Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24440, Mather Holmes, Mass.
Page 1

Mass___________Holmes, Mather________W24440
_______________________Silence_________________
Page 2

[printed form with handwriting inserted in spaces, mostly handwritten]
15882
Massachusetts
_____________________________________________
Mather Holmes
(illegible) in the State of Massa who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Bates of the Regt commanded by Capt Reed in the (illegible) time for 11  months
The certificate issued when (illegible) dated Aug 6, (1833? illegible) (illegible)
(illegible symbol) Cancelled (illegible symbol looks like E)
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 36-Dollars
-69-Cents per annum,  to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 a day of Sept. 1833 and (illegible) E. S. Leland Roxbury  Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $73.34 Semi-anl, allowance ending 4 Sept $18.33
$91.67 
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by D. D. Addison clerk book E Vol. 2 page 34
Page 3

1097
Massachusetts 
____________________________________________________

Silence Holmes
widow of Mather Holmes
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private

-------------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on 
the 4th day of March 1848
-------------------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the
21st day of August 1848
and sent to 

G.S. Bulfinch 
Boston Mass


writt4en on right side of  document 

Reported
Page 4

7096
Mather Holmes

Private of Mas

5 16ob
March 30, 1835

P. 316
Page 5

7096

BRIEF in the case of Mather Holmes 
County of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts
(ACT 7TH JUNE 1832)

1 Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?    COURT

2, If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?   __

3. How old is he?  75

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed
______________________________________________
Period   Duration of Service Rank Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

1. Sub in 1775 1 of Sept - Duration not stated precisely  2 months - Capt W. Baggs, Col Reed

2.Vol in 1776 1st of Feb - 2 months - Capt J.  Southworth, Col Robinson

3. Vol in 1776 1st of Aug - not stated precisely 
3 months - Capt S. Perriman, Col Francis
________________________________________________

5. In what battles was he engaged?  none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Norfolk County Mass

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence or by the rolls?  traditionary & two witnesses

8, Are the papers defective to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  Correct

I CERTIFY  that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

F. Waugh Examining Clerk  (signature4)
January 25, 1833
Page 6

578

Silence Holmes

Widow of Mather 

Mass
_________________________________________
Act 7 July 38

5 years
____________________________________________________
married in 1779

admd
51 mo in 
$26,66

no deduction
______________________________________________
Benjamin Richards
Randolph Mass
Page 7

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss.  On this tenth day of August 1838. Personally appeared before me Sherman Leland  Judge of the Court of Probate in foresaid county. 

Silence Holmes a resident in the Town of Stoughton in the county of Norfolk and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty years who, being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Mather Holmes late of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts deceased who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, that he the said Mather Holmes enlisted into a company of Infantry as a Private according to the best of her knowledge in Captain William Briggs company in 1775 and served several months in the eight months service at Dorchester & around the shore of Boston he resides at Stoughton when he enlisted and marched into this tour of service . Also he the said Mather Holmes again into Captain Judiah Souorth's Company of Infantry as a private in the year 1776 and served two months in the months of February and March at Dorchester in Colonel Robinson's Regiment he resided at Stoughton when enlisted and went into his tour of service.  also said, Mather Holmes again enlisted into Captain Stephen Penninnans Company in 1776 as a private in a company of infantry and spent several months around the shores of Boston. He resided at Stoughton when he enlisted and marched into his tour of services in the three several tours named above served with the Massachusetts troops . She further declares that he the said Mather Holmes was a pensioner of the United States in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th of June 1832 and she (ineligible) the proof of said Mather Holmes service in the war of the revolution to his declaration & other papers in the War Department & Pension office at Washington She further declares that she was married to the said Mather Holmes on the twenty third day of march seventeen hundred & seventy nine and he the aforesaid Mather Holmes die on the twenty nineth day of July eighteen hundred and thirty four. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service and the marriage took place previous to the first day
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continued from image #7

of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time the States above, she further declares she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim in her possession and that she has not been married since the Death of said Mather Holmes her late husband but has remained his widow ever since and is now a widow

Silence (X her mark) Holmes

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written by the (ineligible) Silence Holmes who by reason & lastily infirmity is unable to attend color
Page 9

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss.

