Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14011, for Nathaniel Thayer, Massachusetts
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(8-1776)                             
Headings: Service / / Number
Continental                      Thayer, Nathaniel                             W 14011
Mass                                           Phebe
Mass Sea Service
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Folded document, opened in image. On left side, written landscape, in handwriting:
Payable to Sally Clark, Harriet Partridge, Mareda Drake, Achsah Bellings,
Jane Ellis, James E Thayer & Simeon Thayer
[Acps] 1 June 1844.

On right side, portrait orientation:

5619
Massachusetts
Phebe Thayer Dec'd
widow of Nathaniel Thayer
who was a Private
in the Mass, aLine,
Mass
=======
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
70 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1842, ^and ending
10 June [crossed out] May 1843, the day of her Death
========
Certificate of Pension issued the
1 day of June 1844
and sent to
Hon. John Q. Adams
House of Repr
==========
[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1    Page 56
Page 3

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
COUNTY OF NORFOLK, ss

     I, SHERMAN LELAND, Judge of the Court of Probate, in and for said County, hereby certify, that Satisfactory evidence has been addressed to me to prove that Phebe Thayer of Franklin in said County a pension of the United States___the act
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Pension Office
War Department
Washington DC

2296
June 27, 1843

Phebe Thayer, dec
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary's Office, Sept 1. 1843

I hereby Certify, That

Willis Fisher

of Franklin, Norfolk County is & ever since December 1841 has been a Justice of the Peace
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, fully 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. 
[signed]
Jno A Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth
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State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk
ss.

On this twentieth day of June 1843 Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Sally Clark a resident of Franklin in said county of Norfolk aged fifty 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 third of March 1843 granting pension to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War That she is the Daughter of Phebe Thayer late of Franklin aforesaid, deceased, who was the widow of Nathaniel Thayer late of Easton, County of Bristol, & state of Massachusetts aforesaid, deceased, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, For the evidence of which service the department are respectfully refered to the document, now in the war department furnished by the aforesaid Phebe Thayer to obtain a pension under the Act of the 7th July 1838. and that the amount of pension she the aforesaid Phebe received under the said Act of July 7th 1843 was seventy Dollars per annum, & That the aforesaid Phebe Thayer died on the tenth day of May 1843, aged Eighty years being at the time of her death viz on the 10th day of May 1843 the widow of the aforesaid Nathaniel Thayer of Easton, deceased

Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written

Sally Clark

Before me Willis Fisher Justice Peace
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I Willis Fisher the Justice of the Peace within named do hereby certify that Sally Clark within named and the signer of the written declaration is the daughter of the said Phebe Thayer as therein stated That I was aquainted with the said Phebe Thayer deceased & that she was a pensioner under the act of July 7th 1838 and that the aforesaid Phebe Thayer died on the 10th day of May 1843
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3155

Phebe Thayer

admitted

P = 6 months $20
P = art 1 year $50

$70
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

On this sixth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Judge of Probate in & for the county of Bristol, at a Court of Probate holden at Taunton in & for the county of Bristol on the day first above mentioned Phebe Thayer a resident of Easton in the county of Bristol aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Nathaniel Thayer late of Easton afsd decd who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and served as such, as she verily believes [margin: 4 mo.] four months or more at Cambridge near Boston in 1775 under Capt. James Perry. [margin: 12 mo] One year in a company of artillery commanded by Capt. Knapp in Col. [Cruncs?] Regt. This service was rendered in the State of New York - and she refers to the affidavit of Stephen Thayer hereto annexed. She also believes that the said Nathaniel Thayer served on board the Brig Aaron commanded by Capt. Williams in the [Pembroke?] Expedition, so called, in 1779 & she refers to the same affidavit of Stephen Thayer aforesaid.
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She further declares that she was married to the said Nathaniel Thayer on the thirteenth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one that her said husband, the aforesaid Nathaniel Thayer died on the [strikethrough: day of] twenty seventh day of March Eighteen hundred and seven that she was not married to him prior to his leaving service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.

