Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,581, Daniel Bemis, Mass.
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Service
Mass.

Bemis, Daniel
Martha

Number 
W.23,581
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9406
Vermont
Daniel Bemis
of Washington in the State of Ver
who was a pri in the Com commanded
by Captain __ of the Reg commanded
by Col Whitney in the Mass
militia 12 mo

Inscribed on the Roll of Ver
at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of May
1830 and sent to S. Wheeler, East Calais, Vt
Arrears to the 4th of March 30 $80 0
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep 4.00 20 0
$100 0

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E. L. Billoch Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 52
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51
Daniel Bemis
Declaration
No 6313.
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State of Vermont, }
County of Washington SS. } On this 7th day of August, A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Honorable County Court, within and for the County of Washington now sitting, Daniel Bemis a resident of Marshfield in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, aged seventy seven 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 7, 1832: -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:
That in the latter part of January or fore part of February AD 1776 at Paxton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts he enlisted for three months into Capt. Seth Washburn's Company of the Massachusetts line of Militia Troops that he immediately mustered and was marched to Dorchester Mass and during the term of three months he was stationed at what is called Dorchester Point and the vicinity of that place - that the Brittish then occupied Boston and there Ships lay in the harbour, that on the night the Brittish evacuated Boston Capt. [illegible] Company was Stationed on the Point that then had fires built and that the Brittish fired upon them as they passed. The Surgeon of the Regiment whose name was Dolbey and one Wakefield were both killed by one Ball as they stood together by the same fire. He thinks Dolbey was a Resident of Winchendon or Templeton Massachusetts. He thinks this Col's name was Whitney and Lieut Col. Fisher. He saw that his Capt Waibold afterwards became Colonel. He declares that he served faithfully the period of his enlistment which was three months and and then discharged at Dorchester as he thinks by a verbal dismissal together with others whose periods of enlistment then expired.
He farther declares that in the month of December 1777 at Paxton aforesaid he enlisted into Capt. Ralph Earls Company of Massachusetts Militia for three months. Col. Sparhawk of Templeton Mass commanded the Regiment Lieut Col Grant of Petersham & Maj Merion. The Surgeons name was Cosby that he mustered at Leicester Mass & marched to Danbury Con remained a few days. Then crossed the North River at a place called Kings Ferry and continued march to Fort Independence their remained a short time thence to Morristown in the State of New Jersey. Thence to a place called Bound Brook in the State of New Jersey at which place he faithfully served out the term of enlistment which was three months recollects while he was at Bound Brook of a skirmish between the Americans and Hessians in which several of his company were wounded among them was one Gideon Griss Drummer who was wounded in the arm by a musket ball - A number of Horses and two Hessian Prisoners were taken by them in the skirmish after the expiration he recd an honourable verbal discharge. He also further declares that in August AD 1778 at Paxton before mentioned he the said Daniel Bemis enlisted for six months under the same mentioned Capt Ralph Earl mustered at Leicester Mass was stationed at Providence College about one month. Thence marched to a place called Little Compton Rhode Island was there stationed about four months - during the time he was stationed at Little Compton an expedition under Genl Spencer was undertaken for the purpose of taking Newport Island as it was called from the Brittish, that the Troops at that place were marched to Fogland Ferry in the night for the purpose of crossing that he among others were selected as a Front Guard and had actually recd orders to embark when the enemy commenced a fire from the Island Shallows and Bank killed one oarsman and wounded another upon which a retreat was ordered and made - that at the time his six months enlistment expired he was at Providence by Permission of his Officer in the hospital nursing a Brother of his who belonged to the Army and was sick that having served Six months he recd from Capt Earl permission to return home with his Brother and accordingly so did. He also declares that a short time Previous to the surrender of Gen Burgoyne he at Paxton aforesaid enlisted under one Capt Leverton to go to the New Hampshire front that he [illegible] Leverton and proceeded
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as far as Bennington Vt at which place he and several others were taken sick with the measles and remained according to his recollection about three weeks after his recovery he heard the news of the Capitulation and had leave to return home - In answer to the questions proposed by the Honl Secretary of War, he states he supposes he was born at Leicester, Worcester County Mass Feby 20 1755. that he has no knowledge of any record of his age that he lived in Paxton at each time of his going into the service that after he came out of the Service he continued to reside in said Paxton until he was 42 years old. From that place at that time he removed to Newport, N.H. and resided there 12 years thence removed to Marshfield Vt where he has ever since and now resides - That he has not at this time any recollection of ever having received a written discharge from the Service. That he does not now know of any living witness to his actual service in the army of the Revolution and that he has no written testimony of the fact other than the Affidavit of Buleah Pike which is hereunto affixed. That he does not recollect the names of any Continental Officers who were where he was stationed excepting Genl Spencer at Little Compton and no other Militia Officers other than those before named.

