Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,237, William French, Mass. N.H.
Page 1

SERVICE
Mass.
N.H.
French, William
Sarah
NUMBER
W. 24.237
CONTENTS
Page 2

Maine
11.544
---
William French
of Oxford Co. in the State of Maine
who was a Pri in the Company commanded
by Captain Parsons of the R[unknown] commanded
by Col Reynolds - in the Mass
[unknown] Proops

6. No 6 Pr $20.65
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine
at the rate of 20 Dollars 65 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of May
and Sent to
1833 James Starr Day. onw
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept
41.30
10.32½
Recorded by
Book E
$51.62 ½ ┃
⎨ Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
J. T. Sprague Clerk,
Vol. 1 Page 15
Page 3

2406,
Maine
Sarah French
widow of William French
NH
who served in the Revolutionary war
, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars 65
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
15
day of Dec 1848
and sent to
James Starr
Jay me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 11
Vol. 1
Reported
Dec. 15/48
Page 4

10759  April 6 1844

ME
Sarah French
7 July 1838

[written vertically on page]

Sarah French
Widow of William
Maine

Act 7 July 1838

M 86--d 40
Page 5

State of Maine
Oxford County SS.
On the twentieth day of March 1844 Personally appeared before me Lyman Rawson Judge
of the Court of Probate for said County, Sarah French
of Canton in said County of Oxford, aged 85 years, who
being first 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 William French late
of said Canton who was a private soldier in the army
of the Revolution, that her said husband was a pensioner
under the act of June 7, 1832. That his certificate of Pension
was date the seventeenth day of May 1833 and numbered 11.544,
and she refers to the evidence furnished by him on his original
application for a pension for the proof of his service

She further declares that she was married to the said
William French on the sixteenth day of January in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six;
that her husband the aforesaid William French died on
the thirtieth day of December 1840; that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving in the service, but the marriage took
place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and
ninety four [unknown] at the time above stated - Sarah French
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before [unknown] Judge of Probate for the county of Oxford
And if the said Judge do hereby certify
that the Sarah French Greason of [verily?]
infirmity is unable to attend Court [unknown]
[illegible] -
State of Maine.
Opal County SS: I the subscriber Register of the Court of Probate within said county
of being in court of Record, hereby certify that Lyman Rawson, whose genuine signature is
above written is Judge of the Court aforesaid. I further certify that the foregoing contains 
the original meaning of said Judge in the matter of the application of Sarah French 
for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the seal of said
Court this twenty third day of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and
forty four
Geo. F. Emery Register
Page 6

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss

I Ira B. Hoitt Clerk of the
Judicial Court within and for said County, certify
that Rufus Dow Esq is a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County duly commissioned and
qualified; that his commission is dated on
the twenty sixth day of June AD 1841, and
will expire in five years from said date, and
that his signature on the within paper is in his
own hand writing and genuine
In Testimony whereof I have
hereto set my hand & affixed
the Seal of our Court of Common
Pleas this 26th day of February
Anno Domini
1844.
I.B. Hoitt Clerk
Page 7

Town Clerks Office
Extract of the records of the town
of Newtown in the
County of Rockingham State of New Hampshire
Married by the Rev Jonathan Eames in Newtown
M William French of Kensington and Miss
Sarah Fitt of Southhampton on the 16th day of
January in the year of
our Lord one thousand
Seven hundred and Eighty six
I John Hoit hereby certify that the above is a true
Copy of the record with the exception of the dates,
which is expressed on the record in fair legible figure and
words,
1786.
January 16,
John Hoit town Clerk Newtown
I John Hoit above named depose and say that I hold the
office of town Clerk of the town of Newtown afforesaid, and that the
above is a true copy of the Extract from the Records
of said Newton with the exception above named as
certified by me
John Hoit Clerk of the town of Newton
Rockingham: February 20th 1844, Then Personally appeared
the above named John Hoit and made oath that the above
certificate by him subscribed is true
Before me
Rufus Dow Justice of the peace
Page 8

