Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 429, William Holmes, New Jersey
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Service
New Jersey

Name
Holmes, William
Mary

Number W.429
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New Jersey 4170
Mary Holmes
widow of William Holmes
who died on the 20th June 1821
of Mercer Co in the state of N. Jersey
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Dennis of the Regt commanded
by Col. Forman in the N.J. Militia
line for 1 year & 23 days.

Inscribed on the roll of New Jersey at the rate of 42 dollars 53 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of February 1845 and sent to Hon. W.L. Dayton
Senate U. States

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1844 $574.15
Semi-annual allowance ending Mar '45 $21.26
$595.41

{Revolutionary Claim Act July 4, 1836 Section no. 3}

Recorded by D Brown Clerk
Book C Vol 1 Page 141
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Mary Holmes of N.J.
Additional Evidence
Act July 4, 1836

Hon. George Sykes
House of Reps
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State of New Jersey
Mercer County

On the 20th day of April AD 1844 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared Mary Holmes of West Windsor in the county and the state aforesaid in the eighty-third year of her age a person of truth and veracity who being duly sworn according to law on her oath deposeth and saith that she was married to William Holmes on the twenty-sixth day of October seventeen hundred and seventy-nine and that after her said marriage her husband was out and performed much service in the militia in the county of Monmouth and would respectfully refer the commissioner of Pensions to the proof of Abm Malatt, Lewis Compton who was in the service with her said husband after her marriage - she further declares that the second attached taken from an old account book is in the handwriting of her husband and is correct and has always been in her family. That the record of the births of their children (Seven only of the twelve being at that time born and living that her first child was born July 1, 1780 but lived only a few hours and was not recorded on the list - hereto attached - the said record is in the handwriting of a school master by the name of Spendlow who has been dead upwards of
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twenty-five or thirty years ago and has always been in the family - that the marriage record attached is in the handwriting of her said husband - but declarant cannot say when it was written or how many years before the death of her said husband.

Mary Holmes

Sworn to and subscribed the da and year above written before
Henry C Kittinger - JP

December the 28
Rec'd from Wm Holmes the sum of $1-15 for weaving by me - Jno McGonague

William Homes and Mary Kirby was married int he year of our Lord October the 26 1779

William Homes and Mary Kirby was married October the 26 in the year of our Lord 1779
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Entire page crossed out

September 4 1784

William Holmes Dr to 2 days and a half worth 0-7-6
to 1 day thrashing buckwheat 0-3-0
December 5th
to 1 day and a half thrashing [illegible] 0-4-6
to soling and coping a pair shoes 0-3-0
to making 2 pare 0-5-0
to dressing [illegible] 1 and a half days 0-4-6
to 1 bushel turups0-1-10
to laying 1 [illegible] 0-4-6
to 3 bushel of potatoes 0-8-0

Total L 9-1-10
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State of New Jersey
Mercer County

On the 20th of April 1844 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared William H Holmes and Maria Holmes children of William and Mary Holmes the former in his forty-eighth year of his age and the latter in the forty-first year of her age both of the township of West Windsor county and state aforesaid credible witnesses who being duly sworn according to law depose and say that the record giving the date of the marriage of their father and mother hereto attached is in the handwriting of their father which was written some years before his death - also the record of the births of seven children which were all that were born at the time as deponents have always heard their father say and as they verily believe - that it is in the handwriting of a schoolmaster named Spendlow as their father also informed them - who died before the recollection of these deponents and which record of births has always been in the family.

Wm H Holmes
Maria Holmes

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before Henry C Kittinger - JP
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Hanah Holmes daughter of William and Mary Holmes born the 12th of October 1781

John Holmes born Feby 2 1784

Elizabeth Holmes born Sept 15th, 1786

Sarah Holmes born Apr 16th, 1789

Thomas Holmes born Dec 16th 1791

Ester Holmes born Jan 5th 1794

William Kirby Holmes May 3rd 1796

Amenda Ann Homes born September 9th 1807
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State of New Jersey

I Charles G McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Henry C Kittinger Esqr before whom the affidavits of Mary Holmes and William K Holmes and Maria Holmes were made and taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Mercer in said state duly appointed commissioned and sworn; that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations and that the signature thereto is in the proper handwriting of the said Henry C Kittinger.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Trenton in said state this twenty-second day of May AD one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.

Charles G McChesney
Sec of State

SEAL
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5991
Mary Holmes of N. Jersey
Act July 4, 1836

D W Rice
Trenton 
N.J.
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Declaration of Mary Holmes 
Act of Congress July 4, 1836

State of New Jersey
Mercer County

On this twenty-sixth day of September AD eighteen hundred and forty-three personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in open court now sitting at Nottingham in and for said county Mary Holmes a resident of West Windsor in the county and state aforesaid in the eighty-second year of her age a person of truth and veracity and being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836. That she is the widow of William Holmes who was a private in the militia of New Jersey in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war - that she cannot say what service he performed before her said marriage but that she well knows he was out in the service before that time and afterwards. She recollects very well that he performed more than twelve months service after their said marriage under different officers some of whom she can name but she is unable to specify each and every tour of duty her said husband performed - he served under Captain Benjamin Dennis, Captain Richard McKnight, Ensign John Morris, Captain Conover, Captain Van Cleas, Capt. Stilwell and others and Cols. Forman, Hendrickson, Asher Holmes, Gen David Forman etc. - he was in the battle of Monmouth before our said marriage in June 1778 was stationed at Freehold, Coltsneck, Shrewsbury, Long Branch, Squancum and many other places
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that she cannot now recollect - she also declares that some years ago, in 1847 or 1838 - Judge John Perine came to take her declaration under said act for a pension but on account of the distance when the service was performed and where the witnesses resided, he never completed it as she understood. That some stranger name Woster from Washington City who said he was sent round by the Government or a Committee of Congress to see how many old widows drew pensions etc. took her declaration but is now unable to remember the facts therein stated - she now relinquishes any claim under that declaration and substitutes the present one. She has procured the testimony of Abm Malatt, Lewis Compton, John Matthews and her brother-in-law Anthony Holmes all of whom are pensioners of the United States and served with her said husband - she will also accept such pension as the department may think she is justly entitled to as she is unable to travel into Monmouth where the service was performed to procure more evidence than she now has. She further declares that she was married to the said William Holmes in the twenty-sixth day of October, seventeen hundred & seventy-nine by the Rev'd Mr. Van Tute of Allentown who died shortly after the revolution and who has not left any record of marriages. She attached an old record to her declaration taken by said Woster which she has relinquished and now attached the only record in her possession which was in the possession of her mother Elizabeth Kirby and is in her handwriting, except the three names on the second side of said record, one of which is the date of her death, it was written many years since
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she having died upwards of twenty-one years ago - since which time it has been in applicants' possession and is a true statement. That her husband the aforesaid William Holmes died on the twentieth day of June Eighteen hundred and twenty-one and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.

Mary Holmes

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written in open court.

Chas Burroughs - President Judge

John Kirby was born January the 22 day in the year of Lord 1756

William Kirby was born February 18 day in year of our Lord - 1759

Mary Kirby was born March 25 day in year of our Lord 1762

Elizabeth Kirby was born September the 3 day in year of our Lord 1768

Sarah Kirby was born June 23 day of the year of our Lord 1773

William Holmes and Mary Kirby was married October the 26 in the year of our Lord 1778.
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Portion of Bible

him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name
17 - And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Holys in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 - Then shall te return and discern between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not.

CHAP IV

1 - Gods Judgment on the wicked, 2 and his blessing on the good. 4 He exhorteth to the study of the law 5 and telleth of Elijas coming and office
For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh

Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall.

