficient R Owen under my hand this 30th day of June R.S. 1779 M 100 Reed & Col Com Born of 2nd N Hamp. Regiment ┃
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State of New Hampshire Rockingham County ss. On this second day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the subscriber a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (it being a Court of record, for the County of Rockingham aforesaid, Alice Downing of Newmarket in said County and State, aged eighty years, who first being sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress approved July 7th 1838. That she is the widow of Jonathan Downing late of said Newmarket deceased and late a Revolution ary pensioner of the United States. That she was married to the said Jonathan Downing at Greenland near Newington by the Revd Samuel McClintock on the twentieth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred eighty five. Said McClintock then being minister at Greenland. That the record and leaf taken from and old book by David Murray a few days since is in the hand writing of my late husband, the said Jonathan Downing that he bought said book soon after the war and that it ever remained in his possession until he died, and that since that time she has had it in her possession. She further declares that she has been informed that by her friends that she was made to say in a former declaration
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that she was married to said Jonathan Downing before the close of the war, in making which declaration the now declare that she was received by the person who wrote it. That she never intended to convey the Idea, or to be understood to say that she was married before the close of the war, and that she should the book containing the record of her marriage to Mr Shackford before he did the business, and thereupon he told her that was entitled to a pension, in consequence of which the consented for him to do the business. She further declares that the said Jonathan Downing first entered the army in 1775, as a Sergeant under Capt Benjamin Titcomb of Dover was at the battle of Bunker Hill, and was soon after appointed a Sergeant Major in the second New Hampshire Regt, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. She further declares that said Jonathan Downing died at said Newmarket on the twenty first day of December 1824, of old age, and that she has never intermarried since the death of her late husband, the said Jonathan Downing, but has ever since remained his widow Witness her Alice Downing Bradbay Bartlett mark David Murray --- Rockingham County ss. August 2d 1838 Sworn to and subscribed Before me, Bradbury Bartlett
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Rockingham County ss. I certify that Alice Downing who subscribed the above declaration Gustains a good moral character, and entitled to full belief, and the reason of her making this declaration before me is on account of age and debility being unable to attend Court. Bradbury Bartlett one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas ℗ State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss. J. J. B. Hoitt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, hereby certify that the Hon Bradbury Bartlett who has subscribed the foregoing declaration and certificate thereon is a Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified as such, that full faith should be given to him officially, and the signatures thereto purporting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our Court of Common Pleas this third day of August Anno Domini 1838. Attest J.B. Hoitt Clerk C.C. Pleas Rockingham County
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28. Hon. John of fill C. Calhoun being of war Washington City by and the latter part June 3rd R
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Dover N.H. April 28, 1818. Hon John C. Calhoun Six, I herewith hand it the declarations of Mr William Twombly & M. Jonathan Downing the and a commissioned & the other a non commissioned Office of 2d Regt of the N. Hampshire line, in the  revolutionary war, together with the commission of the one & the discharge of the other, and for the benefit of others who have made application to me, in the premises, request the favor of being informed whether, and not, this cases are stated in conformity with the regulations of the department of war I have the honor late very respectfully Sir your obedient servant D.M. Durell C.S. It is the request of Capt Twombly that his commission be returned to him Odell
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James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington
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Portsmouth May 5 1838 Confidential Dear Sir I have saved your letter of the (east endunt)directing me to inscribe on the Pension Roll the name of Alice Downing widow of Jonathan Downing deceased at 120 dollars per ann. from some intimations I have had in regard to this pension I have reason to believe that there has been fraud practiced in this application for it, inasmuch as he was not married to Downing till after the close of the Revolutionary war. I would therefore respectfully suggest whether it might not be well to let the District attorney John P. Hale Regt call on the pensioner and examine her as to the facts, before the money is paid-- I believe the pensioner resides in Newmarket a few miles from Dover where
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the attorney resides. Please excuse the liberty I have this taken in the case believing as I do that all is not right respecting it I am Sir very respectfully your obedient servant Gaac Waldron James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington
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James L Edwards Esq Com of Pensions Washington D C
