Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5094, John Lane Hancock, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
R.I.

Hancock, John Lane
Hannah

NUMBER
W. 5094

CONTENTS
Page 2

7479

Maine

John Lane Hancock of Buxton in ["the state of" crossed out] Maine who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Varnum in the R. Island line, for the term of one year-

Inscribed on the roll of Maine at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 13th of April, 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th of March 1819 and sent to G. Thatcher, Esqr
Saco, ME

Arrears to the 4th of March 1819 10 18/30 4/31 85.83
Semi-anl. all’ce ending 4 Sept. 1819 48.00
133.83
Continue

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}

York Co. ME.
Page 3

Notification sent July 24th 1820 to John Mussey Jr. Portland, Maine
Page 4

3977
Maine

Hannah Hancock widow of John Lane Hancock who was a Private in the Massachusetts line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence of the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of December 1843 and sent to Joseph Ilsley
Portland, Maine.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]

Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1 Page 6.
Page 5

2167

Hannah Hancock’s application for a Pension

act July 7, 1838

Me.
Act 7 July 38
M. 85. D. 35

Vol 15-56 on 8 month pri. 75
12 mo 76. in 1818-

admd
20. pri
66.66/100
no deduction
Jos. Pope Esq. Portland Me.
Page 6

STATE OF MAINE.

District of Maine
County of Cumberland, ss.

ON this twenty first day of August 1838 personally appeared before Hon. Ashur Ware Judge of the United States District Court, Hannah Hancock a resident of Hiram in the County of Oxford and State or District of Maine, aged Seventy two 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 7th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of John Lane Hancock who was a Private in the War of the Revolution - and a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of 18 March 1818, and his name placed on the Pension list roll of the Maine Agency - and continued on the roll of the same agency under the Act of May 1, 1820 - She cannot tell how long he served nor who were his officers, but could refer to his original declaration, on which his pension was granted to him & She also declares that she has not been married since the death of said John Lane Hancock, but still continues his widow.

SHE FURTHER DECLARES, that she was married to the said John Lane Hancock on the sixth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty five and that her husband, the aforesaid John Lane Hancock died on the sixth day of September 1835. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz. at the time above stated.

Witness John L Hancock
Joseph Pope

Hannah Hancock
x her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
BEFORE Ashur Ware
Page 7

United States
Maine District Ss

District Court September 1, 1838

I hereby certify that the within proceedings were had in Open Court before the Honorable Ashur Ware Judge of the United States within and for Maine District as therein set forth.

And I do further certify that Isaac Merrill and Joseph Pope Esquires whose official certificates are borne on the depositions hereto annexed are respectively Magistrates as therein stated and as such are entitled to full faith and credit.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year last above written

John Mussey Clerk U.S. Courts
Page 8

I Benjamin Rice of Buxton Maine and Pastor of the Congregational Church in said Buxton certify that in the records of marriages by Revd. Paul Coffin deceased, late Pastor of said church the marriage of John L Hancock and Hannah Prescot is recorded as follows viz.

"Seventeen hundred and eighty five November the sixth, John L. Hancock and Hannah Prescot both of Buxton."
Benjamin Rice
Pastor Cong. Chh. Buxton

I Benjamin Rice aforenamed depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor and Clerk of the Congregational Church in Buxton aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said church in my possession with the exception of the date which is expressed on the records in fair legible figures as follows, viz. "1785-Nov. 6th."
Benjamin Rice

State of Maine
York ss. Augt. 21, 1838
Sworn and subscribed by said Benjamin Rice who I certify is a credible & respectable witness

Before me, Isaac Merrill, Jus. of the Peace
Page 9

I, John L. Hancock of Westbrook County of Cumberland, State of Maine Do testify and say that John Lane Hancock of late of Buxton, died at Standish in said County on the sixth day of September Eighteen hundred & thirty five [1835] and that Hannah Hancock who has subscribed & sworn to the forgoing statement & application is the widow of said John Lane Hancock, & has not been remarried since his death.
John L. Hancock

Cumberland County, Sept. 1, 1838.
Subscribed & sworn to before me, and I certify that the said deponent is a credible & respectable witness.
Joseph Pope, Jus. of the Peace
Page 10

N 158. John L. Hancock
Copy Special Dist: Court
July 1st 1820
Buxton
7479

York County

Sept 1819
Sent to John Mussey Jr
Portland
July 21, 1820
Page 11

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.

At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the first Tuesday, being the sixth day of July and by adjournment from day to day, on the fourteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty [1820], before the Honorable ALBION K. PARRIS, Judge of said Court.

