Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13785, for Peter Lowell, New Hampshire
Page 1

(3--1776)

SERVICE  N.H.

Lowell, Peter 

NUMBER  S.13785

CONTENTS

carded
Page 2

5506
New Hampshire

Peter Lowell
of Sullivan in the State of N.H. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col Read in the N H line for 8 mos 

Inscribed on the Roll of N H at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Feby 1833 and sent Hon H Hubbard  H of R

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1832 - - - - -$39.99
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 -  13.33
[total] $53.32

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by J H McBlair Clerk
Book D  Vol.1st  Page 167.


[along left side]
Date of death not on
Page 3

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
of New-Hampshire,
County of Sullivan ⎬ ss.
On this 29th day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judge of the Court of Probate, now sitting, Peter Lowell a resident of Lempster in the County of Sullivan and State of N. H. aged 80 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 on the first of May in the year 1775 he enlisted in Capt Ezra Town's Company Colonel James Read's regiment,- McLeary being Major of the said regiment General Warren's brigade-- He was in the battle of Bunker Hill & after said battle, he was stationed at Winter Hill near Boston, & after remaining there about three months was ordered to Prospect Hill on account of the breaking of the small pox among the troops - he remained there about three months and then had a furlough on account of ill health for about one month, at the end of which month his term ended, said term being for eight months.
He recollects that another Colonel James Read was at Winter Hill while he was there
Declarant in the year 1775 in April, joined a company commanded by Jonathan Brockway, and was present at the engagement at Concord, & remained with said company one month, on the lookout. and to be in readiness to appear when he [illegible] [was] called for and at the end of said month he enlisted for 8 months as aforesaid-
Declarant was born in Groton in Mass in the year 1752. His age is on record in Groton.  He received no written discharge, & has no documentary evidence of his services. He has the depositions of Abigail Keyes & Ruth Bruce accompanying this declaration. When he joined the service he lived in Washington in N Hampshire & since the revolution he has lived in said Washington and Lempster.  He joined the service as a volunteer. He is known to Eliphalet Booth and Daniel M. Smith who can make the requisite declaration concerning his reputation
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DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State,
[signed] Peter Lowell
Sworn to and subscribed, the day & year aforesaid
[signed] Frederick A Sumner Judge of Probate

We, Elipt Booth residing in Lempster and Danl M. Smith residing in Lempster hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Peter Lowell who has subscribed and sworn to the above obligation; that we believe him to be 80 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.
[signed] Eliphalet Booth  Daniel Smith
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
[signed] Frederick A Sumner Judge of Probate

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 certifies, that it appears to them that Eliphalet Booth who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in Lempster and that Daniel Smith,who has also signed the same is a resident in Lempster and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
[signed] Frederick A Sumner, Judge of Probate

I, Aaron Nettleton Jr Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Peter Lowell for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 29th day of August A.D. 1832
[signed] Aaron Nettleton Register of Probate
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I certify that Peter Lowell the within named  declarant is a credible man & entitled to full belief
[signed] Henry Hubbard MC

[along the left side]
Peter Lowell
Page 6

Peter Lowell

Private

8 mos

$26.66

Hon H. Hubbard
H.
Page 7

BRIEF in the case of Peter Lowell of Lempster County of Sullivan  in the State of N. Hampshire 
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open Court 

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily injury? [blank] 

3. How old is he? 84 

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Enlisted 1st May in 1775 -- 7 months -- Private -- Col James Reed, Capt Ezra Town} N.H. troops
Leaving [illegible] April 1775 -- 1 month -- Capt Jonathan Brockway
[total] 8 months

5. In what battles was he engaged?  Bunker Hill

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Washington N. Hampshire

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  by living witnesses &  traditionary evidence

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and, if so, how?  not properly attached - see the seal

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case
[signed] has. G Wilson  Examining Clerk.
31 Jany 1833
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May 9, 1939

BA-J/AWF
Peter Lowell
S. 13785

Miss Polly Cotta
425 Jilson Avenue
Rockford, Illinois
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Peter Lowell who was born in Groton, Massachusetts.
The Revolutionary War record of Peter Lowell which follows was obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 13785, based upon his service in that war. This is the record of the only Peter Lowell found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Peter Lowell was born in the year 1752, in Groton, Massachusetts. He was the son of David Lowell who was living in Washington, New Hampshire, about 1775, the name of his mother was not stated.
While residing in Washington, New Hampshire, Peter Lowell served in April, 1775, about one month as private in Captain Jonathan Brockway's company of New Hampshire troops, and was in the battle of Concord. He enlisted sometime in May, 1775, served eight months as private in Captain Ezra Towne's company, Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire regiment, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 29, 1832, at which time he was a
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resident of Lempster, Sullivan County, New Hampshire.
It was not stated whether the soldier, Peter Lowell, was ever married. His sister, Ruth Bruce, wife of Joseph Bruce, was living in 1832 in Thetford, Orange County, Vermont; she stated that she was married about the year 1775.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you
should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:
Peter Lowell
Certificate #5506
Issued February 11, 1833
Rate $26.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
New Hampshire Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Peter Lowell

Sent to H. Hubbard
[Z?] H. of R


Mr. Peter Lowell
Lempster NH
Page 11

I Ruth Bruce Wife of Joseph Bruce of Thetford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say that previous to my marriage in the year 1775 I lived with my Father David Lowell in Washington in the State of Newhamshire and was personally knowing to my Brother Peter Lowell enlisting into the United States Service in May I think that same year the term which he enlisted for I am very shure was eight months I was the one that prepared all his clothes and Marked them for him the Captain that he enlisted under I think was Ezra Town of New Ipswich
I well remember he some time in the Course of the fall that same year returned home on a furlow [furlough] being unwell & unable to do duty and further saith not
[signed] Ruth Bruce

