Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,113, Caleb Boynton, Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE 
Mass. 

Boynton, Caleb 
Phebe 

NUMBER 
R. 1,113
[Double line separation] 

CONTENTS
Page 2

State of Massachusetts 
County of Berkshire} SS. 

On this sixteenth day of [crossed out: January] February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine, personally appeared before the subscriber Judge of the Court of Probate in the County of Berkshire Phebe Boynton, a resident of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of a 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 Caleb Boynton, Jr who served in the war of the revolution as follows.  He first enlisted as a volunteer in a company of minute men in Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire in the spring of 1773.  This Company was commanded by Thomas Williams & when the news came of the battle of Livingston my husband marched with this Company to Boston.  At the time of the battle of Bunker Hill he belonged as he said to that part of the army that remained at Cambridge, & was under the command of Col. or General Patterson.  I know not the duration of his first period of service but it appears by documentary evidence which is herewith to be transmitted that he was in camp at Charleston so late as DECr 13. 1773.  It appears from the documents which was in his hand-writing that he then held some station different from a private soldier but what I cannot tell.  The last time of his service he enlisted for one year in Mendon in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, [crossed out: in] & as appears from the warrant in my possession was appointed a Sergeant Major in Ezra Woods Regiment of militia & Genl. Nixon's Brigade on the fourth day of September 1778, while this Brigade was at White Plains.  He was discharged as I think in January 1779 ~
Page 3

[continuation of declaration by Phebe Boynton] 

She further declares that she was married to Caleb Boynton Jr. on the [crossed out:  thirteenth] eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred seventy nine & that her husband the aforesaid Caleb Boynton Jr died on the sixth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty one, that she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four (viz) at the time above stated.

[Signature] Phebe Boynton 

S. Feb 16. 1839. 
W. P. W. } 

Sworn to & Subscribed at the dwelling house of the applicant she being unable in consequence of bodily infirmity to appear in open court.  

[Signature] William P. Walker Judge of Probate 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire [illegible] 

I Henry M Bishop Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Berkshire do certify that the foregoing contains the original Proceeding of the Judge of said Court in the matter of the application of Phebe Boynton for a pension.  that the Hon. William P. Walker is the Judge of said Court & that the annexed signature is his Genuine Signature In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court [underlined] this sixteenth day of February A D 1839 

[Signature]  Henry W. Bishop. Register Probate
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Bershire County SS. 

On this twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty four personally appeared before [crossed out:  David N. Drury?] Henry W. Bishop Esq.  In the Court of [crossed out: Probate] Common Pleas of the Comth. in and for said County.  Henry B. Boynton of West Stockbridge in said County aged Seventy years, and on his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of an Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows":  That he is the son of Phebe Boynton late of West Stockbridge in the County aforesaid declared, who was the widow of Caleb Boynton, otherwise called Caleb Boynton Jr. late of said West Stockbridge & also deceased:  that the said Caleb Boynton was a soldier in the War of the Revolution in the service of the United States:  that he first enlisted as declarant believes and as he has heard his father say as a volunteer in a Company of minute men command[illegible] Capt. Thomas Williams in Stockbridge in said County of Berkshire & on the arrival of the news of the battle of Lexington marched with his Company to Boston:  the declarant has heard [illegible] say that at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill he was in the camp at Charleston in Cambridge.  He refers to the annexed certificate of the Secretary of this Commonwealth which shows that he served in the War of the Revolution for a period of nineteen months computing a month at thirty days.  And
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[continuation of declaration of Henry B Boynton] 

declarant further says that the said Caleb Boynton had in his possession many years before and at the time of his death a warrant appointing him to the office as declarant recollects it of Sergeant Major in Col. Wood's Regiment. which was also in the possession of the declarant for many years after his fathers death. but is now mislaid and lost.  And declarant further says that the documents herewith annexed marked A. & B. are original documents [crossed out: in] which were in the possession of the said Caleb Boynton as long ago as this declarant can remember & continued to be in his possession till his death & since that time has been in the possession of declarant.  And the same with the exception of two or three pages in said Document B. are in the handwriting of his father the said Caleb Boynton - And declarant further says that the said Caleb Boynton his father was married to Phebe Boynton his mother on the eleventh day of February in the year 1779.  as deponent has been informed and believes:  that he died on the sixth day of October in the year 1821.  and that the said Phebe Boynton died on the fifteenth day of May in the year 1841.  and was unmarried and the widow of the said Caleb Boynton at the time of her death.   

