Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9,911, for Luther Jotham, Massachusetts
Page 1

Service Continental Mass
Jotham, Luther (colored)
Watson, Rhoda (Former Widow)
Number
[No.] 9.911
B.L.W.[Illegible?].100391-160-55
Contents
Page 2

Let. [sp?] J. L. Hodsden [sp?] 
Feb. 28. 1862

Date of death
not on AB

No. 7078.

Maine. - Augusta
Rhoda Watson - formerly
widow of Luther Jotham
 Mass
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 96 dollars
cents per annum, to commence on 
the [3d February 1853[?]  - crossed out]
4. March 1861
Certificate of Pension issued
8 day of Jan. 1862
and sent to Barrett E. Potter
Augusta,
Maine. 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under
February 3, 1853, Page [illegible] Vol. H.
Page 3

[left side of page]
[illegible]
RC Von Esq  Augusta 
Maine - 
15 July 1820

[right side of page]
        6230.
         Maine
=================
Luther Jotham,
     private,
Massachusetts line  20 mo.
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
===================
Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine
at the rate of - 8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 7th of April 1818
===================
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 of Jany 1819 and del'd  
                         R.C. Von
===================
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1818. 4 m  28/30 -39.46
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1819 -   48.00
                                                             =====
                                                              $87.46
                                                            ======
                {Revolutionary claim,}
                {Act 18th March, 1818}

Vassalboro
          Continuing
Page 4

[left side of page]
316.853  Act Mch 3/53[?]
                 Jany 6/62
Rhoda Watson
                for Wid
Luther Jotham
                pri 

War of Revolution 1777["1777" is crossed out]
   See Pension papers
also application for 
renewal of Pension

Allowed. 160 acres.
[Signature] L.M.Drury -
[illegible]        Examiner

[Signature] Barrett E Potter
                  Augusta Maine

[written diagonally across this page is the following]
100391 of[?] claim. 11/62

[right side of claim]
              Ed. Butty
Page 5

State of Maine}
County of Waldo ss}

On this twelfth day of September one thousand eight hundred and sixty personally appeared before the Honorable Hiram Bass, Judge of Probate for the County aforesaid, and in open Court, same being a Court of Record.  RHODA JOTHAM of China in the County of Kennebec aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to Law, Doth on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the Pension due to herself under the act of Congress passed February 3d. 1833.

And your Declarant states that she is the widow of Luther Jotham, who died in said China in the County of kennebec, State of Maine, on or about the 22d day of June A. D. 1832 who was a soldier of the Revolution and who served as she believes, at the Battle of "Bunker Hill", & also where, and for a period of more than two?
years in said War of the Revolution; that her said husband, Luther Jotham was born as she believes, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts & was registered in the Town of Bridgewater in said Commonwealth, at the time he entered the service.  She further states, that she was born in the town of Georgetown , in said States of Maine, & was married to the said Luther Jotham at Vassalboro in said State of Maine, on the 20th day of December 1821.  and that her name before marriage was Rhoda Parker & that her said husband Luther Jotham Died as aforesaid at China, June 22, 1832. & that she hath ever since remained, & is now the Widow of said Luther Jotham, she further claims the pension due her from the 3 of February, 1853 for & during life or widowhood under
Page 6

said act.  The reason of her making this Declaration out of the County, in which she resides, and before the Judge of Probate for the adjacent County is, that it is attended with less expence and inconvenience, and her residence in China is but half a mile from said County of Waldo.  She further declares that it is less than three months since she became aware that she was entitled to anything from the United States by reason of being the Widow of a Revolutionary Pensioner, - residing in an unfrequented part of said Town of China, and being unable to read or write.
                                            her
               [Signature] Rhoda  X  Jotham
                                              mark
Witness.
C.S. Worthing
G.J. Coombs
                         At the time & place aforesaid personally appear Ezekiel Talbot aged 73 & Eliza Talbot aged 72. who being both first duly sworn according to Law on oath declare, that the aforesaid Rhoda Jotham, who subscribed and swore to the aforesaid Declaration in their presence, is to their certain knowledge, the Widow of Luther Jotham, a Revolutionary Pensioner, who Died in their presence, in China aforesaid June 22. 1832, and they declare that they were well acquainted with said Rhoda, from a period prior to her marriage with said Luther Jotham, and up to the present time and know that they (said Rhoda & Luther,) lived together as husband & Wife, (and much of the time, near said Deponent) from the time of their marriage in December 1821. until said Jotham's Death, as aforesaid, & had children, and that said Rhoda Jotham hath, ever since said Luther Jotham's Death remained, and continues up to the present time and is now, unmarried, and is said Luther
Page 7

Jotham's Widow and they have always understood and believed, said Luther Jotham was a Revolutionary Pensioner, as was the father of said Ezekiel, all colored people residing in one & the same neighborhood, in China Kennebec County, Maine, where this Deponent, & said Rhoda Jotham now reside, and that they have no interest in any claim of said Rhoda Jotham's upon the United States, as the Widow of said Revolutionary Pensioner Luther Jotham.
                                  [Signature] Ezekiel Talbot
                                  [Signature] Eliza Talbot
Witness,
C.S. Worthing
G.J.Coombs


I Clifford S. Worthing of Palermo in Waldo County, on oath say, that I knew said Rhoda Jotham's husband, Luther Jotham, & know that said Luther was called a Revolutionary Pensioner & was some thirty of forty years older than his Wife said Rhoda
                         [Signature] C.S.Worthing

Done and subscribed and sworn To before me Hiram Bass Judge of Probate within & for said 
County, & at the time & place as aforesaid, by said Declarant and affiants, and I certify, that said Rhoda Jotham appears to be of the age by her stated, and I have no doubt from her appearance and statements, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and is, and ever has been since his death the Widow of Luther Jotham, a soldier of the War of the Revolution and a pensioner, and I believe her to be a woman of good reputation for truth & veracity and fully entitled to credit, Said affiants are also Known to me as persons of good
Page 8

reputation for truth and veracity, appear to be of the ages by them stated, and are fully entitled to credit, and I further certify that I have no interest in any claim of the aforesaid Rhoda Jotham upon the United States, as the Widow of Said Luther Jotham, I am not concerned in the prosecution of the same.
                         [Signature] Hiram Bass
                                          Judge of Probate

                  State of Maine
County of Waldo Ss
                           I Bohan P. Field Register of the 
         Court of Probate for Said County of Waldo hereby certify that the above is the genuine signature of Hiram Bass and that he is Judge of Said Probate Court for Said County of Waldo
               In witness whereof I have hereunto 
SEAL       set my hand & affixed the Seal of Said 
               Court this twelfth day of September 
               A.D. 1860
               [Signature] Bohan P. Field   Register 

State of Maine. County of Waldo,ss.  
I S.L. Milliken Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County, hereby certify that the Court of Probate for said County in a Court of Record, having a Register & seal, that said Hiram Bass is Judge of said Court, said Bohan P. Field is Register, both duly commissioned & qualified as such & the above are their genuine 
                               signatures. & this seal, the 
    SEAL                   seal of said Court.  In 
                               testimony of which, I Have hereunto affixed the Seal of Said Supreme Judicial Court, this 13* day of September A.D. 1860. -     my signature,
                      [Signature] S.L. Milliken   Clerk
Page 9

I Anna Johnson of Vassalboro in the County of Kennebec on oath say I am eighty years of age and I am the widow of Holman Johnson formerly of said Vassalboro now deceased my husband (said Holman Johnson) was a Justice of the Peace,  and was accustomed to solemnize marriages and perform other duties pertaining to that office  I have in my possession a Book containing in his  (my said husband's) hand writing, a record in the words & figures following viz. - 
_________________________________________________
"Dec 20} I joined in marriage Luther Jotham to
"   1821} Miss Rhoda Parker, both of Vassalboro."
                
__________________________________________________
I have a recollection of a colored couple of the above names being married by my husband said Holman Johnson at about the time above named.  The man (Jotham) was many years older than his wife  He was said to be a Revolutionary soldier.  Said Jotham & his wife moved away from Vassalboro a few years after they were married, & I understand they lived in China Maine.  The Record Book from which the above marriage is copied, I know to be the
Page 10

same which I have often seen in my husband's (said Holman Johnson's) hands, and seen him writing in, & it contains a record of other marriages,  Said Holman Johnson Died at Vassalboro on the 17"of April A.D. 1856.
                            Signature] Anna Johnson
Witness,
    [Signature] Isaac Fairfield

      State of Maine}
           Kennebec County ss.}
                    Vassalboro August 20th 1860,
The foregoing affidavit was subscribed & sworn to before me this day, & I certify that the affiant - is well Known to me as the widow of Holman Johnson, & a Lady of good reputation for truth & veracity & fully entitled to credit, and I further certify, that I have no interest in any claim of the within named Rhoda Jotham in virtue of her said husband's (Luther Jotham) service as a soldier of the Revolutionary 
                                                     [see file 12]
Page 11

Revolutionary Pension claim
                    of
Rhoda Jotham widow of 
Luther Jotham deceased
pensioner
___________________________
Wid. application
__________________
   act of 1853
__________________
Luther Jotham - Me
__________________________
      act, 18 M, 1818



        Bowen & Herrick atty
                            Present
Page 12

army, I am not concerned in the prosecution of the same
                      [Signature] John Mower} Justice 
                                                 of the peace

                State of Maine
                Kennebec County ss I hereby certify 
                that John Mower Esq before whom 
                the foregoing affidavit was made and 
SEAL        sworn to, was, at the date thereof, a 
                Justice of the Peace for the said 
                county, duly authorized to administer 
                oaths &c, and that his signature 
                thereto is genuine. 
                     Witness my hand and the seal of 
                our Supreme Judicial Court for said 
                County this 24th day of August A.D. 
                1860 - 
              [Signature] Wm M Stratton} Clerk of
                                                  Said Court
Page 13

             Commonwealth of Massachusetts
                                 _______________
             Secretary's Office, Boston, Aug 29th 1860


I hereby Certify, that on the third day of July AD 1818, Holman Johnson of Vassalboro was appointed for the term of Seven Years a Justice of the peace (@duly qualified) for the County of Kennebec 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.
                         [Signature] Cha W Sovett
              Dep'y Secretary of the Commonwealth


                    Fee 50 cent Stamp
Page 14

State of Maine}
County of Kennebec}  SS.
                          
