Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5630, for James Johnson, Massachusetts
Page 1

Service Mass
Johnson, James
Number R 5630
Page 2

5750
R. 5630
Maine

James Johnson
Captain
Col. Phinney 
Massachusetts line
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
 Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of
20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2nd of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d of January 1819 and sent to Albion K. Parris Esqr.
Paris. Oxford County Maine

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818
3 mo 30.4/31.30            $82.01
Semi-anl-all'ce ending 4th Mar 1819  $120.00
$202.01

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818}

Continental

(right side)
Notification sent to John Mussey Jr. Esqr.
17 Oct. 1820 Portland Maine
Page 3

N215 James Johnson
copy
Thompson Pond Plantation
is in the County of Cumberland
and not in Oxford County
Att. J. Mussey, Clerk

5750
continue
Jan 19

cin
March 1819
Page 4

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
District of Maine, ss

At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the first Tuesday, being the sixth day of June and by adjournment from day to day, on the twenty first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable Albion K. Parris, Judge of said Court.
On this twenty first day of June in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fin and imprisonment", and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, James Johnson, aged eighty six years, resident in Thompson Pond in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary 
War as follows, viz. as a Captain in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Phinney in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration made on the second day of May A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension numbered 5750 was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor ha any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
James Johnson
Sworn to and declared on the twenty first day of June A. D. 1820
Before Albian K. Parris, U.S. District Judge for
the District of Maine
Page 5

Schedule of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate-none
Personal estate- one cow
no income
James Johnson
Sworn to June 21, 1820
Before Albion K. Parris U. S. Dis. Judge

Schedule of the family residing with me James Johnson who, by occupation am a farmer, which I am not able to pursue by reason of old age and infirmities.

Names: None

James Johnson
Sworn to June 21, 1820
Before Albion K. Parris U. S. Dis. Judge
Page 6

Maine District, ss.
I John Mussey, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schuedule is fifteen dollars and no more.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty first day of June a. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
John Mussey Junr. Clerk of the U. States District 
Court for Maine District

$15--
Page 7

On this third day of April 1845 personally appeared
before me Barrett Potter Judge of Pro ate within &
for the county of Cumberland & State of Maine, Charles
Johnson a resident of Windham in said County, son of
James Johnson who served as an officer
in the Revolution and who, for himself said
William Johnson, Nancy Hongdon & Martha McLauthlin
children of the said James makes the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832.
That James Johnson his father was an officer
of the revolution and was placed on the pension
roll for the State of Maine agency at the rate of
$240 per annum as a captain on Continental
establishment and that he died on the 16th of June
1831 & left no widow.
And the said Charles Johnson declares as his belief
that his father entered the service in 1775 & served as
first lieut in Capt. John Brackett's Company Col Phinney's
Regt. from April 19th to September 29th, and as Capt.
in the same Company from Sept 29th to the last of
December of that year.
He further believes that he served the whole year of 1776 as Capt. in Col Phinneys Regt & this declarant [illegible]
the Comm to the declaration of James Johnson for the benefit
of the act of 1818.  Together with the affidavit of James
Page 8

Smith for proof of that service herewith submitted.
He believes that the said James Johnson his father
was Captain of the Brig. Pallas in the Penobscot 
expedition in 1779 more than two months, and after the troops were organised at Falmouth for the defence of that place after the defeat he served as Major
under Col Jordan about two months longer in the
same year.
In 1780 he was Major under Lt Col Joseph P[illegible]
and was stationed at Falmouth six months and
fifteen days.
And being advised that his father was entitled
to a higher compensation for his services as aforesaid
under the act of June 7th 1832 than he drew by virtue of the act of 1818 he claims the difference of pay computed agreeably to the evidence herewith 
submitted from the 4th of March 1831 to the 16th of June 1831, the time of his death.
(signature of Charles Johnson)
At a special Probate Court held at Portland within and for the County of Cumberland, on the third day of April A.D. 1845.  This day in open Court personally appeared Charles Johnson, the above named declarant and made oath that the foregoing
declaration by him signed is true.
Before me
Barrett Potter Judge.
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State of Maine
Cumberland County ss.
 John Appleton, Register of the Probate Courts for said County, hereby Certify that Noah Barrett Potter whose signature is affixed to the preceding certificate is a Judge of said Court, duly appointed and qualified according to the laws of said state; That full faith should be given to his doings in that capacity; and that the signature preceding, purporting to be his is genuine.
Witness my hand and the Sel of said Court this third day of April A. D.  1845.
John Appleton

