Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,902, Gershom Holmes, Mass.
Page 1

Service                                       Number

Mass.   Holmes, Gershom          S. 29.902
Page 2

777
Maine

Gershom Holmes, died of [blank] in the State of Maine who was a private in the [blank] commanded by Captain Barrister of the [blank] commanded by Miller in the Revolution [crossed out: illegible] for 18 mos 13 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Portland at t he rate of 61 Dollars 41, Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & Endg 5th Jany 1832

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of May 1854 and sent to A. H. Markland

Arrears to the 4th of Present,
Semi=anl. allowance ending
[Incdy?] from $48:33

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

H. R. Weightman Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 1. Page 23

I. 1.60
Page 3

application for increase
pension case Gersham Holmes
Maine '32 admitted



A.H. Markland
Received May 22 1832
Page 4

State of Maine
County of Androscoggin SS

The Hon. Nahum Morrill, Judge of the probate of wills, & for granting administration within and for said County, To all whom it may concern, makes known That at a Special Court of Probate held at Lewiston in said County, on the 19th day of May A.D. 1854. Zebulon K. Harmon of Portland in the County of Cumberland, was duly appointed qualified and commissioned Administrator of the Estate of Gershom Holmes, late of Auburn deceased that he has taken upon him that trust and given Bond pursuant to the laws of the State And that full credence ought to be given to all his legal acts in that capacity.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and caused the official seal of said Court to be affixed this nineteenth day of May 1854.
[signed] Nahum Morrill. Judge.
Page 5

State of Maine
County of Androscoggin Ss.
On the 19th day of May AD 1854 personally appeared before the Hon. Nahum Morrill Judge of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid Zebulon K. Harmon Administrator of the Estate of Gershom Holmes late of Auburn in said County a Revolutionary pensioner, deceased, who on oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain an increase of Pension as due the said Gershom Holmes under the act 7th of June 1832.
Your declarant states that Gershom Holmes was a soldier of the Revolution on Continental establishment, was a pensioner of the U.S. under the act of 1818 at the rate of $96 per annum and also under the act of 7th June 1832 at the rate of $48.33/100 dollars per annum. Your declarant states that the said Gershom Holmes, as he believes enlisted in June 1782 for three years or during the war and that he continued in the service to the last day of December 1780 and he claims that his pension be computed for service up to the 3d November 1783. He further states that the said Gershom Holmes died on the 5th day of January
Page 6

AD 1852 and left no widow and that the surviving children of the said Holmes are Sally Warren Asa Holmes Aruna Holmes Sina Howard Gershom D Holmes Louisa W. Bailey Betsey Whitman and Polly J. Ricker. He therefore claims an increase of Pension to be made payable to him as Administer too for the benefit of the surviving children.
[signed] Zebulon K. Harmon

Androscoggin SS.
On this 19th day of May A.D. 1854 personally appeared in open court Zebulon K. Harmon above named, and made solemn oath that the foregoing declaration by him signed is true - and I certify that I have no interest in the aforesaid claim for a pension and am not concerned in its persecution
[signed] Nahum Morrill
Page 7

State of Maine
County of Androscoggin SS.
Be it known that on the 19th day of May AD 1854 it has been satisfactorily proved in open Court the same being a Court of Record by the testimony of Emily J. Bray and Alden B. Bray both residing in Auburn and disinterested and credible witness, that Gershom Holmes a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States died at Auburn on the fifth day of January AD 1852 and left no widow, and that Sally Warren Asa Holmes Aruna Holmes Sina Howard Gershom D. Holmes Louisa W Bailey Betsey Whitman & Polly I Ricker are the only surviving children of said Gershom Holmes deceased
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of said Court this 19th day of May 1854.
[signed] Stetson L. Hills Register
Page 8

State of Maine
Androscoggin S.S.
Office of the Probate Court
Lewiston May 19. 1854
In testimony that Hon. Nahum Morrill is Judge of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly qualified and commissioned, and that his signature to the papers hereto annexed are genuine, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the official seal of said court, the day and year first above written.
[signed] Stetson L. Hill Register
Page 9

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

MAINE DISTRICT SS.

AT a Special District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland, within and for said District, on the nineteenth day of July — A. D. eighteen hundred and thirty-two before the Honorable ASHUR WARE, Judge of said Court.