And the said declarant further states that in the year 1834 [or 9] the said Phebe Boynton then living made a declaration and procured some evidence with a view to make her claim on the Government for a pension
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[continuation of declaration of Henry B Boynton] 

on account of the services of her said husband which declaration and depositions then taken is hereto annexed.  The said claim as this declarant recollects and believes was never presented prosecuted by reason of the neglect of the person having it in charge.  And declarant says that since 1839.  his sister Clarissa H. Boynton moved to the State of Ohio & is now deceased.  that he supposes she took with her the book mentioned in her Deposition but upon application to her relations the same cannot be found.  and he supposes it is now mislaid and lost. 

[Signature]  
Henry B Boynton 

Subscribed and sworn to in open Court the day & year first afore written 

[Signature]  
Henry W Bishop Judge of [crossed out: Probate] the Court of Common Pleas for the Comth of [illegible]

And I certify that I am in no way interested in the claim of the said Henry B. Boynton. 

[Signature] 
Henry W. Bishop 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire SS.  

I [crossed out:  Henry W Taft Register of Probate] Charles Sedgwick Clerk of said Court  for said County, do certify that [crossed out:  Daniel N. Drury] Henry W. Bishop Esq. before whom the foregoing proceedings were had was at the date of such proceedings Judge of [crossed out:  Probate] the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified. and that the foregoing [crossed out: proceedings] signatures purporting to be his are genuine.  

Witness my hand and seal of said [crossed out: Probate] Court of Common Please this twelfth day of ^ July in the year eighteen hundred and fifty four 

[Signature] 
Charles Sedgwick Clerk
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"Family of Caleb Boynton Jr.   Caleb Boynton and Phebe Wilson were married February 11 1779 

Their children 

1 Ebenezer.  Born January 2nd 1780
2 Clarissa H Boynton  Born November 2nd 1781
3  H. B. Boynton  Born February 21st 1784
4 Elisabeth Boynton  Born May 14th 1786
5 Arba Boynton  Born June 21 1788
6 Mary Boynton  Born July 27 1790 

All the above was born in Milford Woster County Massachusetts 

7 & 8 Rhuba and Rohday  Born twins March 25 1793
9 Pheby S. Boynton  August 29 1797 
10 Caleb S. Boynton  Born March 9 1800

We Sylvester Spencer and Nathan Shan of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth Massachusetts do on oath depose and say that we have examined the family records of the said Boynton family and further do on oath depose and say that the [illegible] extract from said record is a true copy.  And I the said Nathan Shan do further depose and say that I am Town Clerk of the said Town of West Stockbridge 

[Signatures] 
Sylvester Spencer 
Nathan Shan 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire SS.  July 20th 1855 

Then personally appeared the said Sylvester Spencer and Nathan Shan and subscribed and made an oath to the truth of the foregoing statements 

Before me 
[Signature] Henry E. Fitch 
Justice of the Peace
Page 8

"Ebenezer Boynton son of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born January second. seventeen hundred eighty. 

Clarissa H. Daughter of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born November twenty first. seventeen hundred eighty one. 

Henry B. son of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born February twenty first seventeen hundred eighty four. 

Elizabeth daughter of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born May fourteenth seventeen hundred eighty six. 

Arba son of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born June twenty first seventeen hundred eighty eight. 

Mary. daughter of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born July twenty seventh seventeen hundred ninety. 

Rhuba daughter of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born March twenty sixth seventeen hundred ninety three

Rhoda daughter of [crossed out: Phebe] Caleb ^ & Phebe Boynton was born March twenty sixth seventeen hundred ninety three. 

[Crossed out: R] Phebe S. daughter of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born [crossed out:  March] ^ August twenty [crossed out: sixth] ^ nineth seventeen hundred ninety [crossed out: three] seven. 

Caleb S. son of Caleb & Phebe Boynton was born March nineth eighteen hundred." 

I Martin R. Kellogg Clerk of the Town of West Stockbridge do certify that the above is a true copy from the records of said [illegible] in my custody.  Except the dates which are expressed on said records in [illegible] and
Page 9

legible figures. severally as follows: 

"2nd. 1780"  "21st. 1781."  "21st. 1784."  "14th. 1786."  "21st. 1788."  "27th. 1790."  "26th. 1793."  "26th. 1793."  "29th. 1797."  "9th. 1800." 

[Signature] Martin R Kellogg  Town Clerk. 