(Seal)
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6494
Children of
James Johnson
Me.
Act 4 July 36
2nd section
 
Serv. 75.--  5.5 L
"         3.1 Capt
79 Dallas 2.3 Capt
79--------29 Maj
80--------6.15  "

Freeman Bradford
Portland Maine


.
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State of Maine
Probate Court
Cumberland County, S.S.

Be it known that on this third day of April 1845 it has been satisfactorily proved in open Court, being a Court of Record, That James Johnson late of Poland deceased, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and that Charles Johnson, William Johnson, Martha M. Lauthlin and Nancy Hodgdon are the children and the only living children of the said deceased, and that he left no widow.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name this third day of April in the year 1845.
John Appleton Register of Probate for Cumberland County.
Page 12

James Johnson
Captain
July 1 1775 Phinney's Mass. Regt. 
13 months

admitted

May 2 1818
Page 13

I James Johnson, a resident citizen of the United States of America in Thompson Pond Plantation in the County of Cumberland and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath declare that on or about the twelfth day of April in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and seventy five I entered the Continental service as first Lieutenant in the Company under the command of Capt John Brackett in the Regiment under the command of Col. Edmund Phinney being the thirty first regiment of the Massachusetts line on the Continental Establishment in the Army of the then United Colonies and served in the (illegible) in this capacity until the death of said Captain Brackett, when the command of said Company revolved upon me being next in Command. On the first day of July I was constituted, appointed and commissioned Capt. of said Company in said Regiment by the obligators of the ten United Colonies in Congress in which said capacity as Capt. I served in the revolutionary war against the common enemy during the term of thirteen months from date of my said commission at the expiration of which time I was honourably discharged and left the service.
I do further on oath declare that I am not borne as a pensioner on any pension roll of said United States and that by reason of reduced circumstances in life I stand in need of assistance from my County for support.
James Johnson

I the subscriber being the only assessor of Thompson Pond Plantation aforesaid except the above named James Johnson, do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with James Johnson and from what I know of his circumstances do believe that by reason of reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his county for support.
William, Hodgdon
One of the assessors of said Plantation
Thompson Pond Plantation
April 23, 1818
Page 14

United States of America
Maine District, Ss.
(Seal)
Be it remembered that on the second day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen personally came James Johnson the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined, made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence and wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered into evidence his original commission dated July 1 177(?)
(attached paper)
I Joseph Johnson of Thompson Pond Plantation in the County of Cumberland do testify and sat that I was in the Continental service during the Revolutionary war at the same period that James Johnson who signed the annexed declaration served and was in the same company and to my certain knowledge the said James Johnson served as first Lieutenant in the company commanded by Capt. John Brackett as aforesaid until his death and then the said James Johnson took command of said company as senior officer until he rec'd a Captains Commission and then continued in the command of said company during the term of thirteen months after the date of said commission when he was honourably discharged and left the service.
Joseph Johnson
May 2

offical Seal to be affixed the day and year first  mentioned
Albion K. Parris
Judge of the United States in and for the District of Maine
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United States of America
Maine District, SS.
(seal)
Be it remembered that on the second day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came James Johnson the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered his original commission dated July 1, 177(?)