On this fourteenth day of June in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, John L. Hancock aged sixty three years, resident in Buxton in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a private in the company commanded by Capt. Lane in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Varnum in the line of the State of Rhode Island on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the 13th day of April A.D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 7479 was granted. 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 other that what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
John L. Hancock

Sworn to and declared, on the fourteenth day of June, A.D. 1820.
BEFORE Albion K. Parris {U.S. District Judge for the District of Maine.
Page 12

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz;

Real estate - none -
One cow - six sheep -
John L. Hancock

Sworn to Before 
Albion K. Parris
U.S. Dist: Judge

SCHEDULE of the family residing with me John L. Hancock who, by occupation am a laborer which I am not able to pursue by reason of old age and infirmity

[column headings] NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.
[Row 1] Hannah, my wife. 54. unable to work
[Row 2] Hannah, a daughter. 17. able to work
[Row 3] Susan, do. 14. do... do
[Row 4] Ruth, do. 12. do... do
[Row 5] John, a son. 7.

John L. Hancock

Sworn to Before
Albion K. Parris
U.S. Dist: Judge
Page 13

United States of America
District of Maine ss.
[to the left, affixed is a star-shaped seal with a shield and eagle] At a Special District Court begun & holden at Saco within the County of York in said District on the first day of July A. D. 1820..before the Hon. Albion K. Parris, Judge of said Court. 

And now the original declaration & schedules whereof the foregoing are true copies having been here presented in Open Court and duly considered and fully examined _ It is here now considered and adjudged in Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in said schedule is Twenty one dollars & ten cents and no more _ In testimony where of I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this first day of July A. D. 1820

John Mussey Junr U. S. Dist: Clerk

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.

I, JOHN MUSSEY, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are 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 total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is [handwritten] twenty one…[end handwritten] dollars and [handwritten] ten…..[end handwritten] cents. [handwritten] and no more [end handwritten]

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this [handwritten] fourteenth [end handwritten] day of [handwritten] June…[end handwritten] A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

John Mussey Junr {Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.

$21.10
Page 14

[left of vertical fold]
John Lane Hancock

[right of vertical fold]
John Lane Hancock
Private
1 Jany ‘76 to 1 Jany 77
Varnums regt
Rhode Island line
13th April 1818

additional proof of gner services on continental establishment is wanting

Jabez Lane + William Andrews
witnesses

Admitted.
Page 15

[handwritten in the left margin]
vol 15.56 _on_Smo75

I John Lane Hancock of Buxton in the county of York & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged sixty one years, do declare that I entered as a private soldier [crossed out: under] in the American Army on the Continental Establishment, some time in May A.D. 1775 under Captain John Lane in Colonel Fosters regiment, for eight months ^in the eight month service & was stationed during ^most part of said time at Cape Ann in this Commonwth at the expiration of that service which was on the first day of January A.D. 1776 I entered again under Capt. Lane in Colonel Varnums Regiment in the Rhode Island Line for one year. After my enlistment, my regiment marchd thro Rhode Island to Long Island, when we continued till we retreated to New York. I was present at the engagement at Harlem heights, after which we were marched thro the Jerseys when our time of service had expired, but [crossed out: we] I had no discharge as I entered again for one month, under the promise of $10~ bounty, which was paid. I served over a month & was discharged honorably in February A.D. 1777. at Chatham whither I had any regular discharge or not I cannot recollect, if I had the claim was soon lost -- I afterwards enlisted under Captain Jenkins in Col. Poors Regiment at [blank space] for nine months & was stationed principally at West Point & was discharged. I have no pension, and am in very reduced circumstances as to property. I need some assistance from my country; I am a citizen of the United states

John L Hancock

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ss--
Be it known that on the 13th day of April A.D. 1818 before me the Subscriber ohe of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts personally appeared the above named John L Hancock & being duly sworn made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration
Page 16

declaration by him in my presence subscribed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval services of the United States in the revolutionary war; which declaration being signed & sworn to as aforesaid, I George Thacher one of the Justices Pc. do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John L Hancock did serve in the Revolutionary War on the continental establishment against the common enemy, as stated in his declaration & that he is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistances of his country for support, And I now transmit the proceedings & testimony had before me to the secretary of the department of war, pursuant ħ the directions in the Act of Congress aforesaid.

[a diamond-shaped seal is affixed to the left of the following paragraph]
In testimony where of I have hereto set my hand, & have caused the seal of said court ħ be hereunto affixed this twenty sixth day of June in the year of our lord eighteen hundred & eighteen—

George Thacher
Page 17

I William Andrews of Buxton in said county & commonwealth aged sixty four years, do testify & declare that I served in the American Army ^on the continental establishment from May A. D. 1775 to February A. D. 1777 - In Colonel Scammans, Colonel Fosters & Colonel Varnums Regiments, during the time I was in Colonel Varnums Regiment, which was about [crossed out [illegible]] eleven months [crossed out: during [illegible] which time] I know that John L Hancock, ^who signed the declarations on the first page was in the same company & regiment with me & was discharged about the time I was —

William Andrews

York ss
June 16th 1818. Then Personally appeared the above named William Andrews & being duly sworn made oath to the ^truth foregoing declaration by him subscribed before me Sam P. S. Thacher Jus Peace

