Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21304, William Henderson, Mass.
Page 1

SERVICE
Mass
LONIENTS
---
-
Henderson, William
Elizabeth
NUMBER
W. 21304
B.L. Wt. 107-100
Page 2

Massachusetts
Elizabeth Henderson
widow of William Henderson deo?
who died on the 25 November 1882
of Worcester in the State of Mass
who was a Private in the Company
by Captain Wheeler of the Rgt
by Col Nixon in the Mass
line for 2 years

Entered on the Rolls of Mass at the rate of 80 dollars and (blank)
Cents per
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of (illegible) 1837 and 
Jennison Worcester
Arrears to the 4th of March 1831
Sominant. allowance ending 4 Sept of
$480.60
40.00
$520.00
Recorded by DD Addison
Book A
Revolutionary Co
July 4,
in the ┃
Vol. 4
Page 5
Let to Hon L. Lincoln Sept. 13, 1837
Page 3

1820 to
(2,618)
Massachusetts Roll
William Henderson
Private
Massachusetts line - 1777 - became
the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 8- Dollars per month, to commence
the 13th of April 1818-

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th of September (illegible) 
and sent to Edward D. Bangs Esq
Worcester Massachusetts-

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818- 37.86 ┃
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4th Mar. 1819 48.00
Arrears 4 Mo. 22 /30
$85.86
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}
Continue
Oakham Worcester
Notification (illegible) July 19th, 1820 to Abiajah Bejeilow Morces Rep U.S.
Page 4

Mass      Number
William Henderson W21304
Elizabeth 13 Apl
B.L.Wt.107-100
Page 5

State of Massachusetts
I William Henderson -
a Citizen of the United States, now resident at
Oakham in the County of Worcester
in the State aforesaid, do on oath
testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, on or about the year seven
hundred and seventy five, I enlisted for nine months
after which I enlisted for one year and after the expiration of
at time I enlisted winning the war.
I entered and was engaged in the landservice
of the United States on the
continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to the Peace in
=teen hundred and eighty three

as a private soldier against the common enemy, without any interruption
or absence; that I belonged to Capt. Adam Wheelers Company &
Saxons Regiment, and the Massachusetts line and
(illegible) Brigade-

and that I left the service on or about December AD 1783
that
I that I sent my discharge by Dwight Foster Esqr for obtaining my land warrant
& suppose it is now in Washington
and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and
poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of
Eighty six & in Reduced Circumstances & in
need of Relief.

And I hereby relinquish all claims to pension allowed to me by the law
(illegible)
United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.
William Henderson
this Mark
he being paralyzed and unable to write his name.
---
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this thirteenth day of April in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
pursuant to a law of
the United States, entitled, ""An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and
naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of
March, A. D. 1818, personally appeareth before me,
Edw Bangs
Judge C.C. Camphas Western Circuit

The abovenamed William Henderson
and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh
to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.
witness my hand and the seal of sd Court
Edwd Bangs
Page 6

for
(illegible)
Whitaker of Paxton in the
County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts
do testify & say that I was personally acquainted with the within William Henderson before
the year 1775 and ever since and being much
in the Continental service myself know that
he was in the Army & often saw him there
at the several periods as he has within
different (illegible) and only when he was in the
(illegible) Company and Nixon Regiment and
(illegible)  Nixon more than nine months.
---
Jeremiah White
W
of I
Page 7

I, Rufus Putnam of Rutland in the County of Worcester
and State of Massachusetts, do depose & testify
that I am the Town Clerk of said Town of Rutland; having
in my possession the Records of said Town, that I
have examined the records of Marriages, but can
find no record of the Marriage of William Henderson
with Elizabeth Henderson. I find,
however, the Record of their publishment as follows,
16 Jan 4. 1774, William Henderson of Worcester entered
his intentions of Marriage with Elizabeth Henderson
of Rutland"
on 
January 31. 1774
gave certificate that the above
said William & Elizabeth have been published 
in Rutland as the law directs"
A true copy of the record
Rufus Putnam Clerk of the Town of Rutland

State of ┃
Massachusetts ⎬
Worcester County
I the subscriber a Magistrate of said County, do
hereby certify that the said Deponent subscribed
and made oath to the truth of the
above Deposition before me this sixth
day of May 1837
and that the said Deponent ┃
is a credible witness
Joel Davis Justice of the Peace
Page 8

William Henderson
Oakham
2618
March 1819
Page 9

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
On this twenty first day of June
1820,
personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, being
a Court of Record, within and for said County of Worcester, established as such by the
laws of said Commonwealth, William Henderson, aged eighty nine
years, resident in Oakham,
in said County, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as
follows: 

I enlisted into the Continental service on the twelfth day of
February 1777, into the Company commanded by Capt. Adam Wheeler, in
the sixth Regiment of the Massachusetts line, commanded by Col Thomas
Nixon, and after about one year was detached into a Company of Artifices
and served during the whole of the Revolutionary War, and was (illegible)
the Battle of Bunker Hill, Long Island and White Plains, at which
place he was wounded; and was at the taking of Burgoyne, and was
discharged at Albany in the year 1783.