                      On this twentieth day of December AD 1861 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Rhoda Watson aged 74 years, a widow of China in the State of Maine, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Luther Jotham deceased, who was a private in the army of the revolution; that her said husband enlisted in the month of June AD 1777 and continued in actual Service in Said war for the term of three years, at the end of which time he was honorably discharged She further States that She was married to the said Jotham in Vassalboro in the year 1820, and that her name before Said marriage was Rhoda Goodwin; that her said husband died in China in the County of Kennebec on the 22d day of June AD 1832, and that She is now a widow.
   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 she further declares that she has not received or applied for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress.
Witness-                                              
[Signature]M. Cunningham             her
                          [Signature] Rhoda  X  Watson
                                                       mark
                                       [the word "mark" is cut 
                                       from the bottom of 
                                       the page
Page 15

We, Duwinda Foye and Mary Ann Foye residents of Augusta in the State of Maine, upon our oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Rhoda Watson in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statement of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and is still a widow
                               [Signature Duwinda Foye
                               [Signature] Mary Ann Foye

State of Maine - Kennebec County SS.
       The foregoing declaration and affidavit 
  were sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and is still a widow, and that I have no interest in this claim.
[Signature] Barrett E. Potter} Justice of the Peace

State of Maine - Kennebec County Ss.
             I the Subscriber, clerk of the Supreme 
             Judicial Court of Said State Within and 
             for the County of Kennebec, hereby 
             certify that Barrett E. Potter Esq. of 
             Augusta is, and at the time of signing 
SEAL     the foregoing certificate, was a Justice 
             of the Peace within and for the said 
              county, duly commissioned and 
              qualified to act as such and that the 
              above signature purporting to be that 
              of said Potter is genuine -
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this twenty third day of December A.D. 1861
                           [Signature] Wm M Stratton
                                            _________________
Page 16

                     State of Maine.
                      
                  I John Davis Clerk, for the County of 
              Kennebec of the Circuit Court of 
              Common Pleas for the second Eastern 
SEAL       Circuit, embracing the counties of 
               Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do 
               hereby certify, that the foregoing 
               oath and the Schedule thereto 
               annexed, are truly copied from the 
               record of the said Court; and that the 
               original was exhibited in open Court; 
               and I do further certify that it is the 
               opinion of the said Court that the 
               total amount in value of the property 
               exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, 
               including debts due to the declarant 
               therein stated, is Forty nine dollars  
               [cross outs], and deducting therefrom
the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is Forty nine dollars [cross out]

        In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of June 1820.
[Signature] John Davis  Clerk of said Court for 
                                 the County of Kennebec
Page 17

                                                       219

  Luther Jotham
Vassalboro
Continue
6.230 Vassalboro
6.230 Vassalboro
           28 Jan 1819

       Mar 1819


P.C. Von. Augusta Maine
Page 18

(Copy)                                                           219
                      State of Maine.
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.

ON this thirtieth day of May, 1820, personally appeared  before Nathan Weston Jun chief, Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Luther Jotham aged Sixty Nine years, resident in Vassalboro in the County of Kennebec within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Mitchell and Regiment commanded by Colonel Bailey of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of one year, and was in the battle of King's Bridge and Harlem heights - that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the Seventh day of April 1818; that he is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6230.  And I, the said Luther Jotham do further solemnly swear. that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, " An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
                          [Signature] Luther Jotham

     The following is a schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz:
       One smal hut and house of the value of 
        twenty dollars -
       One cow of the value of fifteen dollars -
       Three sheep and one lamb of the value of 
        six dollars -
       One swine of the value of four dollars -
       Old house hold stuff, besides necessary, 
        bedding, not exceeding two dollars in 
        value
       One old Axe worth one dollar -
       One shovel, worth seventy five cents -
       Old hoe, worth twenty five cents -
My income does not exceed five dollars a year; I am by occupation a labouring man but from age and infirmity unable to do but little - 
My family at home consists of myself, my daughter Mary Anne, aged three years and my son Orlando aged two years -
       Except the within, and my necessary clothing and bedding I have no property or income whatever - 
                       [Signature] Luther Jotham
Page 19

Subscribed Sworn to, and declared both the oath  and schedule, on the thirtieth day of May 1820,
Before me  [Signature] Nathan Weston Junior C.J.
                                                  C.C.C.Pleas - 

A true Copy
   Attest [Signature]  John Davis Clerk
Page 20

             Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
                         _____________________
SEAL        

              To the Honorable the Secretary of the 
              Department of War of the United 
              States.

                      I the subscriber, being Chief 
                      Justice of the Circuit Court of 
                      Common Pleas, for the Second 
                      Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, 
                      embracing the Counties of 
                      Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, 
                      do hereby certify to your Honor, that Luther Jotham, a citizen of the United States, now resident in Vassalborough, in the said County of Kennebec, in the District of Maine, on the seventh day of April, A.D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A.D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.
     And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a Private soldier, in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
     In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this twenty fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen,
      [Signature] Nathan Weston Jun  C. Just
                                   C.C.C.Pleas [?] E. Circuit
Page 21

              Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


Kennebec, ss. -

          The Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable Nathan Weston, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset; and that by direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.

                           In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand: Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
                               [Signature] John Davis
Page 22

Luther Jotham, Vassalboro
Ken. Co. Pr Col. Bayley's 
Mass. Reg.  April 1775.
to Dec'r.1776 -  17 mo
             April 7, 1818
             ______________

Admitted
Page 23

             Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
I Luther Jotham, aged sixty six years, born in Middleborough Massachusetts, a citizen of the U. States, now resident in Vassalborough in the District of Maine upon oath testify and declare that in July 1775 I enlisted as a private in the service of the U. Sates, in the war of the revolution against the common enemy upon the continental establishment, for what then remained (five months) of what was called the first eight months service, in the company commanded by Capt Josiah Hayden, and regiment commanded by Col. Bayley, of the Massachusetts troops this period I served out, and then Jany. 1. 1776. I again enlisted as a private soldier in the war of the revolution upon the continental establishment for the term of one year. into the company commanded by Capt Mitchell and regiment commanded by Col John Bayley of the Massachusetts troops.  This period I served out and was discharged honorably in January 1777 at Perks hill or White Plains. I cannot now recollect which. My discharge is not now in existence.  This was my last continental service. I afterwards served in the militia.  I was in the battle of Harlem heights, and at the battle of Kingsbridge.  From my reduced circumstances, I am in need of assistance from my country for support.  And I do hereby relinquish all my claim to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the U. States, if any; but I am not to my knowledge, [illegible] on any pension list whatsoever. I request that I may be put upon the pension list for the District of Maine.
                              [Signature] Luther Jotham

           Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Ss.
                        On the seventh day of April aD 1818 Luther Jotham above named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, by him subscribed -
Before me, [Signature] Nathan Weston Jun
                                    Chief Justice C. 
                                     Court O Pleas, 
                                      second Eastern 
                                      Circuit
Page 24

              Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Robert C. Von of Augusta in the District of Maine upon oath testify and declare that I am well acquainted with Luther Jotham within named.  From his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support; and I have no doubt he served as he has within stated. 
                           [Signature] Robert. C. Von

               Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Ss.
                On the twenty fifth day of May A.D. 1818 Robert C. Von Esq above named, after having been carefully examined made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.  Before me 
         [Signature] Nathan Weston Jun  C. Just
                                     C.C.C.Pleas [?] E. Circuit
Page 25

                 State of Maine
                   ____________
County of ["Kennebec" is inserted from above] Kennebec [cross out] ss.

    On this tenth day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and [cross out] sixty, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Rhoda Jotham [cross out] aged 73. years, a resident of [cross out] China in the State of Maine, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Luther Jotham deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] Regiment of [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [cross outs] Revolutionary War.  that her husband was detached & volunteered at Bridgewater Massachusetts [cross out] on or about the [blank] day of June A.D. 1775. for the term of [blank] and continued in actual service in said war for the term of seven years and was honorably discharged at the close of the War 
[a large section has vertical marks indicating an omitted section]
     She further states that she was married to the said Luther Jotham in Vassalboro on the 20" day of December A.D.1821. by one Homan Johnson a Justice of the Peace and that her said husband died at China on the 22' day of June A.D. 1832 and that she is now a widow, she does not know of any public or private record of said marriage, 
     She further declares that she has not heretofore ["received or" is inserted from above] received or made application for Bounty Land under this or any other Act of Congress. 
     She does not know of any public or private record of her marriage or of the death of her husband and I appoint Thomas H Garnsey Esq of Bangor Me atty in [illegible] to present this application & receive the Land Warrant - that may issue thereon
     She makes the declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855," and of the act amendatory of the same, approved may 14, 1856
                                                                                  her
                                                    [Signature] Rhoda  X  Jotham
 Witness                                                                    mark
[Signature] Thomas L. Watson
 [Signature] John L. Hodsdon
Page 26

I Ezekiel Talbot of China Kennebec County on oath say, that I am 73 years old next December, I am a colored man my father Abraham Talbot was a Revolutionary pensioner, he died about 21. years ago.  Luther Jotham husband of the within named Rhoda Jotham was a colored man and a Revolutionary pensioner, said Jotham died in China about 28 years ago at his own house, next to mine I was present and saw him die  He was (I am quite sure) eighty-four years old when he died  I was well acquainted with his wife Rhoda Jotham, before she was married & know of her marriage to said Jotham, at the time it took place in Vassalboro adjoining China, and know that said Rhoda and said Jotham, lived together as husband and wife from the time of said marriage at Vassalboro in 1820. until said Jotham died in China as aforesaid, and three children two of whom are dead and the third though long unheard from is, supposed to be living. said Rhoda has never married since the death of her husband. but has always remained, and is now a Widow Said Jotham had a Brother "Calvin Jotham" also a Revolutionary pensioner, said Rhoda Jotham has made my house her home for 2 years past and [illegible] the fact this marriage was ever questioned.
          I Eliza Talbot, wife of the above named Ezekiel Talbot - on oath say that I shall be 73 years old the 21 day of this month, and can confirm all the above stated by said husband.  I saw Luther Jotham die at this time aforesaid
                       [Signature] Ezekiel Talbot
                       [Signature] Eliza Talbot

State of Maine}
Kennebec County ss}
                           On this tenth day of July A.D. 1860 the aforesaid Ezekiel Talbot and Eliza Talbot made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by them subscribed and I certify that said affiants are well known to me to be the individuals they represent themselves to be and appear to be of the ages by them stated, and they are of good reputations for truth and veracity and are fully entitled to credit, and I further certify that I have no interest in the within Rhoda Jotham's claim for Bounty Land & am not concerned in its prosecution
 Before me. [Signature] John L. Hodsdon 
                             Justice of the Peace & 
                            Quorum for each & every 
                            County throughout the State
Page 27

Revolutionary Bounty Land
Rhoda Jotham
Widow of Luther Jotham
[there is a vertical line through all of the above]
Paid at Portland Me. 
309.7780            Agency

Rec'd from J.S.Hodsdon of 
                            Bangor Me.