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Dover N H. May 14. 1838 Sir Yours of the 9th instant was received yesterday I have been to see Alice Downing of them Market Rockingham County in this State. She refuses to tell me when she was married, the says the Shackfords are neighbors & friends and she does not want to do any thing to hurt them. All the solicitation I could use did not permade the old woman to state the time of her marriage. I am informed however by respectable gentlemen in her neighborhood, that, it is matter of notoriety that she was not married till after the close of the Revolutionary war. She was married by a Rev Mr --- Adams of Newington. & his ancient Records have been delivered to a son of Lette R Shackford who is very deeply implicated in these forgenes of pension papers. If you will forward me the original papers, I have no doubt of being able to establish the fact of her marriage having taken place after the war of the forgery in the case by plenary evidence, but at present having nothing tangible to refer to. I am unable to compel the
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attendance of any witnesses to give evidence in the case and many people are unwilling to disclose what they know until they are compelled so to do With much respect Your Obedient Servant John B Hales Atty for Not District Jash Edwards Esq Com of Pensions
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Alice Downing Wid of Jonathan W.H Act July 7. 1838 Marina 1785 died 1824 Allow $120 per ann from 4 March 1836 to March 4 1841. Hon. Fristram Shaw H. Rep (9 )
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Washington D.C 3rd December 1838 Sir I have the honor herewith, of transmitting to you the papers in the case of Allen Downing of Newmarket a Claimant A Pension under the law decision for of the last session of Congress Before you come to a final in this case I should like to have a personal intended with you upon the subject, and will opportunity to call at embrace the first convenient your office With Great esteem, Your obedient Servant, Edwards Samuel Cushman Gog Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C
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James L Edwards Esq Son of Pensions Washington DC
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Dover N Aug 2, 1839 Sir You will recollect that in May 1838 I had some correspondence with you respecting a forgery of pension papers by some one in the case of Alice Downing application for a pension. This and very many other forgeries of a like character  , committed by Seth R Shack for Esq of New Marker, & ever since the time that she was made in these matters by uniting Samuel Prescott, and accomplice of Shackford, who is now in the State prison, Shackford has been absent, avoiding an arrest. I am informed he is now in this vicinity & can be anted. If you will do me the favor to send me the papers in Mrs Alice Dowing case. hope to be able to bring to justice one of the most consummate villians that ever prayed on this community. he with much respect JL Edwards Esq Com of Pensions Yours truly John Moffate as Atty for At District
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Jan 15, Alice Downing certain papers M Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Ill I Washington D.C.
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Washington D. C 14th January 1839 Please return to me the papers in the Alice Downing case, which I had the honor of transmitting last first of December to you in the with great respect your Obedient Servant Samuel Cushman J L Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington
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Jan 16 1839
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Washington D.C in 16th January 1839 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the the papers 15th instant, returning to me in the case of Alice Downing of N.H. which were sent by me to your Department in December last I have the honor to be Very Respectfully obedient servant, Samuel Cushman - James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington C
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Edwards Esq of Pensions Washington
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 Concord N.H. Augt 14, 1839 Dear Sir You will probably recollect a conversation which I had with you in relation to the application of widow Alice Downing for a pension under the act of 1838- Mrs Downing resides at New Market in the County of Rockingham Is her husband served during the whole war of the Revolution and from 1779 to 1783 as Sergeant Major in the 
(Spelling) regiment. 
Dr A.H. R. died in 1825 - The applicant was married in January 1785 of these facts I believe you are fully satisfied-- but you have declared to issue a certificate on the ground, that the old Lady made a false declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of 1836. Since my return to New Hampshire, I have taken occasion to ascertain the facts in this case and am fully satisfied, that she wholly ignorant of the paid which was practiced upon the Department in her original application. The old Lady cannot read writing the
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declaration was not read to her at the time the oath was administered in Court and there is not a shadow of doubt, that she was dead with regard to that it contain by her age Shackford- She had been informed by others, that she was not entitled to a pension under the act of 1836, but Shackford, who is an artiful and capable man called upon the informed her, that this was an Entin mistake, that she was honestly entitled to a pension and she then entrusted the whole business to him-- She never hesitated to show the true record of her marriage and uniformly declared that she was married in January 1785 and as uniformly said that she did not desire a pension unless she was fairly entitled to it. One of her best friends Mr Branscomb inform Mr Waldron at Portsmouth that he apprehended and in this case and that the old Lady must have been deceived. The reason why Mrs Downing declined Answering the Questions of the District Attorney, was, that a prived of Shackford had previously called upon her & told he that if the said Barthlation  to the matter 11 she would be took difficulty. The old Lady ignorant, inform & timed, thought them was no safety except in silence. she has since been