3 - And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet, in the day that I shall do this, faith the Lord of hosts.

4 - Remember ye the law of Moses my servant which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel with the statutes and judgements.

5 - Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 - And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The End of the Old Testament

Thomas Kirby was born February the 20 in the year of our Lord 1725

Elizabeth his wife was born June 25 in the year of our Lord 1738

Thomas Kirby and Elizabeth, his wife was married in the year of our Lord 1755

Thomas Kirdy dyed July the 27 in the year of our Lord 1806

Elizabeth Kirby died May 26 in the year of our Lord 1822.
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State of New Jersey
Mercer County  } SS.   Be it known that on the
twenty sixth day of September A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty three before the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Nottingham in and for said County, personally appeared William R. Holmes of West
Windsor in the County and State aforesaid a person of credibility and truth, in the forty eighth year of his age who being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith that some years ago, John Perrine Esqr a Judge of the County of Middlesex (West Windsor
being then part of Middlesex County) came to take his mothers declaration for a pension which was upwards of five years ago, as this County was made in the spring of 1838. and that on account of the witnesses being some distance off and in another County, he never completed it.-   that the record of his grandmother now attached to his mother's declaration, he knows to be in her hand writing, and has been in the family since her death.
That his father the said William Holmes died on the twentieth day of June Eighteen hundred and
twenty one and that his mother has not married
since but continues the widow of the said William Holmes.
Wm T. Holmes

Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year above written in
open Court.
Chas Burroughs
President Judge
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State of New Jersey
Monmouth County  }  SS
Be it known that on the 8th day of June A.D. 1843, before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Personally appeared John Matthews of Shrewsbury of Shrewsbury township in the County of Monmouth and State aforesaid in the Seventy ninth year of his age a person of credibility and truth and a pensioner of the United States who being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith  That he was well acquainted with the family of the Holmes, they numbered Eight all fit for and did duty at the same time in the Revolution.  dept. frequently saw William Holmes one of the brothers in the militia companies in active service before dept. was old enough to perform duty at Coltsneck. dept performed a number of tours of duty in 1780 and 1781. and 1782 at Coltsneck and Shrewsbury with said William Holmes under Ensign John Morris, Capt McKnight and others but dept. is unable to specify each tour nor could he specify or tell them apart as there were eight of them doing duty at a time one half of whom were constantly out on duty and sometimes all of them, they were good soldiers.
John Mathews

Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year above written
Before John Stateser J P
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State of New Jersey
Mercer County   }  SS.
Be it Known that on the 8th day of March 1843, before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County Personally appeared Abraham Malatt of East Windsor, Mercer County New Jersey in the Eighty Seventh year of his age, a person of credibility and truth and a pensioner of the United States, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith, That during the Revolutionary war he was well acquainted with William Holmes of Freehold and performed militia service with the said Holmes at Freehold (after deponent left the three years service
in 1781) under Capt Polhemus, Capt Schenck Capt Conover and Vancleaf they commanded in monthly tours.  frequently saw the said William Holmes in the ranks with his gun, he was a private, deponent also saw him at Coltsneck under Capt Benj Dennis and Ensign John Morris a number of times in 1781 and 1782, met him frequently on scouts once at Shrewsbury it was in September 1782. the second year after my leaving the regular army. I recollect that he was two months quartered at the Falls and Red Bank with deponent.  deponent cannot specify each particular tour nor each officer as they were
so frequently changed, deponent was acquainted with all the brothers, it was a general talk that no family could turn out in Monmouth County so many able bodied men. deponent recollects at one time Eight brothers were in the ranks doing active duty at one time of whom William was one Anthony Holmes is the only one of the family now
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living.  dept. understands he is a pensioner. they were good soldiers and had to be constantly out.  he was then married to Mary Kirby, with whose family dept. was well acquainted, having lived in the same neighbourhood. Col Asher Holmes generally
commanded he was the most active officer we
had towards the close of the Revolution . deponent fully believes he served at different times and places with said Holmes more than Twelve months in active service during the years 1781, 1782 and 1783.  the County of Monmouth required service even after peace by her militia, the said William Holmes moved from Monmouth into Middlesex County and there died more than twenty years ago.  his widow is still living and is applying for a Pension and further saith not.
                 his
Abraham   X   Malatt
                mark

Sworn to and subscribed the day
and year above written-
before John B Mount J P
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State of New Jersey
Mercer County    }  SS
On the 8th day of March 1843.  Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice
of the peace in and for said County, Lewis Compton of Upper Freehold, Monmouth County New Jersey a person of truth and veracity in the Eighty Sixth year of his age and a pensioner of the United States, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith. That he was well acquainted with William Holmes of the same County with dept. in the Fall of 1777.  dept was under Capt Elisha Walton.  the said Holmes was then two or three months that summer and fall.  one month he was under Capt Schenck and one under Capt Polhemus and another under Capt Van cleaf- they were stationed at Freehold Town where dept. was for nine months and a half at the same place under said Walton. Col Forman then commanded the militia.  dept served a few months after that in Middlesex as a substitute and did not see the said- Holmes again until in 1780 at Shrewsbury and Red Bank. we served two or three tours together under Capt Van cleaf and Conover. dept. served with said William Holmes and two of his brothers one tour at Shrewsbury in the spring of 1781, one tour at Long Branch and in the same summer after the Revolt of the Pennsylvanians one tour of a month with sd Holmes at Coltsneck with Ensign John Morris. dept. was under Capt McKnight that tour-
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was longer than a month.  dept. afterwards
served a number of short tours with said
Holmes and met him under different Captains at various places-- when dept. was not in the same company the whole family of the Holmes being Eight brothers in all half of them were out constantly, they were called the best whigs in Monmouth County and no family in the State of New Jersey performed as much active service as they. said Holmes married Mary Kirby in the middle of the Revolution- have lived near the Kirby family all my life and know them well-  said Holmes died many years ago. his widow is still living and is now applying or has applied for a Pension.
Lewis Compton

Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year above written
before John B Mount J P
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State of New Jersey
Monmouth County  }  ss.
On the 7th day of June 1843 Before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Anthony Holmes of Shrewsbury in the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey in the Eighty third year of his age, a Pensioner of the
United States, a person of credibility and truth
who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith- That he well remembers being in the militia of New Jersey with his brother William
Holmes during the Revolutionary war- dept. well remembers at one time he and his Seven brothers, making eight in all- were in Capt
Chadwick & Dennis Companys- out at one time in the Service- said William was stationed with said militia at Coltsneck, Freehold, Shrewsbury
and other places, unto dept. cannot specify his regular tours nor all his captains- but this dept. well knows from their exposed situation and [k]new the Tories & Refugees were prowling constantly about - all capable of bearing arms- were compelled to be out in the service - he has been dead many years and has left a widow now residing in Mercer County- and is now making application for a pension- dept. is the only survivor of the family.
Anthony Holmes

Sworn & subscribed the
day & year above written
Before John Stateser J P
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Receipts for Cash paid 2nd & 3rd years interest on Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Counties for Militia Services.
---------------------------
[table follows with 7 columns; column headings are as follows:]
(1) No. of Voucher.
(2) No. of Certif.
(3) Date.
(4) SIGNED BY.
(5) PAYABLE TO.
(6) Amount.
(7)  1 y's int.

