Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5883, for Solomon Parsons, Massachusetts
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Mass.

Parsons, Solomon

NUMBER
S.5883
Carded
===
CONTENTS
Page 2

[Left side]
Massachusetts Roll
1,553
===
Solomon Parsons,
Private,
Massachusetts line -- 1777, 1 year
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
===
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 13th of April 1818.
===
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 of June 1818,
and sent to the Hon. Isaac Parker,
Worcester, Massa.
===
Arrears to 4th of Sept'r. 1818.
4 months 22/30. $37.86
{ Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818. }
(Invalid Pensioner)

[Right side]
Letter to Solomon Parsons
July 21, 1855.
Page 3

Massachusetts
680
===
Solomon Parsons,
private
In the Army U. States
===
Inscribed on roll Mass. as an Inv'd [invalid] at $[illegible]
increased to $6 40/100 by Law 24 Ap'l. 1816
which pension S. Parsons relinquished & was
placed on roll under Law 18 Mar. 1818
at $8.-- & not being willing to make
a schedule his name has been stricken
from the same.
===
Reinstated on the roll of Mass.
is an Invalid at the rate of $6.40
per mo: coms 4 March 1820
under Law 1 May 1820
===
Certificate issued 30 Nov. 1820
& sent to Hon. E. Lincoln,
House of Representatives
===
Am't. from 4 Mar: 1820
to 4 March 1821. $76.80

[Right side]
letters 16 Jany 1828 to
Pension Agent & Hon J Davis HR
See letter to Hon. J. Davis H. R. 15th
March 1828.
---
Increased to $8 per month 5th
April 1828 commencing 29th March
1828 & new certificate issued
and sent to Hon. J. Davis, H. R.
see letter to A.H. Quincy Sept 6. 1833
Page 4

The undersigned, appointed by the Hon. John Davis Dist. Judge
Mass. Dist. to examine a wound received by Amos Pearson in the
revolutionary war, have attended to that duty and by leave to report--

That we find a scar on the exterior and back part of the right
arm, just above the elbow, which appears to have been made by a
musket ball passing upwards, and in its course wounding the tendon
and body of the extensor muscle. It should seem that considerable
lameness has been the consequence of this wound -- it is attended
with pain, which is aggravated by labor, and increases with his years.

It further appears that when he engages in any severe labor, a
degree of pain is produced in this right arm, which presently obliges
him to desist; yet, from a peculiar modesty, a reluctance to complain,
or a supposed interest to conceal his sufferings, he has thus far
silently made his way, beyond the patience of most men -- he
prosecutes the business of his tract assisted by his son, who does
the heavier work -- we believe however, that were he reduced
to depend on his own hands, his earnings must be very small,
these precarious, and acquired at the expense of much pain.

Nath'l Bradstreet
Nathan Noyes

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. Town of Newburyport November 3d, 1817 Then personally came Nathaniel
Bradstreet and Nathan Noyes above named Physicians, and made solemn Oath
to the truth of the above written statement by them subscribed
before me

W Woart Justice Peace
Page 5

Solo. Parsons
13 April Worcester
Pensioned Soldier
Correct
DH
Page 6

State of Massachusetts, County of Worcester
I Solomon Parsons a Citizen of the United States, now resident at
Worcester in the County of Worcester in the State aforesaid, do on oath
testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, on the 8 March AD 1777
I entered and was engaged in the land service of the United States on the
continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to June 28th 1778
as a private soldier against the common enemy, without any interruption
or absence; that I belonged to Captain Adam Martins
company in Col. Timothy Bigelows regiment
being the 15th Massachusetts --
and that I left the service after the battle of Monmouth by
reason of my wounds and was honourably discharged
and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and
poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of
60 years -- I further declare that I now claim a pension
from the United States by reason of my wound
of $6.40 per month

And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the
United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.

Solomon Parsons

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this 13 day of April in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen pursuant to a law of
the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and
naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of
March, A. D. 1818, personally appeareth before me, Isaac Parker Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts
the abovenamed Solomon Parsons
and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath
to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination du[ly?]
made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.