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better informed and would now charfully answer any interrogatories that may be propounded to her-- Mrs Towning has always been is now regarded as in perfectly honest woman by all persons to whom she is known and not an individual, so for as have been on to ascertain, entertain a doubt, that she was decided by Shackford & Entrily harant herself of any grand-- Under these circumstances it is certain of a great hardship that he certificate under the act of 1838 should or with held - She is old infirm & dependant for support upon a daughter, who is a widow & obtains her own livelihood by manual labor-- If you are not satisfied of the old Lady more of any participation in the prand, will you have the goodnes to inform me what evidence such indeed is required. He present at David Murray Esq is a highly respectable Magistrate and wholly incapable of any act intended to defend either a pensioner of the Government of you conclude to grant the certificate, as I hope you will please to one it to meye grind & Servant J.L. Edwards Esq. ● Frank Sind Washington D.C.  (21 )
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Rect District Atto. 4 Sep. 39. N. H. Alice Dining Susp Alice Downing
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Dover N H August 28, 1839 Sir District Attorney office I have received the papers which you sent me eleven in the whole in the case of Alice Downing's application for a pension, the same being forgive by Sett R Shackford with much respect L Yours John fate U.S. Atty for W District Edwards Esq Com of Pensions
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Ben French To James L Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pen I sions, Washing City. Represents, the undersigned inhabitants of the town of New Market, in the County of Rockingham, and State of New Hampshire, that they are acquainted with the character of Alice Towning, widow of Jonathan Downing late of said New Market, pensioner, deceased; that they believe she is, and always has been an upright, honest, and good woman, that in regard to her making an application for a pension under the Act of July 4th 1836, when she was not entitled, she was decived and was wholly ignorant that she had done any thing wrong, until within a very short time for the district only called on her, to interrogate her on the subject Therefore they pray that you admit her claim under the Act of July 7 1838, as they will in duty bound cerepray as Manah Feby 10 1841 James B. Creighton President of the N.H. Senate W. W. Stickney Member of the Legislature Dow Creighton Postmaster Charles M. Kehew, Town Clerk, Charles Lane Arther Branscomb Vincent To in Noble David Murray John M Towley Simon P. Greene - Thomas H Bartlett Farmer Walter Smith Joshua B. Wiggin Gilman Johnson Jacob Mayer Lyman Morse James Burleigh George W Hggin Chas B. French Geo F. Jeffell John T. Walson Nehemiah Wiggin N. F. Kimball David E Davis that full Wm L Coverley John S Meserve John F Chapman B. F. Preese E.J. Coffin
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Samuel of Vincent B. Carter Joshua Brackett George Watson Timothy Tinkhong George W. Furber Benjamin Mathes Paul Chapman N.H. Harvey Simon Winslow Oliver Dampey Charles Ranlet Samuel C Brooks Daniel W Bazind Warren Chapman John F Bacon John M. Smith, Benjamin Brooke Benj F Brooks Benjn Battles Alfred Robic James S. Pinder Geo H. Paul Henry C. Weatherby G Eben B. Wiggin H H Huntress . Wiggin William Smith Edward Hilton Andrew D Fullerton North Gilman Lyman Daniels Ten Daniel George O Davis John Bunker Andrew Baker Andrew S Doe Joseph Lang James Pickering F.P. Channel Jacob Edgerley Ebenezer Chapman Henry Baker Timothy Murray George W. Gale Josiah Folsom Timothy, J. Murray William Folson James W. Smith Thomas T Churchill William Chapman Benja B. Tuttle Sylvanus Tuttle James Stilson Charles Nathan Burleigh Stackpole Ebenezer Stocks James D Wedgwood Saml Burgers J. R. Sanborn Seweth Tasken Thomas Brown Capt Day John Gilman William H Brown Moulton B. Smust J. A. Wiley Valentine S Webster 1.00 George O. Hillon Miles Leggett Zeb N. Dak
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New Market, NH Feb 23d 1841 Sir Will you be so kind as to present the enclosed papers to Mr Edwards, and make such remarks as you may think proper. It is stated by the petitioners that they behave Mrs Downing to morally innocent, and ignorant that any thing wrong had been done until within a few days of the time when Mr Hall called on her to converse in relation to her first application. It is a fact, not disputed here, that after Shalford had fled, and before the district attorney went to see her, some one of Shackfords friends, had been and told her of the difficulty, and cautioned her not to say to say any thing in relation to the subject, otherwise the would get into trouble. This was done, not by one her friends, nor for her benefit, but for the purpose of (creining) Shackford. The poor widow ought to have pension; and I think you told me that you had court that she was innocent. Now my dear Sir If you will be good as to all your influence in have the allowance of this claim of you think she doing it you will greatly oblige the subscribe , and much benefit the old lady- I am very respectfully your Obedient Servant David Murray Hon Frenthe Pearce U S. Senator Washington I
