Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,513, Abner Ward, Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE     Mass.

Ward, Abner
Polly

NUMBER      W. 22.513

CONTENTS
Page 2

4368

New Hampshire
Abner Ward
of Sutton in the State of N. H.  who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain        of the Regt commanded by Col. Hawes in the N. H. line for 15 mons.

Inscribed on the Roll of N.H.
at the rate of 50 Dollars ___ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of Jany  1833 and Sent Hon Jsh Harper H of Reps

Arrears to 4th Sept  1832            $75 --
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33   25 --
$100 --

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by J H McBlain Clerk,
Book D.    Vol. 1st.  Page 194.
Page 3

542
New Hampshire Concord
Polly Ward
widow of Abner Ward N. H.
who served in the Revolutionary War, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 -- day of June 1848. and sent to Samuel Jones Bradford N.H

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 160. Vol. 1


Reported
Page 4

8184
Abner Ward
Private
15 Mos
adn

of 14 &[and] 16

Dec. 29, 32

Page 189

$50 --

Hon J.M. Harper
House of Reps
Page 5

BRIEF in the case of Abner Ward of Sutton in the State of New Hamp. (Act 7 June, 1832.)

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

2. If   before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity ?

3.   How old is he ?   73 Years

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

[Table that includes, Period, Duration of Service, Rank and Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.]

Period    Nov in 1777    
Duration of Service   6 Months
Rank    Private
Names of General and Field Officers  Col Hawes

Period   May 1778
Duration of Service   6 Months
Rank   Private
Names of General and Field Officers  Lt Choat  Col. Hawes

Period.  Aug 1780
Duration of Service     3 Months
Rank   Private
Names of General and Field Officers  Capt Brereten   Col. Hawes


5.   In what battles was he engaged ?  None Stated 

6.   Where did he reside when he entered the service ?   Marlborough . Mass

7.   Is this statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the tools ?  Serving Witness  traditionary evidence &[and] Documentary proof

8.   Are the papers defective as to form or authentication ?  and if so, in what respect ?  Witnesses not Stated as credible &[and] the tape does not Nap under the Seal

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

D.D. Addison
Examining Clerk.
Page 6

A. Ward.

8184.


Hon. J. M. Harper
HR
Page 7

I Stephen Ward of Bradford in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire depose and say that I am well acquainted with Abner Ward of Sutton in said County of Merrimack , said Abner Ward lived in the town of Marlborough in the County of Middlesex and Common Wealth of Mass  in the time of the Revolutionary War.  I recollect that said Abner and one Newton were detached from Col. Hawes Regiment to guard the Continental Stores which were deposited in said Marlborough and being at said Store house a number of times while he was stationed there as a guard, and remember perfectly well that he caried his fathers gun, and I think it was in the year 1777 or '78. I know Said Abner enlisted two or three times during said Revolutionary War. but cannot say. how long he served  I believe said Abner to be a man of truth and veracity.  I verry well remember of said Abner's taking a french fire arm out of the storehouse in said Marlborough.
Stephen Ward [signed]

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss. August 24th. 1832
Personally appeared Stephen Ward and made solomn Oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true.
Before me.  Samuel Jones Justice of the Peace & of the Quorum

United States of America
State of New. Hampshire ss
[crossed out 'Merrimack ss']

I Charles W Cutter Clerk of the District Court of the U. S. for N. H. District being a Court of Record in said County do hereby certify that Samuel Jones is a Justice of the Peace & of the Quorum within and for said County and that I believe his signature above is genuine.

Witness my hand and the seal of said Court at Concord, this 28th day of August  1832
Charles W Cutter Clerk

I certify that Charles W. Cutter is Clerk of the District Court of N.H. and that the above is his signature
J M Harper  M.C, Jany 19th 1833
Page 8

I certify that the within named Stephen Ward is a credible person whose statement for truth and veracity is good in any court of law.
Samuel Jones  Jus Peace
Page 9

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
United States of America
State of New Hampshire
County of Merrimack  ss.

