Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17759, Jonathan Emerson, Continental N.H.
Page 1

SERVICE Continental
NUMBER W. 17759

Continental 
Emerson, Jonathan

Mary

N.H.

CONTENTS
Page 2

2939
Mary Emerson
Vt.
Windsor agency

Admitted
1 yr--8 mos 13 days st  $272.43

on roll reed / nh
Reg 1 yr in 1777
8 mo 12 dys 1778
as a Lieut

Ira Davis
Norwich
Page 3

State of Vermont
District of Bradford ss}

On this 6th day of August [crossed out] September AD. 1837. Personally
appeared before the Probate Court of this District of 
Bradford Mary Emerson a resident of The York in the
County of Orange & State of Vermont aged 77 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
4th 1836. That she is the widow of Jonathan Emerson
 who was a lieutenant in the army of the Revolution, that
he enlisted as she believed for during the War & served in
Capt Amos Emerson's Company & in Col Sturk's Regiment
of the New-Hampshire line, That he received a  commission from
Congress, dated November 1776 & signed by John Hancock. 

That he was wounded at the battle of Bemis' heights in 1777 & was for a 
number of months disabled from service & that after his recovery
she is unable to say where his services were performed. 

She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Emerson on the 5th day of March 1778 at Dunstable, (now [illegible])
in the State of New-Hampshire & that her husband the above
said Jonathan Emerson died on the 10th day of October, 1785
& that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as
will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. 

Mary Emerson [signature]

Sworn to & subscribed on the
day & year above written, before, the
Hon'l Probate Court for the District afores'd

Attest  Simeon Short  Reg'r
Judge[crossed out]

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy
of the original proceedings in the case of the
application of Mary Emerson for a Pension.
In testimony where of I have hereunto affixed the seal
of said Court this 6th day of Aug 1837[crossed out] Sept AD 1837

Simeon Short Register
Page 4

To the Hon. Senate & House of Representatives of the United States. 
The Petition of Mary Emerson of Thetford in Orange County & State of Vermont, humbly showeth, that her husband Jonathan Emerson then of Dunstable N.H. enlisted in the War of the Revolution inn 177[illegible] for during the War. & recieved [received] an Ensign's commission in Capt Robert Olivers  company & Col J Reed's Regiment in the New Hampshire line. & that in Nov. 1776 he was promoted to Lieut. & recieved [received] a commission. Said Emerson was wounded at the Battle of Bemis heights in 1777. & the said Mary being in necefsitous circumstances old & infirm most earnestly solicts your honorable body that she may be permitted to recieve [receive] & enjoy the Bounty land promised to her said husband by virtue of his said enlistment. This request she more earnestly prays in as much as she was left a widow in 1785 with six small children & with no property or means of support. her said husband having been rendered unable to labor by his said wounds & she has remained the widow of the said Emerson ever since his death & has by her exertions, trained up her said children & is now seventy seven years old & unable to do any labor, she therefore is constrained to appeal to that country for assistance by reason of whose defence she had has been made a widow & her children fatherless. 

Mary Emerson [signature]
Thetford   Aug. 1839
Page 5

Mary Emerson dec'd
Vt.

Act 4 July  36
d 26. Aug. 40--

22 mo. 5 ds  Lieut
_________________
$295.55
__________________

To 26 Aug. '40---
_____
To Jonathan Emerson
Ex'r for the use of
himself--Allen Emerson
Rachel Fletcher &
Lucinda Stevens the
surviving children
deducting what has
been paid---

Ira Davis
Norwich 
Vt.
Page 6

State of Vermont
District of Bradford ss--  Probate office   June 6 1845--

I, J.W.D. Parker Judge of the Probate Court within and for the district of Bradford do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has been this day exhibited to Said Court that Mary Emerson who was the widow of Jonathan Emerson late of Dunstable Massachusetts and at Thetford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont on the 26 day of August 1840 and that She left children who survived her--Jonathan Emerson, Allen Emerson--Rachel Fletcher & Lucinda Stevens and that they were and are the children who survived her--I also further certify that Jonathan Emerson has been duly appointed Executor of the last will and testament of said Mary Emerson and given bonds in due form of law for the faithful execution of said trust to said Probate Court--

