Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 912, Joseph Blake, Continental Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Continental 
Mass.   

Blake, Joseph   
Hannah

NUMBER
R. 912

CONTENTS
Page 2

5685
Maine.

Joseph Blake
Col Brewer
Mass  Corporal.
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Inscribed on the Roll of the district of Maine
at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on
the 14th of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd of Jany 1819 and sent to George Thacher Esqr. Judge
Saco Maine

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818. 4 mo. & 21/30  37.65
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1819  
48.00
_______
$85.65

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

(illegible)

Gorham Cumberland

Opin. Atty Genl
Sent to Jno. Mussey Jr.
June 8 1821

(Written sideway on page:)
Died Jan. 27, 1840
from T.B.
Page 3

Joseph Blake
Corpl
20 April '77 (illegible) Jany 80
Disr 20 Apr. '80

Amd.

(Circular stamp:)
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNTIED STATES
Page 4

I Joseph Blake of Gorham in the county of Cumberland & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Sixty years do declare that I enlisted as a private Soldier in the American army on the Continental Establishment on the 1st of January A.D. 1776 at Cambridge under Capt Stewart in Colonel Phinney's regiment on the Massachusetts Line for one year which time I served & was discharged at Tycondaroga (Ticonderoga) on the 1st day of January A.D. 1777. which discharge I have since lost - on the 20 day of April AD 1777 I enlisted again at Gorham under Leut. Alden & marched to Tycondaroga (Ticonderoga) and (illegible) & turned into Capt Watkins Company in Colonel Brewers Regt in the Massachusetts Line which time I served regularly & was honorably discharged at Fishkill on the 20th day of April A.D. 1780 as will appear by my discharge hereto annexed - I have no pension & from my reduced circumstances I stand in need of assistance from my country for Support I am a citizen of the United States - Joseph Blake
April 14. 1818
The discharge is left wtih
L.P.S. Thacher

BLAKE, JOSEPH
Page 5

Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss

Be it known that on the 14th day of April 1818 before me the Subscriber One of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts personally appeared the within named Joseph Blake & being duly sworn made oath to the truth of the declaration by him, in my presence subscribed in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress entitled An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & navel service of the United States in the revolutionary war, which declaration being subscribed & sworn to as whereas I George Thacher One of the Justices &c do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Joseph Blake did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in his said declaration & against the common enemy.  and that he is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and I now transmit the proceedings of testimony had before me to the Secretary of the department of war; pursuant to the directions in the aforementioned Act of Congress 

In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & have caused the seal of said Court to be hereto annexed this thirtieth day of May In the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & Eighteen
George Thacher
Page 6

To the Honorable The Secretary of War - Humbly represents Joseph Blake of Gorham in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine.  That in June 1820. he exhibited a schedule of his property before the Hon. Albion K Parris, U.S. Dist: Judge for the Dist: of Maine, in order to obtain the continuance of his pension - but ned. for answer that on account of his property his name was stricken from the pension roll - That sometime in Decr. 1820. I think it was, I made another statement, that I then was destitute, having had my little property taken by my creditors in part payment of what I was justly owing, and requested the honle. Secretary to reconsider my case - and received for answer a copy of the attorney generals letter, which intimated I could not be reconsidered - But my pressing wants for the necessaries of life, together with the fact, that some have been reconsidered by the Honle. Secretary, since the opinion of the attorney general was given, and my extreme enfeebled state of bodily health, and utter inability to help myself, have compelled me to throw myself once more on your consideration for the relief I so much need - I have no property, or means of support but my own feeble exertions - What little I once had, and which was mentioned in my schedule

(Written sideways in left margin:)
(5685.) No of Original Certificate
Page 7

has been taken to pay my debts as I mentioned in my second statement - my present statement is corroborated by the affidavit of gentlemen of character & standing who will be believed.
Joseph Blake

Stat of Maine.
County of Cumberland Decr. 21. 1821.  Then the above named Joseph Blake personally appeared and subscribed the made oath to the foregoing declaration before me Joseph Pope Notary Public, dwelling in Portland in the County & Sate aforesaid - 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & set my seal notarial, the day and year last above written
Joseph Pope, Notary Public
Page 8

N286 Joseph Blake
copy  5685
Jany '19
Page 9

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.