Wm
French
application
Page 9

STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY OF Oxford ss.
On this Fifth day of March A. D. 1833, personally appeared in open
Court, before the Court of Probate
now sitting, William French a resident of Canton in the county of Oxford
and State of Maine, aged 70 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 the first
[cut off] setts as a volunteer by enlisting at Salisbury in Massachusetts
[cut off] Jacob Gerrish Regiment, that during this enlistment he with the
[cut off] Boston, in the State of Massachusetts. That he served under this
[cut off] discharged by said Capt Hall at Winter hill, that his employment
[cut off] then there Prisoners of war. He further says that at Seabrook in
[cut off] commanded by Capt Moses Levett, then marched to Rhode
[cut off] Gale & Major Calp (this was in what was called Sullivans expedition
[cut off] the time about two miles from Quaker Hill and at other places on said Island
[cut off] he served six weeks in this Campaign and was verbally discharged at
[cut off] Sullivan battle with the Brittish on the Island (on sunday). That at
[cut off] listed in a company commanded by Capt Parsons & marched to Charleston
[cut off] Reynolds, then marched to [unknown] in the State of Vermont, from thence
[cut off] verbally discharged by said Captain Parsons, that he served three months
[cut off] of Rockingham State of New Hampshire on the second day of November 1762
[cut off] but it is recorded in the town records of Seabrook
[cut off] revolutionary war, and where do you now live? In Seabrook, in Enfield in
[cut off] a part of the town of Jay- How was you called into the services [illegible]
[cut off] who were with you [illegible] I do not recollect the names of any but those I have named
[cut off] Nichols who was on Rhode Island when I was there
[cut off] it given, and what has become of it? I never received a written discharge, only verbal.
[cut off] neighbourhood and who can testify as to your charicter for veracity, 
[cut off]  Joseph Adams Doct Samuel Small James Starr all of Jay Hon Cornilus
[cut off] Col Jesse Stone of [illegible]
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.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before
Stephen Emery Judge
William French
Page 10

STATE OF MAINE.
____________
COUNTY OF Oxford SS.

ON this fifth day of March A.D. 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate now sitting, William French a resident of Canton in the county of Oxford and State of Maine, aged 70 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 the first of January 1778 he entered into the State service of Massachusetts as a Volunteer by enlisting at Salisbury in Massachusetts in a Company Commanded by Captain Samuel Huse in Col Jacob Garrish's Regiment.  That during this enlistment he with the Regiment was stationed at a place called Winter Hill, near Boston in the State of Massachusetts.  That he served under this enlistment one month and twenty four days [last 6 words underlined] and was Verbally discharged by said Capt'n Huse at Winter hill.  That his employment during this Campaign was in guarding the Hessian troops that were then their Prisoners of war.  He further says that at Seabrook in the State of New Hampshire for August 1778 he enlisted in a Company Commanded by Capt'n Moses Levett, then marched to Rhode Island where the Company Joined a Regiment Commanded by Col Gale & Major Calp (this was in what was Called Sullivan expedition on Rhode Island)  that the Regiment he was in was stationed a part of the time about two miles from Quaker Hill and at other places on said Island.  The British Troops then had possession of New Port on said Island.  That he served Six Weeks [last 2 words underlined] in this Campaign and was verbally discharged at Tivertown in said State on Saturday, which was the day before General Sullivan battle with the British on the Island (on Sunday)--That at Kensington in said New Hampshire in September 1781, he enlisted in a Company Commanded by Capt'n Parsons & marched to Charleston (no four) [underlined] in Said State where he Joined a Regiment Commanded by Col Reynolds, then marched to Castleton in the State of Vermont from thence to Fort Ann, then back to Castleton then to Charleston where he was verbally discharged by said Captain Parsons.  that he served three months [last 2 words underlined] in this campaign

Qu'tns by the Court  Where were you Born?  In Seabrook, County of Rockingham State of New Hampshire on the second day of November 1762.

