Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14581, Joseph Davis, Conn. Mass. Vt.
Page 1

Service                         Number
Conn. / Davis, Joseph / W.14581
Mass. / Azubah
Vt.
Page 2

15.600
Massachusetts
Joseph Davis
of Franklin in the State of Massa
who was a private in the Com commanded
by Captain Childs of the Regt commanded
by Col Wells in the Vt & Massa
line for 17 months private
M 79 d 3M

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 56 Dollars 67 Cents per annum.
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of June 
1833 and sent to E. Alvord
Greenfield Mass

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 113.34
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 28.33
$141.67

{RevolutionaryClaim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by J W Clagett Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 2. Page 17.
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Joseph David,
Gill

[vertically left]
Joseph Davis

Mr. Grennell HR
Jan 3. 1832
Page 4

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Franklin County SS.

On this Fifteenth day of August A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas of the said Commonwealth, now sitting at Greenfield within and for the said County of Franklin, Joseph Davis a resident of Gill in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of an 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. I first enlisted as a Soldier of the revolution in the latter part of April or fore part of May A.D. 1776 I am not certain which, for three months. We won under command of Major Shepardson. My company officers were Capt Warriner Lieutenant Boyden Ensign Dimick. I resided in Guilford Windham County State of Vermont when I enlisted. I was a militia man. My company and one other were detached to open the road from Cavendish through Ludlow and Rutland in Vermont so that the baggage and heavy teams with the provision for the army might pass that way to Ticonderoga. After doing this service the enemy appeared off Ticonderoga and we were called into camp at Ticonderoga and Fort Independence. I served out my three months, and then went into Captain Child's company, at Ticonderoga as a volunteer, and stayed about one month more (I will say one month) in the place of one Benjamin Green who went home. I was in no battle during this time of service. I saw General Gates who had command of us.

In April the day I cannot tell A.D. 1777 I lived in Guilford aforesaid which town is adjoining to Bernardston in Massachusetts. Bernardston was divided off into classes to furnish a man for each class. I was hired by Ebenezer Field the head of one class to enter the State service for three months. I joined Captain Harveys company. My Lieutenant was Pomroy. Ensign, Benjamin, in Colonel Wells' Regiment. We marched from Northampton Massachusetts through Partridgefield, Bennington Manchester Vt. and Struck the head of Lake Champlain Skenesboro now White Hall, thence we went by water to Mount Independence where I staid my time out and a few days over. General St. Clair commanded us. I recollect of seeing General Fermoy there. I was there when Ticonderoga was evacuated. At this time, the enemy was on Mount Hope and Mount Defiance, and were about us in great force. We retreated as an army, till we got to Castleton Vt. The enemy pursued us as we left Mount Independence. In the retreat I was near the center of the army and did not see the engagement of the enemy with the rear guard. We distroyed the provisions before our retreat. I was a musician during this period of my service.

In July or fore part of August A.D. 1777 my oldest brother David Davis, now dead was drafted into the troops of Vermont, and I took his place, and he being the oldest, staid at home to carry on our farm. Several days after joining the army, I enlisted into the Ranging Service for six months under Maj. Fletcher. He gave me a furlough for one month. When my furlough was out my younger brother, Daniel took my place and served my time out. I served but one month at this time. Was a musician also at this time.