ON this nineteenth day of July — aforesaid, personally appeared in open Court before said District Judge Gershom Holmes — a resident of Minot — in the county of Cumberland in said Maine District, aged sixty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. That he the said Holmes that he enlisted in the army of the revolution on the eighteenth day of June A D 1782 for three years and served in the company of which Capt Barrister was commander serving the first part of his service and under Capt Blanchard during the last part in the regiment Commanded by Col Weller during the first part, and during the [tour?] part by Col Henry Jackson that he was a  [resident?] in the town of Taunton in the State of Massachusetts at the time he enlisted and that he was discharged from his service at the close of the war at West Point, on the 31st day of December A.D. 1783 that his name has been placed on t he pension list under the Act of Congress of 18th March 1818 that his name was dropped from the same on account of property that the number of his pension certificate is 5,257 that he has for more than forty years resided in Minot aforesaid that he served in the capacity of private soldier for the term of 18, months and 13 days—

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll of any agency in State, or (if any) only on that of the agency in the State of

Gershom Holmes

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Before

Asher Ware

U.S. Judge for the
District of Maine.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary pensioner, and served as he states

Asher Ware
[illegible] Clk to [illegible]
[first?] of Maine

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I John Mussey Clerk of said District Court, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty ninth day of July A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two

John Mussey

Clerk of the U. States District
Court for Maine District.
Page 10

Recapitulation

That he the said Holmes served for the term of eighteen months and thirteen days on the Continental establishment

That he herewith transmits a copy of his discharge, the original of which is in the pension office at Washington as the proof of his service

That he formerly was on the pension list of the act of Congress of AD 1818 that his pension certificate has been mislayed.
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February 15, 1937

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA–J/EEL
Gershom Holmes–S.29902

Mr. C.E.Westgate
702 N. K. Street
Tacoma, Washington

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request to know whether or not Gershom Holmes who served in Captain Josiah Crocker's Company, Colonel Carpenter's Regiment and Gershom Holmes who served in Captain Benjamin Flagg's Company, Revolutionary War, were the soldiers who received certificates No. 39625 and No. 40345, which were issued by John Pierce, Paymaster General.

The service cited by you was in the Massachusetts troops, it is believed. The Revolutionary War pension records of this office have been searched and the record of only one Gershom Holmes found. He served in the Massachusetts troops. His record follows as found in pension claim, S.29902, based upon his service in that war. This office has no way to determine whether or not he received either of the certificates cited by you, as the citation does not pertain to the Revolutionary War records of this office.

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Gershom Holmes are not shown.

While residing at Taunton, Massachusetts, Gershom Holmes enlisted June 18, 1782, served as a private in Captain Banister's Company, Colonel Mellen's 4" Massachusetts Regiment and in Captain Blanchard's Company, Colonel Henry Jackson's Regiment and was discharged December 21, 1783.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 13, 1818, while residing in Minot, Cumberland County, Massachusetts (Maine). In 1832, he gave his age as sixty-seven years.

He died January 5, 1842, in Auburn, Cumberland County, Maine.
Page 12

Gershom Holmes was survived by no widow but by the following named children:

Sally Holmes ....... married ------- Warren.
Asa Holmes
Aruna Holmes
Sina Holmes
Gershom D. Holmes
Louise W. Holmes ..... " ------- Bailey.
Betsey W. Holmes ....." ------- Whitney.
Polly J. Holmes ......." ------- Ricker.

The dates of birth of the above named children and the name of their mother are not shown.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the administrator.
Page 13

[first page]
29902
INVALID.
Revy

File No. 29,902
Gershom Holmes
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7th 32
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 193

Arrangement of 1870

[second page]
1937 - Feb 15- [illegible] to C.E. Westgate - SS

1939 C.E. Westgate adv. Sept. 12 only one etc. [ADY?]
Page 14

777
Maine

Gershom Holmes
Minot in the State of Maine [w]ho was a private in the Compy commanded [by] Captain Bannister of the Reg commanded [by] Col Mellen in the Massachusetts [li]ne for nine months 23 days to 11th April 1783.

[Sub]scribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 32 Dollars 40 Cents per year to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of Octr 1832 and sent to Freeman Bradford, Portland Maine

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 48.60
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 [illegible] 33 16.20
54.80

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by C. D. Bullock Clerk,
Bood D. Vol. 1t Page 63
Page 15

[first page]
see letter 29 Mar 1832 to Hon E. Kavanagh.

