Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 20839, Nathaniel Carpenter, Conn.
Page 1

Service
Conn.
Carpenter, Nathaniel Elfrida.
Number
W 20839
Page 2

New- Hampshire.
             17622  P [crossed out]
Nathaniel Carpenter,
of Grafton Coy, in the state of N. Hamp,e
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel A. Wardm of the Connectt.
line, for the term of one year.
Inscribed on the roll of New-Hampshe.
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 25. of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18. of July, 1820,
and sent to Benjamin J. Gilbert, 
agent Hanover, N, Hampe,
Arrears to 4th of March, 1820.   $178.63
Semi-anl. all'co ending 4. Sept.      48 "
22 mos. 6/30                     1820.-----------
                                                      $226.63
      [?]- 4
           31 
                Revolutionary claim,
                Act 18th March, 1818.
           
             Continued  ---
(Following is written sideways on preceding page of book.)
Continued under Act 1 May 1820 Notification sent 10th
August 1820, to Ben. J. Gilbert, Hanover, N. Hampe.

(At the top of this page, is written "Let. to M. Alcott, July 25, 1838

Comment
The "e" at the end of " Hampe"  is written above the line, and connected to the letter p , in every case.
Page 3

Nathaniel Carpenter - 
Hanover Grafton Co. New Hamp.
25. April, 1818.
Col .[raised letter o]. And. [raised 'ew'] Ward's reg [raised "t"].
Massaet [raised "tts"] line, May,
177, to May, 1777.
        one year.
( Four lines of writing are crossed out.)
It has been since [illegible]
that the above regiment
was continental, the time the
applicant served.  The judge 
before whom the declaration
was made will certify that
from the reduced circumstances
of the applicant he needs the
assistance of his country for
support.  The [illegible 2 words] are
not admissable without explanation.
The [illegible 6 words]
will be certified by the Justices who admin-
ister the oath.  These official characters
should be authenticated by the clerk
under the seal of court.
(FACING PAGE)
Service proved by the testimony,on
oath, of two persons
certified to be credible
witnesses.
                  Admitted.


Benjamin J. Gilbert
Hanover, N. Hamp.[ raised "e"]
17. July, 1820.
Page 4

State of New Hampshire

On this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and of the independence of the United State's the forty second _ before me William H. Woodward Chief Justice of the Courts of Common Pleas in the second District in said State comprising the County of Grafton _ Came Nathaniel Carpenter of Hanover in said County, a citizen of the United States and being duly sworn made solemn oath that the declaration hereunto answered by him subscribed, is just and true.  The declaration aforesaid being made in order to obtain the provisions made in and by an act of the Congress of the United States approved on the eighteenth day of March now last past.  The said Carpenter declaring that he has no other evidence in his possession of the services mentioned in said declaration. 

I therefore hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Nathaniel Carpenter served on the Continental establishment in the war of the revolution against the common enemy a longer term than nine months at one period [I do also certify that said Nathaniel is poor & stands in need of his Country's assistance for support.] of the war.  And I do also certify that Ben. J. Gilbert Esq. who hath attested the annexed affidavit is a Justice of the peace within and for said County of Grafton duly qualified to take affidavits and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his attestations.

And I now transmit the declaration and affidavits aforesaid to the Secretary of the Department of War as the law requires. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed (no particular impression or device therefor having been adopted or used by said Court) at Hanover in said county the day and year before written.

Wm H. Woodward

Thereby certify that the aforesaid Nathaniel is in [illegible] circumstances & needs assistance from his country for his support 

E Evans Judge of Probate


 [illegible ne 1818]
Page 5

Copy
Nathaniel Carpenter
Hanover N. H.
Page 6

District of New Hampshire
County of Grafton

At the Superior Court of Judication of the State of New Hampshire holden at Haverhill within and for the County of Grafton being a Court of record of said County,  by law established, on this thirtieth day of May in the year of our Lord 1820, personally appeared in open Court Nathanel Carpenter aged sixty three years resident in Hanover in said County  & District of New Hampshire, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, vis. a private Soldier in Capt. James Dana's Company and Col. Andrew Wards regiment in the Connecticut Line, that his original declaration was made and dated the 25th day of April 1818, that he has not received a pension & that the inclosed papers contain his evidence of services and original declaration reference thereto being had.  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 do 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 & naval service of the United States in the 
revolutionary War passed on the 18th day of March 1818, & 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 hat is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.  I further declare that I am by occupation a Farmer, I am very lame and unable to do but very little labor.  I have a wife aged 60 years; she is very lame and in great pain most of the time and unable to stoop to the floor.  I have a son
Page 7

in my family named Thomas D. Carpenter aged 30 Years, finds his own board and does not help me any more than any of my neighbors and unable the most of the time to do any work but does what he can, but it is as much as he can do to support himself he is so weakly he is free'd from Military duty on that account  I have 5 Children from home who are under no obligation to help me and I really stand in need of my Country's bounty
Nathaniel Carpenter

The following is a Schedule of the whole estate and income of Nathaniel Carpenter of Hanover in the State of New Hampshire an applicant for a pension (his necessary bedding and clothing excepted) made and subscribed by him according to the provisions of an act of Congrefs pafsed the 1st of May 1820 entitled an Act in addition to an act entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war pafsed on the 18th day of March 1818.

