Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9,127, for Jonathan Somes, Massachusetts
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Mass

Somes, Jonathan
Leach, Anna
Former widow

NUMBER
W.9.127
B.L.Wt. 18250-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

12081
R
Maine
Jona Somes
of  [blank] in the state of [blank]
who was a Corporal in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Ward of the Mass
line, for the term of 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 10 of April 1819
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 of June 19
and sent to John Massey
Portland Maine
Arrears to Sept 1819
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 38"66
$38.66
4 25/30
{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}
66-19
Gemb Cou
Page 3

101.187} Act March 3/55
April 26"
Anna Leach, wid of formly
Jonathan Somes
Capt Joseph Fay Pri
Col. Woods}Mass State Troops
She refers to her papers
on file under the act
of Feby 3, 1853 
Rev. War
AO:160 AC MCH8 876
[illegible]
David Dunn
Poland
Me.
[written across the above]No 18250 J Mar 15/57
[right side] Cir: D. Dunn. Dec. 13 55
let. " " " 31" "
" " " Jany 19" 56
Vol. 82, page 14
Page 4

763
Maine
Anna Leach formerly
widow of Jonathan Somes
Mass
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private & Corporal
Increased from $44
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 70 dollars 66
cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February,1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
18th day of February 1856
and sent to
J M. Ayer
North Pownal
Maine
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page  6. Vol. R
Page 5

Bounty Land Claim.
DECLARATION OF CLAIMANT.
STATE OF MAINE.
County of Androscoggin} ss.
On this twenty ninth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, duly authorised to administer oaths, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Anna Leach aged eighty five years, a resident of Poland in the County of Androscoggin and State of Maine who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Jonathan Somes deceased, who was a Corporal in the company commanded by Captain Josiah Fay in the [blank] Regiment of [blank] commanded by Col. Woods in the war of the Revolution in Parson's Brigade and she refers to her own declaration under the Act of Feb.3.1853 and to her said Husband's under the Act of 1818, and the accompanying papers, in each case.
That her said Husband enlisted at [blank] on or about the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 18[blank] for the term of [blank] and continued in actual service in said war for the term of twelve months or more and was honorably discharged at [blank] [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 18
She further states, that she was married to the said Jonathan Somes in New Gloucester, Maine on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 1822 by one John Harris Jr. Esq. a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Anna Emery; that her said Husband died at New Gloucester, Maine on the twenty eighth day of November A.D. 1824 and that she is now a widow.
SHE FURTHER DECLARES that she has heretofore made no application for any Bounty Land under any Act of Congress and never had a Land Warrant.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855.
And for the purpose of this application, I the said Annah Leach do hereby constitute and appoint David Dunn Esq. of Poland in the State of Maine, my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to demand and receive from the Secretary of the Interior a warrant for the quantity of land due me as aforesaid: and I fully authorise and empower him to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose therein expressed, hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my Attorney or his substitutes may lawfully do in the premises.
Anna [Her X Mark] Leach
Witness Sarah Boston
Page 6

AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES.
We, Isaac Burton and James C. Mitchell residents of Poland, Androscoggin Co. in the State of [blank] upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Annah Leach in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. And we well know that she is now a widow.
Isaac Burton
James C. Mitchell
THE foregoing Declaration and Affidavit were sworn to and subscribed, and the Power of Attorney acknowledged, before me, on the day and year above written; and I certify, that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
David Dunn Justice of the Peace.
CERTIFICATE OF CLERK OF COURT.
STATE OF MAINE.
County of [blank]} ss.
I [blank] Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that [blank] whose genuine signature appears to the above Certificate, is, and was, at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal of Office, at [blank]
this [blank] day of [blank]
A.D. 1855.
Page 7

Jonathan Somes
Corporal Private
Col Jonathans Wards Regt.
Massachusetts Line
1776-1 year
Admitted
Page 8

I Jonathan Somes a resident citizen of the United States and an inhabitant of New Gloucester in the District of Maine aged sixty six years being duly sworn do depose and say that I enlisted on the first day of January in the year Seventeen hundred & seventy six as a Corporal in Captain Josiah Fay's company Colonel Jonathan Ward's Regiment and General Thomas' Brigade in the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Establishment for the period of twelve months which I faithfully served and was honorably discharged at Fish kills or near there in the State of New York on the first of January Seventeen hundred & seventy seven: which discharge has long since been lost: that during that time I served at Dorchester, New York on the east river, Kingsbridge Whiteplains and was in the engagement at that place, and at Fishkills where I was discharged as above stated: that Ebenezer Cleaveland of Gloucester was the First Lieutenant  of our company and commanded after our arrival in the State of New York. That I am not borne on any Pension Roll and that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life I am in need of the assistance of my country for support agreeably to the Act of Congress passed the 18th March 1818
Jonathan Somes
Subscribed and sworn to this tenth day of April AD. Eighteen hundred and nineteen
Before me
Albion K. Parris
U.S. Dist. Judge &c
Page 9

To the Honorable Albion K. Parris Judge of the United States in & for the District of Maine
The subscribers respectfully represent that in their opinion M Jonathan Somes of New Gloucester in the District of Maine is by reason of his reduced circumstances in life in need of the assistance of his country for support agreeably to the provisions of the Act of Congress passed the 18th March 1818.
April 10th 1819 Isaac Gross
Jabez Woodman
John Webber
Selectmen of N Gloucester
Page 10

United States of America
District of Maine
To James Goss of Gloucester in the 
State of Massachusetts Esquire
Greeting
At the request of Jonathan Somes of New Gloucester in the District of Maine you are hereby authorised and empowered to take the deposition of Ebenezer Cleaveland of said Gloucester late a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary Army to be used in said Somes application for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 18th of March A.D. 1818 entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal this thirteenth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
Albion K. Parris
Judge of the United States in
and for the District of Maine
Page 11

Jonathan Somes
Corporal Private
Col Jonathan Wards Regt:
Massachusetts Line
1776-1 year
Admitted
Page 12

I Ebenezer Cleaveland of Gloucester in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, testify; that I served as first Lieutenant in the the Company commanded by Josiah Fay, in Col. Jonathan Wards Regiment, and Parson's Brigade, in the years service which commenced in January 1776 and continued in the service to the end of the year, under the Continental establishment; And I further testify and declare that Jonathan Somes enlisted in said company on the first of the year 1776 as a Corporal, and served until the end of the year, and was honorably discharged. Ebenezer Cleaveland
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. Gloucester March 19th 1819
Then the above Ebenezer Cleaveland personally appeared, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed, before me.
James Goss, Just. Pairs
Page 13