At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the first Tuesday, being the fifth day of December and by adjournment, on the sixth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable Albion K. Parris, Judge of said Court.

On this sixth day of December in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, Joseph Blake aged Sixty two years, resident in Gorham in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a Corporal in the company commanded by Capt. Watkins in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Brewer 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 14th day of April A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 5685 was granted.  And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that y occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
Joseph Blake

Sworn to and declared, on the sixth}
day of December A.D. 1820.}

BEFORE Albion K. Parris {U.S. District Judge for 
                                       {the District of Maine.
Page 10

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate - I have none.  What I mentioned in a former schedule has been takin to pay my just debts which I also mentioned in my former statement nor have I any personal property left since the payment of my said debts.  I am now destitute and needy, am feeble and old and must suffer unless charitable aid is afforded me
Joseph Blake

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


SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Joseph Blake who, by occupation have been a farmer which I am not able to pursue by reason of the asthma and rheumatism
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NAMES.   I  AGES. I Capacity of each to con-
                                 tribute to their support.
-----------------------------------------
Wife Hannah . . 57    very feeble & unable to 
                                   support herself
Daughter Hannah Sturgis . . 30
     Maria . . .  . . 15}   daughters 
     Caroline . . . 13}    children
     Ebenezer . . . 9}     not 
     Hannah . . . . 8}      able to
     Loan . . . . . .  5}     support   
     Martha . . . . 3}     themselves
 Joseph Blake

Sworn to
Before Albion K. Parris
U.S. Dist: Judge
Page 11

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.

I, John Mussey, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is three dollars and sixty seven. cents. and no more

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this nineth day of December A.D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
John Mussey Junr. {Clerk of the U. States District
                               {Court for Maine District.
Page 12

State of Maine
Gorham May 30th 1840
Cumberland County
I Russell Linnell Clerk of the Town of Gorham do certify that in the records of Publishments by Austin Alden Town Clerk as recorded in the records of said Town Book No 1 page 31. the Publishments of Joseph Blake and Hannah Hopkins is recorded as follows viz 
Joseph Blake of Gorham entered his name and purpose of Marriage with Hannah Hopkins January sixth seventeen hundred and eighty one
Attest Russell Linnell Town Clerk

I Russell Linnell as above named Depose and say I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Gorham and that the above Publishment is a true extract from the Records of said Town now in my possession with the exception of the date which is expressed in the Records of said Town in fair legible figures as follows January 6th 1781
Attest Russell Linnell Town Clerk

I Russell Linnell as above named Depose and say that I have made diligent search and find no record of thee Marriage of Joseph Blake with Hannah Hopkins but find the record of births of children of Joseph Blake and Hannah his wife as follows viz  Adriel Blake  son of Joseph Blake and Hannah his wife was born in Gorham April 5th 1782
Page 13

Pheobe Blake Daughter of Joseph Blake and Hannah his wife was Born in Standish Decr 7th 1783
Hannah Blake daughter of Joseph Blake & Hannah his wife was born in Standish Sept 3, 1785
Eunice Blake Daughter of Joseph Blake and Hannah his wife was Born in Standish Sept. 8th 1787
Lydia Blake Daughter of Joseph Blake and Hannah his wife was born in Gorham August 21. 1790
Lucy Blake Daughter of Joseph Blake & Hannah his wife Born in Gorham May 9th 1793
Charles Blake son of Joseph Blake and Hannah 
his wife was Born in Gorham November 6th 1800
Joseph Blake son of Joseph Blake & Hannah 
his wife was Born in Gorham April 15th 1803
Per Austin Alden Town Clerk

The above is a true extract from the Town records now in my Possession  
Russell Linnell Town Clerk

State of Maine Cumberland County SS.
on this 30th day of May Eighteen hundred and forty Personally appeared before me Charles Danforth a Justice of the Peace in and for said County aforesaid Russell Linnell above named Town Clerk of Gorham a person by me well known and entitled to full credit as a witness and made oath that the above extract by him subscribed is truly copied from the records of said Town the dates being written out in words which are put down in figures only on the records as above Stated with no other alteration
C. Danforth} Justice of the Peace
Page 14