I again, in September A.D. 1777 (the day I cannot tell, enlisted in Lebanon Connecticut County of Windham where I was on a visit to my friends for one month, in the expedition of General Spencer, my real place of residence at this time was Guilford Vt. Our company marched direct from Lebanon to Providence R.I. From thence to Tiverton, there took Station. I enlisted under Capt. Vaughn. Our Lieutenant I think was Holbrook. I was in the State Service. I served my full time out. one month &  went home. I had no written discharge. I do not know of any living witness of this time of my service. We were at Tiverton in readiness to act whenever commanded but we had no battles at this time of my service. I recollect that news came to us while at Tiverton that Gen. Burgoyne was taken. This period of my service was in A.D. 1777.
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I also in May I think, the day I cannot tell, A.D. 1778 entered as an enlisted soldier in the Continental Service for eight months. My name will appear on the rolls in the War Deport for this term of service. My Brig. Generl was Gen. Glover. Col. William Shepherd, Lt. Col. Spraut. Maj Ball I think were the officers of our Regt. The officers of our company were Capt. Job Alvord Lt. Elihu Lyman. I saw General Washington at Valley Forge. Gen. Layfayett. Gen. Poor. and Gen. Varnum who belonged to the Connecticut line were there also. I with five others went & joined the army at Valley Forge. I served the eight months and was dismissed with a written discharge given by Col. Shepherd but it is now distroyed. From Valley Forge our army moved on to Monmouth and then had a battle. I did not engage in this battle being detained by sickness with the small pox. Afterwards our Regiment went to Rhode Island. The rest of the army I understood went to West Point N. Y. While we were on the Island we had one engagement with the enemy in which I participated. The enemy being reinforced became too strong for us, and we retreated off from the Island to Tiverton. Some might have retreated over to Bristol. General Sullivan had the command on the Island. I served about eighteen days after my time was out at the earnest request of my Colonel. When I was dismissed with the special approbation of my Colonel. I have no papers as evidence of my service.

Joseph David
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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.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk
Joseph Davis

We, Josiah W. Canning a Clergyman residing in Gill aforesaid & Ira Stoughton residing in Gill aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Davis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two 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.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk
Josiah W. Canning
Ira Stoughton

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 Josiah W. Canning who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Gill in said County and Ira Stoughton who has also signed the same, is a resident of said town and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk

I, Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Davis for a pension.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this fifteenth day of august in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
E. Alvord Clerk.
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25471
Joseph Davis
Mass

on Roll Col Shepherd's Regt
enlisted 29 Feby 1778 dismissed 23
Oct 1778 - 8 mo

Private 17 months

E. Alvord, Esq
Greenfield Mass
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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 shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which 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, shewing the Service of Joseph Davis Franklin Co. Massa.

[6 columns: Period in which the service was rendered/ Duration of the claimant's service: Years-Months.-Days./Rank of the claimant./ Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served./ Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service./ Proof by which the declaration is supported.]

Eal 1776/3 months/Pri/Maj Shephardson, Capt. Warriner/ 72 years Mass/Traditionary & witness

Vol./ 1 month/Pri/Capt Childs

Sub 1777/ 3 months/Pri/Capt. Harvey, Col. Wells/ papers not authenticated

Eal 1777/1 month/Ranger/Maj Fletcher

Eal 1777/1 month/Gen Spencer, Capt Vaughn

Eal 1778/ 8 months/Pri/Col. Shepherd

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
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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 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
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 provision 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 entered 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                 of 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 days 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 application                       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 will then procure, if 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 the transaction.
         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
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Conn. Davis, Joseph W14581
Mass.             Arzubah
Vt.

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated 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?
6. (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 the 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 person - 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 is 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, 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 on 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 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 offices, 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 office 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 attached 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.
-> The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally 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.
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4950
Azubah Davis
Declaration
Wid of Joseph
Mass.
Ad July 7. 1838
Married 1779
died 1832
Alloco $56.66 per
ann.

Almon Brainard
Greenfield
Mass
Page 12

State of Massachusetts}
Franklin County } SS

On this fourteenth day of February A.D. 1839 personally appeared before the Hon Richard E. Newcomb Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Franklin aforesaid is Azubah Davis a resident of Gill in the County of Franklin aforesaid aged seventy eight years who being 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 pension to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Joseph Davis who was a private soldier in the army of the Revolution. That her said husband Joseph Davis served at several different times as she has always understood from him in the years 1776 - 1777 and 1778 - but that she cannot state the length of his service. On the particulars of his service: That she recollects hearing her said husband state that he served under Col. Sprout Col. Shepard, General Gloer & others, which I do not now recollect. That her husband was wounded in battle in the leg and that he carried the shot in his leg until his death- That she has no documentary evidence of his services. That her maiden name was Azubah Morton - That her said husband was put upon the Pension Roll under the act of Congress passed June 7 - 1832 - June 26 - 1833 - That her husband's pension certificate was numbered 15.600; For the proof her said husband's services at the different periods of service, she refers the department, to his papers, furnished the department at the time he was put up on the pension Roll as aforesaid. She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Davis on the     day of November in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy nine that her husband the aforesaid
Page 13

