Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,523, John Gorham, Mass.
Page 1

Service: Mass
Gorham, John
Number W.19.523
Thankful
Page 2

(Left page)
Letter Wm. C. Folger
Dec. 20, 1861

(Right page)
5,256
Massachusetts
Thankful Gorham decd
widow of John
who died on the (blank)
of (blank) in the State of Massa.
who was a Private in the (blank)commanded
by Captain (Mafst?) of the (blank) commanded
by (blank) in the Revolution
line (crossed out) for 12 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of ( ? )
at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4" day of 
March, 1831 - (study?) June 15, 1840

Certificate of Pension issue the 22nd day of 
Decr. 1853 and unto 
Hon Chas Sumner
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending 
U.S. Senate
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act July 4, 1836, }
{Section the          }
Recorded by H. R. Weightman    Clerk,
Book I. Vol. 2. Page 345
Page 3

Thankful Gorham dec.

Widow of John


Mass.
Page 4

Declaration
State of Massachusetts
Nantucket } (Js.?)

On this twenty-ninth day of July eighteen hundred and fifty-three, personally appeared before me William C. Folger, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nantucket, Abigail Raymond & William Gorham, residents of Nantucket in the in the county of Nantucket and State of Massachusetts, aged respectively seventy six years & sixty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, do on their oaths, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4th, 1836: that they are the children of John Gorham, who was a private soldier in the War of the Revolution. (See Certificate of services from the Sec. of State of Mass. and other documents in the case, forwarded & on file at the Pension Office.) That their father, John Gorham was married to their mother Thankful Butler of Falmouth, Mass. on the twenty-eighth day of April seventeen hundred & seventy-one (28th April 1771.)
That their father the aforesaid John Gorham died at Falmouth on the twenty-third day of April
Page 5

Eighteen hundred & one (23d April 1801). That their mother the aforesaid Thankful Gorham remained a widow till the time of her death, which took place at Nantucket the fourteenth day of June 1840. (For further particulars in the case reference can be had to the documents forwarded & on file at the Pension Office.)
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. 

Abigail Raymond
William Gorham

Before me,
William C. Folger, Justice of Peace

I hereby certify that the above signed Abigail Raymond was unable in consequence of Bodily infirmity and ill health to attend a Court, and that both she and her brother William Gorham are persons of credibility and entitled to confidence. 
William C. Folger
Nantucket, July 29th, 1853   
Justice of the Peace
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Nantucket County (&)

I George Cook (Clark with line through), Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid, being a Court of Record in and for the County of Nantucket, do hereby certify that William C. Folger Esq. is, and was at the time of certifying the foregoing document, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Nantucket, duly Commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to said certificate is genuine; and that said William C. Folger was at said date authorized to administer oaths for general purposes under the laws of the Commonwealth aforesaid.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
George Cobb, Clerk.
Page 7

Affidavits of 
Da(ris?) Hatch,
Polly Fisher
& 
Jane Butler
Page 8

I Davis Hatch of Falmouth in the county of Barnstable & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Master Marine of the age of seventy five years do on oath depose and say, that I was personally acquainted with John Gorham formerly a resident of this place, and that I have heard Capt Joseph Palmer (my father in law) State that the said John Gorham was with him as a soldier in the war of the revolution that I was also personally acquainted with John 
William and Abigail children of the said John
Gorham and that I am also knowing to the fact
that after the decade of the said John Gorham his widow and family removed from this town to the Island of Nantucket.
(Falm) Apl. 9. 1853                  Davis Hatch

Sworn & Subscribed 
Before me
Saml. P. Round
Justice of 
Peace

I hereby certify that the afore named Davis Hatch is a good and credible witness & was known to me
Saml. P. Round Justice of Peace
Page 9

I Polly Fisher (wife of Benj. Fish) of Falmouth
in the County of Barnstable and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do on oath depose and say that I was personally acquainted with John Gorham formerly a resident of this town, that I resided in the same house with him for the term of six years - that I resided in the said Gorhams house at the time of the birth of his son William (now present) and that I am also knowing to the death of the said John Gorham in this town, and the subsequent removal of the family to Nantucket & that I have never known any other John Gorham in this town.
Polly Fisher
Sworn & Subscribed
Before me
Falm. Apl. 9. 1853        S.P. Round 
                                        Justice of the Peace

This is to certify that Polly Fisher is personally known to me and is a credible witness and of around the age of eighty years. 
S.P. Round
Justice of Peace
(bottom portion of the page is covered or folded up)
Page 10