I Martin R. Kellogg above named do depose and say that I hold the office of town Clerk in the Town aforesaid in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts.  and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me 

[Signature] Martin R. Kellogg  Town Clerk

Berkshire SS Jany 6. 1835. 
Subscribed & sworn to Before me 

[Signature]  Henry M [or W] Taft  Justice of the Peace
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Oct 17. 1921 
[Illegible mark.  Initials?]

Hon. W. D. Boice, 
House of Representatives. 

In re: Caleb Boynton, James Stanton and Daniel Stanton, War of Revolution. 

You are advised that this Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or vounty land has been made on account of his services and a careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of James Stanton. 

From the papers in the pension claim, Rejected File 1113 [underlined], it appears that Phebe widow of Caleb Boynton Junior [underlined], applied for pension Feb. 6, 1839, at which time she was 82 years old and lived in West Stockbridge, Mass.  She alleged that her husband volunteered at Stockbridge in the spring of 1775 in a company of minute-men under Capt. Thomas Williams, that he also was under the command of Col. Patterson and was in camp as late as Dec. 17, 1775.  Also that he enlisted for one year at Mendon, Mass, was appointed Sergeant Major in Col. Ezra Wood's Regt. on Sept. 4, 1778 and was discharged in Jan. 1779. 

[Handwritten note top, left margin]  See [illegible] on back of original file jacket R.1113.
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The claim was not allowed owing to lack of proof that the said services were rendered by the husband of Phebe Boynton. 

Caleb Boynton Junior married at Egremont, Mass. on Feb. 11, 1779, Phebe Wilson.  He died Oct. 6, 1821, she died at West Stockbridge, Mass. May 15, 1841.  They had the following children: 

Ebenezer  born  Jan. 02, 1780. 
Clarissa Harlow  "  Nov. 21, 1781. 
Henry B.  born"  Feb. 21, 1784. 
Elizabeth  "  May 14, 1786. 
Arba  "  June 21, 1788. 
Mary  "  July 27, 1790. 
Rhuba  "  Mar. 26, 1793. 
Rhoda  "  Mar. 26, 1793. 
Phebe S.  "  Aug. 29, 1797. 
Calebs  "  Mar. 9, 1800. 

*****  *****  *****

From the papers in the pension claim Survivor File 20,978, it appears that Daniel Stanton volunteered in Fort Griswold at Croton, Conn. when it was attacked on Sept. 6, 1781 and then and there received twenty-three wounds in the head, body and ankle.  He was pensioned for disability resulting therefrom from Sept. 6, 1781, under the Act of June 7, 1785. 

In 1788 he was a resident of Stonington, Conn. aged about 33 years and was referred to as junior.  In 1823 he was living at Norwich, Conn.  He died Jan. 4, 1836.  There is not data on file as to family.  

Very truly yours, 
[Stamp signature] Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
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[Left side document]

Two order books of Caleb Boynton for 1775 and 1778. sent to Library of Congress on Feb. 9. 1909
[Line of separation]

History to Hon. W. D. Boies 
Oct. 17. 1921 

[Right side document] 
_____ Ex'r.     INVALID

No. [Obscured] 

[Crossed out:  Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873]  1113
[Line of separation] 

P. O. Phebe Boynton 
Service: [Blank]
Enlisted: [Blank]
Discharged: [Blank]
Application filed: [Blank] 
[Handwritten note] Cause of rejection not found on printed list of 1832 
Alleges: [Blank]
Re-enlisted: [Blank]
Attorney: [Blank]
P.O. [Blank]
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I Gordon Race of Egremint in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do on oath depose and say, that in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight I was Clerk of the town of Egremint aforesaid, and that in February of the same year the building in which said Clerks Office was kept, was destroyed by fire, at which time the Records of said town were destroyed 

[Signature] Gorton Race

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
(Berkshire SS 

May 12th 1855 

Then personally appeared the said Gordon Race and subscribed and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition. 