[the following if crossed out] 
Thomas H.Garnsey
           Agent
               Bangor 
                    Maine

     Bowen & Herrick attys
                           Present
                          _________
Page 28

[this file is identical to that of page 29, except there is a small document which overlays the bottom section of the page, which was blank on page 29.   Only the new document will be transcribed]
                     STATE OF MAINE.
                        ______________
PENOBSCOT, ss. - 
I, Augustus S. French, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, in said County, certify that John L. Hodsdon Esquire, is and was at the date of his 
                  Certificate an acting Justice of the 
                  Peace, ["& Quorum" is inserted 
                  from above] & Quorum in said 
                  County, ["& for each & every county 
SEAL          throughout the State" is inserted 
                  from above] & for each & every  
                  County throughout the State duly 
                  commissioned and qualified to act as such, and that the signature to the paper annexed, purporting to be his, is genuine, and that he is duly authorized and empowered, by the laws of said State, to take acknowledgment of Deeds, Assignments and Powers of Attorney.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State this twenty fourth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and [cross out] sixty
                       [Signature] A S French Clerk.
                                         -------------------
Page 29

We, Ezekiel Talbot and Eliza Talbot residents of China in the State of Maine, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Rhoda Jotham in our presence, and that we [several words are crossed out and the following is inserted] know from fifty years intimate acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
     We also depose that we well knew her and the said Luther Jotham during the lifetime of the latter, and know that they lived together many years in the relation of husband and wife, were so universally reputed, and no one ever disputed their marriage to our knowledge.  Said Jotham was known and reputed as a revolutionary pensioner and We have frequently heard him talk about participating, his service, we do not know of any public or private record of said marriage & never heard their marriage disputed or doubted or questioned. -
     We also know from personal recollection and from many facts and circumstances that the said Luther Jotham died at China on the 22d day of June A.D.1832 and that the aforesaid Rhoda Jotham is now a widow.  This been ever since said Luther Jotham's death.
     [the next section of this form is crossed out]
                         [Signature] Ezekiel Talbot
                         [Signature] Eliza Talbot

     The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed 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.
[Signature] John L. Hodsdon} Justice of the Peace & Quorum for each & every County throughout the State

STATE OF MAINE, County of Penobscot, ss.
                     I, [cross out], Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that [blank] Esquire, is and was, at the date of his certificate hereunto annexed, an[?] acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, that he is and was then qualified to act as such; and that the 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 the State aforesaid, this [blank] day of [blank] in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.

                      [Signature][blank]  Clerk


(Proof of Marriage filed with claim for pension under act of Feby 3, 1853 
                                   Bowen & Herrick attys)
Page 30

Lucius Packard of South Norridgewock in the County of Somersett and State of Maine, a minister of the Gospel, on oath declares that being duly authorised by a commission from the Executive Department  of Said State dated March AD 1837 to Solemnise marriages within Said State, did on the twelvelth day of May AD 1839 at Canaan in Said State, did lawfully join in marriage Thomas Watson and Rhoda Jotham both of Canaan and at or about the Said time, made the following record of Said marriage - to wit,  "Mr Thomas Watson and Mrs. Rhoda Jotham, both of Canaan, County of Somersett State of Maine, were joined in marriage at Said Canaan  May 12, 1839."
   "By me   Lucius Packard} authorised minister"
        [Signature] Lucius Packard} of the Gospel"

                    State of Maine
Somersett County - SS.   Norridgewock August 27 1861
             Then the above-named Lucius Packard personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing declaration and record by him Subscribed is true.
                 Before me
    [Signature] E. J. Peet. Justice of the Peace
Page 31

Abel Prescott of Canaan in the County of Somerset and State of Maine, a Selectman and Overseer of the Poor in Said town, on oath declares that Thomas Watson, who, as appears by certified copy of record Signed by Rev. Lucius Packard a minister of the Gospel in the town of South Norridgewock in Said County, was united, by Said Lucius Packard in marriage to Mrs. Rhoda Jotham of Canaan in Said County of Somerset on the twelveth day of May 1839 in Said town of Canaan, was sometime prior to his decease a pauper in Said Canaan, and that the Said Thomas Watson, as appears of record upon the book of Said town, and which record was made at or about the time of Said Watson's death, died on ["or about" is inserted from above]or about the third day of March 1861 in Said town of Canaan.
          [Signature] Abel Prescott} Selectman and 
                                        Overseer of the Poor 
                                         of Canaan

                      State of Maine
Somerset County S.S.       Canaan August 26th 1861
Then the above-mentioned Abel Prescott personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing declaration by him Subscribed is true.
                     Before me
[Signature] Samuel Rollins [illegible] Justice of the Peace
Page 32

                                                   May 24, 1933

                                          BA-J/EEL
                                          Luther Jotham-W.9911

     The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.9911, based upon the military service of Luther Jotham, a colored man, in that war.

     Luther Jotham was born in Middleborough, Massachusetts, date not given.   

     It was stated that he was in the battle of Bunker Hill, no details of this service given: while residing in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, he enlisted in July 1775, served five months as a private in Captain Josiah Hayden's Company, Colonel Bailey's Massachusetts Regiment: and on  January 1, 1776, again enlisted and served one year in Colonel John Bailey's Massachusetts Regiment and was in the battle of White Plains: he also served in Captain Mitchell's
Massachusetts Company and on several other tours; dates and officers' names for these tours not given.  He also stated that he was in the battle of King's Bridge.

     About 1800, he moved to Vassalborough, Massachusetts (Maine), where he was residing when he was allowed pension on his application executed April 7, 1818, aged sixty-six years.

     He died June 22, 1832, at home in China, Kennebec County, Maine.

     The soldier married, date not given, Mary Dunbar.  She died and he married about 1816, Reliance Squibbs, who died in 1818, and he married December 20, 1821, at Vassalborough, Maine, Miss Rhoda Parker of Goodwin, who was born in Georgetown, Maine, date not given: at the time of their marriage both were of Vassalborough, Maine: Rhoda Jotham married May 12, 1839, at Canaan, Maine, Thomas Watson, a colored man: both were then of said Canaan: he died February 28, 1861, in Canaan, Maine.  [there is a handwritten note in the right margin which reads] Did not use date given by her but its one given by the overseer of the poor in Canaan.

     Rhoda Watson was allowed pension on account of the services of her former husband, Luther Jotham, on her application executed December 20, 1861, at which time she was aged seventy-four years and resided in China, Maine.   [there is a handwritten note in the right margin which reads] Did not use date of first application & made no mention of the granting of her first pension because it was shown to have been fraudulently obtained by an attorney while her last husband was still living.

The soldier and his wife, Mary Dunbar, had a number of children.
Page 33

[This document is typewritten]
the only names given are Lorania, Lucy and Nathan, all of whom died before mother's death: by his wife, Reliance Squibbs, Luther Jotham had two children, Mary Anne and Orlando, who, in 1820 were aged three and two years respectively:  by his last wife, Rhoda, soldier had several children: their names are not given and it was stated in 1860, that all were then dead except one who had not been heard from in many years.

     Soldier had a brother, Calvin Jotham, who also served in the Revolutionary War. [the following is a handwritten note in the right margin] claim of Calvin Jotham in files

There is not further family data

********




This history to be furnished 
if ever called for.
It is written just to have a 
record of negroes.
Page 34

State of Maine}
County of Kennebec} SS:

       On this twentieth day of December AD 1861 personally appeared before the Supreme Court of the State of Maine Rhoda Watson a resident of China in the County aforesaid, aged 74 years, and, who, first being duly sworn according to law, doth, on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the pension made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d day of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who Served during the revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Luther Jotham who served as a private in the army of the revolution in the capacity of baggage master for the space of three years, and who at the time of his death was a pensioner of the United States and whose name was inscribed on the roll of the Maine Agency at the rate of $96 per annum; She further declares that She was married to the Said Luther Jotham on the - day of June AD 1820; that her said husband died on the 22d day of June AD 1832; She further declares that She was married a second time to Thomas Watson on the twelvth day of May AD 1839; that the Said Watson died on {the words "or about" is inserted from above] or about the Second day of March 1860; She further declares that She is now a widow.
Witness [Signature]Wm M Stratton
             [Signature] Rhoda Watson, her  X  mark
Page 35

Subscribed and sworn to in open court aforesaid, before me
[Signature] Richard D. Rice {Presiding Judge

State of Maine - Kennebec County ss.
I the subscribed, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, for the said County of Kennebec, do hereby certify that the Hon. Richard D. Rice, is one of the Justices of Said Court, duly commissioned & qualified and acting as such - that the foregoing proceedings were had before him in open court as aforesaid, and that the above written signature purporting to be his is genuine.
                         In testimony whereof I hereto 
  SEAL               set my hand and affix the seal 
                         of Said Court the day and year 
                         first above written.

                      [Signature] Wm M. Stratton
                                          _________________
Page 36

Know all men by these presents; that I Rhoda Watson of China in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, do hereby constitute and appoint Barrett E Potter of Augusta, Maine to be my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, for me and in my name and for my Sole use and benefit, to receive of the Commission of Pensions the pension certificate and land Warrant that may be allowed to me in pursuance of the Several declarations made and Signed by me this twentieth day of December AD 1861 to enable me to receive the pension and land that may be awarded to me in accordance with the Several acts of Congress passed February 3 1853, and March 3 1855; and for the purpose aforesaid, I do grant to my Said Agent full power to execute all Such instruments and papers that may be necessary for a complete and effectual execution of the authority herein granted in order that I may receive the full benefit whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 20th day of December AD 1861.
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of 
                                             her
                   [Signature] Rhoda  X  Watson
                                            mark
of  M. Cunningham
Dewinda Yage
Mary Ann Yage
Page 37

State of Maine}
Co. of Kennebec} SS:   Augusta December 20th 1861
     Then the above-named Rhoda Watson acknowledged the within instrument to be her free act and deed
                      Before me
               [Signature] Melvin Cunningham
                                   Justice of the Peace

              State of Maine
Kennebec County Ss:
                                 I, the Subscriber, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial court of Said State within and for said County of Kennebec,, hereby certify that Melvin Cunningham Esq, of Augusta Maine is, and was at the time of signing the foregoing certificate, a Justice of the Peace within and for Said County, duly commissioned and qualified to act as Such, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be that of Said Cunningham, is genuine -
                  In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court this twenty third day of December A.D. 1861.
                    [Signature] Wm M Stratton
                                           _____________
Page 38

Luther Jotham
___________________
Page 39

I, Joshua Cushman, of Winslow in the county of Kennebec, both testify and declare, that to the best of my knowledge and recollection, Luther Jotham, then of Bridgewater in the county of Plymouth, now of Vassalborough in the county of Kennebec, served in the revolutionary army, in a company raised by the authority of Massachusetts, commanded by the late Col. Josiah Hayden, then captain - that Said Jotham continued in the Service eight Months, the term for which the first army was engaged [a series of words are crossed out] and I also declare it as my belief that the said Jotham, by a subsequent engagement, remained with the army, then stationed at Roxbury, three additional Months without any interruption of Service. - 
Winslow, October 20, 1818 [Signature] Joshua 
                                             Cushman

Kennebec Ss  Oct. 20 1818 - 
Then personally appeared the above named Joshua Cushman & made oath that the facts stated in the above, are according to his best recollection & belief true
Before me [Signature] Charles Hayden Justice 
                                        of the peace
Page 40

Charles Hayden Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Kennebec; and the within deponent is known to me to be credible and dis in ter ested.