[second page]
5257

District of Maine

Gershom Holmes
private
Massachusetts line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 13 of May 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 of Jany 1815 and sent to Hon Mr Lincolnn House of Representatives.

Arrears to 4th of Setp. 1818 $29.96
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March [1819?] 48.
$77.96

Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th march, 1818.
[the?] year

Minot Cumberland
Page 16

[fist page]
[let?] to Pen agent Apl. 12. 1834
" " James Starr July 23. '36
" " Hon H Hamlin Apl 10. 1846.
Let to Hon C B Smith Aug 25/49

[second page]
No. 777.

Maine

Gershom Holmes of Minot in the State of Maine who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain Bannister of the Reg commanded by Col Miller in the Massachusetts line for 14 1/2 Months. to Sept 3. 1783.

Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 48 Dollars 33. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Sept. 1833, and sent to T. Bradford, Portland, Maine

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 120.82
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar "34 24.16
$144:98

Revolutionary C[destroyed]
Act June 7, 1[destroyed]

Recorded by J D Wilson
Bood D. Vol 1 Page 63
Page 17

April 9./46 Ho Revy.

Dr Sir

Mr. Gershom Holmes of Maine informs me that he thinks there is a mistake as to the time for which he draws a pension – He says he thinks he draws a pension for only 15. mos. service, while his papers on file s how 18. mo. Service – Will you see if there is any mistake of the kind & inform me

Ressy Yr &c
H. Hamlin
Page 18

Gershom Holmes

Payable semi-annually---the first payment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of March next, at the Cumberland Bank Portland ME.

Cancelld.

Recorded
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WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818,
Gershom Holmes late a private in the Army Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the District of Maine Agency, at the rate of Eight dollars per month, to commence on the thirteenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this ninth day of January one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.

[signed] J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
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Capts Banister & Blanchard
Col.s Sheppard & Jackson

Minot
5257
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Breif in the case of Gershom Holmes decd
Androscoggin County and State of Maine.
act 7th June 1832.

Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

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

This claim was admitted for fourteen and a half months services of Gershom as a private. It appears on a recrimination that by the evidence then before the Office he served for Eighteen months and thirteen days.
wife dead.
Gershom died 5th Jany 1852
Sally Warren, Asa Holms, Aruna Holmes, Sina Howard, Gershom D. Holmes, Louisa W. Bailey, Betsey Whitman and Polly I. Ricker only surviving children.
Zebulon K. Harmon Administrator.

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

Name and residence of Agent
A.H. Markland Esqr. 
Present.

Charles H. Rhett.
Examining Clerk.
Page 22

[Increased?]

Gershom Holmes decd.
Maine.

As willed.

Act 7th June 1832.
18 mos. 13 days private $61.41 per annum from 4th March 1831 to 5th Jany: 1852, deducting former payments at $48.33 per annum under above Act.

Pay Zebulon K. Hannon Administrator for benefits of,
Sally Warren,
Asa Holmes,
Aruna Holmes.
Sina Howard,
Gershom D. Holmes.
Louisa W. Bailey,
Betsey Whitman, and
Polly J. Ricker, only surviving children.

Certificate to,
A. H. Markland Esqr.
Present.
Page 23

Gershom Holmes of Maine, appl. for his present Pen, under act 7th June '32
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STATE OF MAINE.

CUMBERLAND, SS.

Clerk's Office, Judicial Courts,
PORTLAND, A August 7th A. D. 1849

I Charles C. Harmon, CLERK OF ALL THE JUDICIAL COURTS, In and for said COUNTY OF CUMBELRAND, certify that Harvey Dillingham is an Acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Cumberland, as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such ; that the COMMISSION of the said Dillingham is dated May 1st A. D. 1848, and will expire May 1st A. D. 1855.

and the following SIGNATURES purporting to be his are Genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.

Chas. C. Harmon, CLERK.
Page 25

State of Maine
County of Cumberland
ss

On this sixth day of August AD 1849, Before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cumberland, Personally appeared, Gershom Holmes and made oath, in due form of law that acted as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, And that he now draws a pension at the rate of forty-eight-dollars and thirty three cents per annum. that he does not draw up to the time of his discharge into about three months, that he enlisted for three years under Capt Blanchard and served till his discharge, that he has drawn his pension under the act of 7th June 1832, that his pension Certificate is dated, 28th of September 1833 that he now resides in Auburn (formally Minot) in said state and has resided there for the space of sixty years or more last past.