and I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th
day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby 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 18th day of March, 1818; 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.*
My occupation has been that of a watchmaker, but I am now totally
pursue it by reason of my age and infirmity. My family
wife only, she is of the age of seventy one years, and totally unable to pursue it by reason of my age and infirmity.  My family consists of a wife only; she is of the age of seventy on years, and totally unable to 
labour. I made application to Edward Bangs Esqr Judge of
Court of Common Pleas, for a pension under the act of March 18,
1818, and on the thirteenth of April 1818, and received a pension
certificate under said act numbered 2,618. I further say that
I have no property whatever, except necessary beds, bedding and wearing apparel. 
his
William XHenderson
his mark
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the
foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, is truly copied from the
Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said
Court, that the said William Henderson has no property whatsoever necessary bedding and wearing apparel (illegible)
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of
the said Court, on this twenty first day of June,
Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court for the County of Worcester.
Page 10

Sworn to and declared, on the 
twenty first
day of June, 1820
before the said Court. 
Attest, abijah Bigelow

I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of
Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the
foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, is truly copied from the
Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the said William Henderson has no property whatsoever necessary bedding and wearing apparel (illegible)

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal
the said Court, on this twenty first day of June,
1820.
Abijah Bigelow
Clerk of the Court
the County of Worcester
Page 11

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3d Section
of the act of
Congress of the 4th July, 1836.
-
State of Massachusetts, J.
On this third
December
day of
1836, personally appeared before me, Ira Bartin, Esquire, Judge of
Probate
in and for the County
of
of Worcester in the State aforesaid,
Elizabeth Henderson, a resident of Oakham, in the County of
Worcester, and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty six years,
who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her ┃
oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain
the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress,
prepared July 4, 1836:
That she is the widow of William Henderson, who
was a soldier in the War of the Revolution.
She further declares, that she was married to the said William on or about the ___ day of December, in the
year seventeen hundred and seventy three - that her husband.
the said William, died on or about the twenty fifth day
of November, 1825, and that she has remained a widow
ever since that period as will more fully appear by
reference to the proof hereto annexed.

For evidence of the service of her said husband, the ┃
said Elizabeth respectfully refers to the files of the War
Department, in the pension office at Washington,
in the case of the application of her said husband for a
pension, which was granted to him, as she believes, under the
law of Congress, passed in the year 1818, she the said
Elizabeth not having in her possession, nor at her command
, the evidence necessary to prove said service, to ┃
accompany this declaration. Said married by Col. John
Murray a Justice of the Peace, who was a tory, and absconded
soon after my marriage and have never been a
able to find any record of our marriage.
Elisabeth Henderson

Sworn and subscribed, the day and year above written.
Before me Ira Barton
Judge of Probate,
for Said County of Worcester

And hereupon the said Court do declare their opinion,
after a full investigation of the matter, that the said
Page 12

William Henderson, the husband of the said Elizabeth, was a
Revolutionary Soldier, as by the Documentary
evidence in
said Declaration referred to will appear - that the said William was married
to the said Elizabeth as she therein states - and since
the decease
said William had
remained his widow,
as are sathe above, on oath, declared - she being a credible
person, and entitled to full belief.
Ira Barton Judge of the
Court of Probate or aforementioned
.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss.
I Theophilus Wheeler, Register of the Court of
Probate in and for the County of Worcester, do certify,
that Ina Barton, bequire, above named, is Judge of the said
Court of Probate, in and for said County, and that his
signature, as above appears, is in his own proper handwriting.
I also certify, that James Allen, Esquire, is a Justice
the peace in and for said County, and that his signature
to the certificates of the oaths &c. of Mary Crawford
and Alexander Crawford, to the Depositions by them
respectively subscribed, and hereto
amend, is in his own
proper hand writing.-
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name,
and affix the seal of said Court, at Worcester,
tenth day of December, 1836.
-
Theophs Wheeler Reg of the
the
said Probate Court
Page 13

Rev. and 1818 War's Section
(illegible)

January 9, 1934
Mrs. Herbert B. Hoyt
Fonds, New York

Madam:  
the papers in the
to advise you that the papers in the 
Revolutionary War pension
claim W. 21304 it appears
that William henderson, while a resident of Paxton, Worcester County
enlisted in 1775 and served
until December 1783 as a private in Captain Adam
Wheeler's Company, Colonel Thomas Nixon's Massachusetts
Regiment. Was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Long Island,
White Plain, where he was wounded, and at the capture of Burgoyne.

He was allowed pension on his application executed Aprile 15, 1818 while a resident of Oakham, Worcester County, Massachusetts 
aged eighty-six years. He died at
said Oakham November 25, 1835.

Soldier Married in Rutland Massachusetts in January 1774 (intention of marriage dated January 4, 1774) Elizabeth Henderson.  She 
was allowed pension 
on her applica-
Page 14



 sion executed December 3, 1836, while a resident of Oakham, Massachusetts aged eight six years.  

they had six children three boys and 
three girls;
William the eldest born in 1774, and Mary Crawford aged
fifty-three years in 1837 are the only names stated.

Respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 15

sion on file in this Bureau.  William Henderson 
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
1775
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
to June 1783
RANK.
Prvt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Adam Wheeler
COLONEL.
Nixon &
& omit see Mass book.
STATE.

Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill, Long Island, White Plains, where he was wounded & capturing Bargoyne.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Pareton Worcester Co Mass
Date of application for pension, Apr. 13, 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Oakham, Worcester Co Mass
Age at date of application, 86 Place of birth and  stated he died at Oakham Mass Nov. 25, 1825,
Remarks: Sol. mar Elizabeth - in Rutland Mass. Jan 1774. (intention of Marriage
dated Jan. 4, 1774) She was allowed pension on an application ex. Dec. 3, 1836 while
a res. of Oakham Mass and 86 years old. They had 6 children, 3 boys & 3 girl, no names
Stated except Mary Crawford aged 53 in 1837.
Page 16

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836

Commonwealth of Maryland
Worcester County
 
On this twenty-eighth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared the subscriber the Judge of the Court of Probate for said county of Worcester, Elizabeth Henderson a resident of Oakhaven in the county and commonwealth aforesaid, aged eighty-seven years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of William Henderson who was a private in the army of the revolution and a pensioner of the United States at ninety-six dollar a year. He went into the service at the beginning of the war and went down to Roxbury and Boston with Major Moore and served there eight months. After he came home he went out to New York, was afterwards at the taking of Burgoyne and was in the service of General Nixon, Colonel Nixon and Captain Charles as officers with whom he served but I am unable to state the particulars of his service and must refer to the evidence thereof to the documents hereunto annexed and to the papers filed in the case of my said husband.

She further declares that she was married to the said William Henderson before the war and she thinks about the first of January 1774, that her oldest child William was old enough to [illegible] about where her husband [illegible] went into service; that she was married by Col. Murray of Baltimore, a Justice of the Peace, who was a Tory and [illegible] soon after their marriage and the record of it is not to be found. That she has had by her said husband six children, one of whom Mary [illegible] the
Page 17

now lives with the husband, the of (illegible) William 
Henderson died on the twenty fifth day of November
in the year 1825 and the has remained his widow
ever since as will more fully appear by reference
to the proof hereunto annexed. she further declares
that she has made a former declaration in the
premises, which, with the accompanying paper will
forwarded to Washington, and as she submitted 
just at the time of the destruction of the (illegible)
office by fire last December
Sworn and subscribed the day
and year aforesaid before me
Ira Barton
Judge of the Court
of Probate 
County of Worcester 
William Henderson


and hereupon the court do declare  was their
opinion, after a careful investigation
of the matter that the said William Henderson 
as a soldier of the Revolution; that he
was married to the said applicant; not for 
(illegible) and that she has remained since 
(illegible) his widow as she (illegible): she being supported to be (illegible)
Ira Barton Judge of Will Court.

The papers in the above case can forwarded on 
to  Washington every last (illegible), and as
is (illegible), win (illegible).  Case early attention
to this case is therefore respectfully solistited
by the applicant.
Ira Barton
Page 18

Suspended
See Let to Wm Jennison
Apr 25, 1837
Page 19

I hereby certify the following to be a true copy from the
Records of the town of Oakham.
Mr. William Henderson died November 25, 1828
Oakham Dec. 3, 1836
William Crawford Town Clerk
Page 20


Rev
WIDOW, &c.
No. 21304
Elizabeth Henderson
Widow of
William Henderson
Pri Rev War
Act: July 4th 36
Vol:H. Page 327
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1907 May 8. Hist to
D G Henderson AW
Jan. 9. Hist. to Mrs. H. B. Hoyt
June 2 photos mailed 
E. H. Benicut

AW .
Page 21

113
W
32233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
May 19 1926
Chief Rev. Sect: Division

I have this day received
from Eva Henderson Bernant
M.O.
No. 86052
for $4.65
requesting
photostat copy as per letter within.  
OK - Not Cetd
O.J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Div.
WC. L.
Page 22

Request for Photostating
(To e prepared in duplicate.)

3-2006

Ex. MD

Office of the Chief Clerk
Job NO. 3461
Date: May 22, 26
Subject: Wm Henderson Rev Wr 1304
1 copies of 28 pieces consisting of 31 pages to be forwarded when completed to the Rev & 1812 War Section Division.
Remarks: blank

W.E. Wilson
Chief Section.
Page 23

835 Seward St
Evanston, Ills
May 10, 1926
U.S. Dept of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
W21304
Gentlemen:-- How many pages of photostatic copy
William
would there be in application for pension
act 1818
William Henderson of Revolutionary war who enlisted from Paxton
Worcester Co. Mass. 1775-
Also how many
pages in his widow's application File 21034

Through this  information gained in this way, I expect some in a geealogy of the family.
Thanking you, I am
Very truly yours Eva Henderson Berment
Page 24

835 Seward St.,
Evanston, Ill.
May 17, 1926.

U.S. Dept. of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

FINANCE DIVISION
W. 21304
MAY 19 1926
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Re: Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
W. 21304

Gentlemen:
As per your letter of the 13th, regarding the
Revolutionary War pension claim of William Henderson and his
widow Elizabeth of which there is 31 pages, I am enclosing
the money order for four dollars and sixty-five cents to
cover cost of making photostat copies.
Thanking you, I am,
Very truly yours,
Eva Henderson Berment
31
10
....
31
4.60
ok not cifd
Page 25

POSTAL CARD
STAMP: Berkely Cal Apr 9, 1907
STAMP: Washington, Apr 1907
STAMP: Illegible & N. Div Apr 27, 1907
STAMP: US Pension Office Apr 27, 1907

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensinos
Washington, D.C. 