Witness my hand & the seal
of said Court the day & year afores'd
Isaac Parker CJSC
Page 7

INCREASE OF PENSION.
IT is hereby certified that Solomon Persons
formerly a private of captain Adam Martin's
company, in the fifteenth Mass. Regiment of Infantry
who, it appears by the accompanying certificate [double dagger], was
placed on the pension roll at the rate of six 40/100 dollars
per month, on account, as he states, of having received a* wound in
thigh which fractured the bone extensively and in
consequence of his situation and want of attention, the inflamation
extended to the hip & knee joints and produced a complete anchilosis [ankylosis]
of both joints, and has been subject to painfull abscesses, at short intervals
ever since while in the line of his duty, and in the said service, on or about the
twenty eighth day of June in the year 1778
at a place called Monmouth in the state ["or territory" crossed out]
of New Jersey, is not only still disabled in consequence
of the said injury, but, in my opinion, is entitled to full pay being
more than he already receives as a pensioner, being disabled to a degree
amounting to [dagger] ["of" crossed out] a total disability,
John Green
Benjn F. Heywood } Surgeons.

* Here particularly describe the disability, and state its origin and progress.
[dagger] Here state the degree of disability, say, one-third, one-half, three-fourths, or otherwise, as the case
may be.

[pointing hand] The above affidavit must be made before a magistrate duly qualified to administer oaths, and his
official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The
magistrate must certify that the Surgeons are reputable in their profession.

[pointing hand] If the claimant is within thirty miles of an Army Surgeon, he must obtain his testimony.

[double dagger] The pension certificate, which must be sent to the war
Department
Page 8

Worcester ss. March 27th 1828. Personally
appeared John Green & Benjamin F. Heywood and
made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing
statement by them subscribed. I also certify
that the said Green and Heywood are well
known to me and that they one Physicians &
Surgeons highly respectable in their profession.

Charles Allen, Jus. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. I Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Judicial Courts
of said Commonwealth holden within and for said
County of Worcester, do certify that Charles Allen
Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within and for
said County of Worcester, duly qualified to act in
said Office, and that full faith and credit
are and ought to be given to his acts as such
Justice of the Peace, and that his signature to the
above certificate is in his own proper hand writing.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, and
affix the seal of the Court of Common Pleas
for said County of Worcester, this twenty ninth
day of March AD. 1828.

Abijah Bigelow, Cler.
Page 9

I Oliver Plimpton of Southbridge, in the County
of Worcester in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts do hereby certify that I knew Mr.
Solomon Parsons, in the Army of the Revolution.
He belonged to the Company of Capt Adam Martin
in the fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment
commanded by Col Timothy Bigelow. I was myself
a member of the same company and Regiment
with him. Said Parsons to my personal
knowledge was in the Battle of Monmouth
fought June 28, 1778. Said Parsons received
a number of wounds in said Battle
one in his thigh occasioned by a Ball one
in his head by a blow with a ram rod
after the Battle was over the wounded soldiers
were carried into the village Meeting House
in Monmouth. I well remember that I took
care of said Parsons and help dress his Wounds
in said Meeting House on the Evening and
right after the Battle June 28 1778. said
Parsons further received three wounds with
a Bayonet in said Battle.

Oliver Plimpton
Page 10

Massachusetts, Worcester ss. January 30, 1828
then personally appeared Oliver Plimpton, the
signer of the within Affidavit and made
solemn oath to the truth of the same before me

Frederic W. Bottom Just Pairs

I Joshua Harding of Southbridge in the County of
Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
do herby certify that I know Mr Solomon Parsons
was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution
He belonged to the Company of Capt Adam
Martin, which company was attached to the
fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, commanded
by Col Timothy Bigelow. I belonged to the same
Company and Regiment myself. I know that
said Parsons was in the Battle of Monmouth
June 28. 1778. I further know that said
Parsons, was wounded in said Battle, but
cannot particularise his Wounds.