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A Register of Marriage by the Revd Docter Maccuntock of Greenland - Seventeen hundred and Eighty four. December twenty Second Dedly Wentworth and Abigail Nutter March them that Samuel Ayers & Pamelia Croket Seventeen hundred and Eighty Six January twenty John Shortridge & Priscilla Branscomb I William L Brades of Greenland in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of said Greenland and that the above is a true copy of said record with the exception of the dates which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures thus This 1784 March 13th Dec 22 Dudly Wentworth Abeganetter Samuel Myers & Pamela Cracket 1786 Jany 29th John Short Regr & Priscilla Branscomb I further depose and say that there is a marrige recorded between the marriage of Dudley Wentworth and that of Samuel Ayers partly obliterated but that so much of the names remain. that I have no doubt that Jonathan Downing & Olive Nutter and that said marriage took place prior to lead thirteenth seventeen hundred and Eighty five Wm L. Brackett Town Clerk, State of New Hampshire Grantand February 23d 1841. Subscribed and Sworn to before me David Murray Notary Public
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State of New Hampshire- Stafford County I Francis Cogswell Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature in said County hereby certify that David Murray, Esquire, is a Notary Public for said State. That his commission bears date the 24th day of June A.D. 1839 and that it will expire the 23d day of June 1844, and that he has been and is duly qualified and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine. Given under my hand and Seal this 23d day of February Anno Domini 1841. F. Cogswell, Clerk
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Dover N H February 3, 1841 26 David Memay Esq of New Market has shewn to me a statement relation to an application for a pension to Widow Alice Downing to which he wishes we to append a statement. I can only say that the signer to the paper are as spectable citizens as we have amongst us In the course of the criminal proceedings which have grown out of this & some other forgeries of pension papers. Mr Downing has been before the Court testified with apparent frankness as to all the facts. I know of nothing to induce or belief that she has not been imposed upon sum her appearance when examand by me some time since & of which I wrote you at the time. With respect your John P Hale US Atty for I Edwards Esq Coun of Sunion No District
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Olive Downing
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Washington February 28. 1841 The case of old Mrs Downing seems to me to be one of extreme hardship of life and I have you will be satisfied by an examination of the inclosed papers that she was not guilty by herself but shockingly imposed upon by a wicked agent-abide saw Colo J.L. Edwards Comr of Pension
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Alice Downing of Jonathan David Murray Mar 341 Act 1. July 1838
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Apl 1841 for Alice Downing W. W New Market M At 6 Free James Edwards Esqr. missioner of Pensions, Washington D C
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New Hampshire April 5 1841  Sir In answer to your letter of the 31st all, inquiring what has been the final result of the proceedings instituted in our courts, in the case growing out of the fraudulent application of Mrs Alice Downing for a pension under the act of July 4 1836; I have to state, that on the 17th day of December 1839, Jonathan Downing, a son of the said Alice was arrested on a warrant founded on a complaint made against him for perjury, by the District attorney, John P Hale Esqr and carried before the Hon. Mathew Harvey U States district Judge for N Hampshire District. The charge against him was that he gave his deposition in his mother case, in which it was stated that he was sixty years of age, whereas he was but fifty live. He denied that he signed the deposition, and so light was the proof against him, that the Judge sumed disposed to discharge him, but prially ordered him to recognise in the sum of one hundred dollars, without sureties, for his appearance at the circuit then next to be holden at Portion May 8 1840. No testimony being introduced before the Grand Jury no bill was found; consequently the said Jonas discharged. Another prosecution was instituted against William Shackford, who was the ostensible agent of Mrs. Downing in preparing her claim under said Act. He was arrested in Lowell in by the Marshall of that district, carried to Dover N Hampshire remined before a Justice of the Peace, and ordered recognise for his appearance at the Circuit above named. He made his appearance, witnesses were in reduced, and the papers which were returned from the Pension Office were laid before the grand pay. I did not see the complaint, but
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from what I could learn the charge against him was for forward to the Pension office forged papers, knowing them to be such, thereby intending & paid the Government A letter was produced purporting to have been written and signed by William A Shackford, and directed to the Commissioner of Pensions, accompanying the papers of Mrs. Downing: But it has proved to the satisfaction of the pay that is part of this letter, or signature was in the hand writing of William A Thack Lord, but in the hand writing of Seth A Thackford, No bill was found and me Shatford was discharged Seth M Shackford has never public by returned to this place since he left three years ago, and probably never will. Jonathan Downing and William A Thackford still reside in this town on the examination of Jonathan Downing before Judge Harvey, Mrs. Downing appeared and testified that she was not aquainted with her late husband until after the close of the Revolutionary War; that she was married to him in sum uary 1785, and that her son Jonathan here on examination was born in December same year any further inquiries you may be pleased to make, will be attended to with pleasure am, very respectfully, of an L Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington Your Obt. Sept. David Murray