Have you any record of your age; if so where is it?--I have none but it is recorded in the town records of Seabrook--

Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  In Seabrook, in Enfield in said New Hampshire, In Canton County of Oxford which was formerly a part of the town of Jay--

How was you call'd into the service--I voluntary enlisted--

State the names of some of the regular Officers who were with you then--I do not recollect the names of any but those I have named excepting a Captain Dodge who was at Winter hill with me, & General Nichols who was on Rhode Island when I was there--

Did you ever receive a discharge from the service: &, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?  I never received a written discharge only verbal.

State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the revolution?  Rev Joseph Adams  Doct'r Samuel Small & James Starr all of Jay.  Hon Cornilus Holland, John Simmons Esq. & Dea Peletiah Gibbs of Canton & Col Jesse Stone of Livermore--

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.
William French

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before Stephen Emery  Judge
Page 11

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 applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states, the said
applicant having adduced in corroboration of his statement
the depositions of Moses Collins & Edward True on oath
duly administered, which are hereunto annexed.
Stephen Emery, Judge
Joseph G. Cole
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
William French for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fifth
day of March
A. D. 1833.
CLERK. [crossed out]
Joseph G. Cole Register
Page 12

24565
William French
Oxford Co
Maine

Admitted
6 mos  6 days
$20.65

James Starr
Jay
Oxford Co
Maine
Page 13

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necefsary to be done.  These points to whih your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace,(thus: } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
______________________________________________
A Statement, showing the Service of William French, Oxford Co Maine

[Column 1]
Period when the service was rendered.
[1]  Jan. 1778
[2]  Ag't   "
[3]  Sep. 1781

[Columns 2, 3 & 4]
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years......Months......Days.
[1]  ".............1...............26
[2]  ...............1...............12
[3]** "...........3..............."

[Column 5]
Rank of the claimant.
[1]  Priv
[2]    "
[3]    "

[Column 6]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
[1]  Cap. Huse
[2]     "  Levett
[3]     "  Parsons

[Column 7]
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
[1]  Col. I. Gerrish
[2]  Co'l Gale   Ma'r Calfs
[3]  Col. Reynolds

[Column 8] 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
[1]  None
[2]    "
[3]    "

[Column 9]
Country through which he marched.
[1]  Mafs
[2]  N. Hamp'e
[3]  Rhode I

[Column 10]
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
[1]  70 years   New Hamp'e

[Column 11]
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
[1]  Two Witnefses

**on Roll

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 14

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "Volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
day of ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged(c) 
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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and
served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of & c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
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.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
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 further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and then procure, of possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon transactions.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 15

3

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.  The facts state I will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.

1.  Where and in what year were you born?
2.  Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3.  Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4.  How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute, for whom?
5.  State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.  To a Soldier.--Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
   To an Officer.--Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7.  State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons if a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

no payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
_____________________________________________
[a]  The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

[b]  The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

[c]  The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.

[d]  The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.

[e]  Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, 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.  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."

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 that 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 shown 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 service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

[f]  The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.

[g]  The opinion of the Court is always required.

[h]  The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.

[i]  The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.

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 papers authenticated, the certificate 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 attahed to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j]  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's 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.

[picture of hand with finger pointing here]
The notes from [a] to [i] are all euqally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k]  This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

[l]  If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.

[m]  The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Rowen.
Page 16

[1st document at top of page]

Revy WIDOW, &c.   own

File No. 24237

Sarah French
Wid of
William French
Priv  Rev  War

Act Feb 2nd 1848

Index:  Vol. A,  Page 255
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[2nd document at bottom of page]

[illegible stamp in upper left corner of page]

Free [underlined]

Hon. J.L. Edwards--
Commifsioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.--

[written vertically on page]
to Colo
Page 17

[left side of page]

6118
Maine
==========================
Sarah French
widow of William French
who was a Private
in the Mafsa. Line
==========================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars 65
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
==========================
Certificate of Pension issued the
14 day of Sept 1844
and sent to
James Starr
Jay
Maine
==========================
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2  Page 3.