(attached paper)
I Moses Hodgdon of Thompson Pond Plantation in the county of Cumberland do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with James Johnson of said Plantation and from what I know of his circumstances do believe that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his county for support.
Moses Hodgdon

Cumberland SS
On this twenty third day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eighteen the aforenamed Moses Hodgdon personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed.
Before me Jacob Hill Justice of the peace

official Seal to be affixed the day and year first mentioned.
Albion K. Parris
Page 16

United States of America
Maine District, ss.
Be it remembered that on the second day of May in the year of our Lord, on thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came James Johnson the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered in evidence his original commission dated July 1 177(?)signed by John Hancock, hereunto annexed also the affidavits of Joseph Johnson taken and sworn to before me; also the affidavit of Moses Hodgdon, taken and sworn to before Jacob Hill esqr. a magistrate under the authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
And it appearing to me in the examination here had that the several persons above named are credible witnesses, I do hereby admit the annexed declarations as evidence and certify the same as being satisfactory proof to me that the said James Johnson the applicant, served as a commissioned officer in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and upwards in continuation on the continental establishment. And I do further certify that from the declaration of the applicant made before me, under oath as aforesaid, it does appear that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support; all which I do hereby certify and transmit to the Secretary of the Department of War, agreeably to the provisions of an Act of Congress, passed March 18, 1818 entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused my official Seal to be affixed the day and year first mentioned.
Albion K. Parris
Judge of the United States in and for
the District of Maine
Page 17

5630
Children of James Johnson
F. Bradford May 30 1843

Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application file:
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:

REJECTED
Page 18

IN CONGRESS
The Delegates of the UNITED COLONIES of 
New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, 
Rhode-Island, Connecticut,New-York, 
New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of
New-Castle, Ken and Sussex on; Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina to James Johnson, Esquire

We reposing special Trust and Confidence in your  Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity do by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of Company in the Regiment commanded by Colo. Phinny
in the Army of the United Colonies; raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Captain by doing and performing all Manner of Things hereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command to be obedient to your Orders as Captain. And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall received from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies or any other your superior Officer according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or future Congress.
July 1st 1775
By Order of the Congress
John Hancock, President
Attest Chas. Thomson Jun
Page 19

see let. to F. Bradford
May 30, 1845

5630
Page 20

James Johnson    R5630  no widow
In April 1818 of Thompson Pond platation Cumberland Co & died June 16 1831
June 1820 no family aged 86 years

Ent'd. the service latter part of Apr 19 1775 ^Sept. 29 1775 as 1st Lt. under Capt. John Brackett & Col Edw. Phinney 31 regt. Mass. & after the death of Capt Brackett the com. of the Co. devolved on him from July 1 1775 when (illegible) served a year 1776. Was Capt. (illegible)   1779 in Penobscott Expedition for 2 months (over) Joseph Johnson of Thompson pond plantation was a witness to his service
Heirs April 1845-Chas. Johnson of Windham Cumberland Co Me (a son) Wm. Johnson, Hancy Hodgdon, Martha Mc Lauthlin all children
Page 21

After the troops were organized at Falmouth for the defense of that place he served 2 mos. as Major under Colo. Jordan Natht. Sept 25 to Oct 23 1779 as Major.
In 1780 ma 22 to Dec 6 he was Major under Colo. Joseph Prince & stationed at Falmouth 6 1/2 mo.
Stationed in 1776 at & near Boston for part of 1776 & in Augt. 1776 to Ticonderoga &  dischg at Fort Independence
Ann Johnson of Windham was a witness
On roll from April 19 1775 for 5 days 
from April  24 to Sept 29 as Lt.
Capt. of (illegible) from June 25 to Augt. 27, 179
Penobscot Expedition
Page 22

I James Small of Scarboro in the County of Cumberland aged eighty seven last April on oath say that I was a soldier in 1775 in a company commanded by Captain Abraham Tyler in Col. Phineys regt. and served that year 8 mos. In January 1776 I again enlisted for a year in the same company and served in the same Regiment. James Johnson was Lieut. in Capt. Bracketts company in 1775 and I believe was prommoted to a Captaincy on the death of Capt. Brackett which was in the month of August or September. Capt. Johnson was in the years service in 1776 in Col. Phinneys Regt. and was in the service in 1776 the whole 12 mos. as a Capt. the Regiment of col. Phinney was stationed at and near Boston the first part of the year 1776 and in the month of August marched to Ticonderoga and were discharged at Mount Independence at the end of this year. Capt. Johnson was a resident of Falmouth during the Revolutionary war. 
James Small

