Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,307, for John Kinerson, Massachusetts
Page 1

SERVICE Mass.

Kinerson, John
or
Kinston,
or
Kennerson,

Betsey

NUMBER W. 20,307

CONTENTS
Page 2

{Left side of page}
5803.

Maine

=================
John Kinerson
of Denmark, in the District of Maine who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Shepard of the Massachusetts. [torn]-ine, for the term of two years.

=================
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 11th of April 1818.

=================
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of Jany. 1819 and sent to Judah Dana, Eighth [illegible]- Maine
=================

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 -  4 26/30
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1819 
38.40
18.00
=================
$86.40
=================

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

Cont[illegible]
Denmark - Oxford Co.


{Right side of page
See letter to E Glines Oct. 27, 1838 [?] to E. Marrow May 17, 1838 - to same, 20 Aug. '38 - to E. Glines 1 Oct, '38 - to same, Oct 27, '38 -to J. Howard, US Atty. Nov. 6, '38 - to same Dec. '38-
Page 3

8574

Maine
==========
Betsey Keniston, alias Kenerson, widow of John Kenerson, who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 29 Oct, 1833, of Denmark in the State of Maine who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain ---------- of the Reg. commanded by Shepard in the Mass line for 2 years
==========
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
==========
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of July 1844 and sent to Hon A.K. Parris, V Comppollin[?]

Total Amount, $400.00

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. L. Swann, Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 1 Page 9.
Page 4

Lebanon, York Co. Maine
August 24, 1838

This certifies that the following document is found on the records of the Congregational Church, as kept by the Rev. Isaac Slasey, the former pastor of the church: -
"John Kenerson, Jr. and Bety Fall were married."
     And that this is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair + legible figures, as follows: Seventeen hundred + seventy-nine, April second. 1779 April 2nd.
     I, Joseph Loring, depose + say; that I hold the office of pastor of the Congregational Church in Lebanon, York County, Maine, + that the above is a true extract from the records of said church.
     Joseph Loring} Pastor of the Cong. [illegible] in this [illegible] York, Ss. Thus personally appeared Joseph Loring and made solemn oath that the above extract from the church records by [illegible] subscribed is true, before me, Timothy L. Kimball, Justice Peace, Lebanon, August 24, 1838.

State of Maine.
{boxed L.L.} York, Ss. I John Skeele, Register of the Court of Probate, within and for the County of York, hereby certify that Timothy L. Kimball is a Justice of the Peace for said County of York, and that the signature to the certificate on this sheet of paper, and purporting to be his, is genuine.
Page 5

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this twenty fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.

[Signed: John Skeele {Register of Probate York County}]
Page 6

I John Kenison of Denmark in the County of Oxford and Commonwealth of Massachusetts testify and declare upon oath that I served as a Private Soldier in the Revolutionary War about two years - I enlisted on the twentieth day of December 1781 - at Berwick (Maine) was mustered + sent to Boston by Ichabod Goodwin now Gen. Goodwin of that plan[?] - when I [illegible] Boston - I was ordered to join the Army at West Point I was attached to the Company Commanded by Lt. Selden in the Fourth Regiment in Massachusetts Line - though I served about a year of the time as a waiter to General McDougal - afterwards returned and joined my Company again and continued with them till the close of the war - when I was discharged at or near West Point on the thirty-first day of Dec. 1783 - I served all the time on the Continental Establishment - I further state that from my reduced circumstances in life I stand in need of assistance from my County for support - I have lost my discharge + have not [illegible] for about thirty years - I have no other evidence now in my power at hand of my said service - I am about fifty-five years of age -
[Signed John Kineson]
Apl-11-

[Faded writing] Common [illegible] 12 of May [illegible] County of Oxford.
I the subscriber Register of the Court of Probate [illegible] County, Ss. [illegible] in said County on this twenty-fifth day of September 1818. [illegible] make known that the Hon [illegible] who signed the forgoing certificate is Judge of said Court of Probate + first assistant Justice of the Peace, County of [illegible]. [illegible] in the first [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] we [illegible] [illegible] said his[illegible] is under the Seal of said Probate Court.
Attest [signature] Register of Probate.