I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County aforesaid hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate & that Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the Peace within afore this County of Norfolk & that their respected signatures on this paper assessed as genuine & true. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this eighteenth day of August A.D 1838

Jonathan H. Cobb (signature)


I Ezekiel Holmes of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts, being forty six years of age do testify and say that I am the son of the said Silence Holmes who is named in the foregoing declaration for a pension that her husband Mather Holmes who was my father died the twenty ninth day of July Eighteen hundred thirty four and that my mother's name befor4e marriage was Silence Fisher, my father & mother have always resided in Stoughton ever since I was born my mother Silence Holmes now resides in Stoughton and has never been marrie3d since the Death of her husband and is now a widow.

Ezekiel Holmes (signature)


Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss.   August 16th 1838

Then the above named Ezekiel Holmes who is a credible witness and good member in society personally appears & made oath that the above affidavit made & subscribed by him is true.

Before me

Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace (signature)
Page 10

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss. 
Stoughton 
August 16th 1838

I James Swan Town Clerk of Stoughton in the County and State of aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears by the record of said Town of Stoughton that Mather Holmes and Silence Fisher both of Stoughton were joined in Marriage the twenty third day of March Seventeen hundred and seventy nine. I  the above named James Swan do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures  as follows on March 23, 1779

James Swan Town Clerk of Stoughton (signature)


I the above named James Swan depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town County and State aforesaid and that the above4 is a trued extract from the records with the exception above named as certified & subscribed to by me. I  also certify that it appears by the records aforesaid in the said Town that Mather Holmes died the twenty ninth of July eighteen hundred and thirty four aged seventy eight years of age, the exact from the records reporting his death are put down in the record in fair legible figures (viz) Mather Holmes died July 29, 1836 age 78
James Swan Town Clerk of Stoughton (signature)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Norfolk County ss. August 16th 1838
Subscribed and sworn to Before me.

Benjamin Richards  Justice of the Peace
Page 11

Mather Holmes son of Philip Holmes and Mary his wife was born October 31, 1756
A true copy from the town records of Stoughton 
Attest James Swan Town Clerk
Page 12

Mather Holmes 
7096



Edwin S. Leland
Page 13

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
County of Norfolk ss. On this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting at Rothbury in and for said County Mather Holmes a resident doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th A.D. 1832

That he was born at said Stoughton
on the 31st day of October A.D. 1756 and that there is a record of his birth in the town record of Stoughton  that he was in the United States service from about the 1st of November A.D. 1775, two  months as a private in the Massachusetts militia:  that he was residing at said when entered the service; that he was a substitute for Nathaniel Mer in said Stoughton and served for the period aforesaid under there command of Captain William Briggs of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Read; that he marched from Stoughton to Rothbury; that he served at Rothbury for said time with none of the regular troops; and no regular officers where known to him: that he was in no battle and at the time of his service received no written discharge; that since the Revolutionary who has resided at said Stoughton & that there is no witness living known to him by who he can prove his service

ALSO that he was in the United States service for about the first of February A.D. 1776 to the first of April A.D. 1776 served as a private in the Massachusetts militia that he was residing at said Stoughton when he entered the service; that he was a volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the Command of Captain Jedediah Southward of the regiment commanded by Colonel Robinson; that he marched from Stoughton to Dorchester that he served at Dorchester Heights for some time with none of the regular troops and no regular officers were known to him: that he was in no battle and at the end of his service received no written discharge & there being no documentary considered to prove any of his service.
Page 14

I Samuel Tolman of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk aged Seventy Seven testify and say that Mather Holmes to my knowledge was in the United States Service for the period of time mentioned by him in the written statement 
Samuel Tolman (signature)
Norfolk,  August 16th 1832 subscribed & sworn to before S. Leland Judge of Probate

I Asa Waters of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk aged Seventy two testify and say that Mather Holmes to my knowledge was in the United States Service for the Sworned period of time mentioned by him in the written Statement 
Asa Water (signature)
Norfolk August 16th 1832 Subscribed & sworn to before S. Leland Judge of Probate

I the said Judge of Probate do further certify that the aforesaid deponents Samuel Talbot & Asa Waters are subscribed.

