Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24072, Jesse Downes, Mass.
Page 1

Service Mass
Downes, Jesse
Downs
Number:  W.24072
Naomi
Page 2

[left side:]
Copies of papers sent to Hon. [illegible] Jackson H.R. Feb 17, 1836

[right side:]
11.891
Deed Oct. 12, 1826
From R
Massachusetts
to Ohio
Jesse Downes
of Canton in the State of Mass who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson of the Massts. line, for the term of 2 years War
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to comment on the 7th of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th of June 1819 and sent to Jairus Ware Esqr
Wrentham, Norfolk County Ms.
Arrears to 4th of Mar. 1819 - 9 mo 29/31 = $79.48
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 sept 1819 48
____________
$127.48
____________
Continued {Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March 1818}
Notification sent Oct. 20th 1820 to Jairus Ware Wrentham Mass.
Page 3

[left side:]
1888
July 19
S F. Cary history Prior

[right side:]
1105
Massachusetts
Naomi Downs, Decd.
widow of Jesse Downs
who served [cannot make out word overwritten} in the Revolutionary war, ad a private
Increased from $80
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the [crossed out: 4th day of March,] [written in:]
1st of July, 1848 & end 11th April 1852,
Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of March 1855 and sent to John D. Austin Boston Mass.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 43, Vol. 2
Page 4

Jesse Downes
Judge's Clerk
Admitted on Brook's certificate
Page 5

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Norfolk ss.
On this seventh day of May 1818, before me the subscriber, on of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared Jesse Downes of Canton aged fifty four years, resident in the said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, 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 service of the United States in the revolutionary war."       I Jesse Downes of Canton in the County of Norfolk a resident citizen of the United States aged fifty four years do on oath declare that I served as a private in the war of the of the American revolution against the common enemy in the Massachusetts line of the army on the Continental establishment that I enlisted in the month of April in the year of and (illegible) one thousand seven hundred and eighty one into a Company commanded by Captain Handy (illegible) and was afterwards transferred to the seventh regiment and placed in Captain Lincoln's Company and was afterwards transferred to (illegible) regiment from which I was discharged on the thirty first day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty three.
Page 6

by Major General Knox having served two years and eight months which discharge I have lost and it is not in my power to furnish any further evidence of the facts at this time. and by reason of my reduced circumstances in life I stand in need of the (illegible ) of my  (illegible) for support
Jesse Downer

And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Jesse Downes did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.  and from evidence I further certify that the said applicant is in poor and reduced circumstances as he has in his affidavit stated.   
Jarius Ware

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
ss.                   1818
I hereby Certify, That                     is one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern circuit, consisting of the Counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable dukes and Nantucket in said Commonwealth_ that the signature to the above certificate is the true signature of the said Judge, and that the seal thereunto affixed is the seal of the said Court.
                            }Clerk of the Judicial Court
                            } for the county of
Page 7

Copy-
Schedule &c of
Jesse Downy
11.891
June '19
(illegible)
Page 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Norfolk, ss. -- Circuit Court of Common Pleas, Special Session, July 17, 1820.
On this 17th day of July 1820 personally appeared, in open Court, being a Court of Record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a Record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Jesse Downy aged 56 years, resident in Canton in Said County, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: in the 9th Massachusetts Regiment 7th Company Commanded by Capt. Handley - that my application was made on the seventh day of May 1818 and the number of my pension certificate was number 11,891
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, 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, 1818; 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 hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Jesse Downy

Sworn to and declared, on the 17th day of July A. D. 1820 before
Jairus Ward, Judge of C.C. Com. Pleas for sd. Circuit
I, Horatio Townsend Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule hereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court ; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is ten dollars [crossed out: and -- --  cents.]
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of July 1820.
Horatio Townsend, Clerk
Page 9

Schedule of property belonging to me _ Some old chairs and other old furniture worth ten dollars and it being all the property I possess, except my wearing apparel and bed and bedding.  That my wife Naoma Downs is 58 years of age _  Hepsey Downs aged 23 years and Lucy Downs aged 21 years - all nearly able to support themselves but my own health is rather infirm
Jesse downs
Page 10

Naomi Downs 2285
                        1957
Naomi downes

Massachusetts

married  [17]84. died[18]26
admitted
2 years (illegible)
___________________________________
80 $
______________________
no deduction
________________________________