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the tenth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, personally came Jonathan Somes the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined, made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered in evidence the deposition of Ebenezer Cleaveland a commissioned Officer in the Army of the Revolution stating that he said Somes served as a Corporal for the period of nine months, and upwards in continuation on the continental establishment and also the certificate of the municipal authority of the town of which said Somes is an inhabitant that he by reason of his reduced circumstances in life is in need of the assistance of his country for support
And it appearing to me in the examination here had, that the several persons above named are credible witnesses, I do hereby admit the annexed declarations as evidence, and certify the same as being satisfactory proof to me that the said Jonathan Somes the applicant, served as a Corporal in the revolutionary war, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and upwards in continuation on the continental establishment. And I do further certify, that from the declaration of the applicant made before me, under oath as aforesaid, it does appear that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support; all which I do hereby certify and transmit to the Secretary of the Department of War, agreeably to the provisions of an Act of Congress, passed March 18, 1818, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused my Official Seal to be affixed the day and year first mentioned.
Albion K. Parris
Judge of the United States in and
for the District of Maine.
And I do further certify that it has been proved to my satisfaction that said Somes by reason of his reduced circumstances is in need of assistance of his country for support
Albion K.. Parris
U.S. Dist. Judge &c
Page 14

Maine
Anna Leach 
Widow of Jonathan
Somes
Admitted 1 year Corpl
$44 per annum
commencing Feb 1853
Married 1822
died 1824.
Page 15

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, SS.
Clerk's Office, Supreme Judicial Court, 
Portland, February 21st A.D. 1853}
I, Charles C. Harmon 
CLERK OF THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT,
In and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that
David Dunn is an,
Acting Justice of the Peace, and
Quorum with and for each and every County of said State as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that his COMMISSION is dated September 28th A.D. 1847 and will expire September 28th A.D. 1854
and that the following SIGNATURES purporting to be his are GENUINE.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
C.C> Harmon Clerk.
Page 16

I Thankful M. Harris of Portland in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, aged sixty one years on oath declare that I was present and saw Jonathan Somes & Anna Emery married in New Gloucester in said County on the seventh day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty first.  They were married by my husband John Harris as a Justice of the Peace and he was then called John Harris Jr. because his father John Harris was then living but has since deceased.
I know that the said Jonathan Somes & Anna Emery were legally and properly married and that they lived together as husband and wife till
Page 17

the death of the said Jonathan Somes which took place about two years after the said marriage.
I attended his funeral
It is a matter of common notoriety that his widow has since been married to Zachariah Leach & that said Leach has been dead for some years and that she is now a widow by the name of Anna Leach and is living at Poland Maine
Portland February 21.1853
T.M. Harris
Portland February 21. 1853.
Subscribed and sworn to before me. And I certify that the said Thankful M. Harris is a respectabe woman and a credible witness.
David Dunn 
Justice of the Peace
and Quorum throughout
the State of Maine.
Page 18

I Isaac Barton of Poland Maine aged fifty seven years on oath declare that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Anna Leach of Poland Maine, & have been for thirty five years past.
I know that she is a widow and she has resided in my family the eleven years last past. I know that she is the widow of Jonathan Somes a Revolutionary Soldier and once a Pensioner.
I know that the said Jonathan Somes is dead & that he died at New Gloucester Maine, an adjoining town to this on the twenty eighth day of November in the year of our Lord one
Page 19

thousand eight hundred and twenty four.
I am positive about this as I was present at his death and funeral. I then lived in the same house with him.
I know that his said Widow Anna Somes (now Anna Leach as aforesaid) was duly married in 1829 to Zachariah Leach & I was present at the marriage and I know that said Zachariah Leach is dead, that he died November 3, A.D. 1841, for I was present at his funeral & burial & saw him dead in his coffin and saw him buried amid a large concourse of people.
I therefore know that
Page 20

the said Anna Leach is now a Widow and has been a Widow ever since November 3, A.D. 1841 when the said Zachariah Leach her last husband died as aforesaid.
I knew the said Jonathan Somes very well in his life time & he once drew a Pension and I have heard him tell a good deal about the Army of the Revolution
Isaac Burton
Poland February 18.1853.
Subscribed & sworn to before me and I certify that the aforesaid Isaac Burton is a respectable man and a credible witness.
David Dunn
Justice of the Peace 
& Quorum Throughout
the State of Maine.
Page 21

I Hannah Burton of Poland Maine aged fifty five years on oath declare that I an well acquainted with Mrs. Anna Leach of Poland Maine and that I have been all my life.
I know that she is a Widow and that she is the Widow of Jonathan Somes, who was a Revolutionary Soldier & Pensioner.
I knew her very well when she was married to the said Jonathan Somes and she lived with him as his wife.
I know the said
Page 22

Jonathan Somes is dead, that he died at New Gloucester an adjoining town to this on the twenty eighth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four.
I was present at his death and funeral, as I then lived in the same house with him.
The said Anna Leach (then Anna Somes) was married in the year 1829 to Zachariah Leach in my presence and the said Zachariah Leach her last husband died November 3, A.D. 1841 and was buried amid a large concourse of people.
I was present.
I very well know therefore
Page 23

that the said Anna Leach is a widow & has been since November 3, A.D. 1841, when the said Leach died.
The said Anna Leach is now 83 years of age and is utterly unable by reason of bodily infirmity to go to Court for any purpose.
Hannah Barton
Poland February 17.1853.
Subscribed & sworn to before me and I certify that the said Hannah Barton is a respectable woman and a credible Witness
David Dunn
Justice of the Peace and
Quorum throughout the
State of Maine
Page 24

I James Emery of Poland Maine aged fifty two years on oath declare that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Anna Leach of Poland Maine & have been all my life. I know that she is now a widow & has been for some years. I know that she is the Widow of Jonathan Somes a Revolutionary Soldier.
I know that the said Jonathan Somes is dead that he died in New Gloucester Maine an adjoining town to this on the twenty eighth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four.
I was present at his funeral & burial amid
Page 25

a large concourse of people.
In 1829 She was married to Zachariah Leach and the said Zachariah Leach died on November 3. A.D. 1841.
James Emery
Poland February 17.1853.
Subscribed and sworn to Before me and I certify that the aforesaid James Emery is a respectable man and a credible witness.
David Dunn
Justice of the Peace
& Quorum throughout
the State of Maine.
Page 26