S. Leland (signature)
Page 15

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year first aforesaid. Mather Holmes

We Lemuel Gay first Selectman residing in the said Stoughton and Joel Talbot residing said Stoughton hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mather Holmes who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy five years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 

Sworn and subscribed as aforesaid 
Lemuel Gay (signature)
Joel Talbot (signature)

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Lemuel Gay, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said Stoughton; and that Joel Talbot who has also signed the same is a resident in said Stoughton and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Sherman Leland Justice of Probate 

I Samuel Haven regt, of the Court of Probate aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Mather Holmes for a pension.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year aforesaid.

Samuel Haven (signature)
Page 16

December 10, 1938

Mr. Edwin E. Ellis
239 Huntington Avenue
Buffalo, New York

BA-J/ILL
Mather Holmes
W. 24440

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Re3volutionary War record of Mather Holmes of Stoughton, Massachusetts, whose
wife was Silence Fisher.

The data which follow are found in the papers on file in pension claim, w.2440 based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Mather Holmes

Mather Holmes, son of Philip Holmes and his wife Mary was born October 31, 1756 in Stoughton Massachusetts, in which town his birth was recorded.  He resided in Stoughton, Massachusetts, at the time of the Revolutionary War. 

Mather Holmes enlisted and served as a private in the Massachusetts troops, at different times, shown as follow: from September 1, 1775 two months in Captain William Brigg's Company, Colonel Read's regiment; from February 1, 1776, two months in Captain Jedediah Southworth"s company, Colonel Robinson's regiment; and from August 1, 1776 seven months in Captain Stephen Penniman"s company, Colonel Franicis' regiment. During most of his service, he was stationed at Dorchester Heights.

Mather Holmes was allowed pension on his application executed August 16, 1832, at whih time he resided in Stoughton, Massachusetts. He died there July 29, 1834 He had resided there during his entire live,

The soldier married March 3, 1779, Silence Fisher, also of Stoughton, Massachusetts, in which town their marriage was recorded. The names of her parents are not shown.

Silence Holmes, the widow of Mather Holmes, was allowed pension
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continued from slide 16

on her application executed August 10, 1838 at which time she resided in Stoughton, Massachusetts; she was aged then eighty years.

In 1838 Esekiel Holmes, the son of Mather and Silence Holmes, was a resident of Stoughton, Massachusetts, aged forty-six years. He and his mother were both living in Stoughton, Massachusetts, in 1848. There are no further data in regard to the children of this soldier.

In order to obtain the datea of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General. General Accounting Office, this city and cite the following;

Silence Holmes, widow of Mather Holmes,
Certificate #1097
Issued August 2, 1848
Rate $36.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Massachusetts Agency

Yours truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administer.
Page 18

WIDOW & C.
File No: 24,440
Silence Holmes
widow of 
Mather Holmes
Private Revolution
_________________
Act Feb 2nd 1826 L
Index: Vol A, Page 351

[Arrangement of 1870]

Left side of document
Mrs. Theoda

1938 Dec 10 - Hist to Edwin E. Ellis - J.L.L.


Right side of document
Aug 26/73
J. Hill
Page 19

Massachusetts - 478
_________________________________
Silence Holmes
widow of Mather Holmes, der
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7, 32 and who died on the 2 July 1834
of Norfolk in the State of Mass
who was a Pen in the Compy commanded by Captain Baggs of the Regt commanded by Richards in the Massachusetts line for 11 months
________________________________________
inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts ~
at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day March 1836
____________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Sept 38, and sent to Benj Richards Randolph Mass.
____________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of Sept $166,65
Semi-annual allowance ending  33.33
$199.98
_____________________________________________
{ACT JULY 7.
1838}
RECORDED BY R. Burdine CLERK, BOOK A. VOL 1~ PAGE 94,
Page 20

recorded for $66.66

Massachusetts 478
______________________________________
Silence Holmes
widow of
Mather Holmes
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7, 32
and who died on the 29 July 1834
of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts
who was a Pen in the Compy commanded by Captain Biggs of the Reg. commanded by Reed in the Massachusetts line for 11 months
___________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on th3e 4th day of March 1836.
__________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Mar 39. and sent to Benj Richards of Randolph Mass.
_________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of Mar   $109.98
Semi=annual allowance ending  18.33
$128.31
__________________________________________________
{ACT JULY 7
1838.}
RECORDED BY R. Burdine CLERK, 
BOOK A ----VOL 6------PAGE 94
Page 21