[text beneath column headings as follows:]
(1) 196, 282, Margin indent
(2) 446, 606, 303
(3) May 1. 1784, "   ", "    "
(4) Thos Henderson, Do, Do
(5) William Holmes, Do, Do
(6) {symbol for pounds--or dollars?} 22.5.9, 9.11.8, 2.6.8
(7)  {symbol for pounds --or dollars?} 1.6.8, 0.11.6

STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
I, CHARLES G. McCHESNEY, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from, and compared with the original, now remaining in my office.--And I do further certify, that Thos. Henderson was by an Act, passed by the Legislature of this State, December 20, 1783, entitled ""An Act to procure an estimate of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and to provide for the settlement of the same," appointed a Commissioner for the
County of Monmouth for the purpose of settling and adjusting the pay rolls of the Militia and
Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also for signing and delivering out to each and every person a note for the payment of what may be justly due.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said State, this twenty ninth day of September
A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty - three
Charles G. McChesney
Secretary of State.
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State of New Jersey
[seal affixed at left]
I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Charles Burroughs Esqr before whom the declaration of Mary Holmes and affidavit of William K Holmes were taken was at the time of
the doing thereof President Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Nottingham in and for the County of Mercer; that John B Mount Esqr before whom the affidavits of Abraham Mallat and Lewis Compton were taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Mercer, and that John
Stateser Esq. before whom the affidavits of Anthony Holmes and John Matthews, were taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County
of Monmouth in said State, all of whom were duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, that full faith & credit are to be given to their official attestations, and that the Signatures thereto are in the proper hand writing of the said Charles Burroughs, John B Mount, & John Stateser Esqrs.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton in said State this thirtieth day of September A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Charles G. McChesney
Secy of State
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Rev. and 1812
War Section.

March 9, 1926

Mrs. John Strick
Brighton
Mich.

Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 429, it appears that William Holmes of Monmouth County, New Jersey, served from 1777 to close of war as a private, at various times, under Captains Chadwick, Benjamin Dennis Richard McKnight, Conover, Van Cleaf, Stilwell, Polhemus, and Schenck, Colonels, Forman, Hendrickson, and Asher Holmes, in the New Jersey Troops, he was in the battle of Monmouth, length of service not stated.

He died June 20, 1821 in Middlesex County,
New Jersey.

Soldier married October 26, 1779, Mary, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Kirby. Thomas Kirby was born February 3, 1735 and died July 27, 1820, Elizabeth
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Kirby was born June 25, 1738 and died May 26, 1822.

Their daughter Mary was born March 25, 1762, she was allowed pension on her application executed September 26, 1843, while a resident of West Windsor, Mercer County, New Jersey.

It is stated that they had twelve children, the
following are the only ones on file-

First child born July 1, 1780, only lived a few hours
Hannah "  October 12, 1781
John   "  February 2, 1784
Elizabeth  "  September 15, 1786
Sarah   "   April 16, 1789
Thomas "  December 16, 1791
Ester    "    January 5, 1794
William Kirby  "  May 3, 1796
Maria           "   --   --   1804
Amanda Ann. "  September 9, 1807

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
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Revy      WIDOW, &c.
-----------
File No.  ___ 429 ____
___ Mary Holmes ______
__ Widow ________
___ William Holmes, ____
____ Private Rev. War. ______
--------------------
Act: __ July 4, 183. _____,
Index: -- Vol. __A __ , Page __ 340 __

[Arrangement of 1870.]
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1934 June 12, Adjutant Gen. N. J. infd only
brother named was Anthony AW.
1926 - Mch 9- Hist to Mrs. John Strick See letter in Isaac Ki. by W. 1196 AWJ
Page 28

To Mrs Mary Kirby

Maddam

I do not think myself worthy your choice to be sure, but if I could be the happy Person that you will honner [honor] with your choice you ['not' crossed out] shall find I will not forget to be gratefull--

I am not smoothly spoken but you shall find me true----

oft do I strive with anxious toil
My mission to subdue
but all in vain one look or Smile
Revives the flames a new

Should reason urge her friendly aid
How weak alas her voice
When such the blooming generous maid
Can reason blame the choice
Page 29

It is not riches or Beauty or being of an
Equal age that makes a Marr[i]age happy
but it is the Character of one I shall
try to imitate but perhaps not cum [come] up to
He is one who wedded not by interest
but by choice is constant as well from
inclination as from principle; he treats his
wife with delicacy as a woman with
tenderness as a friend; he attributes her
follies to her weakness her imprudence to her
inadvertency: he passes them over therefore
with good nature and pardons them with
indulgence; all his care and industry are
emploid [employed] for her wellfare; all his strength and power are exerted for her support
and protection;
Lastly the good husband is pious and religious,
that he may animate her faith by his
practice and enforce the precepts of
Christianity by his own example.
Page 30

That as they join to promote each others
happiness in this world they may unite to
insure eternal joy and felicity in that
which is to come:

If you join your self to one of this [cut off]
ter you need not fear but that you [cut off]
live a happy life; if your Love is [cut off]
hot it will come after marr[i]age, and [cut off]
dear to one another in old age as in [cut off]

I Shall tire your patience I be[cut off]
and so I will conclude myself your
Affectionate friend and
---
Humbel [Humble] Servent [Servant]
William Holmes

N B Quit not a Certainty for an uncertainty
Page 31

Mary Holmes, widow of
William Holmes, private
N.J. militia
1 year 23 days
married 26 octr. 1779
husbanc died June 20, 1821
act 4 July '36
pen. to com. 4 March 1831
$42.53 per an.
---
N. Jersey Roll
---
Page 32

Sir

The case of Mary Holmes I have not heard from since forwarding some additional papers a long time since-- May I ask the condition?
Yours
Wm L. Dayton
Sen. Chamb. 211 Fuller
Page 33

Sir

I furnished evidence to you about four months since; made by a Respectable person under oath that Mary Holmes had frequently told her that she was not Married to William Holmes untill the close of the Revolutionary war, this Mary Holmes was then claiming a Pension as the widow of William Holmes from Mercer County New Jersey,  as I have been on a journey the south I have not he[a]rd whether
Pension has been granted to her or not; I wish Sir that you would wright [write] to me to let me know whether it has been granted or not, that I may obtain more evidence if it necessary to prove that she is not entitled to it.

Pleas to direct your lines to me at ['Sassafras' crossed out] the head of Sassafras Kent County Maryland where I shall stay a few weeks before I Return to Jersey.

I am yours &c Price B Bills

Mr J L Edwards
Washington City
March 13th 1845
Page 34

Sir

I include a affidavit from Ann Case who has Resided in the house with Mary Holmes since the first day of April last who has he[a]rd the said Mary Holmes at a number of Different times say that she was not Married to William Holmes untill the close of the Revolutionary War

I think Sir that the evidence I have now adduced is sufficient to postpone the granting the said Mary Holmes any pension whatever; I do deny that the said Mary Holmes was ever married to William Holmes; any family certificate of marriage to the Contrary notwithstanding, I think when you take into consideration that I am not influenced by any motiver of interest
whatever that you will pay some attention to the evidence that I have presented.  My only object is to prevent the Government from being defrauded, as it has been for ma[n]y years past in making out faulse [false] and fraud[u]lent papers to draw pensions

I am Your &c P.B. Bills

Mr J L Edwards
Washington City
December 10th 1844
Page 35

Mrs Case who now Resides in the house with Mary Holmes is a young married woman of the first Respectability as all the neighbourhood will vought [vouch] for; She does not wish that they Should know that she has made affidavit
Concerning what Mary Holmes Said as she wishes to live in peace with them; if you could consist[ent]ly not let them know that she has made affidavit until the 1st of April next at which time she & her husband will leave their house; would confer a favor on them. 