On this twenty eighth day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the District Court of New Hampshire, now sitting, Abner Ward a resident of Sutton in the County of Merrimack and State of N. H. aged 73 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 he first enlisted in the year 1777 in the month of November in Colonel Ezekiel Hawes Regiment of Militia Cyprian Howe was Lieutenant Colonel . he then lived in the town of Marlborough in the County of Middlesex and Common Wealth of Massachusetts and marched to Winter hill so called in said Massachusetts he recollects of stopping at Col. Howe's in the town of Sudbury but does not now remember the Captains name, his mess was Corporal Simon Store, Goddard. and he served the term of six months as a guard to the Continental Stores at Marlborough, and a part of the time a guard to the British and Hessians prisoners at said Winterhill and carried his fathers gun and served his time out, and was dismissed and returned home to his fathers in Marlborough in the Spring he thinks in May, 1778 and in two or 3 days after his returning he enlisted in Lieutenant Choats Company (he does not recollect the Captains name) in Colonel Cyprian Howes Regiment, and carried again his fathers gun as a soldier and marched back to Winter-hill as a guard to the British and Hessians prisoners and was unwell the first of August 1778 and returned home to his fathers on a furlow for a few days and his father was unwilling to. he should carry his gun again and on the 10 of August. 1778 he took a gun from the Store house in Marlborough and gave his receipt for the same to Cyprian Howe who acted as Deputy Commissary officer receipt is annexed, and returned to Winter.Hill and served the remainder of the time of six months and was dismissed, but no written discharge, some time before he was dismissed he went as a guard to some British and Hessian prisoners to a place called Bristol in the State of Rhode Island to be exchanged and in the Month of August 1780 he enlisted in Captain Brintons Company in Colonel Howe Regiment for the term of three Months and Marched to Rhode Island he was unwell a few days and has the surgeon certificate dated October 13. 1780. signed by Sergt. Mawney which is anexed and served his time out and was dismissed making the whole term of Service fifteen months. he has no other documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure

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, 
Abner  X  Ward
his mark

Sworn to and subscribed, the 22nd day of August 1832 Before me Samuel Jones Justice of the Peace &[and] of the Quorum also on the 28th day of August 1832. Before me Charles W Cutter Clerk of the District Court of New Hampshire

We Isaac Peaslee Clergyman residing in Sutton aforesaid and Nathan Andrew residing inside Sutton hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Abner Ward, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be 73 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.
Isaac Peaslee
Nathan Andrew
Sworn and subscribed the 22nd day or August 1832.  Before me. Samuel Jones {Justice of the Peace & of the Quorum}

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 Isaac Peaslee who signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the same Sutton and that Nathan Andrew, who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Sutton and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, Charles W Cutter Clerk of the District Court of New Hampshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of a Abner Ward for a pension and that Samuel Jones who signed the above Certificates, is a Justice of the Peace & of the Quorum and that the same is his genuine signatures
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty eighth day of August AD.  1832
Charles W Cutter  Clerk
Page 10

142

Polly Ward.  1843

NH.
March 3d. 1843
Polly Ward,
Page 11

State of New - Hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.

I, Josiah Stevens, Jr., Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Wm West is an acting Justice of he Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified ; that his Commission was dated on the eighteenth day of June 1840 and will expire on the eighteenth day of June 1845 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said State this third day of April 1843
Josiah Stevens Jr. Secretary of State.

[remnants of sunburst circular seal at bottom left side of page]
Page 12

DECLARATION.

In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d arch, 1843, granting pensions for on e year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Merrimack  ss.
On this Twenty Seventh day of March - 1843.  Personally appeared before William West a Justice of the Peace - in and for the County and State aforesaid, Polly Ward, a resident of Sutton in the County of Merrimack and State aforesaid, aged 45 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 persons who served during g the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Abner Ward who was a private during the Revolution in the Mass. Militia;

That she was not a pensioner under the act of 7th July, 1838, But is entitled to [crossed out 'which she'] receive at the rate of fifty dollars  --- [crossed out 'cents'] per annum in place of act it being the same allowed to her late husband act. 1832.  She further declares that she is still a widow.
Polly  X  Ward
her mark
Witness P. Ward
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me.
Wm. West Justice of the Peace

I, certify that the above declarant is personally known to me, That, she is a credible witness whose Statements , are entitled to full credit.
Wm. West Jus. Peace
Page 13

V   8909

Polly Ward
N Hampshire
July 7  1838
Page 14

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR.  Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify that, Aaron Whittmore is an acting Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified ; that his Commission was dated on the eighth day of Jany. 1833 and will expire on the 28th day of Nov 1844  and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.

Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this 12th day of April 1843 
Josiah Stevens, Jr.   Secretary of State.


[remnants of circular sunburst seal located in bottom left below text]
Page 15

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838, granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.

State of New Hampshire,
Merrmack ss 
On this Eighth day of April 1843. personally appeared before me. Aaron Whittemore, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county and State aforesaid.
Polly Ward, a resident of Sutton in the county of Merrimack and state aforesaid, Aged 86 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 7th 1838, "entitled an act granting half pay and pensions. to certain widows

That she is the widow of Abner Ward, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, in the Massachusetts Militia.