15882
Massachusetts
____________________________________________
Mather Holmes
of Norfolk in the State of Mass
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Baggs in the Mass line for 7 months
_________________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March 1834
________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Aug 1833 and (?) E.S. Leland
_______________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  $46.664 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 elh  11.67
$58.33

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}
RECORDED BY D.D. Addison Clerk,
BOOK E---VOL 2D---PAGE 34
Page 22

Massachusetts 959
__________________________________________
Silence Holmes
widow of Mather Holmes
who was a Private
in the Revolution
__________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36 Dollars 66
Cents per annum to commence on 
the 4th day of March 1843.
____________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the
18th day of July 1863
and sent to B. Richards
Randolph Mass.
_____________________________________________
[Act of March 3, 1843]
RECORDED in book A.
Vol. 4  Page 437


Written on right side of document 
Reported
Page 23

James L. Edwards esq
Commissioner of pensions

Silence Holmes
$36.66 per an
Sent cat. (?)
B. Richards 
Randolph
Mass
Page 24

Randolph May 20th 1843
James L Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pension 
(???) is the
declaration of Silence Holmes for one year
Pension as soon as you decide her claim
please direct to Benjamin Richards Randolph Co of Norfolk - State of Massachusetts
Your most respectfully 
Benjamin Richards
Page 25

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Com. Pensions
Page 26

James L. Edwards Esq.
Sir I here enclose the Pension papers of Silence Holmes as they are decided upon Phase write to 
Benjamin Richards Randolph (Massachusetts)

I am your very respectfully
Randolph Aug 20th 1838 Benj Richards
Page 27

Esther Smith Com Sm
Anna Lines de___________________ac
Page 28

Mather Holmes Stoughton
75 Sept 2mos. Wm Briggs
1 Feb 76 2mos Southworth
1 Aug " 7 mos. S Penniman

Samuel Tolman}
Joshua Ward }    S. Penniman& Francis
Eliphas Thayer}
above 5 mos. Vol 22 P 29
Page 29

Payment to be made
at ~ Boston ~
by F. Haven, Esqr
Agent for paying Pension=
ers, in the Agency of Massachusetts 

Payable on the 4th March 
and 4th September in each
 year. First pay=
meant to be made 31st Dec=
ember 1838


Reserved in the Pension
Office in Book A Vol 1 ~
Page 94 by

R Burdine Clerk




Benjamin Richards
 Randolph Mass.

written to the left
Issue new certificate 
for 36.66/100 ct am 2
11 Months
36.66
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT
Five years Pension

I certify that the conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, 
_____________Silence Holmes_________________

widow of Mather Holmes deceased who was a Private during the revolutionary war and died on the twenty nineth day of July 1834 is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Sixty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years the pension will on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United
States this twenty sixth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.

S. Cooper (signature)
Acting Secretary of War 

Examined and 
Countersigned.}
J. L. Edwards (signature)
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 31

SERVICE        NUMBER

Mass (handwritten)       Holmes, Mather (handwritten)   W.24440 (handwritten)

Silence (handwritten)

CONTENTS
Page 32

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, Mather Holmes of the State of Massachusetts who was Private in the army of the Revolution.

is entitled to receive Twenty Three dollars and Thirty Three 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 
Sixth day of August 
one thousand eight hundred and thirty Three

John Robb (signature)
Acting Secretary of War


Examined and
Countersigned}
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 33

SERVICE            NUMBER

Mass (handwritten)  Holmes, Mather (handwritten) W.24440 (handwritten)

Silence (handwritten

CONTENTS
Page 34

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims of which those answered in the negative in red ink, will apply to the claim of Mather Holmes which require further proof or explanation.

