Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15225, for Ephraim Pratt, Massachusetts
Page 1

SERVICE [printed]

Mass [written]

Pratt, Ephraim [written]

NUMBER [printed}

W.15225 [written]

Olive [written]
Page 2

Date of death [written on left side of page]
not an AB  [written on left side of page]

18.525
Massachusetts
Ephraim Pratt

of Franklin Co in the State of Mass
who was a Private in the Regiment commanded by
Colonel Smith of the mass
line, for the term of one year

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 29 of April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of March 1822
and Sent to Hon. S.C. Allen
House of Reps

Arrears to 4th of March 1822    
Semi-anl.all'ce ending 4 Sept 1822    

369.56
48
--------
$417.56

46
8
-----
368

{Revolutionary claim, Act of 18th March, 1818}
May 1 1820
Page 3

Massachusetts

Olive Pratt
widow of Ephraim Pratt
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rat of ninety six Dollars ------
Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 of July 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of April 1857
and sent to

F. Hall
Boston
Mass.

(increased)

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1858, Page 124, Vol. 2.
Page 4

(left side)
No final Sett.
Nov /82  1225 & 132

(right side)
Ephrm. Pratt
29th Apl 1818-private
Smith's regt. Massachusetts
July 80 til Nov. 81
Wanted the judges certificate of the reduced circumstances of the applicant.
Not on rolls--Further evidence of service required/
Services July 7th Novem. 1782


Services proven by Reputable Widow (illegible)
A schedule of property is wanting

July 21, 1780 for 6 month in Col smiths Regt
Page 5

District of Massachusetts, SS. Town of Greenfield in the County of Franklin
On this 29th day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit in the State of Massachusetts, which Circuit includes the Counties of Worcester, Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Berkshire, personally appears Ephraim Pratt a citizen of the United States, aged 65 years, resident in the Town of Shutesbury in the County of Franklin, in the said District, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and navel service of the United States in the revolutionary war". That he the said Ephraim Pratt enlisted in July or Augt. 1780 in the state of Massachusetts in the company commanded by captain John Killroy Smith of the Regiment of Col. Smit of the Massachusetts Line. That he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until the month of Nov. 1781 when he was discharged from service in New Windsor in the state of New York on account of being sick.
That he was in the battles of..............and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.  And no pension has ever been allowed him by the laws of the United States. Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Jon^a. Leavitt, Judge as aforesaid

To the Secretary of the Department of War.
I, Jon^a. Leavitt, Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Ephraim Pratt did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid, this 29th daya of April A. D. 1818.
Joh^a. Leavitt, Judge
(seal affixed)
Page 6

I the within named Ephraim Pratt do on oath declare that I believe there is a mistake in my original declaration as to the time when I enlisted and the time when I was discharged. I am now satisfied that I am listed in Jyuly or August 1781-& was dischard in Nove 1782.
Ephraim Pratt

State of Massachusetts
Franklin SS-Febry. 16th 1821. The above named Ephraim Pratt made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true--
And I further certify that it now appears to my full satisfaction that the said Ephraim Pratt is a very poor man & by means of his reduced circumstances in life & stands in great need of assistance from his country for support.
Jona. Leavitt, Judge as aforesaid
Page 7

I Enoch ___ of Watertown in Litchfield County do testify and say that I was acquainted with Ephraim Pratt of the state of Massachusetts, in the year 1781, that he served us as Soldier in the Continental army - I think in the south Massachusetts
Page 8

State og Connecticut Ss.
On this 15th day of May AD 1821 before me Enoch Perkins a Notary Public duly appointed and sworn, residing in the City & County of Hartford in said State, personally appears Holbrook Curtis of Watertown in the County of Litchfield in said State and made solemn Oath, that Charles Merriman Esquire who both subscribed his name & office to the within affidavit, in and for several years past hath been a Justice of the Peace for said County of Litchfield, and acted as such. In Witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and Notorial Seal, the day & hear aforesaid.
Enoch Perkins, Notary Public

(upside down notation: Enoch Curtis Affidavit)