Witness Stimson Williams

Phebe Her X mark Thayer

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year above written.

Before Oliver Prescott

[crossed out: I do certify that the above named applicant for a pension, cannot by reason of bodily infirmity attend the court.]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Bristol ss. I, Anselm Bassett, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver Prescott is the Judge of said Court, which Court is a Court of record, and that the signature annexed to the above certificate is his genuine signature.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this tenth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty eight

A Bassett
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I, Stinson Williams of Easton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy four years do testify and say that I knew Nathaniel Thayer, late of Easton aforesaid, deceased. That the said Nathaniel Mayer died at said Easton previous to the year Eighteen hundred and eighteen, leaving a Widow viz  Phebe Thayer, who is still living. And I
further testify and say that the said Phebe Mayor has not been married since the decease of her late husband the said Nathaniel Thayer

Stinson Williams

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Ss. 

October 11th 1838 
Stinson Williams, a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed

Before me.... A Barrett Justice Peace
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Certificate of Marriage

December the thirteenth Seventeen hundred Eighty one

Mr. Nathaniel Thayer and Miss. Phebe Crossman both of Easton were married by me Archibald Campbell Pastor

Recorded by Matthew Hayward Town Clerk

I certify that the above is a true copy of the record of the Marriage of Nathaniel Thayer & Phebe Crossman with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows, viz) December 13th 1781.

Easton Octr 15th 1838
Tisdale Harlow

Clerk of the town of Easton in the County of Bristol
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

I Tisdale Harlow above named, depose & say; that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Easton above mentioned & that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception  above named, as certified by me.

Tisdale Harlow 
Clerk of Easton as aforesaid

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol SS Easton 

October 5th 1838-
Then personally appeared the above named Tisdale Harlow the present town Clerk of Easton and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is a true copy as above stated from the Town records in his possession

Before me Joshua Britton Justice of the Peace
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I, Thomas Danforth of Norton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Eight years, do testify & say, that I was well acquainted with Nathaniel Thayer, late of Easton in said County of Bristol in the war of the Revolution.  I think and believe that the said Nathaniel Thayer served four months or more under Capt James Henry at Cambridge in the latter of the year 1775.

I further testify and say that I knew the said Nathaniel Thayer as a soldier in Capt Knapps company in Col. Cranes Regiment of artillery in the year service, to called.  Said Thayer was taken prisoner at Fort Washington on York Island.  After time he was taken prisoner, he is said to have made his escape from the enemy, and returned to the American army and remained in the service until he was discharged.

I was in the eight months service in the vicinity of Boston in 1775 - And I was in service in New York at the time above mentioned. This service was in 1776
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I further testify today, as I verily believe, that the said Nathaniel Thayer served in the Penobscot expedition, so called, in the year 1779 and that he was wounded in that expedition.

Thomas Danforth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County

on this twenty second day of October AD 1838 personally appeared before me, Thomas Danforth and made oath to the truth of the within affidavit By him subscribed and I certify that the said Thomas Danforth is personally Known to me and that he is a person of truth and veracity

Joshua Britton Justice of the Peace
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I Stephen Thayer of Petersham in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of the age of eighty three years testify and say, that in the year 1779 mybrother Nathaniel Thayer then of Easton, in the County of Bristol, enlisted, as a marine aboard the Brig Hazard, commanded by John Foster Williams, which then lay in Boston harbor. The brig was a privateer.  While lying there the brig was taken into the State service and sailed on the expedition to Penobscot. My brother continued to serve aboard the brig till she was taken by the British. He was wounded by a musket ball above the knee.  I left him ashore when I started for home, many days passing through the woods on our return home. I was absent between two and three months, and about two weeks after I arrived at home my brother Nathaniel returned.  I believe he was gone three months. I recollect Commodore Saltonstall commanded the fleet and Genl Lovell, the land forces. I cannot remember the name of the Capt of the Marines aboard the Brig

I further testify and say that some time in the year 1776 or it may be the latter part of the year before, my brother Nathaniel enlisted as a private for one year in the corps of Artillery, and served in Capt. Knapp's Company, in Col Crane's regiment, and was stationed in Fort Washington, near New York, and was taken prisoner at the time of the surrender of that fort. He afterward made his escape from the British and returned to the American lines.