Viz--
[Column 1]
1 Cow  8 or 9 Years old
1 Yearling Heifer
4 Sheep   1 Small lamb
2 Small Swine
2 Small Chains  much worn
2 Old Hoes--
3 Axes, one a new the others old ones
2 Pitchforks & 1 mulch fork
1 Old Scythe & Swath
2 Old Sickles
1 Beetle & 2 Wedges
1 3 pail Iron Kettle
1 Iron Pot--
1 ["Iron" stricken out] Dish Kettle Iron
1 Iron Tea Kettle
1 Small Iron Spider
1 Small Iron Bake Pan
1 Iron Skillet--
2 Iron Basons--
1 Small pair Lad Irons
1 Old Toasting Iron
1 Crane
2 Small p'r  Andirons
1 Sett Kitchen fire Shovel & Tongs

[Column 2]
1 Loom & loom tackling, old
2 Spining Wheels
1 Old Kitchen Table
3 ["Old" stricken out] Kitchen Chairs old
1 Old Light Stand
1 Pine Chest
1 Old Barrel
2 Old Wash Tubs--
3 Tin Pails much worn
1 Old Wooden Pail
6 Earthan Milk pans
1 doz Earthan Plates
3 Old Pewter Plates
1 Tea Pot
1/2 doz Tea Cups & Saucer
1 Earthan Pudding Dish
2 Earthan Bowls--
6 Iron table Spoons
1 Case Old Knives & forks
1 Old Coffee Pot
1 Wooden Gallon Bottle
1 Quart Glafs Bottle
1 Old Brafs Skinner
1 Pair Sheep Shears
about 6 Bushls Grain for Family Provisions
Page 8

Also the right to the use and occupancy of one acre and three fourths of an acre of Land in Hanover aforesaid with the Buildings thereon, namely--a Small frame one Story dwelling house & a small Barn which I occupy in eight of my wife Elfrida Carpenter to whom the same was conveyed in fee by Samuel Alden by deed dated the 6th of May AD. 1808, and which She now owns and holds under said deed
Nathaniel Carpenter

Sworn & declared before the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature for the State of New Hampshire on this 30th day of May 1820.
Attest   S.P. Webster   Clerk

I Stephen P. Webster Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Grafton, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copies 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 sixty nine dollars & fifty six cents.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 30th day of May Anno Dommini 1820.  The word further [underlined] in the certificate and the word on [underlined] in the preamble to the schedule being first interlined.
S.P. Webster  Clerk
Page 9

Vermont 2174
Concord N. Hamp
Elfrida Carpenter
widow of Nathaniel Carpenter dec?
who [rip] pensioner under the Act of 1818
una[rip]ed on the 15th October 1829
of [rip]fter Co. in the State of NH. 
who was a Private in the ____ commanded
by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded 
by A Ward in the Connt. 
line for 1 year

Inscribed on the Roll of N.H. 
at the rate of 40 Dollars ---- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of Mar
1839 and sent Mills 
Olcott Hanover N.H. 

Arrears to the 4th of Mar. '39, $120.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept.  20.00
$140.00

{Act July 7,}
{1838}
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book A     Vol 1st     Page 37

to Pen Agt 212 Feb 1840
To Vermont from 4 March 1839
27 March 1840. Notification to
Pensioner. Strafford Vermont
Page 10

hb22 1840
Nw Way

New Department
Pension Officer
City of Washington
D.C.
Page 11

State of Vermont} On this fifteenth Day of February
Orange County ss} 1840 before me the subscriber a
Justice of the Peace for said County of Orange personally Elfreda Carpenter who on her 
oath declares that she is the widow of Nathaniel
Carpenter deceased who was a private in the 
tion & died on the 15th day of October 1829, that her
name was placed on the pension roll of the State of 
New Hampshire from whence she has lately removed
that she now resides in the State of Vermont where
she intends to remain & wishes her pension to be there
payable in future. The following are her reasons
for removing from New Hampshire to Vermont.
She prefers living with her daughter to living with her son
& further her son in law Capt. Cyril Chandler has better
accommodation for an old person than her son Thomas
D Carpenter who is not a married man. 
Cyril Chandler       Elfreda Carpenter
Swore & subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid 
Daniel Cobb       Justice of the Peace

I Cyril Chandler of Strafford in the County 
of Orange & State of Vermont of lawful age depose
& say I well know Elfreda Carpenter the signer
of the foregoing affidavit to be the same person 
therein described
Cyril Chandler

Subscribed and sworn before me this 15th day 
of February 1840
Daniel Cobb       Justice of the Peace

I certify that Cyril Chandler above named
is a person of veracity & to me well known
Strafford Feb 15 1840
Daniel Cobb      Justice of the Peace

Widow Carpenter resides in the town of Strafford Vermont
& requests that the answer be directed to her at Strafford
Vermont
Yours &c Daniel Cobb
Page 12

State of Vermont
Orange County  fs.