[Signature] Nathan Weston Jus
Page 41

I hereby certify, that I have heared my late Father Col. Josiah Hayden say that Luther Jotham was Some time in the army of the Revolution with him - I cannot now recollect how long, but think more then twelve months - & that said Jotham was in the Same Company of which my Father Col. Hayden was then Captain - 
Winslow Oct 20 1818 [Signature] Charles Hayden

Kennebec Ss. Oct. 20  1818
     Then personally appeared the above named Charles Hayden & made oath that the above Statement by him Signed is true according to his recollection.
Before me [Signature]  Joshua  Cushman 
                                     Justice of the peace
Page 42

Joshua Cushman Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Kennebec; and the deponent is known to me to be credible and dis in ter ested.
           [Signature] Nathan Weston Jus
Page 43

                                    Pension Office}
                                   Dec 22nd 1860}

Gentlemen: - 
                   Rhoda Jotham in her declaration for pension as the Widow of Luther Jotham, says she was married to him on the 20th day of December 1821.  She has now sent the affidavit of Ezekiel Talbot who declares that Luther Jotham (the husband of Rhoda) had been married before his marriage with her & had three children Loranice, Lucy & Nathan, all three of whom died before their mother. - the first wife, - But the Luther Jotham who received a pension [illegible] the act of March 18th 1818, in a schedule accompanying his declaration, stated in May 1820 that his "family consists of myself, my daughter Mary Anne aged three years, - and my son Orlando - aged two years." 
These facts conclusively show that the husband of the claimant & the Luther Jotham who received the pension, were two separate & different men.
Messers Bowen & Herrick}
                             Present}
Page 44

Additional Evidence
Pension claim act 1853
Revolutionary - 
Rhoda Jotham,
widow of 
Luther Jotham

Rel. to Pension & Bounty Land
______________________________________
Maine, Sus - 1853
_______________________________________

Bowen & Herrick atty
                      Present
Page 45

[this document is an overlay on the identical document found on page 46.  The part of the document found on page 46 will not be re-transcribed here]
                            STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY OF WALDO, SS
I, S.L. Milliken Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State of Maine, for the County of Waldo, do certify that Hiram Worthing Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths; and the signature to the annexed certificate purporting to be his, is genuine.
                                      In testimony whereof I 
                                      have hereunto set my 
                                      hand and affixed the 
   SEAL                           Seal of the Supreme 
                                      Judicial Court, this Sixth 
                                      day of December 
                                      A.D.1860
                         [Signature] S.L.Milliken  Clerk
Page 46

I Ezekiel Talbot of China in the County of Kennebec on oath say I am 73 years old I was well acquainted with Luther Jotham a Revolutionary Pensioner the Husband of Rhoda Jotham now living and a widow I knew Said Luther Jotham at Vassalboro before his Marriage  to said Rhoda and until his death. I think said Luther Jotham was upwards of seventy years old when he married said Rhoda, though he might have been less.  He had been married before to a woman by the name of Mary Dunbar by whom he had three children whose names were Lorania, Lucy, and Nathan, all of whom are now dead - All the three children died before their Mother, their ages at their deaths I do not exactly know, but am sure that they all died in Minority
                         [Signature] Ezekiel Talbot

State of Maine        }
County of Waldo Ss}    December 3th 1860
Subscribed and sworn to this day before me - and I certify the said Ezekiel Talbot is well Known to me as a man of good reputation for truth and veracity, and is fully entitled to credit and that he appears to be of the age by him stated - and I further Certify that I have no interest in Rhoda Jotham's Claim for Bounty Land or Pension, and am not concerned in the prosecution off the same
       [Signature] Hiram Worthing} Justice of 
                                                     the Peace
Page 47

I A H Abbot of China in the County of Kennebec State of Maine on oath say that I am Town Clerk of said Town, duly and legally chosen & qualified, and having the care & custody of all the records & files of said town of Deaths, Births, Marriages, Town Meeting records, and all records and papers appertaining to the office of Town Clerk, and authorised to make and certify copies therefrom.  I have made careful & thorough examination of the records of said Town for the purpose of finding the death of Luther Jotham therein recorded, but do not find any record of that fact.  There has been but little attention given to the records of deaths in this town by the Town Clerks.  The whole record of deaths since the incorporation of the Town in A.D. 1818, would not fill half a dosen pages,  I have some faint recollection of Luther Jotham living in the northeast part of this town some twenty six years ago.  There was a man of color named Luther Jotham living in Vassalboro, whose second wifes name was Rhoda.  I was acquainted with them - His wife Rhoda used to do washing in the family were I was then living.  they had some two or three children.  They afterwards moved from the place where they lived in said Vassalboro.  The next knowledge I had of them
Page 48

was as above stated (viz) living in the northeast part of this town
                                [Signature] A H Abbot

State of Maine}
Kennebec County Ss}  Subscribed to this twenty seventh day of September A D 1860.
                                                        And I certify
that the aforenamed AH Abbot is the duly chosen and qualified Clerk of said Town of China, & has the care and custody of all the files and records appertaining to the office of Town Clerk in said town and is a man of good reputation for truth and veracity and fully Entitled to credit, & I further certify that I have no interest in any claim of the aforesaid Rhoda Jotham, and am not concerned in the prosecution of the same
[Signature] J.H. Gruby} Justice of the Peace
Page 49

Payment to be made at Portland by George F. Emery Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Maine,  Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page A Vol. 1

                        [Signature] A.J. Cass  Clerk
Page 50

[there are a series of unclear initials on the top left of the page]
               DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
                            WIDOW'S PENSION

     I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, Rhoda Jotham, widow of Luther Jotham, - who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Ninty Six dollars ["and - cents" are crossed out] 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 29th day of April 
                         one thousand eight hundred 
                          and Sixty one
                        [Signature] Caleb B Smith
                            Secretary of the Interior

Examined and countersigned 
[Signature] [illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions

[handwritten diagonally  across the body of this document]
Amount on this certificate June 3rd /53 to 3 March 1861 inclusive for Pensions Office calculation $776.00/100

                 Cancelled
Page 51

                            Washington April 17 1861

The Warrant & Certificate for Mrs Jotham, May be sent to Genl. John L Hodsdon Augusta Maine
                      [Signature]Nathanul Hatch
                                     Atty of applicant

To the Commissioner of}
Pensions -                      }
Page 52

Additional evidence in
Rhoda Jotham widow of
Luther Jotham - Pension 
- Bounty Land [the words "Bounty Land" are underlined]


Rec'd these papers of
 Jno L Hodsdon Esq
of Bangor Maine

            &

Filed By me
Nathaneul Hatch
Attorney of applicant
Page 53

We John Homans aged 60, & John Mower aged 58 both of Vassalboro Kennebec County, on oath say, that we both were well acquainted with Luther Jotham a colored man a revolutionary pensioner, who after his first Wife died, lived & cohabited, & might - for all we know, have been married to her, with a girl called Reliance Squibb by whom he had 2 Children, That girl to our Knowledge, died as early as 1818, or 1819. We both Knew said Jotham well & his history.  Know of his being called a Revolutionary Pensioner, & of his marriage in December 1821 with a negro girl named Rhoda who survived him & is now living this Widow, moved from Vassalboro to China, & died there, some ten years or more, after he married Rhoda. -
                            [Signature] John Homans
                            [Signature] Jno Mower
Page 54

State of Maine} [the word "Maine" is hidden by a paper fold]
        County of Kennebec}
                     Augusta     February 8 1861,
Subscribed & sworn to this day Before me & I certify that the within named Homans & Mower are both well Known to me as men of good reputation for truth & veracity, and fully entitled to credit and I further certify that I have no interest in any claim of the within named Rhoda Jotham for pension & Bounty Land & am not concerned in the prosecution of the same
[Signature] Wm. Caldwell} Justice of the Peace
Page 55

I Nathan Mower of Vassalboro in the County of Kennebec & State of Maine on Oath of Affirmation say I am Eighty Four Years of age that I came into the Town of Vassalboro in the year Eighteen Hundred & have resided in town always since my arrival.  That Luther Jotham a colued Man & his Wife came here from Massachusetts about the same time & by her he had a number of Children. & all of them together with their mother long since Died["Died" is underlined] that some time after I think about 1816 he Married  or cohabited with a girl by the name of Reliance Sqibb & by her he had Two or Three Children. who are all Dead["Dead" is underlined] I Think in about 8121. he Married another Girl & by her he had Some Children who was much younger than himself. who I now understand resides in The Town of China in this County who is the Widow of Luther Jotham that drew a pension from the General Government in 1824 & that I collected Pension Money for him was well acquainted with him & Rhoda his wife at the time they were Married and Know there never was any other Pensioner in this Town by that name since 1800 - 
                     [Signature] Nathan Mower
Vassalboro Feb'y 5th AD. 1861
Attest C.B.Cates
Page 56

                State of Maine
County of Kennebec SS February 5th AD. 1861 Subscribed & Sworn to this day before me and I certify that the aforesaid Nathan Mower is well Known to me as a Man of good reputation for Truth & veracity & is an Elder in the Society of Friends & is fully entitled to credit and appears to be of the same Age by him Stated. & I further certify that I have no interest in the Claim of Rhoda Jotham for Pension or Bounty Land & I am not concerned in the prosecution of the Same
[Signature] John Mower} Just of the Peace

We Charles B. Cates & Zachariah Butterfield residents of Vassalboro in said County of Kennebec on Oath depose & say that we are well acquainted with the above named Nathan Mower that he is well entitled to confidence & that we Know that he is the person he represents him self to be in the Instrument aforesaid by him Subscribed in our presence 
                       [Signature]Charles B Cates
                     Signature]Zachariah Butterfield
Witness [Signature]Dave Fairfield

Kennebec SS Feb'y 5. AD. 1861 Then personally appeared the above named Charles B Cates & Zachariah
Page 57

Butterfield  And made Oath to the allegations aforesaid by them Subscribed and I hereby certify that the said Deponents Charles B Cates &  Zachariah Butterfield are citisens long residents of Said Vassalboro. and enjoying the confidence of the community & that I have no interest in the claim aforesaid or any concern in the prosecution thereof
[Signature] John Mower Just of the Peace
Page 58