State of Vermont
Orange County ss.} at Thetford in Orange County July 16th 1832 the above named Ruth Bruce personally appeared before me and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and Nothing but the truth before me 
[signed] William Heaton Justice of Peace

I hereby certify that the above named Ruth Bruce is considered a creditable Witness is a regular member in the Congregational Church in this place and considered a worthy Member
Attest [signed] William Heaton Justice of Peace
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State of Vermont.
Orange County Clerks office
I Harry Hale, Clerk of the County Court of Orange County do hereby certify that William Heaton, is, and was at the time of taking the within Deposition a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange aforesaid, and that the writing professing to be his signature is genuine
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 28th day of December A.D. 1832
[signed] Harry Hale, Clerk
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Peter Lowell
Page 14

I Abigail Keyes of [Putney?] in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say that I lived in Washington during the Revolutionary War and Peter Lowell now of Lempster Newhampshire then lived in said Washington - that some time the forepart of the first year of said War the said Peter Lowell enlisted as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and marched to the vicinity of Boston and I [illegible]  understood he was in the Bunker hill Fight and further to I say not
[signed] Abigail Keyes

State of Vermont
Windham County  [Putney?] June 28 1832
Then the above named Abigail Keyes subscribed the above [illegible] and made solemn [illegible]  that the same contains the whole  truth and nothing [but the truth?]
Before me [signed] Asa Keyes Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Windham County Court Clerks Office
New Fane December 29th 1832
I certify that Asa Keyes 2d Esquire, is, and was on the 23d of June 1832, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the above is his signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set  my hand and affixed the Seal of said County Court
[signed] James Elliot, Clerk.
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Peter Lowell, which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? {blank]

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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[Page] 2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [blank]

XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? [blank]
 If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of witness or witnesses? yes 
Has the proper officer certified to the character and signature of the magistrate as regulations direct? Yes

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes

XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? [5th?]

EXPLANATORY NOTES. *QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B., who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For_____ year____months, and ____days, I served as a _______, For _____months and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
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3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served. and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement ; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the services was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

+QUERE XIV . Proof of Service. In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

++QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificated must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
 [ hand symbol pointing ] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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Rockport, Mass. July 29-1925
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly give me the service of Peter Lowell (however the name be spelled) who served in the Revolutionary War from Ipswich, New Hampshire
I think he received a pension in 1831.
Please excuse pencil writing, I have Sprained my hand
Respectfully-
(Miss) Annie E. Rowe
6 Beach St
Rockport, Mass.
Page 19

[postmark]
SYCAMORE, ILL
OCT 19
1 PM
1916

This side of card is for address

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D C 

[stamp] 
U. S. PENSION OFFICE.
OCT 21 1916

[along left side]
Rev. Sec. 4 DZ

[along right side]
Valentine
Page 20

Dear Sirs:
Oct. 19, 1916.
Kindly send me all the information you have in regard to Peter Lowell, who was a soldier and pensioner of the Revolutionary War.
Yours truly,
[signed] Mrs John Valentine
Sycamore, Ill
Page 21

[stamp]
U S PENSION OFFICE
FEB 21 1898
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Form 63. 10-1-97-50m-C.H.S.
FITCHBURG RAILROAD COMPANY.
Hoobac Tunnel Route
Station  2/17 1898
FEB 24 1898

Adj Gen'l of New Hampshire
Pension office
Wash. D. C.
Dear Sir
Can you furnish me Certificate of service of Peter Lowell
In the War of Revolution, from New Ipswich NH
Aug. 1 1775 -  Jas Reeds Regt
Resp. Yrs.
[signed] C. W. Lowell
Page 23

[left side of page]
Mar 2 '98
Civ Lowell
Shelburne [illegible]
1916 Nov. 10. Hist to Mrs. John Valentine AW
1925 Sept 25 Hist to Annie E. [illegible]
1939 May 9 Hist to Polly Cotta

[right side of page] 
13783
INVALID.
Rev War
File No. 13,785
Peter Lowell
Priv Rev. War 

Act:  June 7th 1832
Index:--Vol. 1, Page 225

[in brackets] Arrangement of 1870.
Page 24

Bureau of Pensions
Dept of the Interior
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-  Will you kindly send me any Rev record you may have of one Peter Lowell of David Lowell, born in Groton Mass.
Thank you for any kindness you may be able to give me-
Sincerely
(Miss) Polly Cotta
425 Jelson Ave
Rockford, Ill -
Page 25

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
September 25, 1925.
Miss Annie E. Rowe
6 Beach St.
Rockport, Mass.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 13785, it appears that Peter Lowell (son of David) was born in 1752 in Groton, Massachusetts.
While residing at Washington, New Hampshire, he enlisted in April 1775 and served one month as a private in Captain Jonathan Brockway's New Hampshire Company and was in the battle of Concord.
He enlisted in May 1775 and served eight months as a private in Captain Ezra Towne's Company, Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire Regiment and was in the battle of Bunker Hill.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 29, 1832, while a resident of Lempster, Sullivan County, New Hampshire.
It is not stated whether soldier was ever married.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 26

Revolutionary War Records Section 3-525
S 13785 Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C. 19

In reply to your request of -----, received ----- for a statement of the military history of Peter Lowell a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment.- Apr '75, May '75
Length of Service. - 1 mo, 8 mon
Rank. Pvt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  
Captain. Jonathan Brockway, Ezra Towne
Colonel. James Reed
State. N 44

Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Washington NH.
Date of application for pension, Aug 29, 1832, [] et al
Residence at date of application, L--Peter, Sull--, N. H.
Age at date of application, L -- Marr, 1752
Remarks: Svl was the son of David Lowell. She is not -- whether out was never married