He states the names of John Capron (Clergyman) and Stephen Pitkin Esq who can testify as to his credibility and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution.

He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension, or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Daniel Bemis

We, Stephen Pitkin, Esq & John Capron Clergyman residing in the town of Marshfield County of Washington and State of Vermont hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Daniel Bemis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Stephen Pitkin
John Capron

Sworn to, 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 named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
And the court further certifies that it appears to them that John Capron who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the said town of Marshfield and that Stephen Pitkin who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said town of Marshfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest, Joshua Y. Vail Clerk.
I Joshua Y Vail Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Daniel Bemis for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 9th day of August A.D. 1832 -
Attest, Joshua Y Vail Clerk.
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No 6313
Daniel Bemis

admit n. no
$40.00

S Wheeler
East Calais
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Brief in the case of Daniel Bemis, County of Washington in the State of Vermont
(Act 7th 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? 77 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[four column table] Period./ Duration of Service./ Rank./ Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

In 1776 letter first of January or fore part of February/ 3 Months/ As a private enlisted/ Col Whitney, Lieut Col Fisher, Capt Seth Washborn of Massachusetts line

Dec 1777/ 3 Months/ Cap Ralph Earl

Dec 1778/ 6 Months/ Col Sparhawk, Lieut Col Grant. Maj Minor, Cap Earl

5. In what battles was he engaged?

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Paxton County of Worcester Massachusetts

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? one living witness certified credible Traditionary Evidence

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Papers are properly attached

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Vinal Luce Examining Clerk.
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Reported

4695
Vermont Mon Apr
Martha Bemis
widow of Daniel Bemis
Mass
who was a Private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
40 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
26th day of Jany 1844
and sent to
W. W. Cadwell Montpelier Vt

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 31
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of Vermont, District and County of Washington } ss
On this Twenty fifth day of August eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Azel Spalding Judge of the Probate Court for the District and County of Washington at the residence of Martha Bemis in Plainfield in said district on account of the feeble state of the health of the said Martha rendering her unable to attend before said court at the probate office in Montpelier Martha Bemis
a resident of Plainfield in the county of Washington aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Daniel Bemis who was a private in the army of the Revolution She Further declares that her said husband Daniel Bemis done various military duties in the army of the Revolution but for quite a number of years past my health has been gradually failing me and has rendered me unable to perform any labour and has so much effected my memory that I cannot recolect many things which transpired in my youthfull days and very few things which has transpired within thirty years last past although my husband has often spoken of his services while in the Army but being so much afflicted with disease I am unable to recollect any of the officers names or the Companies or Regiments he served in And I would therefore Respectfully Refer to the declaration and Application of my said Husband Daniel Bemis to whom a pension was granted under the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 of Forty Dollars per annum for the particulars in Regard to the services performed by my said husband Daniel Bemis where he performed, the officers under whom he served the companies and regiments he served in and all the particulars on which was granted to my husband Daniel Bemis a pension as above stated.

She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Bemis on the Eighteenth day of April in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine that her husband, the aforesaid Daniel Bemis late of Marshfield died on the twenty third day of January A.D. 1843; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated. She further declares that she still remains a widow and the widow of the above named Daniel Bemis.
Martha X her mark Bemis
In presence of 
Thomas Browning
Ivester Mator

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before Azel Spalding Judge of Probate

I hereby certify that the word Plainfield was written on Erasure before being executed and marked thus X Azel Spalding Judge of Probate
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State of Vermont District and }
County of Washington ss }
I Azel Spalding Judge of the Probate Court for said District and County of Washington do hereby Certify that the within are original Proceedings and declaration of Martha Bemis made and had before me at the residence of the said Martha Bemis in Plainfield in said District on the twenty fifth day of August Eighteen hundred and forty three on account of her feeble state of health rendering her unable to attend before said Probate Court at its usual place of holding Courts for said District in Montpelier. And do further certify that it was most satisfactorily proved that the said Martha Bemis is the Widow of the said Daniel Bemis late of Marshfield in said District deceased and that the said Daniel Bemis died in Marshfield in said District on the twenty third day of January eighteen hundred and forty three And I do further certify that the said Martha Bemis still remains a widow and the widow of the said Daniel Bemis and that she resides in Plainfield in said District. And do further Certify that the said Martha Bemis is a woman of Credibility, Respectibility and a Credible Witness
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official signature and the seal of said Court at Montpelier in said District this twenty sixth day of August one thousand and eight hundred and forty three.