N B  I am able to prove that Abraham Maulot was not 10 years old at the close of the
Revolutionary war
Page 36

House of Representatives
Feb 8th 1844

Col Edwards will oblige me very much by reporting at his earliest convenience the two following pension cases

Mary Holmes widow of Wm of Mercer County New Jersey under the act of Congress July 4-
1836 forwarded to the Department in Sept 1843

Sarah Tice widow of Elias Tice of Mercer Co N Jersey act of Congress July 7th 1838 additional
proof of Marriage forwarded to the Dept
in Sept 1843

Very Respectfully
Geo Sykes

Col Jas L Edwards
Page 37

House of Representatives
Washington May 25th 1844

Col James L Edwards

I have received some additional testimony from Mary Holmes in the case of her application for a pension which I herewith enclose together with some other papers relative to that case

As she resides in my Congressional district in New Jersey-- I will thank you if you will take up the case and report it to me at your earliest convenience

Veryn Respectfully
Geo Sykes

To Col Jas L Edwards
Page 38

Trenton Augt 8-- 1844

Dear Sir

Wm K Holmes of this County (Mercer) called on me this morning and stated that Price Bills had been writing to you, making false statements against his mother Mrs Mary Holmes, himself and also against me, that he was showing a couple letters he had recd from you in the Tavern (where he is constantly to be found) and when seen by a credible person a Judge of the Court he felt so indignant at Bills that he immediately informed Mr Holmes what Bills
was doing. Mr Holmes called during my absence to give me information concerning the matter. it is right that the dept. should use all honorable means to detect fraud and punish guilt, but that Price Bills a common Street drunkard and a person destitute of truth and decency should be the means of intelligence, can only be for want of knowledge of the man in the neighbourhood where he lives he is harmless for no one will believe him. he taught a school in- Hights Town a few years ago, when he was dismissed for drunkenness and incompetency. I have known him Sixteen years- he is personally opposed to me as well as
politically, during the canvass of 1838 or 39- I made him publicly retract some falsehoods he had stated for which he bears me no good will- besides I prevented his appt of J. Peace a few years ago. Knowing him- unworthy.   in 1834 or 35 he wrote to Genl Jackson
Page 39

charging John Tindall who was applying for a pension (act 1832), as being a Tory &c and procured a statement of a half a fool (Mrs Taylor) against him.  your answers to his letter were publicly seen- which you must have on file.  he now denies it to the son of Mr Tindall. 973 Judges & Justices were appointed last winter Mr Bills by mistake among them.  Mr Holmes desires me to say, that if it is necessary he will procure affidavits of the most respectable citizens (members of the Baptist and Presbyterian Churches) who will testify that he is not to be believed on oath and that he is a notorious Drunkard (I can vouch to both
Mrs Mary Holmes widow of Wm Called on me
at Hights Town in 1837- I think to amend her Declaration-- not knowing her witnesses, I declined.  Two years ago her husbands brother Anthony Holmes returning from the Pension Agency tarried all night with her and said he was well aware of his service and there were other witnesses living who also knew it.
I drew the papers in my office her son William
accompanied her to court when they were taken-- after the son had procured the testimony part of which I took for him-- the papers were sent to the dept being no post office nearer than Trenton he had the case reported to Mr D. W. Rice I think

The Hon Geo Sykes Rep from this district
offered to assist William K Holmes in the application to whom it was communicated.
Page 40

If the Bills has made charges in which any of the foregoing parties an named- may I ask a copy, that they may as well as the person making them be properly presented to the Pension
Dept proving both here and there that Price
Bills is not worthy of confidence- is a Notorious 
Liar and Drunkard- all of which I pledge to do immediately on hearing from the dept which is asked as a matter of Justice-
to your
Obt Servants
Charles G. McChesney


Hon J L Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Page 41

Office of Secy of State
Trenton Augt 15, 1844

Dear Sir

I have received your letter dated the 10th inst in answer to mine of the 8th, for your prompt
attention receive my thanks. I named to Mr Holmes that it was impossible for the Pension dept to know every person who wrote to the office and that it was requisite, carefully to look into all complaints made against applicants and their sustainants.  The Son of Abraham Malatt, I understand by Mr Holmes will correct Bills' statement by such proof as will be satisfactory without doubts to the Pension department through Mrs Davison who mistook- James Malatt a much younger brother for Abm

I enclose you a certif of the Court of Mercer
County shewing the cause of part of the enmity,
existing between Mr Job Silver, Bills, & Wm K Holmes. I regret to say the habits of Job Silver has brought great mortification upon a highly respectable family, all of whom I have known for twenty years  he was a J. Peace of this Co. and resigned for good reasons.  he last year kept a tavern in Cranberry  Middlesex Co, he now has an Ash Pole & "Temperance Sign" before his door, where water is sold and strong drink given away-- Price Bills is strong proof of it.  "Holmes has a Hickory Pole near his door. so they
Page 42

keep up a kind of Texas war. This Bills professes
the same Politics as Holmes. Bills was a witness
against Mrn Holmes, but the court would not
credit him.  Mr Holmes I know to be a sober &
respectable person. Thomas M. Perrine Esqr
of Perrineville is a Respectable person. I was his
family Physician from 1825 until 1840 when I left the Village of Hightstown.  his mother is a Niece of Mrs Mary Holmes, and told me she lived near her son William Holmes (I think she said the oldest of Eight brother's) all of whom were in the service, &c. I have advised Mr Holmes to procure her testimony

I have the honor to be
very respectfully
Your Obd Servt
Charles G. M. Chesney
Page 43

Sir

I acknowledg[e] the Rece[i]pt of your note
ad[d]resed to me on the 2nd Inst which I did not received till the 12th in Relation to Mary Holmes Receiving a pension, you say that the Department would not be authorized to Refuse her pension unless dispro[o]f of the evidence should be made known to the department;
now Sir if you will be so kind as to send me the names of the persons who knew that Mary Holmes was ever mar[ri]ed to William Holmes and also the Evidence named, that William Holmes was ever in the United States service, I will I think be able to proove [prove] to your 
satisfaction that such cordence has been
fraudulen[t]ly obtained you know sir that it is a hard mat[t]er to prove a negative  it has twelve years since the same person who now is tr[y]ing to get her pension and then gave up,
it is a esey [easy] matter to obtain evidence in such mat[t]er as the person making out the papers will have them drawn up and call on some old man such perhaps knew nothing of the contents for evidence; by such mean the Gover[n]menthas been defrauded for many years past, and no one in Jersey has been more
engage in it than the persons whow [who] is
now engaged in getting a pension for Mary Holmes, the person making out the papers commonly get one half I trust Sir that the above claimant for a pension ought not to have a pension until evidence such as has been produce dto your Honor
Page 44

should be investigated. If Sir have inquired of the earliest a[c]quaintance of Mary Holmes and cannot find that she was ever married and also of William Holmes and cannot find any one who
ever knew or he[a]rd of him being in the Revolution service.  I hope Sir that you will send me the names of those evidence and where they Reside, and by whom the Declaration was
made as soon as possible.