Joseph Davis died on the twenty first day of December in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty two; 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, viz, at the time above stated - and she has remained a widow ever since the death of the said Joseph. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
Azubah Davis
R. E. Newcomb Judge of Probate

And the said Judge of Probate doth declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter, that the said Joseph Davis was a soldier in the army of the revolution and was therefor placed upon the roll of pensioners as stated in the preceding declaration - that the said Azubah Davis, the above said applicant was married to the said Joseph as written stated in the month of November A.D. 1779 - that he the said Joseph died on the twenty first day of december A.D. 1832 - and that the said Azubah is still a widow. And the said Judge also certifies that the said Azubah by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to appear in court and that he  therefore went to her residence in Gill where she appeared before him and under oath made and subscribed the preceding declaration.
R. E. Newcomb Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin SS

I Elijah Alvord, Register of Probate for the said county of Franklin do hereby certify that Richard E. Newcomb is the Judge of Probate in and for the said county - and that the above attestations, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the Probate Court for said county at Greenfield, on the fifteenth day of February A.D. 1839
E. Alvord Reg. Prob
Page 14

I Horatio Roberts of Gill in the County of Franklin and State of Massachusetts of lawful age depose and say, that I am the son in-law of the now widow Azubah Davis - and have known the said Azubah Davis for about twenty two or three years. It has always been said, and such is the report among the friends & relatives, that the said Azubah Davis was married to Joseph Davis about the year seventeen hundred & seventy nine. I further depose and say that I went myself, in September last, to Guilford Vt. where the said Joseph Davis & Azubah were joined in marriage, for the purpose of finding a record of their marriage on the records of said town of Guilford, but could not find any - The Clerk of said town Guilford, Mr. Bullock, in my presence searched the records for the purpose of finding a record of a marriage, and could not find any - I do not know of any record evidence of the marriage aforesaid, unless there be one in the hands of some descendant, of the Minister who married them. Where they are I do not know, I have made inquiries where descendants of the Minister, a Rev. Mr. Williams, are but cannot learn where they are - I do not believe that any record evidence of their marriage can be obtained - nor do I know that any exists - The said Azubah Davis has repeatedly told me that she does not know of any record evidence of their marriage.
Horatio Roberts

State of Massachusetts}
Franklin County } SS
Greenfield Feby 1 - 1839 Personally appeared the above named Horatio Roberts, who is a credible witness and made solemn oath, that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true.
Before me Almon Brainard Justice Peace
over
Page 15

I certify that Almon Brainard is a Justice of the peace for the County of Franklin, Mass - & his signature on the other page is genuine.
Mar 13 1839
Geo. Grennell Jr
Page 16

[left side]
Reported

[right side]
4437.
Massachusetts
Azubah Davis
widow of Joseph Davis
Vt & Mass
who was a Private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
18th day of Jany 1844
and sent to
Almon Brainard
Greenfield
Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 40.
Page 17

November 5, 1936.

Mr. Ralph M. Stoughton
R. F. D. Gill
Turners Falls, Massachusetts.

BA-J/ILL
Joseph Davis
W. 14581

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joseph Davis, of Gill, Massachusetts, whose widow, Azubah Davis, died there in 1846.

The data which follow were found in pension claim, W. 14581, based upon service of Joseph Davis in the Revolutionary War.

Joseph Davis resided at the beginning of the Revolutionary War in Guilford, Windham County, Vermont, which town adjoined Bernardston, Franklin County, Massachusetts. The names of his parents were not stated. His oldest brother, David Davis, lived in Guilford, also his younger brother, Daniel Davis, and another brother, Benjamin.