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my official hands and affixed the seal of said Probate Court this 6 day of June Ad 1845.
J.W.D. Parker  Judge

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraphs]
Page 7

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of July 4 1836

State of Vermont   )
Orange County      )

On this 6 day of June AD 1845 personally appeared before the Probate Court for the said District of Bradford, Jonathan Emerson Executor of the last will and testament of Mary Emerson late of Thetford deceased testate in said county of Orange aged 60 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4, 1836.  That he is the son and Executor of said Mary Emerson who was the widow of Jonathan Emerson late of Dunstable in the State of Massachusetts deceased who was an Ensign and a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution and served as a lieutenant for something more than a year and a half in the [blank] Regiment and as ensign in [blank]

The said Mary Emerson died on the 26 day of August AD 1840 and previous to her decease She obtained a pension for a portion of the above mentioned service & to those files reference may be had, in part proof of this declaration.

He further declares that the only surviving children of the said Mary Emerson at her decease were Jonathan Emerson of Thetford--Allen Emerson of Amity Erie County, Pennsylvania and Rachel Fletcher and Lucinda Stevens of said Thetford in Orange County aforesaid as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Jonathan Emerson Esq

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
J.W.D. Parker  Judge--
Page 8

1818
Vermont (Windsor)
Mary Emerson
widow of Jonathan Emerson
who died on the 10th Oct. 1783
of Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Lieut in the regt commanded by Captain [line used to cross out the space] of the regt. commanded by Col. Scammel in the N. Hampe. line for 1 yr. 8 mon. 13 days. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 272 Dollars 43 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of march, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 3td day of March 1838-and sent to Ira Davis Esqr Norwich.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1837 $1770.80 Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Mch 38 136.21

$1907.01
Revolutionary Claim
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3rd

1.23
[illegible] 13
[illegible] 6

Recorded by Wm L Allison Clerk, 
Book A Vol. 2 Page 36
Page 9

[illegible stamp in upper left corner of page]

12  3

Ira Davis Esqr

Norwich
Vt
Page 10

Mr Jonathan Emerson and Mrs Mary Cumings ware Joined in Marriage March 5 AD 1778

a true copy of Record of the Town of Dunstable NH
Nashua  Nov 13th 1837  
Attest  John Eayrs  ( Town Clerk of Nashua

I hereby Certify that the town of Nashua was called & known by the name of Dunstable until January last past at which time the name was changed to that of Nashua by an act of the Legislature of New Hampshire.
John Eayrs  ( Town Clerk of Nashua

Nashua  Nov 13 1837
Then personally appeared the above named John Eayrs and made oath that the above certifficate signed by him are True
before me
Francis Winch  Notary Public

[illegible seal affixed to the right lower corner of the page]
Page 11

Nashua  Nov 13  1837

This certifies that the within named John Eqyrs was duly chosen Clerk of the Town of Nashua for the currant year and has been qualified accordingly
Francis Winch   Notary Public

[illegible seal affixed to the right of the above signature]
Page 12

EMERSON, JONATHAN

(CONT., NH)

W-17759
Page 13

[lower right corner only of a document--top and left of writings missing]

...in all manner of Things thereunto belonging  And we do hereby

....diers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as first

...are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and Directions from Time to

...a future Congrefs of the United States, or Committee of Congrefs,

...ander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United States,

....cording to the Rules and Difcipline of War, in Purfuance of the

....ion to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congrefs.
November Anno Domini 1776----

....of the Congrefs,
John Hancock  PRESIDENT.
Page 14

EMERSON, JONATHAN

(CONT., N.H.)

W-17759
Page 15

I Jonathan Emerson of Thetford in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged 52 years depose & say that the fragment hereto annexed is a part of a Lieutenants commission, belonging to Jonathan Emerson late of Dunstable deceased & husband of Mary Emerson of Thetford Vermont--That said commifsion came into my pofsefsion about thirty years ago, that it was considered uselefs & accidentally thrown among some waste papers worn out torn & lost so that the fragment hereto annexed is all that can be found of it.   And I further testify & say that I have known the abovementioned Mary Emerson ever since I can recollect--That she always had & still does remain the Widow of the said Jonathan Emerson.--and further say not.
Jonathan Emerson