Before me [signature] Henry E. Fitch 
Justice of the Peace
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West Stockbridge Augt 13th 1835

Hon L. P. Waldo 
Commissioner of Pensions

I Send you a certificate from Secrtary of State of the Service of Caleb Boynton of the Service in the Revolution War

Which I hope will be Satisfactory 

I am Your Obt Sevt
DBCampbell
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West Stockbridge  July 24th 1835 

Hon L P Waldo 

Sir 

I find that the Town of West Stockbridge was sold[?] off ^ from a part of Stockbridge Jan 1774 and that Caleb Boynton came to this Town in 1792 therefore his name would not appear on the Town Books at Stockbridge  his name does not appear on the Books at West Stockbridge till about 18.00  Mr Boynton came from Melton Worchester Co Mass at the age of 19 and went into the Service as a minute man a Company raised by Capt Thomas Williams was at Lexington  Bunker Hill and is also found under Command of Col Pattern  White Plains State New York and other places and would appear that he served during the War  I sent[?] you some certificate hoping they may be sufficient to obtain some compensation for his services 

I am your Obedient Servant, 
[Signature] D B Campbell
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

Secretary's Office, Boston: 
March 30th. 1854. 

[Round, raised, illegible seal at left margin] 

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that that [sic] the name of Caleb Boynton is borne on return of minute men in Capt. Thomas William's Comp. Col. Panuson's Regt. from April 22. 1775. 13 days. 

Also in Capt. Thomas William's Comp. Col Patterson's Regt. of 8 mos service name borne on [illegible] roll Dated Charlestown, Camp No 3

Also on muster roll of Lt. Seth Thuyer's Comp. Lt Col. Nathan Tyler's Regt.  R. Island service from Dec. 8. 1776 1 month 15 days. 

Also on pay roll of Capt. David Bakkelltcheller Comp. Col. Ezra Wood's Regt. from June 5 1778. to Jany. 29. 1779.  8 mos. 17 days. including travel. 

Also on pay roll of Capt Ichabod Thayer's Comp. Col. Nathan Tyler's Regt. ordered to the State of R. Island on alarm of July 28. to Aug. 8  1780.  15 days, travel included.
Page 17

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears : that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone : and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 

[Signature] E. M. Wright 
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 18

Caleb Boynton [underlined]

He first enlisted as a volunteer in a Co. of [crossed out: militia] minute men in Stockbridge in this Co. of Berks. in the spring of 1775.  This Company was commanded by Thomas Williams  It was at Cambridge under Command of Col. or Genl. Patterson.  He was in Camp at Charleston as late as Dec.r 3. 1775. 

He enlisted at Mendon Worcester Co. Mass. for [illegible] & Sept. 4. 1778 was appointed Sergeant Major in Ezra Woods Reg.t of militia & Genl Nixons. Brigade & Brigade was at White Plains  He was discharged probably in Jany 1779.~

Captains Nances of Col. Woods Regt 
White Plains  July 25. 1778

Caleb Boynton died 
Oct. 6. 1821 
Phebe Boynton died 
May 15. 1841 

[List of names at left margin] 
Harlow 
Noble 
Batehelor 
Carpenter 
Green 
Stearns 
Drury 
Pomeroy 
Watkins
Page 19

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

Secretary's Office, Boston. 
Aug. 6th 1855. 

I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Caleb Boynton is on pay roll of Capt. David Batcheller's Comp. Col Ezra Wood's Regt. of 8 mos Massachusetts Bay Militia, from June 5 1778 to Jany 29, 1779.  8 mos. 17 days travel included, as private.  Twice at North River. 

In Testimony Wherof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 

[Signature] E. M. Wright 
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 20

No 1 [illegible] 292

Phebe Boynton decd 
Widow of Caleb 

Mass 

Campbell Mch 9 1855 
[Illegible] Aug. 1/55
[Illegible] Aug 31. 1855

1113 

1838
Page 21

D. B. Cambell 
August 1/55
Page 22

Pension Office, 
August 1, 1855 

Sir, 

I have received and examined the additional evidence in the case of Phebe Boynton, deceased, widow of Caleb, of Massachusetts, ~ act July 7, 1838.  

Preliminary to a thorough examination of the whole evidence in this case, it is required that a new Certificate from the Secretary of State of Massachusetts be transmitted stating the grade in which Boynton appear to have served in Ezra Wood's Regiment, in 1778. ~ 

Very respectfully, 

SC

D. B. Campbell Esqr
West Stockbridge 
Massachusetts.
Page 23

Pension Office 
March 9 1855 

Sir 

The application of the children of Phebe Boynton decd widow of Caleb of Mass has been examined and filed under the Act of July 7 1838. 