[vertical far right going down] John Kenison

[vertical at bottom going up] 2 years
11th April, 1818.
Page 7

I Samuel Fall of Bartlet do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with John Kenneson the signer of the within affidavit + know that he served in the Revolutionary Wat as he has there instated + that from his [illegible] circumstance in life - he stands in the need of assistance from his County for support July 13-

[Signed: Samuel Fall]
County of Oxford Ss. - July 13 - 1818. Then personally appeared the aforesaid Samuel Fall who is a [illegible] and [illegible] witness and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Certificate by his signed before me Judah Dana Just. Peace and Judge
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Oxford Ss. On thus eleventh day of April 1818 before me the subscriber Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas in the in the first [illegible: Sortem{?} Cera{?}] +into [illegible], personally, appeared the written name John Kenison a Resident of Denmark in said County - who being by me first duly sworn [illegible] to law; doth, on his oath make the following + within and foregoing declaration by him signed in order to attain - the [illegible] of an act of [illegible] entitled on act to make [illegible] for certain personas[illegible] in the Cond and [illegible] [illegible] of the United States in the Revolutionary War - Sworn to and declares before me the day + year aforesaid.
[Signed: Judah Dana Judge

I Judah Dana Judge as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Kennison did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of [illegible] months on the Continental Establishment; and from his aforesaid circumstances [illegible] in need of assistance from his County for support; and I now transmit the proceeding testimony taken [illegible] [illegible] to the Secretary for the War Department pursuant to the [illegible] of the aforementioned act of Congress.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand + affixed the Seal of the said County of Probate this twenty-fifth day of July 1818.
[Signed: Judah Dana Judge]
Page 8

John Kennerson
No. 5803
Page 9

STATE OF MAINE.

Oxford SS. MA Circuit Court of Common Pleas  begun and holden at Paris within and for the county of Oxford on the fourth Tuesday of July A.D. 1820 before Honorable Judah Dana Judge of said Court.

On this 25th day of July 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 county of Oxford, John Kennerson - aged - 61 - - - years, resident of Denmark - - 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, viz. as a private - in the company commanded by Capt. Fuller in the Regiment commanded by Colonel      in the line of the State of Massachusetts. - on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the eleventh day of April A.D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 5803- 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, and property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than 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 as in particularly described below, also subscribed by me.
[Signed: John Kennerson]

Sworn to and declared, on the 25th}
day of July A.D. 1820.}

BEFORE Judah Dana Judge of said Court.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz :-
1 Cow, 1 Yearling heifer, 2 Spring Calves -
2 Hogs, 4 Sheep, 1 Lamb - Farming tools, two hoes, 3 old axes. Household furniture old and poor - I am owing the sum of four hundred fifty-two Dollars - - [Signed: John Kennerson]
Page 10

SCHEDULE of the family residing with me John Kennerson who by occupation am a husbandman - - - - - which I am unable to pursue by reason of old age - I met with a fall in the late war, by which I had several ribs broken + am rendered unable to labor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NAMES.
Betsy - my wife
Betsy Roberts a dependent
Eliza Kennerson a grand child
________________________________

AGES. [In order]
64 years
10 years
6 years
________________________________

Capacity of each to contribute to their support. [In order]
very weak + sickly woman
lame + sickly - 
healthy -

[Signed: John Kennerson]



Oxford SS,
I Thomas Clark Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for said county of Oxford do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed. are truly copied form 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 thirty-four dollars and fifty cents.  34.50

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 20th day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty

[Signed: Thomas Clark]
{Clerk of the Circuit Court of C.P.
{for said county of Oxford
Page 11

I David B. Kennison of Denmark, Oxford County Maine, depose and say that I am the son of John Kennison late of said Denmark, deceased, and of Betsy Kennison widow of said John now resident of said Denmark - I am now fifty-nine years of age - My father, the said John was a pensioner of the United States for many years before his death which took place after eleven years since-
[Signed: David B Kennison]


Oxford SS. 
     Personally, appeared the above-named David B. Kennison and made sworn oath that the above  [illegible] by him signed by him is true.
     Before me Perkins Elliot [illegible] Denmark July eighth 1844
Page 12

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7th July 1838 entitled, "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows," State of Maine SS. On this twenty-eighth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty-four, personally appeared before the subscriber, Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for the County of Oxford, Betsy Keniston a resident of Denmark in the County of Oxford, aged as she believes eighty-seven years, who, being first 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 7, 1838, entitled, "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of John Keniston who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution; that she cannot state the particulars of his service, but that he lived in said Denmark, and was a pensioner for many years before he died; and for the particulars of his services, she would refer to the papers filed in his  application for a pension. She further declares that she was married to said Keniston, at Lebanon in the County of York by the Rev. Isaac Hasey on the second or third day of April and she is not certain which in the year seventeen hundred and eighty-four; that her husband, the aforesaid John Keniston died, at said Denmark, on the night of the 29th of October A.D. 1833; 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; that her maiden name was Betsy Fall
[Signed Betsy Keniston]
Page 13

Subscribed + sworn to on the day and year before written
Before Lyman Kenison + wife - 
The [illegible] of taking this deal [illegible] out of the Court was on current of the old age and infinity at the [illegible]. who are unable to attend [illegible] term of said Court - -
[Signed: Lyman Kenison Judge -


State of Maine
Oxford County ss: I the Subscriber, Register of the Court of Probate, in + for said County, hereby certify that Lyman Kenison, before whom the foregoing proceedings were had + whose genuine signature is above written is Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid - I also certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of said Judge in the matter of the application of Betsey Keniston for a pension.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand + the seal of said Court, this twenty=second day pf July in the year eighteen hundred + forty-four.
[Signed: Geo. F Emery Register]
Page 14