State of Vermont
Windsor County
Personally appeared Jonathan Emerson the above deponent who I certify is a person of undoubted veracity & subscribed & made oath to the foregoing affidavit the 4th day of September 1837.
Before me  IRA DAVIS  Just. of Peace

State of Vermont    )
Windsor County fs )
County Clerks office  Woodstock  Sept 13th 1837

I hereby certify that Ira Davis the above Subscribing Magistrate is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Windsor & the above is his genuine signature.---In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office the day & year last above written--
Benj'a Swan   Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 16

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
AW

No. 17759

Mary Emerson
Widow of
Jonathan Emerson
Lt.  Rev.  War

Act:  July 4th 1836

Index:---Vol. A,  Page 217

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

Office House of Reps U.S.
January 16  1846

Sir

At the request of Mr Davis of Norwich Vermont I enclose herewith the petition of Mary Emerson of Thetford Vermont who is the widow of Jonathan Emerson accompanied by the original commifsion ifsued to the said Emerson by Congrefs Jany 1, 1776

These papers were presented to the House of Representatives in May 1840 with the petition of Phineas George and filed under his name and were this day discovered by me in the file of the 26th Congrefs

I am very respectfully
Sir
Your Obt Servt
Paul Buck
Afst Clk HR  U.S.

James L. Edwards Esqr
Commifsioner of Pensions
Page 18

Payment to be made
at
by
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book   Vol.
Page      by


Clerk.
Page 19

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Mary Emerson, dec'd, who was the widow of Jonathan Emerson, who was an Ensign and a Lieutenant, was entitled to a pension at the rate of $313.98 per ann:  confirm the 4 March, 1831, and End Augt 26. 1840, the day of her death; which will be paid upon the production of the proper voucher to Jonathan Emerson, Executor for the sole and exclusive benefit of himself and Allen Emerson, Rachel Fletcher and Lucinda Stevens only surviving children of Mary Emerson, deceased; after having deducted the amt. already paid.

This pension is increased from $295.55 per annum.--

["widow of" "is entitled to receive" "cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the" "and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September"---all phrases stricken out of document]

Payment to be made at Montpelier Vt.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 21st day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty-six--
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.

Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 20

[left side of page]

Payment to be made
at
by
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book Vol.
Page by

Clerk.

[right side of page]

         30
30. 10.250
__________________
8.33

 18.43
295.53
_____________
313.98

24
22.5
_________
 1.25

272.43
 10---

 18.33
272.43
____________
290.76
Page 21

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Mary Emerson, dec'd, who was the widow of Jonathan Emerson, who was a Lieutenant, was entitled to a pension at the rate of $295.55 per ann: confirm the 4 March, 1831, and ending on the 26th, August, 1840, the day of her death; which will be paid upon the production of the proper voucher to Jonathan Emerson, Executor for himself and the use of Allen Emerson, Rachel Fletcher and Lucinda Stevens only surviving children of Mary Emerson, deceased; after having deducted the amt. already paid.

This pension is increased from $272.43 per annum.--

["widow of" "is entitled to receive" "cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the" "and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September"---all phrases stricken out of document]

To be paid at at Montpelier Vermont

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 30th day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty-five--
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.

Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 22

 1.  22
12.
 8 13
___________
22--5
Page 23

Norwich Vt   Oct 11  1845

Dear Sir

I send herewith the application of Jonathan Emerson, Administrator of Mary Emerson late of Thetford deceased who was a Pensioner under the Act of 1836.

The present claim is for an additional allowance and the papers sent are--the Declaration, and a copy of Said Emerson's account on Scamond's Ledger & a copy of the said Emerson's Invalid account.

From this account it appears that the said Mary Emerson's husband was credited, By 12 months service in 1777 and 8 months & 13 days in 1778 as a Lieut.--the termination of which service must have been on the 13th of Sept 1778.  It also appears further that he was "wounded [underlined] & left out of the new arrangement" but it does not appear that he was discharged [underlined] or that he resigned.  It also appears that the said Emerson's half pay [underlined] commenced on the 1st day of January 1779

The claim therefore is that he should be allowed for service from the 1st day of January 1777 to the first day of January 1779 which is three years.  It appears also that he was engaged [underlined] on the 8th day of Nov. 1776 one month & 22 days previous to the 1st day of Jany 1777.  I think there can be no doubt that the widow in this case was entitled to the full pay of a Lieutenant.