2618
Page 26

Berkeley April 21.07
Department of the Interior Wash D.C.
Would like information of one
Wm Henderson Born in Edenburg Scotland
1732 who came to America 1756 Served
under Wolf at Quebec & also in the
war of the Reto[crossed out] Revolution
was
wounded & drew a pension Died in
the town of Oakham Mass. 1826
of the age 94. any Information will be
thankfully Recd
DD Henderson 
2914 Newbury St South Berkeley
Page 27

Mrs. Herbert B. Hoyt
Fonda, N.Y.
Nov. 18 1923
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:-
Will you kindly advise the record of William Henderson, a Soldier in the Revolution, from town of Oakham, Mass.  
I understand he was wounded, and drew a pension.  He died at age of 94 in 1826, in Oakham, Mass.

Yours truly
Geraldine B Hoyt (Mrs. HB Hoyt)
Page 28

William Henderson's
Papers relative to 
his services by Claim of a Land warrant

No. W-107

D. Foster

Dwight Foster Esq
in Congress
Page 29

V852.3 illegible
Elizabeth Henderson
widow of William

Worcester County
Massachusetts
Page 30

1909 (Scratched out)
850
1709
Elizabeth Henderson
widow of Wm dec'd
Mass.
married before '75

adm'd
2 years Pri
80.

W case - died in 1825
no deduction

Wm Jennison, Esq
Page 31

Henderson, Wm.
Mass W21304
Page 32

These Certify
that Wm Henderson served as a Soldier in my regt and Capt Adam Wheelen
Company in the late Continental army.
Said Henderson was willing to do his Duty like
good & brave soldier & was always ready
to go upon by any interprise
---
and
Southbor July 2 1799
Thos Nixon
Col of 6th Massachusetts Regt in the late Continental Army
To whom it may
Concern
Page 33

Henderson, Wm.
Mass. W21304
Page 34

These certify that Wm Henderson
served as a Soldier in Col. Thos Nixon's
Regt and Capt Adam Wheelor's 
Company, in the late Continental army. Said
Henderson was ever willing to do his
Duty like a good & brave solder, & was
always ready to go upon any interprise
He was detached upon an interprise with
the artillery when he received a wound
in his Testicles by a musket ball from the
enemy at Philips Pattin Near the White
Plains
 
Jm Nixon Blyent in the late Continental Army

Sudbury  1 July 1799
 
To whom in may Concern.
Page 35

Trifold Document

Left Section

William Henderson
Certificate
Rec'd 9 Sept 1801
He charges this 20 

William Henderson
has received the benefit 
of the resolves of the 4 March &19th June 
last and this certificate
is [illegible] by a [illegible]
of the 2 Feby 1802

John Avery - Secy

Middle Section

Certificate from General Nixon

Right Section

Henderson, Wm.
Mass. W.21304
Page 36

Trifold Document

Left Section

William Henderson
Certificate
Rec'd 9 Sept 1801
He charges this 20

William Henderson
has received the benefit
of the resolves of the 4 March &19th June
last and this certificate
is [illegible] by a [illegible]
of the 2 Feby 1802

John Avery - Secy

Middle Section

Certificate from General Nixon

Right Section

Henderson, Wm.
Mass. W.21304
Page 37

These Certify that Wm Henderson served as a 
Soldier in my Regt and Capt Adam Wheeler's
Company in the late Continental Army,
said Henderson was willing to do his duty like a good and brave Soldier. & was always ready to go upon any interprise
Southbor July 2d 1799

Thos Nixon Col of 6th Massachusetts [illegible] Continental Army

To whom it may Concern

These Certify that Wm Henderson served as a
Soldier in Colo Thos Nixon's  Regt and Capt
Adam Wheeler's Company in the late Continental Army.  Said Henderson was ever willing to do his duty like a good & Brave Soldier and was always ready to go upon any interprise. He was detached upon an interprise with the Artillery where he Received a wound in the Tesicles by a musket ball from the enemy at Phillips Pattin near the white
Plains
Sudbury of 1st July 1799
To whom it may concern
 Tho Nixon B Gent with late Continental Army

A true copy Thos Nixon
Page 38

To James L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Sir:

I enclose to your care the application of Elizabeth Henderson for a pension under the law of July 4, 1836.

You will please communicate to me the result of your decision on the same and oblige.

Yours most respectfully - 

William Jennison

Worcester, Mass.
dec 13, 1836
Page 39

Wm Henderson Mass. adm't act 1818 when last paid?