Joseph Davis enlisted about May 1, 1776, and served three months as private in Captain Warriner's Vermont company, under Major Shepardson, engaged in the vicinity of Ticonderoga, then served one month as private in Captain Childs' company. He enlisted in April 1777, in Bernardston, Massachusetts, and served three months as a musician in Captain Moses Harvey's company, Colonel Wells' Massachusetts regiment, a part of the time near Mount Independence. In July or August 1777, he enlisted and served one month in Major Fletcher's Vermont rangers, which service was rendered for his brother, David. In September 1777, while visiting friends in Lebanon, Windham County, Connecticut, he enlisted and served one month as private in Captain Vaughn's Connecticut company, during which he marched to Providence, Rhode Island. He enlisted in May 1778, and served eight months as private in Captain Job Alvord's company, Colonel William Shepard's Massachusetts regiment, during which he was at Valley Forge, marched to Monmouth, and was in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island. The soldier was wounded in his leg during his service, but did not state any details regarding this wound.
Page 18

Joseph Davis applied for pension August 15, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Gill, Franklin County, Massachusetts; the claim was allowed. He was aged then seventy-two years; the date and place of his birth were not given.

The soldier died December 21, 1832, in Gill, Massachusetts.

Joseph Davis married in November 1779, Azubah Morton; they were married by a Minister at the home of Joseph's brother, David Davis, in Guilford, Vermont.

Azubah David, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed February 14, 1839, at which time she resided in Gill, Massachusetts. She was aged then seventy-eight years; the date and place of her birth and the names of her parents were not stated.

In 1839, Benjamin Davis, the brother of Joseph, was a resident of Orange, Franklin County, Massachusetts; he stated that he was present at the marriage of Joseph and Azubah Morton. One Susanna Hastings, of Greenfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, stated in 1839, that she was present at that marriage; she was then aged eighty-seven years. The brother, David Davis, was not living at the time Joseph Davis made his application for pension.

No reference was made to children of Joseph Davis and his wife, Azubah.

Very truly yours,

A.D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 19

Joseph Davis Mass June 7. $56.67 when pd.
[illegible] 21 Dec. 1832 p 7. that paid 1H
Page 20

Massachusetts 3383
Azubah Davis
widow of Joseph Davis, deceased.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832,
and who was a private in the Co commanded
by Captain Childs of the regt commanded
by Col. Wells in the Mass.
line for 17 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Mass.
at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of July
1839. and sent to Almon
Brainard, Greenfield, Mass.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $169.98
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep 39 $28.33
$198.31

{Act July 7,}
{1838.}

Recorded by D.McCurdy, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1. Page 83.
Page 21

Greenfield Dec 2nd 1843
J. L. Edwards Comm of Pensions
Sir

I have had the Certificate of the Clerk of the Court corrected on the envelope applications of Eunice Scott, Dolly Hastings, Hannah Tuner & Azubah Davis - The pension certificates can be forwarded to me as their attorney -

I am very respectfully your servant
Almon Brainard
Page 22

I Susanna Hastings of Greenfield in the County of Franklin and State of Massachusetts depose and say that I am in my eighty eight year of my age, and that I am well acquainted with Azubah Davis, the widow of the late Joseph Davis deceased. And that I was present at the marriage of the said Joseph Davis to the said Azubah, his present widow. Her maiden name wa Azubah Morton. The marriage aforesaid was solemnized in Guilford, State of Vermont, by The Rev. Henry Williams, a settler minister of said Guilford. The marriage aforesaid was solemnized as aforesaid, in the month of November in the year seventeen hundred & seventy nine, according to my best recollection. David Davis, brother of the said Joseph Davis, was married at the same time. I lived as neighbor of the said Azubah, and was after time of her marriage an intimate acquaintance of hers. The said Azubah Davis is now living in Gill in said County, and she has not monies since the death of her said husband, Joseph Davis.

Susanna Hastings X Her mark
Witnesses 
Almon Brainard
Stephen Bates.