Oxford County - Maine
I David Hammons of Lovell depose + say that I wrote the declaration of Betsey Kenison which is hereunto annexed. That it was written from the statement of said Betsey before I had any knowledge of the [cutoff] of her marriage as recorded in the Lebanon records. She is aged and feeble, but her recollection appears to be tolerably good upon some subjects - She says that she never could write her name or read a word of writing. Her son + son's wife with whom she lives also say the same - I am perfectly satisfied that she can neither write a word nor read a word of writing - The only way that she came to a conclusion as to the date of marriage was by telling the month + day of the birth of her son David, the age of her son which she said was fifty-nine and that she was married the second or third day of April preceding the birth of said son in March - I further state that the said Betsey could be very easily deceived and imposed upon - From my examination of her I do not think if she was told the number of years ago that she was married, that she has sufficient power of comparitation to tell what year it was.
Question proposed to the said Hammons, have you been a member of the Maine Senate? Ansure I have. [Signed: David Hammons]
Oxford ss Lovell, July 12, 1844. Personally, appeared the above-named David Hammons and made oath that the above Deposition is true, before me [Signed: John Wood Jr. Justice of the Peace]
Page 15

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.

October 10, 1927

Honorable Thomas A Jenkins
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr. Jenkins:
     In response to your letter of the sixth instant, I have the honor to advise you that this Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services, and a careful search of said records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of any soldier named Samuel Kinison or similar spellings of that name.
     There are three David Kinisons found on said records- David Kinnsion (Kinniston), [illegible], served with the Massachusetts Troops, was pensioned in 1818, while living at Lodus, Ontario County, New York. He died February 24, 1852. David Keniston, S. 9364, served with the New Hampshire Troops, was
Page 16

2-

pensioned in 1832, while living at Sandwich, Strafford County, New Hampshire. He died November 9, 1841. David Kinnaston (Kenniston or Kaniston), S. 35494, served with the New Hampshire Troops, and was pensioned in 1819, while living at Boothbay, Lincoln County, Maine.
     You will please advise which of the above records of David Kinison, you desire, and the request will be given immediate attention.
     You are herewith furnished the history of the only soldier named John Kinerson (Keniston), all spellings of the name searched, found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
     From the papers in the pension claim W. 20307, it appears that John Kinerson or Keniston enlisted at Berwick, Massachusetts (later Maine), December 30, 1781 and served as a private in Captain Fuller's Company, with the Massachusetts Troop, and was discharged December 31, 1783.
     He was allowed to pension on his application executed April 11, 1818, while a resident of Denmark, Oxford County, Maine, aged about fifty-five years. He died there October 29, 1833.
     Soldier married April 1, 1784 at Lebanon, York
Page 17

3-

County, Massachusetts (later Maine), Betsey or Betty Fall.
She was allowed pension on her application executed March 28, 1844, while a resident of Denmark, Maine, aged eighty-seven years.
Their son, David B., was a resident of said Denmark in 1844, and aged about fifty-nine years. A son and son's wife are referred to, but their names are not given. A grandchild, Elisa Kennerson, was six years old in 1820. There are no further data as to family.

Very truly yours,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 18

[Written down on right side of page]
1927 - Oct. 10 Hand to Hon Thomas A Jenkins

Rev 
WIDOW, &c.
__________
File No. 20307
Betsey Kenison
Widow of
John Kenison
Priv. Rev. War
__________
Act: March 3, 1843
Index:- Vol. A, Page 393

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

Betsey Keniston, alias Kenerson, widow of John Kenerson, private
$80 per an.
acts 1838 & 1843 } 2 certificates

married 1 April '84
husband died 29 Oct. '33

Maine Roll

Send cert : to
Hon. A. K. Parris
2d Comptroller
Page 20

John Kinerson
Private
81 to 93
4th Massachusetts
Rep
Admitted
Page 21

State of Maine

Oxford ss,
I Joseph G. Cole Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in stated County certify that David Hammons, John Wood Jr., and Perkins Elliot are severally Justices of the Peace with and for said County of Oxford, duly commissioned and qualified as such and that their several signatures to the papers hereto [illegible] are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court this twenty-second day of July 1844
[Signed: Joseph G. Cole - Clerk]
Page 22

We the subscribers, selectmen of the town of Denmark in the County of Oxford and State of Maine do hereby certify that we have been acquainted with Betsey Kenison, widow of John Kenison, who was [illegible] [illegible] a soldier of the Revolution + a pensioner of the United States, for many years past; that we never heard any [illegible] against her character; and that she has ever sustained a good reputation; and that is our opinion she would not knowingly commit or attempt to commit a fraud against the United States by obtaining or [illegible] to obtain a pension not by [illegible] to her. We further say that the opinion of the [illegible] in this [illegible] is, that, in making a former application for a pension, four or five years ago, she was an unconscious and incoherent instrument, in the houses of those she [illegible] - it being because that the papers were read falsely to her.