I Thomas Day, Secretary of the State of Connecticut and keeper of the seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, that Charles Merriman Esq. whose name is subscribed to the within Certificate for the authentication thereof, is and for more than six months last past has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Litchfield in said State, duly appointed commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at the City of Hartford the fifteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.
Thomas Day
Page 9

Artemas Morse of Orwell in the county of Rutland & State of Vermont of lawful age doth
depose and say, I was acquainted with Ephraim Pratt who now resides in Shutesbury in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the years 1781 & 1782 & several years before that time. That said Pratt enlisted into the Continental army according to my best recollection in 1781 and that said Pratt served under his enlistment aforesaid as much as twelve months, he belonged to the 6th Regt. Massachusetts line & served in Capt. John Trilby Smiths company. The regiment was commanded by Col. Smith. I was well acquainted with said Pratt while he (illegible) to the army and have no hesitation in saying that he served at least (under said enlistment) the tenor of one year and am inclined to believe he served longer than twelve months but am not certain as to a longer period than twelve months. Said Pratt at the time of his enlistment resided in either Rutland or (illegible) Massachusetts according to my best recollection, but now resides in Shutesbury as I am informed and believe. I furth say that the Regiment to which said Pratt & myself belonged was (dur the time I was acquainted  with him) stationed at the high land in the State of New York. And further this deponents saith not.
Artemas Morse
State of Vermont Rutland County ss
subscribed & sworn to this 27th day of Dec. A.D. 1820
Before me
Wait Branch Just. Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Artemas Morse is a credible witness.
Wait Branch Just. Peace
Page 10

State of Vermont
Rutland County Ss
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify that Wait Branch Esqr on the 27th day of December AD 1820 a Justice of the peace for said county of Rutland and that the within are his signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland in said County this 1 day of Janny. 1821
R. Pierpoint


Artemas Morse Affidavit
Page 11

We Asa Adams & Joseph Adams of Shutesbury in the County of Franklin and State of Massachusetts of lawfull age testify and say that we are acquainted with Ephraim Pratt of Shutesbury aforesaid. He is a poor man and by reason of reduced circumstances in life stand in need of assistance from his county for support.  
Asa Adams Jr
Joseph Adams


State of Massachusetts
Franklin SS April 24, 1818.
The above named Asa Adams & Joseph Adams made oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed is true.
Before me Roswell Field, Justice of the Peace

April 24, 1818. I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above named Ephraim Pratt and know him to be a poor man. that by reason of his reduced circumstances he has been obliged to apply to town of Shutesbury for assistance.
Roswell Field
Page 12

District of Massachusetts ss.
on this fourteenth day of November 1921 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas being a Court of record established as such by the Constitution and Laws of this Commonwealth hold in at Greenfield within and for the County of Franklin.  Ephraim Pratt aged fifty seven years resident of Shutesbury in said County, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in orders to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st of May 1820 that he the said Ephraim Pratt enlisted for the term of three years in the month of July or August 1781 in the State of Mapachusetts in the Company commanded by  Captain John Kelley Smith in the regiment Commanded by Col. Smith on the continental establishment that he continued to serve in the said corps until November 1782 when he was discharged from said service at New Windsor hospital in the State of New York.  In the month of April 1818 he made an original declaration and application which was sent to the war office and afterwards the evidence of his service consisting of two affidavits duly authenticated and of which he hasn't had any information - his occupation is a Labourer but is wholly disabled by reason of bodily infirmity and has been helped considerably by the town in which he lives.  He rec'd a written discharge when he left the service but which is now lort(?)  
And in pursuance of the act of 1st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and that I have not since that time, by ___ ___ or in any manner disposed of my property or any part
Page 13

there of with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18th Day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other, than what is contained in the schedule have to annexed and by me subscribed.  Ephraim Pratt

Sworn to and declared on the fourteenth day of November before the said Court.  Albert E. Alvord Clerk.