[right side of page]

Joint Reso: of Congress
23rd Jany 1845.
No. 54
Rep'd

[written upside down]

2 Certs:
1838
1843--
Page 18

[left side of page]

8726
______________
Maine
===========================
Sarah French
widow of William French
who was a pensioner under the Act of
and who died on the 30 Dec 1840
of Oxford in the State of Maine
who was a Pri in the Co
commanded by Captain Parsons of the
reg commanded by Col Reynolds in
the Mafsa line for 6 mo. 6 days
===========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine
at the rate of 20 Dollars 65
Cents per annum, to commence on the 30 Dec. 1840 ["4th day of March, 1836." stricken out]
===========================
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of
Septem 1844 and Sent to James
Starr, Jay, Maine
===========================
Total amount,  $
[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by F. L. Swann Clerk,
Book D.  Vol. 1  Page 5

[right side of page]

April 9th 1845
Certif'e issued for $20.65.
per ann.  Comm'g 4th March 1836
& ending 30th Dec'r 1840, and
Sent to James Starr, Esq'r
No.    Rep'd, Jay, Me.
Page 19

I Edward True of Fayette in the County of
Kennebec and State of Maine do testify and say, that I
lived when young in the town of Seabrook in the State of
New Hampshire and then became acquainted with William
French which now lives in Canton, County of Oxford and
State of Maine, in August 1778 said William French and
myself enlisted in a Company commanded by Capt Moses Lovett
marched from Seabrook to Rhode Island and the Company
Joined a Regiment commanded by Col Gale & Mose Calepe
in the Sullivan expedition, were stationed about two miles from
[unknown]hill, and at other places on said island the British
troops then had possession of Newport on said island
said French was in this campaign with me six weeks
we were verbally discharged together at [unknown], in said State of Rock Island
in September 1781 at Kensington in the State of New Hampshire
said Williman French and myself enlisted for three months
in the State service in a company commanded by Capt
Persons marched to Charleston [unknown] in said State and
Joined a Regiment commanded by Col Reynolds, Marched
from there to Castleton in the State of Vermont, from there
to Fort Ann, then back to Castleton then to Charleston where
we were discharged, we served three months in this campaign
we had no written discharge, but were discharged-- I have
been acquainted from the time we were school boys
to the present time-
Edward True
State of Maine
Kennebec County SS. November 22 1832
personally appeared
Edward True and made solemn oath in due form of
law that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true,
and who is a reputable witness
Before me
Asa Redington Jun. Justice of the Peace
Page 20

State of Maine
Kennebec
County
---
I John A Chandler, Clerk of the Court of
Kennebec County, certify that Asa Redington Jr Esq. is a [illegible]
as within, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal
of office and subscribed my name this twenty second
day of November in the year 1832
J.A. Chandler
Clerk of the Court of
Kennebec County
genuine.
Page 21

I Moses Collins of Salisbury in the county of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy five years, and upwards, on oath do testify and declare that I am well acquainted with William French who is now here present and who now lives in Canton in the county of Oxford and State of Maine, and who formerly lived in the Town of Seabrook, near said Salisbury, and have known him upwards of Fifty years; I do know that he the said William French enlisted in December 1777 or January 1778 in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Huse, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Garrish Massachusetts Militia, and that he served in said Company at Winter hill nearly two months--I believe that he enlisted and that he served in said company with me, and was a private in the same company with him, in that same barrack and such, but I cannot State more precisely the time he served, but I am confident he served nearly two months
Moses Collins
Newburyport  Feby 11th 1833.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Newburyport  February 11th 1833.

Then Moses Collins above named personally came and made oath in due form of Law, to the truth of the above written deposition by him subscribed in my presence--I do also testify that said Moses Collins is personally known to me and believed by me to be a credible witness
Wm Woart  Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Essex  fs.

I John Prince, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County of Essex do hereby certify that Wm Woart Esq'r is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex and that his foregoing signature is genuine.

In Witness Whereof I have hereto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Common Pleas at Salem this twelfth day of February A.D. 1833.
John Prince,  Clk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 22

Jay Me
April 1st

Free [underlined]

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.
War Department.
City Washington
D.C.