1. Does the declaration show where  the applicant resides:  yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  yes

V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he entitled?  No

VI Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  Yes

VII Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes

VIII Has the Cour4t given their opinion?  Yes

IX Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X Is the Clerk"s seal affixed? And if so has it a device or inscription by which it can be disguinshed form any other seal? Yes
Page 35

continued from scan 34

2

XI Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 2 citizens

XII If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No (crossed out)

XIII if the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? a witness

XIV If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he , she , or they are persons of credibility? NO
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XV Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes

XVI Are the papers authenticated as the regulations directed? Yes

XVII  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And if not,  which of them is not so answered?  7
_________________________________________________


EXPLANATORY NOTES

QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot by reason of the loss of memory state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.G. who, being duly sworn, deposeth, and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following
Page 36

continued from scan 35

3.

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular which rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service,  The use of the phrase about three or four months is to indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records  of  the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in the affidavits the time the claimants entering service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same. as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonge4d.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE XVI Mode of authenticating papers

In every instance where the certificate of certifying offier who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of officer of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate
Page 37

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 38

Sir 
Mather Holmes who Pension Certificate is enclosed set forth his declaration eleven months service, a private, in the army of the Revolution. (viz) two months under Capt William Briggs, two months under Capt Jeddidah Southworth, & seven months under Capt. Stephe Penniman & supported that he had  furnished the necessary proof to support the whole. But as seven months only have been allowed to him, he apprehends there must have been some mistake in the computation. Will you please correct any errors which may have taken place in the computation of his services & if there be no errors please inform me for what cause the deduction has been made.


Yours with respect
E.S. Leland

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 39

James L Edwards Esq.



Commissioner of Pensions of Washington city
Page 40

Randolph March 6th 1839
J.L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir, I think there is some error or mistake in the enclosed certificate of Widow Silence Holmes widow of Mather Holmes dec. the said Mather Holmes died July 29th  at which time he stood on the Pension books on pay roll at Boston at the rate of $36.67  cents per annum, which I believe is consistent as you received the pension certificate granted to 
his widow in $66.66 which I believe is more than she is entitled to however you will see if there is an error or mistake in reviewing the same - excuse me sir for troubling your department with this note - I have attended to getting a few Pensions for those of my friends where I am in the habit of doing their private business & a few others - I hold strictly to correcting all errors or mistakes both in private business and those connected with Public dealings of those I deal with and I presume the old lady will justify me in this course of her's -  she is poor and in want of the money which is now ready for her at the Boston Pension agency and wants as a favour to return a certificate  (if the one that I have inclosed is not correct) as soon ~ possible

Yours respectfully
Benjamin Richards

A.B. Please as soon as convenient to inform me of your decision in the cases of the Widow Abegail Speer the widow of Isaac Speer dec and Timothy Thayer's widow both of which were both sent by me some time in the fall of 1838 - I have some others which I sent about the same time you will make known their cases as soon as their proper turn shall (?) - Please direct to Benjamin Richards, of Randolph in the State of Massachusetts

Your most OW & very humble St
Benjamin Richards
Page 41

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 8th March 1843. Granting pensions for one year to certain widows, who have recd. pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County } ss. 

On the sixth day of May eighteen hundred and forty three, personally appeared before me Benjamin Richards Esquire one of the Justices of Peace in and for the county of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts, Silence Holmes resident of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid aged eighty five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of Persons who served during the war of the Revolution, that she is the Widow of Mather Holmes of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid deceased who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, as a private in the Massachusetts Militia - and served as follows viz. He enlisted into the eight months service and served under the command of Captain William Briggs, in the year 1775 and served eight months, he enlisted according to the  best of her knowledge in the spring of the said year 1775 and served till he was discharged - he also enlisted in the year 1776, in the company commanded by Captain Jedediah Southworth and served two months in Feb.y and March also in Captain Stephen Penniman's company in 1776 several months the exact time she has no certain knowledge, the three tours of services as named above were performed around the shores of Boston - the said Mather Holmes was a pensioner of the United States and drew a Pension up to the time of his death, she further declares she has received five years pension under the act of July 7tyh 1838. the annual amount of said pension was according to the best of her memory thirty six dollars & 66 cents per annum - She wants respectfully refer to her late husband's papers as  her own n in the Pension office at Washington, granting them their Pensions under the Acts of Congress of 1832 and the act of July 7th 1838 as further and more authentic proofs of the services allowed to by her in this declaration, She further declares that she is now a widow residing in the said town of Stoughton and that her said husband was a resident of the town of Stoughton when he enlisted & went into the services as named above.