I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas a foresaid do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is nine dollars & sixty four cents.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this fourteenth day of November 1821
E. Alvord
Page 14

Schedule of the estate of Ephraim Pratt of Shutesbury in the County of Franklin Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress of May 1, 1820

Iron ware
One Pot    .75
One Dish Kettle   .33
One Spider    .33
One Frying Pan    .25
One Sea Kettle    .42
One Set of Slice and Tongs    1.50

Crockery.  
Three Milk Pans    .20
One Set of Tea Cups and Saucers white ones - .12
One Black Carthen Tea Pot    .08
Three White Carthen Plates   .12
One Bowl     .17
One Quart Cup    .40
One Jug & two pint Bottles   .18
Half a set of Knives & Forks    .30

Wooden ware 
Five Old Chairs    .75
One Old Chest of Draws & one Chest   2.00
One Keg    .20
One Pail    .12

Farming Tools
Two Old Axes    1.00
One Old Hoe      .12
Two Baskets        .30
------------
{total]      $9.64

Ephraim Pratt
Page 15

Ephraim Pratt
Schedule
Page 16

I the within named Ephraim Pratt do on Oath declare that I believe there is a mistake in my originial declaration as to the time when I enlisted, and the time when I was discharged. I am now satisfied that I enlisted in July or August 1781 and was discharged in Nov. 1782
Ephraim Pratt

State of Massachusetts
Franklin SS--Febry. 16th 1821---The above named Ephraim Pratt made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true. And I further certify that it now appears to my full satisfaction that the said Ephraim Pratt is a very poor ma & by reason of his reduced circumstances in life stands in great need of assistance from his Country for support.
Jona.  Leavitt Judge as aforesaid
Page 17

Ephraim Pratt
29th Apl. 1818 private
Smith's Regt. Massachusetts
July 80 till Nov. 81
Wanted the judge's certificate of the reduced circumstances of the applicant. Not on rolls--Further evidence required.

Services July 1781 November 1782

Services proven by reputable witnesses
a schedule of property is wanting

No final Sett.
Nov. 1st 125 & 132
Page 18

District of Massachusetts, SS, Town of Greenfield in the County of Berkshire
On this 29th day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit in the State of Massachusetts, which Circuit includes the Counties of Worcester, Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin and Berkshire, personally appears Ephraim Pratt a citizen of the United States, aged 64 years, resident in the Town of Shutesbury in the County of Franklin in the said District, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, made the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the revolutionary was" That he the said Ephraim Pratt enlisted in July or August 1780 in the state of Massachusetts, in the company commanded by Captain John Killroy Smith of the Regiment of Col. Smith of the Massachusetts Line. That he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until the month of November 1781 when he was discharged from service in New Windsor in the state of New York on account of being sick. That he was in the battles of ...............and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his county for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. And no pension has ever been allowed him by the laws of the United States. Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Joha. Leavitt, Judge as aforesaid
Page 19

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows,"
State of Massachusetts
County of Franklin SS
On this eighteenth day of September 1838, in open court before Richard E. Newcomb Judge of Probate for said county, Olive Pratt, a resident of Shutesbury in the county of Franklin aged seventy four 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 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Ephraim Pratt who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution, for which serve he received Pension from the United States under the Act of Congress passes in the 18th day of March A.D. 1818. During his life and after his decease she applied for and received as his widow the arrears due. She further declares that her maiden name was Olive Pratt & that she is the widow of the said Ephraim Pratt deceased. For evidence of the services of said Ephraim Pratt, reference may be had to the papers on file in the Department at Washington.
She further declares that she was married to the said Ephraim Pratt on the Sixteenth day of November in the year seventeen hundred ad eighty five; that her husband, the aforesaid Ephraim died on the twenty first day of November eighteen hundred & thirty four., that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, fiz: at the time above stated.
Olive  X Pratt
  her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me
R. E. Newcomb, Judge of Probate

*Here insert the rank the husband held i the army, navy, or militia, as the case may be, ad specify the service performed, as directed in rule numbered one of the regulations.
Page 20

And the said Judge of Probate doth hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter, that the said Ephraim Pratt was a soldier in the army of the Revolution and was placed upon the pension roll of the United States as such and received the pension afterwards during his life as stated in the within declaration--that the said Olive Pratt the withing applicant was married to the said Ephraim as within declared--that the said Ephraim died on the twenty first day of november 1834---and that the said applicant has ever since remained a widow.
R. E. Newcomb Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss.
I Elijah Alvord, Register of Probate in and for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Richard E. Newcomb is the Judge of Probate in and for said county and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his were made in my presents and are genuine.
In testimony where I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the Probate Court for said county this third day of October A. D. 1838
E. Alvord Reg. Prob.
Page 21

I, Joseph S. Smallidge of Shutesbury in the county of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose and say that I am the son of the late Joseph Smallidge former Pastor of the Baptist Church in Shutesbury aforesaid now deceased. That I have in my possession the Records of the Marriages Solemnized by the late Joseph Smallidge. that these Record commence as follows " In this Book is the Record (and the values) of the Persons married by me"
Joseph Smallidge, Ordained Baptist Minister legally orthorized to solemnize marriages &c. 1785
I further depose and say that on the second page of said Records the following Marriage is recorded'
Married Mr Ephraim Pratt to Miss Olive Pratt Nov. 16 1785. Both of Shutesbury. I further depose and say that the said Olive Pratt is the widow of the said Ephraim Pratt and that she remains a widow. that the said Ephraim Pratt was a Pensioner.
Joseph S Smallidge

Franklin ss. Sept. 1838
Personally appeared the above named Joseph S Smallidge who is a credible witness and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true.
Before me Nathaniel Mason by Justice of the Peace
Page 22

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin SS. I Elijah Alvord Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin, do hereby certify that Nathaniel Macomber is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testemony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court this third day of October A.D. 1838
E. Alvord Clerk
Page 23

2907 Revo
Massachusetts
Olive Pratt
widow of Ephraim Pratt, Dec'd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 
18 Mar; '18
and who died o the 21 November 1834
of Franklin Co. in the State of Mass;
who was a private in the .......commanded by Captain........of the Regt. commanded by Col. Smith in the Mass. line for 14 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the
rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of Mar, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of May 1839 and sent to Jos. L. Smallidge, Stukesbury Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $139.98
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 23.33
$163.31
Act July 7, 1838
Recorded by M.N. Stewart Clerk
Book A Vol. 1 Page 120
Page 24

Reported
1826
Massachusetts
Olive Pratt
widow of Ephraim Pratt who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Sept 1848 and sent to J. S. Smallidge, Shutesbury Mass.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners un act February 2, 1848  Page 122 Vol. 2
Page 25

(left side)
Instructions under the Act of 1844 sent to J. L. Smallidge, Shutesbury, Mass. Augt. 20, 1844

(right side)

V  4462
Massachusetts
Olive Pratt
widow of Ephraim Pratt who was a private in the Masstts. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at a rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the eighteenth day of Jany. 1844 and sent to J. L. Smallidge
Shutesbury, Masstts.
Act of March 3, 1843}
Recorded in Book A, Vol. 1, Page 50
Page 26

Revy. WIDOW, &C.

File No. 15225
Olive Pratt
Wido of Ephraim Pratt
Priv. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 2d 1848
Index: Vol M, Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 27

4642

Payment to be made at Boston by
Franklin Haven Esq. Agent for paying
Pensioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts


Payable on the 4th Sept. and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 122 Vol. 2

Leo J. McBride, Clerk
Page 28

WAR DEPARTMENT
WIDOW'S PESION

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Olive Pratt, widow of Ephraim Pratt who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of forty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 6th day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.

J. Y. Mason
Acting Secretary of War
(seal affixed)

Examined and Countersigned
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
B of F  S Evans
Page 29

I, Nabby Shores of Shutesbury in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, wife of the Revd. Silas Shores Depose and say that Ephraim Pratt late of Shutesbury a pensioner died the twenty first day of November in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty four. tat Olive Pratt of said Shutesbury is the widow of said Ephraim Pratt. That she has never intermarried but still remains the widow of  Ephraim. 
Nabby Shores
David Shores, Athol

Franklin ss. Sept 14, 1838
Personally appeared the above named Nabby Shores who is a credible witness and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition byy her subscribed is true.
Before me, Joseph L. Smallidge
Justice of the Peace
Page 30

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss 
I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the count of Franklin do hereby certify, that Joseph S. Smallidge is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my had and affix the seal of said court this third day of October A. D. 1838
E. Alvord, Clerk
Page 31