I David Robinson of Vassalborough in the County of Kennebec & State of Maine on Oath of Affirmation Say I am Eighty one years of age that I came into the Town of Vassalboro in the year Seventeen Hundred & Ninety Nine & have resided in Said Town since I first ["I" is crossed out] moved & that Luther Jotham a Collerd Man & his wife came here from Massachusetts about the time I came here & by her he had a number of Children I think their Names were Lorain Lucy & Nathan who all died & the Said Luther about the year 1816 Married or cohabited with a girl by the name of Reliance Sqibb & he had by her Two Children May Anne & Orlando who have since Died ["Died" is underlined] together with their Mother & that in  The Town about 1821 he was said to be married to another Girl much younger than himself of which I was well acquainted with & by her had Some Children who I have understood now resides in the Town of China in this State I Know that Luther the husband of Rhoda is the only Pensioner of that name that ever lived in the Town of Vassalboro & is the Only Man of that name  unless he had a Son by that name & if so he is now Dead
Vassalboro Feb'y 6, 1861   
                           [Signature]David Robinson
Page 59

            State of Maine
County of Kennebec SS Feb'y 5, AD. 1861
Subscribed and ["Sworn" is crossed out and "affirmed" is inserted from above] affirmed to this day before me and I certify that the aforesaid David Robinson is well known to me as  a man of good Reputation for truth and veracity and is fully Entitled to Credit & appears to be the Age by him Stated & I further certify that I have no interest in the Claim of Rhoda Jotham for pension of Bounty Land Warrant & am not concerned in the prosecution of the same
     [Signature] John Mower} Just of the Peace

We John W Butterfield & Zach. Butterfield residents of Vassalboro in Said County of Kennebec on Oath depose & say that we are well acquainted with the above named David Robinson that he is well Entitled to confidence & that we Know he is the person he represents himself to be in the Instrument aforesaid by him subscribed in our presence
Witness
[Signature] John W. Butterfield
[Signature] Z. Butterfield

Kennebec S.S. February 5 a.d. 1861
Then personally Appeared the above named John W. Butterfield & Zachariah Butterfield
Page 60

and made Oath to the allegations aforesaid by them Subscribed & I hereby certify that the said Deponents John W Butterfield & Zachariah Butterfield are citisens long residents in Said Vassalboro. & enjoying the confidence of the community & that I have no interest in the claim aforesaid or any concern in the prosecution thereof
[Signature]John Mower Justice of the Peace
Page 61

I John Homans of Vassalboro in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine on Oath say that I was born in Said Town in the year Eighteen Hundred and one and have always resided in the said Town of Vassalboro. that I live within a short distance of Luther Jotham for more than Twenty five years that I was well acquainted with the said Luther and his family that had a number of Children by his first wife I remember the names of Lorain Lucey & Nathan who all died ["died" is underlined] before their Mother the first wife who has since died["died" is underlined] & the said Luther about the year 1816 married or cohabited with a girl by whom he had Two children named Mary Anne & Orlando who have since died["died" is underlined] also their Mother & that in 1821, he married another girl by whom he had some Children the Widow is now living in China I was much younger than Luther, I was present at the marriage & saw & heard Holman Johnson Esq perform the marriage ceremony & Know that the Said Luther Jotham the Husband of the Said Rhoda was a pensioner & drew his Pension under the act of March 18th 1818. & that he was the only Colerd Man in this Town of that name who drew or was entitled to a pension
                          [Signature] John Homans
Vassalborough Feb'y 4th 1861
Attest
Philip Forabes
Page 62

          State of Maine
County of Kennebec SS February 4th 1861
Subscribed and sworn to this day before me and I certify that the aforesaid John Homans is well Known to me as a Man of good reputation for Truth and veracity & is fully Entitled to credit and appears to be of the age by him stated & I further certify that I have no interest in the claim of Rhoda Jotham for Pension or Bounty Land I am not concerned in the prosecution of the Same
[Signature] John Mower}Justice of the Peace

We William B Priest & Jacob H Doc residents of Vassalboro in said county of Kennebec on oath depose & say that  we are well acquainted with the within named John Homans that he is well entitled to confidence & that we Know that he is the person he represents himself to be in the Instrument aforesaid by him Subscribed in our presence
Attest
[Signature] William B Priest
[Signature] Jacob H Doc

Kennebec SS February 4th A.D. 1861 then personally appeared the above named William B Priest & Jacob H Doc
Page 63

& made Oath to the allegations aforesaid by them Subscribed & I hereby certify that the said Deponents William B Priest & Jacob H Doc are citisens long residents in Said Vassalboro. & enjoying the confidence of the community & that I have no interest in the claim aforesaid or any concern in the prosecution thereof
[Signature]John Mower Justice of the Peace
Page 64

I Franklin Priest of Vassalboro in the County of Kennebec & State of Maine on Oath Say that I was born in Said Town in the year Eighteen Hundred six and have always resided in Said Town that I lived in the Same School District with Luther Jotham for more than Twenty five years that I was well acquainted with the said Luther & his family I Know that he had Three Children by his first wife whose names were Lorainn Lucey & Nathan who died before their Mother.  That he afterwards in the year above 1816 Married or lived with another woman & by her he had two Children whose names were Mary Anne & Orlando who have Since died also their Mother & that in 1821. he Married another Woman by her he had Two Children. I understand the Widow of Luther now resided in the Town of China Maine & the Said Luther was a pensioner under the act of March 18. 1818 & was the only Colured Man in This Town who drew a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier by that name

                               [Signature] Franklin Priest
Vassalboro  Feb'y 6. AD 1861
Attest
[Signature]Phillip Forabes[?]
Page 65

            State of Maine
County of Kennebec SS Feb'y 6, AD. 1861
Subscribed and sworn to this day before me and I certify that the aforesaid Franklin Priest is well known to me as  a man of good Reputation for truth and veracity and is fully Entitled to Credit and appears to be the Age by here Stated and I further certify that I have no interest in the Claim of Rhoda Jotham for pension of Bounty Land and am not concerned in the prosecution of the same
     [Signature] John Mower} Justice of the Peace

We John Homans & Sarah Stone Residents of Vassalboro in Said County of Kennebec on Oath depose & say that we are well acquainted with the within named Franklin Priest that he is well Entitled to confidence & that we Know he is the person he represents himself to be in the Instrument aforesaid by him subscribed in our presence
Attest
[Signature] John Homans
[Signature] Sarah Stone
Page 66

Kennebec SS Feb'y 6 1861 then personally appeared the above named John Homans & Sarah Stone and made Oath to the Allegations aforesaid by them subscribed and I hereby certify  that the said Deponents John Homans & Sarah Stone are citisens  long residents of Said Vassalboro and Enjoying the confidence of the community & that I have interest in the claim aforesaid or any concern in the prosecution thereof
[Signature] John Mower} Justice of the Peace
Page 67

I Phebe Priest of Vassalboro, in  the County of Kennebec and State of Maine on Oath say that I am 73 years old was born in ["the State of New York" is inserted from above] the State of New York [cross out] & have always resided in said Town ["of Vassalborough Since 1798" is inserted from above] of Vassalborough  Since 1798 was well acquainted with Luther Jotham lived near him. he came with his wife from Bridgewater Massachusetts about the year 1800. they had a number of Children Knew their children as well as. my own they had one named Loraine Lucey and Nathan all of whom died before their Mother who afterwards died that in or about Eighteen Hundred & Sixteen he lived with a girl by the name of Reliance Squibb by her he had one Child named Mary Anne & one named Orlando who are all dead with their Mother that in 1821 he lived or was married to a girl called Rhoda who was much younger than Luther by her he had Children. the said Luther was said to be a revolutionary pensioner & he was the only man in the Town that drew a pension by that name. I understand that Rhoda the widow of Luther Jotham now resides in the Town of China in this state.
                            [Signature]Phebe Priest

E Vassalboro, Feb'y 6 A.D. 1861
Page 68

State of Maine
County of Kennebec SS February 6, A D. 1861
Subscribed and Sworn to this day before me & I certify that the aforesaid Phebe Priest is well known to me as a woman of good Reputation for truth and veracity & is fully entitled to credit and appears to be of the Age by her Stated & I further certify that I have no interest in the Claim of Rhoda Jotham for Pension or Bounty Land Warrant & am not concerned in the prosecution of the Same
      [Signature] John Mower Just of the Peace

We Jane Pray & John Homans residents of Vassalboro, in Said County of Kennebec on Oath depose & say that we are well acquainted with the above Phebe Priest that she is well entitled to confidence & that we know that She is the person she represents herself to be in the instrument aforesaid by her Subscribed in our presence
Attest
[Signature] Jane Pray
[Signature] John Homans
Page 69

Kennebec SS Feby.6.1861
Then personally appeared the within named Jane Pray & John Homans and made Oath to the allegations aforesaid by these Subscribed & I certify that the said Deponents Jane Pray & John Homans are citisens long residents of Said Vassalboro, and enjoying the confidence of the community & that I have no interest in the Claim aforesaid or any concern in the prosecution thereof
   [Signature] John Mower} Just of the Peace
Page 70

I Reuben Priest of the Town of Vassalboro in the County of Kennebec & State of Maine on oath say I am Seventy Six Yaers[?] of Age.  That I was Born in the Town of Vassalboro and have always resided in Said Town that I was well acquainted with Luther Jotham and his family that he came into Said Town about the year 18.11 with his wife that they had a number of Children all  of whom have long since died together with his first wife that same time I think about the year 1816 he lived with a girl & had by her Two Children Mary Anne & Orlando who have since Died to gether with their Mother that some time or about the year Eighteen Hundred and Twenty one he was Married to a Girl. who was Called Rhoda & by her he had Some Children, I understand The Widow Rhoda Jotham now, Resides in the Town of China in this State. I was accquainted at the time of L Jotham's last Marriage to Rhoda with them both kenew that Rhoda was much Younger than Luther & Knew that he was the only collered Man in This Town that drew a pension by the name of Luther Jotham
                             [Signature] Reuben Priest

Vassalboro  Feby. 6. 1861
Page 71

                         State of Maine
County of Kennebec ss Feby 6 AD 1861
Subscribed and sworn to this day before me and I certify that the aforesaid Reuben Priest is well known to me as a man of good reputation for truth and veracity & is fully entitled to credit and appears to be of the Age by him stated and I further Certify that I have no interest in the Claim of Rhoda Jotham for Bounty Land warrant and am not concerned in the prosecution of the Same
     [Signature] John Mower Just of the Peace

We John Homans & Jane Pray Residents of Vassalboro in Said County of Kennebec on oath depose and say that we are well acquainted with the above named Reuben Priest that he is will entitled to confidence and that we Know that he is the person he represents himself to be in the instrument aforesaid by him subscribed in our presence
Witness [Signature] John Priest
              [Signature] Jane Pray

Kennebec SS Feb'y 6 AD 1861
Then personally appeared the above named John
Page 72

Homans and Jane Pray and made Oath to the Allegations aforesaid by them Subscribed & I hereby certify that the said Deponents John Homans & Jane Pray are citizens long residents of Vassalboro aforesaid and enjoying the confidence of the Community & that I have no interest in the claim aforesaid or any concern in the prosecution thereof.