I Am Yours &c Price B Bill

J L Edwards
Washington City

Please to address your note to me at
Trenton N Jersey
Page 45

Character of Mr. Job Silver- on the Claim of Mrs Mary Holmes
----------
Page 46

State of New Jersey
Mercer County ss
I Ralph H Shreve Clerk of the Court of Oyer & Terminer and General Jail Delivery do hereby certify that Job Silver of West Windsor, Mercer County was indicted by the Grand Inquest of the State of New Jersey in and for the County of Mercer at the term of September in the year eighteen hundred and forty four for Misdemeanor and pleaded "non vult contendere" to the said Indictment & was fined by said Court

And I further certify that William K Holmes
was Indicted at the same term of the Court above named for keeping a disorderly house and that Job Silver and Price Bills were the witnesses on the part of the State to sustain said Indictment which was traversed on the thirty first day of December last past and the said William Holmes was found "not guilty" as appears by the minutes of the said Court

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at Nottingham this Eighth day of January A D Eighteen hundred forty five
R H Shreve Clerk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 47

Abraham Malatts
age & Service  - on the
claim of Mrs- Mary Holmes
Page 48

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County  }   SS
Be it known that on the 14th day of September A.D. 1833 before me John Smith one of the
Justices of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Capt David Baird of Monmouth County, New Jersey, aged Seventy Eight years on the 16th day of July last past a person of truth and veracity, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith. That he was well acquainted with Abraham Malatt before during and since the Revolutionary war, he being about three years younger than deponent. In June 1776 deponent enlisted
in the 5 months service under Capt Peter Nikoff
and marched to Long Island served the 5 mos out as an Orderly Sergt on his return he was elected an Ensign or Lieut in Capt John Conovers Company of Militia, and in the spring or summer of 1777 while on a tour of duty at 
Freehold deponent saw the said Abraham Malatt in Capt John Burroughs company in which he had enlisted, and after that time the said Abraham Malatt was absent two or three years in the army, he was generally called "Sandy or old Red". In the years 1781 and 1782, deponent while on duty along shore often saw the said Malatt in the militia Service under different officers, saw him at Coltsneck &
Shrewsbury and once or tried at Toms river while Capt Huddy Commanded the Block House, also at Miltown deponent recollects three or four companies of Militia on an alarm met in the night, going from Squancum [Squaknkum] to the sea shore in command of Capt David Imlay Capt Bishop Lieut Moses Shepherd and this deponent said Abraham Malatt was in one of the Companies that stopped at Squancum [Squankum]. Some time afterwards deponent well recollects marching to Cedar Bridge
Page 49

or swamp with about sixteen militiamen.  When he reached that place he found the said Malatt there the Company to which he belonged marched off and left him all night he being too drunk to go, he must have performed many years of service during said Revolution, and further saith not-
David Baird

Sworn and subscribed the day
and year above written
Before me
John Smith J P
Page 50

State of New Jersey
Mercer County
Be it known that on the 2d day of December A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County personally appeared Joseph Parker a resident of Nottingham in the County and State aforesaid a person of truth and veracity who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith That he is a pensioner of the United States for services rendered during the Revolutionary war. That towards the close of the said war he recollects seeing in the Militia Abraham Malatt called "Sandy" also Gideon Malott both of the County of Monmouth.  deponent served a number of tours with said Abraham Malatt at different places but deponent is unable to specify them, the names and persons of those he served with; and became acquainted with; while stationed at the same places, are still
fresh in his recollection, but the number of times and places and exact dates of said services at this great and distant period of time he is unable to State.
Joseph Parker

Sworn to and subscribed the day
and year above written
Before me James H Smith
Page 51

State of New Jersey
Mercer County   SS 
on the fourth day of January AD 1845 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared John Malatt of East Windsor in the County and State aforesaid in the Forty Seven (47) year of his age a person of truth who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he is the son of Abraham Malatt and Margaret the seccond wife of his said Father.  That he never saw any record of his father age nor does he believe he ever had any from the best information he can procure he believes his father was upwards of Eighty six years of age when he died.  he was a pensioner of the united States at the time of his death. deponent well remembers from earliest childhood to have heard his father tell of his services and exploits in the Revolutionary war has often heard Capt David- Baird Lewis Compton Isaac Johnson and others speak of serving with him all of whom resided but a few miles off from his father before the Revolution and that they often said there was very little difference in there [their] ages being boys
together- deponent has marked for all of them.
         his
John  X  Malatt
       mark

Sworn and subscribed before me }
the day and year above written.    }
X(47) interlined 
John B Mount Justice of the Peace
Page 52

State of New Jusey Mercer County ss
On the fourth day of January A.D. 1845 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Benjamin Malatt of East Windsor in the County and State aforesaid in the Thirty ninth year of his age a person of truth and veracity who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith. That he is the Son of Abraham Malatt (by his second wife) late of Monmouth County deceased, that his father had no record of his age and that to the best of deponents knowledge and belief his father the said Abraham Malatt was about Eighty six years of age when he died, that from his boyhood up he has heard his father tell of his services in the Revolutionary war and drew a pension from the United States at the time of his death, he will recollects his father had a younger brother named James Malatt, and deponent further declares that he was acquainted with Price Bills late of West Windsor (having lately absconded) and has always considered him a person destitute of truth
and unworthy of credit and belief and further
deponent saith not.
Benjamin Malatt

Sworn and Subscribed the day
and year above written
Before me
John B Mount 
Justice of the peace
Page 53

State of New Jersey
Mercer County ss: }
Before me William C Howell one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Joseph Harbert, of the township of West Windsor of the County aforesaid in the fiftieth year of his age, who being duly sworn according to Law on his Oath deposeth and
saith, that he was born and brought up in Monmouth County near the village of Englishtown and that he was well acquainted with Abraham Malatt, more than thirty years ago, who their lived near the Burnt Tavern in the
Monmouth Pines, who at that time was an old and Intemperate man, and that upon reflection deponent is convinced and satisfied that said Abraham Malatt was out in the Revolutionary War.

Deponent states that his affidavit on the subject of the age of said Malatt was taken some weeks ago by Job Silver and Price Bills; Job Silver done the writing and held the Bible to deponent to qualify him to said affidavit, that neither of them read what said affidavit contained to him; But said, that all was right. Deponent further says, that said Bills and Silver neither of them are worthy of belief nor would he believe them under oath, that said Price Bills and Job Silver are both intemperate men, and disturbers of the peace in the neighbourhood.  deponent was enticed over to said Silver's Grogery, and then made intoxicated, and then made to sign an
affidavit relative to said Malatt as he has been
informed without knowing its contents. deponent can neither read nor write.
             his
Joseph  X  Harbert
            mark

Sworn and Subscribed at Trenton, this 4" day of November AD 1844. before me after being by me read to deponent who was perfectly sober at the time 
Wm. C. Howell
Page 54

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County. SS.
On this nineteenth day of November A.D. one
thousand eight hundred and forty four. Before me John W. Davison one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County.
Personally appeared Catharine Davison of Millstone in said County in the seventy ninth year of her age, a person of truth, who being
duly sworn according to law on her oath saith, that a short time ago she was asked by Thomas M. Perrine Esqr how old she thought Abraham Malatt was in the Revolutionary war, that without reflection she answered that she thought he was a little boy at that time. Since which time she understand that said Abraham Malatt had a younger brother who resided at his grandfathers who she may have taken for Abraham, and by that means was mistaken in the person, as she well remembers that in the
month of July A.D. 1841. the said Abraham Malatt was doing some little labor for her family and he then said he was upwards of eighty years of age he was are intemperate old man.
Catharine Davison

Sworn and Subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
before me, (was) first
interlined.
John W. Davison

I hereby certify that some time in August or September A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty one, Abraham Malatt. telling me he was about eighty two years of age I had known him for upwards of thirty years he was
intemperate and a very old man.
John W. Davison
Page 55

State of New Jersey
Mercer County } SS
On the 2d day of December A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared John Smith Esqr of Hamilton in the County and State aforesaid in the sixty ninth year of his age a person of truth and veracity who being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Abraham Malatt of Monmouth County for upwards of Forty years. that he was an old man at that time; deponent often heard said Malatt speak and tell of his services in the Revolutionary war, and would occasionally get intoxicated, but when sober the said Abraham
Malatt was a man of truth, he was a very old
man when he died - deponent also knew Lewis
Compton and considered Abraham Malatt quite
as old as said Compton and further Saith not
John Smith