[written vertically on page]

16759   April 6  1844
ME

S. French
1838
Page 23

Jay Maine Mar 30, 1844.
J. L. Edwards Esq

Dear Sir,
I here enclose
the application of Sarah French, (widow
of William French late of Canton in the
County of Oxford, State of Maine, deceased,
who was a Pensioner of the United States) for
the benefit of the act of July 7. 1838. I believe
the necessary evidence required by your
instructions is attached to her declaration
which [smudged] title her to receive a certificate
of Pension agreeable to the provisions of said
act, which if granted I wish you to enclose
it to me, but sir, should there be any deficiency
in the papers here furnished in her case
I wish you would be so good as to inform
me of the same
that they may be forwarded
to you with
all much respect
I am your Most [unknown]
servt. James Starr,

P.S. On the 27 of Nov. last, I enclosed to you the evidence of the
death of Lidia Keep, who was pensioned under the act of
July 7, 1838, her certificate was No 1258 for the purpose of
obtaining a Certificate for her children to receive a small
Page 24

ballance due her under the act of March 3, 1843
as I have not heard any thing from you
relative thereto, & conclude you have never received the papers in that case, will you be so good
as to inform me how it is
J. Starr
Page 25

Sarah French,
under joint resolution of
Jany: 23d 1845 & act-
July, 1838
Admd. $20.65 per ann:
from 4 March,
1836 to
to Dec. 1840
James Starr,
Jay
Maine
Page 26

State of Maine
County of Oxford
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
resolution of Congress of the 23d of January 1845
Whereas the act of the 30th of April 1844 prohibited
me from drawing a pension for the same period during
which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the
following statement, under oath, to obtain the benefit
of the resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of
William French late of Canton in the County of Oxford
and State of Maine, deceased, who was a private soldier
in the war of the Revolution, I have drawn a pension
at the rate of twenty dollars and sixty five cents per annum
from the thirtieth day of December 1840, and now ask for the
Amount due me from the fourth day of March 1836
to the 30th day of December 1840, where my pension commenced
[unknown]
Sarah French
Mark
Sworn to and subscribed this
tenth day of March 1845. at Canton in said County
for presence of
Lot C Nelson
John C French
Before me Otis Hayford Justice of the Peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known
to me, and that she is the same individual she
represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit
Otis Hayford
Justice of the Peace
Page 27

State of Maine
County of Oxford ss

I Joseph G. Cole Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for waid County hereby certify that Otis Hayford whose genuine signature is affixed to the within certificate to the deposition of Sarah French was a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Oxford duly commifsioned and qualified as such.  that his Commifsion bears date March 14. 1838 and expired March 14, 1845 and he had full power and authority to act under the same at the date of the within certificate March 10, 1845.

In testimony whereof I hereby subscribe my name and affix the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court this nineteenth day of March 1845
Joseph G. Cole  Clerk as aforesaid

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 28

A. A.

6118
Page 29

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of February 2, 1848, entitled "An Act
Making further provisions for the Surviving Widows of the Soldiers of the Revolution
STATE OF MAINE,
COUNTY of Oxford
SS.
On this ninth
day of August A. D. 1840 personally
appeared, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in the County of Oxford
and State of Maine, Sarah French
a resident of
Canton
in the County of Oxford
aged
eighty nine 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 provision made
by the Act of Congress, passed on the second of February, 1848, granting Pensions to
widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow
of William French
who was a soldier
during the Revolutionary War; that she was pensioned as the widow of
the said William French
at the rate of twenty
dollars and sixty five cents per annum, under the Act of
June 17, 1844, which was paid to her at the Agency in Portland, in the State of Maine.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
her
Sarah French
mark
WITNESS:
Ervin Robinson
James Parr
-
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
BEFORE ME,
Alvarado Hayford Justice of the Peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same in
dividual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration.
Alvarado Heyford
Justice of the Peace,
Oxford COUNTY.
STATE OF MAINE,
Orford County ss.
I, Clerk in the Courts of Oxford County,
certify that
is a Magistrate as above, and that the
above signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial
Court of Maine, and subscribed my name this day of
in the year 18
Clerk of the Courts of Oxford County.
Page 30

State of Maine
Oxford ss.  ["August 15. 1844" stricken out]

[illegible seal affixed in upper left corner of page]

I Charles Andrews Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Alvarado
Hayford is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County as appears by the foregoing certificate, that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his commission is dated February 20, 1845 & will expire on the 19th day of February 1852, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this fifteenth day of August AD 1848
Charles Andrews Clerk
Page 31

Jay Me
Sept'r 18th

Free

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.
War Department
City Washington
D.C.