That he was a pensioner under the Act of Congress of 7 June 1832 at the rate of Fifty Dollars, per annum
For proof of Service reference it at war, Office

She further declares that She was, Married. to the aforesaid Abner Ward in the Month of Oct or November thinks in 1781 at Bradford aforsaid.  As will appear by proof in annexed

That her husband the aforesaid Abner Ward, Died in the twenty six day of May. 1841.
As will appear by Proof annexed
Page 16

That she was not Married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the Marriage took place previous, to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated.

She further declares that she has never Married Since the death of her above named husband and still remains a widow.

Witness } Abner Ward
Polly   X   Ward
her mark

Sworn to and Subscribed, in the day and year above written Before 

Aaron Whittemore Justice  of the Court of C Pleas for the county & State aforesaid

I certify that the above named declarant is a credible witness, whose statements are entitled to full credit.  That the above declaration was taken at the dwelling of the above named Polly Ward she being unable to appear in court.
Aaron Whittemore Justi of Sd Court
Page 17

State of New-Hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.

I, Josiah Stevens, Jr., Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that William West is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified ; that his Commission was dated on the eighteenth day of June 1840 and will expire on the eighteenth day of June 1845 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said State this 12th day of April 1843

Josiah Stevens Jr. Secretary of State.

[remnants of seal located in bottom right of page]
Page 18

State of New Hampshire

Merrimack  ss}  Town Clerk's Office Bradford NH. April 8th 1843.

I, John Gillingham of Bradford in the County of Merrimack and State aforesaid, Depose and Say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of Bradford aforesaid.
That, I have the records of the Town of Bradford in my possession, 
That, I have examined the records of the Town of Bradford and cannot find any record in said Town Books of the Marriage of Abner Ward and Polly Davis now Polly Ward,
1    That I have held the office of Town Clerk of Bradford aforesaid, from March, 1832, to the present time.
2   That I have examined the records of sd Town from AD 17 to 1820,
3    That the records do not afford any evidence of the Marriage in question at the designated period, or at any other time
4    That the records do not appear regular and full, but very irregular, (and do not raise the least presumption, ) against ) an alleged Marriage within the Town of Bradford, which is not, found thereon.

John Gillingham  {Clerk of the Town of Bradford}

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss }
April 8th  1843}
Personally appeared the above named John Gillingham and the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.  Before.
Wm. West Jus. of th Peace
Page 19

We the subscribers Stephen Ward a resident of Bradford Aged. 81 Years and Betsy Ward a resident of Bradford both in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire aged 82 Years.

Each and Severally. testify and Say, that in the years , AD. 1780 or 1781" in the fall of the year, think about the month of October (cannot state the day) we ware both of us, at the House of Isaac Davis. in Bradford aforesaid, Father of the now Polly Ward, who. has signed the annexed declaration,
And severally testify, that we saw Abner Ward and Polly Davis" now Polly Ward, lawfully joined in Marriage by the Revd Mr Rice, of Henniken at the House of sd. Isaac Davis in Bradford.
And further severally testify that we have lived in the neighborhood &[and] been well acquainted with the said Abner Ward and Polly Ward his wife for more than Seventy years past, and know they have lived together as man and wife ever since the time of the above stated Marriage, until his death they have a Family of Children born unto them, most of which are now living and are well acquainted with.
And further testify that Polly Ward above stated is now the widow of Abner Ward above named and is now a resident of Sutton in Sd. County.
Stephen Ward
Betsy Ward

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss.}
April 8th 1843}
Personally appeared the above named Stephen Ward and Betsy Ward. and made oath, that the above affidavit by them Subscribed is true.  Before
Wm. West, Justice of the Peace
Page 20

I Abner Ward a resident of Sutton in the county of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire of lawful age.
Testify and say that I have been well acquainted for many years past, with Abner Ward late of Sutton husband of Polly Ward, who has signed the annexed declaration, And know that the above named Abner Ward - Died= at Sutton aforesaid, on the twenty six day of May A.D. 1841.
And further testify Polly Ward above named has never Married Since the Death of her above named husband, and Still remains a widow.
Abner Ward

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack  ss}
April 8th. 1843}
Sworn to and Subscribed}
Before me.}
Aaron Whittmore {Justice of the Court of C. Pleas for sd County&[and] State aforesaid

I certify that the above named is a credible witness, whose statements are entitled to full credit.
Aaron Whittmore  {Justice of Sd Court CP
Page 21

State of New-Hampshire
Office of Secretary of State
I. Thomas P. Treadwell Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that [illegible] [Nathan?] West -- is an acting Justice of Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the Eighteenth day of June 1840 and will expire on the Eighteeth day of  June 1845 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. 
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this Twentieth day of September 1843 
Thomas P. Treadwell Secretary of State.
Page 22

To be used in case of Polly Ward

We the subscribers, residents of Sutton &[and] Bradford in the County of Merrimack, and State of New Hampshire, Children of the late Abner Ward, and Polly Ward, now of Sutton, and widow of the late Abner Ward.