Sworn to and subscribed the
day year aforesaid
Before me Wm. C. Howell
Page 56

State of New Jersey
[seal affixed below]
I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that John Smith Esqr before whom the affidavit of Capt David Baird was made and taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Middlesex in said State; that James H Smith Esqr before whom the affidavit of Joseph Parker was made and taken, John B Mount Esq before whom the affidavit of John & Benjamin Malatt were
made and taken, and William C. Howell Esq
before whom the affidavits of Joseph Herbert & John Smith were made and taken, were at the time of the doing thereof. Justices of the Peace
in and for the County of Mercer in said State, and that John W Davison Esqr before whom the affidavit of Catherine Davison was made and taken, was at the time of the doing thereof a Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Monmouth in said State, all duly appointed Commissioned and sworn; that full faith and credit are to be given to their official attestations, and that the signatures thereto, are in the proper handwriting of the said John Smith, James H. Smith, John B Mount, William C Howell and John W. Davisson.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at Trenton in said State this seventh day of January A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Charles G. McChesney
Secy of State
Page 57

Character of Price Bills, on the
Claim of Mrs Mary Holmes
Page 58

State of New Jersey
Mercer County } SS
On the 31st day of December A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared William J. Tindall of West Windsor in the County aforesaid a person of truth, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith he is in his sixty third year of his age and has always
been acquainted with Price Bills of said
Township that he was an enemy to William K
Holmes whose mother is an applicant for a pension and has opposed said applicant on account of his dislike to said William. deponent considers him unworthy of credit and belief has boarded with deponent, and has now absconded from the place - after swindling a number of inhabitants in the place & he is considered a great liar.
William J.Tindall

Sworn and Subscribed the day
and year above written
Before me Randal C Robbins

State of New Jersey Mercer County ss
David B. Hill of Assunpink of the same place where Price Bills resided in the 38th year of his age a person of truth, who being Sworn on his oath saith. That he has read the above affidavit of William J Tindall and concurs therein fully, and would not believe him said Bills under oath. That deponent has heard Price Bills say, That if Doctor McChesney could get her Mary Holmes a pension and deal it out to her as she wanted it, he would have no objection to it-- but if she got hold of it--
Page 59

It would make "that Damn Scoundrel saucyer  [saucier] than ever" meaning her son William K Holmes
David B Hill

Sworn and Subscribed the
day and year above written
before me Randal C Robbins

New Jersey
We Henry C Kittinger and Randal C Robbins Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Mercer in said State do hereby certify that we are or have been acquainted with Price Bills of West Windsor in which neighborhood we reside. We consider said Bills destitute of truth and unworthy of credit and that his character is bad throughout the County
where he is known
December 31, 1844
Henry Kittinger }
&
Randal C Robbins } Judges

State of New Jersey ss
I further certify that after taking Mrs Mary
Holmes Affidavit and others in regard to the
family record of her marriage, I met Price
Bills Esq who asked what I was doing at his
Holmes (I told him)- Bills said that he had opposed one pension claim in the neighborhood before, and was bound to oppose Mrs Holmes with all his might for it would make (William K Holmes) that damned Scoundrel more saucyy than ever and that he opposed it on account of its benefiting the son of Mrs Holmes alone
Decr 31. 1846.
Henry Kittinger Judge
Page 60

State of New Jersey Mercer County SS.
I hereby certify that I am upwards of Sixty four years of age and have always resided in the township of East Windsor in said County, have been a Judge of the Common Pleas of said County (formerly Middlesex) for more than fifteen years, was well acquainted with Abraham
Malatt of Monmouth County, (and who recently died in said County) for a great many years, and verily believe he was a soldier of the Revolution, and that he was sufficiently old in said war, and often heard him speak of his services in said Revolution, and have taken affidavits of his in
support of applicants for pensions, and also declarations for said Malatt. He was intemperate at times from my earliest acquaintance with him; when sober, he was a man of credibility. I further certify that I have been acquainted with Price Bills Esqr of West Windsor in said County, for more than ten years past, and that I believe him to be a person destitute of truth and credibility, and that his character throughout the neighborhood where he lately resided was very bad, being intemperate and a disturber of the peace.

Given under my hand this twenty seventh day
of December A.D. One thousand eight hundred & forty four

John B Mount Judge
Page 61

State of New Jersey
Mercer County
On the 30th day of December A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared George M Rice resident of West Windsor in the County and State aforesaid a person of truth and credibility in the Thirty first year of his age who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith. That he has resided all his life in West Windsor and for the past twelve years has been acquainted with Price Bills Esqr who has resided in the same neighborhood. That he is considered a Swindler, Drunkard, and an abandoned person totally destitute of truth and common decency. deponent understands that he has absconded after cheating and Swindling a number of persons &  further saith not.
George M Rice 

Sworn to and Subscribed the
day and year above written
Before me
Saml Evans, Justice of the Peace
---
Page 62

State of New Jersey
[seal affixed below]
I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of
the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Randal C. Robbins Esqr before whom the affidavits of William J Tindall and David B Hill were made and taken, and who hath signed the annexed certificate, was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace & Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Mercer in said State, that Henry C Kittenger Esqr who hath signed the two Certificates hereto annexed, and John B. Mount Esq whose certificate is also hereto annexed, were at the time of the doing thereof Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Mercer in said State, and that Samuel Evans Esqr. before whom the affidavit of George M Rice was made and take was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Mercer, all duly appointed commissioned & sworn; that full faith
and credit are to be given to their official attestations, and that the signatures thereto are in the proper hand writing of the said Randal C. Robbins, Henry C Kittenger, John B Mount & Samuel Evans.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at Trenton this 7th day of January A.D. 1845
Charles McChesney
Secy of State
Page 63

Additional Evidence for
Mary Holmes of
Mercer County N.J.
Act July 4, 1836
Page 64

State of New Jersey
Mercer County  }  SS
On this second day of December A.D. 1844 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in
and for said County personally appeared Joseph Parke of Nottingham in the County and State aforesaid a person of truth, in the Eighty sixth year of his age, a Pensioner of the United States, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath deposeth and saith: That he was well acquainted with the family of Holmes living near Shrewsberry in the Revolutionary War. he well recollects there were a large family of brothers who were in the militia service during the Revolution, William and Anthony Holmes of the number who deponent served with and frequently saw at different places, under various officers, they performed much Militia duty throughout the war of the Revolution, it is impossible to describe the different times,  places, and dates of those services at this
great length of time, but they were all firm and good Soldiers and performed almost constant service throughout the Revolutionary war and further Saith not.
Joseph Parker

Sworn to and subscribed the day
and year above written
Before me James H Smith
Page 65

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County ⎬ ss
On the 4th day of August 1844 before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County personally appeared Hannah Perrine of the
Township of Millstone in the County and State aforesaid a person of credibility and truth-
in the seventy fourth year of her age who being duly sworn according to law on her oath saith - That during the Revolutionary war she lived near Shrewsberry town and well remembers
her eight uncles William & Anthony Holmes
of the number- living less than two miles from dept. were out in the Militia in said Revolution - She thinks William Holmes was the Eldest- and they were constantly out in the service. Deponent well remembers seeing her said Uncle William Holmes armed and going out and fully believes he was out all the war, and that during said war, about the middle of said Revolution the said William Holmes married Mary Kirby, and have known her ever since.  Deponent further states that the said William Holmes was out in the militia after his said marriage to the said Mary Kirby no family in New Jersey were more ardent Whigs than all the Holmes- William being the Eldest performed the most service
Hannah Perrine

Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year above
mentioned
Thos M Perrine Judge
The above deponent is the
the [sic] mother of the Subscriber.
Thos M. Penine
Page 66

State of New Jersey.
[seal affixed below]
I Charles G McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that James H Smith Esqr before whom the affidavit of Joseph Parker was made and taken, was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Mercer in said State; that Thomas M. Perrine Esqr before whom the affidavit of Hannah Perrine was made & taken, was at the time of the doing thereof one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Monmouth in said State, both duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, that full faith and credit are to be given to their official attestations, and that the signatures thereto, are in the proper handwriting of the said James H Smith and Thomas M. Perrine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton in said State this Seventh day of January A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Charles G. McChesney
Secy. of State
Page 67

Abraham Malatts
age
proof of on the
Claim of Mrs
Mary Holmes
Page 68

State of New Jersey, ss.
On this thirteenth day of November AD one
thousand eight hundred and forty four, before
me, Joseph J. Ely, one of the Masters in the Court of Chancery of said State, personally appeared Joseph Hartman, aged seventy two on the 11th day of January last, who being duly sworn according to law, on his oath saith, that he was well acquainted with Abraham Malatt, that said Abraham Malatt's second wife was the sister of this deponent, and she was about
six years older than this deponent; deponent
was present when Abraham Malatt and Margaret were married; deponent believes that said Abraham Malatt was at the time of said marriage about thirty five years of age; and that John Malatt, son of Abraham Malatt and
Margaret, was born not less than one
year after the said marriage of his parents.
Joseph Hartman

Sworn and subscribed
before me the day and
year aforesaid
Joseph J. Ely. M.C.C.
Page 69

State of New Jersey, ss.
On the 10th day of August A.D. 1844, before the subscriber, one of the Masters of the Court of Chancery of said State, personally appeared Joseph Ely of the township of Millstone, in the
County of Monmouth, and State aforesaid, aged sixty two years on the 17th day of October next, who being duly sworn, on his oath, deposeth and saith, "That he has resided all his life in this neighborhood; that when deponent was nineteen years of age in October, on the following April (which was A.D. 1802) deponent
hired Abraham Malatt and Margaret his wife (his second wife,) to keep house and work on the farm for him, they then had a son whose name was John; that at that time deponent believes the said Abraham Malatt was upwards of forty
years of age (40); and that he often spoke of his being in the war; that he was an intemperate man; but when sober deponent considered him a man of veracity and truth; having had dealings with him for a great many years.
Joseph Ely

Sworn to, and subscribed
the day and year above
written, before me
Joseph J. Ely. M.C.C.
Page 70

August 10th 1844

Abraham Malatt some time previous to his death, told me in a conversation I had with him while riding in my wagon, that he was upwards of eighty years of age; I then said to him that he had done hard service in his day. He answered that he had labored many a day for my father, (the foregoing deponent,); and that he had also done hard service in the revolutionary war.
Joseph J. Ely. M.C.C.

State of New Jersey ss
[seal affixed below]
I Samuel R Gummere Clerk of the court of Chancery of New Jersey, do hereby certify that Joseph J Ely Esqr who has signed the foregoing affidavits of Joseph Hartman and Joseph Ely and Certificate, was at the time of the doing thereof a Master of the- Court of Chancery of said State, duly appointed commissioned and sworn, that full faith and credit are due to his official attestations & that the same are in his proper hand writing

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Trenton this third day of January A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty five
Saml R Gummere Clerk.
Page 71

Sir

I expected that the drawing of a Pension for Mary Holmes was indefin[it]t[e]ly postponed.  
But I have he[a]rd that C.J. McCheny  has been to see Thomas H. Perrine on the subject of that letter of his that I sent to you; wherein he states that Abram Mauld and Lewis Compton where [were] both Guilty of Perjury, Mr Perine did not know who the applican[t] for a pension was
at that time, it turned out to be his aunt how soon he changes his mind when he said to to you that a bundance of evidence could be produsd [produced] to proove [prove] Compton and Maulat Guilty of Perjury.  Mr Mccheny has been have understood and took Depositions
Before Mr Perrine in favor of getting a pension I think Sir that I shall be able to prove that the
evidence that has been produced to prove the Service of William Holmes in the war are purgerd [perjured].  Many these Witness live in Defent [different] parts of Country some thirty
forty and fifty miles from me that it is impossible
for me to disprove the evidence immedally [immediately]; I will however inclose a affadavit  [affidavit] made by a man who known  Maulat for thirty five years past. I expect also to be able to procure a affadvit [affidavit] made by a person who was a neigh nei[gh]bor of W Holmes at the Clous [close] of the war who has herde the
Page 72

Said Holmes Say that he never was in the war.  I 
think sir that I can proove [prove] that Compton was in the Brittish Service and one John Mcbride who has Rece[i]ved a pension of shall be able to prove By his own acknowelmet [acknowledgement], a few days previous to his death that he was never in the United States Service.

There are men who have been in the habit of Drawing up pension papers for these twenty years past who will get a pension for any person whatever who  was old enough to have been in the service, they will pick up a man on the Roads take his affadavit and then defraud government. I think that I prevented the gover[n]ment some ten years age from being defrauded of fifteen hundred dollars by writing to you on the subject. I have no other matter then [than] to prevent the Gover[n]ment from being defrauded by these men.

I have heard that my [illegible] has been
Represented to you in a favorable State.  I
would Sir Refer you to Joseph Coningham former post master of Trenton to Samuel R Hamilton and Joseph C Pots of Trenton on that subject.

I am your Obt  Price B Bills
September 20th 1844

J L Edwards
Washington City
Page 73

State of New Jersey
Mercer County ss ⎬ I Ralph H Shreve Clerk of
the County of Mercer in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that at a Court of Common Pleas for said County held at Nottingham on Tuesday the 11th day of June last (1844) William K Holmes made application for a license to keep an inn or tavern in said County for the following year and was opposed by Job Silver - The Court after argument of Counsel and hearing of witnesses granted a license to the said William K Holmes- 
And I further certify that an application
for a license was made by the said Job Silver
and refused by the Court; and that in
consequence a strong animosity exists between
the said Job Silver and William K Holmes
And I further certify that I am acquainted with
Price Bills that he is a man of intemperate
habits and assisted the said Job Silver in his opposition to the license of the said Wm K Holmes.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and
forty four R H Shreve Clerk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 74

Trenton April 22d, 1844

Dear Sir
Mrs Mary Holmes with her son and daughter were here on Saturday with the additional evidence in her case. She thanks you kindly for your attention to her claim,

She desired me to answer Col Edwards letter and make such explanations as were necessary.

First, the act of December 20, 1783, authorizing the payment of the amount due the militia raised for the "defense of the frontiers" of New Jerey will settle the question as to service after marriage (viz October 26th, 1779.) The acts raising the militia for that purpose passed October 1779, June and Decr 1780 and January 1781.

Secondly The certificates of pay rec? by Wm Holmes from the Commissioner for Monmouth County for militia service would amount to nearly thirteen months instead of nine months 31-17 - 7  twelve months and twenty three days. At the same time allowing nothing for service before marriage which she says was considerable. Her son endeavored to procure additional affidavits from Abm Malatt and Lewis Compton who served with her husband after her marriage - on visiting their neighbourhood he found they were both deceased.