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office. Boston, April 21 1853
I hereby Certify That at the dates of the 
arranged attestations S. P. Bourne was 
a Justice of the Peace for the 
County of Barnstable

in the said Commonwealth duly commissioned and constituted ;
and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and 
credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

E M Wrights
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 11

I Jane Butler of Falmouth in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts (wriding?) do on oath depose and say that I was personally acuainted (sic) with John Gorham a former resident of this town, that I have heard of Col. Barachish (?) Bassett say that the said John Gorham was with him in the war of the Revolution that there has not been any other John Gorham (except his son John Gorham (?)) a resident of this town since my earliest recollection that I am well acquainted with his children William Gorham and Abigail Raymond and that the said John Gorham married my husbands sister Thankful Butler that the said John Gorham died in this town and that his widow removed to the Island of Nantucket with her children after his decease and that his children Wm. & Abigail are the applicants for a pension. 
Falm. April 9. 1853      
Jane Butler

Sworn & Substantiated
Before me 
S. P. Round 
Justice of Peace

This is to certify that Jane Butler is well known to me and is a good and credible witness and is of the age of seventy eight years.
S. P. Round
Justice of Peace
Page 12

Affidavits of 
Abigail Raymond
& 
William Gorham
only children of 
John & Thankful
Gorham
Mass
Page 13

Nantucket April 16th 1853

This may Certify that we Abigail Raymond formerly Abigail Gorham, and William Gorham are the only living children of John Gorham, deceased, formerly of Falmouth, and a private soldier in the War of the Revolution, that the only heirs of said John Gorham besides ourselves, are Susan Gorham widow of our brother John Gorham Jr. deceased, and their two daughters Susan Swain Chase wife of Peter H. Chase, and Lydia B. Fish wife of Phineas Fish, all of Nantucket. That the above named persons vir. Abigail Raymond, William Gorham, Susan S. Chase, Lydia B. Fish together with Joseph Gorham, George R. Gorham & Francis W. Gorham sons of the above William Gorham, and Susan Abby Chase daughter of Susan S. Chase, and Charles G. Fish, son of Lydia B. Fish are the only living descendants of the above named John Gorham (Sent.?) deceased, formerly of Falmouth and that we believe we are entitled to a pension for his services in the War of the Revolution, none having been received by him, by his widow now deceased, or his heirs, the accompanying documents will substantiate the Claim.
Abigail Raymond
William Gorham
Page 14

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office. Boston April 21 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed  attestation William (L?) Folger was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nantucket

in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted ; 
and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 15

Nantucket April 16th 1853,
We the subscribers fully agree & concur in the truth of the within Certificate signed by Abigail Raymond and William Gorham
Susan Gorh(a)m
Susan L. Chase
Lydia B. Fish

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nantucket (Ts?) April 16th 1853
Then personally appeared the above named Abigail Raymond, William Gorham, Susan Gorham, Susan S. Chase & Lydia B. Fish and solemly (sic) affirmed to the truth of the fore-going statements signed by them. 
Before me
William C. Folger, Justice of Peace
[page folded up at bottom]
Page 16

Married 1771
Page 17

John Gorham and Thankful Butler both of Falmouth were married April twenty eight seventeen hundred seventy one 
28th 1771 By Samuel Palmer, Minester (sic)
Children of John Gorham
and Thankful his Wife,
Abigail Gorham born January 27 yr 1777
Joseph Gorham born Tuesday March 7 yr 1780
John Gorham born Sunday May 11 yr 1783
Davis Gorham born Monday January 23 yr 1786
William Gorham born Sept. 23 yr 1788
Joseph Gorham died October 2 yr 1799 in the 20 year of his age
John Gorham Died July 23d 1801 Aged 
63 years
I hereby Certify that the above is a true Copy from the Records of the Town of Falmouth in the County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts
Attest. William (Syeh?) Town Clerk
at the town of Falmouth
Page 18

Barnstable (Cy?) Falmouth  April 9th 1853

This is to certify that I am personally acquainted with William Nye Jr. who is now Town Clerk of the Town of Falmouth and that the within signature is his.
S. P. Round Justice of the Peace
Page 19

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston, April 21st 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation S. P. Bourne 
was a Justice of the Peace for the 
County of Barnstable

in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted ; 
and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and 
credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 20

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston, April 21st 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation William C. Folger was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nantucket

in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted ; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and 
credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 