I John Harris of Portland in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged sixty six years on oath declare that on the seventh day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two at New Gloucester in this County of Cumberland & State of Maine I solemnized a marriage (as a Justice of the Peace) between Jonathan Somes and Miss. Anna Emery both of said New Gloucester.
I then held the office of Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified and I know that the said Jonathan Somes and Anna Emery were duly and legally
Page 27

married & that they lived together as Husband and Wife till the death of the said Jonathan Somes which took place in the fall of 1824. I attended his funeral.
I made a record as usual of the said marriage, the original of which is now in my possession and the following is a true copy thereof Viz.
"Eighteen hundred twenty two
November seventh
Joined in marriage Mr. Jonathan Somes with Miss Anna Emery both of New Gloucester.
John Harris Jr. Justice of Peace"
That the above is a true and exact copy of the record as aforesaid except as to the date which date is in legible words and figured as
Page 28

follows-Viz. "1822 Nov. 7th"
It is a matter of notoriety that the said Jonathan Somes was a Revolutionary Soldier and at one time a Pensioner.
It is also a matter of notoriety that the said Anna Somes the Widow of the said Jonathan Somes was since married again to Zachariah Leach & that said Leach has been dead some years & that she is now a Widow by the name of Anna Leach and is now living in Poland Maine.
Portland February 21.1855.
I then (November 7.1822) wrote my name John Harris "Junior" or "Jr." from the the fact that my father was then living and his name was John Harris
Page 29

but he has since deceased and therefore I now leave off the "Junior" or "Jr".
I am the same person that solemnized the said marriage  and made the said record
Portland February 21.1853.
John Harris
Portland February 21.1853.
Subscribed and sworn to before me And I certify that the said John Harris is a respectable man and a credible witness
David Dunn
Justice of the Peace
and Quorum throughout
the State of Maine
Page 30

Declaration
State of Maine.
On this seventeenth day of February A.D. 1953. personally appeared before me David Dunn Esq. a Justice of the Peace & Quorum throughout the State of Maine
Anna Leach a resident of Poland in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine (and the said David Dunn the Justice resides in the same town) aged eighty three years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed in 1853. That she is
Page 31

the Widow of Jonathan Somes who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution.
That he was formerly a Revolutionary Pensioner at New Gloucester Maine & she has understood he went into the Army from Gloucester Mass. but as to his particular duty, his battles, his Company or Regiment she cannot tell as she was not then acquainted with him.
She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Somes on the seventh day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two, that her husband the aforesaid Jonathan Somes died on the twenty eighth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four. She
Page 32

swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before made an application for a Pension. And she further swears that in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine she was duly married to Zachariah Leach and that the said Leach died the third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one and that she has been a Widow since that time and is a Widow now.
Anna [her X mark] Leach
Witnesses
David Dunn
James Emery
Sophia I Barton
Poland February 17.1853.
Subscribed and sworn to Before me And I certify that the said Anna Leach is utterly unable by reason of bodily infirmity to attend Court
David Dunn
Justice of the Peace & Quorum
throughout the State of Maine
Page 33

Poland, Maine. June 11.1853.
I David Dunn Counsellor at Law at Poland in the State of Maine, on oath declare that I have no interest whatever in the claim of Mrs. Anna Leach as the Widow of the late Jonathan Somes for a pension, now before the proper officers at Washington & that I never did have any such interest.
David Dunn
State of Maine
Cumberland SS. Poland June 11.1853.
Subscribed & sworn to
Before me
Abiezer S. Freeman} Justice of the Peace
Page 34

Additional
in the Revolutionary
claims for increase of pension
of Anna Leach
former widow of
Jonathan Somes
under act of
1853.
G.M. Ayer
agent
North Pownal
Maine
To: Commr
of 
Pensions
Washington
Page 35

State of Maine.
ANDROSCOGGIN, SS.
CLERK'S OFFICE, SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT,
AUBURN, December 29 1855.}
I, JOSIAH D. PULSIFER, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County of Androscoggin, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that
William K Marston
is, and at the date of his certificate to the paper hereunto annexed, was an ACTING JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within, and for the County of Androscoggin, as appears by the paper hereunto annexed--that he is duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgments of Deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid, and that the following signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
J. D. Pulsifer CLERK.
Page 36

I Caturah Bennett of New Gloucester in the State of Maine aged one hundred and one year, widow of Francis Bennett who was a Soldier under Capt. Merrill in 1779 or there about, about 3 months, That I was born in Gloucester Massachusetts or Cape Ann and brought up there, and was married in Gloucester by Rev. Mr. Fuller of Cape Ann, that I was well acquainted in Cape Ann with Jonathan Somes and Ebenezer Marble, and several who came to New Gloucester to settle. I was well acquainted with said Jonathan Somes before the war of the Revolution, and that he was reported to have been a Revolutionary soldier, that he has related in my hearing his revolutionary services, that I have heard him say that he obtained a uniform coat for one of his services which was eight or nine months and of other services in said war. I have seen said uniform coat. He came to said New Gloucester after my husband and I came from Gloucester Mass. or Cape Ann, said Jonathan Somes & Mr Ebenezer Marble came to New Gloucester together & was our neighbors, & my acquaintance continued that Mr. Somes married for his last wife one Amma Emery of New Gloucester
Page 37

County of Cumberland that he died leaving his wife Anna Somes a widow who afterward married, & for her last husband she married Zachariah Leach, that she has not again married, and is now a widow. I recollect of her said former husband Somes being once a pensioner for his Revolutionary service but was droped. She well recollects of hearing Mr. Jonathan Somes (who got the uniform coat & married for his last wife one Anna Emery I believe who married for her last husband one Zachariah Leach who has not again married) state that he served several terms besides his coat service and served in the same place & company with Ebenezer Marble. She states, that she never knew any other Jonathan Somes except the one above mentioned & that she has obtained a Land warrant No. 3968-160 acres-Claim 163.262 & said Somes first married Sally Parsons for his first wife
Caturah [her X mark] Bennett
Witness A .Waterhouse
State of Maine
County of Androscoggin S.S. Dec 18th.1855
Subscribed by Caturah Bennett and duly sworn to
Before me
William K. Marston Justice Peace
for the counties of Cumberland
and Androscoggin
Page 38

I hereby certify that Mrs. Caturah Bennett, the affiant is a smart old lady, and a credible witness, and that her eyesight is good & does not wear glasses to read & is able to go around the house as the rest of the family and can eat common food as any of her family, and is in perfect health apparently and good memory
William K. Marston Justice Peace
I further certify that the interlineation was made to correct a mistake and made before signing before me.
William K. Marston J. Peace
Page 39

4
Deed
Jon. Somes to Isaac Barton
Cumberland Ss. Nov.24.1824-3 1/4 h
P.M. Clerks office S. J. Court
Recd. and filed
pd 8 cts Wm T Vaughan Clerk
May 4.1824 Recorded with
the Records of deeds Boon Wo
pa 439
Wm T Vaughan Clerk of the J. Court
Page 40