Joshua Harding

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester Jany 30, 1828
Then personally appeared Joshua Harding the
Signer to the above Affidavit and made solemn
oath to the truth of the same, before me

Frederic W. Bottom Just Pairs
Page 11

[Postmark] WORC[ESTER] MA[SS]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

[Written upward]
Solomon Parsons
Mass - a Rev. Inv.
Page 12

Worcester Mass July 10, 1855.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty of
making some enquiries, whether I am not entitled
as heir of Solomon Parsons, who enlisted at
Leicester, March 4th, 1777, during the Revolutionary
war. he served till June 28th 1778 when
was wounded at the battle of Monmouth. he
had a bullet shot through his thigh which
caused him much suffering till his death,
which occurred May 11, 1831.

In the year 1785 he rec'd a pension
of $4 pr. month - in the year 1816 it was
increased to $6 40/100 pr month & afterwards
to $8 pr month. His widow died Jan'y
28, 1836 never having received any pension
as widow.

I wish to enquire whether I am not
entitled to receive pay after he was wounded,
during the war, for his monthly pay
or wages, board & clothing. He received
a pass to go home Sept. 30, 1778 & returned
to his father in Leicester, who supported
him for 7 years, he being unable to work
on account of his wounds, during all that
Page 13

time.

Perhaps you could forward me the
law of the U. S. respecting this case, or give me some
information as to the proper course to
pursue to obtain arrearage of pay, if
am entitled to it, which will be
gratefully received, by
Very Respectfully
Your obdt. St.
Solomon Parsons
Executor of the last will & testament
of above named Solomon Parsons,
& only surviving son of said deceased.
Page 14

RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR
SUBSTANTIATING CLAIMS TO A PENSION.
---
VID. "An act to provide for Persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the revolutionary 
"war," passed the 10th of April, 1806, revived and continued in force for six years longer, by
an Act of the 25th of April, 1812.

"SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That in substantiating such claim, the following rules and regulations
shall be complied with; that is to say: all evidence shall be taken on oath or affirmation, before
the Judge of the District, or one of the Judges of the Territory in which such claimant resides, or
before some person specially authorised by commission from said Judge.

"Decisive DISABILITY, the effect of a known wound or wounds received while in the actual service
and line of duty against the common enemy, during the Revolutionary War, must be proved by
the affidavit of the commanding officer of the regiment, corps, company, ship, vessel or craft, in which
such claimant served; or of two other credible witnesses to the same effect, setting forth the time when,
and place where, such known wound or wounds were received -- and particularly describing the same.

"The nature of such DISABILITY, and in what degree it prevents the claimant from obtaining his
subsistence, must be proved by the affidavit of some reputable Physician or Surgeon, stating his opinion
either from his own knowledge and acquaintance with the claimant, or from an examination of such
claimant on oath or affirmation, which when necessary for that purpose, shall be administered to said
claimant by said Judge or Commissioner. And the said Physician or Surgeon, in his affidavit, shall
particularly describe the wound or wounds from whence the disability appears to be derived.

"Every claimant must prove, by at least one credible witness, that he continued in service during the
whole time for which he was detached, or for which he engaged, unless he was discharged, or left
the service in consequence of some derangement of the army, or in consequence of his disability resigned
his commission; or was after his disability in captivity or on parole, until the close of the Revolutionary
War. And in the same manner must prove his mode of life and employment since he left the
service, and the place or places where he has since resided, and his place of residence at the time of
taking such testimony.
---
RESOLVED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
Secretary for the Department of War, return to the respective District Judges, the names of all such persons, as have been
transmitted to him by the several District Judges pursuant to the Act for the Regulation of Claims to Invalid Pensions, and
in whose cases the examining physicians have neglected to specify the ratio of disability, together with such defective
returns of physicians. And the said District Judges, respectively, shall forthwith cause the examining physicians to specify
the several rates of disability which have been so neglected; or, in case of sickness, death, or removal of one or both such
physicians, to make new appointments, and cause the several rates of disability to be specified, and by the said physicians
returned to them as soon as may be, of which they shall make return to the Secretary of War, &c. &c. &c.
VID, Law of the 18th April, 1796. -- Laws of the U. S. Vol. 3, page 374.
Page 15