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Alice Downing and of Jonathan A H Act July 4.36 $120 when paid last 1 Ports Agin H. H. S. Apl 4 1842 she does not appear to have been paid Mr. Harry S
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Letter of A. David Murray A. Market N. H. Alice Downing (Copy paper) have
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New Market NH Feb 23d 1842 Enclosed is the petition of Mrs Alice Downing which, I suppose had better be presented to the Senate Col Pierce being one the Committee on Revolutionary pensions, and being well acquainted with the whole history of the case and I would respectfully request your assisters in collecting the papers at the pension office, and in preparing the claim to that a fair hearing may be had before the Committee. Either last summer of the said before. I forwarded to Col Pecree, Major Downing Warrant a certificate of the town Greeland, Shewing the date of Mrs Downing marriage, and a petition to the commission of Pensions, requesting him to allow the claim. signed by Hon James B Creighton the Parch of the Senate, the Representation and all the Town officer and a great many of the respectable citizens of New Market. If the paper sed by Col Fern and can be obtained I think that they would be very usefull If anything further is necessary to be done by me, please inform me as soon as convenient I have the honor to be very respectfully your op: Serve Hon. Tristram Shaw Washington David Murray Ⓧ C P.S. Jonathan Garland Esqr formerly of Lowdon and Edson Hill Esqr formerly of Northwood, both live in this place, and the paper that you have sent them have been red by the way of their fore places of residen
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FRED & Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pension Washington D
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Post Office ( New Market NH May 10. 1843 I have been informed by Mr Waldren the pension Agent at Portsmouth, that he has been directed to pay a pension of 120 per annum for five years from the 4th of March 1836, to Nice Downing Will of Jonathan Downing late of New Market aforesaid, do I am Mrs Downing Agent, but have not yet secured the certificate of pension nor has it has been received at this office by any one for her out after days since I wrote the Hon. I Shaw respecting it, but havesed no answer presume that he did not get the letter Will you please inform me whether the certificate has been issued, and if so when it has been sent I am very respectfully your Obt Sert David Murray M James L Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington
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Suspd see Atters 9 May 1838 to P. Agt and J. P. Hale D all See Let to David Murray, 20, Augt 1838- Paps transf to file act 7 July 1838 1 Let to Hon S. Cushman 9 Jany 1839 same January 15. 1839. to J. P. Hale, U.S. Att. 8 Aug. 1839- to H. F. Pierce, Aug. 20, 1838 New Hampshire 1997. the Act Alice Downing widow of Jonathan Downing, decd who died on the 21 December, 1824; of Rockingham in the State of N.Hampshire who was a Sergeant Major in the commanded  by Captain of the --- - commanded by in the N. Hamp line for 2 years Sergt Major - 21 Inscribed on the Roll of Portsmouth at the rate of 120 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of May 1838 and sent to W. A. Thackford, New Market Arrears to the 4th of March, 1838, $840.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 360.00 --- $900. Took Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Pection the Recorded by S.A. Elliot Clerk No 2 Page 24.
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Rev WIDOW, &c. No. 16011 Alice Downing Widow of Jonathan Downing Sergt. Maj. Rev War --- Act July 7th 1838 Index: Vol. A, Page 189 [Arrangement of 1870.] (37)
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Jonathan Downing Sergt Majr N.H. act 1818. when last Jonathan Downing 1st Died 21 Decr G. W. C. (8 ) 1824 paid to that period 30 Apl 38
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James L Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington
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Post Office (33 ) New Market N H May 11 184 Since I wrote you yesterday, I have received the Pension certificate of Mrs Alice Down forwarded the Hon. J. Shaw I am, very respectfully Your Obt Sert. James David Murray Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington D C b
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Law Land Zooking BY HIS ExCELLENCY (1) GEORGE W General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America. Warrant issued April 25, 1798, to THESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof of Jonathan Downing in the New Hampshire Sergeant Major Regiment, having faithfully served the United States eight years and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army. GIVEN at HEAD-QUARTERS the Seventh day of June 178 ASHINGTON, Es- By HIS ExCELLE N Command, J Tumbull In Y's Hatherton REGISTERED of the Regiment, Ly the Books on Adjutant. THE above Jonahan Downing has been honored with the Years faithful Service. --- - BADGE OF MERIT for Six- Geo. Red Corn
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THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough ratification of the definitive GEORGE HEAD QUARTERS, June 10th 1783. WASHINGTON.
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Form VAM-51 12 - 5 - 41 BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* Downing Lawrence Private 12992 ACREAGE Division of Veterans' Administration Archives Hazens Regiment ISSUED July 13, 1791 to shown- The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.