[Signed: Wm Pengin { Selectmen
[Leonard K. Ingalls { of
[William H. Davis { Denmark
Page 23

I Mary Higgins of Denmark, in the County of Oxford + State of Maine depose and say that when I was a girl I resided in the town of Lebanon, in the County of York, and then Commonwealth of Massachusetts, now State of Maine; I was seventy-four years of age in May last; Betsey or Betty Fall and John Kennison were published in said Lebanon; I lived at the time in the same house with said Betsey; they, the said John + Betsey were dressed to be married; left the house for the purpose of going to the Rev Mr. Hasey's. minister of service Lebanon, to be married, returned, said they had been married, and from that time until the death of said John, lived together as man and wife. I did not see them married, but am as well satisfied of the fact as if I had seen their marriage; after they were married their resided in said Lebanon for several years - I cannot state the number - I never heard the fact of their marriage called in question or doubted from that time until the present.
I was young at the time, and cannot state the year they were married, but it was soon after he returned from the war - He was out in the war. as a private as he always told me for a little that I think of three years -
Page 24

Mr. John Mills & Margaret Kennison stated to be married at the same time and by the same man; they all [illegible] from the same house at the same time and returned together, at which house I was there servicing.
I was applied to by a Mr. Marrow there as four years ago to give my affidavit of their marriage - I should have been and was willing to give it as above, but declined signing a paper which he produced, and he did not take my affidavit.
[Signed Mary Higgins]
Witness
[Signed: David Hammons]
Oxford ss. July 6, 1866. Then personally appeared the above-named Mary Higgins and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by her signed is true Before me David Hammons
Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above-named Mary Higgins is a woman of truth and be [illegible] of good standing in her society. [Signed] D. Hammons Just. of Peace.
Page 25

I Samuel Gibson of Denmark, Oxford County Maine, depose and say that I have resided in said Denmark for [illegible] twenty years part; that I have been acquainted with Betty or Betsey Kennison during said time; that I never heard anything against her character, but have believed it to be good. I further say that it is my belief that, in making an application for a pension some three or four years ago, which application is said to contain false statements, she was deceived. Said Betsey is the widow of John Kennison, late of said Denmark who was [illegible] to be a Revolutionary pensioner.
Question by D. Hammons, agent for said Betsey. Have you been heretofore, one of the County Commissioners for said County, a member of the State Senate, and a member of the House of Representatives?
Ans. I have. [Signed Samuel Gibson]         

Oxford ss. July 6, 1844. Then personally appeared the above named Samuel Gibson + made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
 [Signed: David Hammons Justice of the Peace]
Page 26

State of 
Maine.
__________

York, ss.
I William Trafton, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, do hereby certify, that Joshua Libbey is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly commissioned and qualified to act as such; that his commission was dated on the fifth day of March 1840, and will expire on the fifth day of Mark 1847, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

IN Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this fifteenth day of July Anna Domino 1844.
[Signed: Willliam Trafton, Clerk]
Page 27

11205

Maine
July 7, 1838
Betsey Keniston




Hon A.K. Parris
2nd Court
July 27, 1844.
Page 28

State of Maine.

CUMBERLAND, ss.

I Charles Cobb Clerk of all Judicial Courts in said County, certify that, the Hon. Daniel Goodnow, is Judge of the Western District Court for the State of Maine as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; and that the following signature purporting to be his is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the Western District Court for said State, this tenth day of July Anno Domini 1844

[Signed: Charles Cobb CLERK]
Page 29

I am personally acquainted with the within named David Hammons, Samuel Gibson, James Osgood and Daniel Goodnow, and certify that they are gentlemen of high character and standing and of unquestionable veracity.
[Signed: Albion K. Parris]
Page 30

State of Maine, York ss.
At the request of David Hammons Esquire, I have this ninth day of July AD, 1844 examined the augural Town Record of the Town of Lebanon in the County of York and state of Maine, which have been proved to me to be the augural Records of said town, and to be in the handwriting of the Rev'd Isaac Hasey the first settled [illegible] of said town and I hereby certify that the same as written in a fair, legible handwriting without the slightest appearance of mutilation, and I have at the request of W. Hammons made the following [illegible] -
"1784
" Jany. 3 Thomas Puay + Molly Naylor
" 26 Joseph Bickford + Debby Tebbets
" March 11 Thomas Blaisdell + Elizabeth Verney
" 12 Jonathan Rankins + Molly Champen
" April John Kenison + Betty Fall
" John Mills + Peggy Kenison
" 9 Elizabeth Young + Susannah Walingford
" Novem 18 Nathaniel Chamberlain + Sarah Forbesh
"Decem 9 Nicholas Lord and Rachel Clark
[to the right of the names and dates]
{Were married"
{by the Revd."
{Mr. Isaac Hasey"
{Attert[?]
{Town Clerk"