Yours very Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 24

Nov 28  '45

Vt.     10

[stamp]
NORWICH
NOV
22
Vt.

War Department
Pension Office
Washington City

Mary Emerson
36  1818
Page 25

Norwich Vt.  Nov. 21 1845

Dear Sir,

Yours in relation to the claim of the Executor of Mary Emerson is received.  And you will please issue the certificate for the amount you mention.  The Executor claimed for the Service of Jonathan Emerson, as an Ensign previous to his being commissioned as a Lieut.  The Ensigns commission was dated I think in the Spring of 1776.  I forwarded the commission to the Hon Edmund Burke I think in 1840 with an application for Bounty lands to be presented to Congrefs.  The commission I suspect is lost, for on applying to the Clerk of the House for its return some weeks since I was informed that it could not be found.

You may however issue the certificate for time you consider as proved, & if the commission should be found the Executor can make further application

Yours Respectfully
Ira Davis

Hon J.L. Edwards
Page 26

[showing through a torn place on page from the writing underneath-- "Respectfully  Davis"]

Norwich Vt.     )
Nov. 20. 1837  )

free

War Department
Pension Office
Washington City

[written vertically on left side of page]

Revolutionary Claims
New Application

Vt.   Nov 24

4 July 36
3d Sec.

[written vertically on right side of page]

2939
Page 27

Norwich Vt  Nov. 20 1837

Dr Sir,

Enclosed is the declaration & evidence of Mary Emerson in order to obtain a Pension under the act of July 4th 1836.

Yours Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 28

[left side of page]

Vermont  No. 1818.
==========================
Mary Emerson, deceased,
widow of Jonathan Emerson,
N.H.
who died on the 10th October, 1783.
of Windsor in the State of Vt:--
who was a Ensign & Lieut in the-----commanded
by Captain-----of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Scammell in the N. Hampshire
line for 1 mo. 25 days  Ensign
...............22 " ......5....."......Lieutenant.
Increased from $295.55 per ann.
==========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 313 Dollars 98 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831 & Ending 26 October, 1840
==========================
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 22d day of
January 1846 and sent to Ira Davis, Present.
==========================
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
$2975.79

(Revolutionary Claim,  )
(Act  July 4, 1836,        )
(Section the 3d            )

Recorded by W.M. Stewart  Clerk,
Book C   Vol. 1   Page 40.

[right side of page]

23d Jany. 1846.

Rep'd:   to pension Agt:
Page 29

281   Jonathan Emerson Lieut N. H. Reg. D

1779  To an order on the Treasurer for £168 £13..2.0 
Paid by the Continent £ 59.15/6 Average 74/10d  £ 63.10.4

1784 OCT 29  Gave him a Certificate = Vote of Court   £ 88.. 11. -

  [total]      £ 165.. 3. 4

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary copy of the original the same han in Seammets Regimental Ledger, pa[ge] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set.
[part of the right margin was cut off.]

7      Lieut Jona Emerson Cilley's Regt.   Dr

1779 JUNE 24  To Cash pd by Mr John T Gilman 24.. 6

1781 JUNE 22   Pd by  - - do in H. Empion £15 - - 5.. 14

1782 SEPT 26   To a Certificate  146.. 6

[total]   176.. 6

1785 JUNE 15  To Do dld  Capt Daniel Emerson and order    80..1 . 9

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of the original the same having been  entitled  State of New Hampshire In long series of years. In testi[mony] said State, this 24th day of June A.D. 184

[part of right margin cutoff]
Page 30

Contra

Engager
8 Nov. 1776
Wounded and left out of the new arangt.