Honorable W S Hastings
Mendon 
Massachusetts
Page 11

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss On this 29th day of September AD 1838
personally appeared before the Court of Probate in session
at Roxbury in said County Naomi Downes a resident
of Canton in said County aged 77 years, who being first
duly sworn according to law doth, on her oath, make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension
made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled
an and granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
That she is the widow of Jesse Downes late of said Canton
deceased, who was a soldier in the army of the revolution
served according to the best of her information and belief
more than two years and eight months, commencing in April
1781 and ending in December 1783 as a private in the
Continental army of the Massachusetts line, part of the
time under Captain Handley and part of the time under
Captain Lincoln; that for this service a pension was
Granted him under the act of Congress of the 18th of March
1818 as a private in the army of the revolution and for a more
[illegible] description of the service he respectfully refers
to the declaration made by him at the time the pension was 
granted.
She farther declares that ehe was married to the said Jesse 
Downs by the Reverend Robbins of Milton, on the eighteenth
day of March in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four.
Page 12

that her said husband the aforesaid Jesse Downes, died on
the twelfth day of October one thousand eight hundred
twenty six: that she was not married to him prior to his leaving 
the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first of
for Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz at the time above stated-
Naomi Downes
sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written.
S. Leland, Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk ss.
I Jonathan H Cobb Register of the
Court of Probate for said County hereby certify that
Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate
And that Joel Talbot and Thomas French are each of them
Justices of the Peace within and for said County of Norfolk
And that their several respective signatures to the
papers are genuine and true
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and the seal of said Court this
second day of October A.D. 1838
Jonathan H. Cobb
Page 13

I Oliver Downes of Canton (formerly Stoughton), in the
County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
do testify and say, that I was present at the time when
the marriage between my brother Jesse Downs and Naoma
Taunt was solemnized. The ceremony was performed by the
Reverend Mr Robbins of Milton. I believe that this marriage
was in the month of March, and know that it was soon after
my said brother Jesse return from the publick service, probably
in the year 1784 or 1785 but which I cannot positively say
I recolect that the traveling was remarkably bad, at the time, that
a minister from (I believe) the second Parish in Stoughton was
engaged for the purpose of officiating at the marriage, but not
arriving in person. a special messenger was sent for the Reverend
Mr Robbins who came, and performed the service as above
stated
Oliver Downs
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss September 27. 1838
Then personally appeared the above named Oliver
Downs and made oath that the above certificate
by him subscribed is true
Before me
Thomas French Justice of the Peace
Page 14

I James Swan Town Clerk of the town of Stoughton
in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, hereby certify, that I find the
following among the records of intentions of
marriages
viz)
the Intention of Marriage between Jesse Downs and Naomi
Taunt both of Stoughton entered with me the
subscriber January the twenty Ninth one thousand
seven hundred and eighty four
attest George Crosman Town Clerk
and I do certify that the above is a true copy of the record
with the exception of the date, which is expressed on
the record in fair legible figures as follows
January 29th 1784
James Swan, Town Clerk
I James Swan above named depose and say, that I
hold the office of Clerk in Town, County and Commonwealth
aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from
the records of said Town of Stoughton with the exception
above named as certified by me
James Swan Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk September 26th 1838
Sworn before me
Joel Talbot Justice of the Peace
Page 15

I Thomas French of Canton in the County of Norfolk
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged 59 years
testify and say that I was well acquainted with the
said Jesse Downes and that I am well acquainted with
the said Naomi Downs, that they lived
together in good repute as husband and wife, for
many years before his death, which took place
about twelve years ago and that she has remained
a widow and now resides in Canton. I have always understood that
he was a soldier in the revolutionary war
a pensioner of the United States under the
act of Congress of March 10th 1818
Thomas French
Norfolk October 2nd 1838. Sworn to and subscribed
by the said Thomas French who is a credible witness
before me
S. Leland Judge of Probate
Page 16

We E.H.R. Revere of Greenfield in the State of
Massachusetts, and Adelaide A. Barrett of Canton
in said state certify that Naomi Downes of said
Canton, widow of Jesse Downes a revolutionary
pensioner, was personally known to us, and that
she died at said Canton on the eleventh day
of April, Eighteen hundred and fifty two. And
we do hereby further certify that the only surviving
children of said Naomi are Joanna
Jordan of said Canton and Clarissa
Lovell and Martha Barrett, both of Cincinnati in the State of Ohio-
Signed
EHR Revere
Adelaide A. Barrett
Witnesses
Laura P. Revere 
H. G. Parker