E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 21

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Nantucket Is. April 15th 1853

Then personally ap-
peared the within named William Cobb, Town Clerk of Nantucket and acknowledged 
the within Certificate to be a true copy 
from the Records of the town of Nantucket
Before me
William C. Folger
Justice of the Peace
Page 22

I William Cobb Town Clerk of Nantucket do hereby certify that I have the legal history of the marriage records of the Town of Nantucket, and that by said records it appears that John Gorham was married to Susan Gorham by Timothy Minnett a Gospel Minister at Nantucket on the 10th day of October 1819, and that the above is a true copy of said records. 
Attest
William Cobb
Town Clerk
Page 23

John Gorham Died at Nantucket April 28th 1845 of consumption, aged 62 years. Occupation Carpentry

Davis Gorham Died at Nantucket January 2nd 1846 of Cancer, aged 64 years. Occupation Carpentry

Peter H. Chase aged 30, Parents George C. & Abby Chase of Nantucket 
Married Susan S. Gorham aged 23, Parents John & Susan Gorham Nantucket
September 14th 1847, at Nantucket By R. Jeffery, Gospel Minister.

Phineas Fish aged 28 years, Parents Daniel & Ann Fish Barnstable
Married, Lydia B. Gorham aged 21 Parents John & Susan Gorham Nantucket
September 10th 1848 at Nantucket by Cyrus Allen Gospel Minister
Nantucket April the 15th 1853
A true Copy of the Town Record of Nantucket
Attest    William Cobb, Town Clerk
Page 24

Res WIDOW, &c.

File No. 19523
Thankful Gorham
Widow of 
John Gorham
Priv. Rev War
Act: July 9 1836
Index: - Vol. A  , Page 28L
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 25

Aug. 4, 1853
Appl. of Abigail
Raymond, and 
William Gorham,
heirs of John
Gorham ; 
Mass.
Act 4 July, 1836

Hon Chas Sumner
Boston, Mass

(side of envelope other text printed:
Department of the Interior
Pension Office, Official Bus...]
Page 26

No. 7,952
Thankful Gorham dec?
Widow of John
Map

Hone Chas. Sumner July 15 1853
same Sep 15 1853
same Octr 21 1853


Act July 4 1836
Page 27

[In pencil]
May 3/53
M Cook
Revo

[In ink, written in multiple directions & on top of the pencil]
Official Business

The (?) (?) of Pension
Act 4. July 1836.
Washington
Page 28

C. Mass
U.S.S.
The Chairman of Pension
Washington
Page 29

Hon. Joseph H Barrett 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 30

Hon. Joseph H Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[this document is the same as the one before it]
Page 31

Oct. 10, 1853.
Appl of 
Thankful Gorham, widow
John,
Nantucket
Act 936.

Chas. Sumner
Boston,
Mass.

[down right hand side]
Un-important
Page 32

C. Sumner
U.S.S.
The Chairman of Pensions
Washington

[down left hand side]
Thankful Gorham
wid
John
Page 33

Falmouth Barnstable County and 
State of Massachusetts October 25th 1853

I hereby certify that there was 
no other John Gorham than the 
husband of Thankful Gorham desceased (sic)
to be found on the records of the town of Falmouth during the Revolutionary War

William Nye Jr. Town Clerk 
of Falmouth

Barnstable (Cy?) October 26. 1853 Personally
appeared the above names William Nye Jr. 
and subscribed one made (oath) to the above certificate
Before me
George W. Donaldson Justice Peace
Page 34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable (Ms?)

I Timothy Reed Clerk of the County 
in and for the said County of Barnstable
hereby certify that George W. Donaldson
Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in and 
for said County duly commissioned 
and qualified and acting as such, that by the town of said Commonwealth he is as such Justice authorized to administer oaths
& certify the same, &c ; that full faith and 
credit are due to his official acts as such
Justice, and that the signatures on the preceding and succeeding paper purporting to have been made by him are his genuine signatures.
In witness whereof & have 
hereto subscribed my name 
and set the seal of the Court
of C(rushman?) Pleas this twenty 
sixth day of October in 
the year of our Lord one thous-
and and eight hundred and fifty three 
Timonthy Reed Clerk of (Nantucket
Page 35

I William Nye be of Falmouth in 
the County of Barnstable and Commonwealth
of Massachusetts hereby testify and say 
that the town of Falmouth and town 
of Barnstable are both in the County of Barnstable and are nearly contiguous to each other being separated only by the 
District of Mashpee, which is inhabited by a remnant of a tribe Indians called the Mashpee Tribe

William Nye Jr

Barnstable (?) October 26.1853 Personally
appeared William Nye Jr and subscribed 
and made oath to the above certified 
Before me
George W. Donaldson Justice Peace
Page 36

Boston June 28th '53

Dear Sir,

I beg leave tender(?) the letter of 
Mr Folger with the hope that his business
may be soon reached by your 
Departement.

Your truly,
Charles S. White

The Commissioner of Pension
Page 37

Hon. E.M. Wright
Boston
Page 38

Nantucket Nov. 8th 1853

Sir
The Commissioner of Pensions, 
S. P. Waldo writes in the case now pending of heirs of Thankful Gorham, widow of John Gorham deceased, under date of Oct. 21st 1853.
"The Secretary of Massachusetts must show from what Town John Gorham the Sergeant was from"
In your certificate of the date of Feb. 12th 1853 he is spoken of as from Barnstable and 
Falmouth and that he was a private.
We know he was born in Barnstable, and lived after his marriage in Falmouth, and that the towns of Falmouth & Barnstable are both in the County of Barnstable Mass.
Can you furnish any thing that will satisfy the requirements of Commissioner Waldo?   The heirs of Thankful Gorham are very anxious to obtain the pension and are very poor.
Respectfully yours
William C. Folger

Hon. E.M. Wright
Secy. of State
Page 39

Nantucket June 23d 1853

Hon. Charles Sumner
Dear Sir
William Gorham
called upon me yesterday and seemed to be very desirous of hearing from the Pension Office with regard to his claim on Government for services performed by his father in the war of the revolution. He also stated his sister Mrs. Abigail Raymond was anxious to know, that in consequence of ill-health she had been obliged to quite teaching and he thought it doubtful on account of her age whether she ever recovered.
I told him that probably the papers were held to receive their regular turn for examination and that when their turn came, you would either receive the papers back, or be notified by the Commissioners of Pensioners of the Claims having been allowed, and that I would write to you.
If in your judgment the matter can be sooner brot(sic) to a decision by a letter of inquiry from you, will you have the goodness to drop a line to the Commissioner of pensions & oblige your friend the undersigned
William C. Folger
Page 40

Boston Oct. 7th '53

Dear Sir
I beg leave to enclose again the paper in the case of Thankful Gorham & (hark?) your attention (to?) them.

Your truly
Charles Sumner

The Commissioner 
of Pensions
Page 41

Boston April 29th '53

Dear Sir,
The enclosed paper, first forwarded to me at Washington, have ben returned to me here. I beg leave now to enclose them to you & to commend them to your attention.

Yours truly,
Charles Sumner

The Commissioner of Pensions
Page 42

I find no John Gorham as Seg't
from that vicinity, and no seg't at all of that name.
Most Certainlly (sic)
Your abt. sercet (?)
N. Lyman Storey (?)
for the Secretary.
Page 43

Having been informed that Isaiah Nicholson and Dr Elisha P. Fearing of Nantucket in the county of Nantucket & state of Massachusetts, have recently given their depositions, concerning the matter of the application of the heirs of John & Thankful Gorham, deceased, for a pension, and that further evidence of the credibility of these witnesses is desired by the Department,
I, William Mitchell, a justice of the Peace in & for the County of Nantucket & throughout the State of Massachusetts, hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said defendants viz. Isaiah Nicholson and Dr Elisha P. Fearing, and that they are respectable men & credible witnesses.

Nantucket 11th mo./Nov./28th 1853
Wm. Mitchell
Justice of the Peace
&c.
Page 44

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Nantucket, (&c?)

I George Cobb, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, for the County of Nantucket, do hereby certify, that William Mitchell Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the within instrument. 
Is, and was at the time of subscribing the same, a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Nantucket, and throughout the State of Massachusetts, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court. This Twenty-ninth day of November A.D. 1853
George Cobb,
Clerk.
Page 45

Senate Chambe(r)
Dec. 13th '53

Dear Sir, 
I beg leave & enclose the papers in the case of Gorham, I trust that they will be found satisfactory.
Yours truly,
Charles Sumner

The Commissioner of Pensions
Page 46

Affidant (sic) of 
Wm Calder
Sexton
Page 47

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston, April 21st 1853

I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation William C. Folger was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nantucket

in the said Commonwealth, duly commisioned and constituted ; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 48

April 28. 1845
Buried John Gorham 62 years
Jan. 3d . 1847. Buried Davis Gorham 54 years

This is to Certify that I William Calder Sexton have copied the above from a Book of Records of Burials which I keep Wm Calder

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nantucket (Mass) April 16th 1853
Then personally appeared the above named William Calder, Sexton, and solemnly affirmed to the truth of the above Certificate by him signed before me.
William C. Folger, Justice of Peace
Page 49

Certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts.
Page 50

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston : 
February 12. 1853.

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remian in this Department, it appears that the name John Gorham is borne on a roll of Capt. John Russell's Co. Maj. Barachiah Bassett's Regt. at Martha's Vineyard from Sept. 30. 1776. 1 month 22 days.
On roll of Capt. Jos. Palmer's Co. Col. Whitney's Regt. as private from Barnstable, R. Service from May 24 1777. 1 mo. 28 days.
On roll of Capt. Jos. Palmer's Co., Col. Freeman's Regt. on alarm at Dartmouth & Falmouth in Sept. 1778. 6 days.
On roll of Capt. Jos. Franklin's Co., Col. Tyler's Regt. as from Barnstable, R. I. service from Oct. 18.1779. 2 mos. 13 days.
On return of men raised for 6 mos. service in 1780, by town of Falmouth, to reinforce Continental army, from July 6 to Dec. 12. 5 mos. 21 days. travel included ; & on description list of the same as being "39 years. 5ft.6. Ruddy"
Our role of Capt. Jos. Palmer's Co. raised in Falmouth to guarde the coast in 1781. from July 20. 2 mos.
All the above was service as a private.
[in pencil}
14 mos
Page 51

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the sam now appears ; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone ; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 52

I am now (blank) years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services
more fully than above stated. 

Witness my hand, this (blank) day of (blank)
A. D. 18
signed by said in my presence,

Justice of the Peace.
Page 53

Application for Certificate of Revolutionary Services,
made by the Son & Daughter of the party who rendered the service.

State of Massachusetts
County of Nantucket
Town of Nantucket

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of John Gorham
in the war of the Revolution.

He was a native of the Town of Barnstable in the County of Barnstable and the State of Massachusetts

He enlisted from the Town of Falmouth in the County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts in the year 17 (blank) as a Private soldier in the Company Commanded by Captain Col. Barachiah Bassett in (blank) Regiment (blank) and he served as follows, *viz : - In the Expedition against Ticonderoga in the War of the Revolution

William Gorham

Abigail Raymond

Nantucket (Mass?) February 8th 1853
Then personally appeared the above named William Gorham and Abigail Raymond, and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above application, which they have signed. 
Before me  William C. Folger, Justice of Peace

*Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.
Page 54

Nantucket Oct. 5th 1853.

Dear Sir
I herewith forward the Declaration in the Case of Thankful Gorham deceased, madde (sic?) in the Court of Commons Pleas, (which is a court of record) before Judge Geo. N. Briggs by William Gorham for himself and also on behalf of his sister Abigail Raymond, with the affidavits of two witnesses to said Gorham's Signature, showing the names and number of the surviving children of John Gorham sent deceased.
Also an affidavit from Dr. Reuben Macy of this place, correcting an error he made in making the former extract from his father's 'Book of deaths of people of Nantucket.'
In the letter from the Commissioner of Pensions to yourself of the date of July 15th 1853. he States - "The affidavits and certificates in the case of Thankful Gorham, deceased, widow of John of Massachusetts, have been filed under the Act of July 4, 1836, and will be examined when a declaration is filed in accordance with the enclosed form, when the declaration is forwarded, please make reference to the fact that the papers above referred to have been received and filed
Page 55

"as above stated." 
I hope and believe that the Declaration and affidavits will be found to be in accordance with the directions forwarded from the Commissioner of Pensions and altogether satisfactory. Should however any thing more be required we will endeavor to obtain it.
Please forward these documents to the Commissioner of Pensions and oblige your friend

William C. Folger

Hon. Charles Sumner
Boston, Mass.
Page 56

Nantucket December 6th 1853.
I hereby Certify that Mrs Abigail Raymond window of Mr Benjamin Raymond Died at Nantucket Novm 9th 1853, aged 76 years & 9 months,
A true Copy from the Records of the Town of Nantucket,
Attest William Cobb
Town Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Nantucket (Mass). 12/December/6th 1853
Then personally appeared the above named Wm. Cobb, Town Clerk of Nantucekt, and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above statement, before me
William Mitchell
Justice of the Peace
Page 57

To all whom it may concern, I hereby testify and say : That I have known the late Mrs Abigail Raymond of this town over the last twenty years of her life - that she was the daughter of the late Thankful Gorham of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and sister of Mrs William Gorham now living in Nantucket - and that the said Abigail Raymond died on the 9th of last November and that I saw her on the day of her death and the body the day after, being her Physician during her last sickness.
Nantucket Dec. 6th 1853
Elisha P. Fearing

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nantucket (Mass) 12mos/Decemb./6th 1853
Then personally appeared the above named Elisha P. Fearing. I made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed in my presence, before me.
Wm. Mitchell
Justice of the Peace
Page 58

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Nantucket (Mass?)

I, George Cobb, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Courts for the County of Nantucket, do hereby certify, that William Mitchell Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavit or statements were made, and whose name is thereto subscribed was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and sworn, and that the signatures subscribed to his certificate, are his genuine signatures. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court this sixth day of December in the year eighteen and fifty three.
George Cobb,
Clerk.
Page 59

Nantucket Dec. 16th 1861

Hon. Joseph H. Barrett, Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
On the 22nd of Dec. 1853 The Secy. of the Interior, Hon. R. McClellan granted under the law of 4th July 1836 to William Gorham, only surviving child of Thankful Gorham widow of John Gorham a private in the Revolution, a pension from the 4th March 1831 to 15 June 1840 the last date being that of the death of said Thankful Gorham.
William Gorham above named still survives and is an aged man. It has been suggested that he is also entitled to Bounty Land. I wish to ascertain the fact whether he is entitled to Bounty Land and if so under what Law or Section of a Law - and such other instructions as may be proper for the Department to furnish me with regarding his case. 
Very Respectfully
William C. Folger
51 Fair Street

P.O. Box 117
Page 60

May 2d 1853

Addl. evi. in case
Thankful Gorham
decd widow of John

Mass.

Act 4th July 1836

Hon. Charl Sumner
Boston
Massachusetts
Page 61

Thankful Gorham widow of John died (m?) 15th 1840 aged 92 years

I find in my former statement that I overlook the year it should be 1840 instead of 1839

Extracted from a record of death kept by my late father Obed Macy

Reuben Macy

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nantucket Is.

Nantucket September 29th 1853.
Then personally appeared the above named Reuben Macy a person well known to me for moral character & integrity, and solemnly affirmed to the above extract by him signed being a true copy from his father, the late Obed Macy's Book of Record of Deaths in Nantucket
before me
William C. Folger
Justice of the Peace
Page 62

I Elisha P. Fearing of Nantucket, in the County of Nantucket, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Physician, aged sixty seven years, hereby testify and say, that I resided several years in Falmouth, in the County of Barnstable, Commonwealth aforesaid, and Thus know Mrs Thankful Gorham, the Widow of Mr John Gorham, and four of her children - that I never heard of any other family of that name having lived in said Falmouth - that I have known her and her family ever since their removal to Nantucket - that Mrs Thankful Gorham died about thirteen years ago - and that I (know?) that Mrs Abigail Raymond and Mr William Gorham as the only surviving children of the late Thankful Gorham (on ceased) - And also that I am well acquainted with Capt. Davis Hatch, Mrs Polly Fisher, Widow of Benjamin Fisher and Mrs Jane Butler of Falmouth, and should place infinite confidences in their testimony.
I also testify that William Gorham who has now in my presence signed this application for a pension for himself and sister is the identical son of John Gorham above named, deceased.
Elisha P. Fearing
Page 63

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nantucket, Is.
Nantucket October 4th 1853
Then the within named Elisha P. Fearing, a gentleman of veracity and entitled to confidence and credit, appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statements by him signed, and he is a resident of Nantucket
William C. Folger, Justice of the Peace
Page 64

I Isaiah Nicholson of Nantucket in the County of Nantucket and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty-five years hereby certify, that I know Abigail Raymond and William Gorham of Nantucket, the children of John Gorham formerly of Falmouth deceased.
I knew said John Gorham and family before his decease. I have always been acquainted with the family, both before and since their removal to Nantucket. Thankful Gorham, the widow of John Gorham (sent?) and her sons Davis and John Gorham are deceased, and the said Abigail Raymond and William Gorham are the only surviving children of said John Gorham (sent?) and Thankful Gorham his widow, deceased, and William Gorham who has now in my presence signed this application for pension for himself & sister is the son of John Gorham aforesaid deceased
Isaiah Nicholson
Page 65

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nantucket Is. October 4th 1853
Then the within named Isaiah Nicholson a citizen and resident of the town of Nantucket and a person entitled to credit appeared and made oath to the truth of the statements here in which are signed by him, and that the William Gorham who signed the Declaration & application for a pension is the son of John Gorham (sent?) deceased
before me, William C. Folger
Justice of the Peace
Page 66

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Nantucket Is.

I, George Cobb Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Nantcuket within the Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that William C. Folger Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nantucket, duly commesioned(sic) and sworn, and that his signatures to the (to the with line through) certificates annexed are genuine.
Witness my hand and the the seal of said Court here-unto affixed this Fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
George Cobb, Clerk
Page 67

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Secretary's Office, Boston, April 26th 1853 

I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation William C. Folger was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Nantucket in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 

E M Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 68

Mass.  Gorham, John    W.19.523
Thankful
Page 69

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Boston:
November 22, 1853.
I hereby certify, that from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Gorham is borne on [unintelligible} call of Capt. John Russell raised to defend the sea  Coast
Page 70

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence
of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this
Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the
search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said
application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts
and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written
E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 71

Thankful Gorham, decd, widow of John. Nantucket Co, Mass
Act July 4, 1836. (open court)
Declaration of Wm Gorham
Oct 4. 1853 - aged 65
Abigail Raymond & afft are the only surviving
children of John & Thankful - formerly Butler -
married at Falmouth, Apl 28, 1771 - John died
at Falmouth, Apl 23d 1801. Thankful remained
widow until she died June 14, 1840.
John was private soldier in Rev War.
Certif of Secy of Mass
except from Barnstable
John Gorham where from not stated - 1776- 3 months 24 days
except from Barnstable
also 2 19
Do from Falmouth 1781  5 mos 21 days
to 1781   2 mos 0 days
               ---------------
                6-13   7-21
Certified transcript from Town records of Falmouth. 
Marriage of "John Gorham & Thankful Butler
both of Falmouth" Apr. 28, 1771 -
Births of children: 
Abigail Jany 27, 1777
Joseph 1780 [scratched out]
John 1783 [scratched out]
Davis 1786 [scratched out]
Wm 1788
Joseph [scratched out, partly illegible]
Deaths of children - 
Joseph 1799
John 1801 [scratched out]  - John 1845
Davis 1846-
Nantucket Abigail died Nov 9, 1853.
Page 72

Dr E. P. Fearing the attending physician swears to death of Abigail.
Town record of death of John in 178 [crossed out] 1801. and of
Thankful, the widow, June 18,1839
Appt of Susan Gorham, Susan B [crossed out] S. Chase & Lydia B. Fish
to surviving children-- Apl 16, 1853
#Town Clk of Nantucket corrects statement of the record of death of widow & swears it is 1840, instead of 1839, as before stated.
Dr Fearing- swears no other Gorham family & to the only surviving children-- Wm & Abigail. Oct 53
Josiah Nicholson - same
Davis Hatch, Falmouth. Apl 53 - as 75
Personally knew John - formerly of this place, have heard my father Capt Jos Palmer state "that the said John
Gorham was with him as a soldier in the war of
the revolution".
I knew John, Wm, & Abigail,
his children, after the death of John his widow
removed from this town to the Island of Nantucket.
Jane Butler- Falmouth - Apl 53, widow
Personally knew John, Heard Col Barachiah
Bafsett [Bassett]
say John was with him in Rev War
Page 73

There has been no other John, resident of this town except his son, since my earliest recollection, John married my husband's sister, Thankful. John died here this widow after removes with her children to the Isld of N, of whom Wm & Abigail are the applicants.
Certif J. Clk of Falmouth- Oct 53-
No other John Gorham on T [town?] records during Rev. War but the husband of Thankful died
Mcap Meiscell's rolls show that Capt Jno Russell at Martha's Vinyard was in service in 1776.
It appears from the record & parol proof that John lived in Falmouth from his marriage in 1771 to his death in 1801. the births of his children at on the Town records and all but one are shown by the Falmouth & Nantucket records, as well as by parol, to have died.
Widow died John 15, 1840.
(Along the side John Gorham Mass pensioned under Act of 1818 and act of 1832 15.652. performed different service.
Page 74

Thankful Gorham  decd

deceased, widow of John,  Mass

Act July 4, 1836
Admitted - Private
of Infy 14 mo's.
at $46. 66/100 per annum from March 4, 1831,    to June15. 1840 (when she died).

Certificate payable to Wm. Gorham - only surviving child.

Certificate to be sent to Agent (agent is crossed out) 
Hon Charles Sumner
 U. S. Senate
Page 75

Brief in the case of Thankful Gorham, decd, widow of John. of Nantucket County (County is crossed out) and State of Massachusetts 
act July 4, 1836.
_____________________________________
Claim, ("original", or "for increase")  [or "for increase" is crossed out]

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

Service  14 months Mass mila/ Marriage, in 1771, Death of John 1801.of widow on June 15. 1840. and births of children & death of all but Wm. proved by public records.  [public record sis underlined.]
Also confirmed by parol.
Identity proved by parol.

(If for increase.)
     Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Hon Charles Sumner        S.G .Dodge
U. S. Senate                       Examining Clerk
Page 76

7.952
Thankful Gorham Decd.
Widow of John
Mass
Act July 4 1836
Married 1771
Husband died 1801
Wife died June 15 1840
Abigail Raymond
&
Wm Gorham
only children
Page 77

State of Massachusetts 
Nantucket SS
On this 4th day of October A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty-three personally appeared before the honorable George N. Briggs Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, at the Court of Common Pleas holden at Nantucket within and for the County of Nantucket on the first Monday of October A.D. Eighteen humdred and fifty-three, William Gorham a resident of Nantucket in the County of Nantucket aforesaid, aged sixth five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4, 1836: For him self and for his sister Abigail Raymond on whose behalf as well as his own he makes this application. That Abigail Raymond and himself are the only living children of John Gorham who was a private soldier in the War of the
Page 78

Revolution.
That their father John Gorham was married to their mother Thankful Butler at Falmouth, Mass. on the twenty eighty day of AprilSseventeen hundred and seventy-one (28th April 1771). That their father, the aforesaid John Gorham died at Falmouth on the twenty third day of April eighteen hundred and one (23d day April 1801). that their mother the aforesaid Thankful Gorham remained a widows till the time of her death, which took place at Nantucket the fourteenth day of June eighteen hundred and forty (14th June 1840)
                        William Gorham
   Commonwealth of Mass. Nantucket, Ss. 4 Oct 1853 Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before Just. Briggs
One of the Justices of the Court of C Pleas.

Nantucket Ss. I George Cobb Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Nantucket, within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being a Court of Record within said County do hereby certify that the Honorable George N. Briggs is a Justice of the aforesaid
Page 79

Court and that his signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court annexed at the Court of Common Pleas, held Nantucket on the first Monday October in the year eighteen hundred and fifty three
George Cobb, Clerk
Page 80

Nantucket Dec 6th 1853
Sir
Since the Application of William Gorham before the Hon. Geo. N. Briggs, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Mrs Abigail Raymond, daughter of Thankful & John Gorham deceased, has died, and I have believed it my duty to inform the Commissioner of Pensions of it, and have had the depositions taken of Elisha P Fearing M.D. her Physician, also the deposition of William Cobb, Town Clerk of Nantucket. I suppose that will be all the Commissioner will require to establish the fact of her decease. I have obtained from the Hon. Secy. of State of Massachusetts another Certificate of the Services of John Gorham in the War of the Revolution. From the Town Clerk of Falmouth I have an answer to the requirements of the Commissioner of Pensions--and from the Hon, William Mitchel of Nantucket a certificate of the credibility of the two gentlemen who gave their affidavits to the identity of William Gorham & Abigail Raymond as being the only surviving children of John & Thankful Gorham deceased which affidavits were appended to the Declaration make before Judge Briggs.
These several documents I shall herewith enclose to your address, believing they will meet
Page 81

the requirements of the Commission of Pensions. William Gorham is now the only surviving child of John & Thankful Gorham, deceased. Mrs. Abigail Raymond died childless. Should the documents herewith enclosed together with those previously sent and on file at the Pension Office, satisfy the Department and establish in full the Claim of William Gorham__ the Commissioner can if he sees fit, forward to me the Certificate for said applicant.
My apology for troubling you still in this business is, that I know of none in whose hands I should rather have the natter placed, and the continued ill health and misfortune of out representative Hon, Zeno Scudder__ I did not when in his town call upon him in the matter, as I supposed it would shortly be granted by the department.
With great respect I remain
Yours truly
Hon Charles Sumner
William C Folger
Washington D.C.