May I understand from the [crossed out: Secre] Certificate of the Secretary of State of Mass that all the service certified to by him was rendered by a man from Stockbridge?  If so, will the books of the Town Clerk of Stockbridge show that but one man of his name resides in [crossed out: Stockbridge] that town during the War of the Revolution capable of bearing arms?  The two manuscript books forwarded here not written by the same man, which renders it probably that there were two soldiers of the same name in the Mass service. 

If no ^ original record of the date of the marriage exists, it should be proved by witnesses who
Page 24

[Continuation] 

know that it occurred before 1794. 

[Along right margin] 
March 9/55. 

D. B. Campbell Esq
West Stockbridge 
Mass
Page 25

Pension Office 
Augt. 31. 1855

Sir 

The additional certificate of the Secretary of State of Mass. dated the 6th inst. has been filed with the papers in support of the claim of the children of Phebe Boynton, ^ deceased, widow of Caleb, of Mass. under the act of July 7, 1838. 

It now appears that two persons, at least, named Caleb Boynton, were in service at the same times; namely, in 1775 and in 1778, and it seems probable that they were father and son, as the father of the applicants was Caleb Boynton , Junior.  I am unable to distinguish the service rendered by the father of these claimants from that rendered by another, or others of the same name.  It is clear that he did not render all the service
Page 26

[Continuation] 

as Private, that is certified, inasmuch as one of the tours was performed in 1780, and the widow declared that her husband did not serve after her intermarriage with him, early in 1779. 

I shall be glad if the claimants can hit upon some means of establishing what [crossed out: th] was the nature and duration of their father's service.  For the present the claim remains suspended. 

D. B. Campbell Esq
West Stockbridge 
Mass.
Page 27

[Two documents overlaid.  Transcription of top document only.]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
[Line of separation] 

Berkshire, SS. 

I Charles Sedgwick, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Berkshire, do certify, that Wilber Curtis Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was, at the date 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 creidt are 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 Curtis and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this twenty first day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine~

[Signature] Chas Sedgwick CLERK.
Page 28

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire S. S.   

I Richard P. Brown of Egremont in  said County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age testify and say that I am the Town Clerk of said Town of Egremont.  that I was appointed to said office in March 1838.  that Gorton Race was Town Clerk of said Town next previous to my appointment.  and that some time in the month of February 1838 the said Race's store in this Town was destroyed by fire, and that the records of said Town - as is stated by said Race, and as is understood and believed, were destroyed with said store  

I further testify that I have examined the congregational church records of this Town, and find that the Rev. Eliphalet Steele was pastor of said congregational church in the year 1779.  

[Signature] Richard P Brown 

Berkshire SS Egremont February 16th 1839.  Then the above named Richard P. Brown made oath to the truth of the above.  and I certify that the said R. P. Brown is a credible witness. 

attest. [Signature] Wilber Curtis. Just. of Peace
Page 29

I Sylvester Spencer of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. do depose and say: that I am sixty three years of age: that I was well acquainted with Caleb Boynton late of said West Stockbridge deceased. and Phebe Boynton his wife also declared: that I was born and have always lived in said West Stockbridge and was well acquainted with said parties [illegible]ting. from my earliest recollection to the time of their death: that they lived together as husband and wife and had a large family of children. all of whom I knew: and I further depose and say that the said Phebe Boynton died at said West Stockbridge in the spring of 1844: I am unable to state the precise time: And I further depose and say that I was acquainted with the hand writing of the said Caleb Boynton. that I have seen him write - that I have examined the manuscripts shown to me annexed to the declaration of Henry B. Boynton & marked A. & B. I recognize them to be the handwriting ^ of the said Caleb Boynton and had no doubt they were all written by him except pages marked D. E. F. G. & portions of pages H. & J. on Document B. which I think are in a different hand writing. 

And I further say that the only children of the said Phebe Boynton living at the time of the death Mr Ebenezer Boynton. Henry B. Boynton. Clarissa H. Boynton. Betsey Boughton, Ruby Sibley & Rhoda Sibley. 

And I further depose and say that I never
Page 30

[continuation of S. Sylvester statement] 

knew or heard of any other Caleb Boynton than the once about whom I have testified as above. I futher depose and say that I was present at the funeral of Caleb Boynton, and also that of Phebe Boynton his wife 

[Signature] Sylvester Spencer 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire SS. February 9th 1855. 