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County
November 14th 1854
Then personally appeared the within
named E.H.R. Revere and Adelaide A. Barrett
who to me are personally known, and upon
oath declared the statement by them above
subscribed to be true
Horatio G. Parker
Justice of the Peace
Page 17

Know all men by these Presents, that we Joanna Jordan of Canton in the State of Massachusetts; and Clarissa Lovell and Martha Barrett both of Cincinnati in the State of Ohio, being desirous of obtaining any arrears of pension which may have been due our late mother Naomi Downes of whom we are the sole surviving children, at the day of her death, April eleventh, eighteen hundred and fifty two, do hereby appoint John D. Austin of Boston Mass. our true and lawful attorney for us and in our behalf to obtain from the United States Government, any increase of pension which may be due us as said children, under An Act of Congress, passed February second, Eighteen hundred and forty eight, allowing to widows (married before January first, seventeen hundred and ninety four) of revolutionary soldiers, the same pension allowed their husbands if living, by Act of Congress, June seventh, Eighteen hundred and thirty two
Witnessed to signature of Joanna Jordan}
Wendell T. Davis
Laura P. Revere

Joanna Jordan
Martha Barrett

Witnesses to signatures of [crossed out: Clarissa Lovell and] Martha Barrett}
Saml S Carpenter 
William Manser

Clarissa Lovell

Witnesses to Larissa Lovell } Saml. S. Carpenter
Gertrude C. Resatz
--------------------
State of Massachusetts }
Franklin County }
November 29th 1854 } 
Then personally ppeared the above subscriber Joanna Jordan, and acknowledged the above instrument to be her free act and deed, after I had fully read and explained it to her.
Horatio G. Parker Justice of the Peace
Page 18

State of Ohio
County of Hamilton ⎬ ss
December 5th. A. D. 1854,
Then personally appeared the above subscribed Martha Barrett and acknowledged the above
instrument to be her act and deed after I had fully
read and explained it to her. Witness my hand and
official seal as Notary
Public in and for said county of Hamilton
Samuel S. Carpenter
Notary Public
State of Ohio
County of Hamilton ss. December 11th, 1854,
Then appeared personally the within
subscriber Clarissa well, and acknowledged the within
instrument to be her free act and deed after I had
fully read and explained it to her
Witness my hand and official seal as
Notary Public in and for said County
of Hamilton,
Samuel S. Carpenter
Notary Public,
Page 19


We, Joanna Jordan of Canton in the State of
Massachusetts, and Clarissa Lovell and Martha
Barrett both of Cincinnati in the State of Ohio,
certify that we are the only surviving children
of Naomi Downes late of said Canton, a revolutionary pensioner, and that she was married to
our late father Jesse Downes previously to January first, eighteen hundred and ninety four, and died
at said Canton, April eleventh, Eighteen hundred
and fifty two
Joanna Jordan
Martha Barrett 
Witnesses to signature of Joanna Jordan
Wendell J. Davis
Laura P. Revere
Witnesses to signature of 
Martha Barrett
Clariss Lovell
Samuel S. Carpenter, and William Manter
Witnesses as to Clarissa Lovell
Samuel S. Carpenter,
Gertrude C. Resatz
State of Massachusetts, Franklin County
then personally appeared the within named
Joanna Jordan, and upon oath declared the
statement by her above subscribed to be true this
28th day of November 1854 -
Horatio G. Parker Justice of the Peace
Page 20

State of Ohio Hamilton County, ss. December 5th A.D. 1854
Then personally appeared the within subscribed Martha Barrett, and upon oath declared the statement by her within subscribed to be true.
Witness my hand and official seal
as Notary Public in and for said county,
Samuel S. Carpenter
Notary Public
State of Ohio Hamilton County ss: December 7th, A.D. 1854
Then personally appeared the within subscribed
Clarissa Lovell and upon oath declared the statement
by her within
subscribed
to be true.
Witness my hand and official seal
as Notary Public in and for said County
Samuel S. Carpenter
Notary Public,
Page 21

Boston, October 4th, 1854
Sir
My grandmother Naomi Downes
of Canton, Massachusetts, received a pension of
Eighty dollars per annum, as the widow
of
Jesse Downes a revolutionary soldier-
She died in April, 1852, and I
have since understood that she was
entitled to a larger pension. she
has three surviving children
who in that case would be entitled
to the surplus
Any information that
you can give me on this subject, will
oblige them, and
Your obedient Servant
John D. Austin
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 22