State of Massachusetts}
Franklin County }SS

Greenfield March 13. 1839 Personally appeared the above named Susanna Hastings, who is a credible witness, and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by her subscribed is true.
Before me Almon Brainard Just. of the Peace

March 13. 1839 I certify that Almon Brainard is a Justice of the Peace as aforesaid and his signature above is genuine.
Greenfield Franklin County}
Geo. Grennell Jr
Page 23

Joseph Davis
Samuel Field Aff
Page 24

Samuel Field
Deposition as to the
Service of Joseph Davis
in the Army of the United
States -
Page 25

I, Benjamin Davis of Orange in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, depose & say, that I am the brother of Joseph Davis late of Gill in said County deceased, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War between England & the United States, was present at his marriage at the dwelling house of my brother David Davis in the town of Guilford in the State of Vermont. - The marriage was solemnized by Rev. Mr. Williams a regular ordained minister in said town of Guilford, during the continuance of said Revolutionary War & was in the year 1778 or 1779. My Brother Joseph Davis was married to Azubah Morton in the presence of my brother David & his family & others in the neighborhood. Said Azubah is now living in the town of Gill aforesaid is a widow & has never married since the death of her first husband.
Benjamin Davis

Franklin SS January 29th 1839 Here personally appeared the above named Benjamin Davis who is a credible witness and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true.
Before me Mosely Clapp Justice of the peace
own
Page 26

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin SS 
I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Franklin do hereby certify that Mosely Clapp is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Franklin and that the within's signature purporting to be his appears to me to be genuine

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court this thirteenth day of March A.D. 1839
E. Alvord Clerk
Page 27

2950
Azubah Davis
$56.66

Almon Brainard
Greenfield
Mass
Page 28

State of Massachusetts}
Franklin County } SS

On this twenty fourth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Franklin 
Azubah Davis is a resident of Gill in the County of Franklin aforesaid aged eighty three 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 on the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Joseph Davis who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and served in Col Sprouts Regiment; that she received a pension under the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 - at the rate of fifty six dollars & sixty six cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Azubah Davis

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written
Before me Joel Lyons, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County SS June 24th 1843
I Joel Lyons a justice of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Azubah Davis who has this day subscribed & made oath to the above declaration is personally known to me and is the identical person who was pensioned under the act of Congress of July 7 1838 & whose Certificate was numbered 3383 and dated July 5 1839.
Joel Lyons Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Franklin SS.
Page 29

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin SS I Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Franklin do certify that Joel Lyons Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date hereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within & for said County, duly commissioned, & acting under the authority of this Commonwealth, and that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to his acts & attestations done in that capacity. And that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Joel Lyons Esq. and believe his signature to said Certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth this second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty three.
H. Chapman, Clerk

[seal affixed at left]
Page 30

one 2c. stamp rec'd. Rev - CBH
[diagonally left] Stamp ret'd OX RWJ

29 Dartmouth Street
Springfield, Mass.
January 5, 1917.

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen,

Will you kindly mail to the above address, a statement of the military history of Joseph Davis of Guilford Vermont, a soldier of the Revolutionary

[circle stamp] U. S. Pension Office A Jan 8 1917
Page 31

War.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Gladys G. Bardwell
29 Dartmouth Street
Springfield,
Massachusetts.
Page 32

Commissioner of Pensions C
O.W.-N.
Pension Bureau
Washington DC

Dear Sir:

Will you kindly advise me if you have on your list of pensions for the War of the Revolution the name of Azubah Davis as drawing a pension for her husband Joseph Davis who was born - I believe - in Guilford Vt. 1845 and died in Gill Mass. -
Page 33

He served as a drummer boy (?) in either a Vt or Mass Company.
I desire the dates of his birth and death and such other information as is required by the Daughters of the Revolution.

Respectully,
Mrs. R D Judd
Danielson Ct.
Nov. 18 - 1906

[circle stamp] O.W.& N. Div Files Nov 20 1906]
[circle stamp] U. S. Pension Office A Nov 20 1906
Page 34

Gill,
Massachusetts.
15 October 1936.

Veterans Administration,
Washington D. C.

Joseph Davis [underlined and marked through then notated] OK died in Gill, Massachusetts, 1833/34. His widow, Azubah Davis, died there 28 August 1846.

According to Probate Records both were pensions of the Revolutionary war.