I Perley C Jones Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that Daniel Cobb is a Justice of the peace in and for Said Orange county duly commifsioned and qualified.  that his commifsion is dated the 2d day of November 1839 and will expire on the first day of December 1840.  And that the Signatures above annexed purporting to be his are genuine

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

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Orange Co. Court this 17 day of February, 1840 at Chelsea in said County
Perley C Jones  Clerk of Or. Co. Court
Page 13

I Jabez A. Douglass of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire Post Master aged 59 years last May testify and say that I have been acquainted with the late Nathaniel Carpenter of said Hanover & Elfreda (his wife during his life time) and now his widow for about 40 years & have lived near them and till his death they were always reputed & lived together as man & wife--That said Nathaniel died a few years since and for many years before his death I understood and fully believe he was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U.S.  That the said Elfreda is now living with her son Thos D. Carpenter and I know her to be the identical person who was once the wife and is now the widow of the S'd Nath'l Carpenter Deceased and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of the Sd. Nath'l Carpenter  I further say that the said Nathaniel Carpenter & his wife always sustained a fair character and have raised up a large family of children
Jabez A. Douglafs

State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss.
Lyme  December 19th  1838

Then Personally appeared Jabez A. Douglass and made solemn Oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me.  and I further say that the s'd Douglass is a respectable person and that his statement is entitled to full credit
D.C. Churchill  Judge of the Court of the Common Pleas
Page 14

I Thomas D. Carpenter of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged 48 years in May last Depose and say that I am a son of Nathaniel Carpenter late of said Hanover who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the time of his Death & that Elfreda Carpenter who was once the wife and is now the widow of the said Nathaniel Carpenter is my mother.  She is now living with me and has lived with me ever since the Death of my said Father.

I further say that I have never known that there was any original entry of minute of the Marriage of my said Father & Mother in any family Bible or Book of Family Record
Thos. D. Carpenter

State of New Hampshire  Grafton SS.
Lyme   December 19th 1838

Then personally appeared Thos. D. Carpenter and made Solemn Oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true--I further say that the said Thos. D. Carpenter is a respectable person and that in my opinion is entitled to full credit--
D.C. Churchill  J.C.C. Pleas
Page 15

State of New Hampshire
Grafton  fs.

I Nathan B. Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Grafton, hereby certify that Daniel C. Churchill, whose name is subscribed to the two certificates on these pages of this sheet; was on the nineteenth day of December current a Judge of said Court & That his name so subscribed is in each case aforesaid, his genuine signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the 20th day of December AD 1838
N.B.Felton  Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 16

A.D.Y.

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

February 14, 1929.

Mrs. R. E. Gunn,
203 West Third Street,
Boone, Iowa.

Madam:

I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 20839, it appears that Nathaniel Carpenter enlisted May 1776 as a private in Captain James Dana's Company, Colonel Andrew Ward's Connecticut Regiment, and was discharged April or May 1777.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 25, 1818 while a resident of Hanover, Grafton County, New Hampshire, aged sixty-one years.

He died October 15, 1829 in Hanover, Grafton County, New Hampshire.

[written in the right margin and referring to the year "1778" in the paragraph following]
1778 used as year of marriage as that was sworn statements & 1788 only a letter--

Soldier married September 30, 1778 in Pomfret, Windham County, Connecticut, Elfrida Dresser.  She was allowed pension on her application executed September 3, 1838 while a resident of Hanover, Grafton County, New Hampshire, aged seventy-eight years.

They raised a large family of children, no names stated except that of Thomas D. Carpenter, born in May

Soldier married September 30, 1778
Page 17

1790 who in 1838 was living in Hanover, Grafton County, New Hampshire.  in 1840 he was unmarried.

In 1840 soldier's widow was living with her son-in-law Captain Cyril chandler in Strafford, Vermont.

There are no further family data.

The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information in regard to any Daniel Torrey, Jeremiah Vose and William Axtell.

In order to make a proper search of the records for a soldier surnamed Arnold, the full name is essential and as much as possible of the following data; approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 18

Revy  WIDOW, &c.

File No.  20839

Elfrida Carpenter
Widow of
Nathaniel Carpenter
Priv. Rev. War

Act  July 7"  1838

Index:  Vol. A, Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[written vertically on left side of page]
1929 Feb. 14.  Hist to Mrs. R.E. Gunn  A.D.Y.
Page 19

V

Ans'd Mills Olcote

Nov. 19th  38
Page 20

["Mr at" stricken out]
W.  Aug 3
Carpenter,

[stamp reading "HANOVER NH" with center area illegible]

[remainder written vertically from right to left on page]

FREE

Hon J.L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions
City of Washington

Reg. Stat.  Aug 3, 1838
Page 21

Hanover  30 July 1838--

Sir

In reply to your Letter of this 25 June, I would say that the Marriage of the Widow of Nath'l Carpenter is stated to have taken place in Connecticut on the 30th of September 1788--She will be glad of such information, addrefs'd to me here, as shall be useful in her case.--

I am respectfully
Y'r Ob. & hum'e Serv't
Mills Olcott

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions &c
Page 22

V  1355.

Elfrida Carpenter
widow of Nath'l
_____________________
N.H.
act 7, July  38
_____________________
one year only
_____________________
Married 1778
died   1829
Allow  $40 per ann

Mills Olcott Esq
Hanover
NH
Page 23

State of Newhampshire   )
County of Grafton  fs       )

On this third day of September A.D. 1838 at Hanover in sd. County personally appeared before the Hon. D.C. Churchill one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for sd. County of Grafton Elfrida Carpenter a resident of sd. Hanover in sc. County of Grafton seventy Eight years of age this sixteenth day of ["September" stricken out] October last, 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 Congrefs paf'd July 7th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay & Pensions to certain widows"--that she is the Widow of Nathaniel Carpenter late of sd. Hanover deceased--That sd. Nathaniel was a private soldier in the revolutionary war in the State of Connecticut--That he attained a Pension from Congrefs for sd. services & was entitled to the same at the time of his death--She was married to sd. Nathaniel at Pomfret in the State of Connecticut on the thirtieth day of September A.D. 1778 & after the services rendered by sd. Nathaniel & that her Husband the aforesaid
Page 24