Canton Massachusetts October 3. 1838
Enclosed is the declaration of Mrs Naome
Downs (Mother of Commodore Downs) with other
documents which are forwarded for the purpose
of enabling her to procure a pension under the
act of Congress passed July 7. 1838. The Rev Mr
Robbins of Milton left no record of his having
officiated at this marriage, and many others, therefore
the deposition of Oliver Downs brother of
Jesse Downs
is enclosed, and if the testimony of other living
witnesses is deemed necessary by the Department
they shall be sent on immediately-- The Pension
certificate may be enclosed and directed to, Sir
Your most obedient servant
Thomas French
Edwards
J.L.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 23

Received August 31

Massachusetts
1669
Naomi Downs
widow of Jesse Downs
who was a Private
in the Massachusetts line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
Eighty Dollars __Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
thirty first day of August 1843
and sent to
L.M. Stone
Boston
Massachusetts
Act of March 3, 1843.}
Recorded in Book A

Volume 1 Page 40
Page 24

Brief in the case of Naomi Downs, deceased widow of Jesse
Norfolk, County and State of Massachusetts
Joint Resolution July 1. 1848.
Claim, (original " or " for increase.)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
The husband of Naomi was pensioned under the
Act of March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820 at $96
per annum. She was under the joint Resolution of July 1, 1848, entitled to $96 per annum
the same rate at which her husband was pensioned
instead of $80 hwhich was awarded to her under the
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Act of July 7. 1838. She died April 11. 1852, and
the evidence of death and heirship is in accordance with the regulations.
Name and residence of Agent
John D. Austin
Boston, Massachusetts
Examining Clerk.
Ogden Niles
Page 25

To the commissioner of pensions Washington
Page 26

Boston February 20th 1855
Sir
I have at last succeeded in
obtaining the Pension Certificate
of Naomi Downes, late of Canton,
deceased, and having thus complied; and having thus complied, as I believe, with every
requisition of your department,
trust that speedy payment of
arrears due her, may be made
to
Your obedient Servant
John D. Austin
To the Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington
Page 27

Boston, November 16th 1854
Sir
Herewith agreeably to your suggestion, I enclosed a sworn certificate of the date of the death of Naomi
Downes. Upon inquiry, I leave that
her certificate has always remained
in the house where she died, and
which is now abandoned for the
winter; it shall be forwarded to
the Pension office as soon as it can be
obtained. The payment of the
surplus pension to the surviving
children, you will please make
through me -
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
John D. Austin
To the Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington
Page 28

Boston, November 4, 1854
Sir
Herewith I forward the Power of Attorney required in your communication
of the 15th of October, before any examination
into the claim of the late Naomi Downes
for additional pension, could be made-
Very respectfully
John D. Austin
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 29

Number 1105
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848,
Naomi Downs widow of Jesse Downs
Examined and Countersigned
who was a private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty
dollars and __ 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 2nd 
day of August
one thousand eight hundred and
forty eight
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
By F. S. Evans
Page 31


House of Representatives February 23
James L. Edwards Esquire
Dear Sir
Will you have the
kindness to direct me the information
called
for by the enclosed
and much obliged
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
William Jackson
Page 32

Boston, Dec 21st 1854
Sir
Herewith I enclose all the documents
which
I presume will be necessary for
obtaining
the arrears of Pension due the
children of Naomi Downes. The Pension
certificate shall be forwarded to
your office, as soon as I can obtain it
Respectfully
John D. Austin
To
the Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington
Page 33

Medford, Massachusetts April 28th 1819
This is to that Mr Jesse Downes
was a soldier in the late 7th Massachusetts
Regiment - that he enlisted on the 6th of
April 1781, and continued in service
until the month of June 1783, at
which time said Regiment was disbanded
J. Brooks Lieutenant Colonel Commander
of said Regiment
Page 34

Admitted
G.S. Bulfinch
Boston, Massachusetts
Page 35

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,}
Norfolk COUNTY,} SS.

On this seventeenth day of July 1848, personally
appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Naomi Downes
a resident of Canton in the county of Norfolk
aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn, according to
law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the
provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to
widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of
Jesse Downes who was a resident of Stoughton when
he enlisted and who was a private in the regular army
as I believe 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 eighty dollars and
cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow. 