June 26, 1837

Died 25th Nov 1825 paid to that period.

JH
Page 40

Left Side Page

Wm. Henderson's claim
for military bounty land 
lodged by D. Foster 10th
Dec 1802

Right Side Page

Free
To the Honorable Henry Dearborn Esq
Secretary of War
City of Washington
Page 41

Left Side Page

Free
To the Honorable Henry Dearborn Esq
Secretary of War
City of Washington

Right Side Page

Wm. Henderson's claim
for military bounty land
lodged by D. Foster 10th
Dec 1802
Page 42

Brookfield Dec 1, 1802

Sir

An examination of my memoranda relative to claims filed in your office for Land Warrants I apprehensive that I may have omitted the names of Asa Wright, a serjeant in the 8th Massachusetts regiment and William Henderson private in Col Thomas Nixon's regiment in the Massachusetts line. I expect soon to be at the City of Washington; but as it is possible I may be delayed; I take the liberty to address you requesting that the names of the claimants above mentioned may be registered preferably to have their rights to the lands promised them by the act of congress.

I have the honour (honor) to be 
very respectfully yours.

Dwight Foster

The Honorable H. Dearborn Esq
Secretary of war
Page 43

To Whom it May Concern

This may verify that Mr. William Henderson has [illegible] and has been [illegible] of [illegible] unforeseen times by [illegible]

Eben H Phillips

Chatham April 17 1802
Page 44

To Whom it May Concern

This may certify that William Henderson has [illegible] and has had the application of taking performed by Me and unable to labour (labor).

Isaac Chenery

Wolden [illegible] September 12 1806
Page 45

See if Judge Davis
can assist Mr. H to a pension other than the first act sworn to him - wounded in the year 1776 at Phillips Patten near the White Plains in Capt. Wheeler's Co and Col Nixon's Regt.
Page 46

United States Massachusetts District

To Honorable Dwight Foster of Brookfield in said District [illegible]

Pursuant to a law of the United States entitled "An act to provide for persons who were wounded by known wounds received in the revolutionary war" passed April tenth, 1806, you are hereby appointed and authorized to take the evidence of such persons as may be brought before you by William Henerson relative to his claim to a pension from the United States under the act aforesaid. And in your proceedings in the premises, you will see regulated and governed by the act aforesaid. Witness my hand and seal this nineteenth day of September AD 1806

Jos Davis
Dist Judge
Mass District
Page 47

Hon'ble John Davis 

District Judge of Mass'tts

District Boston Sept. 19th

{illegible)  Brkfd Oct. 6, 1806




[written upside down]

Brookfield

Hon'able Dwight Foster
Page 48






Honb' Dwight Foster


Brookfield
Page 49

Boston Sept 19 1816

Dear Sir

I have given a commission to William Henderson (applicant for a pension to be delivered to you by which you are authorized to take the evidence [illegible] to substantiate his claims. He appears now that you will consent to perform this service. {Illegible} he applied formerly [illegible] him a writing [illegible] the requisites to be essential. I am then [illegible] 
I have directed in her [illegible] to procure the said and give it to you. Supporting it [illegible] it was passed last session which repeals the former one. I have directed her [illegible]
supporting it [illegible] that you may not be possessed of it. It is not necessary under the present act that I should commission a physician to examine him. Some reputable physician or sayers to whom it may be convenient to examine him may testify to his case before you but the act
Page 50

for commission or should certify that the is reputable in his profession. A similar certificate or required representing all the witnesses that may be provided to that they are credible - I shall not need to add any further particulars since [illegible] you will not proceed in this case [illegible] act before you 

Yours respectfully 
I will remain
Jn Davis

Hon Dwight Foster
Page 51

Town Clerk's
Certificate
W. Henderson
Page 52

Mr William Henderson died November 25. 1825
Oakham March 26. 1837.  I hereby certify that the
foregoing is a true copy of the Records of Oakham
James Allen Town Clerk
Page 53

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. Probate Officer
I certify that Ira Barton is Judge of
the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester,
duly appointed and commissioned, and that
his name signed, in each place, as such,
to papers hereto connected, is in his own hand writing.
I further certify that James Allen
James Day and Joel Davis, each one of them is a
Justice of the Peace in & for the said County of Worcester
duly commissioned and sworn and that their signature
in each place appear to be in their own hand writing.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my
hand and affix the seal of the said Court of
Probate this 11th day of May 1837.
-
Theophs Wheeler Reg of the
said Court
Page 54

I Daniel Tomlinson of Oakham in the County
of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
aged seventy eight years, do testify and say. That I
was settled as the pastor of the Congregational Church
in Oakham on the twenty second day of June AD 1886
and have remained in that office to the present time.
William Henderson late a Revolutionary Pensioner
and Elizabeth his wife removed to Oakham soon
after my settlement here - the
exact time I do not
recollect. They lived together as husband and wife
and reared a family of children, and, although I did
not see them married, still, they were reputed to have
been married by  Col Murray of Rutland, who soon
after left the country as a Tory, and I have no doubt
of the fact. Said Henderson and his wife lived in this from the time of his removing here, until the time of his
death, which took place seven=ral years ago; the exact time I do 
not recollect I recollect attending his funeral and
was the officiating Clergyman on that occasion.
Elisabeth Henderson has never been married since
the death of her husband William Henderson, but still lives widow in this town and in indigent circumstances.
Daniel Tomlinson