Nathaniel died on the fifteeenth day of October A.D. 1829--that she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service, but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 viz at the time before stated--The sd. applicant states that she has no documentary evidence of the services of her sd. Husband, & being exceedingly infirm & wholly unable to go abroad & attain evidence of sd. services, would refer for this evidence of the same to the proof furnished when he obtained his Pension aforesaid--& the sd. Elfrida doth further declare that she has never married since the decease of her Husband the sd. Nathaniel Carpenter--["Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above writt" stricken out]
Elfrida  X her mark  Carpenter

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me
D.C. Churchill  J.C.C. Pleas

I hereby certify that the said applicant can not by reason of bodily infirmity attend the court
D.C. Churchill  J.C.C. Pleas
Page 25

State of Newhampshire  Grafton fs--

At Hanover in sd. County this third day of September 1838 personally appearing Thomas D. Carpenter of sd. Hanover Yeoman who deposeth that he is son of the late Nathaniel Carpenter of sd. Hanover & Elfrida Carpenter--That his sd. Father before his death attained a Pension from Government for revolutionary services & was entitled to the same at the time of his death--that he died at sd. Hanover on this fifteenth day of October A.D. 1829--

and that his sd. mother now resides with him at sd. Hanover, & has never been married since the decease of his sd. father--and that she is now exceedingly feeble & infirm & unable to go abroad to transact businefs--
Thos. D. Carpenter

State of New Hampshire  Grafton County ss.
Hanover  September 3d-1838
Then personally appeared the said Thos D. Carpenter and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me--and I further certify that the said Thos D Carpenter is a credible witness
D. C Churchill  Jus. Peace
Page 26

State of New Hampshire
Grafton  fs.

I Nathan B. Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, hereby certify that Daniel C. Churchill, whose name is subscribed to these certificates on the preceding pages of this packet, was on the third day of September current, and still is, a Judge of said Court, and an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, and that his name so subscribed is his genuine signature, in each case aforesaid.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the fourth day of September AD 1838--
N.B. Felton  Clerk

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

certificate 25 cts.
Page 27

I Nathaniel Carpenter of Hanover in the County of Grafton in the State of Newhampshire do testify & declare that I am a citizen of the United States of America that in the month of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six I enlisted as a private soldier in the company commanded by Captain James Dana in Colonel Andrew Wards Regiment in the Connecticut line of the revolutionary Army of the United States to serve for the time of one year; that I served in that capacity in said Company & Regiment during said term of one year; and that, some time in the month of April or May in the year seventeen hundred & seventy seven, the year for which I had enlisted, having expired, I was honourably discharged from the service; but i received no written discharge.  I further say that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life, I am in need of my Country's afsistance for support--and I further say that I have never been allowed any pension that I have known of; and if any pension has heretofore been allowed one, I hereby relinquish the same.--
Nathaniel Carpenter

I the subscriber do certify that the above declaration (except the signature) is in my hand writing--that it was first written without the interlineation of the words "April or" [underlined] that I well recollect that upon reading the same to said Carpenter, he exprefsed a doubt whether ["his" stricken out] the year of his service commenced in the month of April or May, but stated that he certainly enlisted for a year & served a year; & at his request I interlined the words "April or" [underlined]; & this was done before he subscribed said declaration--
Attest  Ben J. Gilbert  J Peace
Page 28

Affidavits of
P Parkhurst--
& Sec'y's  certificates
Page 29

I Phinehas Parkhurst of Lebanon in the County of Grafton and State of Newhampshire, physician & surgeon do testify that I have been acquainted with Nathaniel Carpenter of Hanover in said County who has applied for a pension, & with his family for about twenty years--that I have been his family physician nearly twenty years; that said Carpenter for twelve years past has been & still is afflicted with a Hernia Inguanitis [last 2 words underlined], or rupture; & I have frequently had occasion to visit him & prescribe for him on that account; and, as he is considerably advanced in life, it is my opinion the rupture will afflict him through life--from its extent & local situation, the rupture renders it impofsible for him to labour much, without great inconvenience, and the hazard of increafing it--the said Carpenters wife, is very infirm and not able to labour much--his son Thomas, who lives at home with him, is in a feeble state of health; has an infirm constitution & is not able to labour much--I am acquainted with the circumstances of said Carpenter, and consider him a poor man--I further say that I have no interest, whatever, in the result of his application for a pension--
Phin's Parkhurft

District of Newhampshire
Grafton fs.  Hanover.  June 15th 1820.
Then Phinehas Parkhurst who hath subscribed the above affidavit made solemn oath before me the subscriber that the same contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth--
Attest Ben. J. Gilbert  Justice of the peace--

Grafton fs.  Hanover.  June 15th 1820.