[Signature] John Mower} Just of the Peace
Page 73

State of Maine - Kennebec County ss
               I hereby certify that William Caldwell & 
SEAL       John Mower Esquires, before whom the annexed affidavits were made, were as the dates thereof respectively Justices of the Peace for said County, duly authorized to administer oaths &c and that their signatures thereto are genuine
Witness my hand and the Seal of our Supreme Judicial Court for said county this 18th day of March AD1861
                     [Signature] Wm M Stratton
                                   Clerk of said Court
Page 74

                    Maine - Act 3 Feb. 1853
                               Revolutionary
Rhoda Jotham, Widow of 
Luther Jotham died  -

Her husband was a pensioner under the act of March 18, 1818 at 96 Doll. per an.

Admit her claim at Same Date, Act 1853 - & sent the Certificate to Gen'l John L. Hodsdon, at Augusta, Me
                                [Signature] [illegible]
                                              Apl 27, 1861
                                               _____________
Page 75

                                  Pension Agency
                                  Augusta July 18th 1861.
Sir,
On the 17th of June last, Gen'l John L. Hodsdon of Bangor presented to me a voucher in the usual form bearing the endorsement - "all correct" - of Joseph Ilsley of Portland, (who had been employed by my predecessor Geo. F. Emery Esq. to do the pension business for him during the past eight years) for the pay't of the pension due Rhoda Jotham from the 3d of Feb. 1853 to the 4th of March 1861 inclusive, amounting to $776, which Sum was duly paid on Said day to Gen'l Hodsdon.
     I regret, Sir, to be under the necessity of acquainting your Department, that from recent information derived from a reliable source, I am constrained to believe that the above claim  is illegal and fraudulent.  As the agent of the Gov't charg'd with the responsibility of disbursing the funds placed in my hands, I deem it to be in the line of my duty to see that these funds are honestly and faithfully applied to their legitimate purposes, and to apprise the Gov't whenever in my judgment they are misapplied or perverted.  This duty, obligatory at all times, Seems to be the more imperative at the present time, when the Gov't is so large a borrower in the money market of the world to procure the means necessary for its maintenance and integrity.
     I have this day notified Gen'l Hodsdon of the fraudulent character of the claim, and requested him to retain the money
Page 76

in his hands until I could receive your instructions in regard to the Same.
                        Respectfully yours 
              [Signature] Charles F. Potter 
                                        Pension Agent

Hon. Jos. H. Barrett}
  Com'r of Pensions}
Page 77

                                   Pension Office
                                   July 25th 1861
Sir,
     In reply ["to your" is inserted from above] to your letter of the 18th inst, I have to state that your [illegible] in arresting the payment of the money, in the case of Rhoda Jotham widow of Luther act 3d March 1853, and ["in" is inserted from above] in apprising this ["Department" is crossed out and "office" is inserted from above] office of the apprehension that ["the" is inserted from above] the claim may be a ["lent one" is inserted from above] fraudulent one  is fully appreciated & approved.
It is very desirable that the reasons that have induced the belief that a fraud has been perpetuated, should be communicated, to enable me to ascertain more readily, the truth [cross out] from an inspection of the papers. The claim was allowed by my predecessor, but I have carefully examined the proofs, and find that in all the essential facts the claim is strongly expected[?] by the testimony.  Of eight or ten persons who are certified to be very respectable, upon whom I should be very reluctant to bring any charge or impropriety unless upon the clearest evidence -   Before any [cross out] proceedings are instituted
Page 78

by this office I have to request that all the [cross out]information which you possess respecting the fraud [cross out]-ulent character of this claim may be communi[cross out] cated, in order to determine upon the proper [cross out] steps to be taken.



              [Signature] Charles F. Potter Esq
                    Pension Agent, Augusta - 
                                                       Me.

[information along the right margin reads]
            C.F Potter
       Pension Agent
            July 25
Page 79

                            Pension Agency
                            Augusta July 30th 1861
Sir, 
        Your letter, in answer to one I had the [illegible] to address the Department on the 18th Inst. wherein I informed you of my suspicion of the fraudulent character of the claim of Rhoda Jotham for a pension, is duly rec'd and in reply to same would State that when I gave that information to the Department I supposed my duty in the matter was ended and that it then remained for the Government to prosecute the inquiry.
Upon further reflection known I am satisfied that the Gov't ought to be well [illegible] of the [illegible] certainty of the fraud [illegible] proceeding to a legal investigation. I therefore will add to my brief Statement of the 18th inst. that in my judgment it is Susceptible of the clearest proof that Mrs Jotham was married to a man by the name of Watson Soon after the decease of her first husband Luther Jotham a Rev,y Pensioner, by whom she had one or more children, and that the said Watson died Sometime during the month of March 1861 in the town of Canaan in this State.  These two facts, if proved, will suffice, I presume, to validate the claim, and if it is the desire of the Department to be first in possession of Such testimony, I will endeavor to obtain the Same when So requested.
                                Respectfully yours
                 [Signature] Charles F. Potter

     Hon, Jos. H. Barrett}
Coms'r of Pensions}
Page 80

Gen J L Hodsdon
           Aug 3
Page 81

                       Pension Office
                       August [cross out with 3d 
                        inserted from below] 3d 1861
Sir,
In the case of Rhoda Jotham, [the words "widow of Luther" are crossed out] whose claim for a pension, as the widow of Luther Jotham, was recently approved, it has been intimated to this office through a reliable source, that she had a husband living, at the time when the proofs were executed who did not die till some time in March last.
If this is the fact, she was not entitled to a pension, or to acreages[?].
I have to request, that you will not pay to her , at present, the amount allowed, and that you will communicate to this office any explanation which can be offered respecting the assertion that she was not a widow when she applied for the pension.
         [Signature] Gen'l John L. Hodsdon.
                                     Augusta.
                                         Maine.
Page 82

                        State of Maine.
                           _____________
SEAL               HEAD QUARTERS.
                          Adjutant General's Office,
                            Augusta, August 17th 1861.

Hon. J. H. Barrett  Com of Pensions}
                                 Washington - }
                                 Sir, - 
        I am satisfied that Mrs Jotham & her friends & acquaintances, regarded her connexion with the alleged husband as an illegal one.
        During the taking of her declaration for Bounty Land & Pension she & they unequivocally declared that she cohabited with, and was house keeper to, a man, after the death of Jotham but was never married to him, and for a long time prior to said Declaration had not seen him or heard from him & that she had remained Jotham's widow, ever since his death.
       I have no doubt that an investigation will show there is some
Page 83

good and substantial reason for the faith of herself and friends in their position under the circumstances as connected with my acquaintance with the details of proof in the case, and my incessant duties in this office (being Adjutant General, & acting Pay master, Quarter Master Commissary and Inspector General) & now in the midst of raising two Regiments, & reorganizing another just returned from Washington.  I must ask your indulgence for a few weeks, until I have an opportunity to see the pension, examine proofs, & arrive at the truth.
          The Government will sustain no loss and the majesty & the laws will be vindicated even if your worst fears should be realized, great doubts of which exist in my mind.
                      very respectfully 
                      yr obd't sent
[Signature] John L. Hodsdon
Page 84

                                      Pension Agency
                                     Augusta Aug'st 29 1861

 Hon. Jos. H. Barrett.}
Comiss'r of Pensions}
                                 Sir,
                                      After much trouble and delay I have been able to obtain the accompanying testimony relating to the marriage of Mrs Rhoda Jotham to Mr Thomas Watson, and the death of Said Watson, establishing these two facts, viz: -  first, that [the following statement is all underlined]Mrs Jotham was not a pensioner prior to the third day of March 1861, [end underline] and Second, [begin underline]that she was a pensioner from and after that date. [end underline] -  These affidavits come from men of unquestioned integrity and of high respectability in the communities where they respectively reside, to whose testimony, I am assured, the most implicit confidence may be given.  And now having furnished this evidence, I should feel that I had most imperfectly discharged my duty, if I were to withhold from the Government certain facts that have recently come to my knowledge and which will enable the Dept to judge of the degree of criminality that ought to attach to Mrs Jotham, or Watson, in the matter.  In company  with Mr Abraham Talbot of China, in whose family she lives, Mrs Watson recently visited Augusta, and from a long interview with her, I was enabled to form, as I think, a correct estimate of her mental
Page 85

character and condition.  She can neither read nor write.  Her mind appears weaker and more imbecile than a child's, with all the ignorance and credulity characteristics of childhood.  That she has any just conception of the nature or sacredness of an oath, I do not believe.  She does not deny her marriage with Watson,  but says that folks told her it was not a legal marriage because no record of it could be found, and consequently that She was at liberty to Swear that She had ever remained the widow of Luther Jotham.  She asserted with great emphasis and Solemnity of manner that She [the following is underlined]never knew what were the contents of the papers She Signed[end underline], as the gentleman who brought them was in such haste that he could not stop to read them to her.  She was unable to state the amount of pension-money that had been paid to her, but Mr Talbot, who was present during the interview, Stated that from all he could ascertain She had received but thirty-five (35) dollars.
      I trust, Sir, that this poor old woman, in consideration of her deep poverty, ignorance and feebleness of mind, and in view of the fact that her husband, Luther Jotham, devoted three years of the vigor of his life to the Service of his country during the war of the Revolution, will not be deemed or adjudged guilty of the crime of perjury, but on the contrary that the great wrong she has unwittingly committed may be pardoned and overlooked, and that she may be allowed to share the bounty of the Government during the few remaining years of her life.
                                  I am respectfully
your obd't Serv't [Signature]Charles F Potter
                                             Pens Agent
Page 86

                    State of Maine
State               ____________
SEAL           HEAD QUARTERS.
                         Adjutant General's Office
                            Augusta 3d Sept. 1861

Sir,
      Herewith find, Pension certificate.  I can adduce satisfactory proof to the Dept. that it was only after a years correspondence and repeated assertions on the part of [illegible] & her friends, that she then was & had been since the death of Jotham a widow and solely & only upon the firm belief of that fact, that I had aught to do, with the case.  Residing some sixty miles from her. I could Know nothing of its details.  The fact of the delay occurring from time to time in its prosecution, & especially the long interval between the receipt of certificate and this payment of amt by pension agent, should satisfy any [illegible] prejudicial mind, that I am as innocent of
Page 87

all complicity with her in the falsehood, (presuming such to have been found in the ex. parte examination.) as any person in the world can be.  More than 12 years honorable practice as an ally at the Pension Office, should entitle me to a reasonable presumption of honorable dealings in this, as in all the cases, with your Dept.
     Amid the numerous duties of this responsible office of which I am now the incumbent, duties of a character admitting no delay or respite from incessant [illegible].  I have not had a moment in which to see [illegible] or the Clergyman that is reputed to have performed the marriage ceremony, I must therefore acquiesce so far as my limited means will admit in your ultimatum respecting the matter.
       I was much as the position of the pension Dept. finds the woman entitled
Page 88

under due application for a Bounty Land Warrant for 160 acres, Pension from March 4, 1861, at the rate of $96. per annum (one half of which pays interest on amt disbursed.)  I have to ask if Dept, in view of payments by me if expenses of disbursements to agents for expenses as her account, will postpone the refunding of the amt. (viz values of Warrant of 6 mos pension,) until after proper applications are made therefor, in her behalf, if allow me to refund balance by installments  ending 4' march next.  If this Dept. feels compelled to refuse this request wholly, I fear no alternative will be left me, except to abide such legal steps, as you may deem expedient.  I am very poor.  The entire Talay[?] of all my offices is but $600, per annum.  & I know not where to look for assistance, I can pay $200, next month: $200,
Page 89

in January, and balance in March.
                   respy yr obdt Sevt
         [Signature] John L. Hodsdon

Hon. J. A. Barrett - }
    Com Pensions - }
       Washington - }

PS.   As all the Widows & being of deceased Soldiers of Maine Regiments, apply here for pensions &c will you please send me forms for presenting their claims. - 

[circular document receipt stamp, which reads]
PENSION OFFICE 
OCT 3   1861
Page 90

    (Confidential)            Pension Office
                                        October 9th 1861.