That he now asks for the increase of his pension for the service rendered by him after the Treaty of Peace

Gershom Holmes

signed in presence of
Gershom D. Holmes

Sworn to and subscribed, Before me this sixth day of August AD 1849

Harvey Dillingham
Justice of Peace

I hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Gershom Holmes and that he is the same person he represents himself to be in the foregoing affidavit, Harvey Dillingham, Justice of the Peace,
Page 26

Hon  J. L. Edwards

Washington. D.C.
Page 27

Portland Sept. 7, 1833

Sir

I herewith return to you the pension certificate of Gershom Holmes in whose behalf I write you & also a letter from the War Department of Oct 9, 1832, which letter states the [scale?] adopted by the Department in the computation of pensions of a certain class. According to the tenor of the Resolution of March 2 1833, supp[?????] that Mr Holmes will be entitled to something more than is granted by his his certificate. It is returned therefore for correction

Very respectfully your [observt?]
Freeman Bradford

Hon J. L. Edwards

P.S. His Certificate may be returned to me

F Bradford
Portland ME
Page 28

Name

July 23

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department,
City of Washington D.C.
Page 29

Jay Maine July 14 1836_

J. L. Edwards Esqr.

Sir

In behalf of Gershom Holmes of Minot in the County of Cumberland, State of Maine, a Revolutionary Pensioner, under the act of Jun 7 1832, [crossed out: illegible to inquire for] who is allowed $48,33 per annum– I write to inquire why he was not made up for the whole term of his service; he states that he enlisted in the last three years service on the 18th of June 1782, was discharged at West Point in the STate of N. Y. on the last day (31st) of Decr. 1783, which makes one year six months and thirteen days time, that he served his Country as a soldier; that his discharge is in the War Department which will show correctly the length of time_ upon that statement he would be entitled to receive about $63– per year if I have rightly cast, making the annual difference to him of about $14.50 I can't see anything by the act whereby he is not entitled to be allowed the whole of the time, from the day he enlisted, to the day he was discharged, others have been made up by that rule as far as I have every knowledge of the business– Sir if you will refer to his papers on file and see whether his statements is correct, if so for what reason he is cut short of his pay, and inform me why it is so, you will confer a favor on your Most Obt Servt.

James Starr.

p.s. he states his first allowance under the abovenamed act was only about $32.30, that he petitioned to your Dept. and was raised to the present sum of $48.33
Page 30

Gershom Holmes

Payments to be made at Portland by Prest. U St. [Br?] Bank Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Maine.

allow him from 11 April 1783 to Sept. 3. 1783

Cancel the& issue a new Certificate

Recorded by E. D. Bullocks
Clerk, in Book D, Vol. 1st. page 63,
Page 31

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, [and?] the [resolution?] of March 2d 1833 Gershom Holmes. of the State of Main who was a Private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty two dollars, and Forty cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi=annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this Nineteenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two

Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and
Countersigned.

J. L. Edwards
Page 32

777

Capt Banister & Blanchards in Col. Millers & Jacskon Regt 40 in Minot [prevous?] than to in [Taunton?]
Page 33

Gershom Holmes act 1832 $48.33 per annum died 5 January 1852.  Paid

F. Burt
Auditor
Page 34

Pension Office.
22d. May 1854.

Main Rolls.
Act 7th June 1832.
$48.33 per annum.

Gershom Holmes.
To what time paid?
When did he die?

S. Cole
for [Cam?]

Francis Burt Esqr.
Third Auditor
Page 35

18 June 1782. Enlistd.
31 Decr. 1783 Dischd.
Page 36

Washington May 22 1834

Hon S P Waldo

I enclose herewith the proof of death & heirship in the case of Gershom Holmes, of Me admitted act 1832, I ask that the case may be increased in accordance with the declaration of the administrator.

I am sir, Very Respectfully Your Obt Svt

[smudged] H. Markland
Page 37

Gershom Holmes
For increase of Pension.

Nov - 1 - 1857
Dickins & Coombs
Present
Page 38

State of Maine.

----------------------

Cumberland , SS.
Clerk's Office, Judicial Courts,
Portland, October 24 A.D. 1851

I, Charles C. Harmon,

Clerk of All the Judicial Courts,
In and for said County of Cumberland, certify that  Jacob Herrick Esq.
is and acting Justice of the Peace,
within and for the County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is Duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission is dated July 21st A.D. 1848 and will expire July 21st A.D. 1855

and that the following Signature, purporting to be his are genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.