Worcester May 8th 1837 Personally appeared
Daniel Tomlinson who is well known to me as a
credible witness and made oath to the truth of the
above declaration by him subscribed
of
Before me
James Allen Justice of Peace
Page 55

Wm Henderson's 
Case
Page 56

I Braddyll Livermore of
lawful age do testify and say 
that William Henderson, previous
to the commencement of the Revolutionary war lived
in the town of Paxton, in the County of Worcester and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in a family state
with a woman he called his wife, after he entered
the service the family moved out of said town,  how
long after I cannot say but it was some time, and
some time after he left the service, he settled in the
Town of Oakham in the County aforesaid with his
wife, the same that he lived with as such.
When they lived in Paxton,
I have been at and in
their house on business when they were both alive
and living together with some of their children with them
and there he lived with his wife until his death and
his widow was living there this the 27 of April 1837 I was
there and saw her my self further your deponant saith not
Braddell Livermore

The above deposition was written and subscribed
by said Livermore, and by him sworn
to this twenty eighth day of April in the year
of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven,
before me
James Day, Justice of the Peace.
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Braddyll Livermore Esq. the deponent
and that his testimony is entirely worthy of credit.
James Day, Justice of the Peace
Page 57

Alexander Crawford
Deposition
Page 58

I, Alexander Crawford of Oakham in the
County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
aged seventy two do testify and say, that I
was well acquainted with William Henderson
late of Oakham deceased who was a revolutionary
Pensioner, and with Elizabeth Henderson his
wife, both before and after their marriage.
William and Elizabeth Henderson were married
as I understood about the commencement of
the Revolutionary War.
William Henderson died in November 1825
on the evening of Thanksgiving day.
Elizabeth Henderson has lived unmarried
ever since that time and now lives in
the house with me.
William and Elizabeth Henderson were married
in Rutland by Col. Murry who was one of the
King's Counsellors, and who absconded soon after
the marriage, as I understood. 
I was not present
at the marriage, but understood it as I have
stated.
Alexander Crawford

Worcester ss. March 27, 1837. Personally appeared
Alexander Crawford who is well known to me
as a credible witness and made oath to the
truth of the above declaration by him
subscribed before me James Allen Jus. Peace
-
Page 59

I James Conant of Oakham in the County
Worcester and State of Massachusetts of lawful
age do testify and say that I Knew one William
Henderson
who moved into the town of Oakham
with his family near forty years ago
and lived together till his death on the 
twenty fifth day of November, 1825
I was very well
acquainted with him
we were brother pensioners
when his widow
Elizabeth Handerson was
informed
that
Congress on the forth of
July
1836 had passed an act for the widow
of the Revolution Solders to draw a pension.
She appealed to me on the 18th of November 1836
to assist her to draw her pension which I
did and got all the papers request and
called on the Hon. Ira Barton Judge of the
for the County of Worcester
probate Court
to came to Oakham to qualify her which I did on the 3 day of December 1836
and I gave him all the papers I had got.
Page 60

and told the Hon. Judge I wished him to send
them to the Hon Levi Lincoln then
member in Congress, Hon. Judge told me to
get certificate of the town Clerk when
William Henderson died the 7th Dec and the
Hon Judge told me he sent the papers on to
Washington. I was on Mr Lincoln when
he came home and he told me the mail
come in about midnight 19th and the post
office was burnt that night.
At the wife 
Elizabeth Hendersons request
I have got the Hon Judge Barton to come
and qualify
her and another set of paper
go with her declaration to Secretary of Wa
office further your deponant saith not
James Conant
Worcester May 9. 1837 Personally appeared
James Conant who is well known to me as a
credible witness and made oath to the truth
of the above declaration by him subscribed
Before me
James Allen Jus. Peace
=
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60
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Page 61

I, Mary Crawford of Oakham in the County of
of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
aged eighty eight do testify and say that I was
well bequainted with William Henderson late
of Oakham deceased who was a revolutioner
pensioner, and with Elizabeth Henderson
wife of said William, both before and after
their marriage - Elisabeth Henderson is my
sister and was married to William Henderson
as I understood, within the the year after my marriage which
was on the thirteenth day of May AD. 1773
William Henderson died several years since and
Elizabeth Henderson has lived a widow ever
since, and now lives in Oakham still unmarried.
Mary X Crawford
Worcester ss March 24. 1837 Personally appeared
Mary Crawford who is well known to me as a
credible witness, and made oath to the truth
of the above declaration by her
subscribed,
Before me James Allen Justice Peace
Page 62