Sir:
          After the reception of your letter of the 29th of August last, enclosing the proofs of Mrs Jotham's marriage to Thomas Watson, and of the date of his death a letter was addressed to General Hodsdon directing him, as the agent and attorney who had received the money, paid on Mrs Jotham's pension, to refund the whole amount allowed prior to the 4th of March last, and to deliver it into your hands - In answer to this letter, he proposes to pay the sum by instalments as follows, viz. $200. during the present month, $200. in January next, and the balance in March, [cross out] and he alleges his poverty, as a reason that he cannot pay the whole sum at once - To this proposition no answer, has as yet, been given. 
As it appears by your letter, ( which has been regarded as confidential) that nearly all the money was probably retained by [cross out] him, it is desired[?] best to compel him, [cross out] without recourse to any others, to refund it if he is responsible,.  As it is in your power to ascertain the extent of
Page 91

his responsibility more ["readily" is inserted from above] readily than it can be done by this office.  I have to request that you will be good enough to obtain ["such" is inserted from above] such information as is available.  If the money can be collected, legal proceedings should be at once instituted to recover it - but if his responsibility is doubtful, it may be the best policy to accept his proposition - before this point as you possess better means of Knowledge any suggestions which you may make will be valuable. 
        The [cross out] criminal character of the transaction, & the course to be reverted to, towards any or all the parties concerned in it, will be the subject of subsequent consideration.  But the first step to be taken is if possible, to recover the money and whether it will be done by legal process or by the proposition of Mr Hodsdon, will be determined upon receiving from you the information respecting his responsibility - 
The appeal made by you on behalf of Mrs Jotham, will receive a proper consideration, and the part taken by you in the whole of this transaction meets the cordial approbations of this office - 
             [Signature] Charles F. Potter, Esq
                                     Pension Agent
                                             Augusta Maine


[there is a date on the right side of the page written vertically]
             Oct 9th
Page 92

                                  Pension Agency
                                  Augusta Oct 17, 1861
Hon. Joseph H Bassett}
Comiss'r of Pensions}
                Washington,}
                                      Sir,      
                                             Upon the receipt of your communication of the 9th inst., I immediately proceeded, agreeably to  your request, to obtain the necessary information respecting Gen'l Hodsdon's pecuniary affairs, but learning nothing definite or conclusive from his personal friends resident here, I addressed a letter to a gentleman of my acquaintance in Bangor -  the residence of Gen'l H and one in whose statements I could place the most implicit confidence.  This gentleman informs me that Gen'l Hodsdon, May have pretty large interests in Western lands and in lands in this State which are at present unavailable, but that it is doubtful whether he owns any property in his own name, "if he does", he adds, "it is probably Subject to heavy incumbrances".  Similar and concurrent testimony was elicited from others of whom I made inquiries, So that there can be no reasonable doubt of its truthfulness.  To advise therefore the acceptance of his proposition, is quite Superfluous, for, to my profound surprise, Gen'l H seems to have left the Government no other al-
Page 93

ternative. In a note addressed to me, of the date of "July 28", Gen'l H informs me that he"held the funds not disbursed Subject to result of Such examination as the Commission may cause to be had", leaving me to infer that a large portion of the money was then in his hands and would be so retained Subject to your order.
       I will only add that Gen'l Hodsdon as Adjutant General of the State, is in receipt of a Salary of $1000-, largely [illegible],  I doubt not, by the present exigency, which will enable him to comply with the terms of his proposition should you conclude to accept the same.
                          I am very respectfully
                          Your ob'd't Serv't,
            [Signature] Charles F. Potter
Page 94

                             Pension Office
                             October 21st 1861.
Sir:
                 In reply to your letter of the 31th [illegible], I have to inform you, that if the money illegally obtained, in the case of Rhoda Jotham, is refunded in the manner proposed by you, viz. two hundred dollars, during the present month, two hundred dollars in January, and the balance in March next, no legal proceedings will be resorted to to enforce a payment.
The payments you wire make to Mr Charles F. Potter, Pension Agent, at Agusta - 

Gen'l John L.Hodsdon
       Augusta
             Maine
Page 95

                                 Pension Office
                                 October 21st 1861.

Sir: 
             I have this day addressed a letter to General Hodsdon, informing him that if the money obtained in the case of Mrs Jotham is returned, in the manner proposed by him, no civil action will be ["brought" is crossed out] [illegible] to, and I have directed him to confer with you, & make payments to you,  He proposes to pay $200 during the present month, and $200, in January & the balance in March next.
  You can receive the money and take his notes payable to you as Pension Agent, endorsed by [cross out] a responsible person.  I have to request that you will insist upon his procuring an endorser unless you are satisfied that it is impossible for him to do it.
   The balance to be paid in March, includes the whole amount unpaid, of the money drawn & received by him on Mrs Jotham's pension.  A very small sum only
Page 96

if the information received from you is correct, found its way into her hands , and as Gen'l Hodsdon was the Agent & Attorney who received it all, he should, under the circumstances be compelled to refund the whole amount, without reference to any issue that may hereafter be paid on Mrs Jotham's pension. [there are a number of words crossed out].
    If Gen'l Hodsdon expressed a desire, according to an intimation in his letter to this office to have the value of a land warrant & the semi annual payment [cross out] of Mrs Jotham's pension from 4th March to 4th Sept. last, deducted from the sum he is  called upon to pay, you will please inform him that the warrant is not yet allowed, & the pension is suspended and that neither has anything to do with the amount he is required to refund
           [Signature] Charles F. Potter Esq
                          Pension Agent
                               Augusta, Maine.

[written vertically along the right side of the page]
                Cha. F. Potter
                     Oct. 21
Page 97

                                 Pension Agency
                                 Augusta Nov' 27th 1861

Sir,
      I have at length succeeded in obtaining from Gen'l Hodsdon the requisite obligation to refund the whole amount of money which was paid to him on acc't - of Rhoda Jotham on the 17th day of June last.  On the 31st day of October I deposited his check in Bank to the credit of the U.S. for $2011; and on yesterday ["I rec'd" is inserted from above] I rec'd his note with a good and responsible endorser for $576, $200 of which he engages to pay in December, and the balance in all of March next, engagements, which I have every assurance to believe, will  be honorably and promptly met.
     I deem it proper to remark here that the Sum of $13.95, which has been allowed by the Department, Simply covered the expenses incurred in procuring the necessary depositions in the case, the services of Attorney not entering into the account, for which, I doubt not, the Department will be willing to allow a reasonable compensation.
                           Very Respectfully
                            Your Ob'dt Serv't
                             Cha's F. Potter

Hon. Joseph H. Barrett
              Com'pr.
Page 98

                                  Pension Office
                                  December 6th 1861,

Sir,
           Your letter of the 27th inst. has been received, and in reply thereto, I am happy to state that the result of your efforts to obtain from Gen; Hodsdon, the money illegally received by him upon Mrs Jotham's pension, is entirely satisfactory, and you will please accept my thanks for the efficient aid rendered by yourself in this transaction. 
     A reasonable compensation will be allowed not only, to the attorney who procured the affidavits, but to yourself for your services, whenever the accounts are presented to this office.
  I am not disposed to [cross out]  direct that criminal proceedings shall be instituted against Mrs Jotham, whose ignorance & weakness seem to have been taken advantage of by others who are [cross out] the [cross out] parties guilty of the perpetration of
Page 99

the fraud and in compliance with your earnest appeal, in her behalf, the pension & bounty land will be allowed, upon her executing the usual declarations & claiming under her present name as the widow of her first husband Luther Jotham, & proving the date of the death of her last, for the pension will commence from that time.
As the agency of General Hodsdon will not be recognized in the case, you are at liberty if disposed, to [cross out] [the phrase " apprise Mrs Jotham through a" is inserted from above] apprise Mrs Jotham through a suitable person known to yourself that the pension will be allowed on the production of these declarations
                [Signature] Charles F Potter Esq.
                                             Pension Agent
                                              Augusta
                                                 Maine.

[Written vertically on the right side of the page]
         Chas. F. Potter
             Dec 6
Page 100

                    State of Maine
                        ____________
                     HEAD QUARTERS,
State                    Adjutant General's Office
  Of                 Augusta, Feby, 21 1862
Maine 
SEAL 
             Mr Barrett,
                                    D'r Sir, - 

I have returned $400. on acct of the Jotham pensions.  The remainder is secured by a good note.  If I find it impossible to raise the full amt. of bal. ["next month" is written over the following amount] (next month $376)  will you to use the great favor, to extend $150 or $200 of it until August?
                                respy 
                                    Yours,
                [Signature] John L. Hodsdon
Page 101

J.L. Hodsdon,
Feby, 28
Page 102

                                     Pension Office
                                     February 28, 1862

Sir:
      In reply to your letter of the 21st inst. asking for an extension of time for the payment of the money obtained by you on Mrs Jotham's pension.  I have to say, that it is expected that the money will be all promptly paid when the note becomes due
[cross out]  [Signature] John L. Hodsdon  Esq.
                                        Augusta 
                                           Me.
Page 103

John Howard,  stated Similar facts
Franklin Priest        do          do
Phebe Priest           "              "
Reuben Priest         "              "
Page 104

Brief in the case of Rhoda Watson, formerly widow of Luther Jotham a Private in the revolution.
    Kennebec County and State of Maine - 
            act 3d February 1853
===========================
Claim, ("original," or "for increase")
                    [blank]

Proof exhibited, (if original.)
                    [blank]
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either , state substance.