C.C. Harmon, Clerk.
Page 39

Know all men that I Gershom Holmes of Auburn in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine have appointed and do by these present constitute and appoint Messrs Dickins and Coombs of Washington in the District of Columbia my true and lawful attornies for me and in my name to prosecute a claim which I hold against the Government for an increase of pension under the act of June 7h 1832 — Hereby giving and granting to my said attornies full power to call for and examine any and all papers connected with said claim and to demand and receive from the Commissioner of pensions any Certificate of Pension which may be issued thereon —Hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my said attornies may lawfully do in the premises in as full and [illegible] a manner as I might do myself were I present myself

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of October A.D. 1857.

Gershom his X mark Holmes

Attest, Gershom Holmes

State of Maine, Cumberland ss Oct. 20h 1837 Personally appeared Gershom Holmes and acknowledged the above instrument by him signed to be his free act and deed before me, Jacob Herrick
Justice Peace
Page 40

State of Maine, Cumberland County ss

On this first day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-one personally appeared before me Jacob Harrick a Justice of the Peace within and for said County — Gershom Holmes a resident of Auburn in the County and State aforesaid aged ninety years, who being duly sworn according to law on oath makes the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7h 1832 — And this declarant states that he is a Soldier of the Revolutionary army and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $48.33 per annum under the act aforesaid. That he is entitled to $60 per annum under said act, as he served in the Revolution full 18 months, which he has been advised would entitle him to sixty dollars as before stated — He also states that he has made several attempts to obtain his rights and has employed two different agents to prosecute his claim and that he believes his best effort is now pending in the Pension Department unadjudicated — He also declares that there is sufficient proof in the papers attached to his application to entitle him to the increase aforesaid — He makes this application in
Page 41

order to obtain his rights by an increase of Pension from 48.33 to sixty dollars — attest Gershom D. Holmes Gershom his X mark Holmes

State of Maine Cumberland ss Oct 1st 1851 Subscribed and sworn before me

Jacob Herrick Just peace.
Page 42

Admitted,

Hon Mr Lincoln.
Page 43

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.

To Jacob Hill or Godfey Grosvenor, esquires of Minto in the District of Maine

GREETING.

WHEREAS, at a special District Court of said United States for the Maine District holden at Paris in said District, on the thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen Gershom Holmes of Minto in said District presented an application to the Judge of said Court, setting forth that he served as a private soldier in the war of the revolution, on the continental establishment against the common enemy, and requestion that an enquiry may be instituted into the circumstances of his case, and that such further proceedings may be had touching the premises as are prescribed by An Act of Congress passed March 18, 1818, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," in order that he may be placed on the Pension List of said United States :—And whereas in the course of the examination here had, it appears that the testimony of sundry persons, who served with the applicant in the revolutionary army, at present residing in or near the town of Minot " " " aforesaid, is of necessary and material support of said application :—

THEREFORE, to the end that the testimony aforesaid may be had, and by virtue of the power vested in this Court by the laws of the United States, you or either of you are hereby appointed and authorized, at the proper expense of the applicant, to take the depositions of such persons as he may cause to come before you, touching the application aforesaid, and in particular as to the time when the applicant entered the service, the time and manner of his leaving it, the company, regiment and line to which he belonged, and whether the service was performed on the continental establishment or in the militia of either of the States ; and such depositions, when taken and your certificate of the administration of the usual oath and of the credibility of the deponents, together with this Dedimus Potestatem, you will certify and return to the Judge of said Court without unnecessary delay.

GIVEN under my hand and seal at Paris in said District, the day and year first mentioned.

Albion [H?] Parris
Judge of the United States in and for the District of Maine
Page 44

By the Honorable
Majir General Knox

Commanding the American [lines?] on the Hudsin River — Gershom Holmes a Soldier in the fourth Massachusetts Regiment, being enlisted for three years, is hereby honorably discharged from the Service of the United States

Given in the State of New York
the thirty April—May & December
1783

I Knox Wr Gen
By the generals Command

Registered in the Book, A the Regiment

B.F. Howe. Adj P.L.
Page 45

BY THE HONOURABLE
MAJOR-GENERAL KNOX,
Commanding the AMERICAN FORCES on Hudson's River.