I further testify and say that I was in the army a good deal myself-- and I know that my brother was in the army at other times than above stated, but in different corps, from that in which I served but I cannot recollect the particular enlistments nor the names of the officers, under whom he served

Stephen Thayer
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss. 

On this fourth day of October A.D. 1838, personally appeared before me, Stephen Thayer and made oath to the truth of the within affidavit by him subscribed. And I certify that the said Stephen Thayer is personally known to me and that he is a person of truth and veracity

Jared Weed Justice of the Peaceester

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss.,

I, Joseph G Kendall, Clerk of the Common pleas for the County of Worcester,  do certify, that Jared Weed, Esquire, above named, is a Justice of the peace in and for said County and that his signature to the foregoing certificate is in his own proper hand writing.

In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Worcester, the fifth day of October in the year 1838

Joseph Kendall, Clerk
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Commonwealth of Marrachusetts
Bristol County ss. 

I Anselm Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County do hereby certify that Joshua Britten & Anselm Barrett are Justices of the Peace for said County & that the signatures to the foregoing certificate purporting to be their are genuine-

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this tenth day of November Eighteen hundred & thirty Eight

A Barrett
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for a statement of the military history of Nathaniel Thayer a soldier of the REVOLUTIONAORY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ( or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 

Mid F. 14.011

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT | LENGTH OF SERVICE | RANK | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED CAPTAIN | COLONEL | STATE

1775 | 4 mos | Pri. | Captain James Perry | Mass

1776 | 1 yr. | " | Captain Knapp | Colonel Cane | "
[hand drawn arrow] was taken prisoner at ^ surrender of Fort Washington and made his escape

1779 | 3 mos | marine | on board Brig "Hazard," commanded by Capt. John Foster Williams; ^ in expedition to Penobscot. 

Battles engaged in, see above
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Easton, Bristol Co., Mass
Date of application of Pension, Nov 6, 1838 Cl al 
Residence at date of application, Easton, Bristol Co., Mass. 
Age at date of application, She was 75 years old. 
Remarks: Soldier married Dec 13, 1781, at Easton Mass Miss Phebe [indecipherable]. He died Mch 27, 1818 ^ in Easton, Mass. She die May 10, 1843, leaving his following children: Sally Clark, aged 57 yrs, Marede Drake, Achsah Billings, Jane Ellis, James E., Simeon, Harriet Partridge. 

Very respectfully,
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Rev
WIDOW, &c.
No. 14911
Phebe Thayer
widow of 
Nathanial Thayer
Pri Mass Line
Act: March 3. 143
: -----Vol. M, Page 2 [indecipherable] 1
[Arrangement of 1870]

May 26, '08. History to Mrs. Mary E. Howland
F. W.
Page 20

2837

Massachusetts

Phebe Thayer
widow of Nathaniel Thayer

who dies on the 17th March 1811 of Bristol County in the state of Massachusetts who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Knapp of the Regiment commanded by Col Crane in the Massachusetts Line for 1 year in artillery, 6 months in [illegible]

Inscribed on the roll of Massachusetts at the rate of $70 per annum to commence the 4th day of march 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of May 1839 and sent to A Bassett, Taunton, MA

Arrears to the 4th of March 1839 - $210.00
Semiannual allowance ending 4 Sept 1839 - $35.00

Total:  $245.00

Act July 7, 1838

Recorded by D D Addison, Clerk

Book A, Vol 1st, Page 137

**** 
Dear Sir letter to W Fisher, Sept 16, 1843
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Enter this number under act 1843 and issue a certificate as within cited