Deed
Jonathan Somes
to
Isaac Barton
Page 41

1808
December M. Deaniel Lewies to Jonathan Somes
November 1809 to 1 Bushal of coran Daniel Lewies
January 
8010 Lewies 90
1801 November Mr. Solomon Luthart 91
to [illegible] 46
to Shuen the hose maken [illegible] 16
December to Shuen hoss a hound 0.60
1811 to Mandan Mapel to Yok 0 10
to Shuen Yok of Steares 0 66
 July to Mandan Pich fork 0 09
October to Shuen the Mare Puten on 3 Shues 0 26
November to Sharpen Plow Shear colter 0 16
March 1815 to sofolo Rines fo for $ 7, 000
for the clok case 1 35
half Bushel of Meal
hose to Porklan march to Shuen 0 59
March to [illegible] of hay with Lelisin 1 25
the 18 to the hose hay to Portland 
May to 5 Pakes of flacksed 1 25
half Bushal of coran D 0 50 C
10.51
1810
December Cradet to Solomon Luthart
[illegible]
1818 April Sode 3 half of hay & 3 Bu Weat
& 3 pakes
Used
Page 42

2 M Ephram Bradford Dr
1804 
January
the 21
March
The hol acounte Brot over from the last setlement to thier Daye & the sum is [symbol for pound] 7 12: 7
to Shiren the Mar al round 0 3:0
to Newlayer Mortsen Ax 0 2:6
Apral to Mandan Blow Shear 0 3:0
May to Maken Je to hot 0 2:0
June to Mandan Slapal to Yok & ken 0 1:0
to Mandan King & Pickfork 0 1:6
July to Makan Stapal & Keng to fork 0 1:0
to Makan & Saton Shu on the mare 0 1:6s
October to Shuon the Mare 0 0:9
to Shuen the Mare Nu Shues 0 2:6
to Makan ablad to smol shuwed [unknown symbol] 8 14 4
0 1:6
Novem to Shaen Yok of oran makan Part 0 5:6
to Makan pol fast Wat 12 1/2 0 6:3
Decemb to Mandan Ring & kea 0 1:0
to Iruen the Sla armes & lenks 0 6:0
#1 6:6
Jaunat 1805 to Makan Sat of ox Shuen link Saten # 6:6
to Mandan ketel & makan huk 0 1:0
March to Mandan Sla 0 2:0
to spleten yok 0 3:0
May to Mandan 2 chanes 2 staples 0 1:6
to saten & huer 1:0
June to Makan Panofhenge 8:6
to henge & stapel 1:6
to Makan lanes penes Burner Farm 1:0
Nov to Neuen the Mare 0 1:6
an to Neuen the Mare
to Mandan Mare & Maj kong 0 1:6
to mandan chan & kong 01:0
Page 43

KNOW all Men by these Presents,
that I Jonathan Somes of New Gloucester in the
County of Cumberland Blacksmith also iron
in consideration of the sum of Nine hundred & fifty dollars
paid by Isaac Barton of said New Gloucester from the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said Isaac Barton his heirs and assigns forever a certain piece or parcel of land in said New Gloucester & being the Farm whereon I now live, and being the same land I purchased of David Le as may be seen by his deed to me dated Feb.15 1803 and recorded on the record for the County of Cumberland Book 40 Page 364 also by the Deed of Bildad Arnold dated June 27 1803, & recorded on the Record for the Court of  Cumberland Book 41, Pages 202 & 203.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, the aforegranted and bargained premises, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereof to the said Isaac Barton his heirs and assigns, to his & their use and behoof forever--And I do covenant with the said Isaac Barton his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises; that they are free of all incumbrances; that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Isaac Barton to hold as aforesaid. And that I will warrant and defend the same to the said Isaac Barton his heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I the said Jonathan Somes & Anna wife of the said Jonathan hereby relinquinshing her right of dower have hereunto set our hands and seals this twenty second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four
Jonathan Somes
Anna Somes
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED,
IN PRESENCE OF
John Stinchfield Jr
[illegible]
Cumberland May 22.1824 Personally appeared Jonathan Somes and acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed....BEFORE ME, 
[illegible] JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
[written in left margin] N.B.[finger pointing right] Will the [illegible]
Please send this deed
to her agent
North Pownal
Maine
Page 44

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office Boston
December 24th 1855.
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Jonathan Somes is borne on pay roll of Capt. Nathaniel Warner's Comp. Col. Moses Little's Regt. of 8 mos. min. name borne on Cont Roll, dated Prospect Hill, Nov.25.1775. 8 mos. as private, as private, from Gloucester.
I send a fac simile as nearly as possible on this thin paper.
The name of Jonathan Somes does not appear on any other roll in this office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 45

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, made by the Widow of the party who rendered the service.
State of Maine
County of Androscoggin Town of Poland
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Jonathan Somes in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Gloucester in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts
He enlisted from the Town of Gloucester in the County of Essex and State of Mass. in the year 1775 to 1783 as a private & corporal in the Company commanded by Captain as it may appear in any Regiment as it may appear, and he served as follows, *viz:--In Captain Warner & Taylor's companies. Little & Wood's Regt. This applicant states that her said husband per formed normal services during the several years of the said war as a private & corporal in captain's Josiah Taylers & Captains Warner's companies and Col. Little & Col. Woods regiments
This applicant wants the secretary to certify whether he is also the person of the name of Jonathan Somes borne on any Rolls or records in his office; And also to show whether his name is borne on any receipts for pay or on any Documents in his office & especially for the eight months service where he obtained his uniform coat in 1775, so as to get a facsimile or a likeness of his signature  
Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c. of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.
Page 46

this applicant states that this application is a second one & this is made to obtain a more full certificate of all the Revolutionary service of Jonathan Somes an inhabitant or resident of Gloucester Essex county Mass. from 1775 til 1783 and the close of said war as a private & corporal. He served several tours and more than two years. And this applicant requests the secretary to show whether any other one of the name appear to served by the said record in the time of said war as a resident of Gloucester, Mass. & whether his name is not shown on any receipts,
I am now [blank] years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.
Anna [her X mark] Leach
Witness William K. Marston
WITNESS my hand, this twentieth day of December A.D. 1855.
Signed by said Anna Leach in my presence,
Ai Waterhouse JUSTICE OF THE PEACE} State of Maine
Androscoggin County
Dec 20th.1855.
Please address to North Pownal Maine
to Ai Waterhouse
Office fee of 100 cents enclosed.
Page 47

Poland Dec 25. 40
To the Comr.
Dr. Sir-
Enclosed I send you the record evidence in the case of Anna Leach
No. 101187
Please forward the Land Warrant
Yours Truly
David Dunn
Poland
Maine.
Page 48

I Isaac Barton on oath declare that I was well acquainted with Jonathan Somes, the late husband of Mrs. Anna Leach. 
I lived in the same house with him when he died in New Gloucester
I have frequently heard
Page 49