Gershom Holmes soldier in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, being inlisted for Three Years, is hereby honourably DISCHARGED from the Service of the United States.

Given in the State of New-York,
the thirty first Day of Decr.
1783

I Knox M Genl

By the General's Command,

REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
R. R. Howe Adjr. P.T.
Page 46

I Gersham Holmes a resident Citizen of the United States in the town of Minot and County of  Cumberland and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath declare that on the eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty two I enlisted as a private soldier into the Company Commanded by Capt Bannister in the Regiment under the Command of Col. Meller at that time, afterward, under the Command of Col. Henry Jackson, it being the fourth Regiment of the Massachusetts line on the Continental establishment in the army of the United States of America and served in the same in the Revolutionary war against the Common enemy from said time of enlistment until the thirty first day of December in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty three at which time I was honorably discharged and left the service

I do further on oath declare that I am not [borne?] as a pensioner on any pension roll of said United States, and that by reason of reduced circumstances in life I stand in need of assistance from my country for support

Gershom Holmes

May 13,
1818 –

Sworn to before
Albion H. Parris
U. S. Judge &c
Page 47

I Squire Caswell a resident citizen of the United States of Minot in the County of Cumberland and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do testify and say that I was in the Continental service in the Revolutionary War at the same period that Gershom Holmes of said Minot served, and served in the same regiment a part of the time and in the same Brigade which was commanded by Brigadier General Patterson. The last part of the three years service I was in the regiment under the command of Col Henry Jacks, being the fourt massachusetts Regiment in the Continental establishment, Said Gershom Holmes with whom I now am, and was then personally acquainted served as a private soldier in said Regiment and enlisted to serve in the same until [crossed out: J] December in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred & eighty three. Said Holmes to my certain knowledged served in the said fourth Regiment as a private soldier for more than a year preceding the time of his said discharge– and continued in said service until he was honourably discharged therefrom.

[Saml?] Caswell

Cumberland ss
November 3 1818

Personally appeared the above named Squire Caswell and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed

Before me Jacob Hill Justice of the Peace
Page 48

I Nocholas Noyes hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Gershom Holmes named in this deposition and with his circumstances, from the reduced [return?] of which is my opinion he stands in need of assistance from his country for support

Nicholas Noyes
Selectman of Minot

I Jacob Hill of Minot in the County of Cumberland do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Gershom Holmes mentioned in this deposition, and from what I know of his circumstances in life, do believe that in consequence of the reduced situation thereof that he stands in need of assistance from his Country for support.

Jacob Hill

United States of America
District of Maine, ss.

Nicholas Noyes and Jacob Hill, esqrs. personally came before me and made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificates by them severally subscribed –

Albion H. Parris
U. S. Judge &c
Page 49

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came Gershom Holmes the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined, made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are w holly true.

And the said applicant further offered in evidence his original discharge signed by H. Knox, Majr. Genl. which is hereunto annexed and also the depositions of Squier Caswell, a soldier in the revolutionary army, taken before Jacob Hill, esqr. by me duly thereto appointed; of Nicholas Noyes, a municipal officer of the corporation to which said Holmes belongs and of Jacob Hill, both subscribed and sworn to before me

And it appearing to me in the examination here had, that the several persons above named are credible witnesses, I do hereby admit the annexed declarations as evidence, and certify the same as being satisfactory proof to me that the said Gershom Holmes the applicant, served as a private soldier in the revolutionary war, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and upwards in continuation on the continental establishment. And I do further certify that from the declaration of the applicant made before me, under oath as aforesaid, it does appear that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support; all which I do hereby certify and transmit to the Secretary of the Department of War, agreeably to the provisions of an Act of Congress, passed March 18, 1818, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused my official Seal to be affixed the day and year first mentioned.

Albion H. Parris -
Judge of the United States and for the District of Maine.

And I do further make known, that it has been proved to my satisfaction that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, the said Gershom Holmes is in need of assistance from his country for support– Given under my hand, and official seal as aforesaid —

Albion H. Parris
[text damaged]
Page 50

G.A.
Revolutionary Claims
Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington D.C.