You will please to make known these facts to Col Edwards and believe me

Your Obedient Sert.
Charles G. McChesney

Hon Geo Sykes
House of Reps
Page 75

June 10, 1844

Caveat
['Sam' crossed out] Mary Holmes
NJ

[stamp:] TRENTON N.J. JUN 8

Free


J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of the Pensioners
office.  Washington City
Page 76

June 10, 1844

Caveat
Mary Holmes
NJ

[stamp:] TRENTON N.J. JUN 8

Free

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of the Pensioners
office.  Washington City
Page 77

Sir, I take this time to send you these lines that you may be on your guard in granting a pension to Mary Holmes, said to be the widow of William Holmes. It is denied that the said Mary Holmes ever was the wife of William Holmes. It is also suspect that William Holmes was ever in the service in the Revolutionary War. Since I herd (heard?) that the Secretary of the state was endevering to get a pension for the said Mary Holmes I have enquired of the oldest people in this part of the country Some who were in the service and who now draw a pension and who also was well acquainted with the said Holmes and they say that they never knew or herd of him being in the service how easy it is at this day to pick up some old man and hold him before some county judge and thereto get him to sign his name to any paper that has been drawn up without informing him of its contents; it is not long since a man by the name of Wooloson I think was proling (prowling?) about the country hunting personal he drew up papers for the widow Dix and the widow Voorhies in Thorsby of West Windsor County of Mercer N Jersey and fetch up William Updike for to prove that one of their husbands was
Page 78

the old more signed his name to the paper and made affidavit to without being informed of its Contents  a man m[illegible]  in the pris got as
many witnesses of their place.  I trust Sir that that you will not Grant a pension for Mary Holmes intill [until] further investigation it was
tried some ten years since to get a pension for her but they failed in the at[t]empt.  the person who succeeds in get[t]ing pension Commonly barg[a]in with them so that they get one half

June 8th 1844
I am Yours &c  Price B Bills

Hon J L Edwards

If any any further informan [information] is required on the subject please to Direct a 
line to the subscriber in Trenton
Newjersey
Price B Bills
Page 79

August 6th 1844

Dear Sir

have, within a few Days heard of Mary Holmes that is About to Apply for a pension as The Wife of William Holmes of the County of Mercer Late Middlesex and I have inquired of the Oldest Citizens within the immediate Neighbourhood as I live within A few hundred yards of the said
Mary Holmes And from the Above inquiry they say that if William Holmes and Mary Holmes where [were] ever married they do not know it and do not believe they where [were]  and from my wifes grandfather William Updike who draws a pension As A Militia man and says that he where [were] well acquainted With this William Holmes and never heard him say he where [were]  in the service and he dose [does] not believe he ever where [were] and as far as I
have as[c]ertained it only excites one universal
condemnation in the Neighbourhood and I have understood that there where [were] some
Evidence took Before Henry C Kittenger Esqr
About some family Record from the affidavit
of Wm K Holmes and Mariah Holmes who are personally Interest in this matter. And the said Wm K Holmes is a man in my Estimation of No Confidence and Generally held so in the Neig[h]bourhood
Your most humbel [humble]
Servant
Job Silver
Mercer County N. J
To Mrssrs
J. L. Edward Commission
the pension office
Washin[g]ton City

N.B. please address for further information Job Silver Trenton N.J.
Page 80

Trenton Newjersey
August A.D. 1844

Sir

I Received your Letter Dated July 20. 1844
in which you state that John Matthews and
Anthony Holmes of Shrewsbury, & Abram
Maulat of Eastwindsor and Lewis Compton of
Freehold, has testified that William Holmes
was in the service of the Revolution war. the two former I have not hand the opportunity find; 
Abram Maulat I knew well he now deceased he was a man in whom the least confidence could not be placed; at the close of the Revolutionary war he was not over 10 years of age how then
could he be able to testify to the ['age of' crossed out] Service of William Holmes.  I will inclose a Letter from Thomas M. Perrine former
Keeper of Newjersey State Prison to B Perrine, on the subject who knew Both Maulat and Compton, it has been suspected that Maulat has Received a pension, by him having considerable mon[e]y a few years Back
if so the government has been defrauded.
he always denied that he got a pension But said the mon[e]y was left to him by a friend in the western States, shall Charles G Mchesny be for ever permitted to go on and make out pension papers as he has for these twenty years past, picking up a man here and there to make affidavit to what they knew nothing about there is Sir but one universal burst of indignation
in the neighbourhood in Regard to getting
Pension for Mary Holmes, thereby Robbing Government  Mary Holmes is a very old woman in Good Circumstances [cut off] Life
Page 81

Mary Holmes Stated to me that if Mchesney succeed in getting a pension for her he was to have one half of it; William Updik and old pens[i]oner will testify that he knew W. Holmes from the close of the war up to his death, that he lived a near neighbour to him and often talked to him Concerning the war, and never he[a]rd him say that he was in the service; as to Mary Holmes as she is now called, being married to William Holmes I do Deny, if
fraudule[n]t evidence can be obtained to pension papers, how easy can forged certificts [certificates] of Marriage be obtained; the paper purporting to be a family Record of Marri[a]ges I have not the least do[u]bt but that is forged.  Henry Kitchenge [Kittenger] who took the affidavit of William and Mary Holmes States that he know nothing about the content of those papers William H Holmes & Mary Holmes are interested in the matter and their evidence ought not to be relied on, particularly when there Character is taken into consideration. I trust Sir that you will suspend all opparation [operation] on the subject and not grant a pension untill a full investigation
on the case be had.
Yours Most Respectfully
Pierce B. Bills

J L Edwards
Washington City
---------------

Thomas M Perrin, Resides in Perrinevill
Monmouth County Newjersey
Page 82

B Perrine Esq

Dear Sir

In answer to yours of the the [sic] 4th Instant respecting the age of Abram Malatt I have made an enquiry of those who knew him during the revolution war and from the best information that I have obtained he was not over 12 years of age a[t] the close of the war but the most place him not more than 8 to 10.  I have no hesitation in saying that Lewis Compton and Abram Malatt both purged [perjured] themselves in that matter.  J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of
Pensions wants any further information as regards the age of Malatt.  Their is no want of evidence in this place on that subject

Yours most respectfully
Thos M. Perrine
Perrineville August 6th 1844

To B. Perrine Esq
Page 83

IN REPLY REFER TO
No.

STATE OF NEW JERSEY
OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
TRENTON

June 11, 1924.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

Among the pension transcripts made a number
of years ago for the files of this office, there appears a claim made by the widow of one WILLIAM HOLMES ( Widow No. 429).

Our copy contains the following statement:
"That his (WILLIAM HOLMES) brothers, William and Anthony, served in militia."

Will you please advise whether this is correct? That is, whether the WILLIAM HOLMES whose widow filed claim for pension had a brother William, or whether our record was incorrectly copied, and some other name appears on the original claim.

Very truly yours,
Fredrick Gilkyson
FREDERICK GILKYSON,
The Adjutant General.

Bro Anthony
eight in all
Page 84

Rev. & 1812 Section             AW

June 12, 1924.

Hon. Frederick Gilkyson,
The Adjutant General, 
Trenton, N.J.

Sir:
In response to your letter of the eleventh instant, I have to advise you, that in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Widow File 429, of Mary widow of, William Holmes, of the New Jersey Troops, it is not(underlined) stated that said soldier had a brother named William.

It is stated that there were eight brothers who served during the Revolution, but only name on record besides that of William the husband of Mary, the pensioner, is that of Anthony Holmes.

Respectfully,
Hays Haymaker
Acting Commissioner.
Page 85

The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Name Holmes, William
Grade Private
Line New Jersey
Warrant Number s 8370 aud /4/4/
Acreage 100
Issued March 21, 1796
to -- not shown --