I do not intend to state that the whole Book of Records is in the handwriting of the Revd. Mr. Isaac Hasey, but that the whole of the above extract is in his handwriting, and a large part of the whole Book. It also appears from the same Records that "At a legal Power Meeting held at Lebanon the 22d day of March 1784." Mr. Joseph Farnham was chosen Town Clerk, and that his signature, to the [illegible] is [illegible] in a number of [illegible], where the record [illegible] of made in the handwriting of the said Mr. Hasey.

I further state that it has been proved to my entire satisfaction that John Kenison First and Betty Fall where legally married before the Rev'd Isaac Hasey on the first say of April 1784;  and I have no doubt of the connection if the statements of James Olgood and Samuel Gibson, Esquires, both of whom are gentlemen who sustain character for intelligence and truth

[signed: Daniel Goodward]
[Justice of the District Court]
[of the Western District in]
[the State of Maine]
Page 31

List of Marriages

Seventeen hundred and eighty-four April first John Kinnison [illegible] and Betty Fall were married.

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the sate which is [illegible] in fair legible signers and follows "1784, April 14"

[Signed: Gershom L Fall Clerk of the town of Lebanon in the County of York and State of Maine.]
"I G.L. Fall above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town County + State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Lebanon with the exceptions above named and certified by me.
"I further say that the above extract appears to be in the handwriting of the Rev. Mr. Isaac Hasey and that said record appears to be genuine.
[Signed: Gershom L. Hall Clerk of Lebanon aforesaid
Page 32

I James Osgood of Fryeburg in the County of Oxford + State of Main, chairman of the board of County Commissioners in and for said County, depose + say that I have been acquainted with Betsy Kenison of Denmark in said County, widow of John Kenison who was reputed to have been a Revolutionary pensioner, for thirty years past; that said Betsy has ever been a person of good + correct habits, and of undoubted good moral character. From my acquaintance with said Betsy I do not believe she would knowingly commit a fraud upon the United States by obtaining as attempting to obtain a pension not legally due to her - 
I further say that in public examination, the said Betsy, in making an application for a pension some four or five years since, which declaration is said to be false as to the time of her marriage, is believed to have been deceived + imposed when by those who understood to obtain if for her - she merely having sworn to a [illegible] [illegible] + cooked up by then + read falsely to her-
[Signed: James Osgood]
Oxford ss. May 4, 1814, then personally appeared the above-named James Osgood and made oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true before me [Signed: David Hammons Just. of Peace]
Page 33

Knight would [illegible] [illegible] at the time of the levy to make the Sot[?] extend towards the river.
The State + States started from [illegible] [illegible] was two roads south [illegible] him. A. Beech with one shot near the southwest monument. I was not sure that there was any after not.
Page 34

[Left side of page]
The Town Clerk is absent to Boston for [illegible] season but just as soon as one is appointed, or should he return so that the business can be done legally I will forward this affidavit
[Signed: J. Loring]


[Center]
David Hammons Esq.
Lovell, ME.
Page 35

I Joseph Loring of Lebanon, in the county of York, State of Maine, depose and say, that I am pastor of the [illegible] church and parish in said Lebanon, I have in my possession [illegible] of said church. In said records one leaf is wanting containing [illegible] of ten years marriages, to wit, from 1782 to 1792. By said records the marriage of John Kennison and Betty Fall appears to have been solemnized [illegible] 1779, but said record of said marriage is undoubtedly a forgery. The [illegible] storm thus
" 1779 March 26 John James and Lydia Door were married"
" David Farnham and Anna Wingate were married"
" April 2nd John Keneson Jr + Bety Fall were married" 
" 2 Richard Perkins and Abigail Cook were married"
By the town books penned by Rev Mr. Hasey at the same time it should be thus
" 1778 April 22 Henry Stevens and Mary Farnham were married"
" 23 Richard Perkins and Abigail Cook were married"
It therefore appears that 1778 was altered 1779 and April 22 to April 2nd and Henry Stevens and Mary Farnham to John Keneson Jun. and Bety Fall
I copy from the town books of said Lebanon penned by the Rev. Mr. Hasey at the same time 
" 1784 March 12 Janathan Ranksins and Molly Champen were married"
" April 1st John Kennison jun. and Betty Fall were married"
" John Mills jun. and Peggy Kennison were married"
Lebanon June 7th 1844
[Signed: Joseph Loring]
{Pastor of the long church of Lebanon Maine

York ss. 
There the within named Joseph Loring personally appeared + made oath to the foregoing affidavit before me
[Signed: Joshua Libbey] {Justice of the Peace
Lebanon June the 8, 1844 -