Azel Spalding Judge of Probate
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37 1/2
W. Cadwell
Montpelier Vt.
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I Lawson D. Bidwell of Lee in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify and say that I am the Grand son of the Rev. Adonijah Bidwell who was ordained a minister of the gospel over the Congregational Church in Tyringham (at that time called No. 1.) in said County of Berkshire, on the 3rd day of October in the year Seventeen hundred & fifty. That the said Adonijah continued to be their minister from the time of his settlement untill the time of his death which took place on the 2nd day of June 1784. That I have in my possession a Book purporting to be a memorandum or Book of Records kept by the Rev. Adonijah Bidwell from the time of his settlement untill his death. The contents of sd Book consists of first "A Covenant agreed to by the Church of Christ in No. 1. Sept 5. 1750 when the Church was gathered in sd place" and signed by seven Individuals besides the Rev. A. Bidwell as pastor. Said Book contains the names of the Deacons, the time when they were chosen. Also the names of the persons who were baptised during the ministry of the said Adonijah headed "The Names of those I baptised in No. 1. 1750" also the Births & Deaths and also the Marriages, the Names of the parties, the time when they were married, commencing Oct 25. 1753 and ending March 25. 1784. The pages are headed "Marriages" and are divided into three columns. The first contains the date. The second the No. and the Third the parties names. The whole No. is 165. I find on Page 23rd "1779 April 18th No. 98 Daniel Bemis and Martha Didwell" I have no doubt that all the entries made in this Book were made by the same person except the births, deaths & marriages made by my father since 1784 of his family. My father died Feby 14th 1837. It is more than thirty five years since I saw this book in his possession. I have seen him frequently refer to it as a Book of Records and have often heard him say that it was a Book kept by his father, during his ministry in Tyringham. This Book came into my possession as administrator on my fathers estate. I have also in my possession Day Books, a Receipt book & a great Number of Ministers Sermons all purporting to have been kept by the Rev. Adonijah Bidwell. The hand writing of all corresponds. And further the Deponent saith not.
Lawson D. Bidwell
Lee Sept 18. 1843
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss. September 18th 1843
Then personally appeared the within named Lawson D. Bidwell and made solemn oath in due form of Law, that the within deposition by him subscribed contained the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth and I certify that I am well acquainted with the within named Lawson D. Bidwell & believe him to be a person of truth and veracity before me
Alanson Bennett Justice of the Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, SS.
I Charles Sedgwick, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Alanson Bennett Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the papers hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations due in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Bennett and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Charles Sedgwick Clerk.

[seal affixed at left]
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5063
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843. granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7. 1838
State of Vermont
Washington County ss }
On this twenty fifth day of August eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before me William W. Cadwell a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Washington and State of Vermont Martha Bemis a resident of Marshfield in the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Daniel Bemis who was a private in the army of the Revolution She further declares that her said husband Daniel Bemis done various military duty in the army of the Revolution but for quite a number of years past my health has been gradually failing me and has rendered me unable to perform any labour and has so much effected my memory that I cannot recollect many things which transpired in my youthfull days and very few things which transpired within thirty years last past although my husband has often spoken of his services while in the army but being so much afflicted with disease I am unable to recollect any of the officers names or the Companies or Regiments he served in. And I would therefore Respectfully Refer to the declaration and Application of my said Husband Daniel Bemis to whom a pension was granted under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 of Forty Dollars per annum for the
over
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particulars in Regard to the services performed by my said husband Daniel Bemis when he performed the services the officers under whom he served the companies and the regiments he served in and all of the particulars on which was granted to my husband Daniel Bemis a pension as above stated. And would also refer to the declaration made by me on this twenty fifth day of August A.D. 1843 for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed on the 7th July 1838 and I also make this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 the benefit of the act of 3d March 1843 are granted me if my Application for the benefit of the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838 is granted me and She further declares that she is still a widow and the widow of the above and within named Daniel Bemis
Martha X her mark Bemis
In presence of
Thomas Browning
[illegible signature]

State of Vermont }
Washington County ss. } Marshfield August 25th A.D. 1843
Then personally appeared Martha Bemis the signer of the foregoing Declaration and made oath that the above declaration contains the whole Truth and nothing but the truth in due form of law.
Before me William W. Cadwell Justice of the peace And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Martha Bemis and do know her to be same person who made her declaration before Azel Spalding Judge of Probate for the district and County of Washington State of Vermont on the 25th day of August A.D. 1843. for the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 and that she is a woman Credibility, Respectibility, and a Credible Witness
William W. Cadwell Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont.
Secretary of State's Office }
Montpelier, October 3. 1843 }
I certify that William W. Cadwell Esq whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 3d day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Ferrand D. Merrill Acting Secretary of State.
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Rev Widow, &c.
File No. 23.581
Martha Bemis
wid of
David Bemis
Pri Rev War

Act: March 3d 43
Index: - Vol. A, Page 55

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

Reported
8033
Vermont
Martha Bemis
widow of Daniel Bemis
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 23rd Jany 1843
of Washington in the State of Vert
who was a Private in the Company
commanded by Captain -- of the
Regt commanded by Col Whitney in
the Mass line for 12 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 40 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of
Jany 1844 and sent to
W. W. Cadwell Montpelier Vt
Total amount, $200. -