I have frequently heard him tell about his being out in the Revolution and for some length of time & for different periods of service and that he was a Prisoner for a long time.
He went out as he informed me from Gloucester & I have never heard from him or from any other source of any other Jonathan Somes of Gloucester, & I verily believe he was the only one.
Isaac Barton
State of Maine
January 14, 1856
Subscribed and sworn to Before me. And I certify that the said Isaac Barton is a respectable man and a credible witness
David Dunn 
Justice of the Peace
through the State
Page 50

North Pownal, Maine
March. 6th. AD. 1856.
To the Hon. Commr of Pensions
City of Washington, 
D.C.
Dear Sir, I herewith enclose a power of Attorney in the Bounty Land claim of Ann Leach, formally widow of Jonathan Somes, duly authenticated, granting to me power to act for her in her behalf.
I, therefore, call the attention of the department to the re-examination of her claim for Land Bounty under act of 3 of March, 1855.-
I herewith send the letter of objection to her claim--And would respectfully state that she is undoubtedly & clearly entitled to her land claim which please send to me as soon as convenient as the old lady is feeble.
Respectfully &c
Ai Waterhouse
North Pownal 
Maine
[written in left margin] I respectfully state that additional evidence has been adduced, which has increased her pension, to which I refer to establish land claim
A.W.
Page 51

State of Maine.
ANDROSCOGGIN, SS.
CLERK'S OFFICE, SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT,
AUBURN, March 6 1856.}
I, JOSIAH D. PULSIFER, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County of Androscoggin, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that 
William K. Marston
is, and at the date of his certificate to the paper hereunto annexed, was an ACTING JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for the County of Androscoggin, as appears by the paper hereunto annexed--that he is duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgments of Deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid. and that the following signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Supreme Judicial Court, for the said State, the day and year first above written.
J D Pulsifer CLERK.
Page 52

Know all men by these presents, That I Ann Leach formally widow of Jonathan Somes of Poland, in the State of Maine, Do now hereby revoke my power of Attorney given to David Dunn Esq. and fully impower Ai Waterhouse Esq in his (Dunns stead for me to prosecute my claim for Bounty Land under act of March 3.1855, which claim has been rejected, under said Dunns agency. & I request that my said attorney Ai Waterhouse be recognised & my warrant for 160 acres of Bounty land be sent to him at North Pownal Maine. I hereby certify that I have this day received my certificate for an increase & I have received my pension accordingly this day, and I now fully ratify all the legal acts for me done by said Waterhouse my attorney in my claim Witness my hand and seal on this 26th of March 1856.
Ann [her X mark] Leach
Attest Isaac Barton
State of Maine County of Androscoggin ss. March 26th 1856, subscribed & duly acknowledged on the above date Before me
William K. Marston Justice of the Peace
Page 53

Pension Office
January 19" 1856
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 15" inst: You are informed that upon the proof filed in this Office, it cannot be admitted, that the husband of Anna Leach formerly viz: Jonathan Somes was the person who performed the service certified to by the Secretary of State of Mass:, which certificate is filed in support of the bounty land claim of Mrs. Leach. A claim for an increase of pension predicated upon such certificate of service, has been rejected. I see no reason for changing the decision communicated you in this case Dec. 31st 1855.
Yours Respectfully,
C.H. Rhett
David Dunn Esq.
Poland Me: for Commissioner
Page 54

Brief in the case of Anna Leach widow of Jonathan Somes
County and State of Maine
act 3 Feb 1853
Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner as Corpl for 1 year service under act of 1818. discontinued under Act of 1820-widow therefore becomes entitled to the rate of pension which he might have claimed had he lived to Jany 1832
Marriage to Somes proved by affidavit of the justice who solemnized the marriage, & by copy of the record which he kept.
Same witness proves the death of Somes. Her subsequent marriage to Leach & his death also proved by witnesses of credibility
Somes also identified as the Pensioner by common reputation & by evidence
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
David Dunn
Poland Me] M. Rae Examining Clerk.
Page 55

Brief in the case of Ann Leach, formerly widow of Jonathan Somes
Androscoggin County and State of Maine
act February 3. 1853-
Claim, ("for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under Act March 18.1818. at rate of $96 per annum, but was dropped from the rolls under act of 1820.
His widow (the present claimant) is now a pensioner under act of February 3.1853, at rate of $44 per annum for his services as corporal in the Continental line for the year 1776 but has surrendered her certificate and adduces record evidence of an additional service
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
of Eight months as private in 1775
Allowed accordingly
John M. Ayer Esqr
Name and residence of Agent
North Pownal
Maine
R Geddes Examining Clerk.
Page 56

North Pownal, Me
Feb 23d, AD. 1856
to the Hon J. Minot Commissioner of
Pensions-Washington, D.C.
I called upon Mrs. Anna Leach of Poland, Maine who is now a Revolutionary applicant for an increase of Pension under act of Feb 3d AD. 1853, by her request, who is feeble of health, and in all probability is fast wasting away by disease. She wished me to say for her that she respectfully requests that her pension claim for said increase & if the department is now satisfied that it ought to be increased, to do so & forward her certificate so that she can obtain her 4th of March payment if she lives, as she is feeble & on the day it is due to have her papers made to obtain it. She also states that she has furnished all the evidence of identity that she is able to do at present except proof of Somes first wife, which was asked to be explained in the last report in her case. She can furnish proof to show, that Somes, her former husband first married Sally Parsons, and 2d married her whose name was Anna Emery. She can prove this by many ways & many witnesses, but she wishes that her old certificate be sent her, if her claim is not increased so that she can get her March payment.
She also requests that her Bounty Land Warrant be sent to her & address in care of Isaac Barton, Poland, who she lives with.
Her Attorney David Dunn is not at home
Respectfully &c John M. Ayer North Pownal Me
[written in left margin] Please send the deed which Somes her former husband signed when the certificate is granted.
Page 57

North Pownal Me
Feb 7th, 1856
To the Hon. J. Minot
Comr. of Pensions
City of Washington D.C.
I herewith enclose the Pension Certificate of Anna Leach widow of Jonathan Somes which please return provide you do not see fit to increase.
I believe as near as I can recollect that the evidence referred to in your letter shows clearly that Somes last wife was Anna Emery, who lastly married one Mr. Leach. And that the copy of the record shows that Mrs. Bennets testimony states that his first wife was Sally Parsons & his last wife Anna Emery & Mrs. Bennet is now dead. She died on the 4th inst. but testimony can be had that his first wife was Parsons & his second Emery.
Respectfully &c
per order J. M. Ayer
North Pownal Maine
(Please return the Deed signed by 
Jona Somes.)
[written in left margin] I hereby respectfully refer the department to the proof from file by which Mrs. Anna Leach was pensioned to prove her name Anna Emery when she married Somes.
Page 58