Testify and say, that we are of the Family of Children, of the above named Abner Ward +[and] Polly Ward, which Family, now consists, of the following named. Children, which we have no doubt but are now living in this and other States, which Children were born in the following order, not knowing the ages. except our ages, for ourselfs,  __  Mary Ward
William Ward aged, 56 years last August. ---
Isaac Ward, Sally Ward, Lucy Ward. John Ward, Patty Ward, 
Abner Ward. aged 42 years the 2d day Nov 1843. --
Susan Ward &[and] Hannah Ward, 
William Ward [signed]
Abner, Ward [signed]


State of New Hampshire --
Merrimack.  ss. }. September the 14t. 1843, Personally appeared, William Ward &[and] Abner Ward above named, and made oath that. the above Statement by them subscribed is true before, me.
Wm. West. Justice of the Peace
over
Page 23

I certify, that the within named William Ward and Abner Ward, are credible witnesses whose statements are entitled to full credit.
W West Justice of the Peace
Page 24

[unfinished]

Deposition to be used in case of Polly Ward
I, Mary Davis, a resident of Bradford County of Merrimack & State of New Hampshire, aged 73 years the 6th day [illegible]
Testify and say that I have lived in Bradford, ever since I was eight years of age, And [illegible] testify that I was, & have been, well acquainted with Abner Ward, Col. of Sutton and Polly Ward, his widow, [illegible] of Sutton, ever since before they were married, untill his death, And know that they have lived together more than fifty three years past, and know they have had a large Family of Children born unto them, whom I have well known from their childhood, named as follows,
Mary Ward, William Ward, Isaac Ward, Sally Ward, Lucy Ward, John Ward, Polly Ward, Abner Ward, Susan Ward, & Hannah Ward. 

And [illegible] testify that the same Abner Ward & Polly Ward, have lived together as man and wife without interruption, for for more than fifty three years, that I was married in the 1790 & know the said Abner & Polly Ward married some time before I was. That the said Abner ward and Polly Ward, have lived in Bradford & Sutton [illegible] since they were Married, [illegible] said not.
[illegible] Mary E. Davis
[illegible] Mary [illegible] Davis [illegible]
State of New Hampshire
[illegible] 
Sept 14th 1843 
Personally appeared Mary Davis whom named and made oath that the above affidavit by her [illegible] is true before me. 
[illegible] West Jus. of th Peace
Page 25

I certify that the within named Mary Davis, is a credible witness whose statements are entitled to full credit.
Wm. West    Justice of the Peace
Page 26

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Abner Ward  W.  22.513 , 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.

[Following information was in a tablular format with the following column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT, LENGTH OF SERVICE, RANK., OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED., STATE.] 

Date of Enlistment or Appointment.  Apr.  77
Length of Service.  6 mos.
Officers . . .    Colonel Ezekiel Howe

Date of Enlistment or Appointment.  May  78
Length of Service.  6 mos.
Officers . . .    Lieut Choat   Colonel Cyprian How

Date of Enlistment or Appointment.  Aug 2, 80
Length of Service.  3 mos.
Rank.  Pri.
Officers . . .    Capt. Brinton    Colonel Howe


Battles engaged in,   none mentioned
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  Marlborough, Middlesex Co.   Mass
Date of application for pension, Aug. 28, 1832.
Residence at date of application,  Sutton, Merrimack Co., NH
Age at date of application,  73
Remarks:  His claim was allowed.  He mar - Oct. or Nov.  1781  Polly Davis dau. of Isaac Davis of Bradford, N.H.  Sol. died May 26, 1841 at Sutton. --
Wid. pens. -- aged 86 in 1843 res. of Sutton aforesaid.
Very respectfully,
Page 27

[appears to be two facing pages from a ledger-type book with a left and right pages]

[left page]

Oct. 20, 1905 History to Mrs. Eugene C. Gage  Hillsboro Bridge, NH


[right page]

Rev
WIDOW, &c.

File No.  22.513
Polly Ward
wid of Abner Ward
Priv  Rev.  war

Act Feb. 2d.  '/48

Index:  Vol  M,  Page 312

[Arrangement of 1870.]