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho. Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1. Page 123
Page 21

I, Beulah Pike of Marshfield in the County of Washington & State of Vermont aged Sixty eight years on oath depose and say that the time of the American Revolution I resided in Paxton in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts and in the same family with one Daniel Bemis who now resides in Marshfield in the County of Washington and State of Vermont - that in the year 1776 I was knowing to the fact that the said Daniel Bemis left home and it was said he enlisted into the service and marched to Dorchester - that he was absent about three or four months and then returned and [illegible] encumbrances which took place in army and during claim or letter now recd from the said Daniel by his Father stating that he was sick and his father immediately made a journey as I understood to Dorchester - and when [illegible] stated that Daniel was recovering and was going to stay his term out - The old Gentleman when returned from Dorchester brought home a Cannon Ball which he said his son Daniel sent home as a [illegible] of what the Brittish sent among them. Then rolled the Ball across the floor many times. I recollect that in the following year which was in 1777 the said Daniel Bemis again entered the army and as I understood enlisted for three months and went to what was then called Jersey which I suppose was New Jersey that he was absent from home according to my recollection nearly four months I understand then he returned in the spring of the year and in latter part of the summer of the same year that he enlisted again and as I understood went to Rhode Island and was absent as I understood in the Army five or six months - and further I say not Beulah Pike

State of Vermont Marshfield August 4 AD 1832
Washington County Personally appeared Beulah Pike the above deponent and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit
Before Shubael Wheeler Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Washington County }
Marshfield August 6 AD 1832
I certify that I am acquainted with Beulah Pike [illegible] aforesaid that she is a person who sustains a good character for truth and veracity and in my opinion her statement is entitled to credit
John Capron Justice of the Peace
Page 22

State of Vermont }
Washington County ss } I Joshua Y Vail Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Shubael Wheeler Esq before whom the within affidavit was taken is a Justice of the Peace duly appointed & acting within the authority of this State and that his name to the within as such is his own proper handwriting -
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my name & affixed my official seal this 8th day of August AD. 1832 -
Attest Joshua Y Vail Clerk

Buleah Pike
Affidavit
In Daniel Bemis Case
Page 23

Hon J. L. Edwards
Washington D.C.
Page 24

Montpelier October 4th 1843
Mr J. L. Edwards
Sir
Yours of the 27th Sept came to hand on the 2d instant the vouchers for the payment of Molly Townsend and the others I wrote you about have not been presented at Burlington for payment as I presumed you would change their places of payment from the Burlington Agency to that of the Montpelier Agency
In Regard to the Certificates for the arrears of the pension due Mrs Haskell and Mrs Sawyer under the Act of 1838 you mention appear to have been sent me on the 4 September last I can only say if such was the fact they have never been received by me and I learn from Mr Reed here that he has not been instructed to make any payments to either of those persons and I therefore conclude the certificates of Mrs Haskell and Mrs Sawyer have not been forwarded as you apprehend and if you will have the Goodness to have this matter looked up and the certificates forwarded at your earliest convenience
I also wish to learn this point whether a pension can be granted to the heirs of a Widow she being entitled under the provisions of the Act of July 7. 1838 her husband having died after the passage of the Act of July 7. 1838 and the Widow having died prior to the Declarative Resolution of Congress of the 16th day of August 1842 declarative of the Act of July 7. 1838 As I understand said Resolution She was entitled to the benefits of said Act but the decision of the Department Excluded her from applying for the benefit of the said Act And all the declarative Resolution does is merely to explain what the said Act intended to mean. And my view is that her the heirs are entitled to the benefits of said Act as much as the person herself would be were she alive to apply herself as I think she had by the act become entitled. And I also have the opinion of the Hon Samuel Prentiss late Senator giving it his opinion that the heirs are entitled to benefits arrising under said Act of July 7 1838 provided the widow would have been if she was now living and
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proving her marriage agreeable to the requirement and making her declaration in due form but that you can give me your decision on for I think they are clearly entitled. I should not have proposed a question of this kind had it been an Act of Congress passed on the 16th August 1842 but as it was a Resolution and merely declarative of the intention of said Act I think the widow died of a vested right and her having failed to Apply in her life time it is not lost to her heirs.
I herewith forward you the Declarations of Martha Bemis for the benefit of the Act of July 7th 1838 and the Act of the 3 March 1843 together with a certificate of her marriage all of which I hope may arrive Safe and in their turn expect they will receive your attention
I were in hopes to have heard from the Application of Mrs Wait under the Act of 3d March 1843 and the Application of Mrs Carr which I think was about three months since but I suppose they will come along in due course of your business and also of Mrs Susana Dutton.
I am, very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
William W. Cadwell