Naomi Downer

Sworn to and subscribed on the day}
and year above written,} Before me,
In presence of 
Laura P. Jordan Thomas French Justice of the Peace.
Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner,
as she declares.
Thomas French Justice of the Peace.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,}
COUNTY,} SS.

I, Clerk of the
Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly 
commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.

Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this
day of 18
CLERK.
Page 36

Revy  WIDOW, &c     (illegible)
__________________________

File No. 24072
_____________________________
Naomi Downs
______________________________
wid of
____________________________________
Jesse Downs
________________________________
Priv Rev tion
________________________________
Act  Feb 2nd 1848
__________________________________
Index:  Vol  A,      Page 190
____________________________________

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 37

Massachusetts  1957
___________________________________________
Naomi Downs,
widow of Jesse  Downs. deceased, who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 March 1818- and who died on the 12th of Oct. 1826, of Norfolk Co. in the State of Mass'ts_  who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain Handley of the Regt commanded by Col. Jackson in the Masstts. line for 2 years private.
_______________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts, at the rate of 80 Dollars _________ cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
__________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of March, 1839 and sent to Hon. W. L. Hastings,  
Mendon, Ms.
_________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of March 1839      $240.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 
4 Sept. 1839                                         $40.00
__________________________________________________                  
                                                               $280.00
__________________________________________________
 {Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by J. A. Elliot  Clerk,
Book    A      Vol.  1,     Page 82
Page 38

Massachusetts  Roll.
Naomi D.
Page 39

Mass Roll
___________________
Naomi Downs,  deceased
who was widow of Jesse

Act Joint Resolution
July 1, 1848

$96 per annun
From July 1, 1848,
To March 11, 1852
when she died,
__________________________________________________

(two illegible words) payments
at  $80 per annum

To Joanna Jordan
Clarissa Lovell
&
Martha Barrett  (illegible)
children  (illegible)

John D Auston, 
Boston,  Mass
Page 40

1930
Naomi Downs
$80  per ann

L. M. Stone
Boston
Mass
Page 41

Commonwealth of Massachusetts }
Norfolk County } S.S.
Be it known that on this 19 [?] day of May 1845 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Mrs. Naomi Downes a resident of Canton in said County and Commonwealth aged 81 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 day of March 1843 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the Widow of Jesse Downes who was a Private in the Revolutionary War and served as she verily believes as stated by her in the original declaration for a pension under the law of the 7th of July 1838, to which declaration and the papers accompanying the same now on file in the War Department she would refer for a more particular statement of his services, for the proof of her Marriage, identity, and the time of her husband's death.
She further declares that she was pensioned under said Act at the rather of Eighty Dollars per annum, which amount she received from the 4th of March 1836, to the 4th of March 1841 at the Agency in Boston, Massachusetts, and at the time of receiving her last payment surrendered the Pension Certificate granted to her under said act to the Pension Agent at the said City of Boston agreeably to the rules of the Department.
Page 42

And this Declarant further alleges that she has not
intermarried since the decease of her said husband, but
is now and ever since has been the Widow of said Jesse
Downes, deceased, as will more fully appear by the proof
hereto award
And further she saith not Naomi Downes
Witness Albert H Makepace
Sworn to and subscribed in the day and year first
within written- And I certify that the applicant
is personally known to me to be the person within
described.

Before me
Thomas French Justice of the Peace -

I Thomas Tolman of Boston in the 
County of Suffolk do depose and say that I
am well acquainted with Mrs. Naomi
Downes above married and have been
for many years last part. I know that
she was the wife of Jesse Downes said and 
was a pensioner as stated by her & has
not intermarried since the death of said
Jesse Downes. Thomas Tolman

Suffolk County, City of Boston, Ss 7th June 1843 - Then
personally [crossed through] came Thomas Tolman Esqr. who is personally
Page 43

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
_________________________
Secretary's Office, Boston, June 8, 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the duty of
the annexed attestations Thomas French was a 
Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
and Lowell M. Stone was a Justice of the Peace
for the County of Suffolk,

in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned;
and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and
credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

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

Jno. A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 44

known to me to be a credible witness & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me   Lowell M. Stone
Just. Peace
Page 45

Boston, October 18th  '53

Sir
My Grandmother Naomi Downes of Canton Mass. who died in April 1852, drew a pension as the widow of Jesse Downes a Revolutionary soldier, amounting to eighty dollars per annum -
I have been informed that this amount was less than was actually her due under the Pension Laws, and that the excess is therefore now due to her legal representatives.
Any information which you can afford upon this subject will oblige, sir,
Yr obtt Servant,
John D. Austin

To the Commissioner}
of Pensions}
washington}
Page 46

Free (?)
J. C. Calhoun Esq.
Secretary of War.
Washington City 
Dist. Col.