Witness Eskiel Holmes

Silence (X - her mark) Holmes

State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace.

I furthermore Silence Holmes  that she is the widow of Mather Holmes late of Stoughton deceased and the said Mather Holmes and Silence Holmes have been pensioners of the United States under the Acts of July 7th 1838 - 
Benjamin Richards Justice Peace aforesaid
Page 42

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
____________________________________________________
Secretary Office Boston May 19th, 1845

I hereby Certify that at the date of the annexed attestations Benjamin Richards was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk

in the said Commonwealth duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written

Jno A. Bolles (signature)
Secretary of the Commonweath
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written


G.S. Bulfinch
Boston Mass
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DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provisions for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution"

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County } ss

On this fifteenth day of July A.D. 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, Silence Holmes a resident of Stoughton in the county of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts aged eighty nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Mather Holmes, late of Stoughton who was a resident of Stoughton when he entered the Army and was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and served as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia the Said Silence Holmes is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of thirty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum.

She further declares that she is still a widow.
Silence (X her mark) Holmes 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day 
and year above written } Before me,

In presence of Benjamin Richards
Esekiel Holmes 

Benjamin Richards, Justice of the Peace

I Clerk of the Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that _____________is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature above written is genuine.

Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court this day_______of 18___

CLERK
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Pension Bureau Department
Washington D.C.
Philip Holmes  
Appears with - Rourk of Fifer - on Lexington Alarm rolls.
Capt. Peter Talbots Co.
Colonel Limmel Robinson Regt.
which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775 from Stoughton.
Length of service - 10- days
Lexington Alarms Vol. 13 - p - 134
The same with - length of service - 12 - days
Lexington Alarms Vol 13. p. 136

Mass archives

Did the Peter Holmes Sr
receive a pensions?

Written diagonally at bottom of page 
Is it Philip or Peter?
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Mather Holmes
appears with rank of Private - on apay abstract of Capt. Pennimans Co. Col. Francis Regt. for travel allowance.

Remarks
Name on Roll - as Mather Holmes
Residence - - Stoughton
Roll - from to - Suffolk Co.
Nov 29, 1776
abstract of Rolls Vol. 22 p. 29

Mass Archives
Did the above Mather Holmes receive a Pension?
Page 47

continued from scan 46


Will the Pension Bureau Department - kindly give the asked for information - at earliest convenience.

And oblige 
Mrs. Theoda J. Hill

Yarmouthport 
Massachusetts
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SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
BUFFALO CHAPTER

EDWIN E. ELLIS
Registrar
239 Huntington Avenue
Buffalo, N.Y.

October 29, 1938

Mr. A.D. Hiller Executive Assistant
to the Administrator 
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir
Will you kindly give me what data you may have on file from the pension papers of 
MATHER HOLMES
He was born in Stoughton, Mass . in 1756 and died there in 1834.  He served in the Revolutionary War from that state. His wife was Silence Fisher.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this inquiry.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller
Registrar
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O.W.&N. Division
F.S  DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR  M.E.C.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.  August 26, 
1895

Madam:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of  -- Mather Holmes -- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau N24440
_____________________________________________________________
Date of enlistment or appointment/Length of Service/Rank/ Officers under whom service was rendered/ State

Sept 1775/ 2mos./ Subst/ Capt. Briggs/ Colonel Read/ Mass

Feb. 1776/ 2mos/Pvt/ Capt. Jedediah Southworth/ Colonel Robinson/ Mass/

Aug 1776/ 7 mos./Pvt./Capt. Stephen Penniman/ Col Francis/ Mass
________________________________________________________________
Battles engaged in,--None

Residence of soldier at enlistment--Stoughton, Mass

Date of application for pension--August 16. 1832
Residence at date of application -- Stoughton, Mass.

Age at date of application --  Born Stoughton Mass Oct. 31, 1756

Remarks: He was the son of Philip and Mary Holmes; 
married Silence Fisher March 23, 1779, and died July 29, 1834 No record found of Philip Homles as a pensioner,

Very respectfully
Commissioner

Mrs. Theoda JU. Hill,
Yarmouthport, Mass