I do hereby certify that Phinehas Parkhurst who hath subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit is Surgeon of the 23 Regiment of the Militia of Newhampshire that he is a credible witnefs; & I fully believe he is a disinterested witnefs--
Ben. J. Gilbert  J Peace
Page 30

State of New Hampshire   )
Secretary's Office              )  June 20th  1820

I hereby certify that Benjamin J. Gilbert Esq'r whose name is subscribed to the within certificate, was on the day of the date thereof and also on the 24th & 25" days of April A.D. 1818 a Justice of the peace for the County of Grafton in said State duly appointed and commifsioned and that to his acts & attestations as such faith & credit are due--

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

In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the public seal of sd. State on the day of the date hereof
Sam'l Grachawk  Sec'y
Page 31

The honourable Secretary at War
Page 32

Hanover N.H.  9th July 1820

Sir--

About the 6th of May last I received from the honourable Wm. Livermore, one of our representatives in Congrefs, the original declaration of Nathaniel Carpenter of this Town with the affidavits which had been taken & sent with it to the War Office--On the back of the declaration are minuted, the following denotions, viz, "The judge before whom the declaration was made will certify that from the reduced circumstances of the applicant he needs the afsistance of his Country for support--The interlineations are not admifsible, without explanation; the credibility & disinterestednefs of the witnefses will be certified by the Justices who administered the oaths; & their official characters should be authenticated by the Clerk, under the seal of Court."

The applicant has complied with what is now required of him, in every particular, as far as was practicable; & I now at his request return to the War Office, enclosed herein, his original declaration & affidavits, with the certificates of the Justices who adinistered the oaths, certifying the credibility & disinterestednefs of the witnefses, & authentications of the official character of the Justices attached thereto--I also enclose the affidavit of Phinehas Parkhurst who is a man of probity & is a respectable physician & surgeon.  Taken and certified by muself, proving the infirm state of body of the applicant & his family.  This reduced circcumstances, to which the official certificate of our Secretary of State, proving my official character is annexed--I also enclose the affidavit of Eliza B Woodward, written by herself & annexed to the official certificate of the late Judge William H woodward, explaining (as is hoped) satisfactorily, the interlineation made in that certification she is not only a woman of the strictest integrity; but is in the first rank of respectability as to character, talents and education--and cannot have mistaken her late husbands intentions as to his official certificate & especially, as to the words she interlined by his direction--her affidavit proves the decease of Judge Woodward in August 1818--his death has rendered it impofsible for the
Page 33

applicant to avail himself of his additional certificate--And he hopes that, as the words interlined are of similar import with, though not strictly, the words prescribed, that the testimony to his reduced circumstances, contained in the affidavits, with the exhibit of his property in his schedule, & valued by our Superior Court, together with the certificate of our Judge Edwards Evans ["subjoined" stricken out] made by him at the war office the 2d Decem'r 1818 & subjoined to the official certificate of Judge Woodward, will satisfy the Secretary at War that the late Judge Woodward, if living, would certify exprefsly "that from the reduced circumstances of the applicant he needs the afsistance of his Country for support."  and that his ccase comes fully within the provisions of the act of the 18th of March 1818, and will add his name to the list of pensioners--He thinks the Secretary at War will feel an additional inducement to do this from the consideration that owing to the great prefs of businefs at his office at the time the original ["certificate" stricken out] declaration was first received there, a mistake occurring as to the regiment in which he served has unfortunately prevented, by lapse of time, his obtaining the additional certificate of Judge Woodward.  He does not advest to this by way of complaint; for he has no right to complain--he considers it; & states it simply as his misfortune, & respectfully afsigns it, as he thinks he may, as a sufficient reason why he has not, in this one particular, strictly complied with what is required of him--The applicants original declaration having been written by myself, * have subjoined to it my explanation of the interlineation of the words "April or" [words underlined]--

The applicant for the reasons stated in my letter accompanying the copies of Lieut't Moreys schedule & oaths, did not state at foot of his schedule the sums he owes; I therefore take the liberty to say I do know that he owes, in the aggregate, considerably more than the amount at which his property is valued--Mr Carpenter ["wishes" stricken out] requests that the information of the determination of the Secretary at War, in his case, when made, may, if agreable, be addrefsed to me, at Hanover, Newhampshire--I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your Obed't servant
The honourable Secretary at War--
Ben. J. Gilbert
Page 34

State of Vermont
Windsor County  fs.

I Joshua Cushman of Hartford in said County of Windsor and State of Vermont, of lawful age testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Carpenter of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of Newhampshire, that he inlisted into & served in the same Company in which I served, under Captain James Dana, in the Regiment under the command of Colonel Andrew Ward, in the Connecticut line on the Continental establishment.  that he inlisted about the middle of May A.D. 1776 & faithfully served, with me, in the same company one whole year to the middle of May A.D. 1777 when said Carpenter was honourably & regularly discharged
Joshua Cushman

State of Vermont
Windsor County fs.
Hartford  Nov. 18th, 1818.

Then Joshua Cushman of Hartford in the County of Windsor personally appeared and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth--
Before me  George E. Wales   Justice of the Peace--

I George E. Wales of Hartford in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont and one of the Justices of the Peace within & for the county of Windsor aforesaid do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Joshua Cushman for a number of years and that he is considered as a man of truth and veracity--
George E. Wales
Page 35

I Joshua Cushman of Hartford in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont do testify & say that on the 18th day of November 1818 I subscribed & made oath to the within affidavit--I further testify that I had not then nor have I since had any interest whatever in the result of the application of Nathaniel Carpenter, named in said affidavit, for a pension
Joshua Cushman

State of Vermont      )
Windsor County  fs.  )
Hartford  June 21, 1820

then Joshua Cushman, who hath subscribed the above affidavit, made solemn oath before me the subscriber, that the same contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth.
Attest  George E. Wales--Justice of Peace

Windsor County fs--Hartford June 21st 1820.
I George E Wales do hereby certify that Joshua Cushman, who hath subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit, & who also subscribed & swore to the within affidavit is a credible witnefs--& that I fully believe he is a disinterested witnefs--
Attest  George E. Wales  Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont       )
Windsor County  fs.   )
Woodstock County  Clerk's Office July 5th AD 1820

This Certifies that George E. Wales was on the 18th November 1818, and ever since hath been and still is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for the County of Windsor, and that the foregoing signatures are his--

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

IN TESTIMONY whereof I hereunto affix the seal of the Court for said County, and subscribe my name the day & year above--
Benj'n Swan  Clerk
Page 36

State of Vermont
Windsor County  fs.

I Ebenezer holbrook of Hartland in said County of Windsor & State of Vermont of lawful age, testify and say, that I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Carpenter of Hanover in the County of Grafton & State of Newhampshire--that he inlisted into and served in the same Company in which I served, under Captain James Dana, in the Regiment under the Command of Colonel Andrew Ward, in the Connecticut line, on the continental establishment....that he inlisted about the middle of May A.D. 1776 and faithfully served, with me, in the same Company, one whole year to about the middle of May A.D. 1777 when said Carpenter was honourably & regularly discharged
Eben Holbrook

State of Vermont     )   Hartland
Windsor County  fs  )   November 18th 1818

Then Eben holbrook of hartland in said county siner of the above deposition personally appeared and made solemn oath that said deposition contained the whole truth and nothing but the truth before me
Thos. Cleveland  Justice Peace

I Thomas Cleveland of Hartland in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont and one of the Justices of the Peace for the county of Windsor aforesaid do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Ebben holbrook of of Hartland in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont siner of the above deposition for nearly thirty years paft and can say that he has been always considered to be a man of truth and veracity
Thos. Cleveland
Page 37

I Ebenezer Holbrook of Hartland in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, do testify & say that on the 18th day of November 1818, I subscribed & made oath to the within affidavit.  I further testify that I had not then, nor have I since had any interest whatever in the result of the application of Nathaniel Carpenter, named in said affidavit, for a pension.--
Ebenezer Holbrook

State of Vermont---  )   Hartland
Windsor County  fs.  )    June 21st 1820

then Ebenezer Holbrook who hath subscribed the above affidavit, made solemn oath, before me the subscriber that the same contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth--
Attest  Thos. Cleveland--Justice of peace

Windsor County fs.  Hartland  June 21st 1820

I Thomas Cleveland, do hereby certify that Ebenezer Holbrook who hath subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit & who subscribed & made oath to the within affidavit, is a credible witnefs--and that I fully believe he is a disinterested witnefs.--
Thos. Cleveland  Justice of peace

State of Vermont         )  WOODSTOCK County
WINDSOR County  fs.  )    Clerk's Office
July the 5th AD 1820--

This certifies that Thomas Cleavland was on the 18th of November 1818 and ever since hath been, and still is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for the said County of Windsor, and thus the foregoing signatures are his--

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

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the County Court for said County and subscribe my name the day above--
Benj'n Swan  Clerk
Page 38

I Eliza B Woodward late of Hanover in the State of New Hampshire, now of Boston in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow of William H. Woodward Esq. late of said Hanover deceased, and late Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in the second District of New Hampshire, do testify and say that the annexed Official Certificate was subscribed by said William H. Woodward; and the word "Nath'l" in the interlineation therein was written by him--that said Certificate, except said signature and said word "Nath'l" is the hand writing of this deponent; that at the date thereof, it was written by me in the presence of, and by the desire and direction of my said husband, he being then in a very feeble state of health, and unable to do much writing;  that after the same was written (except the words "I do also certify that said Nath'l is poor & stands in need of his Country's assistance for support" which words are interlined) my said husband directed me to add to said Certificate, by interlineation, an averment, that the applicant was in such reduced circumstances as to need his Country's assistance for his support--and I then wrote the above quoted interlineation (except the word Nath'l, which my said husband wrote) as meaning the same as the averment he had directed me to write; and my said husband then so considered it and approved of it--And my impression now is that the words interlined were adopted for the sake of brevity, it being more difficult to interline, in a legible manner, the words "I do also certify that said Nathaniel is in such reduced circumstances as to need his Country's assistance for his support."  I well know that it was the intention of my said husband, in all cases where he was satisfied by the evidence exhibited, or from his own knowledge, that the circumstances of the applicant qualified him, in that respect, for a pension, to certify the same in terms conformable to the Act of Congress of the 18 of March 1818, and to what he had understood to be the Secretary at war's understanding of the intent and meaning of that Act.--And I do further testify that my said husband died at said Hanover, on the ninth day of August eighteen hundred and eighteen.--I further testify that this affidavit is in my hand writing, and
Page 39

that I have no interest, whatever, in the result of the application of said Nathaniel for a pension.  I further say that my said husband was a native of said Hanover; had for many years lived near said Nathaniel and was fully acquainted with his reduced circumstances.  and I am confident his Certificate as to them was made as much from his own acquaintance with his circumstances, as from the testimony of others.
Eliza B. Woodward.

State of Newhampshire
Grafton  fs.