[written upside down]

Jesse Downs's
application for transfer 
from Massachusetts 
to Ohio _____________
Transferred 5 Sept. 1822

Sep 19

[written along left hand side]

For Transfer
Recd 27 Aug; 1822

[written along right hand side]

[illegible]   Edwards
Page 47

Application for a Transfer
__________________________
County of Hamilton  Ss.  ________Cincinnati ___

On this fifteenth day of August, 1822, before me, the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the Said County of Hamilton _ personally appeared Jesse Downes _ who, on his oath; declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Rufus Lincoln in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Brooks _ in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Massachusetts, from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of Ohio, where he intends to remain, and wishes his Pension to be there payable, in future.
Jesse Downes

Sworn & Subscribed to, before}
me, the day & year aforesaid.}
John Mahard J. P.

(copy)        War Department            11,981
Revolutionary Claims
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818 _  Jesse Downes late a private in the Army of The Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts, Agency, at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the seventh day of May one thousand eight hundred & eighteen _
Given at the war Office of the United States, this fourteenth day of June _ one thousand eight hundred and nineteen _
J. L. Edwards,
in the absence and on the behalf
of the Secretary of War.

I, certify the above to}
be a true copy of }
the original certificate}
John Mahard J.P.
Page 48

War Department,  No. 11.891
Pension Office
Oct. 20th, 1820

Sir,
You are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined; and the Secretary of War has directed your name to be continued on the Pension Roll.

I am respectfully,
Your obedient Servant,  
J. L. Edwards

To W. Jesse Downs
Canton 
Mass.

I  certify the above to be a true copy of the }
original notices}
John Mahard J. O.
State of Ohio}
Hamilton County} Ss

I Daniel Gano, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that John Mahard Esquire before whom the foregoing Deposition was take and whose certificate thereof is attached, is and was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace in and for Hamilton County duly elected, commissioned and sworn into office and fully authorised to receive acknowledgement, take depositions and administer oaths; and to all his acts as such full faith is due and ought to be given.
In testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said County at Cincinnati this 15th day of August, 1822
Dan'l Gano  Clk

[the round stamp of a seal is visible part way down the document.]
Page 49

Respected Sir,

Having removed to this place I take the Liberty of requesting that my Pension may be paid me  at this or the nearest place possible.

yrs.  Respectfully
Jesse Downs

J. C. Calhoun Esq.
Page 50

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
_________________________________________

Secretary's Office, Boston, December 21st 1854,
I Hereby Certify, That at the dates of the annexed attestations, Horatio G. Parker was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Franklin


in the said Commonwealth duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E M Wright

[in upper left corner there is a sunburst seal with what appears to be ribbon attached]
Page 51

John D. Austin 
Octo 28 53
Reported
John D. Austin 13th Oct. 1854
John D. Austin 9 Nov. 1854
" " " Nov 21 1854
" " " Dec 27 1854 

1105 Massachusetts
Naomi Downs
widow of Jesse Downs
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of Aug. 1848 and sent to  G. S. Bulfinch Boston Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848 Page 41 Vol. 2
Page 52

I hereby appoint John D. Austin of Boston, my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my behalf to obtain from the United States' Government, any money that may have been due to my mother Naomi Downes of Canton, Massachusetts, at the time of her death in April 1852, on the pension allowed to her as the window of Jesse Downes a revolutionary soldier. 

Joanna Jordan

Witnesses Ellis Ames
Adelaide A. Barrett

Norfolk County Ss November 2, 1854 - 
Then personally appeared the above Joanna D. Jordon, who by me is known to be the daughter of the named Naomi Downes, and acknowledged the above instrument to be her free act and deed, after I had fully read and explained it to her. 

Ellis Ames Justice of the Peace
Page 53

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
From VAM-51
12-5-41

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME: Downes, William 
GRADE Private
LINE Maryland

WARRANT NUMBER 11137
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED August 9, 1797
to James De Baufre, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.