I Henry Allard of Shutesbury in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
(illegible) Depose and say that I am Clerk of the said town of Shutesbury, that I have examined the Reckords of marriages of said town and find no reckord of the marriage of Ephraim Pratt lately deceased, Pensioner and Olive Pratt, wife of the said Ephraim. Be (illegible) of the said town of Shutesbury
Henry Allard
Athol J. S. Smallidge
Asa Raymond

Franklin SS Nov. 28, 1838
Personally appeared Henry Allard who is a credible witness and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him signed is true.
Before me Joseph S Smallidge 
Justice of the Peace
Page 32

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss.
 I Elijah Alvord Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Joseph S. Smallidge Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county; and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court this fourth day of December A. D. 1838
E. Alvord Clerk



H. Allard
Deposition
Page 33

I Silas Shores of Shutesbury in the county of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts clergyman
Depose and say that I was acquainted iwth Ephraim Pratt late of Shutesbury deceased, for some years previous to the death of said Ephraim, that the said Ephraim was a pensioner, that I attended the Funeral Services of the said Ephraim, that as the said Ephraim died the twenty first day of November in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty four.  That Olive Pratt of said Shutesbury is the widow of the said Ephraim Pratt and has never intermarried and still remains the widow of the said Ephraim.
                      Silas shores
Athol David Shores

Franklin ss Sept. 14, 1838
Personally appears Silas Shores above named who is a credible witness and made oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true.
Before me Joseph S. Smallidge
Justice of the Peace
Page 34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss. 
I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Joseph S. Smallidge is a Justice of the Peace for the said County, and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court this third day of October A. D. 1838
Page 35

Ephraim Pratt Mass Act March 1818 to what time paid?
Pen. office
May 20 1839
Died 21 Nov. 1834 (illegible) that paid 
JH
Page 36

$46.66
Incd' $96. (illegible)  $46.66
per annum comg.
1 July 1848

F. Hall
Boston Mass.
Page 37

Boston 5 April 1851
Sir,
Enclosed I send the application of Olive Pratt, widow of Ephraim Pratt for the benefit of the joint Resolution of July 1. 1848 &c.
I am Sir, most respectfully 
your obdt. servt.
Franklin Hall
Page 38

Amherst June 12, 1821
Sir-
I herewith again enclose to you the papers of Ephraim Pratt in support of his claim to a pension, having promised certificates of the official (illegible) of Justice Merriman as will appear by the enclosed. The act of May 1st 1920 requires an additional ^evidence of poverty & which we will endeavor to (illegible) and forward as soon as there shall be a court of record in session in the county of Franklin, In the mean time, should the evidence be sufficient to warrant his name to be placed on the list, we suppose he would be entitled to the pension from the time of his application up to the 4th of March 1820- owing to the extreme poverty of the applicant he has no means of (illegible) the necessary evidence and papers except through the assistance of his friends and overseers of the poor in the Town of Shutesbury who have incurred considerable expense in obtaining the affidavits and certificates thus far and the therefore wish to assertain whether the evidence is sufficient for the purpose. Please to divert any communication respecting it to the subscriber at Amherst Massachusetts.
Therman Conkey
Hon. John C. Calhoun Esq.
Page 39

United States of America
State of Massachusetts County of Franklin ss
Be it known that before me Joseph L. Smallidge Esq. in & for the County aforesaid, personally appears Olive Pratt and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of the 3d of March 1843 on account of the Revolutionary services of her husband the late Ephraim Pratt at the rate of $46.66 per annum; That she now makes this affidavit for the purpose of drawing a pension under the Act of Congress passes on the 17th day of June 1844 entitled an Act to continue the pensions of certain widows; that she has not intermarried by continues to be a widow; that she now resides in Shutesbury in the County of Franklin & State of Massachusetts and has resided there for the span of eighty years past; and that previous thereto she resided.
Olive   X   Pratt
  her mark
Sworn to and subscribed this 18th day of August 1844
In presence of David Shores

Before me Joseph L. Smallidge Justice Peace
I certify that the above named applicant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
Joseph L. Smallidge Justice of the Peace
Page 40

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin Ss
I, Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Franklin,  do certify that Joseph L. Smallidge Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on this paper, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth, and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joseph L. Smallidge Esq. and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth this 13th day of August A. D. 1844
H. Chapman, Clerk
(seal affixed)
Page 41

State of Massachusetts
Franklin County Ss

On this fifth day of March 1851, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Olive Pratt and made oath in due form of law, that she is the widow of Ephraim Pratt who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution; that she is now receiving from the United States a pension at the rate of forty six dollars under the Act of 2d February 1848; that her husband drew a pension at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum; that she asks for an increase of her pension to which she may be found entitled under and all the acts and Resolutions of Congress that are applicable to her case, that she is a resident of Shutesbury in said County, is a widow and is eighty eight years of age, and the identical Olive Pratt named in the Pension Certificate herewith (illegible).
Olive  X   Pratt
   her mark
Witnesses
Joseph Smallidge
Willard Pratt

Sworn to and subscribed this fifth day of March 1851 I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named declarant & that she is the same person she represents herself to be i the foregoing affidavit
Joseph Smallidge Justice of the Peace
Page 42

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin, SS

I, Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Franklin, do certify, that Joseph L. Smallidge Esquire, whose signature is affixed in the Certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was at the day thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Joseph L. Smallidge, and believe his signature to said Certificate is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my had and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial court for said Commonwealth, this 4th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
H. Chapman, Clerk

(Seal affixed)
Page 43

Shutesbury Dec. 22, 1838

To James L. Edwards Esquire- Dear Sir, enclosed are the papers relative to the obtaining of Olive Pratt's Pension.  If it should finally in the opinion of those whose duty it is to ^approve the claims of the said Olive to a pension. That this evidence is insufficient please inform me where we failed making sufficient proof that we may secure further testimony.
Yours &c.
Joseph L. Smallidge
Page 44

State of Massachusetts
County of Franklin SS

On this eighteen day of July AD. 1843 Personally appeared be me Joseph L. Smallidge Esquire on of the Justices of the Peace in & for the County of Franklin, Olive Pratt a resident of Shutesbury in said county, aged eighty four years. Who being first duly sworn according to the law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision under the act of Congress passed on the third day of March AD. 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Ephraim Pratt who was a private in the Continental Army.
The names of the officers, Regiment or Troops `in which he served she has forgotten, that she received a pension the annual amount of forty six dollard and sixty six cents under the act of July 7 1838.
She further declares that she is a widow.
Olive  X  Pratt
  her mark
Sworn & subscribed the day & year above written
Attest Silas Shores

State of Massachusetts
County of Franklin SS
July 18-1843   then personally appeared Olive Pratt who is personally known to me and is a credible person and made oath to the truth of the above Declaration by her subscribed.
Before me 
Joseph L. Smallidge Justice of the Peace, I Silas Shores of Shutesbury in the County of Franklin Depose and say that I am personally acquainted with Olive Pratt who has subscribed the above declaration & that she is the widow of Ephraim Pratt & that she rec'd a pension under the  Act of Congress passes July 7-1838 & that she is still a widow.
Silas Shores

State of Massachusetts
County of Franklin SS  July 18-1843 Then personally appeared Silas Shores who is a credible person and made oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed.
Before me
Joseph L. Smallidge Justice of the Peace
Page 45

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin SS
I Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth of the County of Franklin, do certify that Joseph L. Smallidge Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on this paper, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned & acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in the capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joseph and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine, 
In testimony whereof I have  hereunto set my hand and affixed Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth this 29th day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
H. Chapman Clerk
Page 46

Olive Pratt's
Declaration for 
Pension

all 4462

admitted
Page 47

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution"

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County SS

On this fifth day of August 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Olive Pratt a resident of Shutesbury in the county of Franklin aforesaid aged eighty five years, who being first 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 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. that she is the widow of Ephraim Pratt who was a resident of Shutesbury and who was a private in the War of the Revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of forty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Olive   X   Pratt
    her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, Before me
Joseph L. Smallidge, Justice of the Peace
In presence of Marilla Smallidge

I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner as she declares.
Joseph L. Smallidge Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County, SS
I Henry Chapman Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Joseph Smallidge Esq is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
H. Chapman, Clerk