Then personally appeared the above named Sylvester Spencer and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true 

Before me 
[Signature] Henry E. Fitch
Justice of the Peace
Page 31

I [Illegible]asa Spencer of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts do depose and say that I am in the seventy fourth year of my age: that I [illegible] widow in said town of West Stockbridge from early infancy. or about seventy three years: that I know and was well acquainted with Caleb Boynton. late of said West Stockbridge deceased from my early boyhood. that the precise time when I first knew him I cannot state. And I depose and say that I have heard the said Caleb Boynton state that he was a soldier in the service of the United States in the War of the Revolution: and have heard him repeatedly relate occurrences and anecdotes of the service in which he was engaged. I cannot state where or who he served. but I hever had any doubt, and do now believe that said Caleb Boynton was a soldier in the War of the Revolution as he claimed [illegible] here.  The said Caleb Boynton died in West Stockbridge some time after the year 1820 as I think I was at his house after his death [illegible] his burial & [illegible] attended his funeral. 

And I further say that I was also acquainted with Phebe Boynton the wife of the said Caleb Boynton. that the said Caleb & Phebe lived together as husband and wife from the time I first knew them until the time of his death. 

The children of the said Caleb & Phebe Boynton all of whom I know. and who lived with their parents in said West Stockbridge, Mr. Ebenezer. Clarissa H. Henry B. Arba. Betsey. Mary. Ruby. Rhoda. Phebe. & Caleb [illegible] in all. The said Ebenezer Boynton & Henry B. Boynton
Page 32

[Continuation statement of ...asa Spencer]

are now living in this town: Arba Boynton & Mary Boynton died in West Stockbridge unmarried many years ago and before the death of their mother. Caleb R [?] Boynton died in West Stockbridge before his mother leaving one child. a daughter, now living. 

The said Phebe Boynton survived her said husband a good number of years. and died at West Stockbridge. I attended her funeral. but cannot state the time of her death. 

And the deponent further says. that he [illegible]acted the [illegible] with the said Caleb Boynton in his lifetime. and has seen his handwriting. but [illegible] now many years ago - that he has examined the manuscripts marked A. & B. annexed to the declaration of Henry B. Boynton which have been shown to him. and it is his impression that the handwriting thereof resembles that of the said Caleb Boynton. 

[Signature] [Illegible]asa Spencer

Berkshire SS. Decr. 12. 1854. 
Subscribed and sworn to 
Before me [Signature] Henry N. [Illegible] Justice of Peace
Page 33

I Eli Webster of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do depose and say that I am seventy four years of age. that I have resided in West Stockbridge and Richmond since about the year 1796: that I first lived in West Stockbridge and from 1796 to 1809. I resided within a few [illegible] of the dwelling house of Caleb Boynton of said West Stockbridge. now deceased: and during said period I was intimately acquainted with the said Caleb Boynton and knew him until the time of his death: that I saw him the morning before his death and attended his funeral. I cannot state when he died but should think it was ten or 12 years after 1809. 

And I further say that during the time of my acquaintance with said Boynton I often heard him speak of his service in the War of the Revolution as a soldier in the Army of the United States. and heard him relate anecdotes connected with said service. I have heard him speak of things in the vicinity of Boston with the Army. and also at White Plains. I have the impression that from what he told me he was in service nearly during the whole of the War. He enlisted according to his statement at an early age before he was twenty years old. He used to tell about living in Stockbridge with his wife. or the woman who was afterwards heance [sic] his wife. 

And I further say that I was also well acquainted with Phebe Boynton wife of the said Caleb. They lived together as husband & wife during all the time I knew him until his death
Page 34

[Continuation of statement of Eli Webster] 

of the said Caleb. The said Phebe survived her husband a good many years & died in West Stockbridge. but I cannot state the time of her death. I knew the children of the said Caleb & Phebe Boynton who were Ebenezer. Clarissa H. Henry B. Arba. Betsey. Ruby. Rhoda. Phebe. Mary. (or Polly) and Caleb [illegible] - Ebenezer & Henry B. are [illegible]ing at West Stockbridge. Arba & Polly died in West Stockbridge. unmarried. and Caleb [illegible] also died there. The daughters are mostly dead as I have heard. but. they moved away from here. and I cannot state particularly. 

[Signature] Eli Webster

Berkshire SS. Decr. 12. 1834
Subscribed & sworn to 
Before me [Signature] Henry W. Tafe Justice of Peace
Page 35

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of this Commonwealth
for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Henry W. Taft & Henry E. Fitch
Esquire whose signatures are affixed to the certificate, on the papers hereto annexed, was, at
the date thereof of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly
commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth and duly authorized
administer oaths L,c
and that full faith and credit are and
ought to be given to this acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with
the handwriting of the said Taft & Fitch
and
---
believe the signatures to said certificate are genuine
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for 
said Commonwealth, this ninth day of 
February
in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty five
Charles Sedgwick
Clerk.
Page 36

Deposition of Phebe Boynton [underlined]
Page 37

Deposition of Phebe Boynton [underlined] 

Phebe Boynton of West Stockbridge int he County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts; widow of Caleb Boynton Jr. having been duly sworn according to law doth depose & say, that she was married to Caleb Boynton Jr by the Rev. Mr. Steele in the Town of Egremont & County of Berkshire aforesaid, on the eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine. 

[Signature] Phebe Boynton 

Berkshire SS 

Then personally appeared the above named Phebe Boynton & made oath to the truth of the above applicant by her subscription before me 

[Signature] Chs. B. Boynton Justice of the Peace 
West Stockbridge Feb 18. 1839 [underlined]
Page 38

Deposition of H.B. Boynton [underlined]
Page 39

Deposition of Henry B. Boynton in regard to the family record of Caleb Boynton Jr [underlined]

Henry B. Boynton of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being duly sworn according to law doth depose & say as follows.  That the record contained in the book which has been in the possession of my sister Clarissa Harlow Boynton, which record is in my 2d sisters hand writing has always been considered as the genuine family record of the family of my Father Caleb Boynton Jr, & that I have always understood that it was made out from loose memoranda in possession of my father, & by him produced for this purpose  of forming a more permanent record in the book which is herewith transmitted to the War Department it being the same mentioned in the affidavit of my sister Clarissa Harlow Boynton, this day by her subscribed & sworn to

My father Caleb Boynton Jr died on the sixth day of October A.D. 1821 & my mother has never since been married 

[Signature] Henry B Boynton 
Berkshire SS 

West Stockbridge February 18, 1839

Then the above named Henry B. Boynton personally appeared & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before me 

[Signature] Chas B. Boynton Justice of the Peace
Page 40

Deposition of C. H Boynton [underlined]
Page 41

Deposition of Clarissa H. Boynton in regard to the records of her Father's family [underlined] 

Clarissa Harlow Boynton of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts having been duly sworn according to law doth despose & say that [crossed out: her] my father Caleb Boynton Jr so far back as seventeen hundred & ninety three had in his possession memoranda, [illegible] and loose papers, which he shown me, & declared to be the true records of his family & for securitys sake he desired me to copy them into a book which he purchased for that purpose, In compliance with his wishes I made an exact copy of them in the book before mention [d] which book having since been in my possession is herewith transmitted to the War Department.  The record thus made by me has always been considered to be the genuine family record & has been ever acknowledged as such. 

The memorandum of his marriage with my mother Phebe Wilson, was among the before [illegible] service papers & the record in the book is a true copy of the memorandum which he my father gave me,  These loose papers being considered of no further use after they were thus copied were destroyed.  My Father died on the sixth day of October A. D. 1821, & my mother has never since been married - 

[Signature] Clarissa H Boynton 
Berkshire SS. 

West Stockbridge Feby 18. 1839- 

Then the above named Clarissa Harlow Boynton appeared & made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit 

Before me 

[Signature] Charles B. Boynton Justice of the Peace
Page 42

I Robbins Kellogg of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being duly sworn do depose & say that in the year eighteen hundred & eight I became a resident of West Stockbridge Village a near neighbor to Caleb Boynton late of said West Stockbridge deceased & was intimately acquainted with him & his Family from that time untill [sic] the time of his death which occurred in the fall of the year eighteen hundred & twenty one.  I have no means of determining the precise day of his day of his [repeat] death  Mrs Phoebe [sic] Boynton his Widow has ever since his death resided and still resides in West Stockbridge 

Previous to my removal to West Stockbridge as aforesaid I resided in Canaan an adjoining Town & was partially acquainted with said Caleb Boynton for many years previous thereto,  that said Caleb & Phebe from the time of my first acquaintance untill [sic] his death lived together as man & wife & raised up a large Family & I never doubted or heard it doubted but they were lawfully married & they were respectable & moved in the first circles & classes [crossed out: in this community] of society in this community - 

[Signature] Robbins Kellogg 

Berkshire SS. Feby 18. 1839.  Then Personally appeared Robbins Kellogg & made oath before me to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed 