I Brown of lawful age, do
testify and say, that William Henderson
previous to the commencement of the Revolutionary
war, lived in the town of Parton in
the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, in a family state with a woman
he called his wife, and that I used to do military
duty in the same company with him. At the
commencement of the revolution, said Henderson
entered the revolutionary army; and after his discharge
said Henderson returned to the vicinity of said Parton
and afterward, as I have heard, removed with his
family to the town of Oakham in said county,
where as I have been informed his widow now lives,
who was his wife at the time he lived in Parton.
And further your deponent saith not
Alpheus Brown
The above deposition was taken in presence
of said Brown, and by him subscribed and
Sworn to this
twenty eighth day of April in the
year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven,
before me James Day, Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify, that I am personally
acquainted with Alpheus Brown, the deponent,
and that his testimony is worthy of all credit.
James Day, Justice of the Peace
Page 63

 Mary Crawford of Oakham the County of her
sister, being fifty three years of age do testify and
say, that I am the daughter of Elizabeth Henderson and William Henderson. My father died
about twelve years ago in Oakham. He was a (illegible) of the United States.I  have three brothers
and two sisters, the children of both our said County
my mother is now living with me, and she has
remained a widow ever since the death of
my father
Mary Crawford
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
April 18. 1837. Thas personally appearance 
Mary Crawford alose named, who is
known to me as a person of truth, and made
oath that the
above deposition by her  stated 
is true
Before me Ira Barton Judge of
The County of Putate for
said County
Page 64

                      Mary Crawford
                         Deposition


[this, and nothing else, is written on the backside of a document where some writing has bled through from the other side.]
Page 65

Mary Crawford of Oakham in the ┃
County of Worcester, and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Widow of lawful age do
testify and say, that I know Elizabeth
Henderson now living in Oakham, widow
of William Henderson late of Oakham deceased
who was a revolutionary pensioner
I knew said William and Elizabeth Henderson 
before the time of the marriage
I was married in April 1773 and said William
and Elizabeth Henderson were married afterward
but in the course of the same year. the exact 
time I do not recollect. Elizabeth Henderson
is my sister-
My oldest child was born
in February 1774 and her oldest child was
born in September following and
I recollect the circumstance of William
Henderson's enlistment unto the Revolutionary
Army, I do not recollect the exact time
but am certain it was some time after ┃
his marriage
William Henderson died several years ago
the exact time I do not recollect.
Elizabeth Henderson has lived as widow
ever since the death of William Henderson
and now lives in Oatham aforesaid and
is in low circumstances as to property
her
Mary X Crawford
mark
Worcester ss. Nov 23 1836 as Personally appeared before me.
Mary Crawford and made oath to the trusts
of
the above declaration by her subscribed
James Allen Jus. Pacis
And I further certify that the said Mary Crawford is a credible
witness and entitled to full belief in the testimony by her given as
aforesaid.
James Allen Jus. Pain
Page 66

Alex Crawford's
Deposition
Page 67

I Alexander Crawford of Oakham in the County
of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
---
Gunsmith, of lawful age do testify and say,
---
That I knew William Henderson late of Oakham
deceased, a revolutionary pensioner, in the time
of, and before the war of the Revolution
---
I well recollect the time of his marriage with
Elizabeth Henderson who is now living in said
Oakham, and that their marriage was previous 
to said Henderson's enlistment into the army as 
said William Henderson died the night after
the annual Thanksgiving in Massachusetts
in the year 1825 I think it was the 25th day
of November - Said Elizabeth Henderson
has never since been married, but still lives a
a widow in the town of Oakham and is in
indigent circumstances for
Alexander Crawford
Worcester ss. Nov. 19 1836 Personally appeared
Alexander Crawford and made oath to the
truth
of the above declaration by him subscribed
Before me
James Allen Jus. Pacis
And I further certify, that the said Alexander Crawford
is a credible witness, and entitled to full belief in the testimony
by him given as aforesaid
James Allen Jus. Peace
=
Page 68

Brookfield W July 11th 1818.
I certify to whom it may concern, that,
for many years past, I have been acquainted with
William Henderson who was a Soldier
in the Massachusetts Line of the Army of the
Revolution, he now being more than Eighty ┃
seven years of age that I provided for him
his Land Warrant, & have no doubt but I
left his Discharge at the War Office when
I procured said Warrant. I further certify
that I know the saud William Henderson is poor and not able to support himself.

Dwight M Foster

I hereby certify that I have known the said Wm Henderson
for many years & believe him to be poor &
justly entitled
to the pension granted by Congress to these revolutionary soldiers 
who have served at least nine months.
Daniel Waldo
Joel Jones
(illegible) Isaac Faunch
Chairman of the
Selectmen of Oakham
Page 69

Affidavit of 
William Henderson
Page 70

I William Henderson of Oakham, in the County of Worchester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of the age of eighty
in years, on oath, do testify and say that I enlisted into the
Revolutionary against the common enemy, in the
year of our Lord seventeen hundred and seventy five,
for nine months; after which, enlisted into the army
aforesaid for the term of one years after the expiration
of the aforesaid, I enlisted during the war, in the
army aforesaid, and that I served till the close of the war
in seventeen hundred and eighty three, at which
time I was honourably discharged. That I belonged to Col
Wheelers Company, later Nixons Regiment and Gen. Nixons
Brigade, one of the Massachusetts Line-