State of Maine
Cumberland ss:
I, Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that Charles Danforth Esq is a Magistrate as appears by the foregoing papers; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission bears dates October 3rd A.D. 1838 (illegible) will before October 3rd 1845 and that the forgoing 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 first day of July Anno Domini 1843.
Charles Cobb Clerk.
Page 15

9328
Hannah Blake decd.
Me.
Act 7. July 38
m 87 - d. 40.
Page 16

9328

Children of Hannah Blake
application for a pension
acts July 7. 1838 - & Augt. 23. 1842

Joseph Pope
Portland

me
July 7. 1838.
Han Blake decd.

Jos Pope Portland
me
July 10 43
Page 17

State of Maine
Cumberland County ss.
District Court for the Western District
June Term at Portland 1843.

On this first day of July 1843, Personally appeared before said Court, being a Court of record, Charles Blake a resident of Portland in the County of Cumberland aged forty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth for himself and also in behalf of his sisters Hannah Sturgis, Phebe Miller Eunice Paine, Lydia Thompson and Lucy Phinney, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 and August 23d 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary War.  That Hannah Blake, their mother was the widow of Joseph Blake who was a Corporal in the army of the revolution, and a pensioner under the act of March 18. 1818, and served in Captain Watkins Company and in Col: Brewers Regiment.  He also declares that the said Hannah Blake formerly Hannah Hopkins was married to the said Joseph Blake on the twenty ninth day of April in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty one and that her husband the said Joseph Blake died on the twenty seventh day of January eighteen hundred and forty, 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
Page 18

stated, and that the said Hannah Blake remained a widow till the twenty seventh day of January eighteen hundred and forty two at which time she died.  He further declares that he the said Charles Blake, and his sisters the aforenamed Hannah Sturgis, Phebe Miller, Eunice Paine, Lydia Thompson and Lucy Phinney are the only surviving children of the said Joseph and Hannah Blake. 
Charles Blake

State of Maine
Cumberland ss.
Western District Court}
June Term A. D. 1843.}

Personally appeared in open Court the aforementioned Charles Blake and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him signed and it is hereby certified that it has been satisfactorily proved in open Court of Record, that Joseph Blake herein named died on the twenty Seventh day of January A.D. 1840. and his Widow the said Hannah Blake therein named died on the twenty Seventh day of January 1842.  And that Charles Blake, Hannah Sturgis, Phoebe Miller, Eunice Paine, Lydia Thompson, and Lucy Phinney, herein named are the only surviving children of said Joseph and Hannah Blake, Deceased.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court the first day of July A.D. 1843.
Charles Cobb} Clerk of all the Judicial Courts 
                      } in said County of Cumberland
Page 19

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.

November 23, 1927

Mrs. Clara L. Wetherbee
Holliston
Mass

Madam:

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 912, it appears that Joseph Blake enlisted at Cambridge, January 1, 1776 and served one year as a private in Captain Stewart's Company, Colonel Phinney's Massachusetts Regiment.

He enlisted at Gorham, April 20, 1777 and served as a corporal in Captain Watkins' Company, Colonel Brewer's Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment, he was appointed, January 1, 1780, Second Sergeant in Captain Abraham Williams' Company in same regiment, and was discharged April 26, 1780.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 14, 1818, while a resident of Gorham, Cumberland County, Maine, aged sixty years.

Soldier married April 29, 1781 at Gorham,
Page 20

Maine, Hannah Hopkins of Pearson Town.

He died January 27, 1840, and she died January 27, 1842.

Their children - 
Adriel   born  April           5, 1782.
Phebe      "     December  7, 1783.
Hannah    "     September 3, 1785.
Eunice      "     September 8, 1787.
Lydia        "     August      21, 1790.
Lucy         "     May            9, 1793.
Charles     "     November 6, 1800.
Joseph      "     April         15, 1803.

Their surviving children in 1843 were - Hannah Sturgis; Phebe Miller; Eunice Paine; Lydia Thompson; Lucy Phinney' and Charles Blake.