Pension Office
February 2, 1836.
Sir
I have carefully examined the additional proof adduced in support of the claim for pension of Anna Leach alleged widow of Jonathan Somes who was a Revolutionary pensioner.
Mrs. Bennett the witness upon whose testimony reliance appears to be placed to prove that claimant's husband performed the service in 1775, swears that the name of Somes wife, before marriage, was Anna Emery. The record evidence shows that he married Anna Parsons. This discrepancy must be explained.
 Under no circumstances could a new certificate be issued until that now in claimant's possession is transmitted to this office.
Very respy.
R. McRue
for Commissioner
J.M. Ayer Esq
North Pownal,
Maine 
(Please send back the deed signed by Somes & oblige Mrs. Leach.)
[written in left margin] There appears to be a mistake in this statement that Mrs. Sally Parsons was Anna Emery by the copy of the [illegible] card.
Page 59

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston Jany 23d 1856
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed, 
Burgham H Corliss was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex
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 of Which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH the date above written.
F. DeWitt
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 60

State of Massachusetts, County of Essex,
Town of Gloucester.
I George L Ford Testify and say that I was legally chosen and sworn as Town Clerk of said Gloucester and that I have in in my office the Ancient Books of Records of various kinds, and on a thorough examination I find the name of Jonathan Somes as follows, to wit, Jonathan Somes, the son of Timothy and Abigail (maiden name Andrews) was born May (6) sixth A.D. (1753) Seventeen hundred and fifty three, also Jonathan Somes and Sally Parsons was joined in marriage February (19) nineteenth (1786) Seventeen hundred eighty six
The above is all that I can find of the name of Jonathan Somes in the Books of Records of Births, Deaths & Marriages. I further certify that I have thoroughly searched the other Books of Record of this town and cannot find the name of Jonathan Somes except in those above mentioned
January 21st 1856
George L. Ford
Clerk of the Town of Gloucester
Over
Page 61

I on oath testify that the foregoing as signed by me is true.
George L. Ford }Town Clerk of
Gloucester Mass
State of Massachusetts, County of Essex, Town of Gloucester, 
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this twenty first day of January A.D. 1856
Berg H. Corliss.
Justice of the Peace.
Page 62

North Pownal Maine
Dec 15th 1855
The Honorable J. Minot Esq
Commissioner of Pensions in person
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir I have before me the letter of the 10th instant (signed by S. Cole for the Commr of Pensions) of the objection, to the allowance of the increase of the Revolutionary claim of Anna Leach, whose pension was granted under act of 3 of February 1853 at 44 dollars per annum, as the former widow of Jonathan Somes who once enjoyed a pension of 96 dollars per annum under act of 18th of March 1818.
This letter of objection to said claim for the increase of her present pension, requires, that before her present pension can be increased she must show that Somes, the former husband, performed the service set forth as shown by the certificate of the Secretary of Mass. Boston.
It seems to show to me that she has allready met or complied with a letter of objection in this case dated Aug 13th, 1853, signed by L.P. Waldo, Comm
over
Page 63

and that she is now entitled the increase of her present pension as was promised her by the Hon. Mr. Waldo Commr of Pensions at that date Aug 13th, 1853. He says in so many words that if she can establish additional service in any other company, either of Regulars or Militia, her pension may be increased, in proportion to the length of time and grade in which he served.
Then say the records of Maine or Massachusetts may furnish some information to your enquiries. In as much as She (the widow was promised the increase of her pension by complying to the above statement of Mr. Waldo and obeying after being told what to do, & where she could find the evidence required that she now aught to have that promise made good.
I think that when this case is reexamined by the Hon. J. Minot-Commissioner of Pensions, that he may grant the increase claimed. I cannot see the justice of the last objection to her claim as it is next to impossible to more clearly show that he was the man who performed the service as set forth by Secty Certificate of Mass., Boston as was claimed and by her application therefore because there is no person now living as we know of, that could corroborate the service
Page 64

shown by her in her last claim now rejected. I contend that if it should appear by an examination of the ancient record of Gloucester Mass. that there was more than one man by the name of Jonathan Somes who resided in said Gloucester in 1775, that it would not show that said husband of Mrs. Leach the claimant did not perform the service which she has claimed & proved. It would only leave it as a matter of doubt & nothing positive against her and as there is no positive evidence against that service being rendered by any other man, it is hoped that the Hon. Commissioner will reexamine this case & find it first to allow it with the evidence allready adduced.
Respectfully &c
per order John M Ayer
No. Pownal
Maine
P.S. I cannot think it aught to be any objection to the allowance of this claim, because that said sources will not make mention of this service now proved by his widow, the fact is that it was not required of him to show or declare for all of the service performed by him, as one service & the duration claimed was enough to entitle him to $96 per annum
Page 65

Pension Office
Dec.10.1855.
Sir,
Additional evidence showing that Jonathan Somes the former husband of Anna Leach performed the service set forth in the Certificate now adduced, of the Secretary of Massachusetts, is required before an increase of her present pension under Act of 1853 can be allowed. This is rendered the more necessary as the said Somes in his Declaration made in 1818, makes no mention of the service now claimed for. It is also required that it be shown from the Town records of Gloucester that no other man of that name appears to have resided in said town in 1775 capable of bearing arms.
Respectfully yours,
W. Cole
For Commissioner
John M. Ayer, esq.
No. Pownal
Me.
Page 66

Additonal
in the Revolutionary claim
of Anna Leach
widow of Jonathan Somes for addition
& arrears of Pension
under act of
February 3d 1853
John M. Ayer
Attorney
North Pownal
Maine
Page 67

State of Maine.
ANDROSCOGGIN, SS.
CLERK'S OFFICE, SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT
AUBURN, December 1, 1855.}
I JOSIAH D. PULSIFER, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County of Androscoggin, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that
Ai Waterhouse
is, and at the date of his certificate to the paper hereunto annexed, was an ACTING JUSTICE OF THE PEACE and Notary Public within and for the Counties of Androscoggin and Cumberland as appears by the papers hereunto annexed--that he is duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgments of Deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid, and that the following signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
J.D. Pulsifer CLERK.
Page 68