[sideways left side] 
Old Case.
[illegible] 22
No. 777

[sideways right side]
additional [illegible]
Gershom Holmes
No: 777
Old case 
Maine

[illegible stamp]
Page 51

Sir, Enclosed is the Pension certificate of Gershom Holmes of Minot State of maine whose declaration was transmitted to the War Department four or six weeks ago. At the time the declaration was forwarded Mr Holmes could not give any account of his former certificate but since that time it has been found with Mr Pope of Portland who undertook to prepare his papers under the construction that Secretary Porter gave to the pension act of 1818. The certificate under the late act if awarded may be transmitted to the subscriber

Respectfully yours, Freeman Brandford
[illegible] Portland Maine

Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War

Sept. 14, 1832
Page 52

Revolutionary Claims

Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington D.C.
Page 53

Portland July 27, 1832

Hon Lewis Cass

Sir Enclosed is the declaration of Gershom Holmes of Minot in the state of Maine for a pension under the act of 7th of June A.D. 1832 – If the declaration is accepted the certificate or other papers, if consistent with the regulations of the department may be forwarded to your
o.b.t Serv.t-

Freeman Bradford
Portland Maine
Page 54

[date stamp]
RECEIVED
JAN 4 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM.
READER
15

[letter]
Tacoma, Washington
January 2, 1937

Pension Department
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,

In the list of certificates issued by John Pierce, Esq., Paymaster General, to officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War, the name of Gershom Holmes appears twice. The certificates were No. 39625 and 40345.

Can you inform me if these names correspond with the Gershom Holmes who served as private in Capt. Josiah Crocker's Company, Col. Carpenter's Regiment, and the Gershom Holmes who served as private in Capt. Benj. Flagg's Company of Minute Men, who marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775.

I am anxious to learn something of the family history of these two men, who their parents were, who they married, and particularly who their children were. I believe the records of the Pension Department will contain this information.

Very respectfully,
[signature] C. E. Westgate

C. E. WESTGATE
702 No. K St.
Tacoma, Washington
Page 55

[stamp 1]
GENERAL
ACCOUNTING
OFFICE
1939 JUL 31 AM 9:24
RECEIVED
MAIL ROOM
C

[stamp 2]
RECEIVED
JUL 31 1939
G. A. O.
RECORDS DIVISION

[handwritten note]
1 copy
2.J.

[letter]
702 North 'K' St.,
Tacoma,
Washington
July 28, 1939.

General Accounting Office,
Records Division,
Washington, D.C.

Dear sir:

Will you kindly let me know if you have any information on file regarding Gershom Holmes of Minot Maine, a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

From records that I have been able to descover, there appear to have been two Gershom Holmes of Auburn, or Poland, or Minot Maine. One was born in 1737 and died in 1824 and the other born in 1765 and died in 1852.

I am looking for data regarding these two men: their children's names, their war service record, etc., in fact any information that would establish their identity.

Very respectfully
C. E. Westgate

[stamp 3]
RECEIVED
AUG 15 1939
MAIL [SUB-DIV.]
READER
[VETS ADMIN.]

[stamp 4]
RECORDS DIVISION
Misc. [illegible] #
Claim #
No Claim
8/4
DEBT RECORD.
Page 56

August 15, 1939.

R-119554-AFH
119555


Veterans Administration,
Revolutionary and 1812 War Section,
Washington, D.C.

Sirs:

There is transmitted herewith for your consideration and direct reply letter dated July 1939, from C. E. Westgate, 702 North K Street, Tacoma, Washington, which is self-explanatory.

The writer has been advised of this reference.

Respectfully,

(Signed) P.D. Fallon

Asst. Chief, Records Division.

(Seal) Received Aug 18 1939
Mail Sub-Div
Reader No. 16
Vets Adm.
Page 57

September 12, 1939.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/ady
Gershom Holmes
S.29902

Mr. C. E. Westgate
702 North K Street
Tacoma, Washington

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter of July 28, addressed to General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, in which you request information in regard to Gereshom Holmes who was born in 1737, and died in 1824, and of Gershom Holmes who was born in 1765, and died in 1852, both of whom were of Massachusetts (Maine). Your letter has been referred to this office for reply.

The name Gershom Holmes is borne once only on the Revolutionary War pension records of this office. The number of that pension claim is S.29902. The record of that soldier was furnished you February 15, 1937. It is regretted that this office is unable to aid you more extensively in your quest for the records of two soldiers who, you state, bore that name.

It is suggested that The Adjutant General, War Department, this city, who is custodian of military records of the United States, might aid you, also, the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator