Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19781, Jacob Hiler, Mass. Mass Sea Service Navy
Page 1

NC
(3-1776)
SERVICE
Mass.
Mass. Sea Service
Navy

Hiler, Jacob
Grace

NUMBER
W.19781

CONTENTS [BLANK]
Page 2

543
Grace Hiler widow of Jacob.
Mass
Act 7. July 1838.
5 years.
Married in 1780
admd.
8 mo.15d. Carpenter
$42.50
no deduction
L. M. Stone
Boston Mass.
Page 3

Edward Everett
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth
To all whom it may concern:
Know ye, That Richard D. Harris and Charles W. Lovett Esqr. are now, and were at the date of their several attestations Justices 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; that the within Attestations [crossed out: is] are in due form, and by the proper Officers.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this fifteenth day of August A.D. 1838, and in the sixty third year of the Independence of the United States of America
By His Excellency the Governor.
John P Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 4

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County, ss.
On this fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty eight, personally appeared before the Hon. Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Boston;
Grace Hiler, a resident of sd Boston in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy Six years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th. 1838. entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
That she is the Widow of Jacob Hiler who was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of 7th June 1832, for services rendered during the Revolutionary War, that he received the sum of $103.50 per annum from March 1831. to the time of his death, & after his decease, she applied for and recd. the arrears then due.
She further declares that, according to the best of her recollection, her husband, the said Jacob Hiler, served as follows, viz.
He entered the naval service on board the Sloop Machias Liberty, John O'Brien Commander, as Carpenter, on the first of Feby. 1776, and continued on board, in that capacity till the fifteenth of October of the same year: he then came to Boston, and served as a Matross in the Artillery Corps, under Captain Mannett from 1st, February to 16th. May 1777.
Page 5

he had before served from 1st. December 1776. to 1st. February 1777 under Captain (Swan. About the year 1778. he entered on board the Continental Sloop of War, General Gates, John Skimmer, Commander who was killed during the cruise: and on her return to Boston, was discharged.
In the year 1779 he engaged as Carpenter, on board the Ship Renown, John Adamson, Master, on a cruise which lasted the greater part of that year: he then returned to Boston & was discharged.
For a more particular statement of his services she would refer to his declaration to obtain a pension under the act of '32, now on file in the War Department.
She further declared that she was married to the said Jacob Hiler on the fifth day of August in the year seventeen hundred & Eighty; that her husband, the aforesaid Jacob Hiler died on the thirteenth day of August Eighteen hundred & thirty five; 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 that she still continued the widow of said Jacob Hiler decd.
Grace Hiler, her mark

Witness our signature, Peter O. Thacher

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
Before me; and I certify that the said Grace Hiler, the applicant, is unable by reason of bodily infirmity, to attend personally in Court.
Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston
Boston August 4th. 1838
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss;
I, Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston hereby certify that Peter O. Thacher Esquire is Judge of the said Municipal Court & that the Signatures on this paper, purporting to be his are genuine.
Witness my hand & the Seal of Said Municipal Court hereto set this tenth day of August A.D Eighteen hundred & thirty Eight.
Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk.

I Eleazer Homer of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, on oath, depose, testify & say that I have been well acquainted with Mrs Grace Hiler the foregoing applicant for a pension for more than thirty five years last past & know from personal knowledge that she is the widow of Jacob Hiler decd. late a pensioner of the U. S.; that said Hiler died sometime in the summer of 1835. & that she has not intermarried since his decease but still continues his widow.-
I further testify and say that said Jacob Hiler, her husband, was well known to me having been in my employ as a Ship Carpenter at various times during the last forty years of his life & I always understood from him
Page 7

and others, having assisted him in obtaining his pension under the act of 1832. That he served in the War of the Revolution as stated in the foregoing declaration of Grace Hiler his widow.-
Eleazer Homer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County ss.
Be it known that on this 14th. day of August A.D. 1838, personally appeared Eleazer Homer above named, well known to me to be a credible witness & entitled to belief, & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed
is true.
Chas W Lovett Jus. Peace
Page 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
City of Boston, August 2d. 1838.
I the subscriber do hereby certify, that it appears by the registry of marriages in the City of Boston, there is the following record of marriage, viz:
Jacob Hiler & Grace Greenleaf married by Rev. Isaac Skillman, fifth August, one thousand seven
hundred & eighty.
That it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures, as follows.
Jacob Hiler & Grace Greenleaf married by Rev. Isaac Skillman 5 Augst. 1780.
Samuel F. McCleary, City Clerk

I Samuel F. McCleary, above named, depose & say, that I hold the office of City Clerk of the City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk & State aforesaid, & that the above is a true extract from the records of marriages in said Boston, with the exception above named as certified by me.
Samuel F. McCleary

Suffolk, ss. Boston August 2d. 1838. The above named Samuel F McCleary, personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above certificates by him subscribed.
Before me,
Rich. D. Harris
Just. Peace
Page 9

10,577
Massachusetts
Jacob Hiler of Boston in the State of Mass who was an artificer in the Ship M. Libery [Sloop Machias Liberty] commanded by Captain Obrien [O'Brien] of the [BLANK] commanded by [BLANK] in the Mass line for
10 1/2 Mos Master at Arms
8 1/2 " Carpenter
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 103 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Apr 1833 and sent Claimant Boston Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1803 $207.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " 51.75
$258.75
{Revolutionary Claim, Act Jun3 7, 1832}
Recorded by J H McBlair Clerk, Book E. Vol. 2. Page 31.
Page 10

466
Massachusetts
Grace Hiler, decd
[crossed out: widow of] who died on the 15.th Nov. 1838 widow of Jacob Hiler, decd. who was a pensioner under the Act of 7th. June 1832 and who died on the 13th. August 1835 of Boston in the State of Massachusetts who was a Master at arms & carpenter in the company commanded by Captain Osborn [O'Brien] of the [BLANK] commanded by [BLANK] in the Massachusetts line for 18 months & 15 days.

Inscribed on the Roll of Boston, Mass, at the rate of 92 Dollars & 50 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836, & end on the 15th. November 1838.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th. day of September, 1840, and sent to E. Homer, [crossed out: and] Boston, Massachusetts.

Arrears to the [crossed out: 4th] 15th. of November 1838 $79.48
Deducting what has been pd on a former certif:
[crossed out: Semi-annual allowance ending]
certif: issued to Mehitable Hathorn, wid: of Benjn William H. Hiler, Stephen G. Hiler, Thos. G. Hiler, Mary E. Procter, wife of Nichs. B. Procter, Grace Fay, wife of Luke Fay, and Jane R. Hiler.

{Act July 1838.
Recorded by Wm. W. Edwards Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 96
Page 11

Jacob Hiler's claim
Boston Mass.
W. 1414-

[illegible] in the 14th Interrogatories

Master at Arms 10 Mo. 15 days
Carpenter 8  15 days
Navy
$103.50

Claimant
[crossed out: E. H. Derby E]
Boston Mass
P167.
Page 12

BRIEF in the case of Jacob Hiler of Boston in the State of Massachusetts
(Act 7 June, 1832.)

1.Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [BLANK]
3. How old is he? seventy six
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

|  Period.  |  Duration of Service.  |  Rank.  | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  |
|  In 1776  |  8 months 15 days  |  As a Carpenter  |  Gen. in Sloop Mathias Libeny [Machias Liberty] Capt. Jeremiah O'Brian [O'Brien]
{E. D. Bangs Secretary of the Commonwealth of Mass certifies the above}
|  1777 & 1778  | 10 months 15 days  |  Master at Arms  |  Brig Genl. Gates, Capt. John Skinner  |
Part of which service was certified by two living witnesses

5. In what battles was he engaged? The Brig Genl. Gates with the British brig Montague
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Boston. Mass.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? see above
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? [BLANK]

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
D. D. Addison
Examining Clerk
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Jacob Hiler.
No 1414.
Pension Office Aug 8, 1832
Page 14

US District [crossed out: Commonwealth] of Massachusetts.
County of Suffolk
On this second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Judge of the District Court now sitting at Boston in [crossed out: and for] said County in and for said District, Jacob Hiler - a resident of sd Boston, aged 76 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 act of Congress passed June 7th A. D. 1832.
THAT he was born at said Boston on the fourteenth day of November A. D. 1755, and that there is a record of his birth in the Recds. of sd Boston: that he was in the United States service from about the last day of August A. D. 1775 to the first day of Novembr. A. D. 1776 as a carpenter in the Navy of Massachusetts: that he was residing at Machias in the County of Washington & State of Mass now Me, when he entered the service; that he entered on board the [illegible] sloop Machias Liber [Machias Liberty] on or about sd last of August and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain Jerry O Brien [Jeremiah O'Brien] and the other officers on board sd sloop were Elliot 1st Lt. William O Brien 2 Lt.  Arthur Dillaway of Boston Sailing Ma[text missing due to torn document]: that he [crossed out: reached] sailed from sd. Machias to [crossed out: , from to from to] the southward of Grand Bank and continued there to cruise: [crossed out: that he served at [BLANK] with [BLANK] of the regular troops ; and [BLANK] regular officers were known to him] : that he was in no battle and at the end of his service received no written discharge: that since the Revolutionary war he has resided at said Boston and left the service on or about the sd first of November, (A)
ALSO: that he was in the United States service from about the first day of Decembr. A. D. 1777, to about the fifteenth day of October A. D. 1778 as Master at Arms in the Continental Navy: that he was residing at said Boston when he entered the service ; that he entered on board the Brig of War Gen Gates on or about said 1st of December and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain John Skimmer and the other officers of said Brig were Dennis 1st Lt. Lew[text missing due to torn document] 2nd Lt. Pearson Sailing Master: that he [crossed out: marched] sailed from Boston to Marblehead, from thence to [crossed out: from [BLANK] to] the southward of Grand Bank and there continued to cruise: [crossed out: that he served at [BLANK] with [BLANK]: of the regular troops; and [BLANK] regular officers were known to him: that] he was in a battle with the British Brig of war Montague or Montaque and at the end of his service received no written discharge. and left the service on or about said 15th of October. (B)
ALSO: [the remainder of this form was crossed out and has not been transcribed]
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That he knows no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify as to his service first afore mentioned. The general circumstances of said service were that he joined about seventy or eighty of the citizens of Machias and being armed chiefly with pitchforks boarded the schooner British, Diligent of 8 guns, lying at Cross Island near sd Machias, & captured her. This was in June 1775, he made two cruises in the Machias Liberty, one of the Grand Bank down the coast of Halifax, and sd sloop made several captures. After these two cruises the Machias Liberty went to Newburyport to refit, and then went to Boston where we were discharged. Capt Skimmer of the Gen Gates was killed by a double headed cannon shot near the middle of a long engagement with the British Brig Montague Capt Nelson. He went on board the Gates earlier than most of the men to assist and direct repairs.
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.
Jacob Hiler

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year first aforesaid.
We Jn Davis U.S. Dist. Judge for Mass Dist
Ezra Chamberlain [crossed out: clergyman] merchant, residing in the City of Boston and Samuel Beal Merchant residing in said Boston hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jacob Hiler who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides to have been a soldier & Seaman of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed as aforesaid.
before me J Davis U States Dist. Judge for Mass District
Ezra Chamberlin
Samuel Beal

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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary seaman and served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Ezra Chamberlin, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a [crossed out: clergyman], resident in the City of Boston; and that Samuel Beals who has also signed the same is a resident in sd Boston and is a credible person ; and that their statement is entitled to credit. The opinion thus expressed is being given at the request of the Secretary at War in regular [illegible] in reference to the act of June 7 1832.
J. Davis
Dist Judge U.S. Mass Dist.

I John W. Davis Clerk of the Massachusetts District Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Jacob Hiler for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid.
John W Davis Clerk of the U States District Court for the Massachusetts District Court
Page 16

US. District of Massts ss
At a District Court holden at Boston within and for sd District on
Friday the [crossed out: twenty eighth] fourth day of [crossed out Dec.] January AD 1833-:- comes the sd Jacob Hiler and amends his declaration and says.
That he was also in the US service from the tenth of July AD 1779 to the tenth of September of the same year as a carpenter on board the Massachusetts State Ship Renown of sixteen guns, that he was residing at sd Boston when he entered the service that he enlisted on sd tenth July for the Penobscot expedition and served for and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Capt Adamson, and Lt. Fisher & Sailing Master Pearson were officers of the same ship: that he sailed from said Boston towards Penobscot to enforce the squadron & army there, but on the passage the news that the expedition had failed was received, and the reinforcement put into Portsmouth New Hampshire. Gen Jackson of the regular army, commanding officer of the land forces was on board the Renown & was known to this applicant His regiment of Regular troops was on board the transports in company, the same being together with armed ships about thirty sail.
Page 17

and at the end of said service this
applicant received a discharge but
not in writing, and he has no documentary evidence nor does he know any one who can testify as to this service

Recapitulation of his services
Sloop Machias Liberty 1.y. 1.m. 0d
Brig General Gates 0y 10.m 15.d
Ship Renown 2.m
Total Service 2.y 1.m 15.d
Jacob Hiler

United States of America
Massachusetts District ss
At the District Court of the United States begun and holden at Boston within and for the Massachusetts District, on the first Tuesday in December, AD. 1832, found, by successive adjournments, on the fourth day of January, A.D. 1833, Personally before me Judge of said Court, in the Court the said Jacob Hiler, and made oath to the truth of the above supplementary Declaration by him subscribed.
J Davis
U States District Judge for Massachusetts
District.

I John W. Davis Clerk of the United States
District Court for the Massachusetts
District, do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the
Page 18

said Court in the matter of the supplementary application of Jacob Hiler for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office on the day and year aforesaid viz. on the fourth day of January AD 1833
Jno W Davis Clerk of U States District Court for the Masstts District.
Page 19

(A)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Aug. 2d 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that Jacob Hiler is borne on "a Muster Roll of the Crew on board the Sloop Machias Liberty. Jeremiah O'Brian [O'Brien] Commander lately in the service of the State of Massachusetts Bay, 1776". and is therein stated to have served as a carpenter on board said vessel from Febry 1. 1776 to Octr. 15. 1776, with the pay of [pound sign] 3 per month.
Edward D Bangs, Secy of the Commonwealth
Page 20

Jacob Hiler
Page 21

(B)
I John D Howard of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy three years testify & say that I was a seaman on board the Continental Brig of war General Gates of 16 Guns Capt John Skimmer commander from about the middle of February 1770 to about the middle of October of the same year, during which time sd Brig was cruising for the most part to the southward of Grand Bank, where in an engagement with the Brig Montague Capt Nelson, our said commander was killed, and that Jacob Hiler then and ever since of Boston in the County of Suffolk & Comlth of Massachusetts was master at arms on board said Brig & served with me during the period aforesaid.
John D [illegible]
US. District of Masstts ss, Boston Augt. 2 1832
Subscribed & sworn in open Court
Jno Davis District Judge Mass. Dist
Page 22

I [crossed out: David] John Williams of
Boston aged seventy [crossed out: three] years testify and say that I was a Marine on board sd Brig during the period aforesaid, and that the above named Jacob Hiler was master at arms and served with me on board said brig during the period & cruise aforesaid
John Williams

US. District of Masstts ss. Boston
August 2. 1832. Subscribed & sworn [crossed out: in open court] before me
Jno Davis Dist Judge US Massts. Dist

I further certify that the aforesaid John D Howard & John Williams are in my opinion credible persons and their statements [illegible] to credit.
Jno Davis
Judge Dist Court US Massts. Dist
Page 23

I, William H Hiler of Boston in the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, do, on my oath, testify and declare, that I am the son of Grace Hiler, deceased, who received a pension under the Act of Congress passed July 7th, 1838, to the amount of $42.50 per annum for part of the Revolutionary Services performed by her late husband Jacob Hiler; that he performed the following named periods of service in the said War of the Revolution, for which she, the said Grace Hiler, never was allowed, and which it is the object of this Supplemental Declaration to claim, viz: Six months service in the companies commanded by Captain James Swan and Philip Marrett [Phillip Merritt] in Col Thomas Craft's Regiment of  Artillery from November, 1776 to May, 1777: from May to August 1777 in Capt Nathaniel Heath's Detachment of Guards, at Boston. Also, one month or more in 1779 on board the Ship Renown, Robert Adamson, Commander, in the Penobscot Expedition.
I further declare, that the said Grace Hiler died on the fifteenth day of November, 1838, and that proof of her death and the number of heirs is now at the Pension Office, in Washington.
Wm H Hiler
witness Eleazer Homer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Suffolk ss
Boston May 20th 1840.
Then the above named William H Hiler personally appeared and made oath in due form of law, that all the statements made in the above Declaration, by him subscribed are true.
Before me,
Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston & Justice of the Peace.
Page 24

Allow in addition [illegible] Master at Army on board Genl. Gates.
$50.
4250
$92.50
Page 25

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 20th 1840.
I hereby Certify, That Peter O. Thacher is Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston and a justice of the Peace for all the County in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; 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.
John P. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 26

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19.781
Grace Hiler Widow of Jacob Hiler Carpenr Rev. War
Act: July 7th 1838
Index:-Vol. A, Page 336
[Arrangement of 1879.]
Page 27

James L Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington. D. C.
Page 28

Boston Feby 27. 1840.
Sir,
Your favor of the 28th October last confirming the Ownership of the Brig Genl. Gates was duly received.
The Pension Certificate for the widow of Jacob Hiler had been surrendered to the Pension Agent, and the Amount paid that was due thereon. I now beg leave to make further claims heretofore alleged &  omitted for want of satisfactory proof which may be made to appear by examination of the books & rolls among those that were delivered you from the Secretarys Office in Boston, a sketch of the service may facilitate your researches, which please refer to, viz
The name of Jacob Hiter appears on a memorandum of Cash paid him £ 2..2-0 for one months advance Novr. 6. 1776. when he commenced his Land service in Col. Crafts Regt. under Capt Swan from Novr. 1 to Decr 1. 1776 & under Capt Marrett from Decr 1776 to Feby 1777. 2 mo. from Febry 1 to May 8th. 3 mo. & 7 Dy & from May 16th to Aug 8th Do. 84 days under Captains Marrett & Sumner or Majr. Symmes in the Boston Regt in Heaths Guards until he left the Land service to go in the Brig Genl Gates John Skimmer Esqr. Commander & caims also in the Ship Renown Capt Adamson served as a convey to the Transports in the Penobscot expedition Sept. 1779, but no roll, nor time of service comes at as yet.
The service performed by Hiler under Captn. Swan and Marrett may not be alleged in his original declaration which was drawn up in haste by David Lee Child Esqr. & may be omitted by him. There can be but little doubt that Hiler perform'd his service, & I have respectfully to request that the Rolls in your possession may be examined to see if they do not confirm the Widows Declaration
As the widow in her Declaration claimed for more Service than was finally allowed, I presume the Certificate of the Court hereto annexed will be sufficient to enable the children of Mrs Hiler therein named, to claim the balance due at her death, If however [crossed out: if] any thing more is required I will thank your Honor for such directions as may be necessary
Respectfully Yours &c
Eleazer Homer

Jas L Edwards Esqr
Page 29

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk ss.
At the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, begun and holden within the same, and for the County of Suffolk, or the first Monday of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine;
Satisfactory evidence was, this day given to the Court, that Grace Hiler, widow, (to whom as Widow of one Jacob Hiler, a pension was granted by the United States, under the act of Congress of seventh of July A.D. 1838), died within the said City of Boston, at her residence in the same, on the fifteenth day of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty eight; and that the certificate of the said pension to said Grace Hiler was surrendered to the Pension Agent of the fourth day of October of this present year.
Satisfactory evidence was further given to the said Court, that the said Grace Hiler, left at her decease, the following children, all now living, viz:
Mehitable Hathorne, widow of Benjamin Hathorne,
William H. Hiler, Shipwright,
Stephen G. Hiler, Shipwright, all
Page 30

all of the City of Boston aforesaid.
Thomas G. Hiler of the City of New Orleans, but now resident in said city of Boston, Merchant
Mary C. Procter wife of Nicholas B. Procter, now resident at Marlborough in the County of Middlesex in this Commonwealth,
Grace Fay, wife of Luke Fay and
June R. Hiler, single woman, both of the said City of Boston & residing therein, and that all the aforegoing persons are of lawful age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, on this fifth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, the same being a Court of Record
Page 31

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretarys Office February 27. 1840
I hereby certify that Peter O. Thacher is Judge of the Boston Municipal Court, and has been so for the year last part in County of Suffolk. and the said Commonwealth duly appointed and Commissioned, and to his acts 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.
John P. Bigelow
Secy of the Court Ms
Page 32

Massachusetts - 466
Grace Hiler widow of Jacob Hiler decd who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. '32 and who died on the 12 Aug 1825 of Boston in the State of Massts who was a Artificer in the County commanded Captain Osborn of the Regt commanded by [BLANK] in the Massts line for 8 mos & 15 dys
See Wm Laskey June 7 aa Mass. 15.885

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachts. at the rate of 42 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Sept '38, and sent to L. M. Stone Boston Mass

Arrears to the 4th of Sept $106.25
Semi-annual allowance ending 21.25
$127.5
{Act July [text missing due to torn document] 1838.
Recorded by R. Burdine
Book A - Vol. 1 Page 96

La to. L. M Stone, Mar 26. '39
Let. to E. Homer October 28, '39.
" " " " May 8, 1840
" " " " July 21, 1840
" " " " Aug 22 1840.
Page 33

Grace Hiler died 15 Nov. 1838
Children
Mehitable Hathorn wid of Benja
William H Hiler &
Stephen G. Hiler
Thos G Hiler
Mary C Procter wife of Nicholas B Procter
Grace Fay wife of Luke Fay and
Jane R. Hiler.
Issue new Certificate for 18 mo 15 dy - Master at arms and carpenter
$92.50 from 4 March 36 to 15 Nov. '38 - the day of her death - deducting what has been paid -
E. Homer esq.
Boston Mass.
Page 34

Jacob Hityer [Hiler]
Nov. 6 '76 1 mo add pay. Col Crafts Capt Swan. and under Capt Manatt [Merritt] from sv. for feb. '77 & to May. 8. - frm May 16 to Aug 8.
On board the Renown. Sep;t. '79 to Penobt. [Penobscot]

Dec. in 1833
76. 8 1/2 Sloop Mathias [Machias Liberty]. OBrian [O'Brien]. S.
77. .78 10 1/2 mo. Gen Gates. - Skimmer
19 mo all'

Mid. dec.
8 1/2 Sloop Mathias
Mast. of arl. from 1Feb 77 to May 16 77 & from Dec 76 to Dec 77 
Jacob Hiler
78. Gen Gates
79 Renown - was assowd 8 1/2 mo.

Vol 38 p 57 1 De 76 2 mo- in all
116 1 feb 3 mo 8 "
Page 35

James L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington.
C.C.

[crossed out: M] Aug 21. 1840
Mass.
G. Hiler

[stamped: BOSTON Mass Apr 19]
Page 36

Boston August 18th 1840.
Sir,
In yours of May 8th respecting the case of Mrs Grace Hiler, you state that her husband, Jacob Hiler, in his declaration set forth no other service than that on board the Sloop Machias [Machais Liberty] and the Brig General Gates. I find by the Pension Roll that for this service he received $103.50 per annum. In your letter of July 21st certificate may be issued to the heirs of Mrs Grace Hiler for $92.50 per annum. This I suppose will include the amount paid to them. Why can the widow not receive the same amount per annum that was allowed to her husband?
The heirs wish to have the certificate made out for the service already proved, which please forward to me as soon as convenient.
Yours, Respectfully.
Eleazer Homer

James L Edwards Esq.
Page 37

James L Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sept 4. 1840
Mass.
Grace Hiler
on roll

[stamped: Boston Sep 9]
Page 38

Boston August 31st. 1840.
Sir,
Your Letter of the 22nd insy. is received.
The Pension Certificate formerly issued for Mrs Hiler, was surrendered at the Pension Office in Boston at the time the balance was received by the heirs.
If the evidence in support of the service performed under the Captains Swan & Marrett [Merritt] is not satisfactory, be pleased to issue a certificate for $92.50 per Annum as stated in your Letter
Respectfully Yours &c
Eleazer Homer

James L Edwards Esqr.
Page 39

Vol 38 p 137
From Rev / 1776
h DW 1
vol 38 p 122
Rev fr Blan Rel
Mony Jun 76
ce 120
3 mo
applin 3 mos
Jacob Hiler
Cap G W Swan
Cap Manitt fr 57
fra 38 Jacob Hiler
pv 77
Page 40

Boston, May 21st 1840.
Wir,
I received your favor of May 8th, and notice the contents, I expect that the omission in the declaration of Jacob Hiler was owing to the Act allowing a full pension for nine months service, which was supposed sufficient in the Sloop Machias and Brig General Gates by Mr Childs his attorney, who made out the case, which the widow was not aware of; therefore the son now claims the service as mentioned in the accompanying declaration, presuming it may meet your approbation, agreeable to your direction, and awaits your decision, which please inform me when ready.
Yours, respectfully,
Eleazer Homer

James L Edwards Esq.
Page 41

Boston October 17th 1839.
Sir,
Your Letters to L.M. Stone Esqr of Sept. 26th, 1838, & March 11th, 1839, respecting the case of Grace Hiler, the Widow of Jacob Hiler, were both handed to me to correct a supposed ever, he being a Pensioner, she in course applyed for a continuance, but was absolutely refused on suspision, that "her Husband did not serve in the United States Brig. Genl. Gates, as claimed, but, that he did serve in "A private armed Brig the General Gates, Commanded by Captain Skimmer, who was not a Naval Officer of the State, or Continental Congress." As I furnish'd the evidence of her claim from the Documents I then found in the Secretary's department I conceive it is a duty incumbent on me to support the allegation in her behalf, and in my own vindication; therefore-
I shall now try to convince you that the claim is just. I have been indefatigable in pursuing the necessary proof in order to enable me to substantiate the case and I have ransack'd the Archives of the State & could not find sufficient proof to enable me to cooperate against your official assertions in her lifetime, but since her Death the Heirs have renewed their applications & by incessant searching, I have at length obtained what I hope & trust will remove all doubts in your mind respecting the Ownership of the Brig General Gates and the employ of the Crew & of John Skimmer Esqr Commander of said Brig who Captured Four Prizes contained in the Secretarys Certificates herewith annexed, one of which prizes was the
Page 42

the Brig. Montague Captain Nelson, in which Capture, John Skimmer was killed in action while giving orders, and wherein Jacob Hiler claimed service as Master at arms. and receiv'd a Pension therefor, in his life time.
I sincerely regret that the case could not be finished before, in her life time, and it is not too late to do some good to the heirs, & whatever balance may be due, will be greatfully received. As soon as the case is finishd please have the goodness to forward the results to W Stone who will inform me.
Respectfully,
Yr Hble Servant
Eleazer Homer

James L Edwards Esq
Page 43

Mem/
The Dr. defers writing the substance of the following till the return of the certf:
(Oct. 28 - '39)
It may be proper to mention, however, that no payment can be made upon the new certificate in behalf of the children until the 4th of next March.
Page 44

Boston Febry. 20 1839
Dr Sir,
Annexed is a Certificate which I beg the favour of you to present James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pension for adjudication.
It is respecting the Case of the Widow of Jacob Hiler an Officer on board the Armed Brig. General Gates, John Skimmer Esqr, Commander, who was Killed in action with the English Armed Brig Montague, Nelson Commander who was captured by Lieut. Dennis & sent safe into port.
Mr Hiler received a Pension in his life time for service on board said Brig, and so did John Skinner Jun [John Skimmer Junior] the Captains son who is now alive.
Mr. Hiler has since apply'd for a continuance of the Pension by he Agent L M Stone Esqr Clerk in the Pension Office in Boston who received for answer from Mr Edwards that said Brig, was a "Private Armed" Brig, & has stop'd the payment due as before paid.
The widow is since dead & the heirs have applyed to me for proof of the case, which after a great deal of seaching I found amongst the old papers the original of the Certificate as above mentioned, from the Secretary
Should be approve of it I beg you to desire Mr Edwards to forward the result of his decision to Mr Stone Agent for the Widow (or heirs), and you will greatly oblige
Yrs Respectfully
Eleazer Homer

James Gregory Esq
To the care of J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Page 45

Brig Gen Gates
25
James Gregory Esqr
Washington D.C.
[illegible] care of James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

[stamped: BOSTON MA [illegible]]
Page 46

Sale of the Prize Brig Union her Appurtenances & Stores, put into my hands by the Honble the Board of War of this State & John Bradford Esqr Agent for the United States of America. This Brig was Captur'd by the State Brig Hazzard, John Foster Williams Esqr Commander and the Continental Brig General Gates Daniel Waters Esqr Commander
Boston May 7th 1779.

The Brig Union her appurtenances and Dunnage} 5200.-.-
Charges
Advertizing in 3 News Papers ...9.-.-
Crying the sale ... 1.4.0
Commissions 1 ¼ pr Cent ... 65.-.-
net proceeds ... 5124.16.0
[pound sign] 5200.0.0

Boston May 7. 1779
Errors Excepted
Wm. Greeleaf.
Com 52
Sir office
A true copy from an original
document on file in this office
ter
John P. Bigelow
Secy of Miss
Borton, Feb. 20, 1889.

Coms. [pound sign] 52.1 pr.Ct.

A true copy from an original document on file in this office attest
John P. Brigelow
Sec'y of Mass.
Sec'y's Office
Boston, Feb. 20. 1889
Page 47

Boston, August 17th 1838.
Sir,
I enclose herewith the application of Mrs Grace Hiler, widow of Jacob Hiler decd. for a pension under the act of 7th. July 1838,
I am, very respectfully
your obt. Servt.
L. M. Stone

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
D. C.