Nov 29th AD. 1855
Know all men by these present, that I Anna Leach of Poland County of Androscoggin in the State of Maine widow formally of Jonathan Somes a revolutionary soldier, and pensioner of  the U.S. deceased hereby revoke the power of Attorney and agency given unto David Dunn Esq to substanciate my claim for a pension or arrears of pension under act of February 3, 1853 for the purpose therein mentioned and I hereby fully legally empower for the purpose of substantiating my claim to arrears of pension due me under said act John M. Ayer in the proceedings and to address him at North Pownal Maine in my claim for said arrears of pension which I think I have now established in accordance to the Commissioners letter on this dated August 13th 1853 & I hereby impower my said Attorney to substitute under him for the purpose above mentioned one or more attorneys and I hereby fully ratify all the legal acts of said Attorneys in my case; In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 29th day of November in the year  AD 1855.
Anna [her X mark] Leach
Sealed and delivered in
presence of 2
Isaac Barton
James Emery
Page 69

State of Maine
County of Androscoggin S.S.  Nov 29th 1855.
Then personally came the within named Anna Leach formally the widow of Jonathan Somes and acknowledged the within power of Attorney to be her free act and deed
Before me
Ai Waterhouse Justice
of the Peace
Notary Public
Page 70

Pension Office August 13.1853
Sir,
Upon reviewing the case of Anna Leach widow of Jonathan Somes, under Act of 3 February 1853, I find that Somes did as you allege at one time enjoy a pension of $96 per annum, under the act of 18 March 1818 but was dropped from the roll.
If he had furnished a schedule of property as required by the Act of May 1820 & been continued on the roll as an Indigent pensioner, under said Act his widow would now be entitled to the same rate per annum. But pensioners not thus continued, have their widows in the same state as if they had never been pensioned, that is the widow is entitled to the same rate of pension which her husband might claim if alive. If Jonathan Somes were living he could claim only under the Act of 7 June 1832 (supposing him to relinquish under the Indigent Act of 1818, as he in effect did by not complying with the requirements of the Act of 1820.) and for the duration of his service.
In his Declaration under the Act of 1818, he asserted only 12 months service in Capt Josiah Fay's Co, Woods regt. Parson'sBrigade. This service is confirmed by the roll here, and would entitle the husband if alive & claiming to $44
Page 71

per annum, the rate of a corporal under Act of 1832 for 12 months Service. His widow has been pensioned at the same rate.
She believes that he served a longer time. If she can establish additional service in any other company either of regulars or militia her pension may be increased in proportion to the length of time & grade in which he served.
The records of Maine or Massachusetts may furnish some information to your inquiries.
Yours very Resp
LP Waldo
Commissioner
David Dunn Esq
Poland Me
Page 72

Supplementary claim or declaration by Anna Leach former widow of Mr Jonathan Somes a soldier and a pensioner of the U.S. at 96 dollars per annum under act of March 18th 1818.
On the twenty ninth day of November A.D. 1855 Personally appeared Anna Leach (former widow of Jonathan Somes aforesaid) and claiming before me Justice of the Peace & A Notary Public within and for the counties of Androscoggin & Cumberland that she is a pensioner under act of 3d of February A.D. 1853 & that she is entitled to an addition to her said pension by virtue of the act as aforesaid and also by complying with a requisition and letter of the Commissioner of Pensions dated on the 13th of August A.D. 1853 to David Dunn Esq herewith returned a copy of which she retains. She states that her husband aforesaid performed a longer period of service in the war of the Revolution than the time (here) set forth by the Secretary of Mass. Boston which is attached & she requests that her pension be increased according to the amount of service he herewith proven & for proof of her
over
Page 73

identity she refers to the papers & Declaration on file in the pension Department & the pension roll & papers here with presented. And address her Attorney John M. Ayer at North Pownal Maine
Anna [her X mark] Leach
Witness
Isaac Barton
James Emery
State of Maine
County of Androscoggin S.S.
Nov 29th 1855 Then personally appeared the above named Anna Leach former widow of Jonathan Somes, who is now a widow not haveing again married but is now a widow and a pensioner under act of February 3, 1853, and made oath to the foregoing declaration according to her best knowledge & belief Before me
Ai Waterhouse Justice 
of the Peace & A
Notary Public
Page 74

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston
November 8th 1855.
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Jonathan Somes is borne on pay roll of Capt. Nathaniel Warner's Comp. Col. Moses Little's Regt. from May 3.1775, 8 mos. service, name borne on Cont roll dated Prospect Hill Nov.25.1775, as private from Gloucester.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 75

To the Secretary of Massachusetts, Boston.
The undersigned widow of Jonathan Somes, formally respectfully requests all the evidence of the Naval and Millitary services rendered by Jonathan Somes her former husband during the war of the American revolution.
This applicant, states that she believes that he was a resident during the said war of Gloucester or Cape Ann Mass. and after the said war he moved to New Gloucester now in the State of Maine, and there died. She states that her memory is not perfect & cannot recollect the name of his officers under whom her said husband, served, by sea or by land. But she well remembers of hearing him tell of his being taken prisoner twice during his service in said war, and detained in a prison ship at one time 3 years and by land taken for and kept 2 years more and his suffering everything but death. That he served in all [illegible] imprisonment more that (6) six years.
Anna [her X mark] Leach
Witness Ai Waterhouse
State of Maine, Androscoggin County S.s. Nov
5th, 1855. Signed and acknowledged before 
me. William K. Marston, Justice Peace
Page 76

We the undersigned residents of Poland in the county of Androscoggin and State of Maine of Lawful age on oath depose and say that we are well acquainted with Anna Leach who is now a widow and formally the widow of Jonathan Somes and that she is a pensioner of the U.S. under act of 3rd of February 1853 and that she now claims an addition to the same by virtue of the act & revolutionary service of said Somes who we have heard say repeatedly that he served several years in said war, and that he was taken prisoner by the enemy, & nearly suffered death while a prisoner. That we have been well acquainted with said Anna Leach for many years passed & was well acquainted with Jonathan Somes the former husband of said Anna Leach & have heard him tell of his suffering while a prisoner. 
Isaac Barton
Jane Barton
State of Maine
Androscoggin County s.s. Nov. 29th, 1855
Subscribed and duly sworn to
Before me Ai Waterhouse Justice of the Peace & 
A Notary Public
Page 77

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Anna Leach the declarant & applicant for addition to her pension & that she is the person she represents herself to be & that she is now a widow & that the Affiants in this case are respectable and credible witnesses. And that I have no interest in this claim
Ai Waterhouse Justice
of the Peace & 
Notary Public
Page 78