In 1820, the following children of Hannah Sturgis were referred to - Maria, aged fifteen years; Carolina, aged thirteen years; Ebenezer, aged nine years; Hannah, aged eight years; Loan aged five years; and Martha, aged three years.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 21

Know all men by these presents, That I joseph Blake of Gorham in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine, yeoman, in consideration of the sum of three hundred Dollars paid by Toppan Robie and Thomas L. Robie both of said Gorham, Traders, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said Toppan & Thomas heirs and assigns forever a certain Farm situated in sd. Gorham on the town road leading from Wm. E. Files to Nathaniel Bacon's, containing fifty two acres more or less, being the same farm on which I now live, and bounded as follows, viz, Easterly by land owned by the heirs of Daniel Dole late of Westbrook, deceased, Northerly by Wm. Snow's land. Nathl. Bacon's land, and James Irish's land; Westerly by sd. Irish's land, and southerly by David Sturgis' land; the sd. road passing through the same

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, the aforegranted and bargained premises, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereof, to the said Toppan and Thomas their heirs and assigns, to their use and behoof forever. And I do covenant with the said Toppan and Thomas heirs and assigns, that I lawfully seized in fee of the premises; that they are free of all incombrances; that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Toppan and Thomas to hold as aforesaid.  And that I will warrant and defend the same to the said Toppan and Thomas their heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons.

PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS, that if the said Joseph Blake his heirs, executors or administrators, pay to the said Toppen and Thomas S. Robie their heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, the sum of three hundred Dollars in two years with interest to be paid annually then this deed, as also a certain note of hand bearing even date with these presents, given by the said Joseph Blake to the said Toppan & Thomas S. Robie to pay the sum and interest at the time aforesaid, shall both be void, otherwise shall remain in full force.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I the said Joseph Blake have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered,
in presence of 
Danl. Hill Junr
J. Adams

Signed. Joseph Blake 

Cumberland ss. Gorham Dec. 2d 1820. Personally appeared Joseph Blake, above named, and acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed.  Before me,
Joseph Adams JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

Received December 6. 1820 and recorded from the Original
Elias Merrill Regr.
Page 22

Cumberland County
Registers Office, May 6. 1823 I hereby certify that the within is a true Copy as of record in Book v19 page 60 -

Ast. Elias Merrill Regr.
Page 23

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.

At a district Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland - within and for the District of Maine, on the sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three before the Honorable Ashur Ware Judge of said Court.

On this sixth day of May in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, Joseph Blake aged sixty five years, resident in Gorham in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st May 1820. that he the said Blake enlisted for the term of three years, the first three years enlistment in the State of Massachusetts, in the company commanded by Captain Watkins in the Regiment commanded by Brewer in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental Establishment, that he continued to serve in said cops during three years and was discharged at Fishkill in the State of New York.  That his name has been placed on the pension list and draft there - from on account of his property And in pursuance of the Act of May 1st 1820

Revolutionary War, "passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other 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 and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
Joseph Blake

Sworn to and declared, on the 6"} 
  day of May A.D. 1823}

BEFORE Ashur Ware {U.S. District Judge for the 
                                  {  District of Maine.
Page 24

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate - I have none
Personal estate - only a few old broken things about the house Since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property and circumstances.  The land mentioned in said first schedule I mortgaged on the second day of December 1820 to T. & T. S. Robie of Gorham for debts due them for goods out of their store and debts which they had paid others for me viz paid Doctr Howe $75 - to Alexander M Lellan, Joseph Cresey, David Harding, John Lincoln, Nahum Chadbourne debts I owed them to the amount of $150 - They also paid taxes which I owed and sundry small debts, which together with the amount due them for supplies from their store amounted to three hundred dollars.  Since said mortgage was given they have advanced for me about one hundred dollars more for necessary articles of support.  The said J. & J.D. Robie have since on the third day of May instant taken possession of said land and now own it.  The cattle and stock mentioned in my first schedule have long since been appropriated and consumed in support of myself and family.  My children have been assisted by the charity of the town 
Joseph Blake

May 6. 1823
Signed and sworn to Before
Ashur Ware S.J. of U.S.

SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Joseph Blake - who, by occupation am a farmer which I am not able to pursue by reason of age and infirmity
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NAMES.     I AGES.   I Capacity of each to 
                                 contribute to their support 
__________________________________________________
Wife Hannah I 60     I a feeble woman
Have at present no children with me
Joseph Blake

signed and sworn to 
Before Ashur Ware
D.J. of U.S. for D. of Me - 
May 6. 1823
Page 25

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
I, John Mussey, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Five dollars and no more.

IN TESTIMONY WEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this sixth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.

John Mussey Junr {Clerk of the U. States District
                              {  Court for Maine District.
Page 26

United States of America
Maine District ss
District Clerk's Office

In testimony that Elias Merrill Esquire is the Register of Deeds for the county of Cumberland in Maine district and that the signature to the certificate on the within and annexed copy of a deed is the true signature of the said Merrill I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said District Court this sixteenth day of July A.D. 1823
John Mussey Junr Clerk

(Written sideways on the page:)
N 343 Joseph Blake
Copy

March (illegible)
Page 27

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

April 8, 1926

Mrs. Carl L. A. Schmidt
1731 Channing Way
Berkeley, Calif.

Madam:

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 912, it appears that Joseph Blake enlisted at Cambridge, January 1, 1776 and served one year as a private in Captain Stewart's Company, Colonel Phinney's Massachusetts Regiment.

He enlisted at Gorham, April 20, 1777 and served as corporal in Captain Watkins' Company, Colonel Brewer's Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment, he was appointed, January 1, 1780, Second sergeant in Captain Abraham Williams' Company in same regiment, and was discharged April 26, 1780.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 14, 1818, while a resident of Gorham, Cumberland County, Maine, aged sixty years.  He died Jan-
Page 28

2-

uary 27, 1840.

Soldier married April 29, 1781 at Gorham, Maine, Hannah Hopkins of Pearson Town.  She died January 27, 1842.

Their children-

Adriel  born   April          5, 1782.
Phebe     "     December  7, 1783.
Hannah   "     September 3, 1785.
Eunice     "     September 8, 1787.
Lydia        "     August     21, 1790.
Lucy         "     May           9, 1793.
Charles     "     November 6, 1800.
Joseph      "     April        15, 1803.

Their surviving children in 1843 were - Hannah Sturgis; Phebe Miller; Eunice Paine; Lydia Thompson; Lucy Phinney; and Charles Blake.

In 1820, the following children of Hannah Sturgis, were referred to- Maria, aged fifteen years; Caroline, aged thirteen years; Ebenezer, aged nine years; Hannah, aged eight years; Loan, aged five years; and Marcha, aged three years.

The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to John Rogers or Rodgers, who was born July 1, 1748 in New London, Connecticut, and served as described by you.

John Rogers (S. 14380) was born October 14, 1761
Page 29

3-

in New London, Connecticut, and served in the Connecticut Troops, and as Privateer; and was pensioned, on account of such services, in 1832, while a resident of Broome County, New York.

If you desire the history of this John Rogers, please so state and the same will be furnished you.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 30

Holliston, Mass.
June 13 - 1927.

Department of the Interior -
Bureau of Pensions - 

Will you please send me services and all data concerning Nathaniel and Joseph Blake were as believed of Gorham, Maine.  They were both pensioners - Joseph died at the age of 83 yrs., and Nathaniel at 90 yrs.  I wish this information in filling out papers for D.A.R. I cannot get it any other way - 

(Mrs.) Clara L. Weatherbee
Page 31

(Circular stamp:)
PENSION
     FEB
U.   23   S.
    1926
  OFFICE
Page 32

1731 Channing Way
Berkely Calif.
Feb 15, 1926

To the Director
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir: - 

Will you please give me any information your records may contain concerning date and place of birth & name of wife and children of Joseph Blake, Corporal, Cumberland County Maine, pensioned Jan 23, 1819 for services in the Mass. Cont'l Line pensioned to begin April 14 1818 at an annual allowance of 96 ($?)
Page 33

age given as 76 yrs.  My father's mother was a Blake.

I have an ancestor of the name of John Rogers and he lived in New London, Conn and was "a ships' cooper going to China and other ports in that capacity."  He was born in New London July 1, 1748 and married Mary Larrabee April 28, 1776.  John Rogers 5th John Rogers Junior and one or two John Rogers, Seamen served with Wm Coit's men on the ship Oliver Cromwell in the Rev. War.  Only two John Rogers lived in New London Co. in 1790. so it seems probable that my ancestor
Page 34

John Rogers, the ship's cooper, served on the ship Oliver Cromwell.  Can you give me any help about him from your pension records:

To what department and office should I write concerning the grants of land that the government gave to Rev. War soldiers or heir widows?

Thanking you in advance,
Most sincerely
Mrs. Carl L.A. Schmidt
Page 35

Written sideways along left margin:)
1926 - Apr. 8. Hist to Mrs. Carl L.A. Schmidt aux
1927 - Nov 23  "    "   Mrs. Clara L. Weatherbee aux

Exr.   INVALID.

NO. 912

(typed sideways along right margin:)
REJECTED

(Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1878. crossed out)

Hannah Blake
P.O. Widow of Joseph
________________________________________
Service: _______________________________
Enlisted: ___________________________, 18
Discharged: ________________________, 18
The printed list of 1852
shows reasons for suspension
Application Filed: __________________, 18
"not a widow at the date 
of the act - died before
August 23 - 1842"
Alleges: ________________________________
_________________________________________
Re-enlisted: ____________________________
_________________________________________

Attorney: _______________________________
P.O. _____________________________________
Page 36

9328
Hannah Blake and
Me   Joseph

Set to Joseph Pope Sep 20 1843
912
Act 7 July 1838
Page 37

The Cattle & Stock have been appropriated & consumed in support of myself & family - 
My Children have been assisted by the Charity of the town - 
His age 65 - a Farmer
Wife 60 - a feeble woman

Jno Mussey Jr.
Portland
Maine
July 25. 1823

Maine

Joseph Blake
Corporal - 3 years

1st Schedule - June 1820 - 
R.E. - 49 acres & small House 60 yr. old -
2 Cows - 1 yoke oxen - 4 Sheep
1 Hog - no income - owe (names 
not given) $400
Amt of schedule $571-

2d Schedule, May 6. 1823
R.E. none - Personal
a few broken things about the
House - amt of Schedule $5-

The Land named in 1st Schedule
I mortgaged Decr. 2. 1820, to T. & T.S Robie Merchants for $300 - since paid mortgage they have advance me about $100 for necessary articles of support
May 3. 1823, The Robies took possession of said Land - 
a duly authenticated Copy of the Deed is within acknowld. Decr. 2d. & Recorded
Decr. 6. 1820 -
Page 38

Marriage of Joseph
& Hannah Blake
Page 39

State of Maine
Gorham May. 22d. 1841
Cumberland County.
I Mehitable Elwell depose and say, that I was present at the Marriage of Joseph Blake of Gorham and Hannah Hopkins of Pearson Town, which was duly solemnized in my presence at Gorham at the house of Mr. Ithial Blake by Esquire Jones a Magistrate then residing in Pearson Town now incorporated Standish, the day of the month I do not recollect, but it was on a Sabath afternoon in April seventeen hundred and eighty one
               his
Mehitable X Elwell
               mark
Witness Fanny Higgins

State of Maine}
Cumberland County} ss.
on this 22d day of May eighteen hundred and forty, Personally appeared before me Saul C Higgins a Justice of the Peace in and for said County aforesaid Mehitable Elwell above named a person by me well known and entitled to full credit as a witness and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by his subscribed is true.
Saul C Higgins Justice of the Peace.
Page 40

State of Maine
Cumberland ss.
I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Saul C. Higgins Esq. was a Magistrate as appeared by the within papers that he was duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission was dated June 21. 1834 and expired June 21. 1841, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State this third day of July One thousand eight hundred and forty three.

Charles Cobb Clerk
Page 41

Town of Standish May 30th 1840

I hereby certify that I am Town Clerk of the Town of Standish, legally chosen & Sworn and that I have examined the Records of said Town and hereby certify that there is no record of the marriage of Joseph Blake and Hannah Hopkins, and that the Records of the Pearson town Plantation (now the Town of Standish) are not to be found if any ever existed - 
Attest Phineas Ingalls, Town Clerk


State of Maine}
Cumberland County} ss.
on this 30th day of May AD 1840 then personally appeared the above named Phineas Ingalls before me Soul C Higgins a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and made solemn oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true
Saul C Higgins Justice of the Peace
Page 42

State of Maine
Cumberland ss
Clerk's Office Judicial Courts
Judicial July 3d A.D. 1843.

I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts hereby certify that Saul C. Higgins was a Magistrate on the thirtieth day of May A. D. 1840. that he was duly qualified to act as such. that his Commission was dated June 21. A.D. 1831. and expired June 21. 1841. 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 the day and year first above written
Charles Cobb Clerk
Page 43

For reconsideration


(Written sideways on page:)
Honle. J. C. Calhoun Esqr.
Secretary of War
Washington




Recd. 28 Jany 1823
Page 44

Portland Maine Jany 21. 1823 -
The Honle. J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War - 

Sir,
I enclose a certificate of the Selectmen of the Town of Gorham, in behalf of Joseph Blake late a Revolutionary pensioner, which is corroborated by the Honle. Albion K. Parris, Govr. of this State, and late Judge of the U.S. Court, before whom Blake made the schedule of his property. -  It is hoped that the Secretary will take his case into consideration. - He is unquestionably one of those poor soldiers, for whom the provisions of the pension law were designed and is needy and destitute - - Should that Sir, be your opinion in considering the proofs, & circumstances of his case, the result will be favorable to an old soldier, who was long in the service, and now needs his Countrys Charity, - and the Honle. Secretary will direct a letter of reinstatement in his behalf to be forwarded -
I am Sir very respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt.
Joseph Pope -
Page 45

To the Secretary of War

We the Subscribers, Inhabitants of Gorham in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine, and Selectmen of the same town, do hereby certify that Joseph Blake of said Gorham, a Revolutionary Soldier who served his County four years and four months in the war of the Revolution, is now in the sixty fifth year of his age; is, and for a long time has been, very infirm and diseased; and is not possessed of any property by which to support himself and wife - We therefore consider him a person in great need of assistance, and most worthily entitled to it from his County- We do further state, that he has not wasted or squandered the small estate he once possessed, but it has to the very last, been prudently appropriated to the support of himself and family -
Gorham December 24th 1822 - 

Nathaniel Phinney}  Selectmen
Seward Merrill}           of Gorham


Cumberland ss  Decr. 25 1822  Then Personally appeared Nathaniel C Phinney & Seward Merrill two of the Selectmen of Gorham (the other having deceased) and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by them subscribed -

Jacob L Smith} Just Peace
                         for the County 
                         of Cumberland
Page 46

Nathaniel Phinney and Seward Merrill esqrs. who have given the within certificate are gentlemen of respectability and entitled to full credit - I am personally acquainted with the within named Blake and believe the within statement to be wholly true - 
Albion K. Parris
Page 47

Joseph Blake (illegible)

For reconsideration

Recd. 28 Dec. 1821

See letter to Joseph
Pope, 2 Jany. 1822

(Written sideways on page:)
Honle. J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
City of
Washington
Page 48

Portland Maine Decr. 21. 1821

The Honle. The Secretary of War

Sir,

I enclose the request of Joseph Blake praying to have his case reconsidered and he again placed on the pension roll. - 

His statement as to situation & circumstances is confirmed by men who now are and have been in our first offices of trust & employment, and whose testimony cannot be doubted - Their affidavit is also enclosed.

I am Sir very respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt.
Joseph Pope
Page 49

(illegible) acres 10, 103
70 acres 77
100 - 60
116
(illegible) (illegible)
70 Acres  83
4
87
(illegible) - 81
(illegible) - (illegible)
(illegible) - (illegible)
(illegible) 


(illegible) (illegible)
Cumberland
Page 50

Joseph Blake having Served three years in the twelfth Massachusetts Regiment in the Service of these United States being the Term for which he engaged.  Is discharged from the Army and permitted to return (illegible) place of above in Casco Bay, Massachusetts State.

Given at Fishkill this twenty first day of April 1780
Abraham Williams Captn. Comdr.

Blake, Joseph
Page 51

Mr. Joseph Blake;
Greeting.

Placing especial Trust and peculiar Confidence in your Loyalty, fidelity, & Sentiments to the Cause in which we are now engaged, viz. In defense of the Rights, Liberties & Privileges of the United States of America; Do by these Presents nominate, constitute and appoint you the said Joseph Blake second Sergeant in the third Company of 12th Massachusetts Regiment: said Company commanded by Capt. Abram Williams:

And you are from the Date hereof carefully to fulfil the Trust reposed in you as such, doing your Duty to the utmost of your power; paying due obedience to the Commands of your Superior Officers; and all in Subordination to -You are strictly enjoined to pay due Obedience to such Commands as you shall from time to time receive from you Superior Officers for the good of the Service, or that you may see tending thereunto; And this shall be your sufficient Warrant.

Given under my Hand;}
at Fishh-Kill, January 1st, 1780.}

Abraham Williams Capt Comdr.
Twelfth Massts. Regt.

Blake, Joseph
Page 52

We the Subscribers, Selectmen & Treasurer of the Town of Gorham in the County of Cumberland, do hereby certify, that Joseph Blake of Gorham is a person of reduced circumstances, and standing in great need of assistance from his Country for support.  That what little property he once possessed, has been Secured of to his Creditors in payment of his just debts; and in addition to his needy and impoverished circumstances; he is very infirm in body and enfeebled in health, and unable to support himself and family, being afflicted with astmatic (asthmatic) and then (illegible) complaints. We therefore consider him as standing in need of and deserving of a pension from his government, according to an act of Congress in such cases made and provided.  He having been a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and served therein more than four years and is now sixty three years of age - 
Gorham December 19. 1821

Lothrop Lewis} Selectmen
Nathl. Phinney} of Gorham
Toppan Robie} Treasurer of Gorham


Cumberland ss December 19. 1821 Then personally appeared Lothrop Lewis and Nathaniel Phinney & Toppan Robie above mentioned and made oath to the truth of the above certificate - 
Before me Jacob Smith Jus Peace

I hereby Certify that Jacob S. Smith Esqr. who made and Subscribed the above certificate, is a magistrate and Justice of the Peace to me personally known.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal notarial this twenty first day of Decr. A.D. 1821. - 
Joseph Pope Noray Public,
dwelling in Portland in the 
County of Cumberland, State of Maine
Page 53

N 51.
Joseph Blake

(5685)

not entitled

($571)


(March 1819)
Page 54

UNITED STATES OF AMERISA.
DISTRICT OF MAINE. ss.

At a District Court of the United Stated begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the first Tuesday, being the sixth day of June and by adjournment, on the seventh day of June - in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable ALBION K. PARRIS, Judge of said Court.

ON this seventh day of June in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, Joseph Blake - aged sixty two years, resident in Gorham - in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a Corporal - in the company commanded by Capt. Watkins in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Brewer - 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 14th - day of April - A.D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 5685 - 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 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 18t day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other 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 and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
Joseph Blake

Sworn to and declared, on the seventh
day of June A.D. 1820.

Before Albion K. Parris} U.S. District Judge for 
                                      the District of Maine.
Page 55

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate - Forty nine & a quarter acres poor land, one half swamp and the other half ledge - an old house sixty years old - old barn - two cows - one yoke oxen - four sheep - one hog - no income - no money due me but owe four hundred dollars
Joseph Blake

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

SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Joseph Blake - who, by occupation am a farmer - which I am not able to pursue by reason of infirmities
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NAMES.     I AGES. I Capacity of each to 
                                contribute to their support.
_________________________________________________
My wife, Hannah I 57 I unable to work - 
Joseph, as son -   I 17 I able to work
Lydia Paine -        I 28 I able to work
Hannah, a daughter} that I am obliged to
 her six children}            support

Sworn to Before
Albion K. Parris
U.S. Dist: Judge
Page 56

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.

I, John Mussey, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is five hundred, seventy one - dollars and no more - 

IN TESTIMONTY WEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this seventh day of June - A.D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

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