On this fifth day of June eighteen hundred & twenty, Eliza B Woodword, widow of the late Chief Justice William H Woodward, subscribed the foregoing affidavit, which is in her hand writing, & made solemn oath before me the subscribing authority, that the same contains the whole truth, & nothing but the truth
Attest  Ben. J. Gilbert  Justice of the peace

Grafton fs.  June 5th 1820.
I do certify that Eliza B. Woodward is the widow of the late Chief Justice William H Woodward who has deceased, that she is a credible witnefs--and that I fully believe she is a disinterested witnefs--
Attest  Ben. J. Gilbert  J peace
Page 40

We Mills Olcott of Hanover in the County of Grafton & State of Newhampshire a selectman of said Hanover, & Samuel Alden and Isaac Morey of the same Hanover do testify & say that we are well acquainted with Nathaniel Carpenter of said Hanover & with his circumstances, & that in our opinion he is by reason of his reduced circumstances in life in need of the afsistance of his Country for support.  we further say that we have understood, & fully believe that he served as a soldier in the late revolutionary war--
Mills Olcott
Samuel Alden
Isaac Morey

State of Newhampshire
Grafton fs.   Hanover 24th April 1818
then Mills Olcott Esqr. Samuel Alden, & Isaac Morey made solemn oaths before me the subscriber that the above affidavit by them subscribed contains the [illegible--stricken out] truth & nothing but the truth--
Attest  Ben. J. Gilbert  J Peace--

Grafton fs.  June 30th 1820
I do certify that Mills Olcott, Samuel Alden & Isaac Morey who have subscribed & made oath to the above affidavit are credible witnefses, & I fully believe they are disinterested witnefses--
Ben. J. Gilbert  Justice peace

I Luther Ingols of Hanover in the County of Grafton & State of Newhampshire, do testify & say that I served as a private soldier in Captain Benoni Cutters Company in Col'o Andrew Wards Regiment in the Connecticut line of the Army of the United States, called the Continental army from May 1776 to May 1777.  that Nathaniel Carpenter now of Hanover aforesaid served as a private soldier in Captain James Danas Company, in the same Regiment, from April or May 1776, until May 1777.  that I was well acquainted with him during that period & he was a faithful and good soldier, & was honourably discharged on the fifteenth day of May 1777--
Luther Ingolls

State of Newhampshire
Grafton fs.   April 25th 1818
then Luther Ingols made solemn oath before me the subscriber that
Page 41

the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the the truth & nothing but the truth
Attest  Ben. J. Gilbert  J Peace

I Luther Ingolls do testify & say that the within affidavit to which my name is subscribed, was subscribed & sworn to by me on the twenty fifth day of April 1818.  that I had not at that time, nor have I since had any interest whatever in the result of Nathaniel Carpenters application for a pension--
Luther Ingolls

District of Newhampshire
Grafton  fs.  June 17th 1820
then Luther Ingolls sho hath subscribed the above affidavit made solemn oath that the same contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth
Attest  Ben. J. Gilbert  Justice of the peace

Grafton fs.  Hanover  June 30th 1820.
I do hereby certify that Luther Ingolls who hath subscribed & made oath to the two preceding affidavits is a credible witnefs; & I fully believe he is a disinterested witnefs--
Ben. J Gilbert  Justice of peace

We Mills Olcott, Samuel Alden & Isaac Morey whose names are subscribed to the within affidavits, do testify & say that we subscribed and made oath to the same on the 24th day of April 1818 & we severally testify that we had not then, & have not since had any interest whatever in the result of Nathaniel Carpenters application for a pension--
Mills Olcott
Samuel Alden
Isaac Morey

["District of Newhampshire Grafton fs. In this" stricken out]

District of Newhampshire
Grafton fs.  June 9th 1820
On this day Samuel Alden and Isaac Morey who have subscribed the above affidavit made solemn oath that the same contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth
Attest  Ben. J. Gilbert  Justice of the peace

District of Newhampshire
Grafton fs.
On this 30th day of June AD 1820, Mills Olcott Esqr. who hath subscribed the above affidavit, made solemn oath before me the subscriber, that the same contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth--
Attest  Ben. J. Gilbert  Justice of peace

Grafton fs.  Hanover June 30th 1820.
I do certify that Mills Olcott, Samuel Alden & Isaa Morey, who have subscribed the above affidavits & made oath to the same are credible witnefses & I fully believe they are disinterested witnefses--
Ben. J. Gilbert  Justice of peace
Page 42

Pomfret Ct
Dec 12

12 12

To/

Mills Olcott Esq
Hanover
N.H.
Page 43

State of Connecticut )  Pomfret 
Windham County     )   fs.  December 12th 1838

I job Williams, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Pomfret, County of Windham and and state of Connecticut--and having been requested to exam the records of said town, to ascertain, whether or not, the the marriage of Nathaniel Carpenter to Elfreda Drefser was was entered on said records--I have carefully [another "carefully" stricken out] examined the records of marriages in said town but have found no record of such a marriage, nor do I believe any such marriage was ever entered in the records of said town
Job Williams--Town Clerk of Pomfret

Sworn before me December 12th 1838
Thos M. Grosvenor  Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut )   Pomfred
Windham County     )  fs.  December 12th 1838

I Daniel hunt depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the first Church in Pomfret, County of Windham & State of Connecticut, and have the care of the Church Records--of which Church Rev. Aaron Putnam was formerly Pastor--that I have been requested to examine the records of said Church for the purpose of ascertainting whether or not there was any record of the marriage of Nathaniel Carpenter to Elfreda Drefser, and having examined said records, I have found no record of such a Marriage nor do I find a record of any Marriages solemnized by said Rev. Aaron Putnam during his Ministry ran in this place nor do I believe there is any record of such Marriage in my pofsefsion
Daniel Hunt--Pastor of the first Church in Pomfret
Page 44

Windham County fs.  Pomfret  December 12th 1838
Then personally appeared before me, Rev. Daniel Hunt, Pastor of the first Church in Pomfret and made oath to the facts contained in the within deposition by him subscribed
Job William  Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut   )
Windham County       )  fs.

I Lorenzo Gilbert Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the district of Pomfret in the State and County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Thomas M. Grosvenor and Job Williams are Justices of the peace in and for said County, duly commifsioned, and qualified to administer oaths, and that their signatures above written are genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 12th day of December 1838
Lorenzo Gilbert  Clerk

[illegible seal affixed in bottom left corner of page]
Page 45

State of Connecticut   )
Windham County  fs.  )

I Serena Smith of the Town of Ashford in said County do depose and say that I was intimately acquainted with Elfrida Drefser before her marriage and that I was present at the time when she was married to Nathaniel Carpenter then of Pomfret in the County aforesaid, the Rev. Aaron Pubnam officiating--said marriage was consummated on the 30th day of September A.D. 1778 and further your deponent saith not--
Ashford August 24th 1838  Serena Smith

State of Connecticut  )   Ashford
Windham County fs.  )   August 24th A.D. 1838

Then personally appeared Serena Smith to me well known as a person of truth and credibility and made wolemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed before me--
Attest  Benjamin C. Simmons Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut  )
Windham County      )  Sct

I Daniel L. Tyler Clerk of the County Court of the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Benjamin C. Simmons Esq is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commifsioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine

Given under my hand and the Seal of said County this 27th day of August 1838
Daniel L. Tyler  Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 46

W  W  July 25

Nath'l Carpenter
NH  NH
1818.

18 July 1820.

[written vertically from right to left on page]

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 47

Hanover  21. July 1838--

Sir

There is living in this Town a Widow by the name of Elfrida Carpenter, whose late Husband Nathaniel Carpenter was a Pensioner for services rendered in the Revolutionary War, & died about 8 years since--She is old & infirm, & portions of the time so shattered in her intellect as to be unable to give a regular account of the transactions of her life--She is living with an only son whom is put to great expense & trouble to make a suitable provision for her--He is informed that she is entitled to a Pension under the Laws of Congrefs, & that encouragement is held out to such application & ask information in this respect at the Pension Agency, & has requested me to enquire what proof would be necefsary--It is suppos'd that the proof furnished when her late Husband obtained a Pension, would supersede the necefsity of going over the same ground again, & that her identity marriage & the time of it, would be the most of what would be requir'd--I would refer you to Hon. Sam'l Woodbury Sec'y of the Treasury for any inquiries disputing myself--
Respectfully Y'r. ob't. & hum. Serv't
Mills Olcott
Page 48

NH.  Dec 26

Add:  proof
Elfreda Carpenter

FREE

7 July  Ad. 1,355

[written vertically from left to right across page]

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm'r. of Pensions
City of Washington

[stamp at bottom of page]
HANOVER
DEC
26
N.H.
Page 49

Hanover N.H.  21. December, 1838

Hon J. L. Edwards

Sir

I enclose the remaining Evidence suppos'd to be wanting in the case of Elfreda Carpenter who has applied for a Pension--She is half distracted at the necefsary delays--I hope nothing more will need be done, to obtain her object--She hopes you will at your earliest leisure relieve her anxiety, & I shall be able to inform her she has succeeded--
Respectfully
Y'r. ob't. & humble Serv't.
Mills Olcott
Page 50

1155

NH   Sept 10

7 July 1838

[stamp placed over the above writing as follows]

HANOVER 
N.H.
[middle area illegible]

[following written vertically on page from right to left]

FREE

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 51

Hanover N.H.   4. Sept 1838

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions

Sir

I enclose the Declaration & evidence of Mrs. Elfreda Carpenter, who hopes it will be sufficient to procure her a Pension--As the services of her husband were in Connecticut & their marriage--and as she is so confined by age & infirmities as to be wholly unable to do anything personally, she hopes the evidence on file when her Husband obtained his Pension with what she sends herewith, will be sufficient for her object--

Whatever communication may be made she will be glad to have addrefsed to me--
Respectfully
I am Sir Yr. obt. & humble Serv't.
Mills Olcott
Page 52

Mar 5. 1840
JW Evans

[stamp reading as follows]
CONCORD
FEB
20
NH

[written vertically on page from right to left]

FREE

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commifsioner of Pensions,
Washington City.
Page 53

Pension Agency, Concord, N.H.
Feb. 27, 1840

James L. Edwards, Esq.

Sir:

Elfrida Carpenter, a pensioner on the roll of this Agency under the Act of 7th July 1838, at $40 per annum, has been paid to March 4th, 1839.

I am, respectfully, sir,
Your obedient servant,
Isaac Hill
Page 54

U.S. Pension Bureau
Revolutionary Section
Washington, D.C.

Sirs:--

Did Daniel S. Torrey of Sutton, Mass. draw a pension?  If so, when did he die?  His wife, Hannah Carpenter Torrey died in Sutton March, 31, 1846, at age of 82 yrs.

Did Jeremiah Vose of Vassalboro, Maine draw a pension?  He later moved to Cumberland Hill, Rhode Island which seems to have also been Wrentham, Mass. before it was Cumberland.

Was Wm Axtell of Sutton, Mass a pensioner?  Was any Arnold of Smithfield R.I. a pensioner?  Also any Nathaniel Carpenter of Pomfret Conn?
Respectfully yours
Mrs. R.E. Gunn
203 W. 3rd St
Boone, Ia.

May 1st, 1928.