Will you please furnish me with whatever personal information regarding either or both appears in the pension files.

Thanking you for the same,
Very truly yours,
Ralph M. Stoughton

Address:

Ralph M. Stoughton,
R. F. D. Gill,
Turners Falls, Mass.

[circle stamp with numbers 1 through 12 around edges] Received Oct 16 1936 Mail Sub Div [illegible] 12
Page 35

In reply to your request of __, received __ for a statement of the military history of Joseph Davis a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 14.581

[table divided into 5 main columns:  Dates of Enlistment or Appointment./Length of Service./Rank./Officers under Whom Service was Rendered. - subdivided into 2 columns: Captain. Colonel./State.]

Apl or May 1776/ 3 mos./ Private/ Warriner/Major Shepardson/Vt.

Apl or May 1776/ 1 mo./ Childs

Apl 1777/ 3 mos./ Musc./ Moses Harvey/ Col. Wells/ Mass.

July or Aug 1777/ 1 mo./ Moses Harvey/ Maj. Fletcher's Rangers/ Vt.

Sept. 1777/ 1 mo./ Vaughan/ Maj. Fletcher's Rangers/ Conn.

May 1778/ 8 mos./ Job Alvord/ Col. Wm. Shepard/ Mass.

Expeditions to Ticonderoga & under Spencer & Sullivan to Rhode Island

Battles engaged in, Rhode Island - wounded in the leg -
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford, Windham Co. Vt.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 15, 1832. His claim was allowed -
Residence at date of application, Gill Franklin Co Mass.
Age at date of application, seventy two years.
Remarks:  soldier married at Guilford, Vt. in Nov. 1779 Azubah Morton. He died Dec 21, 1832 & she was allowed pension on her application executed Feby 14, 1839 while 78 yrs. of age and a resident of Gill, Mass.

Respectfully,
Commissioner

Brothers David Daniel & Benj.
(John Vaughan Capt. Indp Co. Lebanon, Conn)
Page 36

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Joseph Davis. WF 14581, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pention on file in this Bureau.

[table with 4 columns:  Dates of Enlistment or Appointment./ Length of Service./ Rank./ Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered. - subdivided into Captain. Colonel./ State.

Apr or May 1776/ 3 mos and 1 mo/ [illegible] pay man/ Warriner Childs./ Major Shepardson./ Vt.

April 1777/ 3 mos/ Musician/ Moses Harvey/ Col. Wells/Mass

July or Aug 1777/ 1 mos/ musician/ - / Major Fletcher Rangers/ Vt.

Sept 1777/ 1 mo/ Vaughan. Spencer/ check mark/ Conn.

May 1778/ 8 mos./ Job Alford Sullivan/ Col Wm Shepard/ Mass

In Ex to Ticonderoga Vt} Tx Spencers Ex to R I in Sullivans Ex to N9 in battle on RI surrendered in Cer [written over the following, which is marked out]
Battles engaged in, At Mt Independence when Ticonderoga was evacuated & the retreat to Castleton

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford, Windham Co. Vt.

Date of application for pension, Aug. 15. 1832. His claim 'was allowed'

Residence at date of application, Gill, Franklin Co. Mass.

Age at date of application, 72 years; he died Dec 21 1832 place and date of burial not known

Remarks: He married Azubah Morton in Nov 1779 at Guilford Vt. Her claim was allowed on an application executed Feb 14 1839 at which time she was 78 years of age and a resident of Gill, Mass where she still resided in 1843; Soldiers brothers David, Daniel and Benjamin
Capt. John Vaughan Indpt Co. Lebanon, Conn.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mrs. R. D. Judd.
Danielson
Conn.
Page 37

Rev Widow, &c.
File No. 14.581.
Azubah Davis
Widow of
Joseph Davis
Priv Rev. War
Act. Mar. 3rd 1843
Index: - Vol. A, Page 148

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 38

1906 Nov 30 - History to Mrs. R D Judd
Mv3.H
1917 Jan. 12 Hist. to Miss Gladys G. Bardwell
1931 - Nov. 5 - Hist to Ralph M. Stoughton