[written vertically on page]

Sept 21. 44
Page 32

Jay Me.  Sept. 16. 1844.

J.L. Edwards Esq.

Dear Sir,

On the last part of March 1844 I inclosed and mailed to you the application of Sarah French, widow of William French, a Revolutionary Soldier, Pensioned under the act of June 7 1832, late of Canton in the County of Oxford, State of Maine, deceased.  her declaration was made under the provision of the Act of July 7, 1838.

I have not heard from you since the papers were forwarded respecting the same.  I would request the favor of you on the reception of this to inform me whether her Certificate of Pension has bee made and sent, or whether there is any deficiencies in her papers, if so, what they are.

I am very Respectfully
your Most Obt Serv't
James Starr.
Page 33

Joy Me.
March 21st

Free

J.L. Edwards Esq'r
Commissioner of Pensions.
War Department.
City Washington.
D.C.

[written vertically on page]

Mar 24 '45
Me

Sarah French
Re Jan 22d 1845
Page 34

Jay Maine,   March 20, 1845

Sir

I here enclose to you the application of the Widow Sarah French for her back pension from March 4th 1836, to Dec'r 30 1840--which she applied for in her ["earlier" stricken out] declaration of the 20th of March 1844 under the act of Congress passed July 7 1838, and ["was" stricken out] only Pensioned from the 30th of December 1840, to the fourth of March 1841, under that Act, and as the resolution of Congress of the 23d January 1845, give her the benefit of the whole provisions of said act of "38, you will please make a Certificate of Pension to her for the time she has applied for in the enclosed Declaration--Please enclose the same to me.

Very Respectfully your most Obt Serv't
James Starr.

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

P.S.
On the seventh of last month I enclosed to you by mail the Vouchers to prove the death of Joseph Adams 2d, a Revolutionary Pensioner, for the purpose of obtaining a Certificate to his Children, to receive the am't of Pension due him at his decease, I presume you have received the papers, if you have not I wish you would inform me.
Page 35

Jay Maine
Oct 6

free

J.L. Edwards Esq'r
Commissioner of Pensions,
War Department
City Washington
D.C.

[written vertically on left side of page]

Jno Cole
Page 36

Jay Maine   Oct'r 5, 1848.

Sir

On or about the twelfth of August last I enclosed and sent to you by mail the widow Sarah French and Widow Elizabeth Grover applications to obtain their certificates of Pension under the provision of the act of Congress passed February 2d 1848, not having received their certificates, I feared that you have not received them, will you do me the favor to inform me whither you have or have not received said applications and forwarded their certificates--

I am Very Respectfully your
More Obt. Serv't.
James Starr.

To J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

6118
3976
Page 37

Jay Me  )
Mar. 8   )

Free

Secretary of War; Department.
Pension Office.
City of Washington.
D.C.

[written vertically on left side of page]

March, 13th
M'e.
Page 38

Jay Maine   March 7, 1833.

Hon. Lewis Cafs  Secretary of War.

Sir

I here enclose William French's application as a Revolutionary soldier, for a pension, should there be any further explanation required, please to acquaint me of the same by letter, and I will attend to it.  When his certificate is executed, be so good as to enclose it to me.

Most Respectfully your Obt. Servant,
James Starr.
Page 39

6426
act " 23

10759
Sarah French
widow of William
Maine

Act 7 July 1838

Adm'd  6 Nov 60.  private
$20.65

Commencing on 30 December
1840 and terminating on 4 March
1841----

adm'd  3 March 1843
$20.65

James Starr
Jay
Maine