Poland Maine. Jan.15.1855.
Hon. J. Minot. Comr
Dr. Sir,
I have received your last letter as to the claim of Mrs. Anna Leach for Bounty Land No. 101.187.
The Certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts showed 8 months service of Jonathan Somes, her husband in 1775. He was out considerable time & was a Prisoner for a while as I understand, and although in his declaration he alleges Service under Capt. Fay, that service does
Page 79

not appear of record in the Secretary's office of Massachusetts.
I can't learn from any Source that there was ever any pretence or report of any more than one Jonathan Somes from Gloucester in the Mass. Continental Line.
I cannot hear of any person now living that knows for a certainty as the time (81 years) is so long past.
I send you the deposition of Isaac Barton who lived in the same house with Somes the last of his life and
Page 80

it is probable he knows as much about it as any person living.
Somes was a pensioner in his lifetime and Mrs. Leach is now a pensioner as his Widow, and certain it cannot be any fraud upon the Law or upon the government for her to have a Land Warrant.
She alleges his Revolutionary Services and the certificate of the Secretary of State of ass. shows the record evidence of 8 months service and I maintain respectfully that the case is fairly made out and I hope and
Page 81

trust you will so decide and forward the Land Warrant.
Yours Very Respectfully
David Dunn
Page 82

Anna Leach, formerly
widow of
Jonathan Somes
Increase
Maine
Admitted act Febr 3, 1853
at rate of $70.66c per annum
commencing 3d Feby 1853-
former payments under
same act at rate of $44
per annum, to be deducted
Husband was a 
Corporal Infantry 12 months
Private so 8 "
Pay widow
Certificate to
J.M. Ayer Esq
North Pownal
Maine
Page 83

Additional in
the Revolutionary
Bounty Land claim
of Ann Leach
now suspended.
[written vertically] [stamp AUBURN ME 
MAR 7]
J. Minot Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
D.C.
Boynton
[stamp FREE]
Page 84

I find no further service for Jon Somes.
N.L. Stury
Clerk of Pensions.
Page 85

No. 886
Anna Leach
widow Jonathan Somes
Maine
1853 7.June Let to Dav Dunn
Act 3 Feb. 1853
Page 86

Prn: act 7 53 Me
Boynton
Page 87

Poland Me Dec 26 free
Hon. J Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
[written vertically- 101487
Anna Leach
Boynton]
Page 88

[stamp-PORTLAND
JAN
15
FREE]
Hon J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
[written vertically- 101487
Anna Leach
widow
Jonathan Somes
Boynton]
Page 89

18250
160 Acres
Page 90

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9124
Anna Leach
formerly Wid
Jonothan Somes
Privt & Corpl. Rev War
Act: Feby 3d 1853.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 427
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 91

Poland Maine July 15, 1853.
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner
Dear Sir,
The Pension Certificate of Annah Leach, the widow of Jonathan Somes under the Act of February 3, 1853, has been received & she has got it, but the great mystery to us about it is why it should be so low as $44 a year.
She says that her said husband (Jonathan Somes) served seven years in the Revolution (a part of the time a prisoner) & I suppose all this appears of record in your office. 
She drew a pension of $96 in 1819 & thereabouts
Page 92

Why should the pension of this Widow be only $44 when the pension of her husband was $96?
By what Law is her pension fixed at $44?
From the best examination I am able to make upon the case it seems to me that her pension should be $96 & that therefore there must be some mistake about it.
Please to write me and inform me as to this
Very Respectfully
David Dunn
Page 93

Payment to be made at
Portland, Maine by
G.F. Emery
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the 
Agency of 
Portland
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the 
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 6 Vol. A
R. Mc Rae Clerk.
[written vertically-Cancelled]
Page 94

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Anna Leach
widow of Jonathan Somes
who was a Corporal in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty four dollars and [blank] cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, 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 Department of the Interior,
this 22nd day of June
one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
R. McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.
[written vertically-Cancelled]
Page 95

Poland, Maine June 11.1853
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions
Dr. Sir,
Enclosed I send you the affidavit alluded to in your letter.
I hope this will be satisfactory and that the proper papers will soon be issued to the said Anna Leach for her Pension
Very Respectfully &c
David Dunn
Page 96

763
Maine
Anna Leach
widow of Jonathan Somes
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Corporal
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
44 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3 February 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the
22nd day of June 1853
and sent to David Dunn
Poland
Me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
Act 3 February 1853 Page 6 Vol. A
Page 97

1853 Augt. 13.
Let to David Dunn Poland Me
" John M. Ayer Dec 10/53
"same Dec 24 1855
"Same Feby 2/56
[written vertically-Res 3m 55-101187]
Page 98

Poland Maine, February 23.1853.
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Dr. Sir,
Enclosed I send you the Declaration & evidence of Anna Leach for a Pension under the late Law as she is the widow of Jonathan Somes a Revolutionary Soldier & Pensioner to whom she was married in 1822 & he died in 1824.
He was at one time a Pensioner, but his Pension was stopped some few years before his death
Page 99

under the provision of Law stopping the Pension where the Pensioner was worth a certain amount of property.
Under the Act of July 1.1848 the fact of his Pension & the evidence on which it was granted will be sufficient for her.
The proof here sent will no doubt be very satisfactory to the Department that the said Anna Leach is the widow of the said Jonathan Somes & that as such she is entitled to the Pension.
She lives in the same village with me and has so resided for eleven years past
Page 100

Her Declaration to be sure is sworn to before a Jus. Peace & Quorum through the State and there is no higher Judicial Officer in our vicinity.
The Courts are held thirty miles distance from here & she is utterly unable to attend Court and it would be very inconvenient and expensive for her to get a Judge to come here for that purpose.
None of the Judges resided nearer than 30 miles and they are so engaged in their public duties that they are hardly willing to travel so far to take a declaration even at any price.
I hope the Department will consider this declaration of hers sufficient for it is readily seen that her own declaration
Page 101

can be of no consequence at all as she was never acquainted with the said Jonathan Somes until 1822.
I hope & trust these papers will be satisfactory to the Department & that the Pension will be allowed.
Whether the Pension will commence from March 1848 or from the death of Somes or some other time are questions that the Department will no doubt decide correctly.
I have no interest whatever in this Pension in any way or stake.
The Pension certificate or any communication concerning this case  you will please enclose to me.
Very Respectfully &c
David Dunn
Poland
Maine
P.S. I see the Clerk of Courts has put these papers together in an awkward manner. Perhaps you had better cut the ribbon
D.D.
Page 102

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston
December 21st 1855.
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Jonathan Somes is borne on pay roll of Capt. Nathaniel Warner's Comp. Col. Moses Little's Regt. of 8 mos. men name borne on coat roll dated Prospect Hill Nov. 25.1775 as private from Gloucester.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
D M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 103

Poland Maine. Dec. 18.1855.
To the Sec. of State,
Sir,
Please send me the proper certificate of service of Jonathan Somes as Corporal in 1776 & 1777 under Capt. Josiah Fay & Col. Jonathan Ward. Mass. Continental line.
I want it on a Bounty land case as I am notified from the Pension Office that his service does not appear of record there and am referred to you for the "record evidence" 
Please send it to me and I will send you your pay.
Yours Truly 
David Dunn