"Every claimant shall by his affidavit give satisfactory reasons why he did not make application for
a pension before, and that he is not on the pension list of any state; and the Judge or Commissioner
shall certify in writing, his opinion of the credibility of the witnesses, whose affidavits he shall take, in
all those cases, where by this act it is said the proof shall be made by a credible witness or witnesses.
And also, that the examining Physician or Surgeon is reputable in his profession.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the said Judge of the District, or person by him commissioned
as aforesaid, shall transmit a list of such claims, accompanied by the evidence, affidavits,
certificates and proceedings had thereon in pursuance of this act, noting particularly the day on which
the testimony was closed before him, to the Secretary for the Department of War," &c. &c. &c.-- "And it
shall be the duty of the Judge or Commissioner aforesaid, to permit each claimant to take a transcript of
the evidence and proceedings had respecting his claim, if he shall desire it, and to certify the same to
be correct."

"SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That an increase of pension may be allowed to persons already
placed upon the Pension List of the United States, for disabilities caused by known wounds received
during the Revolutionary War, in all cases where justice shall require the same: Provided, That the
increase, when added to the pension formerly received, shall in no case exceed a full pension.

"Every invalid making application for this purpose, shall be examined by two reputable Physicians
or Surgeons, to be authorised by commission from the Judge of the district where such invalid
resides; who shall report in writing, on oath or affirmation, their opinion of the nature of the applicant's
disability, and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence by manual labor, which report
shall be transmitted by said Physicians or Surgeons, to the Secretary for the Department of
War," &c. &c. &c.
---
Extract from an Act of Congress of the 25th of April, 1808, entitled " An Act concerning
Invalid Pensioners."

"SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That any officer, non commissioned officer, musician or private,
who has been wounded or disabled since the Revolutionary War, while in the line of his duty, in the
actual service of the United States, whether he belong to the Military Establishment or to the Militia,
or any volunteer corps, called into service under the authority of the United States, may be placed on
the Pension List of the United States, at such rate of compensation, and under such regulations as are
prescribed by the act, entitled "An Act to provide for persons who were disabled by know [sic] wounds
received in the Revolutionary War,” passed April the tenth, one thousand eight hundred and six."
Page 16

[THIS ENTIRE PAGE IS CROSSED OUT.]
Original Claim.
UNITED STATES.
DISTRICT, Ss.
I, ___, Judge of the
DISTRICT COURT of the United States of America for the
___ District, BY AUTHORITY of an
act of Congress, passed the 25th day of April, 1812, entitled,
"An Act to revive and continue in force an Act to provide
"for persons who were disabled by known wounds received
"in the Revolutionary War, and for other purposes,"
-- DO HEREBY ESPECIALLY AUTHORISE AND COMMISSION
___ of the county of
and District of ___
to take all evidence pursuant to the rules and regulations of the said act for substantiating the claim of
___ of the town of ___
in the county of ___ and district of ___
to be placed on the Pension List of the United States by reason of known wounds received in said
war, or since, (as prescribed in the 4th section of "an Act concerning invalid pensioners," passed the
25th of April, 1808,) -- while in the actual service of the United States, and in the line of his duty.
And when the same shall be completed, to return the evidence, affidavits, certificates and proceedings
had hereupon, together with this commission, to the Secretary for the Department of War.

Given under my hand and seal at ___
the ___ day of ___ in
the year one thousand eight hundred and ___.
Page 17

Increase of Pension.
UNITED STATES.
Massachusetts DISTRICT, Ss.