State of Maine 
Cumberland County ss. Sept. 26th 1844 
Then appeared the above named James small known to me as a man of truth & veracity and made oath to the above affidavit by him signed. Before me Freeman Bradford J. P.
Page 23

I Ann Johnson of Windham in the county of Cumberland on oath say that ai have been acquainted with the family of the late Major James Johnson, formerly a resident of Thompson Pond Plantation Poland. The only surviving children of said Johnson are Charles Johnson, William Johnson, Nancy Hodgdon, & Martha McLauthlin. James Johnson was a pensioner of the Unite States & died on the 16th of June 1831 and left no widow. The above named are the only children who survived their father now living.
Ann johnson

Cumberland Ss. October 2d 1844. then personally appeared the above named Ann Johnson known to me as a person of truth & veracity and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her subscribed.
Before  
Freeman Bradford Jus. Peace

Memo. The day of the death of James Johnson the father of the abovesaid claimants is presumed to be proved by a certificate of Court when the arrears of his pension was drawn.
F. Bradford
Page 24

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston
Sept. 13 1844
(State seal)

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 James Johnson is borne upon the eight months rolls of 1775 Col. Phinney, Capt. John Bracket from April 19 1775 5 days as Lieutenant , from April 24 to Sept. 29. " John Bracket Capt. April 24 dead "as 1st Lieut. and upon the coat rolls as Captain.
The name of James Johnson is borne upon the pay rolls of Capt. Abner Powell as mattross from June24, 1776 to March 31, 1777.
The name of James Johnson is borne upon a roll of the Brig Pallas Penobscot expedition as Captain from June 25 to Aug. 27 1779. The name of James Johnson is borne upon a pay roll of Col.  Nathl. Jordan Sea Coast from Sept. 25th to Oct. 23, 1779 as Major
(over)
Page 25

The name of James Johnson is borne upon a pay roll of Col. Prime from May 22 1780 to Dec. 6 6 mos. 15 days as Major.

And I further Certify, that, before search made for  evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this office in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; an that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written.
John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 26

To the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The undersigned heir of James Johnson late of Poland in the County of Cumberland a pensioner of the U. S. requests that the Secretary will furnish evidence of the services of James Johnson who was a Capt. & Major in the War of the Revolution. My father was Major under Col. Prime in 1780 and he believes he served over two years in the war.
Charles Johnson

Cumberland SS August 21, 1844
Signed before me F. Bradford Justice of the Peace
Page 27

Portland April 23d 1845

Sir
I herewith forward the claim of the children of the late Major James Johnson for the increase and arrears of pay due to their father under the act of 1832. I have omitted in this instance to append the usual certificate that I am a Justice of the Peace as it has been certified so often that I presume it will be unnecessary.
I am very Respectfully 
your obt. servt.
F. Bradford

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commr. of Pensions
Page 28

Johnson Mass
Mch 18 1891
James Johnson Me
(illegible)

(stamp) Old War & Navy files Mar 23 181
C5750

(illegible)

(stamp) U. S. Pension Office Mar 17 1891
Page 29

Johnson Mass
Mch 18 1891
James Johnson
(illegible)

Stamp-Old War & Navy files Mar 23 1891

C 5750
(illegible)

Stamp-U. S. Pension Office Mar 17 1891
Page 30

Boston, Mass., March 18th 1891

Hon. Green B. Raum
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Sir:
Will you kindly furnish me a copy of the declaration upon which the pension granted to James Johnson, a revolutionary pensioner was based. he enlisted April 14th, 1775 at Falmouth, Maine, as 1st Lieut. under Col. Edmund Phinney; was Capt. October 24th, 1775 at Cambridge, Mass., and was promoted to Major, date unknown.  Any information will be gratefully received.
Yours Respectfully, 
Alongo H. Johnson
Supt. Genl. Dely.
P.O. Boston, Mass.