By 12 Months in 1777             £  97.  4 . -
By 8 mo and 13 days in 1778  £  67.19. 4
                                                £ 166. 3.  4

State of New Hampshire
Secretary of State's Office,

of the State aforesaid do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true ing been examined and compared by me.  The original may be found ge 231. which was returned to this office, from the war office Jan. 7. 1841. my hand and affixed the seal of said State, this 24th day of June, A.D. 1845.
Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State

rvd  Saratoga 19 Sept. 1777 - 1/2 p from Jan 7 1779

1779. JUNE 24.  Contra By 6 months half pay to July 1st 1779   Cr   24. 6.

1782 SEPT 26.   Contra By half pay from July 1st 1779 to Sept 1 1782}  Cr  152.

1785 JUNE 15     Contra By 0 mo.  26 days at half pay    £  3. 9.. 4  Cr  176. 6
Contra  28 - 22 at 13 of monthly pay to 19 Feb 1785.    76.12.. 5 [total] 80.1.9    Cr 80. 1. 9

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary of States Office,
the State aforesaid do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy examined and compared by me.  The original may be found in Book valid's Accounts' page 7. which book as been in this office for a mony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of 5.
Thomas P. Treadwell
Secretary of State.

[part of left margin was not showing]
Page 31

[left side of page]

Vermont.  No 1818.
===========================
Mary Emerson, deceased,
widow of Jonathan Emerson.
who died on the 10th October, 1783.
of Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont,
who was a Lieutenant in the-------commanded
by Captain-----------of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Scammell in the N. Hampshire
line for 22 mo 5 days--
Increased from $272.43 per ann.
===========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 295 Dollars 55 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831. & ending 26 August, 1840--
===========================
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 31st day of
December 1845 and sent to Ira Davis
Norwich, Vt:
===========================
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending
$2792.13
========

(Revolutionary Claim,   )
(Act July 4, 1836,          )
(Section the 3d.            )

Recorded by W.M. Stewart  Clerk,
Book C    Vol. 1---  Page 40---

[right side of page]

Jany 3d 1846---Ref'd to
Pension Agent.
Page 32

IN CONGRESS.

The DELEGATES of the UNITED COLONIES of New-Hampfhire, Maffachufetts-Bay, Rhode-Ifland, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jerfey, Pennfylvania, the Counties of New-Caftle, Kent, and Suffex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, to Jonathan Emerson, Gentleman,

WE repofing efpecial Truft and confidence in your Patriorifm, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by thefe Prefents, conftitute and appoint you to be Ensign of Captain Robert Oliver's Company in the 2d. Regiment of Foot Commanded by Colo James Reed, in the Army of the United Colonies, raifed for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hoftile Invafion thereof.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to difcharge the Duty of Ensign by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging.  And we do ftrictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Ensign---And you are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you fhall receive from this or a future Congrefs of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congrefs, for that Purpofe appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other your fuperior Officer, according to the Rules and Difcipline of War, in Purfuance of the Truft repofed in you.  This Commiffion to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Ccongrefs.  January 1st 1776.
By Order of the Congrefs,
John Hancock, PRESIDENT.

Atteft.  Chas. Thomson  Esq.
Page 33

In the case of the Application of Jonathan Emerson administrator of Mary Emerson deceased, who was the widow of Jonathan Emerson, to whom a Pension has been granted as a Lieut amounting to $295.55 per annum the Applicant claims further allowance for the services of said Jonathan as Ensign in Col. Reed's Regt in 1776.

Said Emersons commission as Ensign was sent to the Hon Mr. Burke of the House of Representatives in 1848, wich the Said Mary's Petition for Bounty land & mislaid in the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, but now found.  In this case the commissioner is also reference to my former letters to him on this application.

Very Respectfully Yours
Ira Davis.

Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Jany 16 1846
Page 34

Payment to be made at Montpelier by R. R. Keith Agent for paying pensioners, in the Agency of Montpelier Vermont

Act 7 July 38 increase adm.

1.25 as Ensgn
22.5     Lieut.
313.98 to 26 Aug 40 deducting what has been paid

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C  Volume 1  Page 40 by 
W M Stewart Clerk.
Ira Davis Esq
Present
Page 35

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836 Mary Emerson, deceased, who was the widow of Jonathan Emerson, who was a lieutenant, was entitled to a pension at the rate of two hundred and ninety five dollars and fifty five cents per annum, commencing on the 4th: March, 1831, and ending on the 26th August, 1840 the day of her death; which will be paid upon the production of the proper voucher to Jonathan Emerson, Executor, for himself and the use of Allen Emerson, Rachel Fletcher and Lucinda Stevens only surviving children of Mary Emerson, deceased, after having deducted the amount already paid.  This pension is increased from $272.43 per annum.
[seal]
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 31st day of December, one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned}  J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.