To Doctor Nathaniel Bradstreet
of Newbury Port and Doctor Nathan Noyes
of said Newburyport
in --- said District.
Pursuant to an Act of Congress of the United States,
passed the 25th of April, 1812, entitled "An Act to revive
and continue in force an act to provide for persons
who were disabled by known wounds received in the
Revolutionary War, and for other purposes" -- You are
hereby appointed and authorised to examine Amos
Pearson of New Bary Port [Newburyport] who is
inscribed on the Pension List of the United States, and
is claimant for an increase of pension conformably to the 5th section of the act of the 10th of April, 1806,
revived as aforesaid; and you are to report inwriting [sic] and on oath or affirmation your opinion of the
nature of his disability and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistance by manual
labor; and in your proceedings in the premises you are to be regulated and governed by said act.

Given under my hand and seal at Boston
this 24th day of October
in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen

Jn Davis
Res't Judge
Mass Dis't
Page 18

From Hon. E. Lincoln
H. Reps Nov'r 16th
Ans'd Nov. 1820

Poke [?] reinstated, link not
drawn into precedent
Page 19

Washington Nov. 16th 1820

Sir

I take the liberty of requesting the favor
of a revision of the case referred to in your letter
enclosed as I am apprehensive that there must
be a mistake about it. Mr Parsons was an invalid [underlined]
pensioner previous to the Pension Act of
March 1818, & if I rightly understand the
law of the 1st of May last should be reinstated
of course. I find this to be the prevailing construction
of that law & cannot concieve of any utility
to be derived from a schedule of property. You
will oblige me by correcting me if I am wrong.

Yours, E Lincoln

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 20

J. L. Edwards Esq
War Dept.
Page 21

War Department,
Pension Office,
October 12th. 1820.

Sir,
Your's of the 29th ult'o has been received. It will be
necessary for you agreeably to the Law of the 1st of May last, to
make a schedule of your property according to the enclosed
form, and have the same properly authenticated, in open
Court and sent to the Department, with a request to be
reinstated on the roll of Invalids, before your wishes can be
complied with. Your certificate is herewith returned to you.

I am, respectfully
Your obed't ser't
J. L. Edwards

Mr Solomon Parsons,
Worcester,
Massachusetts
Page 22

rec'd 5 April 1828
Solomon Parsons
Invalid
Massachusetts
Hon J. Davis,
H. R.

[written downward]
increase to $8 per month,
from 29th March 1828

Mr Edwards
Pension Office
Page 23

House of Reps Apr 1828

Sir

The Enclosed papers have been returned to
me. I transmit the letter of Mr. Towne who
has looked into the subject. I have found it
difficult to ascertain from Parsons himself any
very distinct account of his grievances as
his mind seems much confused and impaired.
His pay has been detain to meet an
over payment as is said which happened
I know not how -- I thought it advisable
under your directions first to ascertain his
true condition in the forms required. Next
to attempt to restore his rights if they have
been lost.

Respectfully your Obt Servt
John Davis
Page 24

Worcester March 29 1828

My Dear Sir

Inclosed are the papers of Parson's for
which you sent. The old certificate of Parson will
I think sufficiently explain the matter in
relation to the over payment. It places him on
the Pension Roll at the rate of $6.40 per month
without any regard to the degree of disability
which rate was predicated upon the certificates
you have already run. Now as I understand
Parsons the rule regulating the rate by the
degree of disability was passed subsequent to
his receiving his certificate and the Rule
triff would seem to confirm his statement
for you will perceive that the Rule makes
provision for the payment of no such
sum as his certificate entitles him to receive

I really do not think that Parsons has
been dishonest in the matter at all -- he
does not seem to have mind enough (in
relation to matters of this world) to defraud
any one. He wishes me to say that a
year's pay became due on the fourth of
March 1828 which should be allowed
in the certificate you may obtain.

In [illegible] Yours truly
Wm M Towne

Hon John Davis
Page 25

5883
Rev War INVALID.
File No. 5883
Solomon Parsons
Pri. Mass. Line Rev. War.
Act: 18" March 1818
Index:-- Vol. M, Page 287
[Arrangement of 1870.]