I Jabez Lane of Buxton in County aged seventy five years do testify & declare that I served in the American Army on the continental establishment in Colonel Varnums Regiment & Capt. John Lanes Company ^in Rhode Island Line as Lieutenant from January 1776 to January A. D. 1777 — when I took command of [illegible] company in Coln Nixon Regiment — I further testify that I have from a boy been acquainted with John L Hancock who signed the declaration on the first page of this paper & well know that he served in Capt. John Lanes ^& sd. Varnums Regiment Company of which I was Lieutenant during the year A. D. 1776 & that he was a good & faithful soldier, & was discharged at the end of the year & enlisted again for one month which time he served & was discharged —

Jabez Lane

York ss. July 8, 1818 — Then Personally appeared the above named Jabez Lane & being duly sworn made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing testimony by him subscribed — before me —

Sam P. S. Thacher Jus Peace
Page 18

[to the left of vertical fold]

H. Hancock

$66.66 per an

Joseph Ilsley
Portland
Maine
Page 19

Portland Sept 20, 1843

Sir

I forward you herewith the application of Hannah Hancock for the benifet of the penision made by the act of Congress passed 3rd March 1843. granting Pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. which if correct please forward me a Certificate.

Respectfully Yours
Joseph Ilsley

J. L. Edwards Esqr 
Commission of Pension
Washington
Page 20

Portland Sept. 29, 1838

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commisnr of Pensions

Sir,

Herewith I forward the application of Hannah Hancock for a pension under the act July 7, 1838–
If her claim is satisfactory please forward to me a certificate of pension for her I oblige

Yours very respectfully
Joseph Pope.
Page 21

[illegible postmark at the bottom left] 
[handwritten vertically above the postmark] 
Jur. at. Dec 11.

Hon. J.L. Edwards [stamp to the right: FREE]
Comr of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 22

Norwich Dec 6th 1838
Sir. The enclosed certificate having been sent to me through mistake I herewith enclose + return it. -- Perhaps some one may have been sent to a person in Maine which should have been sent to me. if I trust you will see that the same is corrected.
Yours respectfully
Saml W Wood
Hon J L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 23

[stamped on the left] WASHINGTON CITY D.C. DEC 3

[franked on the top right] JL Edwards
[stamped under the franking] FREE

Comr of Pensions

S. W. Wood, Esqr.
Norwich
Connecticut

[handwritten note cutoff at the bottom of the envelope is illegible]
Page 24

[handwritten] Revy [end handwritten] WIDOW, &c.

File No. [handwritten] 5094
Hannah Hancock
Wid. of 
John Lane Hancock
Par. Mass line [end handwritten]

Act: [handwritten] Mch, 3,,/43 [end handwritten]

Index :--Vol. A, Page 303

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

STATE OF MAINE.

CUMBERLAND, ss.

I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that, [handwritten] Joseph Ilsley is a Magistrate [end handwritten] as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that [handwritten] his Commission is dated February 9th A.D. 1843, and will expire February 9th A. D. 1850. [end handwritten] and that the following signature purporting to be his is genuine.

[a seal and ribbon are affixed to the left of the following paragraph]

In Testimony Whereof, I have herunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this twentieth day of September Anno Domina 1843.

Charles Cobb Clerk.
Page 26

STATE OF MAINE.

Cumberland County,

ON this nineteenth day of September 1843 

Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cumberland Hannah Hancock a resident of Westbrook in the County of Cumberland aged seventy seven years--who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d of March, 1843, granting Pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War--That she is the Widow of John Lane Hancock who was a [handwritten] Private in the Revolution a pension under the Act 18th March 1818. and died on the 6th September 1835. she also declares that she has received five years pension under the act of July 1838 at the rate of sixty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum [end handwritten] she further declares that she is still a widow

[handwritten] Witness JL Hancock 
[to the right of the witness' signature, handwritten] his Mark Hannah Hancock X [end handwritten]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written.

Before [handwritten] me and I do hereby certify that the applicant is personally known to me to be the identical person she declares herself to be

Joseph Ilsley Justice of the Peace [end handwritten]

[footnote on the form]
NOTE--After "who was a" insert the rank the husband held in the army, navy or militia, as the case may be, and the regiment, corps or vessel in which he served, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 7, 1838.
Page 27

[left and right margins of page are cutoff]
Maine - 1254

-Hannah Hancock-
widow of John Lane Hancock who was a pensioner under the Act of 18th Mar. and who died on the 6th Sept. 1835. [cutoff] Cumberland in the State of Maine who was a Pv. in the Compy commande [cutoff, presumed to be: commanded by] Captain [illegible] of the Regt. commande [cutoff, presumed to be: commanded by] Varnum in the Mass line for 20 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 [originally 1831, 6 is written over the last 1 to make it 1836]

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of Dec [cutoff] 38, and six and Jos. Pope, Portland, Me

Arrears to the 4th of Sept --$166.6
Semi-annual allowance ending 33.3
[added 166.6 + 33.3] $199.9

{Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by R Burdine Clerk Book A Vol. 12 Page 11~