Hon J Q Adams
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I Sally Clark of Franklin County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawful age of fifty seven years, Do testify & say, in addition to an affidavit heretofore made by me and now on
file in the pension office of the United States. That the said Phebe Thayer therein named died on the tenth day of May 1843 and that the surviving children of the said Phebe are myself the aforesaid Sally Clark of Franklin, Maride Drake of Sharon, Achsah Billings of Canton, Jane Ellis of Medway, James E. Thayer of Medway, Simeon Thayer of Mansfield, all in the State of Massachusetts and Harriet Partridge of Oldtown, State of Maine further the Deponent saith not

Sally Clark

Commonweath of Massachusetts
Norfolk County

January 8th 1844 Sworn to and subscribed by the aforesaid Sally Clark on the day and year above written before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk in the Commonwealth
aforesaid, and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the Deponent Sally Clark aforesaid
and that she is a person of respectability and entitled to belief

Willis Fisher Justice Peace
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Act 1843

5955

Phebe Thayer, deceased, Act March 3, 1843

at the rate of $70 per annum.

Payable to 10 May 1843, the day of her death, to her only surviving children, Sally Clark, Harriet Partridge, Mareda Drake, Achsah Billins, Jane Ellis, James E Thayer, and SImon Thayer.

Send cert to Hon J Q Adams, HR

July 22, 1844
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Franklin, February 19th 1844

Sir: 

Enclosed is a certificate in case of Phebe Thayer's claim to a pension as set forth in the affidavit of Sally Clark which is proffered in addition to what is already in the Pension department.

It appears to me very unfortunate for Claimants under the pension laws of the United States that the requirements in all the various cases which come under those laws are not more generally made known in some form or other could they be definitely known it would save much trouble and [illegible].

I indulge the hope that this communication will be sufficient to warrant your granting a certificate for the pension claimed.

Respectfully yours

Willis Fisher
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Nov 15

[stamp] PENSION [/stamp]

J L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D C
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Taunton
November 10, 1838

Sir:

Accompanying this is a package containing the application of Phebe Thayer, widow of Nathaniel Thayer, deceased ? and Eunice Shaw, widow of Benjamin Shaw dec ? for pension under the Act of Congress of July 7, 1838.

Any communication you may please to make relative thereto may be made to me.

Respectfully,

A Barrett
Page 27

Franklin

J L Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Sally Clark - proof
Page 28

[signed]
J L Edwards
Comm. of Pensions

Willis Fisher, Esq. 

Franklin
Massachusetts
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Enclosed I send the application of Sally Clark in addition to the one you have on file in your office.  You do not sate whether or not any other person than her would be required to testify to the time of death of her mother and [ ] her testimony as good fact as to any other if properly authenticated.  I also send a certificate of Magistry and hopt that is  sufficient is now presented to warrant the return of a certifcate of the allowance of the claim.

Respectfully yours,
Will Lister

J L Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
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3-595

Record Division. 
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
May 21, 1908
Searched by S. D. Lamparter
Original No. ______________
Certificate No. _____________
Claimant, _______________
Soldier, Nathaniel Thayer
Service, Mass
Rev. War. 
Remarks, No claim as above except Wid. #14007 sent for Wid. #14011
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[stamp] PENSION
U. A S. 
May 
18
1908
OFFICE [/stamp]

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir:
I am trying to secure information to prove myself eligible to membership in the Daughters of American Revolution and find that my great grandfather - Nathaniel Thayer served
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in that war six years. Will you kindly inform me if you can find by the records whether he was a pensioner, the date and place of his birth - and death. I think he was from Mansfield, Mass. 
Any other facts which you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
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Thanking you, I am very truly yours
Mrs. Mary E. Howland
68 Winter St
Whiteman
Massachusetts

May 17, 1908

[stamp] PENSION
U. A S.
May
18
1908
OFFICE [/stamp]