     Luther Jotham, the first husband of claimant, drew a pension at the rate of $96. per ann.
marriage proven by record evidence. and identity by a large number of witnesses.
      Death of her last husband, Thomas Watson, proven by the record of the town of Somerset, as certified by one of the Selectmen & Overseer of the Poor -  Satisfactory proof adduced that since the death of her last husband, the claimant has not again married.
Allowed, at the rate of $96. per annum, to begin on the 4th day of March 1861
[the above statement overran the allotted space but was typed in full.  The line below, included in the overrun, which was not addressed, is now included.]

(If for increase.)
      Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
        [no response to these questions] 

                              [Signature] L.M.Drury
                                        Examining Clerk

Name and residence of Agent                       
[name  & position crossed out]

Barrett E. Potter
        Augusta,
           Maine
Page 105

                    Washington - D.C.  June 15, 1861

Madam:
                  I,
Ezekiel Talbot & Eliza Talbot (colored persons) swear that Rhoda Jotham is the widow of Luther - the revolutionary pensioner - that the lived together as husband & wife till his death & has continued a widow to the present time - 

C.S. Worting says he knew Rhoda of China husband Luther Jotham and that he was a revolutionary Pensioner - 

Hiram Bass, Judge of Probate certifies that he has no doubt that Rhoda Jotham who appears before him & makes her declaration -  that she is the identical person she represents herself to be & is a [illegible] has been since the death of Luther Jotham a soldier of the revolution & a pensioner, a widow that she is a woman of good reputation for truth and that she certifies are known to him as person of good character.

Ann. Johnson   swears that in her possession is [illegible] book containing the entries of her  hus.
Page 106

Homan Johnson, who was a Justice  - and among them is the record of [crossout] marriage of Luther Jotham to Rhoda Parker both of Vassaleve[?] also.  Dec 20, 1821. all in her husband's handwriting
She states that she knew Jotham & his wife Rhoda who moved away many years since from Vassaleve to China

John Mower certifies that Mrs Johnson is the widow of Hohman Johnson
Certificate of Sec'y of Mass. that Hohman Johnson was appointed Justice for seven[the word "seven" is inserted from above] years -  from the 3d Aug 1818. for Vassaleve - 

John Homan & John Mower both certify, that they know Luther Jotham a Col'd man and a rev. Pen' who after his first wife's death lived with a girl named Reliance Squibb - that she died in 1818 or 1819.  & that in Dec. 1821 he married a girl named Rhoda who is now living as his widow.

Nathan Mower,  states the same facts, & adds that he drew the pension money for him  was well acquainted with both him & his wife Rhoda at the time they were married & know there never was another pensioner by that name in the town.

David Robinson states the same things.
Page 107

                           State of Maine

County of Kennebec Ss:
             On this first day of January AD 1862 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, Abel Prescott Esq. of Canaan in the County of Somerset and state of Maine, a selectman and Overseer of the Poor of said town of Canaan, who first being Sworn according to law, doth upon his oath, depose and say, that Thomas Watson, the late husband of Rhoda Watson of China in the county of Kennebec, who was a pauper of Said town of Canaan at the time of his decease, died according to his best knowledge and belief, on the twenty eighth day of February A.D. 1861 in the town of Canaan, County of Somerset and State of Maine. 
                   [Signature] Abel Prescott
Witness
[Signature] Sieur- Joseph B Corson
[Signature] S. Deering

Sworn to and Subscribed on this first - day of January A.D. 1862 - 
  Before me [Signature] Barrett E Potter
                                  Justice of the Peace

State of Maine -  County of Kennebec Ss:
     I, the subscriber, clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court
Page 108

of Maine for the County of Kennebec, do hereby certify that Barrett E Potter Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified to act as such, and that the foregoing signature[?] purporting to be his, is genuine.
          In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the official seal of said court this second day of January, A.D. 1862.
                            [Signature]  Wm M Stratton

SEAL
Page 109

                 Augusta  Maine  January 2 1862

Hon. Joseph H Barrett}
     Com. of Pensions}
                               Sir,
                                      I herewith transmit to you the requisite papers in the case of Rhoda Watson, which I believe will be found to be correct and in due form.  You will observe a slight discrepancy between the Declaration of Mrs Watson and the affidavit of Mr Prescott relative to the date of Mr Watson's death.  Mrs Watson, not being present at the time of his death was unable to state definitely the day of his decease, and therefore at her request, after reading the paper to her and before signing, I added the words - "or about". Mr. Prescott informs me that he has no doubt in his own mind, after  an examination of the books of the person who had charge of the poor of the town of Canaan at the time, that Mr. Watson died on the 28th day of February 1861, as he finds a change, in said books for the graveclothes[?] of the deceased, on said day.  Mr. P. also ascertained that his burial occurred on the 2d day of March 1861.

                 I am very respectfully 
                        your obedient serv't
            [Signature] Barrett E Potter
Page 110

[left side of page]

Let. Charles F  Potter
                Pension Agent
                 [date crossed out]

Let. Gen'l  J.L. Hodsden
                  [date crossed out]

"  Charles F. Potter   [date crossed out
            
        same       [date crossed out]

          [crossed out]

           [crossed out]

[right side of page]

       No. 7032.
     Maine
==============
  Rhoda Jotham
widow of Luther Jotham

who served in the Revolutionary 

war, as a Private
=================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 96 dollars ----
["cents" is crossed out] per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
==================
Certificate of Pension issued 
29th day of April  -1861-
and sent to 
     John L. Hodsden
             Augusta
                Me.
=================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under 
February 3, 1853,  Page 166  Vol. [illegible]
Page 111

[left side of page]

                    Act Ma 3/18
309.780            Oct 8/60

Rhoda Jotham
      Wid of 
Luther Jotham
           [illegible]


         Mass Mil
Revolutionary War

Me
Mar 1818 - Ins 53

Set:   Nov 21/60   not there
[illegible]   [crossout]
Nach Hatch          W.A.W.
[crossout]
       Present

[right side of page]
Pension allowed to said 
widow  April 29  1861
$96 per ann.
Page 112

Maine
         Kennebec County
_______________'______________
Rhoda Watson formerly
widow of Luther Jotham.
______________"_______________
Private of the revolution
______________"_______________
Act 3rd February 1853.
______________"_______________
Allowed at the rate of
$96- per ann. to begin
4th March 1861.


Barrett E. Potter - 

          Augusta - 
 
                Maine
Page 113

[this appears to be  an envelope with address, 
 2 postmarks and a document receipt stamp]


                Hon. Joseph H Barrett,

                       Commissioner of Pensions
                              Washington,
                                         D.C.

[post marks are at the top of the page and read:]
      [Left one]                       [right one]
    AUGUSTA                        AUGUSTA
        JAN                                  JAN
          2                                      2
         ME                               [ILLEGIBLE]      

[document receipt stamp reads:]

    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                 JAN 6 1862
              PENSION OFFICE

[just above the document receipt stamp written vertically is]
              Druy

[written vertically across the center of the document is a signature which reads]
                           Barrett E Potter
                                      agt
                                       Augusta
                                             Me
Page 114

[this appears to be an envelope with address, two post marks and a document receipt stamp]

                Hon. Joseph H Barrett,
                    Commissioner of Pensions,
                            Washington, D.C.
[there are two postmarks which read identically:]

Augusta 
Jan 2
ME

[the document receipt stamp reads:]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Jan 6 1862
PENSION OFFICE

[there is faint handwriting, written vertically, in the center of the page]
     Barrett E Potter 
                agt
           Augusta
                  Me
Page 115

[appears to be an envelope with address, post mark and document receipt stamp]
                                     FREE
Hon. J.A. Barrett
Com Pensions
     Washington
             D.C.

[a post mark stamp is on the left side of the page and reads:]
        Augusta
         Oct 1
           ME

[document receipt stamp on the right side of page reads:]
            Pension Office
              Oct 3
                 1861

[there is faint handwriting, written vertically, in the center of the page]

Rhoda Jotham wid of Luther - Me. [illegible] 1853-
charged to [illegible] Aug 9 1861
[illegible]
Page 116

[this appears to be an envelope with a post mark stamp and a receipt stamp]

          Hon. Joseph H Barrett
                   Commissioner of Pensions
                          Washington

[Post mark stamp  on right side reads:]
Augusta
Nov 27 
   ME

[Receipt Stamp on left side reads:]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Nov 29 1861
PENSION OFFICE
Page 117

[this page is an exact duplicate of page 118 and will not be transcribed]
Page 118

[this page is a duplicate of page 117]
[this document appears to be an envelope]

                                                    FREE
                       Commissioner of Pensions
                               Washington
                                         D.C.

[there are two stamps, partially overlayed]

[the first stamp appears to be a post mark and reads:]
                               AUGUSTA
                                     JUL
                                       19
                                [year illegible]  

[the second stamp appears to be a departmental receipt  and reads:]

                                   PENSION OFFICE  
                                                 JUY
                                                   24
                                          [year illegible]                         

[left hand margin, written vertically]
     Rhoda Jotham
       Maine
Page 119

[this document appears to be envelope addressed to:]
                                                FREE
Hon J. H.Barrett
Com of Pensions
        Washington
                    D.C.
[there are two circular stamps on the left on the page]

[first stamp appears to be a post mark and reads:]
       Augusta 
         AUG 
            7


[second stamp indicates receipt of document and reads:
        PENSION OFFICE
         AUG 9 1861
Page 120

[possibly an envelope  with the State of Maine  motif  & Coat of arms in the background, addressed to:]

       Hon. Com of Pensions
           Washington
                D.C.

[there are two stamps on the face of this document:

[stamp on the right side reads:]
 Department of the Interior
                251

[stamp on the left side appears to be a post mark and reads:]

Augusta
Feb 22
   ME[?]
Page 121

[this appears to be an envelope addressed to: ]

Commissioner of Pensions

              Washington
                       D.C
[there is a circular post mark stamp - top right, which reads:]
      Augusta
        Jul 31 
FREE [this may indicate a Franking privilege]

[middle left is a circular receipt stamp which reads]
PENSION OFFICE
AUG 2 1851[?]

Jotham [written vertically to the right of the receipt stamp]
Page 122

        100,391             





 160 acres
Page 123

[In Handwriting "Revy"]

WIDOW, &c.
File No. [Start Handwriting] 9911
Rhoda, Watson
formerly Wid of
Leuther Gotham
This Rev. War [End Handwriting]

Act: [Start Handwriting] Febry 3^d  1853 [End Handwriting]
Index:-Vol. [In Handwriting "M"], Page [In Handwriting "308"]
Arrangement of 1870.