William Henderson

Honester ss. April 17th 1818 Then the above named
William Henderson, personally, made oath, that the above declaration, by him subscribed, contained the truth and
nothing but the truth-
Before me, Daniel Gillet Jus Peace

To Alden Bradford Esquire, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
from my
serving in the army of our Revolutionary war, I am
entitled to twenty dollars, for (ilegible) of nations, and
the above affidavit, is sufficient evidence for that
purpose, I wish you to pay the same one to Capt. Moses
Brook, the Bearer here of
North Brookfield April 17th 1818
Attest Daniel Gilbert
William Henderson
Page 71

To The Honorble
Secretary at War for the United States. The petition
of William Henderson Humbly sheweth that your
Petitioner was a Soldier during the late war in the
Regiment commanded by Col Thomas Nixon of the
Brigade commanded by Generl. John Nixon & that your
petitioner was wounded at the Battle at White Plains while fighting for this Country that your petitioner recovered so far as to Serve
for the remainder of the War & was not returned as an Invalid.
That your Petitioner at that time did not feel much inconvenience from said wound. But your petitioner further States
that of late a troublesome & painful disorder has seated on the
wounded part & as the Physician saith in consequence of
said wound & your Petitioner now finds himself unable
to support himself & family. All which facts your Honor
will find verified by certificates inclosed-- Your Petitioner
therefore prays that he may be allowed a pension from that
Country for whose course he has always gloried to have shed
his Blood-- Your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever
pray C.
William Henderson
Page 72

To whom it
may concern
This may certify, that Mr Wm
Henderson is affected with an
Hydroule which incapacitates him
for the performance of Manual labor.

August 30th 1855 
John
Frink
Phys (illegible)
Page 73

This May  certify to whose it may concern that William Henderson 
enlisted into the continental army during the war 
from this town
March 21 A D - 1777
Phins Moore
David Davis
Jonah Newton
For the year 1777

Honester to  August 27th 1806
Personally appeared in Jonah Moore, David Davis &
Jonah Newton & acknowledged that the above
Certificate by them
was their act
Before me
Crocker Jus. Peace
Page 74

To whom it may concern
This may certify that William Henderson
a Soldier in the Sixth Mas' Rgt. in the late Revolutionary war,sometime 
in August or September 1776 was by some
cast overboard from a Boat going
from Governors Island, where the said
regiment was then stationed, to New York,
and after being in the water several minutes
was brou't ashore supposed to have
been drownded, a considerable time elapsed
before there was any appearance of life.
Framingham
Sept 23d 1806
Sami Frost
late a Captain in
6th Mass Regt
Page 75

Brookfield, Massachusetts, Sept. 8. 1806
I hereby certify to all whom it may concern
the some years since, the Bearer hereof, M.
William Henderson, who is now far advanced in
Life, being more than seventy four years of age,
applied to me to procure from the office of the
Secretary of War at the City of Washington, the
Land Warrant to which the said Henderson
was entitled in consequence of his Enlistment
and service in the Continental army during the
revolutionary War- The said William
Henderson furnished me with the necessary
Documents to substantiate his claim and to
evidence that he continued in said service, part of
the time in the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment,
and after he had been wounded a part of the
time in the Corps of Artificers - I filed
W. Henderson's application & Documents in
the War Office and afterwards obtained his
Land Warrant which I delivered to the Order
of said Henderson. I cannot recollect what
were the particular Documents; but among them
I believe
there was a certificate from the late
Colonel Nixon and also the said Henderson's
Discharge from the army, at the State of the (illegible)  
Dwight Foster
Page 76

This may certify whom it may concern that William Henderson on the 24 Day of march 1774 [the next word  "apead" is crossed out] apeared and pasd muster for during the war in Col Nixson's Batalion Capt Whealor Compane Before 

 Thomas Newhall then muster master
November 24, 1804
Page 77

Sudbury ye 4th Octr 1802
Thefe May Certifie whom it may
Concern;
that William Henderson a private Soldier in
Capt Adam Wheetors Company in Col.
Nixon Reg of foot in the Late Continen
Army, was detached into the Artificers
Imploy, under the direction of Philip Rancetor
Esq at Albany in year 1777

B. Gen in the the 
Late Continenal 
Army
Jno Nixon
Page 78

This may certify whom 
it may concern that on the 24 Day of
March 1777 William Henderson belonging to Col. Hinson
Regt and Capt Adam Wheeler Company apeared and
Past. myston for During the war Before me Thomas Newhall
Leicester May 10th  1801
then (illegile) Master
Page 79

Rev. & 1812 Wars
Section.
"W21304
Eva H. Bement,
835 Seward St.
Evanston, Ills.
Madam:
May 13, 1926.
I have to advise you, that if you wish photostat
copies of the papers in the Revolutionary War pension
claim of William Henderson and his widow Elizabeth, the same
will be furnished you, at the rate of fifteen cents
a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification
if that is desired. The number of pages to be copied
is thirty-one.

The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau
by money order, or certified check, drawn to the
order of the Secretary of the Interior, (not to the
Commissioner of Pensions).

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
missioner.
Commissioner.