[Signature] Chas B Boynton  Justice of The Peace 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Berkshire SS:  I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do certify that Charles B Boynton before whom the foregoing Deposition of Phebe Boynton  Henry B Boynton  Clarissa H Boynton & Robbins Kellogg all hereto annexed were taken was & is a Justice of the Peace within aforesaid County duly commissioned & qualified & that the foregoing signature to the certificates on said several depositions purporting to be his are genuine.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set y hand & affixed the seal of said Court 

This eighteenth day of Febuary 1839 

[Signature] Chales Sedgwick Clerk
Page 43

Phebe 

Caleb - Mass - original 

Cole 

D. B. Campbell 
West Stockbridge 
Mass.
Page 44

Know all men by these presents, That I
Henry B. Boynton of West Stockbridge in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby constitute and appoint Daniel B. Campbell of Richmond, Massachusetts, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to make application to the Government of the United States for the pension due to me as the son of Phebe Boynton deceased who was the widow of Caleb Boynton Jr. late of said West Stockbridge deceased, who was a
soldier in the War of the Revolution, and
to make all needful inquirers and examinations
of the files and records in the different
departments at Washington, in relation
thereto, and generally to do such other lawful
and proper acts and things as I might do
if personally present; and to receive my
certificate if a pension shall be granted
to me.

In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of
December in the year Eighteen hundred &
fifty three

Signed, sealed and 
delivered in presence of
Harry W. Taft}  
Henry B Boynton 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire SS. Dec. 15. 1833. There personally
appeared Harry B. Boynton above named
and acknowledged the foregoing instrument by him  
signed [illegible] his free act and deed 
Before me
Henry W. Taft
Justice of the Peace
Page 45

I Luke Dewey of West Stockbridge in the
County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do on oath depose and say that I have lived in West Stockbridge aforesaid thirty four years and that previous to that I lived for the space of twenty years in Richmond a town adjoining said West Stockbridge. I was well acquainted with Caleb Boynton and also with Phebe wife of the said Caleb Boynton. I frequently saw both Caleb Boynton and his wife Phebe. They were reputed to be man and wife, and lived together as such, to my knowledge. Caleb Boynton died in the year 1821. Phebe Boynton his wife died in the month of May A.D. 1841. I am a practicing physician and attended Mrs.
Boynton during her last illness. I have been acquainted in West Stockbridge for the last fifty nine years. During that time I have never known of any other person by the name of Caleb Boynton, and know that during that time there has never been any other person by that name residing in said Town. I have never known of any other person by the name of Caleb Boynton. I am seventy years of age.

[Signature] Luke Dewey M.D.

Commonwealth Massachusetts
Berkshire County S.S. July 19th A.D. 1855

Then personally appeared the above named Luke Dewey and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement

Before me
[Signature] Henry E. Fitch
Justice of the Peace
Page 46

I Sylvester Spencer of West Stockbridge
in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth
of Massachusetts do on oath depose and
say, that I am sixty four years of age; I was
born in West Stockbridge aforesaid, and have
always resided in said West Stockbridge. I was
acquainted with Caleb Boynton, and Phebe
wife of the said Caleb Boynton in their life
time. Used to see them often, nearly every
day when I was a boy and went to school
I used to see them every day. They lived together as man and wife all the time I knew
them. They were reputed to be man and wife
They had a family of ten children. I was
and am acquainted with the whole family
I knew no other person in said West Stockbridge by the name of Caleb Boynton. I never knew any other person by that name. I attended the funeral of both Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Boynton  Caleb Boynton died in October AD. 1821. Phebe his wife died in the spring of 1841. I have examined the family record of the said Boynton family, and it agrees with my former statement

[Signature] Sylvester Spencer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County S.S. July 20th 1855

Then personally appeared the above named Sylvester Spencer and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement

Before me
[Signature] Henry E. Fitch
Justice of the Peace
Page 47

W. D. BOIES
11TH DIST. IOWA

House of Representatives U.S.
Washington, D. C.
October 13, 1921.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Sir:

It will be appreciated if you can furnish the war
record of the following who are said to have participated in the Revolutionary War.

Caleb Boynton, Hampshire County Mass)
James Stanton, Stonington, Conn.)
Daniel Stanton, Stonington, Conn.)
Possibly Essex County, N. Y.

Thanking you for past favors in this regard, I am,
Very truly yours,
[Signature] W.D. Boies.

[Round, largely illegible stamp] 
OCT 14 1921 
OFFICE