State of Maine
York County ss.
I William Trafton, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for said county, do hereby certify that Joshua Libbey is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the fifth day of March 1840 and will expire on the fifth day of March 1847 and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State this fifteenth day of July AD 1844
[Signed: William Trafton; Clerk.]
Page 36

I Joseph White of Ossipee + do testify and say that I have been acquainted with John Kenison from a boy - + knew him to be a soldier in the Revolutionary War - more than two years - he belonged to a Company belonging to the fourth Regiment in Patterson Brigade - as I did not belong to the same Company or Regiment with him I cannot now say what Company it was - but he was in the same Brigade with me and as we were acquainted from boys we frequently say each other in the Army I am [illegible] that he was in the Continental [illegible] more than two years.
[Signed Judah Dana and Joseph White]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Oxford, ss. July 20th AD 1818. Then personally appeared the above-named Joseph White, who is a [illegible] and credible within and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me
[Signed: Judah Dana Just. Peace 
Judge of Probate
Page 37

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Oxford, ss. I Timothy Osgood Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Oxford aforesaid hereby certify that Judah Dana, before whom the within deposition of Joseph White and the [illegible] deposition of Samuel Fall were taken, is a Justice of the Peace and Civil Magistrate within aforesaid County and duly qualified to act as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto sat my hand and the seal of the said Court this twenty-sixth day of Decm AD 1818
[Signed: Tim Osgood Register of Probate]
Page 38

THOMAS A. JENKINS
10TH DIST. OHIO

HOME ADDRESS:
IRONTON, OHIO

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.

October 6, 1927

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

RE: John Kinison
Samuel Kinison
David Kinison.

Dear Sir:
Will you please advise me whether John, Samuel or David Kinison (surname also borne as Kinnison and Kinnisson) or their widows drew pensions on account of their Revolutionary War Service? Samuel Kinison (or Kennison served from Massachusetts.

Very truly yours,
[Signed: Thomas A. Jenkins]
Page 39

[left side of page, vertical from bottom to top]
June 10
Betty Kenniston
MA.



[proper]
Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department Washington
City
Page 40

May 28th 1839
Hon. J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir: the prosecution against me by the government for something a fraud the change being the alteration of the church record the record of widow Betty Kennison's marriage for whom I was trying to obtain a pension originated in sheer matter against me as had been proven, my conduit as agent for the widow in trying to obtain her pension has been put to the test with all the force the [illegible] honestly could make and they could make nothing against me I was honorably acquitted by a jury of my County therefore I do not I do not [illegible] my [illegible] [illegible] I [illegible] you have the copy of both records church and town, you will no doubt establish one or the other if you have not got the town record inform me and you should have it if anything more is wanting please to inform me and if not send the Certificate if the widow is entitled to any money from government she's [illegible] in need of at this time.
[illegible] your obedient servant
[Signed: J.L. Edwards Esq. and Ezekiel Merrow]

copy, ss. if you should establish the town record record she will be [illegible] under the Court Act if there is anything more for her to do please to inform me
Page 41

May 20


Hon Easton [illegible]
May 15

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 42

May 20


Hon Easton [illegible]
May 15

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 43

[Illegible], May 14th, 1839

Dear Sir,
in the case of Ezekiel Merrow of Eaton being agent for [illegible] widow Betsey Kenison of Denmark, State of Maine. He has her application for Mr. Samuel and James R. Kenison his brother-in-law and David Knowls his son-in-law for [illegible] and assisting in [illegible] it was Samuel [illegible] Kenison and [illegible] went to Lebanon in June last past sent for and borrowed the church records. Next, they were in their possession and night and parts of two days and here the [illegible] and means of [illegible] kins next alteration - and that the name was seen on the night from [illegible] in April before which there is now missing the court and jurymen [illegible] that and alteration here being made - but the interest and [illegible] for them to do this was not proven beyond all possible evidence. The influence which Merrow makes use of if any for [illegible] then to do this and the writing and publishing of this [illegible] from this false record was an offense committed in the state of Maine. {illegible] as this letter that you're including the certificate was dated at [illegible] in [illegible] 8 - and the court so instructed the jury that they heard nothing to [illegible] with trying that part of the offense committed out of the state of Maine - if the whole transaction had heard in Maine or New Hampshire, I believe all their of them [illegible] into have been [illegible].
If you should by of opinion that I ought to be allowed everything for the services rendered in going to Lebanon, about fifty miles to use [illegible] the records and expose the freewill which I believed to [illegible] and believe will be the means of receiving money to the Government it will be [illegible] received. I named it to the court that said it was right and [illegible] it should be allowed but they did not know as they [illegible] be authorized to [illegible] it in their will of trust and abused me to write to you
Page 44

I do not [illegible] this as having any authority from you to make this investigation at Lebanon but since [illegible] never thought proper to [illegible] a legal investigation even the evidence as decided in the case has fully sustained all the statements in my reports to you of [illegible] of there where in. [illegible] them believe there the difficulty won't be in [illegible] the range that had made the alteration to the satisfaction of the Jury beyond all pursuable doubt - I have no doubt that this woman was married the first day of April 1784 as appears on the Town Clerks Book and is legally entitled to a pension under the act for five years but she being at a debilitated wanted a way by James her son [illegible] me a [illegible] days ago that she with not be married or from any day to another what takes place [illegible] - (And they expected to make evidence of her marriage by the depositions of her sisters who are at like mind - and put it back [illegible] to [illegible] the last term of his service - but when you required a certificate from the records in Lebanon or one from the Town Clerk that there was no such records then - it then became necessary  that the church records should be procured and attained so as to [illegible] and written the declaration of the applicant and Mr. Lorring not suspecting anything wrong did not discover any alteration and gave the certificate as the [illegible] then [illegible] - if you should be of opinion that she can't have the pension for five years under a new application please to write to me.
You will see that all the applicants under this law are obtained if they in same cases should step aside from the truth that they are not so much to blame as than that was [illegible] [illegible] I am sir with high considerations of respect your humble servant [Signed: Isaiah Forist]
Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 45

D. Hammons,
Lovell
Maine
June 7, 1844
[unknown] Bety, Kennison
July 4, 1836
Maine

[upside-down]
Hon/ J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

[vertical]
May 3, 1844
Col. Mills
Page 46

Lovell May 28, 1844.
Hon. J.L. Edwards;
By advice of Joseph Howard former district attorney for this State I unto you this. In 1839 Betsey (or Betty) Kenison appeared for a pension under Act of 1836. To bring her under that Act gross figures were committed, and she was made to swear to a declaration which was false. For obtaining it she was to give 50/100, she being very poor and very ignorant. Now she can satisfy the Department from records evidence that she was married in 1784; that she has even stood well [illegible] her neighbors, and has always sustained a good moral character; and further I think she can satisfy you that she was an undersigning tool in [illegible] of marriages and alters and that they deceived her as to what was [illegible] in her declaration - Mr. Howard says
...
Page 47

...
in a letter to me of April 3, 1844, " She barely swore to a lie cooked up by Merrow et-al. She might have been innocent." Now if she can satisfy the Department of the above facts and that she was innocent of any intent to commit a fraud can she be allowed a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838.
Respectfully yours,
[Signed: D. Hammons]
Page 48

Richard Ela Esq.
Washington
D.C.
Page 49

Discharge[?] Oct 10, 1878

My dear Sir;
I am quite obliged by your alteration to my small matters at making time - I am as [illegible] I confess as the decision in Mrs. Kenniston's matter. By what [illegible] of evidence to Mr. Edwards eject this claim? Can't innocent mistakes be rectified? If not, he is wiser than County of [illegible] - If Mrs. Kenniston + Mrs. Thurston's certify is questioned, give them the opportunity to establish is by competent witnesses - Besides, the decision implicates me in the fraud as I have certified to Mrs. Thurston's credibility - I wish you to say to Edwards that you have informed me that the claim was to be rejected + that I have as I believe was the witness whenever present at the message of Mrs. Kenniston to [illegible] + with him to [illegible] a decision [illegible] I am [illegible] of his testimony, an[illegible] you to ascertain what evidence if any, will satisfy - It was ascertained within a short time that after the [possibly: s***] here last Spring with Prescott and the Shackford's that Parson Ewer's record was burnt, so by the villainy of these fellows innocent people suffer - If I had not written confidences in the Justice of this application I [illegible] not present in is [illegible] - We have nothing nice
...
Page 50

...
from as well as [illegible] in great hurts for this mail, excuse [illegible] -
[illegible signature]
[Signed: J.A. Richardson]
Page 51

Conway W.
July 2 - 25
J.L. Edwards, Esquire
Washington D.C.
Commission of Pensions

[left side written up]
July 29
Page 52

Conway, County of Stafford
State of N.H. July 20, 1899
J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Dear sir, these are papers in the pension appears in relation to a pension for Betsy Kenison widow of John Kenison Jr late of Denmark County of Oxford, State of Main deceased and I understand there has been some [illegible] in understanding the time she was married as there appears to be two records in the Town stating she was married at different times and three persons have been arrested and tried as a charge of having altered one of said records and have been acquitted there being no evidence against them.
If she is not entitled to a pension under the Act of 1816 there can be no [illegible], she is under that of 1818. If there is a [illegible] in the records it appears to me, it is not her fault, and she should not be deprived of a pension if it is due that she is an aged [illegible] person and yet cannot rely so safely on her declaration is another [illegible] such as the first her husband was a soldier in the Revolution and that she was married [illegible] to the time aforesaid by law and that she is still a widow. If the papers in the office are not sufficient to place her on the pension [illegible], please to inform me what further proof is necessary if they on support. I am a [illegible] to urgently on
...
Page 53

...
to send her certificate to me.
Very Respectfully your Obet Serveant
[Signed: Johnathan G Shot]
Page 54

[left page]
5912
Maine,
========
Betsey Keniston, alias Kenerson,
widow of John Kenerson, Mass[?]
who was a Private
in the Mass [illegible]
========

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
========
Certificate of Pension issued the 
31 day of July 1844
and sent to 
Hon A. K. Parris
2nd Comphollen[?]
========
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. N Page 6.


[right page]
Paper cop'd by O. D. Robb for Law of Maine, abo[?] 37845.

2 Certs;
1838} rep?
1823}
Page 55

Eaton, NH
Oct 31
Hon

J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 56

Eaton, NH
Oct 31
Hon

J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 57

Eaton, October 30th 1838
Sir in my last I agreed to go or sand a man to Lebanon to examine the records relative to the marriage of Widow Betsey Kenison of Denmark, State of Maine - it being between forty and fifty miles and I agreed with Isaiah Forist Esqr. he being a young man and one whom I consider [illegible] met in business and he will have state the result of his investigation - - 
Sir I went to Lebanon to see Mr. Lawrin and examine the church book from which he certified the marriage - it appeared to me that the entry had been recently altered I named it to him and after examining it closely he was of the same [illegible] and inquired if the book had not been out of his possession - a young woman living in the house said said as [illegible] as she wants [illegible] that in April last past a man came and then said he was from Eaton and wanted to see the church records relative to Mrs. Kenison's marriage - Mr. Lawrin and his wife was absent at that time she handed him the records and he examined I [illegible] for a pen and ink and appeared to be applying something for some time and then went away fast - Kimbal the Town Clerk says that he came then to examine the town record but did not want any certificates - after this Mrs. Lawrin says a young man came then when Mr. Lawin was absent and wanted to borrow the church records for a Mr. C Clark and this Clerks wife is a [illegible] of this applicant [illegible] the book and it was gone for a day of two - after this this agent applys to Mr. Lowring for a certificate from this record and he gave him one from this record not missing that it has been altered until I could his attention to he then says to me I will go with you to the Town Clerk, and we with him will [illegible] [illegible] the book we commented at the beginning and the name and dates corresponded to the end of John Kenison Jr and Betsy Fall - on Town book it is, April 22, 1778, Henry Stevens and Mary Farnham on the church book this man appeared to be taken out and this new entry made with black ink not corresponding with the age of the record so far as to where he gives [illegible] for his fees he had for marrying these [illegible] look at and not altered it is easy to be seen that the signer eighth in the year was taken out and the signer nine substitute and the signer two taken out and is substituted making it's instead of twenty-second - in the year 79 there was but one marriage and that was in [illegible] and [illegible] difficult to alter - Then the signers of the year was taken out but the name and date of this month agreed with the Town book - on the Town book Kenison marriage to Betsey Fall is under date of April 1st 1784 is [illegible] hand it appears that Barson Hansey was Town Clerk that year and that he waited make the record of Town and church corresponded but from the church book a leaf is missing and gone containing the marriages of 1784 and several other years and Mr. Lowring and [illegible] Kimbal said that they would [illegible] me to state to you that they fully believed if that leaf could be found it would contain the original entry corresponding with the Town record.
Page 58

...
which they believed to be true and the only one now to be [illegible] on they said they were not satisfied that the church record had been altered by someone and would so plainly appear to any court or Jury - and wished that a legal investigation should be instituted and that the perpetration of this fraud should be punished - it would be easy to satisfy the court that the record had been altered and a heart gone - but I do not know as these circumstances which I have stated would sufficiently identify the names that did it but strong suspicion would nest on the one mostly [illegible] the Town record agrees remarkably well with the statement contained in the Cole-Glines affidavit and that of Levi Roberts [illegible] to from sent to you and the interest of the agent shown by Martin Merrows affidavit - and Mrs. Richardson a sister to this applicant told me that John Mills and Peggy Kenison were married the same day that her sister Betsey was and this Town Book [illegible] record of that fact, but the church book has neither of these names on it that leaf being absent and it was too much work to transcribe both of those names in a new plan. 
These are the facts which I have gathered and will be found substantially more if further investigation should be ordered.
[Signed: Isaiah Forist of Eaton N.H.]

I have full confidence that he has above a [illegible] the truth and if anything is wanting in this case, please to write to me I have neither interest or [illegible] in this case only for the defense of the truth and that the government might not be [illegible] upon by fraud which we have strongly suspected from the beginning of this case.
I am happy in my [illegible] to subscribe myself with high consideration of respect. You humble serv't
[Signed: Eli Glines]